Yesterday, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission adopted a Joint Communication proposing an EU strategy for Iraq in order to address the many challenges the country faces following the territorial defeat of Da’esh.
The proposal outlines both ongoing and long-term EU support to the country, with full consideration of the priorities of the Iraqi government.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, who has visited Iraq several times to assess EU aid projects on the ground said,
“The EU has been providing emergency assistance to the Iraqi people since the beginning. Humanitarian needs remain high and many people remain displaced by conflict. I have seen first-hand the suffering in places like Mosul and Fallujah and it is crucial that all aid efforts continue to be impartial and neutral. It is essential to support all Iraqi’s in need of assistance today and tomorrow, for as long as it takes.”
The strategy focuses on delivering continued EU humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people and facilitating the stabilization of areas liberated from Da’esh, with three million displaced Iraqis still unable to return home.
It also seeks to address long-term reform, reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that Iraq needs to pursue in order to consolidate peace and build a united, democratic country in which all citizens can fully enjoy their rights.
Original source: EC
Published on 8 January 2018
