BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – The federal government has approved arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit confirmed a report from “Spiegel” in Berlin on Wednesday that it was about the export of 150 Iris-T air-to-air guided missiles. According to “Spiegel”, this emerges from a communication from the Federal Ministry of Economics to the Economic Committee of the Bundestag.
According to the report, the Federal Security Council approved the export of the guided missiles at the end of last year. The Federal Security Council includes Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and other ministers.
The news comes shortly after statements from the federal government that Saudi Arabia can hope for the federal government’s green light for the delivery of Eurofighter fighter jets because of its rapprochement with Israel. Corresponding statements by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) have the backing of Olaf Scholz (SPD). In parts of her own party, however, Baerbock’s statements were less well received. Reference was made to the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia./hoe/DP/men