Statement by the Presidency of the European Union on Iraq

The Presidency of the European Union shares the concerns expressed yesterday by the President of the United States of America, George Bush, regarding the ongoing violence and daily bloodshed in Iraq. It strongly condemns the increasing ethnic and religious violence which claims the lives of dozens of innocent people every day.

The Presidency emphasizes the European Union's commitment to a secure, stable and united Iraq. The European Union will continue to support the Iraqi Government in its efforts to reconstruct and stabilize the country, and stands prepared to broaden this commitment provided that the security situation on the ground allows this.

The key to a united, federal and democratic Iraqi nation lies first and foremost with the people of Iraq themselves. It is up to them to agree on the principles of coexistence and reach a political consensus on their common future on the basis of an intensified internal dialogue.

The Presidency will continue to support efforts to bring about national reconciliation and dialogue, and calls upon Iraq's neighbours to respect the sovereignty of the country while making their own contribution to the stabilization process.