HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 cc485-6W
Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he has taken to ensure that military equipment or assistance is not supplied by British-registered companies to Azerbaijan.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe's embargo on the supply of arms to the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute still applies. We adhere to this fully and have not approved licences for the export of any military equipment to Azerbaijan or Armenia. Nor will we do so.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policies exist over the supplying of arms and military equipment to Azerbaijan and Armenia; when such policies were implemented; whether there have been changes in policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Since February 1992, a voluntary CSCE embargo has been in place on the supply of military equipment to the parties in the Nagorno-Karabakh. We have stood by the terms of this embargo and will continue to do so.

As I made clear in my answer to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 28 January, Official Report, column 468, it would be a serious matter if a British company were found to be breaking this embargo.

Mr. Tipping

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place with(a) United Kingdom companies and (b) persons acting as their representatives or consultants about the possible supply of arms and mercenaries to Azerbaijan; if he will name each such company or persons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I am not aware of any discussions with United Kingdom companies, their representatives or consultants about the possible supply of arms and mercenaries to Azerbaijan.

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