of States holding such arms, but also to the size of such armouries. Lower levels of nuclear weapons therefore mean lower risk -something the entire world has an interest in. There is great potential for strategic arms reduction before we are eventually faced with the question of minimum standards, i.e. the levels necessary to preserve credible second strike capabilities. The conclusion of a START agreement on a 50 per cent reduction in strategic nuclear forces would certainly not undermine the system of second strike capability, but at the same time it would considerably reduce risk -the risk involved with any given quantity of nuclear weapons -as well as costs. In Europe we are confronted with a somewhat different situation. The INF Treaty has fundamentally downgraded the potential of nuclear escalation by doing away entirely with its land-based intermediate nuclear forces dimension. What remains are short-range nuclear forces·, but even they might gradually become less important with changing military doctrines when, at the same time, they become less acceptable for the countries concerned in view of the encouraging political and economic developments under way in the region. We therefore have reason to be optimistic. As a neutral country, Austria is particularly concerned about nuclear weapons whose effects can easily spill over into territories not involved in a military conflict. Austria therefore attaches great importance to, and takes a legitimate interest in, nuclear disarmament on a global scale, and, given the country's location in the centre of Europe, in the European region especially. We encourage the countries concerned to vigorously pursue these efforts regarding nuclear disarmament and thereby make the world a safer place. In this context, Austria would particularly welcome a treaty on the elimination of land-based short-range nuclear missiles and nuclear artillery. CD/PV.550 5 (Mr. Ceska, Austria) 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons, focusing on international agreements and treaties, such as the START agreement and the INF Treaty. The tone is diplomatic and emphasizes the benefits of disarmament, including reduced risk and costs. The context is international relations and global security, with a specific emphasis on European and Austrian perspectives. Given this focus, it is likely that the text falls within the realm of international relations and security.

**Category**
International relations, Security