EU emphasizes role of neighbours in Iraq's development
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Brussels, July 6, IRNA
EU-Iraq-Neighbours
The European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Wednesday said the role of neighbouring countries of Iraq is vital to the country's development.
"I believe Iraq's own neighbourhood should play a central role in its development," she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg Wednesday during a debate on Iraq.
"The new order in Iraq has shifted the balance in the region, and we need to ensure that those countries nearby do not feel threatened.
They need to see the new Iraq as part of the common future of their region," said the Commissioner.
The EU is to open an office in Baghdad in the coming months, she said.
"I can tell you that this is not an easy step for us to take, but I am convinced that the time is right for us to send this strong signal of our lasting commitment to the region.''
Ferrero-Waldner urged the international community to do more to reduce or reschedule Iraq's debt.
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