elaborated basis for an agreement on the key issue in article IX. In fact, the division between political and technical questions is only conditional, since that which can seem to be a minor technical question to one country, to another may be an extremely relevant one for its development and future. In spite of all the uncertainties, the situation can be viewed with certain optimism. I wish to point out that Yugoslavia intends to be an original signatory of the convention. I believe there is no need to repeat the significance of the Conference's enaaaement in dealinq substantially with the problem of nuclear testing - esoecially now, in the context of the Fourth NPT Review Conference, which cannot circumvent either element of the non-proliferation regime, including cessation of testing, Deaceful exploitation of nuclear energy, nuclear disarmament and so on. As has been repeated several times, the complete cessation of testinq, that is the conclusion of a CTBT, would be the most effective single measure in checking the nuclear arms race, the most secure and the shortest way towards nuclear disarmament and the slowing down of the qualitative development of nuclear weapons. In connection with this we should underline the significant work already done by the Ad hoc Group of Scientific Experts on enhancing verification bv elaborating a global system of seismic verification, and which is also prepared to test the system's new verification techniques. The signinq of the Protocols on Verification of the so-called threshold agreement is, of course, a measure we welcome. These gradual steps have, however, to be put in a context of predictable advance towards the conclusion of the agreement on a comprehensive ban on all nuclear tests in any environment and for all time. Unfortunately, such an objective has not yet 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations and nuclear disarmament, with a focus on the negotiation of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the verification of its implementation. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is from an official or governmental source. The text also touches on the themes of international cooperation and the importance of a global agreement on nuclear testing.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations