the moment is to consolidate and expand freedom, with full acknowledgement of history and the culture we all possess. We demand respect for the dignity of persons and of nations. We should like to see a world at peace, a world where the security of its human beings is as important as the security of its nations. Mr~ LIPATOV (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) (interpretation from Russian): First, I should like most warmly to welcome you, Sir, to the presidency of this special session of the General Assembly and to wish you all success as you guide our work here. My delegaticm also warmly congratulates and welcomes the Republic of Namibia, which has now been admitted to membership of the United Nations. It is good to see that the heroic people of Namibia have finally won their long-awaited independence. We sincerely wish them every success in all their undertakings. This special session of the General Assembly has been convened at a particularly important, indeed crucial, period of world development. The documents of the special session and the statements made by delegations show that the world community is becoming increasingly aware that future economic and social developments will take place in conditions of the growing interdependence and oneness of the world. The present political situation provides favourable pre-conditions for moving ahead in solving the economic problems of the world today. We have already moved somewhat down the road towards the removal of a potential nuclear threat. The conditions now exist far settling regional conflicts. We are establishing an atmosphere of shared responsibility in taking up the global challenges to the human race. Distrust and confrontation are yielding pride of place to dialogue, BCT/jg A/S-18/PV.S 53 (Mr. Lipatov, Ukrainian SSR) co-operation and joint action. But, at the same time, we have to recognize that 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the global political situation and the pursuit of peace, security, and cooperation among nations. While it touches on the idea of "economic problems" and "global challenges," the main emphasis is on the diplomatic and political aspects of international relations, rather than specific economic or environmental issues.

**Category**
International relations, Culture