[ad_1]
Photo: Alastair Grant / AP / TT
German Angela Merkel and Frenchman Emmanuel Macron do not make the same connection between arms exports and the murders of journalists. Archive image of October 17th.
Germany will not export weapons to Saudi Arabia until the murder of Jamal Khashoggi is declared, Angela Merkel said.
Emmanuel Macron from France thinks there are two completely different things.
The German Chancellor is not the only one to make the voice of arms exports to Saudi Arabia heard in the light of the assassination of Khashoggi – the issue has been raised among others , in the UEE during the last week.
"It is necessary to explain the context of this horrific event," Merkel said at a press conference Friday.
"And if that does not happen, we will not deliver any weapons to Saudi Arabia.
However, she does not receive any support from Emmanuel Macron. The French president believes that it is populist to increase arms sales in the UK in this context.
"What is the link?"
– What is the link between the sale of arms and the murder of Mr. Khashoggi? I understand the connection with what is happening in Yemen, but there is no connection with Mr. Khashoggi, "Macron told a news conference.
"It is clear and demagogic to say that" we must stop the sale of arms. "This has nothing to do with Khashoggi.
Even Austria said that the EU should end all arms exports to Saudi Arabia. First, referring to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl told the German media, but also that the "terrible war in Yemen" must end.
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia is leading a military coalition against the bells of Huthire, which four years ago forced the country's government to flee. About 10,000 people were killed in the war, most of whom are civilians.
Sweden is waiting
Sweden also exports arms to Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven told TT earlier this week that he would warn the investigation into Khashoggi's assassination before drawing any conclusions.
He also noted that arms exports were entrusted to officials of the Strategic Products Authority (SPI). Löfven also pointed out that Sweden had recently adopted new legislation on arms exports.
"It came for the reason that it would be more difficult for countries that do not defend democracy and human rights," said Stefan Löfven.
Source link
