Luxembourg, 26/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - At the end of the day, the Council was not able to come to a political agreement on the proposal for a framework decision on the sexual exploitation of children and on child pornography (EUROPE of 19 April, p.10). Council President Angel Acebes did not even mention this subject in his final press conference. The text aims to harmonise the definition and the penalty for sexual exploitation of children and of child pornography. The main obstacle to the agreement remains Italy's opposition to the possibility for each Member State to decide not to penalise the recording or possession of pornographic images involving a minor if that person is at an age of sexual consent and if the image is kept for private viewing. Italy would be ready to agree to this but only on the condition that the person who does the recording and who keeps the image is also a minor, something that the other countries do not agree to. Italy makes this a question of principle. Finland shares Italy's position, but is willing to accept the text approved by the other Member States, states one diplomat. The Netherlands maintains reserve regarding sanctions, but it is reserve of a more technical nature. The proposal will be re-examined by experts of the Fifteen. The Council hopes to approve it during its next meeting, in June.