‘France’s supply of weapons is contrary to its international obligations’
YemenExtra
M.A.
A Paris-based law firm said France and French arms suppliers faced increasing legal risk of supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates despite warnings that such weapons could be used in the war against Yemen.
The report came after criticism by human rights organizations and French lawmakers to President Emmanuel Macaron because of his support for the Saudi-led coalition and arms sales, which lack transparency and sufficient guaranties to prevent their use in operations in Yemen, according to the agency Reuters.
“This study shows serious legal risks that France’s supply of weapons is contrary to its international obligations,” said Joseph Préham, Laurence Gregg, Amnesty International and France’s French human rights group ECHAT.
They added, “The French government authorized the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in circumstances in which these weapons can be used in Yemen’s conflict and can be used to commit war crimes.”
Asked about the export licensing system, the French Foreign Ministry said that “government operations are strong and transparent.”
French officials said they had already asked arms suppliers to refrain from requesting new export licenses for Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“I do not think you will hear an honest echo from our part, the most likely thing is an informal message to companies to avoid being bothered with applying for licenses,” a French diplomat was quoted as saying.
“This will be a real restriction, but without saying it publicly so as not to anger the Saudis,” he said.
On the other hand, diplomats and aid officials say there is no sign that Paris has halted or reduced arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The report came at a critical time for Macron, which is set to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in early April.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the biggest purchasers of French arms; buying tanks, armored vehicles, ammunition and artillery from France. The UAE buys French fighter jets.
Although some European countries have cut military ties with the Saudi-led coalition, Britain and the United States continue to maintain ties.
Since August 2014, Yemen has been the scene of confrontations between the country’s authorities and Ansarullah, known as the “Houthis”.
Since March 26, 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading a military alliance supporting Saudi-friendly President Hadi against Ansarullah in a conflict that has led to what the United Nations has described as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world”.