negotiations on strategic arms that have been carried out by the United States and the Soviet Union. We appreciate the results achieved and we hope that in the light of that experience the basis may be laid for working with greater confidence in the future and achieving greater significant reductions. We say this despite the fact that in times of technological change and of doctrinal and political innovations many weapons become obsolete and more sophisticated weapons keep appearing. On that premise, the START negotiations are basically concerned with drastically reducing what the parties do not consider essential for future deterrence. The modernization of weapons - that endless competition imposed by technology and military research laboratories - includes weapons and weapons systems to be used in outer space. We understand that on this topic the START talks have so far achieved nothing definite. CD/PV.571 12 (Mr, Arteaga. Venezuela) It is obvious that there is a danger of an arms race beginning in outer space. Hence the importance of the Ad Hoc Committee on this topic, and hence the categorical attitude of the Group of 21 in favour of negotiations on specific measures. Many proposals have been made and these constitute a good working basis. In our view, the work done by the Ad Hoc Committee in the past five years shows the urgent need for holding negotiations on concrete measures, there being a set of proposals which have to be studied carefully to identify areas of convergence and arrive at agreements on the subject. Accordingly, the Group of 21 has suggested ways of improving the work of the Committee in examining these proposals, by the creation of sub-groups or contact groups. Our delegation hopes that next year the Committee's work will change course and concentrate on the consideration of those proposals.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the negotiations on strategic arms, the importance of preventing an arms race in outer space, and the work of the Ad Hoc Committee on this topic. It appears to be focused on international relations and security, with no clear connection to economic development, natural resources, or other specific categories. However, it is possible that the discussion of arms control and disarmament could be related to international trade or humanitarian aid and relief.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology