HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 c135W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy on the export of defence equipment to Indonesia. [6538]

Mr. Hanley

The Government attach importance to our political and economic relationship with Indonesia. It plays a significant and responsible role both in the region and more broadly as a prominent member of various international groupings and a major contributor to peacekeeping forces. Our bilateral relations with Indonesia continue to develop strongly.

All applications to export UK defence equipment to Indonesia, and to other destinations, are carefully scrutinised on a case-by-case basis against established criteria and internationally agreed guidelines. Human rights are a key factor, and we take into consideration inter alia the political situation and the prospects in Indonesia. We do not license for export, to Indonesia or to any other country, any UK defence equipment likely to be used for internal repression. We apply this criterion rigorously, but remain confident that it leaves open the possibility of substantial co-operation with Indonesia in the procurement of defence equipment.

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