UK Refuses to Suspend Egypt Arms Sales

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Source: Guardian

The British government refuses to say whether it would follow the example of Germany and France and suspend exports of arms and riot control equipment to Egypt. Instead, UK officials say decisions will be taken on a "case by case" basis in line with its own and EU guidelines.

Officials "will assess whether the current circumstances in Egypt and the granting of a licence will contravene the criteria", the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills said.

The criteria says that arms will not be sold to countries or regions where they would exacerbate tensions and contribute to the abuse of human rights. However, Britain sold £16.4m worth of arms to Egypt in 2009, the last year for which figures are available, according to the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (Caat). 81 export licences were approved for a wide range of weapons systems components.

EU countries have dramatically increased their arms sales to north African countries in recent years, from €372m to €2bn, according to the European Network Against Arms Trade.

more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/08/uk-arms-exports-egypt?CMP=twt_fd