exchange of data is of crucial importance. The verification issue can no longer be used as a pretext for not even negotiating a nuclear test ban. This is a political, not à technical matter. There seems to be a declared willingness on all sides in the Conference to contemplate a mandate for an ad hoc committee on the nuclear test ban. With sufficient flexibility in the Conference, an ad hoc committee could be established with a reasonable mandate at the commencement of this summer CD/PV.555 7 (Mrs. Theorin. Sweden ) session. This would be a constructive response to the repeated calls by an overwhelming majority of the United Nations General Assembly for action by the CD. This single measure could contribute greatly to a successful fourth review conference of the non-proliferation Treaty in just two months. Efforts to prevent a nuclear arms race and a proliferation of nuclear weapons are as old as the technology for developing such weapons. These efforts have failed to prevent a nuclear arms race. And these efforts have not succeeded in preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by a handful of States. Nevertheless, 20 years ago these efforts were crowned with significant partial success when the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entered into force. Today, more than 140 States have acceded to the Treaty. In two months' time, the fourth review conference of the non-proliferation Treaty will be meeting in Geneva. I want to take this opportunity to comment on some major aspects of the NPT and the forthcoming review conference, where many of us will be meeting again. The Preparatory Committee has concluded its work in a constructive spirit which gives us reason to hope that the review conference itself will produce concrete and positive results. In Sweden's view, that conference stands out 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international diplomacy and disarmament efforts, specifically related to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the upcoming review conference. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a focus on international relations and politics rather than economic, social, or environmental issues.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology