benefited over the years on the part of the entire secretariat. I would like to refer particularly to Ms. Pasqualin, who was always available to answer CD/PV.554 4 (Mr, von Stülpnagel, Federal Republic of Germany ) ignorant questions, Mrs. Waskes-Fischer , who did a splendid job by informing the press about our proceedings, Mrs. Robert-Tissot, whose documentary help was always to the point. And last but not least, the whole chemical weapons crew, with Mr. Bensmail, Miss Marcaillou and Ms. Darby in particularly responsible places. Over my entire period of office I have admired our interpreters, who have coped with our occasionally bad but nevertheless rather far-fetched English vocabulary. But since our migrating body also needs the help and understanding of the New York branch of the Department for Disarmament Affairs, I would like here to thank its Under-Secretary-General Yasushi Akashi and through him his loyal international staff. I remember particularly their valuable services during the third special session of the General Assembly on disarmament, which started with a high sense of expectancy and finally, in one bitter night, all those expectations broke down and crumbled. New York has its dramatic moments, and that was one of them. The subject which has occupied most of my attention during my term of office here in Geneva has been chemical weapons. This is not only because my Government attaches the highest priority to the early conclusion of a comprehensive, global and securely verifiable ban on chemical weapons. The conclusion of a chemical weapons convention is an historic opportunity that the Conference on Disarmament must not let slip out of its hands. To speak for those who have suffered from chemical weapons use, it is no exaggeration to say that the Conference on Disarmament has to meet its responsibility to mankind. There is no time to lose to translate the existing overwhelming 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement by a high-ranking official, likely from the United Nations, and it deals with a specific issue, namely the ban on chemical weapons. The language used is formal and diplomatic, and the tone is appreciative and encouraging. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on an international agreement and the responsibility of the Conference on Disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief