expertise to achieve a safer world, and a recognition of the important role they play. We also welcome the South Pacific Nuclear-Free-Zone Treaty, which declares the South Pacific an area free of nuclear explosive devices, and call on all States to respect the provisions of the Treaty. The progressive extension of nuclear-free zones must result in a converse shrinking of nuclear zones where nuclear devices are developed or deployed, and even modest steps such as the declaration of nuclear-free cities in some countries must be welcomed. The agenda before us this year contains a host of important issues vitally linked to the overall objective of disarmament and security. The Sri Lanka delegation, with the support of the Egyptian delegation, has in the past taken significant initiatives concerning the prevention of an arms race in outer space. our painstaking endeavour at the thirty-ninth session resulted in resolution 39/59. The unique significance of that single resolution adopted on this subject at the last session was not only that 159 Member States voted for it, but also that no State opposed the resolution. The wide international consensus on the resolution is illustrative of the great significance and urgency ascribed to this JVM/13 A/C.l/40/PV.9 53 (Mr. Dhanapala, Sri Lanka) subject and a common commitment to the basic principle of the use of space for peaceful purposes and the application of the Charter principle renouncing the threat or use of force in international relations in the arena of space. Resolution 39/59 acknowledged the primary role of the Conference on Disarmament in negotiating multilaterally on the subject, as a matter of urgent priority. We are glad that following the adoption of resolution 39/59 the Conference on Disarmament established for the first time an ad hoc committee with an agreed mandate, thus achieving some substantial work in the examination of the issues involved. The 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, disarmament, and the prevention of arms races, specifically in outer space. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a discussion at an international conference or organization. The text mentions treaties, resolutions, and the role of the Conference on Disarmament, which are all indicative of international diplomacy and governance.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology