5/15/2007

The European Union on Monday pledged support for the implementation of an ambitious international plan aimed at helping Iraq's economy, saying the pact was central for developing relations between Iraq and its partner countries.

EU foreign ministers said the recent launch of the International Compact for Iraq was 'encouraging and hopefully will contribute to an improvement of the situation in Iraq.'

The broad-based contract with the country commits the international community to substantial aid in exchange for a promise of unity in Iraq within five years.

EU ministers commended Iraq for 'the ambitious commitments it has made' in the plan to promote reforms in politics, security, economics and social affairs.

'The implementation of these commitments will be central in developing co-operation between Iraq and all its international partners,' ministers said after a meeting in Brussels.

Countries worldwide, but in particular states in the region, 'have a responsibility to support and promote the difficult process of national reconciliation and stabilization in Iraq, and to prevent outside interference that could undermine it,' they said.

The International Compact for Iraq includes debt reduction and aid packages but also requires the Iraqi government to take stronger steps to end sectarian violence and move toward political reconciliation between rivalling Shiites and Sunnis.

EU ministers also called for 'effective' follow-up action to the Iraq conference in Egypt earlier this month, including work in the areas of security, refugees and energy.

The Sharm el-Sheikh meeting brought together top diplomats from 21 countries, including Iraq's neighbouring states, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and members of the G8 club of wealthy nations.