zone free of chemical weapons. The main task in averting the dangers of a nuclear war today is, without doubt, to prevent the militarization of outer space and to end the nuclear arms race. At the same time, progress in other fields of arms limitation and disarmament could improve the international climate and have a favourable influence on ongoing disarmament negotiations. JSM/gmr A/C.l/40/PV.4 46 (Mr. Ott, German Democratic Republic) Along these lines, the German Derrocratic Republic takes a consistent stand in favour of a comprehensive convention on the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons and their destruction. Moreover, it is convinced that regional agreements on the establishment of chemical-weapon-free zones would be concrete steps towards confidence-building and towards a world-wide ban on these weapons. The German Democratic Republic wants to see Europe free of chemical weapons and favours as a first step the establishment of a zone free of such weapons. In the letter dated 12 September 1985 from the Head of State of the German Derrocra tic Republic, Erich Honecker, and in a similar letter from the Prime Minister of the Czechoslovak socialist Republic, Lubomir Strougal, addressed to ~e Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Helmut Kohl, contained in document A/C.l/40/2, it is said, inter alia: "The Governments of the German Democratic Republic and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic hold the view that practical possibilities do exist for the elimination of chemical weapons, particularly for the establishment of a chemical-weapon-free zone in Europe. This could be a way to arrive at the removal of the chemical weapon stocks existing in the region and to ensure that no new, extremely perilous types of such weapons, notably binary weapons, will be deployed on European soil. This has also been reflected in the talks 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the prevention of nuclear war, militarization of outer space, and the elimination of chemical weapons. It highlights the importance of disarmament and confidence-building measures, particularly in Europe. The tone is diplomatic and focused on international relations.

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