respect, I recall that my colleague Mr. Souza e Silva took an initiative last year which I hope may be useful this year. I also express my most sincere congratulations to Ambassador Carlos Lechuga of Cuba, an old friend of mine, on his election to the post of Vice-Chairman. I am certain that he has the personal and professional qualifications to assist you and us effectively in the difficult work ahead of us· I also wish to congratulate Mr. Yannis Souliatis, of Greece, who has been elected Rapporteur. He will have a very delicate function to perform, but we have full confidence in his capabilities and his dedication. As in the past, we. shall depend very much on the secretariat. I am sure that had Mr. Souza e Silva been present today he would have been very glad to register his gratitude for the help we received last year from, among others, Mr. Martenson, Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Ustinov, Under-Secretary- General for Political and Security Council Affairs, and Mr. Kheradi, the JP/emv A/C.l/40/PV.2 12 (Mr. Maciel, Brazil) Committee's Secretary. I can only associate myself with those sentiments of recognition and gratitude. Mr. Chairman, I am sincerely happy to see you presiding over our deliberations, because I know from our long association how much you are capable of achieving. I am sincerely hopeful that the Committee, meeting during the fortieth session of the General Assembly, may be in a favourable position this time to take a step forward in the field of disarmament and international security. If we can create here an atmosphere of good will and mutual understanding, and if the planned conversations between the big Powers are successful, ev~n at a modest level, our hopes will not have been vain. For a world that has long witnessed disagreement and dangerous confrontations that will be a blessing. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement made by a representative of a country or organization, likely within the United Nations. The language used is formal and diplomatic, with references to international relations, disarmament, and the work of various organizations and individuals. The speech also expresses gratitude and congratulations, which suggests that it may be related to a specific event or meeting.

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