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Presidency’s Statement on Iraq, Athens 16/4/2003 The European Union
welcomes the presence of the United Nations Secretary-General and the
opportunity to discuss with him the next step on Iraq.
At this stage the coalition has the responsibility to ensure a secure
environment, including for the provision of humanitarian assistance, in
particular urgent medical relief, and the protection of the cultural
heritage and museums.
The people of Iraq now have the chance to shape a new future for their
country and to rejoin the International Community.
The International Community has a major contribution to make in that
process, in particular:
The UN must play a central role including in the process leading
towards self-government for the Iraqi people, utilizing its unique
capacity and experience in post-conflict nation building.
Iraq’s neighbours should support stability in Iraq and the region
The EU reaffirms its commitment to play a significant role in the
political and economic reconstruction of the country
The EU welcomes the participation of the International Financial
Institutions as set out in the recent statement by the G7 at the World
Bank meeting in Washington.
The EU welcomes the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of a
special adviser on Iraq and looks forward to a further strengthening of
the UN’s involvement in post-conflict Iraq, initially in the
coordination of the humanitarian assistance.
As part of the process of regional security and stability the EU
reaffirms its commitment to bring the Israeli/Palestinian peace process
to a successful conclusion through the implementation of the steps
foreseen in the Quartet’s Roadmap, keeping within the established time
lines.
It is essential that there is an early endorsement by Chairman Arafat
and the Palestinian Legislative Council of a Cabinet, nominated by Abu
Mazen and committed to reform.
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