bears elcquen t testimony to the fact that in that same period both the quantity and destructive power of armaments have grown exponentially, to the point where they pose an unprecedented threat to world peace and security. JSM/sm A/C.l/40/PV.S 66 {Mr. Osman, Somalia) We are now at the mid-point of a Second Disarmament Decade, but it is difficult for anyone to be optimistic about prospects for implementing the major goals of the Decade and for translating into practical terms the decisions of the tenth special session, devoted to disarmament. Regrettably, we must co-exist with certain grim realities -notably the escalating nuclear-arms race which threatens mankind's survival; the continued development of abhorrent chemical weapons and the fear that the super-Powers will add a new dimension of instability to the arms race by extending their military competition to outer space. This ominous situation calls for the exercise of the highest statesmanship and the clearest sense of responsibility on the part of the nuclear Powers, who hold in their hands the hope of all people for peace and progress. In this context, my Government welcomes the initiation of a new phase of bilateral talks between the United States and the Soviet Union on the reduction of nuclear weapons and weapon systems. We join in the universal hope that the negotiations will produce tangible results in the not too distant future. We also hope to see a renewed political will for multilateral co-operation on the many crucial issues before the Conference on Disarmament. In our view the highest priority must be given to the conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty. Nuclear testing runs counter to the commitments of the nuclear Powers under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and it is, of course, a major impetus to the ever-escalating nuclear arms race. While testing continues, the 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a speech or statement made by a government representative, likely focused on international relations and disarmament. The language used is formal and diplomatic, with a focus on the threat posed by nuclear arms and the need for cooperation between nations. The text also mentions specific treaties and agreements, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which suggests a focus on international law and diplomacy.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology