John Perry
Question:94 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the proposed lifting of the EU-China arms ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/04]
View answerWednesday, 19 May 2004
Questions (102)
Written answers
The European Council on 12 December 2003 invited the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, to re-examine the question of the embargo on the sale of arms to China. At the GAERC on 26 January 2004, we had an initial discussion on the question and invited the Permanent Representatives Committee, COREPER, and the Political and Security Committee, PSC, to look into the matter. I had further discussions with my EU colleagues on this issue at the GAERC in April, where it was decided that the preparatory work should continue, in order that all technical issues surrounding this matter could be fully examined.
These issues are being carefully and fully considered. As the preparatory work is still ongoing, it would not be helpful for me to prejudge the issue by speculating what the ultimate outcome of the GAERC review will be. No specific date was decided by either the European Council in December, or the subsequent GAERC meetings, by which the review was to be completed.
The Government will continue to examine this issue with our EU partners, considering the broader regional and international context, our ongoing commitment to human rights, and our overall relationship with China. Our position has been conveyed to the Chinese authorities, during my meetings with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang and with Foreign Minister Li, in March and April, respectively, and most recently in the course of the Taoiseach's official talks with Premier Wen in Dublin last week.
Any decision must be taken by consensus of EU partners following a full and detailed consideration. As the holder of the Presidency, Ireland is engaged in taking forward the review of this issue in an effective and impartial manner.
Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 22.