Doc. 8003
9 February 1998

Drawing up a European code of conduct on arms sales

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Weyts and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

The Assembly,

Considering the devastating effects of armed conflicts, and particularly civil wars, on the lives of millions and on the development of countries at war ;

Considering that before any arms exports are approved, it is essential to take into consideration the regional and domestic political situation of the arms-purchasing country and the situation concerning respect for human rights;

Considering that an efficient European security policy can take shape only if Council of Europe member states adopt common regulations in the field of arms sales;

Recalling the eight criteria governing arms exports adopted by the European Union’s Council of Ministers in Luxembourg in 1991 and Lisbon in 1992;

Noting the difficulty in monitoring the effective application of these criteria;

Noting in addition the various interpretations of these criteria by exporting countries;

Noting, nevertheless, the recent positions adopted by the governments of European Union countries, in particular the United Kingdom and Belgium, with regard to arms trade regulations to include strictly defined moral criteria;

Recalling its Recommendation 1343 on anti-personnel landmines and their humanitarian consequences,

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers draw up a European code of conduct on arms sales which specifies precise criteria common to all member states.

Signed : ¹

Weyts, Belgium, EPP/CD

Akçalı, Turkey, EDG

Birraux, France, EPP/CD

Bordas, France, NR

Clerfayt, Belgium, LDR

Columberg, Switzerland, EPP/CD

Debarge, France, SOC

Dhaille, France, SOC

Durrieu, France, SOC

Err, Luxembourg, SOC

Eyskens, Belgium, EPP/CD

Gelderblom-Lankhout, Netherlands, LDR

Ghesquière, Belgium, EPP/CD

Henry, Belgium, SOC

Jaskiernia, Poland, SOC

Jeambrun, France, LDR

Jurgens, Netherlands, SOC

Le Grand, France, EDG

Le Jeune, France, EPP/CD

Lemoine, France, SOC

Michel, France, SOC

Mignon, France, EDG

Rodeghiero, Italy, NR

Staes, Belgium, EPP/CD

Van der Maelen, Belgium, SOC