State to push for lifting of China arms embargo
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has written a letter to US President George W Bush to congratulate him on his inauguration.
In the letter, Mr Ahern refers to the “rapidly expanding economic connections” between Ireland and the US “that have become a key element in our modern partnership”.
The Government has frequently cited its wish not to endanger that economic relationship as one of the reasons for allowing US military flights to stop at Shannon Airport en route to Iraq.
The Taoiseach told the Dáil in 2003 that preventing the use of Shannon would create “a precedent which would run counter to our long-term national interests”.
Yet a spokeswoman for the Government last night said it had no concerns that its position on the EU arms embargo, which the US wants to remain, would affect the same relationship.
“Obviously, we’re not going to agree with the US on a number of stances,” she said. “It’s not going to be the case ever that we would support all US decisions.”
The US and the EU are fundamentally at odds on the arms embargo issue.
They imposed similar embargos on China sourcing weapons from within their borders after the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989.
The EU is preparing to lift its embargo, believing the ban is both outdated and ineffective, as China has bought weapons from Europe in that period.
The US, however, says it has no intention of lifting its embargo, and is aggressively lobbying EU members to do the same.
It is unlikely to succeed, however. The EU indicated in December that agreement to lift the ban would probably be reached within 12 months.
The Taoiseach believes it could happen during Luxembourg’s EU presidency, which ends on June 30.
Last night, the Government spokeswoman said Ireland’s decision to support the lifting of the embargo was taken in “the context of an overall EU strategy”.
In addition, she said, it had been indicated to China that it was a “quid pro quo” situation - that the ban could be lifted if China made progress on its human rights record.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach’s congratulatory letter to Mr Bush will make its way to the White House via the Irish embassy in Washington.
In the letter, Mr Ahern writes: “As you begin your new term in office, you can be assured of my continued best wishes and friendship.
“Over the last four years, the relationship between our two countries has continued to prosper. The deep historical and cultural ties that our peoples have forged are today characterised by renewed energy and opportunity. This is particularly evident in the rapidly expanding economic connections that have become a key element in our modern partnership.
“During your first term, I had great pleasure in working closely with you at the level of the EU and through other international fora. I am particularly grateful for the efforts you personally have made to advance the peace process in Ireland and for your ongoing support and encouragement.
“As we continue our efforts to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented in full, your commitment and support remain a source of deep encouragement to all of us in this process.
“I look forward to meeting you in Washington in March and to working with you to further enhance our relationship over the next four years.”
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