23/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The External Relations Council welcomed the smooth, democratic unfolding of provincial elections in Iraq on 31 January and expressed the hope that the result of the ballot would allow further progress to be made with regard to improving the living conditions of the Iraqi people, as well as Iraq's national reconciliation process. In conclusions adopted on Monday 23 February, EU foreign ministers call on the newly elected provincial councils to “respond to the expectations of the Iraqi people by delivering inter alia much needed basic services”. The EU27 also trust that experience gained in the context of these elections will help to consolidate the democratisation process still further and establish a sound base for holding more elections in Iraq. The EU will continue to support the Iraqi government to develop a “secure, stable, democratic, unified and prosperous country where human rights are respected”, the ministers state in their conclusions. (H.B./transl.jl)