The debate: 'open, non-confrontational.' (Third special Assembly on disarmament)

The general debate, which President Florin described as "an open and nonconfrontational dialogue", lasted from 1 through 14 June. Altogether, there were 136 speakers. The whole range of security and disarmament issues was debated with general agreement that the danger of nuclear war should be eliminated and the arms race halted. A strong theme: that the improved international political climate created a favourable environment for the disarmament process.

Progress in the bilateral disarmament talks between the United States and the USSR was widely viewed as providing vital impetus to the multilateral disarmament effort.

The ratification of the INF Treaty was welcomed by almost every speaker Wide support was given to an early conclusion by the two States of a treaty on 50 per cent reduction of their strategic nuclear arsenals.

Speakers often said that disarmament concerned all countries, that international security required multilateral co-operation in the field of disarmament, and that bilateral and multilateral disarmament efforts should reinforce each other. A central role for the UN in the field of disarmament was widely recognized.

Many stressed the importance of non-military elements in security and the role of multilateral problem-solving and conflict resolution. The interrelationship of disarmament, security, development and environment was discussed.

There was wide support for a ban on chemical weapons, and many delegates urged measures for preventing an arms race in outer space, and diverting resources from disarmament to development.

Nuclear issues

Nuclear arms reduction and nuclear disarmament remained a top priority for most States. Many States favoured complete nuclear disarmament.

Most speakers favoured the early and significant reduction of nuclear armaments. Thc United States and USSR, with primary responsibility in that area, were strongly encouraged to sustain and develop momentum in their bilateral arms talks.

There was a widespread call for the cessation of nuclear-weapon tests and the conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty. Yugoslavia suggested that all nuclear-weapon States agree on a test moratorium beginning on 5 August-the 25th anniversary of the signing of the 1963 Partial TestBan Treaty.

"Let there be no mistake: there is no substitute for a comprehensive ban as a catalyst for nuclear disarmament," declared New Zealand. Nigeria described a comprehensive test ban a "the surest means of ending nuclear...