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Issue 198 11 Goodwin Street, N4 3HQ Oct/Nov 2006 Tel: 020 7281 0297 Fax: 020 7281 4369 £1.00 Email: [email protected] Website: www.caat.org.uk CAAT198.qxd 26/09/2006 08:13 Page 2

CAATnews IN THIS ISSUE... Editor James O’Nions [email protected] Legal Consultant Glen Reynolds Proofreader John Moseley Design Richie Andrew Contributors Kathryn Busby, Beccie D’Cunha, Edda Dirks, Ann Feltham, Nick Gilby, Anna Jones, Thomas Nash, James O’Nions, Tim Street, David Turner, Jo Wittams. Thank you also to our dedicated team of CAATnews stuffers. Printed by Russell Press on 100% recycled paper using only post consumer de-inked waste. Copy deadline for the next issue is 13 November and we will be posting it the week beginning 27 November. Content of most website references are also available in print – contact A cluster bomb in . See page 10 CLUSTER MUNITIONS COALITION the CAAT office. Contributors to CAATnews express their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of CAAT as An autumn of activity 3 an organisation. Contributors retain copyright of all work used. Arms Trade Shorts 4-5 CAAT was set up in 1974 and is a broad coalition of groups and individuals working for the reduction Shut DESO, October 16th 6 and ultimate abolition of the international arms trade, together with progressive demilitarisation Local campaigns 7 within arms-producing countries. Campaign Against Arms Trade Cover story: Stop Arming Israel 8-9 11 Goodwin Street, London N4 3HQ Tel: 020 7281 0297 Fax: 020 7281 4369 Cluster munitions 10 Email: [email protected] Website: www.caat.org.uk Reed Elsevier campaign 11 If you use Charities Aid Foundation cheques and would like to help TREAT Raytheon protest in Derry (Trust for Research and Education on Arms Trade), please send CAF cheques, payable to TREAT, to the Parliamentary 12 office. Unlike CAAT, TREAT is a registered charity (No.328694) and will be able to use your donation for Saudi Arabia latest 13 education and research. Brinley’s baloney To receive this issue of CAATnews in large print Fundraising 14 please call 020 7281 0297

LEBANESE WOMAN VIEWS DESTROYED NEIGHBOURHOOD Get Active 15 IN SOUTH BEIRUT. YANNIS BEHRAKIS/

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CAMPAIGNS UPDATE An autumn of activity

Universities Clean Investment The Universities Clean Investment to students. They are continuing to investing ethically, but that it can also Campaign 2006 will be launched in demand that their universities take be beneficial. November to expose arms company responsibility for the wider impact of investments held by UK universities. investment decisions. Hundreds of Build on successes In 2005, the campaign focused on students and staff around the country We will build upon the successes of the six largest UK-based arms have been mobilised to take action last year’s campaign by encouraging exporters. This year the list has been and this has resulted in policy more students, staff and alumni to expanded to twelve companies, changes at student union and get involved in the campaign in including international corporations university administration level. Last 2006/7. By providing all the such as Boeing, EADS and Lockheed year, student and staff-led protests, information on the new universities Martin. We will be calling for petitions and articles caused SOAS, network website divestment, highlighting the potential Exeter, University of Wales, Bangor (www.caat.org.uk/getinvolved/univers for ethical investment, and providing and Goldsmiths to take real steps ities) we aim to make campaigning support to students and staff in their towards divestment. These changes accessible for all. If you are efforts to kick arms dealers off their have only occurred because activists connected with a university, or know campus. have used persuasive moral and anyone who is, please contact us by financial arguments to explain why email on [email protected] so Unacceptable investing in the arms trade is we can continue working together The investment of tuition fees in unnecessary. They have shown that it towards ensuring ethical investment companies that fuel conflict around is not only possible for universities to is a priority for all UK universities. the world has proved unacceptable fulfil their fiduciary duty whilst TIM STREET AND JO WITTAMS

Our annual gathering Also in November is CAAT’s National sessions and a choice of workshops is just around the corner from Russell Gathering, our annual conference on a range of topics, from how to Square tube station and close to for all CAAT supporters. This will be end the Government’s continued role Euston and Kings Cross Rail stations. a great opportunity to come together in the arms trade, to media The venue has disabled access. The to learn more about the arms trade campaigning, to clean investment. If day is free, including a vegetarian and CAAT’s campaigns, brush up on there’s a particular issue you’d like to lunch, though donations are campaigning skills and plan for discuss or a campaigning skill you’d welcome. To book your place please future action. The day-long event will like to develop, please let us know! email me ([email protected]) or let include sessions to suit everyone, CAAT’s National Gathering will be us know at the office. More details whether you’re a long-time held from 10am to 6pm on Saturday will be available on the website campaigner or new to arms trade 25th November, at Mary Ward soon. We look forward to seeing you issues. We’ll have a mix of plenary House, Tavistock Place, London. This there! ANNA JONES Stop Arming Israel Shut The conflict between Israel and Hizbullah this summer killed hundreds of civilians, most of them Lebanese. While Hizbullah’s weapons were low-tech and came from places over which British citizens have no control, Israel’s DESO Apache helicopters and F-16 jets contained key parts made in the UK. In response to the attack on Lebanon and the continuing assault on Gaza, And of course, the DESO Day CAAT has been involved in launching a new campaign, Stop Arming Israel. of Action takes place on Read about it on pages 8-9 and if you want to be involved, visit October 16th. This is CAAT’s www.stoparmingisrael.org, email [email protected], or phone big action of the year, so Ann at the office. don’t miss it! See page 6.

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ARMS TRADE SHORTS

BAE Systems Helicopter firms Airbus shares funds US are big winners sold to EADS from war BAE Systems has sold its 20% stake in election Airbus, the civilian super-jumbo, to candidates US military spending has grown European arms giant EADS. The sale enormously because of the wars in went ahead despite valuation of the ‘British’ company BAE Systems’ US and Iraq (see CAATnews project being lower than expected, subsidiary has emerged as one of 195), but certain types of firms have partly because as a non-military the biggest donors in US seen disproportionate benefits. project Airbus is no longer seen as a Congressional elections this year, Military service providers, particularly core part of BAE's business. The sale outspending US firms such as Halliburton, and helicopter marks an end to British-owned civil Exxon-Mobil, Microsoft and manufacturers have both seen aircraft industry, though Ministers Citigroup. Republican candidates, handsome profits. Textron, which have struck a deal with EADS to who BAE funded to the tune of supplies the US military with its Bell ensure that Airbus manufacture will $439,499, included Duncan helicopters, does much of its support be maintained in British plants. In Hunter, the chair of the House work on the ground in the conflict return, EADS will get favourable armed services committee. zone itself. Sales of other helicopters treatment when tendering for UK Democrat candidates, who got a such as the Chinook and Black Hawk arms contracts. total of $232,500, included John have also gone up. INDEPENDENT, 6/9/06; DAILY TELEGRAPH, 18/7/06 Murtha, the ranking Democrat on Meanwhile BAE Systems has been the defence subcommittee. BAE churning out its Bradley vehicles and Systems was the 7th biggest is one of a number of firms that have to sign supplier to the Pentagon in 2005, benefited from sales of fairly low-tech and its recent payments have military equipment which needs Saudi deal made it the 18th biggest corporate replacing regularly in conflicts. donor in this US election cycle. FINANCIAL TIMES, 17/7/06 France is poised to sign an arms deal Rolls Royce has also made with Saudi Arabia worth an estimated contributions to candidates. 2.5 billion euros. The agreement FINANCIAL TIMES, 22/8/06 Batchelor of involves delivering 30 multi-purpose military helicopters, 10 marine Arms transport helicopters, and two refuelling aircraft. War is good for The University of Hertfordshire has The two types of helicopter are launched the first ever foundation made by Eurocopter, while the business degree in 'aerospace and defence aircraft is an Airbus product. Both systems'. The course provides work these companies are subsidiaries of Traders on Wall Street are starting to experience in the arms industry as the Franco-German-Spanish see stocks in arms companies as an well as an academic qualification. corporation EADS. The French essential component of a 'wartime' Meanwhile Cranfield University has government is reportedly hoping that investment portfolio. Shares in firms launched a Masters of Defence these sales are a precursor to further like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Administration. The MDA is modelled deals in 2007 and beyond, including Grumman have roughly doubled in on the traditional MBA but geared more helicopters, ground-to-air price since the invasion of Iraq in towards work in military industry. missiles, tanks, ships and the Rafale 2003. The huge increase in US FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 6/6/06 AND 13/6/06 fighter jet. REUTERS, 5/9/06 military spending is one reason for the profitability of US arms companies, but this also has a Boeing comes to knock-on effect around the world as other countries see American Bristol weapons in action. Arms contracts with foreign governments passed to Boeing used the occasion of the Congress for approval had already Farnborough arms fair to announce reached 76% more by August this that it is to open a new facility in year than in the whole of 2005, at Bristol. The UK subsidiary, Boeing £11.5 billion. The top three buyers of Defence UK Ltd, will work on Britain's US weapons during the last 5 years Future Rapid Effects System, including were Saudi Arabia, South Korea and building armoured vehicles for the Pakistan. British Army. REUTERS, 14/7/06; THE TIMES, 21/8/06 DEFENSE NEWS, 24/7/06

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DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GLOBAL ARMS TRADE

Israel shorts

Armed UAVs used in including several Citizen’s Weapons to civilians, and many remain Lebanon Inspections carried out at Prestwick unexploded, effectively becoming The Israeli attack on Lebanon saw by Trident Ploughshares. landmines. Israeli soldiers have also the first clear evidence that Israel is INDEPENDENT, 27/7/06; TRIDENTPLOUGHSHARES.ORG testified that Phosphorus Shells, a using armed Unmanned Arial type of chemical weapon, were fired Vehicles as part of its operations. US military aid to Israel by artillery units. HAARETZ, 14/9/06 The vehicles themselves are Many of the weapons used by Israel understood to be manufactured by against Southern Lebanon were Calls to suspend German Israel Aircraft Industries and paid for by the US. Israel gets $2.6 arms deliveries probably armed with Spike missiles, billion in Foreign Military Financing Germany’s opposition parties called built by another Israeli company, from the US, accounting for about for a suspension of arms deliveries Rafael. The US is the only other 20% of its total military budget. to Israel in August in response to country to have used armed UAVs, Three quarters of this money must Israel’s ‘disproportionate’ military in both in Iraq and Afghanistan. be spent on US arms, though offensive. The German Greens also FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 8/8/06 normally nearly all of it is. argued that Germany was breaking Outstanding orders and credit that binding guidelines on the export of UK Airports used for arms Israel has with US companies totals weapons to areas experiencing flights around $4 billion. THE TIMES, 1/8/06 conflict. Like the UK, Germany Prestwick Airport near Glasgow, and exports components for vehicles later RAF Mildenhall have been IDF fired 1m cluster bombs such as Merkava tanks and F-16s, used as stopovers for planes The Israeli Defence Force fired some though has also on occasion carrying “bunker-buster” bombs 1,800 cluster rockets on Lebanon supplied whole weapons systems. and other military equipment from during the war which contained DEUTSCHE WELLE, 10/8/06 the US to Israel during the recent over 1.2 million cluster bombs. hostilities. Both sites attracted direct Cluster bombs spread over a wide See pages 8-9 for more on Israel action from peace activists, area so are particularly dangerous and the arms trade

Russian arms Russian firms hit Protests at sector opens up by US sanctions African arms fair

The Russian state-owned bank, Two Russian companies, September saw protesters descend on Vneshtorgbankm is rumoured to have Rosoboronexport, the state-owned Africa Aerospace and Defence in bought a 4.5 percent stake in EADS. arms export firm, and aircraft maker Cape Town, Africa’s biggest arms Neither EADS not the bank have Sukhoi have been banned from fair. The demonstrators, co-ordinated confirmed the purchase, but would doing business with any US company by Cape Town Anti-War Coalition, only have to inform the stock for two years. The sanctions have called for an end to arms sales to exchange authorities were the stake been imposed under the terms of the countries with poor human rights to exceed 5 percent. If confirmed it Nonproliferation Act 2000 which records, including the US, Israel, is a sign of the increasing willingness restricts weapons sales to Iran. , Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. of Russia to open up to Western arms Rosoboronexport has said that it only The South African state-owned companies. sells 'defensive' equipment to Iran, arms company, Denel, came under EADS itself bought a 10 percent whilst Sukhoi says it has not sold criticism for plans to collaborate with stake in Irkut last year, one of the anything to Iran since the 1990s. BAE Systems, which the protesters makers of the Sukhoi jet, and Russian Both companies have joint ventures pointed out supply the occupation is planning to loosen restrictions on with US firms which will be affected. forces in Iraq. They also called on foreign firms owning aerospace Russian officials have suggested that African governments to stop buying companies. Currently they are only the sanctions are really about weapons and increase social allowed to own less than 25 percent, punishing Russia for recent arms spending instead. but legislation due to be presented deals with Venezuela (see Arms Trade CAPE TOWN ANTI-WAR COALITION next month would increase this to 49 Shorts in CAATnews 197) percent. FINANCIAL TIMES, 30/8/06 FINANCIAL TIMES, 7/8/06

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CALL THE SHOTS

What is DESO? Shut DESO The Defence Export Services Organisation (or DESO) is the arms industry’s very own taxpayer- Time’s up for the funded marketing unit. It employs nearly 500 civil servants to sell government’s gunrunners arms worldwide and to lobby for military exports across government. No other industry has such a dedicated support Day of Action, 16th October department. DESO gives arms companies incredible influence over After 40 years of its existence, it is your MP in advance – our info pack government policy, not least now time to shut DESO for good. The about the day includes all you need because it is located at the heart government’s arms sales unit must to know about this. of government and is headed by a be designated as what it is: a ‘global Please join us for this important boss seconded from the arms danger zone’. And that’s exactly what day of action. For more info and to industry. Alan Garwood, the we’ll do as part of the Shut DESO register for the day visit current head of DESO, was Action Day on Monday 16th October. www.caat.org.uk/events/DESOaction seconded from MBDA which is Together with the Fellowship of day.php. Alternatively, contact part-owned by BAE Systems, the Reconciliation (FoR) and other [email protected] or 020 7281 UK’s dominant arms producer. groups, we will form a human chain 0297. DESO’s ‘priority markets’ have around the headquarters of DESO, recently included countries with on one of the busiest thoroughfares Timetable for the day poor human rights records such in Central London. This bold action • 11am: Rally and preparation for as and Saudi Arabia, not to will send a clear message that DESO action (Bloomsbury Central Baptist mention the US. DESO’s official is a huge obstacle to world peace Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, website boasts that “Successive and that time’s up for the London WC2) Customer Satisfaction Surveys of government’s gunrunners. • 12.30pm: Shut DESO mass action the UK defence industry revealed We need at least 170 people for (DESO headquarters, 2-12 that over 75% of this business the chain and we need you to be one Bloomsbury Way, London WC1) would not have been achieved of them! You’ll also have a chance to • From 1.30pm: Informal street poll without the assistance of DESO.” lobby your MP in the afternoon as – help spread the message about That means that if DESO were part of our 3-month lobby. You’ll DESO shut, arms exports from the UK need to try and book a meeting with • 3–6pm: Lobby your MP would be drastically reduced.

Shut DESO lobby of MPs

With parliamentary backing for an sometime between now and EDM has been put down (a kind of international Arms Trade Treaty, it is November 30th. If you’re unsure parliamentary petition) that is based a particularly important moment to about how to go about it, CAAT’s on CAAT’s Shut DESO statement. make MPs aware of the Lobby Guide provides step-by-step The EDM had already been signed contradiction of calling for tough guidance and tells you all you need by over 30 MPs before the summer arms export controls, whilst at the to know about meeting with your MP recess and we hope numbers will same time promoting sales through and the arguments to make. You climb once MPs are back in DESO. If you haven’t done so can find it at www.calltheshots.org Parliament. Please encourage your already, please register to take part Alternatively, contact our MP to sign the EDM (number 1798) in CAAT’s three-month Lobby of MPs Parliamentary Coordinator Ann and join the call to Shut DESO. The and help us call for the closure of Feltham on [email protected] or 020 EDM will finish when parliament DESO. The more MPs who are 7281 0297. ends its year, likely to be towards the contacted face-to-face about DESO, end of October, so you must act the more likely DESO’s closure will Shut DESO EDM quickly! be. You could lobby your MP on Many MPs are already aware of the October 16th as part of the Action negative impact of DESO and are Day or in your constituency actively calling for its closure. An

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LOCAL CAMPAIGNS

CAAT public speaking Future public speaking training training On July 19th eight CAAT supporters second exercise – delivering a one- “I really found it so useful even gathered in East London for our first minute, completely impromptu talk - though I do quite a lot of public ever public speaking training day. It gave us practice in thinking on our speaking. I was a bit apprehensive was aimed at those who already give feet as we would have to in a Q&A before coming, but felt really talks on the arms trade and those session. comfortable in the safe who would like to, with a particular Participants ranged from more environment you created.” focus on our Shut DESO campaign. experienced speakers to total The next training day will be in Beccie D’Cunha and Anna Jones beginners like myself. I found the Leeds on Friday 19th January from the CAAT office led an excellent opportunity to practice speaking in 2007. We are also planning to do series of workshops starting with the such a safe environment invaluable, public speaking workshops in the most daunting part of the day, the and the creativity (how to use Southwest and North of delivery by each participant of a cardboard pyramids as visual aids!), England/Scotland, and any other prepared five-minute presentation. variety and passion displayed in areas where there is enough The feedback session that followed everybody’s speaking styles was demand. If you would be each presentation set the scene for a impressive, giving me some good interested in attending a workshop very supportive and constructive ideas for the future (imitation is the near you or would like to register atmosphere, which prevailed sincerest form of flattery after all). a place on the Leeds workshop, throughout the day. Sessions on what I left feeling very happy to have please contact Beccie makes a good talk, how to best use become part of a group of great ([email protected]). visual aids and how to address advocates for an end to the arms different types of audiences, among trade, realising that I knew more Mark Thomas others, were interspersed with further than I thought and ready to join the practical exercises. The first exercise existing CAAT Speakers’ Network. If book tour was to prepare and deliver a short you would like to be part of the talk on DESO with very little Network, attend a future training We are looking for people to give preparation time so as to practice course, or book a CAAT speaker for out CAAT leaflets at Mark’s shows identifying and communicating the a local event, please contact Beccie in October or November. The key points of the campaign. The ([email protected]). EDDA DIRKS locations not covered are Fareham, Leicester, Wellingborough, Falmouth, Penzance, Exeter, Andover, Out and about at the Windsor, Doncaster and Aldershot. If you live near any of these locations and would like to help, Festival please contact Anna ([email protected]). During the Festival period in August, Edinburgh CAAT supporters were out New CAAT among the throng in the heart of the city with stalls featuring the Shut materials DESO campaign issues. In the brilliant weather, and given an ideal The following new resources are site, this was a unique opportunity to now available to order from Patrick reach a wider public. The concern of ([email protected]): both local people and visitors about • Christian Network leaflet (free) the arms trade in general and the • CAAT Christian Network badge question of government/arms trade CAAT materials used to good (20p) relationships in particular was effect at the Festival EDINBURGH CAAT • New recruitment postcard (free) evident. • Stop Arming Israel postcard (free) DESO petition of some. Though fundraising wasn’t • Updated version of the four- The petition received an especially highlighted, the collecting tin earned page briefing, An Introduction good response and publicity its keep! Altogether a very successful to the Arms Trade (free). materials were so popular we ran out outcome. DAVID TURNER

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COVER STORY STOP ARMING ISRAEL

“The Apache is not just equipment. For Palestinians it’s a symbol of indiscriminate military GORAN TOMASEVIC/REUTERS NABLUS. HELICOPTER ABOVE ISRAELI ARMY APACHE violence. From a young age, every Palestinian child learns to distinguish the Apache’s sound and associate it with assassinations, destruction and blood in the street.” Shawan Jabarin, director of the Palestinian human rights group al-Haq

As the world looked on in horror this July, Israel launched has been built ostensibly to keep Palestinian suicide an all-out assault on southern Lebanon. The Israeli bombers out of Israel. In fact, a quick look at its route Defence Force (IDF) killed more than 1,000 Lebanese exposes its real purpose. Rather than running along the civilians and destroyed houses and infrastructure right ‘green line’, the boundary between Israel and Palestine across the Shia Muslim-dominated south of the country. agreed by the UN in 1948, the Wall cuts out large Bombing raids also destroyed whole neighbourhoods in swathes of Palestinian territory so as to incorporate the the capital, Beirut, and a high proportion of those killed Israeli Settlements into Israel. In doing so, it often cuts off were children. Hizbullah, the purported target of the Palestinian farmers from their land, and, in places, runs attack, responded by sending Katyusha rockets back into through schools and even people’s houses. northern Israel. In 2004, the International Courts of Justice in the According to Amnesty International, the destruction of Hague ruled the construction of the Wall along its current Lebanese infrastructure, including water treatment plants, route to be illegal. Israel has ignored the ruling just as its supermarkets, and strategically unimportant bridges, was has ignored UN General Council rulings in the past, such a deliberate strategy on the part of the IDF. It was as those requiring an end to the occupation itself, and the simultaneously deploying a similar strategy in its attack on right to return of those Palestinians made refugees when Gaza, including indiscriminate shelling and the destruction Israel was created. Yet despite the fact that Israel has of the territory’s only power plant. A year after a supposed flouted more UN resolutions, and for a longer period, IDF withdrawal from Gaza, its one million inhabitants than any other country, the weapons keep on flowing in. have to endure repeated military incursions, assassinations, sonic booms from low-flying aircraft and Arming Israel other forms of collective punishment for the armed By far the largest supplier of arms to Israel is the United resistance of a small minority. States. Israel’s close relationship with the US means it gets more US overseas aid than any other country, despite Background being ranked 23rd on the UN Human Development This violence takes place in the context of an occupation Index. This includes around $2.6 billion which Israel of Palestinian territories that will be 40 years old next year. receives each year through the US Foreign Military Like all occupations, it has been brutal and humiliating for Financing programme. Most of this is spent on buying those being occupied. It has been made worse by weapons from US companies. For example, at the apparent Israeli determination to permanently annex large beginning of August, Israel asked the Bush administration parts of the West Bank and East . Israeli settlers, to speed up delivery of an order of M-26 artillery rockets subsidised by the government, have colonised large parts loaded with cluster bombs. They made no secret that these of these areas in Settlements that are constantly were to be used against Lebanon. expanding. Settlements are linked via roads that only Jews Although not in the same league as the US, the UK can use and a light railway system is currently being built government still managed to licence £22.5 million’s worth to further entrench them. of arms for export to Israel in 2005, around double the The ‘security barrier’, which in most places is actually figure for 2004. The UK has consistently sold weapons to an enormous concrete wall complete with watchtowers, Israel and, in the last three years, has licensed items

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STOP ARMING ISRAEL

including small arms ammunition, anti-aircraft guns, aircraft and tanks for which UK companies make unmanned air vehicles and armoured all-wheel drive components are regularly and obviously used aggressively vehicles, as well as components for tanks, combat aircraft against Palestinians. The Quad Committee suggested this and various kinds of missile. when they asked in their report for the government to With the increasing global integration of the arms explain what their position on exports to Israel actually industry, many of the UK companies involved in arming meant. In reality, the only credible approach, if the UK Israel make parts for equipment that is assembled in the was interested in upholding its own Criteria, would be a US or elsewhere. BAE Systems, Smiths Group and complete embargo on arms sales to Israel. Liverpool-based MPE, for instance, all make sub-systems or components for the F-16 fighter jet, of which Israel has The Israeli arms industry 236. Airtechnology Group in Middlesex makes parts for Of course, even if all arms producing countries banned the Merkava tank and at least nine UK companies make sales to Israel, it would still be able to arm itself through components for the AH-64 ‘Apache’ attack helicopter that its own significant arms industry. Israeli companies such as is a symbol of fear on the Palestinian street. Israel Aircraft Industries, Israel Military Industries, Rafael and Elbit Systems built their businesses selling arms to UK government policy regimes that other countries refused to supply. Israel was Since October 2000 the government has used a set of the leading supplier to apartheid South Africa and Consolidated EU and National Criteria to judge whether currently sells missiles and other weaponry to Burma’s arms export licences should be granted. These lay out a military junta, which is subject to an EU arms embargo. series of considerations that include whether the country of Yet Europe is also now a big market for Israeli destination is in breach of international law, the internal companies and the UK is no exception. In 2003, the most situation in the country including the existence of armed recent year for which figures are publicly available, conflicts, the preservation of regional peace and stability military-related imports from Israel were worth £4.4 and the destination country’s respect for human rights. On million. Military exports are important to Israel for earning all these counts Israel can be found seriously wanting, yet foreign currency and are a key part of its economy – Israel the number of licence applications that are turned down Aircraft Industries is the country’s biggest employer outside has actually decreased (from 84 in 2002 to only nine in government. The Israeli arms industry is at the cutting 2005) as deaths in the occupied territories have gone up. edge of global weapons technology and its proving In fact the UK government has often sought to make ground is often occupied Palestine, or recently Lebanon, excuses and exceptions. In 2002, it allowed Head-Up allowing the industry to market its weapons as ‘battle- displays for F-16s bound for Israel to be exported to the tested’. In addition to its use of weapons, then, Israel plays US. Since F-16s are often used in the Occupied Territories an important role in the global arms trade as a supplier. there was an outcry, but the government argued that the UK’s economic relationship with the US would be Stop arming Israel damaged if the exports were stopped. A series of get-out Calling for an embargo on sales of arms to and from clauses were also added to the Criteria to enable the Israel is not just about ending the UK’s material complicity government to prioritise the interests of arms companies in the occupation. Refusing to trade weapons with a over those of human rights. country is a powerful message of disapproval in itself, In evidence to the parliamentary Quadripartite especially when that country disregards international law Committee this year, Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells with such impunity. While Israel can continue to operate as reaffirmed that it was government policy not to allow a normal country in the world system it will have no export of equipment or components that could be motivation to end the occupation that is producing such “deployed aggressively” in the Occupied Territories, but suffering, poverty and instability. The UK’s arms trade with continuing that “almost any piece of equipment, I Israel is currently compounding the problem, both suppose, could be used aggressively”. In other words, the militarily and politically. Ending it is an important step to UK government’s position is a nonsense, given that bringing about peace. JAMES O’NIONS

The Stop Arming Israel campaign

The Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Wilderness, the Israeli Committee The website also has details of Gaza have given added impetus to Against House Demolitions (UK), the UK companies that are CAAT’s call for an end to arms sales and the Radical Activist Network. supplying Israel, actions you can to and from Israel. In order to raise The campaign has been asking take to build support for an the issue as widely as possible, organisations and individuals to embargo, and news relevant to the we’ve launched a joint campaign support a short statement in favour campaign. For more information, with other organisations, including of an embargo. You can read the please contact the CAAT office, or War on Want, the Palestine statement and sign up online at visit the website: Solidarity Campaign, Voices in the www.stoparmingisrael.org/statement www.StopArmingIsrael.org

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FEATURE An ‘insane and monstrous’ operation Thomas Nash, Co-ordinator of the Cluster Munitions Coalition, explains how three days of Israeli cluster bombing in Lebanon will mean years of suffering to come.

The devastation from cluster munitions is taking a daily toll in south Lebanon. Civilians are being killed and injured by unexploded submunitions. 30% of the victims are children. Livelihoods have been destroyed, and desperately needed relief and rehabilitation is being impeded. There have already been 83 civilian casualties from cluster M42 clusters in an olive grove in Toulin, Lebanon CLUSTER MUNITIONS COALITION munitions since the ceasefire and the number is rising as more and more indiscriminately at towns and villages Yet the UK also stockpiles the people return and sift through the during this three-day period. rocket-delivered M77 submunitions. rubble. Water supplies are blocked, One Israeli commander described Israel fired more than one million of power cannot be restored and the cluster munition attacks as these, and thousands have been schools, roads, houses and gardens “insane and monstrous”. The total cleared in only one month of clear are still littered with cluster munition number of submunitions used may up work since the ceasefire. They duds. Farmers cannot safely harvest turn out to be even higher when the also fired Chinese-manufactured what is left of this summer’s tobacco, amount of artillery launched and MZD2 cluster munitions during the wheat and fruit. Late yielding crops aerial delivered cluster munitions is conflict, leaving large amounts of such as olives will remain too revealed. Three days of unexploded ordnance. Thus the dangerous to harvest by November indiscriminate cluster bombing have evidence from Lebanon shows that and winter crops will be lost because left a deadly legacy in south Lebanon many cluster bombs currently in use farmers will be unable to plough that will take years to clear up. still have high failure rates, and even their cluster munition contaminated Since the ceasefire, bomb disposal those that have lower rates are land. teams have destroyed over 25,000 usually fired in such numbers that A month after the ceasefire, the submunitions from roads and civilians will continue to suffer UN identified 482 individual cluster houses. Many of the cluster bombs regardless. munition strikes in Lebanon. The that have been cleared from International trade has already majority of these strikes have been Lebanon in the past few days contain resulted in UK-manufactured cluster targeted at Shia towns and villages. relatively modern submunitions munitions being used against The UN’s Emergency Relief manufactured by Israel and exported civilians and with no regard for Coordinator, Jan Egeland, has said to and produced under license by a international law. UK taxpayers’ the use of cluster munitions by Israel number of other countries, including money is being spent on weapons was “shocking and immoral”, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and systems that are indiscriminate and estimating that 100,000 unexploded the UK. These M85 cluster munitions have a proven record of killing and submunitions remain. The real have been billed by UK ministers as injuring civilians. The Cluster number may be even higher. UNIFIL having a proven maximum failure Munition Coalition and UK partner (the UN force in Lebanon) observer rate of 2%. Other countries have Landmine Action believe that all reports confirm that 90 percent of purchased them in order to comply transfers of cluster munitions must be the cluster munitions were fired in with national policies they have stopped immediately and we call on the last 72 hours of the conflict. introduced to reduce the number of the UK to remove all such weapons Israeli soldiers have stated that over duds that pose a humanitarian from service without delay. 1,800 cluster rockets containing 1.2 concern. million submunitions were fired www.stopclustermunitions.org

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ACTIVISM Calling all academics! Reed Elsevier, the next round The campaign urging Members of the London Catholic Elsevier journals to have their work global publishing giant Worker group are also holding peer-reviewed and published, but Reed Elsevier to withdraw monthly lunchtime vigils outside Reed they also provide their time and from its involvement in Elsevier’s headquarters in Central expertise to referee other academics’ organising worldwide arms London, engaging passers-by in work for free, making them fairs is going strong, with dialogue and remembering the stakeholders in Reed Elsevier. This more and more people victims. leaves them in a good position to put contacting CAAT to offer pressure on Reed to abandon its their support and taking Serving the science and health Arms Fairs. their own initiatives. communities? Arms Fairs actually represent only a Calling all academics Background tiny portion of Reed Elsevier’s overall An open letter to Reed Elsevier Arms Fairs, trade exhibitions for turnover, and the company “is a signed by high-profile medics was military industry, are a key link in the world leading publisher of published in September 2005 in The chain that facilitates global violence. information for professional users”. Lancet and eminent writers signed They take place all around the world, Publications include medical and another to The Times Literary but one of the biggest is Defence scientific journals such as The Lancet, Supplement in 2006. These initiatives Systems and Equipment International the New Scientist and ScienceDirect; inspired Dr Tom Stafford of Sheffield (DSEi), which happens in London’s learning and testing material via University, and mathematician Nick ExCel Centre every two years. It is Harcourt Education; the LexisNexis Gill have each set up their own organised by Reed Elsevier through research service, relied on by the online petitions aimed at academics. its subsidiary, Reed Exhibitions, which legal profession; and a range of Tom’s petition calls on Reed Elsevier puts on a total of five other major magazines for business people. to stop organising arms fairs, while arms fairs worldwide. On its website, Reed Elsevier says Nick’s asks signatories to exercise a However, not all the locals in that it is “committed to making submission boycott of their papers. Newham, a London borough that genuine contributions to the science Both petitions have already attracted has become a refuge for many exiles and health communities” and that it a long and impressive range of from war-torn countries, are thrilled is “proud to be part of [these] signatories. to be hosts to “the world’s largest communities”. Conversely, however, If you are an academic, you can fully integrated international defence many members of the science and sign these petitions online via CAAT’s exhibition”, and a local coalition that health communities are not proud to Arms Fairs campaign website, includes CAAT is calling on Reed to be associated with Reed Elsevier. www.armsfairs.com. abandon their plans for DSEi 2007. Many of them rely heavily on Reed EDDA DIRKS

Derry antiwar activists occupy Raytheon

On Wednesday 9th August, in in Northern Ireland, which means response to the Israeli assaults on they will be heard before a non-jury Lebanon and Gaza, nine antiwar court. This would not be the case in protesters occupied the offices of the mainland Britain. Derry plant of US arms giant In a statement released after they Raytheon. The company makes the were given a court date, the guidance systems for many of the Raytheon Nine said: “We hold that missiles that are sold to Israel and we had a legal right and a political that caused so much civilian death and moral duty to do what we did. in the conflict, including the 51 We will not face the court as the people crushed to death in a bunker campaigner Eamonn McCann. They accused, but as the accusers. We in Qana. occupied and ‘decommissioned’ the shall endeavour to expose the illegal The nine protesters (pictured) , plant for eight hours until they were and immoral record of arms who entered the plant during a large arrested and charged with companies like Raytheon in fuelling demonstration outside, included well- Aggravated Burglary and Unlawful the war for the sake of profit.” known writer and veteran civil rights Entry. These are ‘scheduled’ offences JAMES O’NIONS DAVE MITCHELL DAVE

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PARLIAMENTARY Quadripartite Committee report

Members of four House of Commons called, in the next parliamentary wanted the arms embargo on China Select Committees with an interest in session. retained, pointing out, as CAAT so arms exports – Defence, Foreign often does, that embargoes have a Affairs, International Development Human rights symbolic value in expressing and Trade & Industry – work together As reported on page 9, the MPs disapproval of a human rights record as the Quadripartite Committee on asked the government to explain its as well as being of practical use. Strategic Export Controls. The latest policy on arms sales to Israel. This report of the Committee, whose chair was, however, not the only country of Libya is the Labour MP Roger Berry, was concern. The Committee pointed to Use of a ‘toolbox’, being considered published on 3rd August. It can be the Foreign Office’s Human Rights within the European Union for viewed online at Report detailing Saudi Arabia’s countries emerging from embargo www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ human rights violations and status, is mentioned. This would cm/cmquad.htm. Some of the many recommended that all applications involve quite extensive consultation points made are set out below, but for export licences involving that by EU states about sales to previously CAAT is delighted that the country be considered more carefully. embargoed countries so as to ensure Committee has said it will consider The MPs are surely being a little a consistent approach. The the allegations of bribery by the optimistic, given the government’s Committee was disappointed that the Defence Sales Organisation, as the record in supporting and subsidising toolbox had not be used with respect Defence Export Services sales to Saudi Arabia (for the latest to Libya. No mention is made, Organisation (DESO) was previously see page 13). The Committee also however, that the lifting of the embargo on Libya in October 2004, was followed in June 2005 by a DESO seminar on Libya as an emerging market – “a relatively sophisticated customer and a political will to procure equipment from the UK” according to DMA News, July 2005. This was followed by the opening of a DESO office in Tripoli in January 2006.

More effort needed The Committee felt the government was being rather passive in not pursuing the ways the Internet is being used to trade arms (and commended comedian and journalist Mark Thomas for bringing this to their attention). It also said that officials needed to actively seek out breaches of export controls in the context of arms fairs. ANN FELTHAM

Shut DESO Lobby and Early Day Motion

Make sure you do what you can to persuade your MP to help us Shut DESO. See page 6 for more details of the lobby and EDM 1798.

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OTHER NEWS AND COMMENT Saudi Arabia latest

It was announced in August Ottawa Treaty, with 100 of the more that Defence Secretary, Des modern and Treaty-compliant Browne, and his Saudi Paveway precision-guided bombs. It counterpart, Prince Sultan bin is clear from the papers that have Abdul-Aziz, had signed the been released following Freedom agreement under which BAE Systems of Information requests that UK will supply 72 Eurofighter Typhoon ministers at the time were keen to jets to the desert kingdom. The keep the gift from public scrutiny. Eurofighters are going to cost the Saudis about £5.4 billion with nature of the deal because of Saudi Export credit cover additional equipment such as Arabia’s bad human rights record. Another Freedom of Information onboard missiles bringing the total to The BBC website quoted CAAT request has revealed that the Export £10 billion. saying that the deal was subsidised Credits Guarantee Department The ‘agreement’ follows the by UK taxpayers and that the Ministry opened a file on the Eurofighter ‘understanding’ of December 2005 of Defence and BAE Systems had Typhoon contract in May. Other and anticipates a ‘final contract’ “failed to demonstrate any gains for details are not known and may be expected later this year. In the past, the British public”. difficult to obtain. Requests for media coverage on this has usually information about ECGD support for been in terms of how good the deal Free gift Al Yamamah 1 and 2 have been allegedly is for the UK and jobs, If you’re spending billions, a free gift refused and appeals on this are even though there is no evidence to worth £17 million is probably to be awaiting decisions from the support this. Encouragingly, this time, expected. This is what UK taxpayers Information Commissioner. some reports mentioned the bribery paid in 1999 to replace the JP233 ANN FELTHAM allegations surrounding previous anti-airfield weapons, which Saudi deals, or the controversial contravened the anti-landmine

The arms industry bites back

Many CAATnews readers will not be fairs. Brinley went one step further, use in Lebanon recently. According to aware of Brinley Salzmann, the saying “the point is it’s very difficult Amnesty International, Israeli attacks ‘Exports Director’ of the Defence to control; it’s like drug smuggling at were “indiscriminate and Manufacturers Association (DMA). He music festivals”. disproportionate” and “are war is the chief lobbyist of the arms This is a rather stupid comparison. crimes”. industry to government and an avid The use of recreational drugs at Brinley’s response was that “a reader of CAATnews. music festivals is, of course, purely national arms embargo on The Quadripartite Committee (the considered by many to be a Israel would be a totally hollow and Parliamentary Committee that harmless pursuit, but even if you take empty political gesture, serving no scrutinises arms exports) recently the view that it is not, the only harm practical purpose”. It is true, of made a criticism that comedian Mark the users do is to themselves. The course, that a UK arms embargo Thomas “was able to identify, with consumers of the torture equipment, would not on its own have apparently little effort, prima facie sadly, do not use their purchases on stopped IDF atrocities in Lebanon. evidence of breaches of export themselves; and surely torture cannot But then the UK arms embargo on control at DSEi in 2005 while HMRC be considered a harmless pursuit? Hezbollah has not stopped [Her Majesty’s Revenue and CAATnews readers will know that Hezbollah rocketing civilians in Israel Customs], who attended the fair, did the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have either – presumably that embargo is not notice the possible potential recently been indulging in also a “totally hollow and empty breaches in the brochures”. The recreational use of their UK-supplied political gesture, serving no practical DMA was reported as saying it is equipment (to be found in their purpose”, eh Brinley? “very difficult” to prevent the sale of Apache helicopters, F-16 jets, and NICK GILBY stun batons and leg irons at arms Merkava tanks), all given extensive

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CAAT CASH Fundraising

By Kathryn Busby

Musician Marco Lippe (pictured) is order your copy of his excellent CD donating 0,50 euros to CAAT from today! each sale of his recently relelased I’m delighted to announce that CD Armi D’Istruzione Di Massa. The Robin Yu will be making his first CD, the name of which translates skydive on 18th November to raise into English as Weapons of Mass money for CAAT. Robin will Instruction, is a collaboration undertake eight hours of rigorous between Marco Lippe (drummer with training at a centre near Cambridge Twenty Four Hours, Nirnaeth and before taking a solo static line jump. Nirnaeth Space Lab) and Seaweed To sponsor Robin, please send a (ex-Keyboardist of the world famous Aiutare i Bambini. Armi D’Istruzione cheque payable to CAAT to the British psychedelic trance trippers Di Massa has already attracted office. Or donate online by visiting Ozric Tentacles). The CD includes a positive attention from a number of www.bmycharity.com/robinyu special version of Pink Floyd’s Set the Italian music magazines and a Finally, many readers will recently Controls for the Heart of the Sun and glowing review from German music have received a fundraising appeal is a great Space Rock trip between website Metal District. To buy a copy relating to CAAT’s renewed call for Hawkwind and Ozric Tentacles. for 15 euros (about £10), visit an arms embargo on Israel following As well as raising money for www.masterpiecedistribution.com. their bombardment of Lebabon. CAAT, Marco is donating 0,50 euros We would like to thank Marco very Please give what you can to help per sale each to Greenpeace and much for his generous support and fund our campaign, we urgently Italian children’s charity Fondazione encourage all space rock fans to need your support. Thank you.

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GET ACTIVE! Campaign Against Arms Trade thrives on your participation

For more information on all of these contact Contact Anna at [email protected] or Beccie the CAAT office on 020 7281 0297 or if you [email protected] have any enquiries not covered below For media info contact Symon at [email protected] contact [email protected] Research the arms companies Subscribe to a CAAT email list CAAT has produced a range of research on the UK’s main Sign up to receive the monthly CAAT bulletin with the arms companies. However, staff at the CAAT office are not latest news and events; to receive press releases; to join able to track all arms company developments and would the list for the CAAT Action Network and find out about appreciate receiving any information you find. This can nonviolent direct action to stop the arms trade; or to find include anything from watching out for information in your out when the latest CAATnews is on the website. local press, to undertaking basic research in your local Contact [email protected] or visit library, to approaching a company directly for www.caat.org.uk/lists information. Contact Ian at [email protected] Make a donation The donations of our supporters enable CAAT to struggle Protest against the arms trade for a world without arms trading; without your help there A protest can confront the arms trade and illustrate that would be no campaign. Support CAAT by sending us a many people do not think that the arms trade is an cheque, setting up a regular standing order donation, or ordinary, acceptable business. In addition, a protest can by taking part in a fundraising event. generate a lot of publicity, which will raise awareness Contact Kathryn at [email protected] about the company and the arms trade in general. CAAT is a non-violent organisation and any protest organised Contact your MP under the name of CAAT needs to be non-violent (contact It is estimated that every letter written to a politician the office for the CAAT guidelines). represents about 80 people who care but haven’t got Contact Anna at [email protected] around to writing. If you would like to visit or write to your MP, contact the CAAT office to find out if your MP has Join the CAAT Christian Network shown an interest in arms trade issues. The Network raises arms trade issues within national On some issues it is also worth contacting your MEP. If church structures and local churches. you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you can Contact Alun Morinan at [email protected] also raise issues that have an impact on employment or the economy with your national representatives. Order a CAAT publication Contact Ann at [email protected] CAAT produces briefings, reports and leaflets on a range of issues. Campaign locally Contact Patrick at [email protected] CAAT has a network of local contacts and groups around the UK who take responsibility for promoting anti-arms trade activity and the work of CAAT in their area. Get in contact if you would like to know what is happening in Israel report still your area or if you are interested in becoming a local contact or setting up a group. All that’s needed is a available willingness to raise awareness of arms trade issues in any way that you feel is appropriate. If you’re looking for more Contact Beccie at [email protected] for info, detail on the arms trade including the Local Campaigns Pack. with Israel, CAAT’s 2002 report Arming the Raise awareness Occupation is still Organising a public meeting, using the local media and available. Download it for running a street stall have proved effective ways for CAAT free from our website or groups to raise awareness of arms trade issues. CAAT can buy a printed copy from provide speakers for public meetings, materials for stalls the office for £3. and can also help with publicity.

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Subscribe now! Campaigns diary

Subscription is voluntary, but we need your support. We suggest £26 waged, £14 low 12 October income and £35 for groups. Please give more if you are able, or less if not. ‘Why Should Christians Campaign against the Arms Trade?’ with Alun Morinan, CAAT Name Christian Network co-ordinator. 7.30pm, Trinity Methodist Church, Penarth (near Address Cardiff). Organised by the Penarth CAAT Christian Network as part of One World Week. For more details contact (029) 2071 1943. Postcode 16 October Tel Shut DESO Day of Action. CAAT will be joined Email by the Fellowship of Reconciliation and other groups for a day of protest to shut DESO. I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ Together we will encircle the headquarters of DESO, designating it a ‘global danger zone’, I do not want to receive an acknowledgment and send a clear signal that DESO’s place in government is unacceptable. You’ll also have the chance to lobby your MP in the afternoon, as part of our three-month lobby. See page 6. Please give by 28 October standing order Take back the web. Conference in Brighton on using the Internet as a campaigning tool It helps CAAT plan ahead more effectively and empowering grassroots, local and costs less to administer, so more money organisations with useful Internet skills. For goes directly to campaigning. Just £3 a month more see www.caat.org.uk/events makes a real difference. 25 November Name CAAT National Gathering. 10am–6pm, Mary Bank address Ward House, Tavistock Place, London. Our annual conference for everyone interested in ending arms exports. A day of talks, discussions and workshops to find out more Postcode about the issues, improve your campaigning skills and meet other CAAT supporters. See Sort code Acc No page 3. Please pay: The Co-operative Bank Plc, 1 Islington High 19 January Street, London, N1 9TR (sort code 08 90 33) for the account of CAMPAIGN AGAINST ARMS TRADE (account number CAAT Public Speaking Training in Leeds. 50503544) the sum of Workshops for anyone who gives speeches or workshops on behalf of CAAT or would like pounds (£ ) to. Exact venue and time to be announced. See page 7. starting on (dd/mm/yyyy) and monthly/ annually thereafter. Our online events diary is updated regularly between issues of CAATnews. Find it at www.caat.org.uk/events Signed

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