Written question asked by Iain Coleman (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 November 1999. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the UK will continue to impose an arms embargo on Afghanistan in line with the EU's Common Position of 17th December 1996. - Inc ref to Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994.

Answer: Mr. Coleman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the UK will continue to impose an arms embargo on Afghanistan in line with the EU's Common Position of 17 December 1996. [98111] Mr. Hain: We remain committed to the EU arms embargo against Afghanistan which the UK interprets as covering all goods and technology entered on Part III to Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended. Following consultations with this Department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry has issued three licences for the export of mine clearance equipment for use by the United Nations and The Halo Trust to aid their demining activities in Afghanistan. The grant of these licences is for humanitarian purposes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 98111; 337 c483-4W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Arms trade Licensing Export controls EU action Sanctions Afghanistan