European Parliament calls for arms embargo against Saudi Arabia

Today the European Parliament adopted with a broad majority a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Yemen that called upon Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to launch an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo against Saudi Arabia. Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake (D66/ALDE) negotiated the resolution on behalf of the ALDE-group, and introduced the amendment on the arms embargo. She is a member of the EU Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula. "The Parliament’s resolution is a much needed wake-up call for the Member States that continue to ignore the EU´s code of conduct on arms exports. If the EU wants to help in bringing stability to the Middle East, its Member States should stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia. I hope the Dutch Presidency now takes its responsibility, and actively proposes an arms embargo in the Council." Earlier Schaake has called upon the EU to review its relationship with Saudi Arabia. "The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has used cluster bombs, bombed hospitals and disproportionately targeted civilians in Yemen. It has actively boycotted a proposal by the Dutch government at the UN when it sought to have an independent inquiry into these allegations. Saudi Arabia is a place where women’s rights are trampled, atheist bloggers are flogged. It beheads people and continues to support ultraconservative views that provide fertile ground for the radicalisation of Muslims in Europe and abroad. It is high time we ensure that the partnership with Saudi Arabia leads to the results we seek." See also on Saudi Arabia: 26-01-2016 Badawi placed in an isolated prison cell: the ALDE Group calls on Saudi Arabia to immediately release him 06-01-2015 Media (Carnegie Europe) – Judy Asks: Will Iran and Saudi Arabia Go to War? 14-12-2015 Speech in the presence of Ensaf Haidar, the wife of Raif Badawi 10-12-2015 Opinion (Politico) – Europe needs to toughen up on its Saudi ally 30-11-2015 Written Questions on the EU-Saudi Arabia relationship