This year 40 years have elapsed since the atomic age started. We shall never forget what Hiroshima and Nagasaki mean in the annals of history. More recently the concept of nuclear winter has further underlined the fact that a total global destruction is indeed feasible if a nuclear war breaks out. In my view this was amply underlined by this year's award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear war. Nuclear and chemical weapons continue to play a major role in the arsenals of a number of states. We must realize that nuclear weapons occupy an important role AW/gmr A/C.l/40/PV.8 13 (Mr. Froysnes, Norway) in the balance of power but it is my opinion, nevertheless, that the present arms build-up has reached a stage where we are faced with more instability and less security if present developments continue unchecked. In this situation it is more than ever important that we concentrate all our efforts to reach agreements that can assure substantial, balanced and verifiable reductions in the stocks of weapons of mass destruction. Our aim must be to reduce all weapon systems to the lowest possible level consistent with legitimate defence needs. In accordance with this policy Norway, along with our allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has actively supported efforts to reduce the dependence upon nuclear weapons. As a unilateral measure NATO has decided to withdraw 2,400 nuclear warheads from Europe in the period 1980 to 1988, thereby reducing the nuclear arsenal in Europe substantially. This commitment is also shown in the decision to remove one nuclear weapon for each intermediate-range nuclear missile deployed in Europe. we call upon other states, when announcing unilateral measures, to make such real and concrete contributions to limit the nuclear arsenals. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the issue of nuclear weapons and their impact on global security, highlighting the importance of reducing the dependence on nuclear weapons and achieving verifiable reductions in weapons of mass destruction. The text also mentions the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which suggests a focus on international relations and peace. Given the content, it is likely that the text falls under the category of international relations.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology