13/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 March, the European Parliament adopted, by a broad majority, the report by Ana Maria Gomes (PES, Portugal) on the EU's role in Iraq. Approved by 506 votes in favour, 25 against and 26 abstentions, the report recommends that the Council and European Commission should increase EU aid to Iraq not only as far as quantity but also as far as quality goes. This new strategy should allow proactive participation by the EU and member states in that country. Almost identical to the text adopted in committee (EUROPE 9612), the EP report urges the Council to concentrate the EU's support for democratic governance towards three goals in particular: “enhancing coordination between the government and the council of representatives”, “strengthening electoral procedures at the local level” and “reinforcing local democracy”. Like several MEPs, who had tackled this issue during debates the day before (EUROPE 9621), the EP also recommends improving the possibilities for Iraqi refugees to find refuge in EU member states. (A.B.)