International

The SP can take part of the credit for the government’s decision to tighten up the rules concerning the export of weapons. Within eight weeks, proposals will be presented concerning the criteria for arms export and transit, and the provision of information to Parliament, the government promised today. The commitment was made during a parliamentary debate in which almost every party expressed strong criticisms of the current situation. SP Member of Parliament Jasper van Dijk sees this as an extremely promising step. ‘The government could do nothing else but admit that mistakes have been made in relation to the sale of armaments to countries such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Bahrain. In the SP’s view human rights must henceforward be given more importance than the commercial interests of the arms trade.’

The SP has reacted negatively to the Dutch government’s declared intention to contribute to the military operation in Libya. 'We voted for the declaration and enforcement of a no-fly zone, but as we understand that this was achieved after a single day, we are asking why the bombing continued and what was bombed during the ensuing days. Also, what’s lacking is a common vision of Libya’s future. Because the government and the international community have left these questions unanswered, there should be no question of a Dutch contribution,’ says SP Member of Parliament and foreign affairs spokesman,’ Harry van Bommel. ‘We support the call, also expressed by the rebels, for an immediate cease-fire.’