Brussels, 04/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - Before Friday's meeting with Iraqi prime minister Ayad Allawi and participants from the European Council of Brussels (EUROPE 3 November p 5), the European Commission provided the details for the EUR 31.5 million aid package for the elections in Iraq in January, where an interim national assembly is expected to be elected and which will form a new government and draft a new constitution.
A press statement pointed out that the package, which consists of EUR 16.5 million in new funding, brings total Commission aid to Iraq up to EUR 320 million in 2003-04. Commissioner Chris Patten said that, "The substantial election assistance that we will be presenting to Prime Minister Allawi is part of a wider package that demonstrates once again, the EU's commitment to helping Iraq build for a more peaceful and prosperous future.”
The aid package is structured as follows: 30 million for preparation of the election, including support for the Independent Electoral Commission, Information Technology, voter outreach, media development and boosting the participation of women. This contribution is €15 million higher than originally planned, with €14 million drawn from the Rapid Reaction Mechanism, and €1 million from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. €1.5 million for activities including: Deployment of 3 European experts to Baghdad to support the work of the Independent Election Commission through the UN Election Assistance Division. Training programme for up to 150 representatives from Iraqi domestic observer groups.