EPP-ED MEPS WELCOME PROGRESS IN IRAQ AND URGE MORE EU SUPPORT

The meeting was co-chaired by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski MEP (EPP-ED, Poland), who enquired whether Iraq was prepared to hold its first free provincial elections in late 2008. The 1st Vice-Chairman of the Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov MEP (EPP-ED, Bulgaria), highlighted the progress achieved in political reconciliation in Iraq, and urged the Iraqi authorities to express an interest in participating in the NABUCCO Project, which has strategic importance for Europe's energy security..

José Salafranca MEP (EPP-ED, Spain ), the EPP-ED Coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed his solidarity with Iraq and the struggle of its people against terrorism. He was interested to learn how the government planned to implement its decision not to allow parties that have their own militias to participate in the elections.

Tunne Kelam MEP (EPP-ED, Estonia ), Member of the Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with Iraq, raised the question of interferences from neighbouring countries, especially Iran, in Iraqi affairs. He noted that this was mentioned in the hearing of General Petraeus and US Ambassador in Iraq Crocker before the US Congress last week.

Other EPP-ED MEPs present at the meeting with Mr Al-Maliki asked about the development of the Iraqi security forces; the future of the Multinational Forces in Iraq, in light of the forthcoming US elections; the UK decision to withdraw from Basra; and the policy of the Iraqi Government towards the foreign debts accrued by the previous regime.

The EPP-ED MEPs raised a series of diverse questions about the future of Iraq ranging from its relations with its immediate neighbours to human rights, refugees, security and energy issues. An important focus was the interest in an assessment of the help and technical assistance that the EU and the European Parliament could provide to Iraq 's democratic and federal future.

The answers given by the Iraqi Prime Minister were extensive and addressed all questions raised by the MEPs. The provincial elections should take place in as free and open a manner as possible. The government is firmly committed to not allowing interference by terrorists and militias, and ensuring the security of the vote. The Prime Minister repeatedly reminded the audience that the situation has improved in comparison to 2006, but much remains to be done. The Iraqi people are fed up with the violence and terrorism, Mr Al-Maliki said.

The renewal of energy exports has allowed the government to begin a series of reconstruction projects in the regions most affected by decades of war and dictatorship. At the same time, Iraq needs and welcomes technical and political support from the European countries and the EU.

Iraq is trying to live in peace with all its regional neighbours and it opposes any interference from neighbouring countries. The situation within Iraq  itself is improving - which also means that some refugees and internally displaced persons are beginning to return to their homes.

The meeting concluded with a review of recent and future activities of the European Parliament on Iraq, which include the adoption of an important report by the EP calling for an EU strategy in support of Iraq, and the establishment of a Permanent ad-hoc Delegation for relations with Iraq. The delegation should visit Iraq and the Iraqi Council of Representatives later in 2008.

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