Arms sales to Saudi Arabia are debated in Europe

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The Yemeni city of Saada, hit by bombing, January 6, 2018 (photo illustration). REUTERS / Naif Rahma TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Spain cancels arms deal for Saudi Arabia because of kingdom involvement in deadly conflict in Yemen. Madrid renounces the sale of 400 laser guided bombs, a contract of 9 million euros, which remains modest compared to 270 million euros of weapons sold by Spain to Saudi Arabia the year last. Nevertheless, this decision shows that exporting countries are increasingly reluctant to arm the Arab coalition countries that bomb the Yemen rebellion, at the cost of many civilian casualties and a humanitarian disaster.

The vise tightens around France who does not wish to move on this issue. There is a government block on the subject. There is an urgent need to stop these arms sales, given the multiple attacks on civilians.

Tony Fortin, in charge of studies at the Observatoire des armements 05/09/2018 - by Nicolas Falez

The Armaments Observatory is an NGO that calls France to arms sales to Saudi Arabia