WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden is preparing for an overhaul’s weapon export policy to increase the emphasis on human rights, departure from former Priority President Donald Trump for economic benefits for US defense contractors, the initiative said.
Defense companies and activists examine the policy for insight into administrative postures because of balancing commercial interests exporters such as Lockheed Martin Co (LMT.N) and Raytheon Technologies (RTX.n) on the commitment of the country to human rights.
Two representatives of the Department of State Deputy Secretary will provide a brief basis of Congress staff regarding the design of conventional arm transfer policies (cats) on Friday, saying two people who are familiar with the situation, with formal opening is estimated immediately after September.
The administration directed a smaller group of Congress helper about two weeks ago, outlining the desire of the State Department for the review of the sales of “stronger” with more input from the Department of Human Rights bureau, administrative resources and participating congress helpers.
Details of the proposed change have not been completed and circulated to other agents who are more friendly export like the Department of Defense, said people.
Pentagon traditionally recommends placing weapons in the hands of allies so that US forces can rely on them more in foreign conflicts.
A congressional helper involved in the briefing on this issue said he expects policy changes to have the greatest impact on smaller arms sales such as assault rifles and supervisory equipment, which can be used by police or paramilitary forces against the domestic population.
A senior administrative official confirmed that new cat policies were being worked on and “will help us build and maintain strategic partnerships that most reflect the values ​​and interests of the United States.” The new policy will also “stronger discuss” the connection between the transfer of weapons and human rights, the official said.
The changed policies can affect sales to countries such as the Philippines, where human rights groups call for investigations of police use of deadly power during raids.
The main system sales, such as air defense systems or naval systems, can be slowed even though they will likely remain advanced.
“In some cases it will add additional layers to reach yes in certain cases,” said Aide Congress.
Progressive PressureAdvocates from a stronger emphasis on human rights said the shift can affect sales to countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, mainly put pressure from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party Biden for the civil war in the civil war in Yemen.
“Approach A.S.S.
New for weapons sales is needed.
We must move outside to approach weapons sales as a pure transaction,” said Rachel Stohl, vice president at the center of Stimson in Washington.
“Overall, Biden people seem to be in the same mode as the Trump people in promoting exports of weapons,” said Aide Congress, noting that the tempo of sales of weapons under Biden administration is almost the same as under Trump.
The United States easily the largest weapon merchant in the world, selling more than $ 100 billion in weapons, services, and training a year.
Trump, a republic who likes weapons sales as a way to create US jobs, launched in 2018 new versions of cat policies that provide as many commercial problems as much as human rights in deciding whether to approve weapons sales.
Weapon Manufacturer A.S.
Supporting Trump’s strategy, which called for the Cabinet Secretary to act as a cover on the main weapon agreement and send high-ranking officials to government officials to promote US weapons at international air exhibitions and bazaars of weapons.
Trump himself promoted arms deal in meetings and conversations with foreign leaders, including pressing Emir Kuwait to move forward with a $ 10 billion combat jet agreement.
He controversially set aside a review of Congress from the main agreement to push through large sales of smart bombs and other weapons to Saudi Arabia and UAE, despite worries about Yemen’s war and murder of Jamal Khashoggi journalists.
Trump said Riyadh spent billions “on the purchase of military equipment from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and many other big Defense Contractors” and cancel the contract will be “stupid.”