British arms supplies fuelling abuses in Nepal, says Amnesty

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Richard Norton-Taylor
Wednesday June 15, 2005
The Guardian

Britain is among international arms suppliers fuelling serious human rights abuses in Nepal and the conflict there between the army and Maoist rebels, says Amnesty International.

In a report out today, the human rights organisation points to the killing and abduction of civilians by both sides in the Nepalese conflict.

Its central point, however, is that foreign arms and military equipment, including helicopters, have been used in attacks on civilians, including extrajudicial executions.

Countries that have supplied arms and weapons systems to Nepal include Britain, India, France, South Africa and Belgium. In 2003 the UK provided Nepal's army with two Mi-17 helicopters, and last year sent it two Islander short takeoff and landing aircraft.
In 2001, the British government granted export licences for the supply of 6,780 assault rifles to Nepal. It is unclear when, or if, they were all sold.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/armstrade/story/0,10674,1506530,00.html

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1. 3. Can't believe what GB gets away with!