UK MoD Targets Libya And Iraq As 'Priority' Arms Sales Targets

This has been extracted from The Observer
By Antony Barnett, Published: Sunday September 24, 2006

Countries with poor human rights records and those on the front line in the war on terror, including Iraq, have been targeted by the Ministry of Defence as the most lucrative places for British arms companies to sell weapons.

A confidential report obtained by The Observer under the Freedom of Information Act reveals for the first time that Iraq and Libya are 'priority' markets. Also new on the list are Colombia and Kazakhstan, both criticised for human rights violations.

The document has been prepared by the Defence Export Services Organisation (Deso), the agency that promotes the export of military equipment. It was sent to arms contractors last year detailing the countries that the government believes offer the best opportunities.

The document's opening page states that it 'includes some established markets and some new or future markets (eg Iraq, Libya). All have strong prospects.'

It also names Thailand as a priority market and describes it as 'one of the liveliest democracies in south-east Asia' and one that functions 'without any interference from the military'.

Symon Hill, of the Campaign Against the Arms Trade, said: 'The British public will be sickened by Deso's attitude, which sees the violence in Iraq as simply a marketing opportunity. They will be horrified that Deso is funded through their income tax and VAT. Using taxpayers' money to arm tyrants is as bad for our economy as it is for our security. Yet we now know that through Deso that the government is supporting brutal regimes from Libya to Colombia.'

The report states that 'in Colombia, the human rights and security situation has improved' but offers no evidence.

Amnesty International expressed serious concerns recently about the numbers of displaced people in Colombia and reports of extra-judicial executions carried out directly by the security forces. The human rights group has also had numerous reports of human rights violations by paramilitaries.

The war on terror is also seen as an opportunity to boost arms exports. The report states: 'Terrorism has become more complex and countering it with new equipment, systems and processes is now a major driver in spending and planning.'

It adds: 'The collection, management and dissemination of information, and the translation of that into usable knowledge to create very rapid military effects, is as important a development in terms of military technology as the invention of the aircraft or the tank.'

The report also gives advice to arms dealers on how to behave when they travel overseas. In Brazil, they should 'shake hands every time' and 'expect Brazilian men to stand (uncomfortably) close... or to put their arms around your shoulders and hug you.' In Thailand, 'flattery is the best prelude to criticism'. In Saudi Arabia, discussion should avoid 'religion, politics or women'.