Mededelingen

Press release on the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Republic of Iraq visit to Baghdad, Erbil and Mosul (6-9 March 2023)

Brussels, 14/03/2023

The EP Delegation attended the Sixth Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, the first held in Baghdad since 2011, between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq. MEPs held high-level meetings with Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdistan authorities in Baghdad and Erbil and paid a touching visit to war-shattered Mosul.

The European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Republic of Iraq (D-IQ), led by its chair, Ms Sara Skyttedal (EPP, SE), and composed by MEPs Domènec Ruiz Devesa (S&D, ES) and Marco Campomenosi (ID, IT), travelled to Iraq from 6 to 9 March 2023.

During the meeting, MEPs engaged in fruitful discussions with their Iraqi colleagues on a range of important issues, including political and economic developments in Iraq, security, human rights, respect of minorities, and regional stability.

MEPs also acknowledged the challenges faced by Iraq in its efforts to build a stable, democratic, and inclusive society, and expressed their continued support for Iraq's political and economic reform agenda. Members also discussed the importance of regional stability, reiterated their condemnation of any forms of foreign interference and violations of national sovereignty, and underscored the importance of a coordinated international response to global and regional challenges. Members of both Parliaments discussed ways to proceed with the establishment of a working Joint Parliamentary Committee as foreseen in the EU-IRAQ Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

The Delegation was received by H.E. Abdul Latif Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq and held fruitful exchanges of views with Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Prime Minister and Mr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The EP delegation also met with Lieutenant General Giovanni Iannucci, NATO commander in Iraq and Mr. Anders Wiberg, Head of the European Union's Advisory Mission in Iraq.

The second part of the mission was dedicated to Iraqi Kurdistan. In Erbil, Members met with Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan region, representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) as well as with Mr Hemin Hawrami Deputy Speaker of the Kurdish consultative Council. During the meeting, the current political situation in the Iraqi Kurdistan was also discussed.

On the last day, Members travelled to Mosul where they met Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa, a previous nominee for the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize, ,and visited the EU-funded UNESCO project aiming at rebuilding the old town of Mosul. The EP Delegation finally met with the local community and expressed in the strongest terms their condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Islamic State against Christians and other minorities during the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation of Mosul in 2014. The Delegation finally met with H. G. Mar Abrs Youkhanan (Bishop of Erbil of the Assyrian Church).

In concluding the visit, Ms Sara Skyttedal, the Chair of D-IQ delegation, stated that:

We welcome the resumption of the inter-parliamentary meetings with the Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq, which marks a new start in the EU-Iraq parliamentary relations. Based on the constructive exchanges held with our counterpart, we agreed to commit to work on the establishment of a working Joint Parliamentary Committee between our respective parliaments with the aim to upgrade of our bilateral relations.

We also express the hope that the new Iraqi government may achieve the necessary reforms to face the most pressing institutional, economic, and social challenges, and to find a sustainable understanding with the Kurdish Regional Government.

On the European Parliament side, we end this visit convinced that the EU must continue supporting the democratic transition of Iraq, and working to ensure closer economic and political relations with Iraq in the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.


For further information contact:

Office of Ms Sara SKYTTEDAL- Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241 - em@il: sara.skyttedal@europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit - em@il - d-irq@europarl.europa.eu

Statement by the Chair on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq

Brussels, 18/11/2022

Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, expresses her firmest condemnation of the rockets fired in the Iraqi city of Koye, claimed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which has resulted in one death and multiple injured.

The Chair unconditionally rejects this blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no justification for such an act of violence against the territory of a sovereign country. Ms Skyttedal calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid undermining the democratic transition in Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, Ms Skyttedal reaffirms the European Parliament's lasting support to the Iraqi people, the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan.


Background

On 14 November, one person was killed after rockets fired by Iran hit the headquarters of an Iranian Kurdish party in the Iraqi city of Koye, near Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq. According to Kurdish security sources, drones targeted two bases for Iranian Kurdish dissidents near Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.


For further information contact:

Office of Sara Skyttedal
Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241
email: sara.skyttedal @europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit
email: d-iq@europarl.europa.eu

Statement by the Chair on the recent election of Mohammed Shia' Sabbar al-Sudani as Prime Minister of Iraq

Brussels, 14/11/2022

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq, I would like to congratulate H.E Mohammed Shia' Sabbar al-Sudani on his recent election to the position of Prime Minister of Iraq.

The election of Prime Minister al-Sudani comes at a delicate time for the Republic of Iraq, after more than a year of political deadlock.

The hope is that the new government can work to achieve the necessary reforms, in particular ensuring the conditions for early elections within a year, addressing corruption, and finding a sustainable solution to relations with the semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). The successfully achievements of government's objectives would send a positive message both domestically and internationally, and demonstrate that the democratic transition of Iraq, albeit hindrances, is steadily progressing.

The Delegation for Relations with Iraq looks forward to continuing together the excellent cooperation between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq and plans to pay an official visit to Iraq, in 2023.


For further information contact:

Office of Sara Skyttedal
Tel. (+32) 2 28 45241
Email: sara.skyttedal @europarl.europa.eu

EuroMed and Middle East Unit - d-iq@europarl.europa.eu

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP’s Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the growing political turmoil in Iraq

04/08/2022

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, deplores the recent deterioration of relations among political parties in Iraq, which has resulted in the occupation of the Iraqi Council of Representatives by protesters and in a relatively high number of injured persons.

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iraq has been following with growing preoccupation the persistent political deadlock, which has prevented Iraq from having a new Executive more than 10 months after elections successfully took place in the country.

Ms Skyttedal calls upon all those concerned to avoid further confrontation, defuse tensions in the country and prevent further unrest and related violence.

Ms Skyttedal strongly believes that an inclusive dialogue among all political forces and a patiently pursued reconciliation process involving all Iraqi constituencies are essential durinng this particularly sensitive phase, to secure the consolidation of Iraq's sovereignty, stability and the rule of law and proceed with long-expected political, economic and social reforms.

The Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iraq finally reiterates her call on the United Nations, the European Union and its Member States to continue supporting the reconciliation and democratisation process in Iraq.

Background

On 27 July 2022, hundreds of Iraqi political activists stormed the Iraqi Council of Representatives and occupied it for a few days.

This demonstration, which has resulted in several injured protesters and security forces, comes after more than 10 months of political deadlock, which has so far prevented Iraqi to have a full-functioning government.

The European External Action Service as well as the international community expressed concern about a possible escalation of the situation and recalled that the right to peaceful protest is essential to democracy if law and state institutions are respected.

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq

14 March 2022

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, condemns the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, my condemnation of this unacceptable act of violence and violation of the Iraqi sovereignty by Iranian armed militias.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq denounces all violation of the Iraqi sovereignty and expresses its confidence that the citizens of Iraq will remain united in their resolute rejection of the attempts made by foreign countries and their armed forced both in Iraq and abroad to undermine the sovereignty and stability of their country.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq takes the view that it is in the common interest of all parties involved to abstain from any aggressive and violent action, which may undermine the fragile stability in the Middle East. It is essential, during these difficult times marked by the Russian aggression to Ukraine, to avoid the risk of further escalation of tensions both in Europe and in the Gulf.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq calls on all the parties involved and especially Iran to abstain from violence and instead find ways to overcome international clashes, in full consistency with international law and practices, in particular with regard to the respect of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all independent nations.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq finally reaffirms its lasting support to the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan and reiterates its call on the European Union and its Member States to reinforce their assistance to Iraq in the field of security and protection from external and internal threats.

Background

On 12 March 2022, Iran's Revolutionary Guards force based in Iran targeted an alleged Israeli "strategic centre" with missiles that struck the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil.

Twelve missiles hit areas around the local US consulate, causing severe material damage but no casualties.

The European External Action Service and the United States as well as the international community condemned the irresponsible action made by Iranian militias in the strongest terms.

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, on election of Mohammed al-Halbousi, Council Representatives

18 January 2022

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Iraq, I would like to congratulate H.E. Dr Mohammed al-Halbousi on his recent election to the position of Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq.

The election of Dr al-Halbousi comes at a key time for the Republic of Iraq and marks a first step towards establishing a new federal government after the national elections held in October 2021.

I am convinced that the main objective of all the Iraqi political actors is to regain the trust and interest of the citizens in the construction of a stronger country with a viable economic system and a lively democracy. The Council of Representatives, as the democratically elected body of Iraq, can play a major role in securing these goals in the full respect of the basic human and civil rights and of the rule of law. The European Parliament reiterate its will to be a strong partner of Iraq in its democratic transition phase.

The Delegation for Relations with Iraq looks forward to continuing together the excellent cooperation between the European Parliament and the Council of Representatives of Iraq and plans to pay an official visit to Iraq, the first since 2013, in 2022.


Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP’s Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent ISIS attack in Northern Iraq

2 December 2021

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, condemns the recent ISIS attack in Northern Iraq in which five Peshmerga members were killed.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, our heartfelt condolences to the Regional Government of Kurdistan and to the families of all those who were killed or injured in the recent terrorist attack in Diyala.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq, once again, condemns all incitement and acts of violence, in particular those triggered by religious, ethnic or social prejudice and hatred. It highlights the need by all Iraqi democratic forces to unite in their efforts to prevent any resurgence of the so-called Islamic State, which, during its short but which, during its short but brutal rule, brought about unspeakable suffering upon countless victims from among the peoples of Iraq and Syria.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq reaffirms its lasting support to the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan in their continued fight against terrorism, in particular against the so-called Islamic State. The Delegation reiterates its call on the European Union and its Member States to streamline their assistance to Iraq in the field of security as well as in protection of fundamental human and civil rights.

Background

On 27 November 2021, Islamic State militants killed five Peshmerga security officers and wounded four more in an attack against a military convoy in the Diyala province. Earlier this month, ISIS claimed responsibility for another attack in which two Peshmerga were killed. ISIS also attacked Peshmerga forces on the Kifri-Garmaser border between Sulaimani and Diyala provinces in November 2021.

