conventional armed forces, that will radically improve the entire situation on the European continent and in the world as a whole, have a multi-dimensional constructive effect on East-West relations and be a sign that the post-war period of confrontation is over. Evidently, it will then be possible to speak of the irreversibility of a fundamental improvement in the world situation, a decisive turning-point in the matter of disarmament, and the beginning of a real shift from over-armament to reasonable sufficiency for defence. The Vienna talks are undoubtedly of special importance for European security and stability. Assessment of the present state of affairs in Vienna makes it possible to identify a high degree of agreement among the 23 participants on a number of questions of principle, including those relating to the conceptual approach to the structure of the initial understanding. At the same time, there are still many questions of substance to be settled, not to mention a multitude of technical details. We are concerned that in the 35-party negotiations agreement has not yet been reached on a new generation of confidence-building measures that would include, in CD/PV.560 4 (Mr, Batsanov. USSR) particular, activities of naval and air forces, although some progress is being seen on other elements of the subject-matter of those negotiations. Nevertheless, the Vienna talks have entered their decisive and, we hope, final stage. At this stage of the work, it becomes particularly important to take fully into account both collective interests and the interests and concerns of each State. The situation would prove difficult to redress if, at this stage of the negotiations, emotions prevailed over common sense and the conclusion of an all-important treaty were frustrated or indefinitely postponed. It must be clearly realized that delay in Vienna in finding solutions to 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, security, and disarmament, which are all related to global politics and diplomacy. It mentions the Vienna talks, disarmament, and confidence-building measures, which suggests that the topic is primarily concerned with international security and the reduction of armed forces.

**Category**
International relations, Defense