a useful mechanism for identifying possible areas and topics for future negotiations. I am confident that, given the universal importance of nuclear disarmament and the prevention of nuclear war, such areas of common concern will be found. At this juncture, let me add that the strengthening of the non-proliferation régime also calls for additional efforts by the CD on items 6 and 7 of its agenda. Although no major breakthroughs have been achieved, the work accomplished to date, in our opinion, provides a solid foundation to build on during the summer session. The prevention of an arms race in outer space is another item to which my delegation accords high priority. I believe that despite continued procedural difficulties there is a further convergence of views, though not as broad as we would wish, concerning the importance of multilateral consideration of certain confidence-building measures. This, we hope, will help bring about more comprehensive agreements. My delegation also welcomes the serious and interesting discussion commenced during the spring session on the need to adapt the work of the Conference to the new developments taking place in the world. We hope that the process of open-ended presidential consultations on the improved and effective functioning of the CD, which began last Friday under your very able chairmanship, Sir, will lead to concrete decisions, allowing the Conference to play an even more important part in the disarmament field. In this way, the CD will be able to come up to the expectations that the world community of nations placed in this forum in 1978. As you already know, after free, equal and secret elections a new Government has taken the destiny of the German Democratic Republic into its hands. The policy statement delivered by Mr. Lothar de Maizière, the Prime Minister of the German Democratic Republic, before the Parliament 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a statement by a government representative at a conference, discussing the agenda and progress of the Conference on Disarmament. The topics mentioned, such as nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and preventing an arms race in outer space, suggest that the text is related to international security and disarmament.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology