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Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner - Iraq: Situation after referendum on Constitution

Speech by Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood policy, European Parliament, Strasbourg

Iraq: Situation after referendum on Constitution

President Borrell, honourable members,

It is almost exactly 4 months since you invited me to discuss the situation in Iraq. I remember having said then that for the Iraqis the hard work was only just beginning. I truly meant it. A lot has happened since then, but a lot still needs to be done.

Our debate today takes place at an extremely crucial time for Iraq.

Today, the Iraqis have a constitution. They will soon elect a constitutional government. But today Iraqis are also aware that substantial divisions are still to be overcome in the country. For this, they are now facing two critical challenges - ensuring inclusive electoral consultations in December and, after that, carrying out a comprehensive review of the constitution. Both will be essential to address the views and concerns of all parties and to move forward towards the creation of an inclusive political system.

We stood by the Iraqis during the constitutional process and will do so for the preparation of the elections. By providing 20 million EUR support, the Commission was the sole supporter of the UN-led constitutional support project. We feel part of a process that allowed the Iraqis to have their say on the constitution by casting their ballots on the referendum day.

For the elections, you surely remember how hopeful I was in July that we could dispatch an Electoral Observation Mission. We must today accept the evidence that the security conditions do not allow it. This does not however prevent us from assisting in other equally effective ways. We are providing 30 million EUR to the UN electoral support project. While I am talking, several European electoral experts are working side-by-side with the Independent Electoral Commission for Iraq and the UN to ensure proper preparation of the elections and to predispose a transparent domestic monitoring system.

But the road leading to democracy and peace in Iraq does not end with elections. Inevitably, it crosses the path of regional cooperation. Iraq, its neighbours and the other regional states are called to play a key role by strengthening good neighbourly relations and by cooperating to improve regional security. I have personally used every occasion to encourage initiatives undertaken to move this process ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Iraqis will have a federal Iraq. Functional central institutions shall be set up to support the state structure that the Iraqis themselves have chosen. For this, suitable legislative and institutional frameworks need to be established. Viable solutions to these and other crucial issues - most of them left open in the constitution - will have to be identified rapidly to ensure continued progress towards stability and democracy.

Inclusiveness is the way forward. And we shall also consider how best the EU can help the building up of institutions that favour an inclusive approach. We shall as well encourage the efforts of the Arab League and others in the region - like Jordan - to promote inclusiveness and national reconciliation in Iraq. In this regard I would like to commend the efforts of Amre Moussa in promoting dialogue and reconciliation. I am convinced that his visit, and the recent one of UNSG, Kofi Annan, can only have a positive effect in advancing understanding among different parties.

Iraqi political process and stability is important for all of us and for its neighbours. The recent events in Jordan can but remain us of the importance that succeeding in this inclusive approach, in setting up a political system where Iraqi citizens can participate and feel represented.

In doing this, we shall not forget that most Iraqis are still struggling to have their children in schools, to fight the most ordinary diseases, to have access to jobs, water, and electricity. It is an unsustainable situation for any people in any country. Their needs will continue to be at the core of our assistance to Iraq in 2006.

President, honourable members,

The Union has much more to offer beyond supporting the reconstruction process. Ahead of the December elections, we now have a unique chance to reflect together on how best the EU, its institutions, its Member States, collectively and nationally, could support the building of democratic, peaceful and stable Iraq. And the Parliament has a crucial role to play in this process. A constitutionally elected Assembly will start its workings in January next year. I strongly encourage this Parliament to rapidly engage with fellow colleagues in Iraq when the time comes.

We want to be a meaningful partner for Iraq. The Iraqis are looking forward to that. We shall meet their expectations. Iraqi people have suffered enough, they deserve a better future.

Thank you and I look forward to our discussion.

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