LONDON - The British government is to give British Aerospace the go-ahead to sell 16 Hawk fighters to Indonesia despite human rights concerns, the Financial Times said yesterday.
In the British House of Commons the Speaker, Ms Betty Boothroyd, agreed to a point of order from Ms Ann Clwyd of Labour who complained that the reported sale represented a change of policy, but no statement had been made to the house. The paper, citing ministers, said the £160 million deal would go ahead despite allegations that Indonesia was using jets it had acquired earlier against separatists in East Timor.
"There is no evidence that the aircraft is being used in East Timor," one senior minister was quoted as saying. "Our intelligence on that is very clear," he said. The paper said the decision was taken following advice that there were "formidable obstacles" in the way of revoking the contract.
Britain, one of the world's leading arms exporters, announced on Thursday it would clamp down on sales to certain countries under its commitment to put human rights at the heart of its foreign policy. The curbs were on a 12-point list of measures unveiled by the Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook. - (Reuter, PA)