Brussels, 15/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 December, the EU foreign affairs ministers hailed the progress made by the Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, in the fight against Islamic State (IS) in Iraq throughout 2015. The EU ministers also gave their firm support to the efforts of the global coalition in helping Iraq confront IS.
In their conclusions on Iraq from the Foreign Affairs Council, the ministers state that the EU will continue to implement the strategies adopted, with emphasis on the fight against foreign fighters. The EU “will in particular step up its efforts to prevent the terrorist financing, curbing its revenues such as illicit sales of oil and cultural artefacts”, the ministers add. According to the Council, efforts will also be multiplied to counter the terrorist narrative and improve information exchanges to stop foreign terrorist fighters. In addition, the EU intends to deepen its political dialogue on these issues with its partners.
The EU also calls on the different parties in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to work together “in a spirit of compromise” to resolve the current political impasse through dialogue and moderation.
The Council reiterates its support to the democratically elected Iraqi government and calls for reform efforts to be stepped up and for implementation of the reforms to be accelerated. In the EU's view, inclusive political governance is crucial for lasting peace and stability in Iraq. The EU remains firmly committed to working in close collaboration with the Iraqi partners, and wants to continue emphasising cooperation against terrorism, the immediate stabilisation of liberated areas and support for the initiatives for reconciliation and the consolidation of peace. The EU and its member states will explore the possibilities of developing their support for Iraq in the areas of the rule of law, governance and socio-economic development, the Council adds. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)