Vol. 574 No. 3
78 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he and the Government propose to respond to the call from a number of NGOs for a global arms trade treaty to bring the trade in weapons under control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26705/03]
Currently, all exports of arms from EU countries must conform with the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control such exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods including respect for human rights, the internal situation in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace, security and stability.
Discussions are ongoing in the Union on the possible reinforcement of the status of the code of conduct by its transformation into an EU common position, which would be legally binding. Ireland is supportive of such a reinforcement of the code. This debate has intensified further following the adoption on 23 June 2003 by the Council of a common position on arms brokering. I am aware of the initiative for a framework convention, proposing a legally binding agreement with core principles and mechanisms relating to international transfers of arms, which is being promoted by a group of non-governmental organisations, NGOs. I understand that a conference will be held later this month in Cambridge to consider a draft convention and that a further meeting is envisaged early next year. The question of the adoption of an international arms trade treaty will also be discussed soon, at working group level, within the EU. The text of a draft convention has been received recently by my Department and is currently under consideration.
In accordance with the EU code of conduct, Ireland's policy with regard to the arms trade is to work to prevent the export of equipment which might be used for internal repression or international aggression or contribute to regional instability. We will continue to follow closely all developments in this area.
