Brussels, 22/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a press release Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi government of national unity headed by Premier Nouri al-Maliki. The Commissioner stated, “The Iraqis will not be alone in their next steps towards rebuilding their country. The European Commission will remain actively supportive of Iraqi efforts to build a prosperous and peaceful future”. The Commission very soon hopes to be able to begin discussions with the new government on the assistance package of € 200 million for 2006 for improving basic services, consolidating democracy and reinforcing Iraqi institutions, she explained. With the new Iraqi government in place, the Commission is also ready to begin negotiations as soon as possible for the conclusion of a trade and cooperation agreement with the country (Member States have already given the Commission a negotiations mandate for such an agreement: Editor's note). The Commission will also open a delegation in Bagdad, concluded Ms Ferrero-Waldner.
Details of € 200 million aid package for 2006
The € 200 million aid package for 2006, mentioned by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner in her declaration, includes four elements: € 110 million for improving the quality of life for Iraqis. This part of the aid will go to establishing important social and economic services for the population, such as education, health services, public administration etc.; € 40 million to support the political process. This aid will help support the new government, revise the Constitution and the holding of a referendum on the new text, the organisation of local and regional elections etc.; € 40 million for improving good governance, notably through fostering public institutions in key areas such as the rule of law, economy, finance, trade and energy. € 10 million will be held in reserve and used according to specific requests from the new government.