Committee forecast.

• Position: United Nations

Nineteen disarmament items will be considered, as well as two on international security and one on the question of Antartica. Three of the disarmament items include 29 sub-items.

The Committee is expected to focus on those dealing with weapons of mass destruction. The recent Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and announcements by France and China accepting in principle the nuclear non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) will be considered.

Compliance with nuclear safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is also set for discussion.

Other areas of interest include questions of totally banning nuclear tests and establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Following the recent accession by South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia to the NPT, the implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa is also an important subject for debate.

The spotlight will also be on chemical weapons, with a final agreement on a convention to ban such weapons expected in 1992. Establishment of a verification system for the convention and, in particular, a feasible inspection regime represent one of the outstanding issues yet to be resolved. Calls for the introduction of a substantive verification regime for the control of biological weapons will be a focus of deliberations.

The question of international arms transfers is likely to be a central focus of debate on conventional weapons. In that context, a report of the Secretary-General recommending the establishing of a universal and non-discriminatory arms transfer register under UN auspices might prove to be a centerpiece for discussion.

For the second time in three years, the Special Political Committee will consider an item on protection and security of small States.

Two other important subjects before it are Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the population of the occupied territories, and the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Organizations and individuals with a special interest in South Africa's apartheid policies, an item debated in plenary, will voice their views before the Committee.

Other agenda items include: effects of atomic radiation; international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space; comprehensive review of the whole question of peace-keeping operation in all their aspects; information issues; and the composition of relevant UN organs.

Four new items will be considered by the...