Brussels, 07/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission adopted a communication in which it proposes several initiatives aiming to increase the EU's commitment in favour of democratisation and economic development in Iraq. " The objective is to reinforce the EU's partnership with the Iraqi leaders, by highlighting the fields in which the European Union can bring specific added value. The improvement of security conditions will be a decisive factor in the commitment of the Union", the Commission explained in a press release.
The strategy proposed defines five objectives for EU aid to Iraq in the coming years: - removing divisions in Iraq and building democracy whilst supporting the forthcoming revision of the Constitution, in collaboration with the United Nations; - promoting the rule of law and human rights via actions such as police training in the field of security and developing Iraq's capacity to ensure that the rules on human rights are being correctly applied; -helping the Iraqi authorities to provide basic services (such as water and education) and to create more jobs; -supporting the reform of public administration; - promoting economic reform, particularly within the framework of the energy sector and in the regime of commercial trade and investments. For 2006, a budget of 200 million EUR has been earmarked. Action carried out this year has focused on improving the standard of living for the Iraqis (110 million), boosting democracy (40 million) and promoting good governance (40 million). A reserve fund to guarantee the necessary flexibility to come into line with the new priorities of the government is also planned (10 million). The Commission is soon to appoint a head of delegation to Baghdad and, with the new Iraqi government in place, it will also open negotiations on a trade and cooperation agreement "in the near future".