§ Lord Grenfellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will continue to impose an arms embargo on Afghanistan in line with the EU's Common Position of 17 December 1996. [HL1104]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe remain committed to the EU arms embargo against Afghanistan, which the UK interprets as covering all goods and technology entered on Part III to Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods Order 1994, as amended.
Following consultation with this department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence for the export of mine clearance equipment for use by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan in its de-mining operations. The grant of this licence is for humanitarian purposes, and is consistent with the purpose of the embargo.