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Italy resumes arms exports to Saudi Arabia after two years of restrictions

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Nitish Verma
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The “Gulf Shooting 2021” drill kicks off in Kuwait, with the participation of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Kuwaiti Land Force and US Army’s Spartan Force <br> Image Credit: SPA
Italy has lifted an embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the government said in a statement following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday . The decision comes after two years of partial or total restrictions on military equipment exports to the Gulf state, due to concerns over its involvement in the Yemen conflict.
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Background of the embargo

Italy had imposed a partial ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June 2019, following a report by the United Nations that accused both countries of violating international humanitarian law and human rights in Yemen. The ban was extended to a total embargo in January 2021, when Italy announced that it would not renew the export licenses for missiles and bombs destined for Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The move was praised by human rights groups and peace activists, who had campaigned for years to stop Italy from supplying weapons that could be used to kill civilians in Yemen.

Reasons for lifting the embargo

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According to government sources, Italy decided to lift the embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia for several reasons. First, it wanted to ease diplomatic tensions with the Gulf state, which is a strategic partner for Italy in the region and a major buyer of Italian-made weapons. Second, it wanted to support the Italian defense industry, which had suffered significant losses due to the embargo. Third, it wanted to acknowledge the positive steps taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen, such as the ceasefire agreement signed in December 2020 and the withdrawal of UAE troops from the country.

 Reactions and implications

The decision to resume arms exports to Saudi Arabia has sparked mixed reactions from different actors. On one hand, some Italian politicians and defense companies welcomed the move, saying that it would boost Italy's economy and security interests. On the other hand, some opposition parties and civil society groups condemned the move, saying that it would undermine Italy's credibility and commitment to human rights and peace. They also warned that lifting the embargo could fuel the ongoing war in Yemen, which has caused more than 230,000 deaths and millions of displacements since 2015.
The decision also has implications for other European countries that have imposed similar restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as Germany, Belgium, and Finland. It remains to be seen whether they will follow Italy's example and lift their embargoes, or maintain their stance and pressure Italy to reconsider its decision.
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