Sir, Patrick Smyth (The Irish Times, January 22nd) raises some profound and disturbing questions about the kind of post Cold War world we want and the role of Europe in shaping that world. The article appears to accept unquestioningly that arms production and export to countries outside Europe will continue. He appears to find hope that "there are even signs of an upturn in demand from the Middle East and the Pacific Rim". The presumption that this can be considered good news is appalling to all those whose concern is for a peaceful future.
Last year saw a record 71 conflicts, most of which were in the so called developing world. Three times already the European Parliament has called for a code of practice which would provide a public mechanism for monitoring individual government arms export policy. At least 600 European non governmental organisations support such a code. The Africa Faith and Justice Network, which represents missionary societies whose headquarters are in Europe, supports this call. We have seen too many people suffer from the effects of the land mines and other weaponry to rejoice in a booming arms industry.
Along with the 600 non governmental organisations calling for a code of practice on European arms exports, we believe that the EU should enact legislation which would harmonise control of the arms trade at the highest levels. It is only in this way that arms manufacturers can be prevented from using the Single Market to evade controls currently operating in individual countries.
As Europeans, it is vital to ensure that the forthcoming Inter Governmental Conference take seriously the need for the EU to adopt an ethical approach to the issues of defence, and especially to the control of arms exports to poorer countries. As Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of Ministers next July, we will play a key role in shaping the work of the Inter Governmental Conference. Yours, etc., LSA, Co ordinator, Irish Section, Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network, c/o Irish Missionary Union, Orwell Park, Dublin 6.
Patrick Smyth writes Sister Dorgan mistakenly attributes to me personally arguments made for EU assistance to the arms industry which are those of the European Commissioner for Industry, Mr Martin Bangermann.