EU debating arms sales to Northern Alliance

A request by the United Kingdom for the European Union to raise sanctions on Afghanistan to allow arms supplies to reach the Northern Alliance opposition forces has been accepted by the 15 member states.

Since 1996, an internal EU document prohibited EU member states from becoming involved in the conflict in Afghanistan. The member states were forbidden to sell “arms and munitions to the parties involved in the Afghanistan conflict”.

The United Kingdom issued its request based on a recent United Nations resolution (number 1333) which stipulates that this embargo should be limited only to the areas where the Taleban hold power. The EU member states agreed in principle, a decision which is expected to be ratified on 5th November at the Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels.

John ASHTEAD PRAVDA.Ru LONDON UNITED KINGDOM