The foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) in Luxembourg Monday reiterated the bloc's commitment to play an important role, within the framework of all relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, in the international efforts to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country.

The foreign ministers, who are meeting here to prepare for the upcoming European Council, said in a statement that restoration of Iraqi sovereignty and the establishment of a fully representative Iraqi government are important to the reconstruction work.

"Acknowledging the necessity to reach agreement on a realistic schedule for handing over political responsibility to the Iraqi people, the Council reiterated the EU's support for the development of a prosperous, stable and sovereign Iraq," the statement said.

The meeting also deemed realistic the European Commission's (EC) proposal of an indicative pledge of 200 million euros (US$230 million) for reconstruction of Iraq during the 2003-2004 period at the Madrid Conference slated for Oct. 23-24.

It also endorsed the EC's view that, in the light of the developments during 2004, it will be necessary for the EU to develop a comprehensive medium-term strategy for its relations with Iraq.

The statement listed an adequate security environment, a strong and vital UN role, realistic schedule for handing over of political responsible to the Iraqis and setting up a transparent multilateral donor fund as four essential elements to ensure the success for the reconstruction efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2003)