UK eases its arms export policy for Argentina

The UK has eased its arms exports policy for Argentina. In a statement to the House of Commons on 27 June (also made to the House of Lords) the deputy foreign minister, Sir Alan Duncan, informed the House that the UK was lifting the ‘additional restrictions’ imposed in 2012.

Under this guidance, it was government policy not to grant an export licence for any military or dual-use goods and technology being supplied to military end-users in Argentina, except in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

The rationale behind the 2012 restrictions were, according to Duncan, the escalation of actions by the Argentine government ‘aimed at harming the economic interests of the Falkland islanders.’ Since the election of President Macri in December 2015, the UK’s relationship with Argentina ‘has been improving’, thus allowing for the change in policy.

Licences may now be granted where ‘like-for-like equipment’ is not available and which are not judged ‘detrimental to the UK’s defence and security interests.’ The UK will continue to refuse licences where such exports would ‘enhance Argentine military capability.’ All licence applications for arms exports or defence technology will be assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria.

See the statement to the House of Commons and House of Lords at:
https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-06-27/HCWS799/