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News Releases
No. 120/07
November 27, 2007
EU AND IRAQ HOLD THIRD ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR A TRADE AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT
The European Union and
Iraq are holding the third round
of negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
in Brussels, November 27-29. The negotiations cover
energy, environment, some trade provisions, human
rights, science and technology, security, weapons of
mass destruction and counterterrorism (WMD). The agreement
will progressively strengthen the EU’s relations with
Iraq and help integrate the country in the world
economy.
The TCA negotiations were launched November 20, 2006 by
EU
External Relations Commissioner
Benita Ferrero-Waldner
[right]
and Trade Commissioner
Peter
 Mandelson
[left] on behalf of the
European Commission, and by Barham Salih, Iraqi Deputy
Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
This proposed agreement will enhance trade in goods and
services between Iraq and the EU and improve bilateral
arrangements in a number of areas, including investment,
customs, intellectual and industrial property rights
and public procurement. Cooperation will also cover key
aspects of economic and social development, environment,
culture and education.
All Trade Cooperation Agreements with third countries
also feature
human rights,
terrorism and
WMD as
important elements.
By entering into negotiations for contractual relations
with Iraq, the EU aims to:
-
Benefit the internal and regional stabilization process by
facilitating Iraq’s engagement with the international community and with the
EU;
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Stimulate and consolidate institutional and socio-economic
reforms;
-
Contribute to the socio-economic development of Iraq;
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Promote bilateral trade relations in accordance with WTO
principles;
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Ensure a minimum level of predictability, transparency and
legal certainty for economic operators.
Since 2003, the European Commission has
contributed more than 800 million euros towards the
reconstruction of Iraq with a focus on access to basic
services, democracy and good governance. The Commission
opened a Delegation in Baghdad in December 2005.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.eurunion.org/newsweb/HotTopics/Iraq.htm
.
Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
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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