EU Council Conclusions on Iraq

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. Iraq remains a central challenge for the international community. As a major global player, the Council reaffirms the EU's support to a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous and unified Iraq and reiterates its commitment to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.

2. The EU will continue to play a major role in supporting the Iraqi government in its work to bring stability, security and prosperity to all of its citizens, including through practical assistance. The EU is committed to enhancing its political engagement with Iraq and with its neighbours, as well as supporting the UN and other international actors in their efforts.

3. The Council warmly welcomes the unanimous adoption on 10 August 2007 of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1770, renewing and extending the mandate of UNAMI. The Council reaffirms its strong support to the central role of the UN in Iraq. In this connection it congratulates Mr. Staffan de Mistura on his appointment as the Secretary General's Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI and assures him of EU's support in leading UNAMI's work in Iraq to implement the new mandate. This mandate is of utmost importance for the stabilisation of Iraq. In addition to UNAMI's existing mandate in areas such as political dialogue, national reconciliation, economic reform, human rights and the Rule of Law, UNSCR 1770 adds important new fields: notably to advise, support and assist the Government of Iraq in areas such as facilitating the regional dialogue within the framework of the neighbouring countries process, implementing the International Compact with Iraq and strengthening donor coordination including with the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI). The EU is actively engaged in many of these areas and will continue to work closely with the UN. However, further improvement of the security situation will be an essential element in the effective implementation of the UNAMI mandate.

4. The Council trusts that, based on its mandate, UNAMI will continue to contribute to engaging all members of the democratic institutions in Iraq to participate actively and responsibly in an inclusive political process. It calls upon relevant Iraqi institutions to advance in the nomination of governorate election officers on the basis of rules that are in conformity with international best practice for a transparent, inclusive, independent and impartial process. Fundamental decisions regarding the achieving of national reconciliation must be taken in a spirit of sincere dialogue and consensus-building if they are to serve as the basis for a peaceful and prosperous future for Iraq.

5. The Council welcomes the support by the participants at the High Level Meeting on Iraq in New York, on 22 September, for a broader UN role and for the International Compact with Iraq.

6. The Council strongly encourages the Government of Iraq together with all parties to make substantial political progress on the promotion of national reconciliation, which is the key to sustained improvements in security, and to curb the deterioration of the humanitarian conditions in Iraq which has resulted in an estimated 2.2 million internally displaced persons. The Council recognises the heavy burden borne by neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan and Syria, urges the Iraqi Government to undertake appropriate measures to assist Iraqi refugees and those displaced within the country and assures that the EU will continue to play its part. Rapid humanitarian action is required by the international community and the Iraqi Government if the evolving humanitarian crisis is to be contained. The EU recalls the important role of UNHCR, ICRC, IOM, supported by Member States and Community instruments (including ECHO), as well as the need for strong support to the UN/OCHA Strategic Framework for Humanitarian Action in Iraq.

7. The Council calls upon the Iraqi authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of the civilian population. In this respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Iraqis, including women and persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities, should be protected and promoted. The EU stands ready to continue its support to the Iraqi authorities in the fields of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

8. The Council welcomes the Ministerial Conference of Iraq's Neighbouring Countries to be held in Istanbul in early November. The Council underlines that the dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and its neighbours is crucial to achieve the stabilisation of the region and a peaceful and prosperous future for Iraq. It encourages Iraq and its neighbours to build on the progress made by the working groups on energy, refugees and security. The European Union reiterates its offer to assist and provide expertise in this process. In this connection it welcomes the proposal by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the meeting on Iraq in New York on 22 September 2007 to create a support mechanism based in Baghdad to enhance regional dialogue. In the regional process as well as in bilateral relations, the EU encourages all neighbouring countries to play a constructive role in contributing to peace and stability in Iraq.

9. The Council reiterates its strong support to the International Compact with Iraq. It believes that the implementation of the ambitious programme set out in the Compact with Iraq demands strong Iraqi leadership and ownership and requires inclusiveness of the Compact process, broad involvement of the international community and active participation of Iraq's neighbours and partners in the region. Efficient co-ordination of donor efforts is of utmost importance. The Council reaffirms EU's readiness to continue developing a close co-operation and partnership with Iraq - also through the IRFFI - in accordance with the priorities indicated in the International Compact and Iraq's National Development Strategy.

10. The Council looks forward to work on this agenda being taken forward with renewed energy and vigour and to further discussions.

11. The Council strongly condemns the attack on 3 October on the Polish ambassador to Iraq, Edward Pietrzyk, which killed at least two people and seriously wounded the ambassador, who is representing the EU Presidency in Iraq."

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