16. Before the economic sanctions e*pired, the Unlted Kingdom ask€d that theysbould be extended for a further 30 days, arguing that, despite the militaryhostilities. the secr etary-Genera I of lhe unlted Nalions rras continuing his effortsto mediate the dispute and that in lhe circuostances the economic sanctions werestill valuable as an element of pressure and negotiation, lt also pressed forpolitical solidarity and support as a member of the European Conmu;ity anal ofNATo. The r'linisters for Foreign Affirs of the European comnunity herd manymeetings in the period before the first expiry of economic sancLions againstArgentina but took no decision in the matter. on the very day the sanctions wereto expire, Monday, 17 lriay I9A2, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the EuropeanComnunity announced their decision on economic sanctions against Arqentina. 17. The decision they then took rras to che effect that the economic sanctlonsshould be extended for seven days until Monday, 24 tay Lgg2. Formal unanimity rra spreserved and it was de fglg accepted that Ireland anal Italy vould not extendthem- 18. As from Monday, 17 r,lay 1982, Ireland and ltaly llfted all restrictions ontrade in products of Argentine origin and undertook simply not to re-export suchproducts to other community countries. As from that date lhe economic sancti.onswere imposed only by Belgium. Denmark, France, the Federal Republic of Cermany,Greece' Luxembourg and the Netherlands, plus of course the united Kingdom which hadtaken its own measures against Argentina before the orher members of theComftunity. 19' The first extension of economic sanctions against Argentina was approved inEEC Requlation lL76/82 and ECSC Decision 83/320. (c) Extension fo! qn indefiniLe period 20. On lqonday, 24 May L982, virtually withouC discussion or publiclty, theMinisters for Foreign Affairs of the comnunity decided once aqain to extend theeconoftic sanctions against Argentina, on this occasion for an indefinite pertod.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations, specifically the economic sanctions imposed by the European Community on Argentina, and the subsequent extensions and changes to these sanctions. The text mentions meetings of foreign ministers, diplomatic efforts, and the involvement of various European countries. It seems that the category that best fits this text is one related to international relations and trade.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development