new talks, after the signing of a START agreement, on further stabilizing reductions in the strategic arsenals of both countries. It is not, however, only in the bilateral field on strategic offensive arms that prospects are good. Indeed, multilateral negotiations on conventional armed forces in Europe are progressing steadily. The Netherlands puts the highest priority on completing this year the CFE treaty, which aims at reducing substantially the conventional armaments in Europe and eliminates as a matter of priority the capability for launching a surprise attack and for initiating large-scale offensive action. One of the most remarkable features CD/PV.568 6 (Mr, Wagenmakers. Netherlands) of the treaty is the intrusiveness of the envisaged verification regime. The Netherlands also favours the completion of a meaningful CSBM package. And reductions will continue. CSBMs will be further expanded. The near-future potential for tangible success in arms control in Europe looks good. These are all steps achieved in relation to the nuclear and conventional components of disarmament under article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Of course, we are aware that certain States feel apprehensions about the operation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Indeed, article VI is repeatedly invoked to allege lack of progress on the issue of nuclear disarmament. The Netherlands rejects such accusations, and certainly now: the record on nuclear and conventional disarmament clearly shows the contrary. Although we have not yet reached the final goal spelled out in article VI, we are certainly on our way to implementing it in good faith. This is a fair truth and it needs to be said so accordingly. In the debate on nuclear disarmament one cannot avoid mentioning the issue of testing. Early next year a major conference will take place to look into the possibility of converting the 1963 Treaty banning nuclear weapons 
**Analysis**
The text discusses international relations, disarmament, and arms control, indicating a focus on diplomatic efforts and agreements between nations. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a context of international organizations and treaties.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology