GAO presented its International Relations and Trade issue area plan for fiscal years 1996 through 1998.

GAO plans to: (1) determine the direct and indirect costs of U.S. participation in multilateral institutions and agreements, and U.S. progress in implementing trade agreements and promoting international stability; (2) identify legislative changes and regulatory reforms that would improve the impact of U.S. programs and produce budgetary savings; (3) identify new U.S. strategies to stem the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; (4) assess the cost, impact, and implementation status of key U.S. foreign policy and trade initiatives as well as alternatives to current U.S. participation in multilateral institutions and agreements; (5) assess the impact of U.S. assistance to the former Soviet Union in reducing weapons of mass destruction, and how efforts to expand multilateral security arrangements are accomplishing U.S. security goals; (6) evaluate the impact of specific U.S. bilateral programs and agreements on political, economic, and security interests; and (7) analyze the extent to which U.S. participation in multilateral institutions and agreements advances U.S. interests.