Written answers

Thursday, 1 May 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

5:00 pm

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures the EU are taking to support reconstruction, good government and democracy in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Peace and stability in Iraq are vital to the welfare of the Iraqi people, and to the prospects for the wider Middle East region. The European Union is firmly committed to supporting a secure, stable, democratic, prosperous and united Iraq, with the capacity to play a constructive regional role. Since the military intervention in 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Union has acted consistently to support the Iraqi people as they rebuild their society and their economy following decades of brutal dictatorship and war. This priority was emphasised again when the situation in Iraq was discussed at the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg this week.

The EU has been one of the main contributors of non-military assistance to Iraq. Since 2003, total assistance has amounted to over €1 billion, including €830 million in Community aid.

On the political level, the EU strongly supported the early return of sovereignty to a democratic Iraqi Government. The Union offered extensive support to the electoral process, including advice, expertise and financial assistance to the Iraqi Electoral Commission, and to the major task of drafting a new Constitution and key legislation. The EU and the Member States have used their influence consistently to encourage Iraqi political parties, and their leaders, in the process of national reconciliation which is the essential key to the restoration of lasting peace and stability. The Union has been working closely with the UN assistance mission in Iraq, and has developed strong links on the ground with the UN, through the office of the Commission in Baghdad.

Significant progress has been made in the negotiation of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Iraq, which will establish a contractual relationship between the EU and Iraq for the first time. These negotiations have provided an early opportunity for Iraqis to witness their democratically-elected Government operating internationally on their behalf. The EU has underlined its readiness to conclude the negotiations as rapidly as possible. The EU has also supported the elaboration and implementation of the International Compact for Iraq, which was established last year to organise international assistance for Iraq in accordance with the priorities of the Iraqi Government, and under its general direction. I welcome the initiative of the Swedish Government to organise the first annual review of the Compact in Stockholm on 29 May.

In close consultation with the Iraqi Government, the Union has identified the need to address the administrative weakness and inexperience evident across the Iraqi public service. This is the inevitable result of the destruction and dislocation of war, after decades of dictatorship, conflict and mismanagement. The Union has placed a high priority on capacity building and the provision of training and advice and expertise. An EU Joint Action, EUJUST LEX, has focused specifically on assisting Iraqi professionals in the criminal justice sphere. The Government has contributed to the effort most recently through the organisation of a training course in Ireland last November for Iraqi prison governors.

Despite daily reports of violence across Iraq, it is clear that there has been progress, albeit slow, in the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq. Nonetheless, the humanitarian needs of the people continue to pose a huge challenge to the international community. We are particularly concerned by the large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, and by the burden being borne by neighbouring states, especially Jordan and Syria. The EU will continue to address the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people and the plight of refugees, and Ireland will continue to play its part. The Government provided over €5 million in humanitarian assistance for Iraq last year.

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