annual number of its explosions from eight to six. In that regard, it is following a policy of transparency which has made it possible for several international teams of independent specialists to come and verify on the spot the harmlessness of the French tests and pursuant to which my Government is now notifying each test carried out. Thus, from 18 to 20 April last, France was host in French Polynesia to a team of 30 doctors, including 10 members of the French branch of the Association of Doctors for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organization which received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, and the team was able to carry out its inquiry freely at the Mururoa site and to hold a press conference in Tahiti during which it concluded that the French tests had no impact either on public health or on the environment. Here, and as it announced in July last year, my delegation did not obstruct the consensus of the Conference with respect to the re-establishment of an ad hoc committee on a test ban. But, as its position of principle remains unchanged as to the priorities in nuclear disarmament, it does not see how it could join in an exercise which contradicts those priorities. We are ready, however., to participate in the parallel technical activities that in no way prejudge the political aspects of the question. That is why we participated in the seminar organized at the beginning of the year in Oslo on regional seismic detection stations and are participating, for the second time, in the experimental exchange of seismic data which is now under way in connection with the work of the Group of Scientific Experts. As for another aspect relating to nuclear weapons, that is, negative security assurances, my delegation has made its views known in the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement by a government representative, likely from France, discussing the country's nuclear testing policy and its participation in international discussions on nuclear disarmament. The text highlights the country's commitment to transparency and the involvement of international teams of experts in verifying the safety of its nuclear tests. The text also touches on the issue of negative security assurances, which suggests a focus on international relations and security.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations