Brussels, 17/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - A new cooperation framework is to help the emerging Iraqi democracy to complete its political transition process, to rebuild and restore normal relations with the rest of the world.
In a resolution adopted during plenary session in Strasbourg, on Thursday 17 January, on the basis of the report by their Italian colleague, Mario Mauro (EPP), MEPs gave their support to the partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Iraq, signed in May 2012 and renewable every ten years.
The agreement aims to promote bilateral relations in trade, investment and development. A non-preferential trade agreement, in force since 1 August 2012, provides basic trade cooperation rules allowing Iraq to envisage WTO membership.
On the political front, a ministerial meeting is scheduled each year to assess progress made on peace, democracy and rule of law. The EU will support Iraq in signing up to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The agreement also promotes human rights and fundamental freedoms, and aims at combating terrorism and the proliferation of weapons.
In another non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday, the Parliament underlines its concern regarding the recurrent acts of violence against civilians, vulnerable groups and religious communities. Baghdad is called upon to adopt more stringent measures in order to combat inter-ethnic violence.
The Parliament is calling for a stronger presence in Iraq, saying the EU delegation should be given the necessary financial and human resources to become fully operational. In addition to making adequate premises available, MEPs underline that the head of the delegation should be able to travel safely in order to verify that programmes funded by the EU are correctly implemented and in order to monitor the human rights situation and the reform process. (EH/transl.jl)