Conference against Chemical Weapons. The last part of the 1980s also witnessed the unfolding panorama of a breakthrough in East-West relations. The disappearance of the dark and heavy cloud that had for so long enveloped the international scene has been enthusiastically welcomed by the international community. I must say that this relaxation of international tension has brought about positive changes that are certainly conducive to meaningful negotiations in the field of multilateral disarmament, thus making the future much brighter than it has ever been. CD/PV.547 10 (Ms. Sinegiorgis, Ethiopia ) It is indeed encouraging that during the last few years steps have been taken by countries both at the bilateral and at the multilateral level in such areas as the reduction of conventional armed forces, the restructuring of military forces and other related confidence-building and security-building measures. More particularly, it is gratifying to note that the two super-Powers, having concluded the INF Treaty in 1987, are currently making progress in their negotiations on 50 per cent reductions in their strategic nuclear arms, and towards the banning of chemical weapons. While we earnestly welcome such developments as encouraging sources of hope, we are agonized by the very fact that a lot remains to be done. In our view and without minimizing the enormous complexities involved in the conduct of nuclear disarmament, the bilateral arms control and disarmament measures that are being carried out should be not only accelerated but also supplemented by adequate multilateral efforts, if we are determined to free the world from the intimidation of the ever-increasing arms race and the ominous threat of insecurity. In this regard, my delegation regrets that the first three agenda items of the CD dealing with nuclear issues are not given the attention they 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the relaxation of international tension, disarmament, and the need for multilateral efforts to reduce the threat of insecurity. It seems to be focused on international relations and global security, rather than specific sectors or industries.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology