I begin my comments on this item by offering my belated, but no less sincere, congratulations to our Swedish colleague, Ambassador Carl-Magnus Hyltenius, on his appointment as Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Chemical Weapons. The Swedish delegation, particuarly in the person of Ambassador Rolf Ekéus, has long played a signal role in providing leadership in our efforts to develop a convention banning chemical weapons. My delegation and I look forward to continuing our full co-operation with Ambassador Hyltenius and his delegation in this most important work. Indeed, I do not exaggerate if I suggest that the negotation of the chemical weapons convention is the single most important task confronting the Conference during its 1990 session. Almost daily, it seems, we are being reminded that the threat posed by the existence of chemical weapons not only continues but is in danger of growing. And this notwithstanding the several important and encouraging developments that took place during 1989, both in terms of the progress achieved by the CW Ad hoc Committee under Ambassador Morel's inspired and energetic leadership, and in terms of the separate but closely related meetings in Paris, Canberra, and Jackson Hole, Wyomying. For my Government, it is critically important, therefore, that, under the spur of the continuing threat of chemical weapons, the momentum provided by these developments must be continued and must be rapidly translated into concrete progress in resolving our remaining differences. In this respect, I am happy to note that, at this midway point in our formal session, there are several solid signs that some of our outstanding problems are well on the road to resolution. The various working groups have been particularly assiduous in tackling the difficult technical, practical, and legal issues before them, and I congratulate them and their chairman for their efforts.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the negotiation of a convention banning chemical weapons, highlighting the importance of the issue, the progress made so far, and the need to continue the momentum to resolve outstanding differences. It also mentions the work of various working groups and the role of different countries, including Sweden. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the topic is being addressed at an international conference or meeting.

**Category**
International trade, Health