The English government in 2009 made sales of defense equipment and dual use goods worth 1491.77 million euros. Of these, 1346.5 million from defense equipment, material 99.12 and 46.13 Dual Use of other materials, says the "Analysis of English exports of military and dual use goods 2009" published today by Amnesty International, Oxfam, Fundació per la Pau and Greenpeace, with the assistance of the Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action (IECAH).
"Sales increased by 33.37% compared to 2008. But if one takes into account only the arms sales, they have increased by 44%. Resulting in the largest amount of exports can give weapons since these inspections done, "said Oxfam Francisco Wilderness.
However, the organizations maintain their positive assessment of the Law on Control of Foreign Trade in Defence and Dual-Use Thus, the report notes progress in the transparency of export data and information on individual refusals of sales as two of the most positive aspects of implementing the standard.
"Statistics for 2009 include detailed information on exports of defense material by an amount exceeding 10 million euros. Currently, the number of countries and operations that has more detailed information than usual is higher than before, "adds Yermo.
As to the refusal of permits to sell, the study noted positively the individualized information provided in the case of Costa Rica, Georgia and Syria. During the past year licenses were revoked four arms to Costa Rica, the risk of diversion or unauthorized re-export, a license antitank weapons and ammunition to Georgia, for risk of breaking the peace, security and regional stability, and a team of decontamination to Syria for two reasons above.
"In addition, The Government has provided information on denials in hunting cartridges for Conakry Guinea, once decreed for the international embargo. And in those relating to the sale of dual-use equipment to Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen "," Sabina says Puig of Amnesty International.
Most alarming is that they have continued to export significant quantities of military and dual use items to destinations of concern because they are in armed conflict situations suffer serious internal instability or they are violations of human rights, etc. reasons. "These operations should be refused in accordance with the law, because it clearly specifies Article 8 thereof destinations should not be sold where such material, "said spokesman Fundació per la Pau, Jordi Armadans.
Some of these countries with which Spain sold arms in 2009 are: Angola, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia, Colombia, United States, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela. While the Government has identified "targets of special sensitivity" feel the lack of organizations that the Government include in the list to Colombia, China, Indonesia, Iran and Morocco.
Israel: exports away from the good practices
Israel committed war crimes and other violations of international law in the Gaza Strip during the military offensive Cast Lead, took place between December 2008 and January 2009. It killed more than 1,380 Palestinians, among whom were many civilians, including more than 330 children. In 2009, Israeli forces continued to impose severe restrictions on freedom of movement of the occupied Palestinian population, hindered their access to essential services and often prevented the entry of humanitarian assistance and international aid to Gaza. These restrictions have continued throughout 2010. On the other hand, the May 31, 2010, Israeli armed forces attacked a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid in international waters off the coast of Gaza, killing 10 activists.
Spain made in 2009 exports to Israel worth about 800,000 euros, of which 624,000 were for the category 4 (bombs, torpedoes, rockets and missiles), and more than 120,000 to shotgun shells. Of the total, 78% went to the country's Armed Forces. The Ministry of Industry Trade and Tourism (MITC) justifies these operations, arguing that the Israeli military are not the final destination of these exports, but the real target is related or NATO or Spain.
"Of concern is the volume of export operations which were authorized in 2009 but not performed: 2.8 million euros, of which 2.5 million belong to the category 4 (bombs, torpedoes, rockets and missiles). It is possible that these operations are carried out right now, "Greenpeace concluded Mabel González.
The report records that, according to a study published by the Centre for Peace Studies and NOVA JM Delàs within ten years of the European Code of Conduct of military exports (1998-2008, the year he spent become common position), States 260 members have been denied export licenses for defense equipment to Israel. Between 2000 and 2008, however, Spain approved 109 licenses, without stating that they have been denials.
Sri Lanka: preventing rather than "cure"
Spain in 2009 made exports worth 102,000 euros in category 4 (bombs, torpedoes, rockets and missiles) aimed at the armed forces of Sri Lanka. In addition, sales were authorized by 1.29 million euros in the same category despite the conflict situation of China.
In May 2009 the war between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE entered its final phase. During this period, both sides committed war crimes and serious violations of human rights of internally displaced persons (forced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, torture and abuse, forced recruitment, sexual violence). According to the UN, between January and May more than 7,000 civilians were killed and another 14,000 were injured.
MITC decided not to allow more operations to Sri Lanka from May. Although organizations value it positively, believe that this behavior reflects a reactive approach to the problem, as opposed to prevention is desirable.
"Obviously it is important not to grant export licenses when conflict is already open, but this is not enough. Operation would be advisable to test each case to case basis, taking into account serious and credible reports on the situation of each country of destination, in order to withhold exports where there is risk that can be used to violate human rights or international humanitarian law, taking into account the situation of the recipient country, the guarantees provided by end use, etc.. "Sabina Puig says Amnesty International.
Other destinations concern
Morocco in 2009 increased attacks on freedom of expression, association and assembly on issues deemed sensitive for internal and external security of the state, according to Amnesty International. Moreover, the authorities have intensified restrictions on those who advocated self-determination of Western Sahara. However, last year exports were more than 30 million euros, including 28 million in land vehicles and 1.7 million in aircraft. In addition, authorized another 50 million in aircraft. It is unknown what kind of guarantees has received the English Government that this material will not be used in actions that may infringe human rights.
Guinea Conakry in 2009 was a target of concern. In 2008 a coup was condemned by the international community and the country was even suspended from participation in the African Union. In September 2009, the police suppressed a demonstration in brutal and killed over 150 people. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed on 17 October an arms embargo on the country, which was followed by another European Union ten days later. However, in 2009, Guinea Conakry Spain bought shotgun shells worth 4.1 million euros, which were addressed to private companies. Other 3.2 million were authorized for the same purpose. The export of shotgun shells in this country is very worrying, opportunities to contribute to worsen the existing situation of internal stress or even to pass into the hands of security forces.
Thailand experienced a serious internal unrest last year. The state of emergency and clashes between demonstrators and the army have continued during 2010. On several occasions, established the state of emergency and invoked the Internal Security Act, and police used live ammunition against demonstrators, causing many casualties. There were serious human rights abuses by security forces and armed insurgents in the context of the conflict in the south that has claimed 4,000 lives in the past six years, particularly affecting the civilian population. The organizations have repeatedly demanded the suspension of exports to this country. However, it sold more than 155,000 euros in weapons of caliber less than 20 mm. His target was the military. According to the report of MITC, this is for aircraft and spare parts for small arms, for the Navy. Exports also were authorized for more than 50 million euros, corresponding to aircraft.
Celebration of the preparatory session of the International Treaty on Arms Trade
While this report presents English exports in 2009, is being held at the UN headquarters in New York the first session of the Preparatory Committee for a Treaty on Arms Trade, which ends tomorrow, Friday 23 July. This is the first formal discussion among States on the substance of the proposed Treaty. The Preparatory Committee held three sessions during 2011 and 2012, followed by a conference for the negotiation of the Treaty in 2012.
organizations that provide support for a Treaty on Arms Trade calling this a strict and effective international instrument, legally binding obligations consolidated group and who currently meet the States under international law. If applied However, the Treaty will reduce the human cost of the proliferation of conventional weapons. Will prevent unscrupulous arms suppliers to find the weak point of delivery systems and ensure that all arms exporters and importers comply with strict common rules on the use, management and transfer of weapons, which will enable a safer world. "
source: elemercuriodigital
