(Mr. Ledogar. United States ) In this round, the delegations have devoted particular attention to completion of a bilateral agreement on reciprocal obligations of the United States and the Soviet Union pending a multilateral convention including, inter alia, the destruction of the bulk of their CW stocks to equal low levels. Further progress was made and discussions are continuing in an effort to resolve the remaining issues as soon as possible. In the discussions, both sides emphasized that in their destruction activities under the bilateral agreement the highest priority would be given to safety of people and protection of the environment. They also have agreed that under the agreement the CW stocks of both sides will be reduced to a level of 5,000 tons (i.e. equal to approximately 20 per cent of the current United States stockpile). The sides concur that, once the multilateral convention comes into force, its terms will take precedence over those of the bilateral agreement. Another priority area during the fifteenth round has been implementation of the Wyoming memorandum of understanding. The sides continued their efforts to build confidence between the United States and the Soviet Union regarding the chemical weapons capabilities of the other side. In this connection, the delegations exchanged detailed information in preparation for the exchange of visits to chemical weapons storage facilities that will take place in June. Planning continued for the additional visits that will take place in August and in early 1991. Overall, there will be seven visits in each country, covering chemical weapons storage facilities, chemical weapons production facilities, and industrial chemical production facilities. The sides anticipate that, in addition to building confidence between the United States and the Soviet Union, these visits will provide valuable insights into the application of the provisions of the multilateral convention to such facilities.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the destruction of chemical weapons (CW) stocks between the United States and the Soviet Union, with a focus on safety and environmental protection. It also mentions the exchange of visits to chemical weapons storage facilities, production facilities, and industrial chemical production facilities. This suggests that the category should be related to safety, security, and environmental concerns.

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