Turkish violation of the embargo on arms exports to Syria

19.12.2013

Question for written answer E-014342-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Marietta Giannakou (PPE)

According to a recent story in the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, which quotes information from the United Nations and the Turkish statistical authority, Turkey appears to have exported 47 tonnes of military material to Syria between June and the end of October 2013.

Following a delay of some days, Turkish Defence Minister Ismet Yilmaz finally rejected the accusations, claiming that the exports in question related to hunting and replica weapons suitable for sports activities.

1. Is the Commission aware of the aforementioned exports, and if so does it believe that there is an issue of the arms embargo against Syria being violated by Turkey?

2. Does it plan to request further information from the Turkish authorities regarding the export of military materials to Syria in the period in question, and in particular the recipients of the military systems in question?

OJ C 275, 21/08/2014