The Earl of Munsterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What will be the result of the recent adoption by the European Union of a Common Position on the supply of arms to Afghanistan.
§ Lord CheshamAt the UK's instigation and consistent with the UK's policy of supporting the UN's efforts to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan, the EU adopted a Common Position on an arms embargo on Afghanistan on 17th December. The embargo prohibits the export to Afghanistan of all items listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 as amended—i.e. arms, munitions and military equipment. The embargo also covers contracts entered into prior to the adoption of the embargo. The EU will seek to align the countries associated with the EU with this Common Position and will also deploy efforts to encourage other countries to adopt a similar policy of restraint. Her Majesty's Government will continue to consider, on a case by case basis, all export licence applications. This will ensure that the export of goods intended for humanitarian operations is not prohibited.