Ceysens under fire regarding arms dossier 01/02/2008 00:00

Flemish majority parties are split regarding the delivery of parts and equipment to Saudi Arabia for military vehicles.

The Flemish majority parties are split regarding the delivery of parts and equipment to Saudi Arabia for military vehicles. Minister of Economy Patricia Ceysens (Flemish liberal) came under fire in the Flemish Parliament on Wednesday for the decision.

Patricia Ceysens granted an export permit for the delivery of equimpent for military use in Saudi Arabia. Her predecessor, Fientje Moerman (also a Flemish liberal) had denied the permit.

A West Flemish company landed the contract with Saudi Arabia, worth €56 million.

Not only did the opposition criticise the granting of the permit, but also some of the majority parties (the Flemish socialists SP.A, the moderate Flemish Spirit, and the Flemish nationalist N-VA) had their doubts about the permits.

According to them, the contract boils down to the delivery of arms to a country that does not respect human rights.

Ms Ceysens denied in parliament Wednseday that this is an arms delivery.

She explained that the contract comprises the delivery of seats, gear boxes, cooling systems, motors, breaks and steering wheels for vehicles. "There is no talk of arms here," according to Patricia Ceysens.

The opponents of the contract do not agree with this assessment, pointing out that the parts are for military vehicles.

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