By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iraqi president Jalal Talabani Friday underscored the need for Iraq to strengthen relations with EU countries at all levels in order to serve the common interests between the two sides and support the process of development and prosperity throughout the Middle East region.
A statement issued by the office of President Talabani said that he met in his residence in Baghdad, the delegation of the European Parliament, which included its secretary for Iraqi affairs Anna Gomez, member of the European Parliament Emma Nicholson, and the European Union’s Ambassador to Iraq Elka Ossetia.
The statement said, “During the meeting, President Talabani praised the course of democracy in Iraq,” describing the current atmosphere prevailing in the new Iraq as the spring of democracy.
He pointed to the many accomplishments achieved at the political level and media freedoms and democracy and human rights and women’s rights and other areas that have experienced significant development during the past few years, but noted the existence of challenges and obstacles facing the progress of the political process.
Talabani renewed emphasis on the importance of achieving political reform in the country in line with the achievements that have taken place in recent times in the fields of national security and the economy.
Talabani spoke on the role of the media in reporting facts and realities on the ground in Iraq, saying “The Arab, European, and American media do not always reflect the reality of the situation in Iraq especially the tremendous achievements that have been made in the areas of security, economic development and reconstruction, the increase in the budget and the successful role of the private sector in the country and the improvement of the standard of living of the citizens.
Rather, these media transmit negative aspects of the world public opinion on what goes on in Iraq; therefore, balanced information is needed to cover Iraqi achievements and victories that took place after the fall of the former regime, said Talabani.
The statement pointed out that “there was an exchange of views between Talabani and the EU delegaion on the passing of important laws and legislations such as those on fiscal accountability, administering of justice, oil, the national budget, and on district councils elections.” On relations with neighbors, Talabani emphasized his country’s keenness to have the best of ties with all of them. He underlined his support of Turkey’s efforts to gain admittance to the EU.
On the issue of Iraqi refugees in Syria, the Iraqi president said that the Iraqi government is working hard to provide assistance to these refugees to reduce their suffering and also urge them to return to their country.
On their part, members of the EU visiting delegation expressed support for the political process and the democratic experiment in Iraq.