BERLIN, Dec. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder reiterated Sunday that the government could not refuse the sale ofa German nuclear fuel-rod plant to China.

    He told ZDF television that the government could not stop the sale of the plutonium facility built by engineering group Siemens.

    "We have known for a long time that we would have to fulfill this legal claim," he said.

    The planned sale has stirred controversy in Germany as some have fears China could use the plant to produce plutonium for military use. However Siemens said the facility was not suited forthat purpose.

    Schroeder announced the sale of the plant during a visit to China last week. Enditem