19/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine admitted before the Press Club in Paris that a "minority" of EU countries favours the easing of bilateral sanctions against Austria (see yesterday's EUROPE, p. 3), but, in connection with the future French Presidency, he said: "The Portuguese Presidency managed this matter very well and we intend to manage it the same way (...). There is no reason for us to consider proposing another approach."