The Irish Ambassador holds his head in his hands at the Conference on Disarmament. Deadlock that has prevented agreement at the Conference since it negotiated the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Conference on Disarmament, established in 1979, is the only forum for nations to discuss multilateral arms control and disarmament issues. It has a primary focus nuclear weapons control and disarmament. 65 countries, and 38 observer nations, convene annually at the United Nations' Palais des Nations building for three sessions of talks totalling 24 weeks. Conference on Disarmament. Year 34, 2013 Session 2, Plenary meeting 1288. Presidency of Iran