My Department is responsible for issuing licences, for exports outside the EU, of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licences have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
From contacts by my Department with the exporters concerned, I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses, etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly. My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency. I have received information from the companies concerned regarding the exports at issue, and an assessment of this information is taking place in my Department.
More generally, I would like to point out that prior to issuing any export licence for goods intended for a country where there is civil or military strife, I consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an essential part of considering any application for an export licence and it involves a detailed consideration of any human rights implications connected with a possible export.
At EU level, in addition to measures agreed late last year and in early 2012, notably a ban on oil imports from Syria, the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided on the 27th February 2012 a further tightening of the sanctions regime against the Syrian authorities; these new measures included a partial freeze of the Syrian Central Bank assets in the EU, a ban on trade in gold, other precious metal and diamonds as well as further listing of individuals and entities supportive of the Assad regime. Restrictions on exports to Syria now cover the provision of equipment, technology or software which may be used for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. My Department works in close co-operation with the Revenue and Customs Service to ensure the effective application of the EU's sanctions regime and especially restrictions in place against Syria.
Measures were further extended at the March, April and May Foreign Affairs Council meetings with the most prominent decisions relating to a ban on the sale of luxury goods, a ban on dual-use technologies and goods as well as additional listings of individuals and entities connected with the Assad regime.
