State to push for lifting of China arms embargo

IRELAND will continue to support, and work towards, the lifting of the EU arms embargo on China despite deep US reservations.

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”.