| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC June 1, 2005 The United States, The European Union and Iraq Announce International Conference on June 22, 2005Following a request from the new Iraqi Transitional Government, an international conference with Iraq, co-hosted by the United States and the European Union, will be held at the Foreign Minister level in Brussels on June 22, 2005. The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for the new Iraqi Transitional Government to present its priorities, vision and strategies for the transition period leading up to the next round of elections toward the end of the year. It is also an opportunity to mobilize international support for the Iraqi Transitional Government and its institutions. The conference will be structured around three themes outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution 1546: --Political process --Economic challenges and reconstruction --Public order and rule of law. Iraq will lead the discussions in these three areas and is expected to bring a large delegation representing a wide range of interests and communities. Over 80 countries and international organizations have been invited. When President Bush visited Brussels on February 22, the United States and the European Union agreed to offer to host an international conference on Iraq if the Iraqis so wished. The Iraqi Transitional Government has now written to the United States and the European Union and asked that such a conference be held to provide Iraq with a vehicle to engage with the international community. 2005/574 |
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