text: The item entitled *'Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace'* was included in the agenda of the twenty-sixth session of the general Assembly, in 1971, at the request of Sri Lanka, later joined by the United Republic of Taneania (A/0492 and Add.l). At that session, the Assembly declared that the Indian Ocean was designated as a eone of peace; and called upon the great Powers, the littoral and hinterland States and other maritime users of the Indian Ocean to enter into consultations with each other with a view to realising the eims of the Declaration (resolution 2632 (XXVI)). At its twenty-seventh session, the General Assembly decided to establish an ibcLlLpc Corrt.bittee on the Indian Ocean, consisting of 15 members (resolution 2922 (XXVII)). At the twenty-ninth session, the Committee was enlarged to 18 members (resolution 3259 B (RXIX)). At the thirty-second session, the Committee was further enlarged to 23 members (resolution 32166). At its thirty-fourth session, the Assembly decided to enlarge the committee by the addition of new members to be appointed by the President of the Assembly on the recommendation of the Committee; and invited the permanent members of the Security Council and major maritime users of the Indian Ocean referred to in paragraph 12 (c) of the report of the Meeting of the Littoral and Hinterland States of the Indian Ocean that had not yet done so to serve on the eapanded Committee (resolution 34190 B). Between 1980 and 1967, 16 additional members were appointed on the basis of the recommendation of the Committee (A/34/554 and Add-l, A/35/000, A/37/811, A/38/828 end A/41/987). At present, the Committee is composed of the following 49 Member States: Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, German Democratic Republic, Garmaay, Federal Republic of, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islsmic Republic of), Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, 
analysis: The text appears to be discussing a regional international organization focused on promoting peace and cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The Committee seems to be responsible for coordinating efforts among member states to achieve this goal, with a focus on diplomatic consultations and expansion of membership.