Brussels, 15/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has “taken note” of the adoption of an “anti-secession law” by the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (yesterday's EUROPE, p.6). In a declaration on behalf of the EU, the Luxembourg Presidency recalls the constant principles that underpin its policy, namely its attachment to the principle of “One China” and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which is the only means of maintaining stability in the Taiwan Straits, and its opposition to any use of force. The Presidency continues by saying: “The EU asks all parties to avoid any unilateral action which might rekindle tensions. It would be concerned if this adoption of legislation referring to the use of non-peaceful means were to invalidate the recent signs of reconciliation between the two shores. The EU encourages them to develop initiatives which contribute to dialogue and to mutual understanding in the spirit of the agreement on the direct air links established at the time of the Chinese New Year. The EU considers that relations between the two shores must be based on constructive dialogue and the pursuit of concrete progress, and reiterates its conviction that this is the only approach likely to benefit both parties and to lead to a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question”.