1 June. We welcome the comments in the Group of 21 statement which express acceptance and recognition of, I believe the words were, "important and positive" elements in the bilateral agreement, but we also regret that some of the other conclusions seem to be based on misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the intent or of the projected result of what it is we are proposing in CD/CW/WP.303. The United States has asked for an opportunity, hopefully some time during this week and in co-operation with the Soviet Union, to explain in more direct detail what is the purpose and what is the intent of our proposals, especially with regard to the eighth-year review conference and the 98 per cent pause. We hope to have that opportunity, as I indicated, in the very near future. In my association with Ambassador Batsanov's remarks, that does not include his remarks about retaliatory use. The PRESIDENT: I thank the distinguished representative of the United States for his statement. Does any delegation wish to take the floor at this stage? I see none. Distinguished representatives, as announced earlier, we shall now suspend the plenary meeting and convene an informal meeting to consider requests from non-members to participate in the work of the Conference. The plenary meeting is suspended. The meeting was suspended at 11 a.m. and resumed at 11.05 a.m. The PRESIDENT: The 567th plenary meeting of the Conference on Disarmament is resumed. May I invite the Conference to take action on document CD/WP.389 relating to the requests from two non-member States to participate in our work. If there is no objection, I shall take it that the Conference adopts the draft decision contained in the note by the President. I hear no objection. It was so decided. CD/PV.567 13 (The President)
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement from the United States representative to the Conference on Disarmament, discussing a bilateral agreement and its implications for the eighth-year review conference and a 98% pause. The language used is diplomatic and formal, suggesting a focus on international relations and negotiations.

**Category**
International trade, Science and technology