and Other Countries, on whose behalf I have the honour to take the floor, welcomes the fact that, after years of consultations, the Conference on Disarmament is in a position to agree on a mandate for the Ad hoc Committee on item 1 of its agenda "Nuclear test ban". It reflects, in our opinion, the declared readiness and political resolve to start dealing with all aspects related to a nuclear test ban in the framework of the Ad hoc Committee to be established. This will give us the opportunity to do substantive work within the Conference on Disarmament on test ban issues, in general, and on related specific issues, such as structure and scope as well as verification and compliance. Let me take this very occasion to express our appreciation to Ambassador Donawaki and, through him, to Ambassador Yamada for the strenuous efforts undertaken to reach consensus today, 45 years after the first nuclear test, on this crucial matter. And let me also express our satisfaction that the mandate proposed in document CD/863 was a solid foundation to find a consensus. Pursuant to the mandate agreed upon, the Ad hoc Committee will take into account all existing proposals and future initiatives. In addition, we believe that the Committee will draw upon the knowledge and experience accumulated over the years. The Eastern Group would welcome it if the Ad hoc Committee would settle down to work as soon as possible. For that reason, we are prepared to start the work of the Ad hoc Committee immediately, based on the main elements contained in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of the mandate agreed upon just now. Such an approach would keep the momentum gathered and would allow us to proceed with the practical work related to a comprehensive nuclear test ban.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement related to disarmament and nuclear testing. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating a high-level discussion or agreement among countries. The mention of the Conference on Disarmament, Ad hoc Committee, and specific documents (CD/863) suggests a technical and political context.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations