New Zealand greatly welcomed the announcement in January this year of the resumption of these bilateral talks between the United States and the soviet Union and the agreement reached on their objectives. Particularly welcome to my Government was the statement in the Joint Communique of 8 January that the negotiations "should lead to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons everywhere". The third round of these talks is now underway. We are encouraged that the negotiators have before them a comprehensive outline from the United States for achieving the agreed objectives of the talks. Recently the soviet Union JSM/gmr , A/C.l/40/PV.S 45 (Mr. McDowell, New Zealan2) has suggested some proposals for consideration. We hope that these talks will soon bear fruit in the form of balanced, equitable and verifiable agreements to eliminate large numbers of nuclear weapons. The negotiators' task is not an easy one. It requires a determined and sustained effort. Both sides must pursue their task with vigour and good faith. They must eschew proposals that seek unilateral advantage and would thereby impede the search for an agreement. They must avoid another stalemate that would almost inevitably lead to a further and even more terrifying escalation in what is already an utterly unnecessary arms race. The talks are aimed not only at achieving a reduction in strategic and intermediate-range nuclear weapons but also at preventing an arms race in space. We share the anxiety of many other countries about the possibility of the arms race extending into what has until now been a peaceful environment. At a minimum the negotiations must protect the agreements that have already been reached on the uses of outer space, notably the limited test ban treaty, the outer space treaty and the anti-ballistic missile treaty between the two negotiating parties. At the same 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement from the government of New Zealand, welcoming the resumption of bilateral talks between the United States and the Soviet Union regarding the elimination of nuclear weapons. The language used suggests a focus on international relations, disarmament, and arms control. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or scientific issues, but rather emphasizes the need for a balanced and verifiable agreement to eliminate nuclear weapons.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology