Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
116 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will oppose lifting the EU arms embargo on China; and if he will consult with non-governmental organisations or issue a public report before any decision is made by the EU. [15084/04]
View answerThe 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 question at the GAERC in April, where it was decided that the preparatory work should continue, in order that all technical issues surrounding it could be fully examined.
The issues involved are being carefully and fully considered. As the preparatory work is still ongoing, it would not be helpful for me to speculate as to what the ultimate outcome of the GAERC review will be. Neither the European Council in December, nor the subsequent GAERC meetings, decided on any specific date by which the review is to be completed. The Government will continue to examine this question with our EU partners, considering the broader regional and international context, our ongoing commitment to human rights, and our overall relationship with China. Our approach has been conveyed to the Chinese authorities during my meetings with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang and 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 Presidency, Ireland is engaged in taking forward the review of this issue in an effective and open manner. I can also confirm that my Department maintains contact with NGOs on issues relating to China and to the arms embargo.
