Let me return to our Conference on Disarmament. When during all these years I have looked from different places around this square table at different perspectives of the pictures on our walls, I have wondered what they have to do with us. These pictures stem from violent times and they are violent and particularly brutal. They stem from a time when one thought that peace could be achieved only in the same way as it was broken. I think we know better today. The word "revolution" has taken on a different colour - at least in Europe. We no longer - I hope - live in a world of the victorious and the vanquished as depicted above our heads here; we have left the state of mind where even the angels carry sticks. If there is a new approach to the problems of the world, we had a glimpse of it two months ago. In the month of February, when despite deep-seated feelings our Conference reached consensus on acceptance of the participation of more than 30 non-member States, I expressed my gratitude for that development then, and I would like to repeat it today. Then, at that time, political culture had won a victory. It is my turn now to thank all those who have enabled us to do what we did. In the first place I have to thank our tireless Secretary-General, Ambassador Komatina, who with his impatient patience oversaw our debates, guided us skilfully, and was always looking for positive solutions with the aid of his deputy, Ambassador Berasategui, who is the institutional memory of the Conference on Disarmament, which should make good use of it. I would like to acknowledge the fine co-operation from which my delegation and myself have 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech given by a diplomat or politician discussing the Conference on Disarmament and the progress made towards disarmament. The language used is diplomatic and focused on the international relations aspect, with no specific references to economic, environmental, or technological issues.

**Category**
International relations, Culture