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Ireland backs early restoration of sovereignty in Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

London, Jan 31, IRNA -- The Irish presidency of the European Union is 
backing attempts to speed up the restoration of sovereignty in 
occupied Iraq, according to Foreign Minister Brian Cowen. 
"I would be broadly supportive of any proposal which would give 
the transfer of sovereignty process a further push forward and the new
Iraqi authorities established by this process greater international 
legitimacy," Cowen said. 
The Irish Foreign Minister was speaking at a press conference 
after holding talks with his French counterpart Dominique de Villepin 
in Dublin on Friday. 
He said that de Villepin briefed him on his proposals regarding 
Iraq and that the French Foreign Minister was continuing to work "very
strongly in this whole area." 
The two ministers also discussed the EU constitution, wider 
relations with the US focused on cooperation of common concerns and 
interests and recent developments in Afghanistan and the Western 
Balkans. 
"These are all examples of issues where we could work together and 
play an important part in the maintenance of international peace and 
security," Cowen said. 
In an interview with French daily Sud Ouest earlier this month, 
De Villepin said that the crux of the Iraq problem is the political 
vacuum in the country. 
"To enable her to get through this difficult period, the 
restoration of Iraq`s sovereignty must be speeded up," he said 
referring to the timetable for setting up a provisional government by 
June 30. 
The French Foreign Minister said that he also supported the 
involvement of Iraq`s neighbouring countries and the international 
community and the holding of an international conference under United 
Nations aegis after June 30. 
"With the same aim, we want to promote a discussion on a new 
security architecture in the Middle East, which could address all the 
issues: respect of borders, battle against terrorism, and non- 
proliferation, in order to strengthen the region`s stability," he 
said. 
HC/210 
End