The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the Iraqi Government’s initiative to hold a conference with Iraq’s neighbouring States at which other members of the international community will participate.
The international community, and in particular the States in the region, have a responsibility to support and promote the difficult process of national reconciliation and stabilization in Iraq. There must be an end to the violence, terror and lawlessness in Iraq. The European Union reiterates its willingness to support the Iraqi Government in this task.
Yesterday’s preparatory meeting in Baghdad was a necessary step on the path towards improved regional cooperation. It is now important that the planned ministerial conference map out this path clearly so that it leads to constructive dialogue between all the parties involved. The Presidency is willing to play an active part in this process.
