EU Council Conclusions - Iraq

EU Council conclusions on Iraq, 2706th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting, Brussels

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council welcomes the announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq of the provisional results of Iraq's 15 December 2005 elections with a broad scope of participation and high turnout.

The Council pays tribute to the courage of the Iraqi people, who voted in impressive numbers despite difficult and challenging circumstances. It congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) together with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq on the efficient running of the elections. The European Union was pleased to support these elections and welcomes that the IECI has taken note of suggestions for improvement in view of future elections.

The election results, coming against the background of large participation from all of Iraq's communities, reflect a very serious commitment by the Iraqi people to democracy and the establishment of democratic institutions. They provide a clear working agenda for the new government to overcome remaining divisions within Iraq.

The Council encourages the swift formation of a new constitutionally elected and truly representative government taking into account the need for inclusiveness and a broad participation by all relevant political groupings dedicated to reaching their goals by peaceful and democratic means. Such an inclusive government will represent another important step towards reconciliation and consensus in Iraq, thereby continuing the building of a secure, stable, unified and prosperous Iraq.

The European Union reaffirms its readiness to support the Iraqi people in broadening further the consensus on the future of their country, including through a thorough and transparent review of the Constitution. The EU calls upon the international community to provide support for the new Iraqi Government and the Council of Representatives. To this end the Council strongly supports efforts by the Arab League to convene a conference of national accord in early 2006. The Council remains committed to supporting Iraq's political transition and its economic and social reconstruction. It recalls the support it is already bringing through EU's Integrated Rule of Law Mission (EUJUST LEX), as well as through support to the political process and to improving the delivery of basic services. It also remains committed to holding a regular political dialogue with Iraq in accordance with the Joint EU-Iraq Declaration and to entering into contractual relations with Iraq."

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