Export of Arms : Olivier Chastel answers on behalf of Catherine Ashton, High Representative
In the framework of the open questions with debate during the plenary session of the European parliament, the High Representative Catherine Ashton has asked the Belgian Presidency to stand in for her concerning the question of the arms export.
Secretary of State for European affairs Olivier Chastel highlighted the pioneering role of the European Union in matters of arms export control at a regional and international level. « The aim is clear, we want to prevent export of military technologies that could contribute to regional instability or that could be used for undesirable ends, such as internal repression, international aggression», said Olivier Chastel on behalf of the High Representative.
The Secretary of State told the members of the European Parliament that members states who deliver a license for a transaction that was previously refused by another member state, have to motivate this decision towards all member states and that there will be a systematic consultation procedure every time a transaction is refused. « In the course of 2009 these consultations concerned 14 third countries », said Olivier Chastel. At a later stage, the member states communicated the elements that formed the basis for granting or refusing an export license to these destinations.
