stability, and thus reduces the risk of nuclear war. I said then that, for President George Bush, nothing has higher priority than to achieve a fair and far-reaching agreement that strengthens peace. Much has happened since my last visit to underscore these statements. First, President Bush and President Gorbachev met in Malta and committed themselves to resolving the major issues in these negotiations by their next summit meeting, which will begin 30 May in Washington. Secondly, Secretary of State James Baker and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze met in February in Moscow, with the aim of advancing the objectives and priorities defined at Malta. With respect to START, this meeting resulted not only in a thorough exchange of views, but also in agreement in some significant areas, which I will discuss in a few moments. Thirdly, we have reached agreement with the Soviet Union on some of the trial verification measures first proposed by President Bush last June. As you may recall, last June President Bush proposed that the United States and the Soviet Union make a special effort to agree on and implement a series of practice verification measures. These measures are designed to enhance verification of a START treaty and to contribute to stategic stability. The measures will afford the sides practical experience in verification procedures. And finally, the Secretary of State and the Soviet Foreign Minister met again two weeks ago CD/PV.553 4 (Mr, Burt. United States ) in Washington. While there were some disappointments at these meetings, the Ministers did agree on an impressive agenda aimed at resolving a comprehensive list of issues in the START negotiations by the United States-Soviet summit. As a result of all these factors, important progress has been made on key major issues, and the negotiations have gained unprecedented momentum. As an 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the progress and momentum in the negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union on the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START). The text highlights the meetings between high-ranking officials, agreements reached, and the commitment to resolving major issues. The focus is on the diplomatic efforts and agreements related to nuclear disarmament, which suggests that the category should be related to international relations or security.

**Category**
International trade, Science and technology