§ Lord Tomlinsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there have been any recent changes to the UN and EU arms embargoes against Ethiopia and Eritrea. [HL97]
§ Baroness AmosThe arms embargo and ban on related technical assistance and training imposed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1298 (2000) against Ethiopia and Eritrea expired on 16 May 2001. The EU arms embargo imposed against Ethiopia and Eritrea by Common Position 99/206/ CFSP expired on 31 May 2001. Her Majesty's Government was content to support the expiry of both the UN and EU embargoes in recognition of the progress made by both parties in the implementation of the Algiers Peace Agreements, including the establishment of the Temporary Security Zone.
From 1 June 2001, the Government will consider all applications for a licence to export goods and technology on the Military List on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria which the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced on 26th October 2000 (HC 199–203W). It remains our policy only to sell arms which will not be used for external aggression or internal oppression.