Brussels, 04/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - The international conference on Iraq, held at Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt between the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Iraq's neighbours and countries providing economic aid (including the EU) ended with the adoption of a 'pact' setting out how things can be brought back to normal in Iraq. It is a five year plan to help the country find a solution to the current chaos and bankruptcy and return to stability. The EU was represented at the conference at ministerial level. It pointed out that it has provided €14.2 bn in financial aid since 2003 (aid, debt reduction and loans). In 2007, the EU's financial aid is expected to reach €1.8 bn (aid, debt reduction and loans).
In a statement published on Wednesday by the German presidency, the EU welcomed the launch of the international pact for Iraq, encouraging the Iraqi government to continue its work to promote national reconciliation and the rule of law and restore public order. The EU reaffirmed its support for this work, congratulating the Iraqi government on the 'ambitious' commitments it has made in the pact to launch reforms in the political, economic and social domains, and the security plan. Progress in achieving these objectives will help reinforce the EU's commitment to Iraq. The EU reaffirms that it is resolutely in favour of the United Nations playing an essential role in the country, explains the statement. The EU says that it is prepared to continue to develop a 'close partnership' with Iraq, welcoming the opening of negotiations on a trade and cooperation agreement with Iraq, and hoping that the negotiations will be pursued on time and that a close contractual relationship will be established.
The EU was also represented at ministerial level at the conference of Iraq's neighbours, held on Friday 4 May in Sharm-el-Sheikh. (hb/fb)