2687th EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting
Brussels, 7 November 2005
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1. The Council welcomes the 15 October referendum on
the Iraqi Constitution as part of Iraq’s continuing
political transition leading to a constitutionally
elected government based on UNSCR 1546. The referendum
on the Constitution marks an important stage in the
process of political transition and a further step by
the Iraqi people on the road to democracy, freedom and
peace, which will continue beyond the transition period.
The high turnout of voters from all communities and
across the country bears testament to the Iraqi people’s
commitment to a process aiming at building a peaceful
and democratic Iraq. The Council pays tribute to the
courage and determination of those who took part in the
voting, braving difficult conditions and the threat of
violence. The Council congratulates the Independent
Electoral Commission for Iraq and the Iraqi authorities
on the smooth running of the referendum. It welcomes the
support given to the process by the UN.
2. Although a large majority of voters voted in favour
of the Constitution, the Council notes that the results
of the referendum show there are still substantial
divisions to be overcome. In this regard, it looks
forward to the implementation of the review mechanism
contained in the Constitution after the December
elections. The Council believes this offers an important
opportunity for the Iraqis to forge a broader consensus
on the future of their country and will assist the
creation of an inclusive political system. The EU stands
ready to support actively in these important efforts.
The Council also welcomes the Arab League’s suggestion
to work with Iraq in holding a National Dialogue
Conference.
3. The Council stresses the importance the EU attaches
to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial
integrity of Iraq and encourages all members of the
international community to support the consolidation of
democracy in Iraq. The Council welcomes the visit by Amr
Moussa, the Secretary General of the Arab League, to
Iraq on 20-24 October. The Council encourages Iraq’s
neighbours and other countries in the region to
re-establish or strengthen diplomatic relations with
Iraq at the earliest possibility. It strongly urges
regional states, in particular Syria, to support the
political process in Iraq, including by co-operating
with Iraq to prevent cross-border transit and support
for terrorists and insurgents.
4. The Council looks forward to the elections planned
for December and urges all Iraqis across the country to
participate in them. It encourages the IECI to continue
its excellent work in preparing for the December
elections, with the support of the UN and including the
contribution made by the EU. The EU will provide support
to the monitoring process for the December elections,
including through supporting the work of domestic
election observers.
5. The Council condemns the terrorist acts, murders and
hostage-takings which have been committed in Iraq. The
Council deplores the campaign of terrorist violence in
Iraq which is prolonging the suffering of the Iraqi
people and hampering political progress and
reconstruction.
6. The Council welcomes the signature of the Joint
EU-Iraq Political Declaration during the EU-Iraq
Ministerial Troika meeting in New York on 21 September.
The Declaration and the regular political dialogue which
will now be taken forward under it represent an
important step towards closer partnership between the EU
and Iraq. In this regard, the Council welcomes the EU
Political Directors Troika visit to Baghdad on 24-26
October, during which the first formal dialogue meeting
was held.
7. The Council welcomes the improvement in the human
rights situation since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s
regime and condemns the atrocities committed by
terrorists since then. The Council emphasises the
importance of full respect for human rights in Iraq. It
underlines the EU’s strong opposition to the use of the
death penalty. It notes with concern recent reports,
including by the UN, of human rights violations by the
Iraqi Security Forces. It urges the Iraqi Transitional
Government to address all allegations of human rights
abuses in a decisive and transparent manner. The EU
stands ready to offer further support in this area,
noting the contributions already being made by the
Member States and the Commission to strengthening human
rights and the Rule of Law in Iraq.
8. The Council commends the ongoing work of the EU’s
Rule of Law mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX), and the
training it is providing for over 700 Iraqi judicial,
police and prison personnel. The Council notes the ITG’s
request to extend the mission beyond the end of its
current mandate and to expand the scope of the training
provided, and invites relevant Council bodies to
consider this. The Council reiterates its support for
the Commission’s preparations to undertake complementary
work in this field.
9. The Council reaffirms the EU’s continuing support to
the reconstruction of Iraq. The Council welcomes the
Commission’s ongoing work to assist in capacity building
in Iraq’s administration and institutions as well as the
provision of further assistance in the field of basic
services. The Council notes the progress towards the
establishment of a Commission office in Baghdad. The
Council welcomes the establishment of the Sector Working
Groups by the ITG, with the support of the UN, and notes
the positive contribution they are making to the
co-ordination of donor activity. The Council notes the
leading role being played by the EU in the Rule of Law
Sector Working Group.
10. The Council reaffirms the importance of creating the
conditions for socio-economic development that can
benefit all Iraqis. To this end, it welcomes that the
process of Iraq’s WTO accession is underway and looks
forward to the establishment of contractual trade and
co-operation relations between the EU and Iraq."
