The cancellation of the licences followed an application by the Human Rights League (HRL) and the National Coordination of Action for Peace and Democracy (CNAPD).
Under an arrangement by the Walloon regional government in Belgium, arms are exported to Libya following Tripoli's order for arms to the tune 12 million euros.
According to the Belgium Council of State, the licences are no longer valid because the decision was made by the new Walloon government which had not yet been sworn into office.
The Minister-President of the Walloon government, Rudy Demotte, gave the green light for the arms exportation to Libya shortly after its legislative and regional election results were made known on 6 June.
In addition, the Belgium government believes that such arms could be used for re pression against the people or immigrants in Libya.
But Libyan trade unions say arms imported into Libya would be used to protect human lives, especially in securing the humanitarian corridors towards Darfur, Sudan.
After the first shipment of arms to Tripoli, the Libyan government again ordered for more arms, this time to the tune of 111 million euros for a period of five years (2010-2015).
The trade unions say the new shipment will provide jobs for 400 people.
Under the Belgian constitution, regional governments are empowered to issue export licences.
Brussels - 30/10/2009
Pana
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