Earlier this month a series of leaked US cables from its Brussels embassy published in Belgian newspapers revealed that Belgian officials had suggested to the US government that the country’s 2009 law banning depleted uranium weapons would not affect US military shipments of equipment through the country. Belgian campaigners reacted angrily to the news as the legislation clearly stipulates that the transit of depleted uranium and other inhumane weapons covered by the ban across Belgian territory is restricted. According to the cables, Belgian officials had privately suggested that Belgium’s treaty obligations to NATO took precedence over their domestic legislation.

Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Steven Vanackere

In response to the leaks, MP Dirk Van der Maelen, one of the most vociferous supporters of the legislation has submitted a series of written questions to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Steven Vanackere in the House of Representatives. Asking whether uranium weapons or vehicles with uranium armour plate had been shipped through Belgian ports or airports, the questions also seek detail on:

- the origin of the weapons,
- quantities and calibres,
- the final destination of the weapons,
- whether the weapons were deployed and used at their final destinations,
- under what international framework did the shipments take place,
- which Belgian authorities authorised the shipments.

The Minister has 40 days to answer the questions. The original Dutch text of the questions are below:

See also

• 

  International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons

  WIKILEAKS: Belgian government told US that depleted uranium ban did not cover Antwerp shipments

  A series of leaked US cables has revealed that Belgium’s government assured the US that the country’s domestic ban would not apply to US shipments through Antwerp following anger at the passage of the law.

  3 February 2011 - ICBUW