The outgoing Dzurinda cabinet has abolished the license commission for arms exports, and has given the Foreign Ministry complete authority over deciding which companies are allowed to import and export weapons and military material.
Following a report in The Slovak Spectator in December 2001 showing business links between commission members and arms exporting companies, the body came under serious criticism for untransparent work, and three members were removed in February 2002.
Arms exports have been watched more closely following last September’s terrorist attacks on the US, as well as the October 2001 release of a UN report showing the involvement of Slovak citizen Peter Jusko in a global arms smuggling ring that was later alleged to have supplied weapons to the Al Qaida terrorist ring in Afghanistan.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
