EU and Iraq sign agreement

BRUSSELS

Iraqi FM Zebari (L) and EU foreign policy chief Ashton shake hands in Brussels.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief signed a partnership and cooperation agreement with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari in Brussels on May 11, ahead of nuclear talks with Tehran scheduled for May 23 in Baghdad.

“For me this agreement is above all a symbol of the European Union’s wish to be a positive partner for Iraq in its democratic efforts. It is a fitting testament to the European Union’s determination to build a long-term partnership, not just today or tomorrow, but for many years to come,” said Catherine Ashton after signing the agreement.

After the agreement, Ashton said she hoped upcoming talks with Iran would form the basis for Tehran to eventually abandon its alleged nuclear weapons project.

Ashton, who has been representing the major powers at talks about Iran’s nuclear activity, held a joint news conference with Zebari. “My ambition is that we come away with the beginning of the end of the nuclear weapons program in Iran. I hope we’ll see the beginnings of success,” she said.