industrial projects such as power stations and general technical infrastructure had been completed, with many more in course of execution or negotiation. No fewer than 1.4 million nationals of developing countries had been trained in Soviet-assisted programmes. Between 1976 and 1980 the Soviet Union had provided a total of 30 billion roubles for development programmes, or an average of l per cent of GNP, while in 1981 Soviet development aid to developing countries had risen to 8.1 billion roubles, or 1.3 per cent of GNP. It was thus clear that the Soviet Union fully understood the problems of the developing countries, particularly the least developed, to which in 1981 it had provided more than 1 billion roubles. Moreover, the Soviet Union fully intended to continue its support for developing countries in their struggle for economic independence and the restructuring of economic relations on a just and democratic basis. However, his Government thought that such assistance should be provided on a purely voluntary basis and could not agree to an approach which would require technical assistance activities to be funded from the regular United Nations budget. He therefore asked that section 24 be put to the vote, and said that he would vote against it. 33. Mr. SOKOLOVSKY (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic) repeated his delegation's often expressed view that the financing of technical assistance from the regular United Nations budget was at variance with Article 17 of the Charter. Therefore, such activities should be deleted from the United Nations budget and amalgamated with those of UNDP. He would be unable to support the appropriation requested under section 24, though his delegation would of course continue to provide funds for technical assistance on a voluntary basis. 34. Mr. TAKASU (Japan) referred to table 24.7 and footnote b/ thereto in the 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the Soviet Union's assistance to developing countries in the form of development programs, training, and funding for infrastructure projects. It also touches on the issue of financing technical assistance activities within the United Nations budget. Given the focus on economic development and international cooperation, it is likely that the text falls under a category related to economic development.

**Category**
Economic development