28. Mr. Y AKOVLEV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) said that the sponsors of draft resolution E/ 1986/L.16 were prepared to accept without a vote the amendments outlined in document E/1986/L.25. That in no way affected their position concerning the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which his delegation did not support. At the same time, it had no objection to States acceding to the Protocol if they felt it neces­ sary to do so. 29. Mr. MALIK (India) pointed out that, in the penultimate line of the new paragraph 2 contained in paragraph 6 of document E/ 1986/L.25, the words "to make" should be amended to read "making". 30. Mr. STIRLING (United States of America) said that, since the United States was not a party to the Covenant, it could not agree that the Covenant established standards and obligations for all States. Accordingly, he suggested that the last line of the proposed amendment to the third preambular para­ graph contained in document E/1986/L.25 should address "States parties" rather than "all States". A similar amendment should be made to draft resolu­ tion E/ 1986/L.16. He pointed out that only half the States Members of the United Nations had as yet acceded to the Covenant. 31. Mr. Y AKOVLEV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) pointed out that the United States had participated in the drafting of, and had signed, the Covenant although it was not a party to the Cove­ nant. Accordingly, the arguments put forward against the wording of the third preambular paragraph and paragraph 1 were insubstantial. He regretted that the United States had expressed doubts as to whether the Covenant set general obligations and standards for all States. The United States position was not to implement the provisions of the Covenant. While his 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, specifically the drafting of a resolution related to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that the topic is related to international law and human rights.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International trade