Straffan/Brussels, 20/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - At the Council in Luxembourg on 26 April, European Foreign Ministers will return to the issue of lifting the embargo on arms which has been in place against China since the repression of the demonstrations on Tienanmen Square, according to Irish Minister Brian Cowen. The question was raised at the "Asem"' ministerial meeting in Straffan, between the countries of the EU and 10 countries of Asia. "I clearly indicated that we don't believe a decision is likely", said Brian Cowen after his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing. "This is not a decision to be rushed", said Commissioner Chris Patten.
For the time being, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden are still opposed to lifting the embargo, which France and Germany argue in favour of. Comparing the embargo to a relic of the cold war, Li Zhaoxing expressed optimism. "All good things take time", he said.