§ Mr.LloydThe ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the expiry of the UN and EU arms embargoes against Ethiopia and Eritrea. [1711]
164W
§ Peter HainThe arms embargo and ban on related technical assistance and training imposed by the 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. HMG were 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 I announced on 26 October 2000, Official Report,columns 199–203W. It remains our policy only to sell arms which will not be used for external aggression or internal oppression.