Brussels, 06/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - On behalf of the EU, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called on all the actors of Iraqi society, during the evening of Monday 5 October, to bring their support to the reforms and to implementation of these reforms.
“This is essential for political, economic and social progress in the whole of Iraq and will help promote a better life for all Iraqis. A stronger and unified Iraq will increase the effectiveness of the fight against ISIL/Daesh”, Mogherini stated in a press release. She reiterated the EU's strong support for the reform package announced by the Iraqi government in August 2015 - a package which aims to fight corruption, improve the provision of services to citizens and “thus boost overall governance”. Mogherini said that the EU hails the commitment of the Iraqi government to fulfilling its September 2014 programme, which “seeks to deliver inclusive governance, meaningful national reconciliation and genuine political reform”. In addition, she reiterated that the EU backed the democratically elected Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
“Reform can be challenging”, Mogherini stated, saying that the EU commended the Iraqi government's “courage” in adopting these measures. “The EU therefore expresses its continued commitment to using all its available instruments and working closely with the Iraqi partners”, Mogherini added. “These include EU support to stabilisation of areas liberated from ISIL/Daesh, support for improvements in the rule of law, counter-terrorism cooperation, reconciliation and peace-building measures”, she said.
Alongside this, the EU and its member states remain committed to making the best possible use of the EU-Iraq partnership and cooperation agreement, “in order to provide long-term assistance and improve Iraq's governance and economic and social development”, Mogherini said. She also reiterated the EU's firm support for Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
EU says Iraq deserves support from international community. Underlining the fragility of the situation in the Middle East and the threat of “violent extremism” from ISIL/Daesh, Mogherini stated that Iraq was “one of the countries on the front line of that struggle” and “deserves” the support of the international community. She called on all the countries in the region to support the Iraqi government in its efforts to promote reconciliation and restore long-lasting peace and stability in the country. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)