development which lies at the very heart of science. Accordingly, method development will be one principal task of the future verification laboratories supporting the implementation of the convention. We nevertheless believe that the methods actually used for verification analyses will have to be approved by the Technical Secretariat in order to create confidence among States Parties that the results of the analyses do not vary from one laboratory to another. Recommended Operating Procedures, tested by all verification laboratories, could be used as the first choice in the analysis. In addition to the approved methods, the laboratories may well use methods they themselves have developed and found superior to the approved ones. Such new methods could, after due evaluation and testing, become Recommended Procedures. This approach would encourage the laboratories to improve their own methods with a view to getting them accepted as Recommended Procedures. This principle of continuous development means that the future Technical Secretariat has to arrange the testing of new methods and get them approved as soon as possible. The merits of such testing are clearly demonstrated in the present round-robin test. A compilation of Recommended Procedures would be invaluable to laboratories of countries without long experience in the analysis of chemical warfare agents but which should be able to acquire necessary technical competence to do verification analyses. This is important for the National Authorities for the implementation of the future convention and would also facilitate participation in the international verification as a designated laboratory. In this way recommended procedures could support wider geographical distribution of designated laboratories and universal adherence to the convention. The PRESIDENT; That concludes my list of speakers for today. Does any other delegation wish to take the floor at this stage? This does not seem to be the case.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of methods and procedures for verification analyses, specifically in the context of a convention. It emphasizes the importance of standardization and continuous improvement of methods to ensure consistency and confidence among States Parties. The text also mentions the role of the Technical Secretariat in approving and testing new methods. This suggests that the topic is closely related to scientific and technological advancements, as well as international cooperation.

**Category**
Science and technology