Israel bows to U.S. on tech exports to China, Russia, India, Pakistan
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, August 30, 2000
TEL AVIV - The United States and Israel are close to an agreement on
Israeli arms exports controls and technology transfers.
The agreement stipulates that Israel must consult with the U.S before
concluding any defense deals with Russia, India, China and Pakistan.
The U.S. originally stipulated 25 countries that Israel would not be
permitted to trade with without prior approval but Washington has modified
its demands.
Israel continues to raise concerns over U.S. arm sales to Arab
countries, including the sale of 80 F-16 fighter jets to the United Arab
Emirates. But an agreement on arms exports controls between Israel and the
U.S. is unlikely to impose limitations on U.S. exports to countries that
don't recognize the State of Israel, Israeli sources said.
Washington is also demanding that Israel participate in a joint
technology committee with the U.S., intended to investigate complaints that
Israel illegally transferred U.S.-manufactured components to third
countries.
Israel recently bowed to U.S. pressure and cancelled a $250 million to
sell the Phalcon airborne early warning system to China. China has since
threatened to sue Israel for $500 million in damages and has forbidden
Israel to sell the aircraft, demanding that it be delivered to Beijing.
Meanwhile India is also interested in purchasing the Phalcon but
military officials in New Dehli have expressed concern over Israel's ability
to deliver on the deal.
The United States and Israel have reportedly reached an agrement that
the U.S. will compensate Israel Aircraft Industries for the cancellation of
the Phalcon sale but no details were available as to the extent of the
compensation. Senior defense ministry sources said that the compensation
would be included in a special strategic aid package to Israel, Ha'aretz
said Monday.
Defense Ministry Director-General Amos Yaron is scheduled to meet with
U.S. officials Wednesday to discuss the arms exports control agreement and
Israel's request for U.S. funding for a multi-million dollar project to
develop drones capable of attacking missile launchers and ground-to-ground
missiles.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak made a one-day visit to
Ankara to try and improve Israel's chances of winning several Turkish
defense contracts.
Israel is currently bidding for contracts worth several hundred million
dollars, including the upgrade of 180 U.S.-manufactured MIAI Abrams main
battle tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles worth $300 million and anti-tank
missiles.
Turkey also wants to acquire the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system
which is a joint Israeli-U.S. project. Final approval for the transfer of
technology depends on the U.S.
Wednesday, August 30, 2000
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