on the next stage of reductions in strategic offensive arms once the treaty being prepared has been concluded. The determination of the USSR and the United States, as recorded in the special joint statement signed during the Washington summit, to hold consultations without delay after treaty signature regarding future talks on nuclear and space arms and on the further strengthening of strategic stability, and to begin these negotiations at the earliest practical date, is of course of no less importance than the treaty itself. Indeed, a balanced and objective assessment of the treaty can be provided only within the broad context of the intention of the two countries, explicitly stated at the Washington summit, to take further steps towards nuclear disarmament, for which the treaty provides the necessary pre-conditions. According to the joint statement on future negotiations on nuclear and space arms and further enhancing strategic stability, the USSR and the United States have agreed to pursue new talks on strategic offensive arms and on the relationship between strategic offensive and defensive arms. Their objectives are to reduce further the risk of outbreak of war, particularly nuclear war, and to ensure strategic stability, transparency and predictability through further stabilizing reductions in the strategic arsenals of both countries. In these new negotiations emphasis will be placed on removing incentives for a nuclear first strike, reducing the concentration of warheads on strategic delivery vehicles and giving priority to highly survivable systems. In evaluating the significance of the future treaty on strategic offensive arms it is also important to keep in mind that without one the USSR and the United States could have more than twice as many IBMs and SLBMs and CD/PV.560 8 (Mr, Batsanov. USSR) could considerably increase the number of heavy bombers armed with nuclear and non-nuclear ALCMs. Nor would there be any limitations on the planned 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a political agreement between the USSR and the United States regarding the reduction of strategic offensive arms. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level political or international agreement. The text also mentions the importance of future talks on nuclear and space arms, further stabilizing reductions in strategic arsenals, and removing incentives for a nuclear first strike. These themes suggest that the text is related to international relations, security, and disarmament.

**Category**
International trade, Science and technology