to show on this score. The Non-Proliferation Treaty was made for a less than perfect world. Despite its shortcomings, it has greatly enhanced international security. No better treaty is in sight. Mr. President, nuclear test explosions continue to be a divisive issue in international disarmament discussion. It took the leading nuclear Powers a decade and a half to agree on how to verify the "threshold" treaties. Meanwhile, non-nuclear weapon States have in vain made efforts to make the commonly agreed goal of a comprehensive test ban more attainable. Positions have hardened and frustrations grown. Finland remains firmly committed to the achievement of a nuclear test ban treaty as a strong priority of the international community. We regard a comprehensive, universal and verifiable test ban as the surest way to slow down the qualitative development of nuclear weapons. In our view, the Amendment Conference of the Partial Test Ban Treaty should be utilized as a unique opportunity for the nuclear and the non-nuclear-weapon States to embark on a common road leading to test ban. Realistically thinking it will not be a freeway, but the common goal should be reconfirmed and negotiations begun without delay. Fresh ideas from all sides would help loosen and perhaps open the knots. It is Finland's view that nuclear texting has never been a matter for the nuclear-weapon States only. Environmental concerns, inter alia, contributed to the signing of the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963. New evidence suggests that there is no such thing as environmentally safe tinderground testing either. Safety measures at the test sites are being questioned by countries which fear that they get their share of radioactive particles from test explosions. In Finland's opinion, the best way to dispel such doubts would be for independent experts to be invited to familiarize themselves with safety measures at the test sites.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Non-Proliferation Treaty, nuclear test explosions, and the need for a comprehensive test ban treaty. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and the involvement of non-nuclear weapon states in the negotiations. The text also touches on environmental concerns related to nuclear testing. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on international relations and security, rather than economic or social issues.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, International relations