convention drawn up by 40 countries which represent the whole world in its geographical and political dimensions. With the happy prospect of a convention taking shape in the fairly near future, I wish to confirm that Belgium remains ready to host the headquarters of the organization. I am aware that I have not gone into the details of the various problems facing our Conference, but my delegation will have occasion to return to the subject either in future plenary meetings or in the ad hoc committees which already exist or which have yet to be established. My particular concern was to stress the role of our Conference at the centre of the tide of events around us, and to indicate some of the paths we could follow to obtain the rapid results that are needed. The PRESIDENT; I thank the representative of Belgium for his statement and for the kind words he addressed to the Chair. I now give the floor to the representative of Peru, Mr. Gutierrez. Mr. GUTIERREZ (Peru) (translated from Spanish): The delegation of Peru would like to take this opportunity to make one or two brief comments on item 5 on our agenda, "Prevention of an arms race in outer space". However, my delegation would first like to restate its permanent readiness to co-operate so that during the current month the Nigerian presidency of the Conference on Disarmament, in the person of Ambassador Azikiwe, may achieve significant progress. Likewise, we wish to thank Ambassador Wagenmakers of the Netherlands for his fruitful work in leading our efforts during the month of February. A few days ago we adopted a mandate for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to deal with the arms race in outer space. Nevertheless, as 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be related to an international conference or organization focused on disarmament and arms control, specifically addressing the issue of an arms race in outer space. The mention of countries, ambassadors, and the adoption of a mandate suggests a diplomatic or political context. The tone is formal and diplomatic, indicating that the topic is of a serious and sensitive nature.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology