EU Outlines Objectives For Help For Iraq

(RFE/RL) BRUSSELS, Jun 7, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, today outlined the objectives of the EU's long-term strategy for Iraq.

The EU has earmarked 200 million euros to fund its work in Iraq this year.

"We want to help Iraq take control of its own destiny and build a prosperous and stable country," European Commission spokeswoman Emma Udwin told RFE/RL. That means "overcoming the divisions, building a stable government that's acceptable to the whole of the population. It means promoting the rule of law and human rights. It means continuing to support the Iraqi authorities in providing basic services for the population, and helping the new government to deliver better by helping them to govern better."

The Commission says the security situation in Iraq must improve for these goals to be met.