France suspended Egypt arms sales

France suspended the sale of arms and security equipment to Egypt about ten days ago, Prime Minister François Fillon's office said Saturday.

Reuters/Goran Tomasevic

Weapons sales were suspended on 27 January, while the export of police equipment, most notably tear gas canisters, were stopped on 25 January.

The Socialist opposition criticised the government for continuing to export explosives to Tunisia as the demonstrations which toppled President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali took place.

Foreign Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie has been widely criticised for offering French savoir faire to the Tunisian security forces and allegedly cosy relations with Ben Ali's entourage.