Brussels, 29/04/2005 (Agence Europe) - External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, welcomed the fact that the new Iraq government under Shiite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari had, on Thursday, received the confidence of the Iraqi parliament. “Negotiations have taken time, but we understand that they have been an essential part of the process of setting up democratic institutions”, she commented. The Commissioner plans to rapidly contact the new government with a view to discussing the European offer to co-organise, with the Americans, an international conference in support of Iraq, end June in Brussels. The EU will tell the new Iraqi leaders of its will to contribute (within the UN framework) in drafting a new Iraqi Constitution, Ms Ferrero-Waldner explained. The Commission also hopes to discuss practical arrangements with the new government as soon as possible for implementation of the Commission's assistance programme in favour of Iraq (EUR 200 million for 2005). Ms Ferrero-Waldner hoped that the EU Troika would go to Iraq as soon as possible as soon as the situation on the ground allows in order to pave the way for normalisation of political dialogue with Iraq.
Speaking on behalf of the Luxemburg EU Council Presidency, Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn also welcomed the constitution of the new Iraqi government, saying: “This government will have the important task of accompanying the process of drafting a new permanent Constitution”. “The EU looks forward to working closely with the new Iraqi authorities on the preparations of the conference on Iraq, which will be organised jointly by the European Union and the United States in June in Brussels. This conference will be an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its support for the political, economic and security reconstruction and the strengthening of the rule of law in Iraq”, Asselborn said.