Ecolo blocks export of material with nuclear capabilities for UK defense industry, UK government could retaliate by cancelling FN Herstal orders, according to LN24’s Martin Buxant

3 comments
  1. I wrote another headline, because the original is too clickbaity in my opinion.

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    >On 9 November, several decisions taken by the Kern, the restricted Council of Ministers, caused controversy. The decision to send the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib to Qatar to attend the Red Devils’ matches was the subject of much discussion, especially within the Ecolo party. But the Greens finally accepted the decision.
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    >However, another decision taken during the council of ministers will be blocked by the Green party.
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    >”On the same day, during the same Council of Ministers, another item, classified as a defence secret, was on the agenda and was also proposed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib: it was to authorise the export to Great Britain of material for nuclear use by British defence,” explains Martin Buxant.
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    >It is an export licence for machines to be used for the maintenance of the British nuclear arsenal. But for Ecolo, this is too much.
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    >After this veto by the ecologists, a minister was quoted as saying: “Soon, with this kind of decision, we won’t be able to sell anything to anyone. Belgium is shooting itself in the foot for pseudo-principles.
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    >This equipment destined for Great Britain is produced by a Flemish manufacturer, but as a response to the blockages or delays, the British have already hinted that they could cancel purchases of Walloon military equipment from FN Herstal. A decision that would therefore penalise Flanders and Wallonia.
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    >Contacted by Martin Buxant, the Ecolo deputy prime minister Georges Gilkinet did not provide an explanation.
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    >Translated with [www.DeepL.com/Translator](http://www.DeepL.com/Translator) (free version)

  2. Clearly, the best way to protect yourself from nuclear disaster is…….refusing to sell maintenance equipment for nuclear weapons?

  3. Pretty sure FN Herstal exports have killed more people than whatever this export product will do. As FN is 100% state-owned by the Walloon government, of which Ecolo is a part, they don’t really have any moral high ground.

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