Council conclusions on Iraq

1. The Council expressed its deep solidarity with Italy for the brutal terrorist attack on its Armed Forces on 12 November in Nasria , killing 19 Italian soldiers and civilians together with many Iraqis. It extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims. The Council again strongly condemns all terrorist attacks perpetrated against civilians, humanitarian organisations, the UN and military forces and reiterates the EU's determination to fight terrorism in all its forms.

2. The Council welcomes the accelerated process of handing over executive powers to the Iraqi Governing Council and its ministries. It took note with satisfaction of the announcement by the Governing Council on 15 November of the timetable for the transfer of sovereignty to a transitional Iraqi government and for a constitutional process which will lead to the establishment of a democratically elected and internationally recognised Iraqi government. It stressed the importance of a timing adapted to the situation. The Council supported the process decided by the Governing Council for the establishment of democracy for the people of Iraq.

3. The Council reiterated the European Union's resolve to contribute to the political as well as economic reconstruction of Iraq. It stressed the importance of the Governing Council consulting as widely as possible over the drafting of the fundamental law to insure as much popular participation in the process as possible. The Council reaffirmed the vital role of the UN in this context.

4. The Council welcomed the positive outcome of the Madrid Donors' Conference and wishes to congratulate the Spanish Government for its excellent organisation. The Council welcomed the positive role played by the Iraqi ministers at this Conference. Recalling the conclusions of the European Council of last October, the Council takes note with satisfaction of the preparations for the establishment of the International Reconstruction Fund Facility into which contributions by the international community may be channeled.

5. Considering that security remains a major priority in Iraq, the Council hopes that the positive outcome of the Madrid Donors' Conference can be swiftly transformed into concrete results on the ground which have a direct and immediate impact on the Iraqi people. The Council encourages a growing involvement of Iraqis in providing security.

6. The Council has repeatedly urged all countries in the region to contribute to the stability of Iraq. Following the meeting of neighbouring countries' Foreign Ministers in Damascus, the Council looks forward to further meetings of the neighbours in consultation with the Iraqi Governing Council and Iraq institutions, to help support the political and economic reconstruction process underway in Iraq.

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• Iraq - Europe and the world rally in support of Italy (13/11/2003)
• Statements regarding the terrorist attack on the Italian Carabinieri Base in Nassiriya, Iraq (12/11/2003)
• EUHR Solana condemns the attack against an Italian base in Nassiriya, Iraq (12/11/2003)
• President Prodi's statement on the attack in Nasiriya (Iraq) (12/11/2003)