contributions that arrays of this type can make within such a future global network. The PRESIDENT: I thank the representative of Norway for his statement and for the kind words he addressed to the Chair. I now give the floor to the representative of Finland, Mrs. Rautio. CD/PV.562 4 Mrs. RAUTIO (Finland): I have asked for the floor to introduce the latest Blue Book, which has been circulated and will be issued as a CD document (CD/1009). Rather than being a totally Finnish contribution to the Conference on Disarmament, the 1990 Blue Book presents a detailed description of the results of an interlaboratory comparison (round-robin) test of which a working paper (CD/CW/WP.288) has already been circulated jointly by Australia, Canada, Finland, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The aim of the exercise was to test existing procedures for sample preparation and analysis and to determine whether standard operating procedures would be required for the future Convention. It was not the intention of the exercise to choose laboratories for verification purposes as this will be the task of the Preparatory Commission. Each laboratory received similar air and soil samples. The laboratories were free to choose their own methods for samole preparation and analysis, on the condition that all methods and instruments should be described in detail. The main objective was to identify agents and their degradation products Qualitatively. After all laboratories had reported their findings the laboratory which had prepared the samples provided details of sample preparation, spiking chemicals and their concentrations in the samples. The experimental details of the test were discussed by the analysts in a meeting at the end of March. Before publication the draft of the Blue Book was sent to the participating laboratories for review.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a scientific experiment and its results, specifically an interlaboratory comparison test for verifying the analysis of air and soil samples. The focus is on the methodology and procedures used, as well as the identification of agents and their degradation products. This suggests that the topic is related to science and technology, possibly with implications for environmental monitoring and international cooperation.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Science and technology