text: protection of the environment, could be discussed. We believe that it may be a useful contribution to our deliberations here in the Conference to release information on chemicals and facilities relevant to the future chemical weapons convention. Therefore, Czechoslovakia will continue to present data on its chemical industry as it did for the first time in document CD/949. We also welcome new contributions in the area of challenge inspections. Czechoslovakia, like other States, has carried out a national trial inspection and intends to perform a second in the first half of this year. Somebody said very eloquently that history has accelerated its pace. Current political observers could certainly confirm this hyperbole. But when it comes to security arrangements in this powerful, all-encompassing process, full of unpredictability, one can wonder about its effect on the disarmament talks. Have they adapted themselves to these sweeping changes? Are they responding to new challenges provoked by rapid developments in the contemporary world? In the Vienna talks, maybe. Within the framework of the United States-Soviet bilateral negotiations, let us hope. But what assessment should we give to the Conference on Disarmament? There is a widespread and strong feeling that more should be done. Nowadays, the representatives of a number of countries are rightly pointing out this problem. They are questioning the effectiveness of the work of the Conference on Disarmament. This subject may not be resolved at this session. But the important thing is that the discussion has begun. CD/PV.548 14 The PRESIDENT : I thank the representative of Czechoslovakia for his statement and for the kind words he addressed to the Chair. I now give the floor to the representative of India, Ambassador Sharma. Mr, SHARMA (India): Mr. President, it gives us great pleasure to see Pakistan, our immediate neighbour, preside over the Conference on Disarmament 
analysis: The text appears to be discussing the Conference on Disarmament, specifically the role of chemical weapons and the effectiveness of disarmament talks. It touches on the theme of environmental protection and the need for security arrangements to adapt to rapid changes in the world. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is a speech or statement made by a representative of a country in an international conference.