Vol. 565 No. 1
140 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on proposals by the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, that the United States and the European Union could co-operate on the rebuilding of Iraq after the current war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10116/03]
Ireland believes the UN should be at the centre of the process of rebuilding Iraq after the conflict has concluded. It has the experience, capacity and perceived neutrality to carry this objective forward. Its work in East Timor and Afghanistan is perceived as having been successful. This is also the position of the European Union.
The European Council, when it last met, invited the Commission to explore the means by which the EU might help the Iraqi people.
