EU offers Iraq support towards more stable future
Federica Mogherini - Photo EU Council
(BRUSSELS) - EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the European Commission proposed Monday a strategy for Iraq to address the many challenges the country faces following the territorial defeat of Da'esh.
The proposal takes into account the priorities of the Iraqi government, and outlines both ongoing and longer term EU support to the country.
"Iraq is at a crossroads in its history following the territorial defeat of Da'esh at great sacrifice." said Ms Mogherini: "It is now crucial to act quickly and rebuild the country with the participation of all the components of Iraqi society, to promote and protect fundamental rights and the rule of law in each and every area: only inclusiveness can guarantee true reconciliation so that Iraqis can close once and for all with the past. This needs international support and we are ready to contribute, to keep supporting the Iraqi people and government in these challenges, for the sake of the people of the country and the region".
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said humanitarian needs remained high and that many people remained displaced by conflict: "I have continued to be impartial and neutral. It is essential to support all Iraqi's in need of assistance today and tomorrow, for as long as it takes."
The strategy focuses on delivering continued EU humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people and facilitating the stabilisation of areas liberated from Da'esh, with three million displaced Iraqis still unable to return home. It also seeks to address the longer term reform, reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that Iraq needs to pursue in order to consolidate peace and build a united, democratic country in which all citizens can fully enjoy their rights in greater prosperity.
The EU's support focuses on the following strategic objectives:
- Preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and supporting Iraqi efforts to establish a balanced, accountable and democratic system of government;
- Promoting sustainable, knowledge-based and inclusive economic growth;
- Strengthening Iraq's national identity and reconciliation amongst its diverse communities;
- Promoting an effective and independent justice system;
- Addressing migration challenges,
- Supporting Iraq's good relations with all its neighbours.
The actions proposed in the Joint Communication will now be discussed with EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January and with the European Parliament, and will contribute to a new EU strategy for Iraq.
The EU promises to work closely with the Iraqi government but also with the EU Member States, the United Nations (UN), the Global Coalition against Da'esh, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB), as well as other regional and international partners.
To help consolidate regional and international engagement in support of Iraq, the EU also says it intends to co-chair with the Iraqi Government, Kuwait, the United Nations, the World Bank and other partners a Conference on Iraq's Reconstruction and Development in February 2018. The conference will be hosted by Kuwait and will involve all key donors as well as countries in Iraq's neighbourhood.
The EU foresees a review of this proposed strategy after two years, to assess the impact of the actions outlined therein and to make adjustments as appropriate.