On Monday 22 January, the foreign ministers of EU member states adopted a new strategy on Iraq, as set out in the proposal for a joint communication from the Commission and High Representative entitled “Elements for a European Union Strategy for engagement with Iraq”, published on 8 January (see EUROPE 11934).
Together with the conclusions adopted on 22 January by the Council, the communication now constitutes the EU’s strategy towards Iraq, ministers state in their conclusions. The Council, which endorses the objectives and strategic approach detailed in the communication, “agrees that swift implementation is now crucial in order to maintain the momentum after the liberation from Da’esh towards building a better future for Iraq”. Given the many challenges to be faced, the EU will work towards all its strategic objectives in Iraq concurrently, it states. Among other things, objectives concern “preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, as well as its ethnic and religious diversity”, and the strengthening of the political system though support to efforts deployed in order to set in place a “balanced, inclusive, accountable and democratic system of government”, and sustainable economic growth.
The Council therefore calls on all relevant stakeholders in Iraq to “work together in a peaceful, cooperative and accountable manner” to address the political, social and economic factors at the basis of instability “laying the ground for an inclusive state, allowing (...) opportunities for all and consolidating the recent military gains against Da’esh”. Ministers believe the international conference for rebuilding Iraq, scheduled for February, will give the Iraqi government an opportunity to demonstrate “Iraq’s commitment to economic and social reforms which are crucial to mobilise much needed international support for reconstruction and longer-term recovery”.
In their conclusions, they encourage the government to pursue its work with a view to the national elections in May 2018 “which must be legitimate and democratic”. They add that the elections will be an “opportunity to build a more inclusive and democratic state which works in the interests of all Iraqis”. On 22 January, the Iraqi parliament confirmed elections would be held on 12 May, despite the request by Sunni and Kurd legislators to delay the ballot. “Full participation of all components of Iraqi society, including the Kurdistan region, will be crucial to ensure that the elections promote truly representative institutions and inclusive governance”, the Council states.
The Council conclusions also include the situation of foreign fighters, while the first Europeans accused of being members of Da’esh are currently being judged and sentenced to death. “The EU stands ready to support Iraqi and international efforts to hold members of Da’esh to account and ensure accountability (...). Cooperation and information sharing with relevant actors involved, in a legally compliant manner and through the appropriate channels, remain crucial”, the Council underlines. It goes on to stress its opposition to the death penalty. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)