Russia bans arms supplies to Somalia, restricts military cooperation

Moscow, 28 April: In pursuance of UN Security Council Resolution 1844, Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev has signed a decree imposing an embargo on the supply of all military products from Russia to Somalia.

The same decree prohibits "the financing of any purchase or supply of military products in Somalia, direct or indirect provision of military-technical consulting services to Somalia, financial or other assistance, provision of services in training military and military-technical personnel".

According to the decree, the ban applies to all public agencies, industrial, trade, financial, transport and other enterprises, banks, organizations, or other legal and physical entities which are under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation.

The embargo does not apply to military products meant for use by Russia in fighting piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia or military-technical assistance to Somalia aimed at strengthening the country's ability to ensure security on the coast and at sea.

The restrictions do not apply to means of protection, including body armour and helmets, brought to Somalia by UN personnel, media representatives and humanitarian organizations for personal use.

The embargo does not apply to supplies of "non-lethal military equipment meant for exclusively humanitarian and protection purposes".

Source: Interfax