Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac called for an early lift of the European Union's arms embargo against China during their phone conversation Friday evening.
???
Chirac reaffirmed that the arms embargo against China is outdated, so that it should be revoked at an early date, and France would continue to work to this end.
???
Hu said with the growth of Sino-EU relations, the European Union's arms embargo against China has become increasingly inappropriate. Removing this political hurdle in Sino-EU relations at an early date is required by the latest development and conforms to the fundamental interests of both sides, and therefore will promote the healthy development of Sino-EU relations, Hu said.
???
Both heads of state hold that Sino-French relations continue to maintain a sound momentum for rapid growth, and the success in the holding of the culture year in each other's country deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
???
The two leaders expressed hope to materialize the visits of their premiers in this year to further the efforts to advance the all-round Sino-French strategic partnership to scale a new height. Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Mideast region, among others.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2005)