A leading global rights organization is urging the Greek government to scrap a controversial arms sale to Saudi Arabia, saying the weapons could be used against civilians in the ongoing war in Yemen.
Amnesty International voiced deep concern on Monday over the proposed deal, saying there was a “real danger” that the artillery shells would be used by the Saudi-led military coalition fighting Shiite rebels in the impoverished country.
The agreement has been strongly criticized by Greek opposition parties, while at least two lawmakers in the governing left-wing Syriza party have called for its cancellation on grounds that the arms could be used in Yemen.
The Greek parliament is debating the allegedly shady deal, with the opposition hammering PM Alexis Tsipras over Defence Minister and government coalition partner Panos Kammenos’ approval of the deal last summer.
The prime minister is apparently standing by his coalition partner in his parliament speech, while several Syriza MPs, including cabinet ministers, are reportedly asking the government to cancel the deal, thus avoiding international condemnation.
(Source: AP)
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
