Luxembourg, 22/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 22 April, the 27 EU foreign affairs ministers hailed the holding of provincial elections in Iraq on 20 April and congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation. “The elections are an important step towards a consolidation of the democratic system in which the provincial councils play an essential role”, they say in their conclusions, regretting the fact that the elections did not take place in all regions.
Concerned by the “increased tension and the recently deteriorating human rights situation”, the Council calls on all parties to refrain from the use of violence, and it calls on the Iraqi government and all the political forces in Iraq to engage in an inclusive and genuine dialogue to address the grievances and resolve the political differences. “It is only through such a dialogue, founded on tolerance and mutual respect, that durable stability can be built”, the Council underlines. The minsters also state that Iraq is a key partner in the context of regional conflicts, and they call on the Iraqi government to allow entry to Syrian civilians fleeing the violence and to do whatever is necessary to prevent any supply of weapons to the Syrian regime.
The Council also reiterates its commitment to develop “a solid, long-term and mutually beneficial partnership with Iraq”, saying that this requires Baghdad to build a stable political, judicial and economic environment. Underlining that inclusive economic growth is central to improving Iraq's long-term stability, the EU foreign affairs ministers recall the EU-Iraq partnership and cooperation agreement. The EU also supports Iraq in its quest for a sustainable democratic system and its resolve to make progress on good governance and the rule of law, they add. The EU foreign ministers reiterate that they want “a smooth and effective handover” of Eujust-Lex Iraq to other European and international actors and to the Iraqi authorities.
In addition, the EU hails the work of the United Nations assistance mission for Iraq and the work of the special representative of the United Nations secretary general, who has been criticised by MEPs for his management of Camp Ashraf. (CG/transl.fl)