NR/plj A/C .1/ 40/PV. 3 39-40 (Mr. Troyanovsky, USSR) prototypes of space strike weapons such as chemical and X-ray lasers, electromagnetic guns, interceptor missiles and anti-satellite systems. As recently as 13 September last the United States conducted a test of the anti-satellite (ASAT) complex, destroying an active satellite which had been used for scientific purposes. Thus the first victim, a peaceful space object, has already been sacrificed on the altar of "star wars". JVM/11 A/C.l/40/PV.3 41 (Mr. Troyanovsky, USSR) One cannot but note that the ASAT testing took place immediately following the Soviet Union's proposal at the United Nations on the peaceful exploration of outer space and while the Soviet Union's unilateral moratorium on placing anti-satellite weapons in space was in effect. Assertions that the United States is "catching up" with the Soviet Union in developing anti-satellite weapons are intended for the uninformed. The United States was the first country to test such weapons back in 1959. In the early 1960s the United States deployed two land-based anti-satellite complexes on Kwajalein atoll and Johnston island. Thus at present it is already developing a second-generation anti-satellite system. As for the Soviet Union, forced to take counter-measures, it began tests of anti-satellite systems much later. However, they were suspended after the introduction of the Soviet Union's unilateral moratorium in 1983. Our country is, of course, doing space research, including military-related space research, but it is aimed at improving space surveillance and communications systems and not at developing strike weapons or anti-ballistic missile systems banned, as is well known, by the 1972 anti-ballistic missile Treaty. In the meantime every step to implement the "star wars" programme inevitably results in undermining the Soviet-United States strategic arms-limitation agreements, above all the anti-ballistic missile Treaty, which bans the development as well as the testing and deployment of space-based anti-ballistic missile 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a political statement or a diplomatic briefing, discussing the development of space-based weapons and their implications on international agreements and relations. It references specific events, treaties, and programs, indicating a focus on international politics and defense.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations