Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has issued guidelines that link military exports to human rights.

The administration of President Barack Obama has updated foreign military sales rules for the first time in nearly 20 years. Officials said the new guidelines, formulated after two years of work, would limit arms sales to countries deemed human rights violators, including those in the Middle East.

“The scope of the policy has also broadened to include not only transfers of arms, but also the provision of related services and the transfer of technical data related to arms,” the White House said. “The 1995 policy had dealt with these issues in general terms. The new policy addresses them directly.”

In a statement on Jan. 15, the White House stressed that U.S. security interests would continue to play a role in arms sales. During the Obama administration, Saudi Arabia, deemed a leading human rights violator concluded a record $29.4 billion arms deal for the procurement and modernization of more than 150 F-15 fighter-jets. In 2013, the United States reported a record $60 billion in arms exports.

“Our policy continues to be guided by two fundamental tenets: to support transfers that meet the legitimate security requirements of our allies and partners in support of our national security and foreign policy interests; and to promote restraint, both by the United States and other suppliers, in transfers of weapon systems that may be destabilizing or dangerous to
international peace and security,” the White House said.

Officials acknowledged that Egypt, despite the guidelines, could see a
renewal of U.S. aid and arms deliveries in 2014. On Jan. 16, Egyptians were
said to have approved a new constitution, which could serve as a trigger for
the relay of most of the $1.3 billion in U.S. military assistance to Cairo.

“Up to $975 million may be made available if the secretary of state
certifies that Egypt has held a constitutional referendum and is taking
steps to support a democratic transition in Egypt,” State Department
spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

“And up to $576.8 million is made available if
the secretary certifies that Egypt has held parliamentary and presidential
elections and that a newly elected government is taking steps to govern
democratically.”

  Egypt deals proceed, Jen Psaki, Obama ties military sales to human rights as Saudi, Saudi F-15s