News Release
Chris Patten
No 96/04
June 10, 2004
IRAQ-EU
RELATIONS: A STRATEGY FOR THE MEDIUM TERM
The European Commission on June 9th proposed a new framework
for the European Union’s (EU) relations with
Iraq. The appointment of a new Iraqi
Interim Government and the adoption yesterday of the United Nations (UN) Security
Council Resolution confirming the full transfer of sovereignty and power on 30th
June 2004, and reinforcing the central role of the UN, offers an opportunity for
the EU to support Iraqi efforts to give their country a fresh start. The European
Commission proposes actions for the immediate future, the post-election period
and the medium term, culminating in a bilateral agreement associating Iraq with
other partners in the region.
External
Relations Commissioner
Chris Patten said: “It is in all our interests that Iraq should
develop into a stable, democratic country at peace with its neighbors. The security
climate and progress in the political transition will determine the extent to
which the ideas contained in today’s
Communication can be taken forward, but this proposal for a medium-term strategy
makes clear our commitment to build a partnership that will grow as the situation
in Iraq evolves .”
The Commission suggests three medium-term objectives:
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The development of a stable and democratic Iraq;
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The establishment of an open, stable, sustainable
and diversified market economy;
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Iraq’s economic and political integration into its
region and the open international system.
Phase I - Immediate Actions
Support for elections, including assistance for civil society development,
rule of law and voter education;
Troika visit and launch of EU/Iraq informal political dialogue; support for
rule of law and civil administration; encourage positive engagement on the part
of Iraq’s neighbors; administrative co-operation towards application of
GSP trade preferences; consultation and co-ordination on debt forgiveness/restructuring
and related economic policy conditionality; on-going implementation of €305 million
package of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.
Phase II – Post Elections
Launch of a formal political dialogue with the Provisional Government including
an EU/Iraq Joint Declaration; creation of working groups in sectors of mutual
interest; continued support to regional dialogue and confidence-building measures;
continued assistance for democratization and human rights; additional EC contribution
to reconstruction, including expansion of bilateral technical assistance and capacity
building programs.
Phase III – Medium Term
Open negotiations for EU/Iraq contractual relations; target assistance on
economic diversification and poverty reduction; maintain assistance for democratization
and human rights and rule of law; support creation of a regional framework; offer
European Investment Bank lending.
Background
The Communication responds to the European
Council’s request in October 2003 for a strategy for the EU’s relations with
Iraq. The paper will be transmitted to the
Council and European
Parliament for discussion at the June General Affairs and External Relations
Council and the European Council, accompanied by a joint letter from Commissioner
Patten and High Representative
Solana, expanding on some of the ideas for action.
At the Madrid Donors’ Conference for Iraq in October 2003, the EU (European
Commission and Member States) and the
then-Accession Countries pledged more than €1.25 billion. The European Commission
(EC) contribution in 2003/4 in Iraq, including humanitarian aid, will amount to
€305 million. The EC adopted on
March 4, 2004 , a program setting priorities for re-construction assistance
to Iraq in 2004.
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Press Contacts:
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Anthony Gooch
202-862-9523
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Maeve O'Beirne
202-862-9549
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