Luxembourg, 13/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - The External Relations Council adopted on Monday its conclusion on Iraq, in which they gave an agreement in principle on the Community contribution of EUR 200 million for 2003-04 and Iraq's reconstruction. It also reiterated its appeal for a "strong and vital role" of the United Nations. In view of the Donors Conference in Madrid on 23-24 October, only the United Kingdom went beyond its national contribution, which will rise to EUR 375 million for 2003-04. While the United Kingdom and Spain gave a low down on the progress being made on the ground, on Monday in Luxembourg, Germany underlined the risks that, "the occupation be exploited by terrorists and criminals".
Some of the progress achieved on the ground, as outlined by British Minister Jack Straw were, "the implementation of 400 operational courts ad an independent legal apparatus, restoration of electricity, better paid teachers and a growing economy. The United Kingdom indicated that a new draft for a second United Nations Security Council resolution should be presented in New York on Monday and would take into account the "comments" brought by the different partners up to now. Mr Straw said that this was not a perfect draft but thought that it could be voted on next week. While worried by the question of Iraq's territorial integrity, Germany insisted on the importance of ensuring the legitimacy of Iraqi authority and by going beyond "the logic of occupation" to a "logic of liberation". Spain called on the EU to speak with a single voice and send a "message of solidarity" during the Madrid conference. Chris Patten, Commissioner for External Relations, supported this appeal and called for a "consolidated approach of the EU" in Madrid. He also pointed out that he Commission had not proposed a multi-annual budget for Iraq, as was the case during the Tokyo Conference for Afghanistan, preferring to wait for developments in the situation on the ground.
Here are the conclusions adopted by the Council:
"The Council reiterated the EU's commitment to play a important role with the framework of all relevant UNSC resolutions in the international effort to help the Iraqi people to rebuild their country. Recalling its conclusions of 29 September 2003, the EU underlines the importance of the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty and the establishment of a fully representative Iraqi government through democratic elections. Acknowledging the necessity to each agreement on a realistic schedule for handing over political responsibility to the Iraqi people, the Council reiterated the EU's support for the development of a prosperous, stable and sovereign Iraq. The Council welcomed the Communication from the Commission proposing an EU approach to the Madrid Conference on the reconstruction of Iraq and its proposals of an indicative pledge of 200 million Euro for 2003-2004 from the EU budget, taking into account the EU budgetary procedures. Furthermore, the Council invited the Commission to assure the necessary co-ordination with a view to the announcement by the Presidency of a consolidated EU pledge (Community plus Member States) for the period to December 2004 at the Madrid conference and to report to it on the preparation and follow-up of the conference. The Council noted that this EU pledge for reconstruction in Iraq is additional to the 730 million Euro already pledged for humanitarian relief in Iraq by Community and EU Member States. it endorsed the Commission's view that, in light of developments during 2004, it will be necessary for the EU to develop comprehensive medium-term strategy for its relations with Iraq. The Council confirms that the following will be essential for the success for the reconstruction efforts: an adequate security environment; a strong and vital UN role; a realistic schedule for the handing over of political responsibility to the Iraqi people; the setting up of a transparent multilateral donor fund to channel support from the then international community.
During the informal summit on Sunday at the Elysée with Foreign Affairs Ministers Domnique de Villepin and Joschka Fischer, President Chirac and Chancellor Schröder said that they were awaiting the details of the new US draft resolution for Iraq before giving their opinions on this draft. Gerhard Schröder hoped that the new draft would bring "a new dynamic" to the normalisation process in Iraq.
France ready to contribute to training police and army on certain conditions
Addressing the press on the bilateral contribution of France to the reconstruction of Iraq, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dominique de Villepin, indicated that France was "ready to take part in the training of the police and army" but that this depended on the return to security and sovereignty of the country. Asked about the new UN draft resolution, Mr de Villepin indicated that the draft presented, "progress compared to the previous report" but that it would be necessary to know whether if was "in keeping with the situation on the ground" and even then "a detailed examination" and discussions with France's partners would be needed. His German counterpart, Joschka Fischer also asked by the press on the bilateral contribution of Germany to Iraq's reconstruction, answered, "You are aware of our budgetary situation and you are also aware of the pressure exercised by the European Commission on Germany and France".