The recent terrorist attacks reinforce concerns that the Islamic State, after having been defeated on the ground by an international coalition, is once again expanding its activities in Iraq and Syria and may well endanger the process of reconstruction of Iraq, and exposing its citizens to a new wave of violence and abuses.

This outbreak of violence may also be part of a wider strategy aiming to undermine the result of general elections that took place in October 2021 and the gradual democracy building process in Iraq.

Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP’s Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent terrorist attack against Prime Minister al-Kadhimi

9 November 2021

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, deplores the recent terrorist against the residence of Prime Minister al-Kadhimi.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I strongly and unconditionally condemn the terrorist attack on 7 November 2021 which targeted the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi in Baghdad. I am personally relieved that the Prime Minister was not hit as a result of the attack. I also wish a prompt recovery to those who were injured.

I appreciate the Prime Minister's "call for calm and restraint on the part of everyone for the good of Iraq" following an action which was aimed to ignite a dangerous escalation with the clear intention of derailing the country's process of stabilisation.

The EP delegation for relations with Iraq stands with the Iraqi government and the people of Iraq in their rejection of all kinds of political and sectarian violence. The EP delegation for relations with Iraq reiterates its lasting support for the on-going democratic process in Iraq aimed at building a stronger and more stable, developed and inclusive country.

The EP delegation for relations with Iraq calls on the European Union and its Member States to make available all appropriate support and assistance to Iraq's government especially with regards to ensuring security in the country and its fight against terrorism.

Background

On 7 November 2021, the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was targeted in a drone attack. The strike has been described as an assassination attempt. While the Iraqi Prime Minister was unscathed, six members of his personal protection force stationed outside his residence in the Bagdad's Green Zone were wounded. This act of terrorism was clearly intended to destabilised the country after that general elections, a key test for Iraq's democratic system, were held in a peaceful and well-organised manner.

STATEMENT BY SARA SKYTTEDAL, CHAIR OF THE EP's DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH IRAQ, ON THE RECENT TERRORIST ATTACK IN NORTHERN IRAQ

7 September 2021

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, deplores the recent terrorist attacks in Northern Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, our heartfelt condolences to the Government of Iraq and to the families of all those who have suffered losses and injury in the recent terrorist attack in Kirkuk.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq, once again, condemns all incitement and acts of violence, in particular those triggered by religious, ethnic or social prejudice and hatred. It highlights the cruelty of this indiscriminate and unacceptable attack and expresses its confidence that the terrorists will not achieve their goals and that the people of Iraq will remain united in its resolute rejection of the attempts made by extremists of different groups and parties to destabilise their country by sparking sectarian tensions.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq reaffirms its lasting support to the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan in their continued fight against terrorism, including against the Islamic State. The Delegation calls on the European Union and its Member States to streamline their assistance to Iraq in the field of security and protection of fundamental human and civil rights, especially in view of the forthcoming elections of 10 October 2021.

Background

On 4 September 2021, Islamic State militants killed at least 12 Iraqi police officers and wounded several more in an overnight attack at an outpost near the city of Rashad, 30 km southwest of northern city of Kirkuk. Separately, at least another three Iraqi soldiers were killed and one was wounded when gunmen attacked an army checkpoint southeast of the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The recent attacks of Kirkuk and Mosul reinforce concerns that the Islamic State, after having been defeated on the ground by an international coalition, is once again expanding its activities in Iraq and Syria and may well endanger the process of reconstruction of Iraq and exposing its citizens to a new wave of violence and abuses.

This outbreak of violence may also be part of a wider strategy aiming at undermining the organisation of general elections, due to take place in October this year, that are critical for the democratic future of Iraq.

STATEMENT BY DOMÈNEC RUIZ DEVESA, ACTING CHAIR OF THE DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH IRAQ, ON THE RECENT TERRORIST ATTACK IN BAGHDAD

26 July 2021

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, our heartfelt, deep, sincere sympathy and condolences to the Government of Iraq and to the families of all those who have suffered losses and injury in the recent attack on a market place in the heart of Baghdad.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq, once again, condemns all incitement and acts of violence, in particular those triggered by religious, ethnic or social prejudice and hatred. It highlights the cruelty of this indiscriminate and unacceptable attack and expresses its confidence that the terrorist will not achieve their goals and that the people of Iraq will remain united in its resolute rejection of the attempts made by extremists of different groups and parties to destabilise their country by sparking sectarian tensions.

The Delegation reaffirms its full support to the on-going democratic process in Iraq aiming at building a stronger and more stable, developed country, treating all its citizens equally, with a strong sense of equity and social justice.

Background

On 20 July 2021, a suicide attack killed at least 35 people at a busy marketplace in Baghdad, while more than 100 were injured. The device exploded in the al-Wuhailat market, in the northern Sadr City area, as families prepared for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

The suicide bombing, claimed by the so-called Islamic State, was the deadliest in Baghdad in six months.

The attack of Bagdad may well indicate that the Islamic State, after having been defeated on the ground by an international coalition, can still count on sleeper cells continue to wage a low-level insurgency in the country.

This outbreak of violence may also part of a wider strategy aiming to undermine the organisation of democratic elections in the Middle- East country, due to take place in October this year.