Brussels, 16/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 16 June, EU heads of state welcomed the formation of a new national unity government in Iraq on 20 May, describing the event as a big step in the direction of turning Iraq into a democratic country. In its conclusions document, the European Council said that the EU was planning to: 1) back the adoption of a democratic form of government rising above the currently splits, contributing to national reconciliation and the process of revising the constitution. The Summit welcomed the multi-party dialogue organised by the UN in Vienna on 6 to 8 June to discuss an Iraqi Charter of Fundamental Rights; 2) provide aid to help introduce the rule of law and respect of human rights in Iraq. The Summit noted the eighteen-month rotation of the integrated rule of law mission for Iraq (EUJUSTLEX); 3) support the economic rebuilding and prosperity of Iraq by opening negotiations over a trade and cooperation agreement and launching technical dialogue over energy issues; and 4) boost the EU's presence in the field by appointing a head of the European Commission's delegation in Iraq in the near future.
Noting that the EU is delighted with the idea of entering political dialogue with the new Iraqi government, the Summit said it firmly condemned acts of terrorism and called on all the Iraqi people to stand firm against fanaticism and reject the use of violence, which would only prolong the sufferings of the Iraqi people.