§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent adoption by the European Union of a common position on the supply of arms to Afghanistan. [10338]
§ Dr. Liam FoxOn 17 December, following a British initiative in support of the UN's efforts to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan, the EU adopted a common position concerning the imposition of an embargo on arms, munitions and military equipment on Afghanistan. The embargo covers contracts entered into prior to the adoption of the embargo. The EU will also make efforts to encourage other countries to adopt a similar policy of restraint. In accordance with the EU embargo, Her Majesty's Government will not normally issue a licence for the export of any item listed in part III of schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended—military, security and para-military goods and arms, ammunition and related material—often described as the military list. We will continue to consider on a case-by-case basis all export licence applications. From time to time, the contents of the military list may change, for example, to reflect technological advances or continuing international efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.