U.S.-EU Summit: Iraq International Conference

During President Bush's February 2005 visit to Brussels, the United States and the European Union agreed, if requested, to co-host an international conference to provide a venue for the democratically-elected Iraqi Transitional Government. Upon its formation, the Iraqi Transitional Government issued such a request. The one-day conference will take place in Brussels at the Foreign Minister-level on June 22, preceded on June 21 by a meeting of senior officials. Secretary of State Rice will lead the U.S. delegation to the conference.

The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for the new Iraqi Government to present its vision, strategies and priorities for Iraq's transition to a stable, prosperous and democratic nation. It is also an opportunity for the international community to share with Iraq our goals for the country's forward progress, including expectations of an inclusive political process that meets the timeline set out in the Transitional Administrative Law. The result of this exchange will be an international partnership in support of the new government and the Iraqi people as they grapple with the enormous and exciting challenges before them.

The conference will be structured around three themes outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1564:

• Political Process;
• Economic Challenges and Reconstruction; 
• Public Order and Rule of Law.

Iraq will lead the discussions in these three areas. This conference will improve assistance to Iraq by ensuring support and a greater level of cooperation from the international community in responding to Iraqi priorities -- but it is not a pledging conference. The United States, the European Union and its member states, and other key nations have been active in providing considerable financial and technical support to the Iraqi Transitional Government in all areas.