Federal Government remains open to possibility of Weapon Deliveries to Saudi Arabia
Germany Ponders Lifting Arms Export Ban on Saudi Arabia
Berlin - The federal government is considering the possibility of allowing a comprehensive ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, in effect until the end of December, to expire. In response to a minor inquiry by the Left Party in the Bundestag, the government stated, as reported by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" (Friday edition), that it will decide on future action in due course.
The ban on German arms deliveries to the kingdom has been enforced due to Saudi Arabia's involvement in the war in Yemen and the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While the federal government acknowledges recent improvements in certain human rights areas, such as social rights and women's rights, it expresses concern over the suppression of freedom of expression. Left Party MP Kathrin Vogler disputes this positive assessment.
Vogler, noting the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the murder of Khashoggi, and the repression of opposition figures in Saudi Arabia, as well as the oppression of women, called for the federal government to clearly condemn these actions. She found it alarming that the government has not ruled out the resumption of German arms exports.
In 2022, then Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended the suspension of weapon sales to Saudi Arabia as part of a broader policy stance against arming countries involved in conflicts. As of recent reports, the stance of the current government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding lifting the arms export ban on Saudi Arabia has not been clearly detailed. The government has recently focused on reviewing arms exports to other countries, like Israel, amid geopolitical tensions.
For the latest stance on this matter, it is recommended to check recent official statements or announcements from the German government.
Other political parties, such as the Left Party, have expressed their concern about the federal government's potential policy-and-legislation decision to lift the arms export ban on Saudi Arabia, given the country's involvement in war-and-conflicts like Yemen and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, along with the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and human rights abuses. In the context of general news, the position of the government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, regarding this matter remains unclear, with focuses on reviewing arms exports to other countries like Israel.
