kind words addressed to the Chair. At the same time, I also wish to thank the head of the delegation of the United States of America to the bilateral talks on nuclear and space arms, Ambassador Richard R. Burt, as well as Ambassador David Smith, for their statements which have provided the Conference with information on the status of those negotiations. I now give the floor to the representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Mr. Batsanov. Mr. BATSANOV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (translated from Russian): As the Soviet delegation is taking the floor for the first time in plenary in April I should first of all like to express our satisfaction at the fact that you, Mr. President, are leading the work of the Conference in the course of this month. We have already had direct experience of your great diplomatic skill, your tact and your singleness of purpose, and now we note with satisfaction that all these qualities of yours have once again very strongly manifested themselves in the course of this month, a month which completes the spring part of the 1990 session of the Conference on Disarmament. In the course of this time the work of the Conference has expanded even more. Under your guidance the Conference has begun to hold informal meetings on agenda items 2 and 3. We are also pleased that tomorrow we are going to hold the first informal discussion of the crucial problem of the enhancement of the work of the Conference. Of course the Soviet delegation wishes you as successful a conclusion to this month as its beginning. At the same time I should like once again to express my gratitude to the distinguished Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr. Azikiwe, for his guidance of the work of the Conference in March. While I have this opportunity I should CD/PV.553
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic speech, discussing the work of the Conference on Disarmament and expressing gratitude to various individuals. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that the topic is likely related to international relations or diplomacy. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the process and progress of the Conference.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology