§ Lord Grenfellasked Her Majesty's Government:
How the European Union has reacted to the changed political circumstances in Nigeria. [HL3920]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIn recognition of the progress being made towards respect for human rights and the restoration of a democratic civilian government in Nigeria, on 1 November the EU adopted a new Common Position, replacing the Common Positions of 20 November 1995 and 4 December 1995. The UK was at the forefront of those advocating this change of policy. As a result the following measures have now been lifted: all visa restrictions; the ban on high level visits; the ban on sporting contacts; the ban on the appointment of European military personnel to diplomatic missions in Nigeria and Nigerian military personnel in the European Union.
The following measures continue to apply: suspension of military co-operation; cancellation of training courses for all Nigerian military personnel, except for non-combative courses to encourage respect for human rights and to prepare the military for the democratic control by a civilian government of the armed forces; an embargo on arms, munitions and military equipment. A dialogue on development co-operation may now be resumed with a view to re-engagement after the installation of a democratically elected civilian government.
The European Union also re-affirmed its willingness to strengthen a constructive dialogue with Nigeria and to support the electoral process. It also reiterated its support for Nigeria's regional peacekeeping activities.
The new Common Position will be reviewed no later than 1 June 1999. Should there be any deterioration in the 219WA respect for human rights or the democratic processes, the Council will immediately review the Common Position with a view to adopting additional measures.
A copy of the new Common Position on Nigeria has been placed in the Library of both Houses.
§ Lord Grenfellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Kingdom will continue to impose an arms embargo on Nigeria, in line with the European Union's Common Position on 1 November. [HL3921]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanHer Majesty's Government will continue to implement rigorously the EU arms embargo against Nigeria. The UK interprets this as covering all goods and technology on the UK Military List which forms Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods Order 1994, as amended.
Following consultations with this department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved, as an exception, a licence for the export of three military listed protected vehicles for use by the Central Bank of Nigeria for the escort of currency. This licence is being granted to permit a civilian end user to meet legitimate security needs and is consistent with the purpose of the embargo.