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News Releases
No. 124/05
December 13, 2005
EU TO OPEN EMBASSY AND NEGOTIATE TRADE AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH IRAQ
The European Commission has proposed that the EU
should start negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation
Agreement (TCA) with
Iraq in 2006. Once the Council has
approved the mandate, the Commission will negotiate the
Agreement with the first constitutionally elected Iraqi
government. Also, EU
External Relations Commissioner
Ferrero-Waldner (pictured below, right), on
behalf of the Commission, and Ambassador Mohammed Jawad
Al-Doreky, on behalf of the Iraqi government, signed on
Tuesday an agreement (“Accord de Siège”) to open an
EU Embassy in Baghdad.
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for
External Relations and
Neighbourhood Policy, said:
“Iraq
is at a critical juncture. The two moves announced today
send a strong signal to the Iraqi population of Europe's
intention to become increasingly engaged in Iraq and to
continue playing a significant role in its transition.
Together they represent a real step change in relations
between the EU and Iraq as we progressively build up
political dialogue and lay foundations for a wider
relationship. The Iraqis are seeking a significant
partnership with the EU, and we intend to meet their
expectations.”
 EU
Trade Commissioner
Peter Mandelson
(pictured at left) said: “Negotiations on the Trade and
Cooperation Agreement mark the beginning of a closer
cooperation between the EU and Iraq on
trade and
economic issues and will lead to strengthened ties
between us. The European Commission has already granted
Iraq preferential access to EU markets and is supporting
its bid to join the World Trade Organisation, both of
which are important in assisting Iraq’s transition
process and its re-integration into the world trading
system.”
By entering into contractual negotiations with Iraq, the
Commission aims to:
· Facilitate Iraq’s engagement with the international
community, and with the EU in particular, to the benefit
of the internal and regional stabilisation process;
· Stimulate and anchor ongoing institutional and
socio-economic reforms at both policy and operational
levels, favouring an inclusive reform mechanism at a
crucial historical moment for the country;
· Contribute to the socio-economic development of Iraq
and to the improvement of living conditions in the
country;
· Promote bilateral trade relations in accordance with
WTO principles based on the expansion of harmonious
economic relations between the parties; and
· Ensure a minimum level of predictability, transparency
and legal certainty for economic operators.
· The objective of entering into contractual relations
with Iraq was set out in the Commission Communication
“The European Union and Iraq: a strategy for engagement”
of June 2004[1]. This strategy envisages that the EU
should put forward a framework for progressively closer
relations with Iraq at a pace determined by the progress
achieved in the political process, including the
approval of a Constitution and the holding of elections
under that Constitution.
· The Communication also foresaw the opening of a
Commission Delegation in Baghdad. The signing of the
Establishment Agreement is a further step towards this
goal and it is hoped that an office can open in Baghdad
soon.
These two important steps show the European Union’s
determination to play a significant role in Iraq’s
transition. The EU is committed to helping the new Iraq
improve living conditions for its citizens and find its
place in the international community. This commitment is
reflected in the €518 million already committed for
Iraq’s political and economic reconstruction. The EU has
supported the delivery of basic services for the Iraqis
and has provided a major support package to the December
elections including the deployment of 8 European
experts.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.eurunion.org/News/press/2005/2005124.htm
[1] http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/iraq/doc/com04_417_en.pdf
Further Contact Information
Press and Media Relations
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766
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