Norway Suspends Exports Of Defense-Related Products To Saudi Arabia - Foreign Ministry
Sumaira FH Published November 10, 2018 | 12:49 AM
Norway has decided not to renew the license allowing the country to export defense-related and dual-use products to Saudi Arabia, the Norwegian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
"We have decided that, in the current situation, no new licences are to be granted for exports of defence-related products or dual-use items for military use to Saudi Arabia. We stopped processing new applications some time ago, pending this decision. Norway has never allowed exports of arms or ammunition to Saudi Arabia," the ministry quoted Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide as saying.
According to the press service, the decision was taken after taking into consideration "recent developments in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the unpredictable situation in Yemen."
The ministry emphasized that it was not aware of the country's defense products being used in Yemen, but made the decision as a precautionary measure.
According to the Norwegian NRK broadcaster, Oslo exported over $4.8 million worth of military products to Saudi Arabia over the past year.
Riyadh's reported use of imported weapons and military equipment in Yemen against the civilian population has been a major issue of concern among Saudi Arabia's arms suppliers.
According to a recent UN report, the Saudi-led coalition airstrikes were responsible for most of more than 16,000 civilians killed or injured in the Yemen conflict over the past three years. Saudi airstrikes have hit open-air markets, health clinics, schools, funerals and weddings, killing scores of civilians. An August attack on a school bus killed more than 40 Yemeni students who were on a field trip.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From World
-
Tesla asks shareholders to reapprove huge Musk pay deal
21 minutes ago -
Real Madrid exact revenge on Man City to reach Champions League semis
31 minutes ago -
German far-right firebrand in court for using Nazi slogan
31 minutes ago -
Gauff, Raducanu shine in Stuttgart
51 minutes ago -
Eight reported injured after Japan quake
51 minutes ago -
Error-plagued Gauff wins clay season opener, Raducanu shines
51 minutes ago
-
Tokyo shares open lower after US chip shares fall
51 minutes ago -
Ruling conservatives win most seats in Croatia election, but no majority
51 minutes ago -
US university cancels Muslim student's graduation speech after pro-Israel groups object, CAIR protes ..
2 hours ago -
EU weighs response to Russian 'interference' in election runup
7 hours ago -
Going 'backwards'? Whistleblowers slam Boeing safety culture
7 hours ago -
US to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela: officials
7 hours ago