Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2013-07-03-Speech-3-740-000"
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"en.20130703.53.3-740-000"2
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"Madam President, as events unfold around us in Cairo as this debate takes place, it makes the point that the export of arms must not simply account for the end user today but who it might be tomorrow.
This is the first opportunity to welcome the International Arms Trade Treaty and to take pride in the European role in its achievement, as well as the role of NGOs, including Amnesty International, Oxfam, Control Arms and Saferworld. I am sure Bulgaria will sign soon to make it every EU state. Spain is the only country to commit to applying the human rights criteria from the date of signature and we should call on all EU countries to follow their example. Only North Korea, Syria and Iran were against this treaty which shows, I think, that Europe is on the right side of the argument.
I take equal pride in the role of the former UK Government of my own party in championing the EU export code of conduct. However, I think the President-in-Office opening the debate should reflect on his words in relation to the review of the common position. For him to say civil society has been fully informed about the review through only private six-monthly meetings with selected NGOs is, I think, far- fetched and I call for full external consultation as the review unfolds.
Secondly, I welcome guidance on Criteria 7 and 8. How can the Presidency justify no guidance on the human rights criteria despite the specific commitments in the human rights action plan of Baroness Ashton to emphasise this in the review? For the Presidency to say tonight that there are ‘solid transparency provisions’ is disappointing. I urge him to pursue the development of an online searchable database which has been proposed but I believe much more can be done to enhance oversight.
The British Labour Party has adopted plans to match Sweden and indeed the United States for independent prior scrutiny of arms exports, while all countries should match The Netherlands in publishing detailed information on licence denials.
Finally, the President-in-Office and Members will be aware that the Czech Government under the code of conduct sold 50 000 pistols to Egyptian police within the last months. I hope those pistols will not be used in a way today or in the forthcoming days that will cause them or us to regret it."@en1
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