'India's plan to sell chopper to Myanmar threatens EU ban'

India's plan to sell the Advanced Light Helicopter to Myanmar threatens a European Union arms embargo to that country, Amnesty International claimed on Monday.

It said the Indian-manufactured helicopter would not be operational without vital components from EU member states and highlighted the urgent need for stricter EU arms controls.

The London-based rights group said France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Italy and Britain provided components and technology for the helicopter potentially flouting the 19-year-old ban on arms sales.

Its report 'Indian helicopters for Myanmar: making a mockery of the EU arms embargo?' was compiled by European and international non-governmental organisations, including Saferworld, which works to prevent armed violence.

The report said variants of the ALH attack helicopter contained rocket launchers from Belgium, rockets guns and engines from France, brake systems from Italy, fuel tanks and gearboxes from the UK and self-protection equipment from a Swedish company.

German companies have been crucial to the design development of the ALH.

Saferworld's Roy Isbister said: "The EU embargo explicitly states that no military equipment should be supplied, either directly or indirectly for use in Myanmar -- what's the point in having an arms embargo if it is not going to be implemented or enforced?"

Amnesty International's arms control researcher Helen Hughes said: "Greater attention has to be given to the end-use agreements and the re-export of components from EU member states. Otherwise, these states could find themselves indirectly propping up a brutal regime, which they themselves have condemned and whose violations have amounted to crimes against humanity."