EU Arms Embargoes - Liberia

The European Union arms embargo on Liberia

In order to implement the UN arms embargo on Liberia, the European Union member states adopted Council Common Position (2001/357/2001) in May 2001.

In February 2004 the embargo was repealed and replaced by Council Common Position 2004/137/CFSP.

In December 2004 the embargo was extended for a period of 12 months by Council Common Position 2004/902/CFSP.

In January 2006 the embargo was extended for a period of 12 months by Council Common Position 2006/31/CFSP.

Following modifications to the UN arms embargo in June 2006, the EU adopted Council Common Position 2006/518/CFSP in July 2006. In accordance with the changes made to the UN embargo, the Common Position states that the EU embargo no longer applies to:

'a) weapons and ammunition already provided to members of the Special Security Service (SSS) for training purposes and remaining in the custody of the SSS for unencumbered operational use, provided that their transfer to the SSS had been approved in advance by the Committee established by paragraph 21 of UNSC 1521 (2003) (‘the Committee’), and technical and financial assistance related to such weapons and ammunition;

(b) weapons and ammunition intended for use by members of the Government of Liberia police and security forces who have been vetted and trained since the inception of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, provided that such supplies have been approved in advance by the Committee, upon a joint request by the Government of Liberia and the exporting State, and technical and financial assistance related to such weapons and ammunition.'


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