automaticity for ad hoc committees to continue their work, once they have been established, while at the same time allowing for the potential improvement of their mandates. I realize, of course, the delicacy of the matter. CD/PV.566 5 (Mr, Hyltenius. Sweden) Mandates could perhaps be formulated in a more general and standardized manner than hitherto. Experience shows that the wording is not necessarily decisive. If there is a will to reach agreement on an issue, a negotiating process will evolve in the ad hoc committee in question. If, on the other hand, there is no such will, it is of little importance whether that committee has a "negotiating mandate" or not. This is a difficult issue, since there is no consensus as to some of the tasks to be entrusted to the Conference. It should, however, be kept in mind that the Conference on Disarmament is a negotiating body, and that it must not be prevented from discharging its responsibilities. Neither must it take over the role of the United Nations Disarmament Commission as a deliberative forum. One question where positions obviously diverge is the decision-making process of the Conference. We can, of course, not escape from the political realities outside this conference room. It would thus seem futile to undertake any major negotiation without the consent of relevant States. A delegation may, however, express that it will not prevent consensus to establish a certain ad hoc committee. The delegation in question would still be free to participate in the concrete work on the issue whenever it sees fit to do so. Such an application of the consensus rule would be conducive to progress on some important issues on the agenda. My delegation wishes to underline the useful contributions to the work of 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the internal workings of an international organization, specifically the Conference on Disarmament, and its ability to negotiate and make decisions. It mentions the importance of consensus and the potential for ad hoc committees to continue their work. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the procedural and institutional aspects of the conference.

**Category**
International relations, Governance