the draft convention on the elimination and prohibition of chemical weapons. In its statement of 13 February to the plenary of the Conference, our delegation expressed Romania's political willingness to work for the rapid conclusion of such a convention. This readiness remains; we are in favour of an effective universal convention with an appropriate verification régime. We have clearly stated that Romania has no chemical weapons, and it has no intention of producing or acquiring any. The strengthened mandate for the Ad hoc Committee on Chemical Weapons leads us to believe that the negotiations for the conclusion of a universal convention banning these weapons have now, so to speak, entered the final straight. In this regard progress concerning the structure of the future convention in particular has been significant. We greatly appreciate the efforts to deal with all aspects in detail, but as many other delegations have already emphasized here, we too consider that certain extended discussions, consultations and negotiations on purely technical or drafting issues could divert attention from essential, substantive issues which, in our view, should be dealt with directly, under a general approach, while avoiding unduly dwelling on one detail or another. We fully appreciate the determined contribution the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Ambassador Hyltenius, has made in promoting the substantive work in order to clarify "sensitive" issues, to clear the way for the final drafting of the text of the convention. One problem cropping up very frequently in the discussion and negotiations is that concerning the universality of the future convention. We consider that the involvement of an ever-increasing number of countries in the negotiating process and the final adoption of the text of the convention by consensus are among conditions that favour the legitimate requirement of universality. Romania is ready to be an original signatory 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement from Romania, discussing the country's stance on the elimination and prohibition of chemical weapons. The language used is formal and technical, indicating a focus on international relations and treaty-making. The text also touches on the importance of universality and the involvement of multiple countries in the negotiating process.

**Category**
International relations, Health