EU leaders underline pivotal UN role in Iraq
IRNA
Brussels, Dec 12, IRNA -- European Union leaders reiterated Friday the European bloc`s commitment to support the political as well as the economic reconstruction of Iraq, within the framework of the relevant UNSC Resolutions. "An adequate security environment and a strong and vital UN role are essential elements for success," they said in a statement issued after discussing Iraq during a summit which opened Friday. The summit welcomed the agreement establishing a timeline and a program for an accelerated transfer of sovereignty to a transitional Iraqi government, and called on all parties involved to keep the political process moving forward in an orderly and peaceful manner. "The European Council recognizes and encourages the efforts under way by the Iraqi Governing Council and its ministries to assume more direct responsibilities and executive powers, particularly in the security field," said the statement. EU leaders urged all countries in the region to contribute actively to the stability and economic reconstruction of Iraq. "A free, democratic and prosperous Iraq, whose territorial integrity is preserved, will be essential for the stability of the region and beyond," stressed the statement. Meanwhile, European Parliament President Pat Cox criticized the decision by the US to bar countries which did not participate in the invasion of Iraq from the reconstruction of the country. "It is not an ideal way to multilateralism. It is adding salt to a wound," Cox told reporters in Brussels. In a related development, the European Commission decided Friday to release the first contribution of 29 million euros from the EU budget for reconstruction activities in Iraq. The contribution, which is part of the 200-million-euro that the EU pledged at the Madrid Donors Conference, will support UNDP, WHO`s efforts to rehabilitate basic social services in Iraq. NK/AA/213 End
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
