to a nuclear test ban. We attach great importance to maintaining NORSAR as a research facility open to scientists from all countries. The role of regional seismic arrays and their use in nuclear test ban verification was the subject of an international symposium organized in Oslo by NORSAR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February this year. More than 70 experts from 21 countries attended the symposium. The Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmanent , Ambassador Komatina, honoured the symposium with his presence. A report is being prepared and will be presented to the Conference during the second part of this year's session. Let me now turn to the question of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the most far-reaching international disarmament agreement so far. Norway attaches the greatest importance to this treaty as a means of safeguarding international peace, strengthening the security of States and promoting international co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Universal adherence to this treaty would be the best guarantee for the achievement of its primary objectives: prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, promotion of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and pursuance of negotiations on nuclear disarmament . The INF Treaty eliminating intermediate nuclear forces on land is a concrete step towards nuclear disarmament in line with the NPT commitment of the two most important nuclear Powers. We look forward to the next step in this direction, a START agreement on substantial reductions in the numbers of strategic nuclear weapons deployed by each side. The fourth review conference of the parties to the non-proliferation Treaty later this year takes place at a time when tangible progress has been achieved in the disarmament process in both a bilateral and a regional context. The prospect of further progress is bright indeed. The scene should 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, disarmament, and nuclear non-proliferation, which are all closely related to the field of science and technology. The mention of a research facility, international symposium, and treaties also suggests a strong focus on scientific and technological aspects.

**Category**
Science and technology