The PRESIDENT : As we conclude the spring session I feel that this is a good opportunity to pause for a few minutes, with the permission of the interpreters, to take stock and to see how far we have come since the beginning of the year. The coming break will also enable us to reflect on our future course of action for the remaining part of the session. This session started against a backdrop of improved relations between the super-Powers. There was visibly a replacement of confrontation and mistrust by debate and dialogue, of suspicion by a spirit of understanding. Consequently, as we began this year's session there was a feeling of optimism in the air. It is against that backdrop that I would very briefly review the items on our agenda. The first three items on our agenda deal with nuclear issues. On item 1, the nuclear test ban, my understanding is that Ambassador Donowaki is continuing his consultations. We look forward to the day when he will have something positive to report to us during the summer session. On items 2 and 3, relating to "Ceassation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament" and "Prevention of nuclear war and all related matters" respectively, we have moved forward by addressing these subjects in informal plenary meetings. This is a good beginning and a step forward. I hope that we can move to an even more structured discussion on these important subjects in the future as the international climate improves. On chemical weapons, we were able to improve the mandate of the Ad hoc Committee this year. I hope that we can achieve reasonable flexibility in national positions, particularly on some of the political aspects of the negotiations, so that a chemical weapons convention can be concluded at the earliest. CD/PV.554 40 (The President )
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech by a president or leader of an international organization, discussing the progress made in a session and outlining the agenda for the future. The topics mentioned are primarily related to international relations, disarmament, and nuclear issues, which suggests that the category should be related to international cooperation and diplomacy.

**Category**
International relations