Arms: code of conduct on exports. 1st annual report

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Gary TITLEY (PES, UK) on a Code of Conduct for arms exports. Parliament believed that an EU policy on arms exports must ensure the consistency of the EU's external action, and reinforce international development goals. It must satisfy the Union's security policy imperatives and contribute the the development of a defence policy. A European Armaments Agency should be established to manage European projects. This would be beneficial for the development of a common arms exports policy. The Code of Conduct should be made legally binding. Applicant countries should be actively involved in the further development of the Code. Member States are called upon to cooperate with the United States in devising a common approach to conventional arms exports controls, similar to that established for chemical weapons controls. Parliament called for a ban on equipment and expertise whose primary purpose is for torture or cruel and inhuman treatment. Member States should subscribe to the Framework Agreement which was signed by six Member States in July 2000 and which introduces common rules on arms policy. Parliament advocated the development of end-use agreements which would have the status of legally binding contracts. Such agreements should include a clause which would result in the breaking of the contract if the goods are found to be for proscribed purposes, such as the violation of human rights. After a breach, the customer would not be entitled to deliveries of goods nor be permitted associated equipment or services such as spare parts. Parliament believed that it is essential to control through a licensing regime dealing in arms by brokers.