[A-List] Global imperialism: arms trade

["Keaney Michael" <Michael.Keaney@xxxxxx>]

Big fall in weapons sales to third world
IAN BRUCE
The Herald, 9 August 2002

INTERNATIONAL arms sales to the third world fell dramatically last year as a
result of the global economic downturn, according to a US congressional
study published yesterday.

However, developing nations continue to be the main target of weapons'
suppliers.

The value of arms transfer agreements signed with developing nations in 2001
was nearly £11bn, and the value of weapons delivered was £10bn, the lowest
for eight years.

The global value for all military hardware sales to developed and developing
countries topped £17bn, as opposed to more than £28bn in 2000.

Israel was the largest "developing nation" buyer in the arms bazaar last
year, although the majority of its £1.8bn of equipment was imported under
long-term procurement plans and was not a response to the Palestinian
conflict, the report states.

The US remains the biggest supplier of arms, with sales worth £8.9bn, with
Russia in second place at £4.2bn, and France third with £2.1bn.

"Many developing nations have curtailed their expenditure on weaponry,
primarily due to their limited resources," the report adds.