ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Council of the European Union has underscored that its policy for Iraq includes Middle Eastern countries and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) enhancing political co-operation as regional tensions have built amid Iran and the United States rhetoric.
"In view of the current tensions in the region, the EU underlines the importance for all countries in the region, and all international actors engaged in the region, to fully respect Iraq's sovereignty and its policy of constructive engagement with its neighbours," read a statement from the Council on Monday.
The General Secretariat of the Council outlined nine conclusions for its delegations dealing with Iraq.
"The EU expressly welcomes the Presidency and Government of Iraq's consistent pursuit of a balanced policy in the region, including its recent outreach efforts," the Council stated.
The Iraqi government repeatedly has said it does not want to become a battleground for regional or global tensions between countries like the United States, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. European leaders also believe the correct path is dialogue.
“We believe that the time has come to act responsibly and to seek ways to stop the escalation of tension and resume dialogue,” read a joint statement from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France on Monday.
"The risks are such that it is necessary for all stakeholders to pause, and consider the possible consequences of their actions,” the joint statement added.
The EU statement noted federal elections in May 2018 reaffirmed "Iraq's commitment to democracy."
"It is now crucial that all political players and institutions in Iraq work together to address the country's urgent needs, especially in relation to the provision of security, basic services and sustainable jobs for all Iraqis across the country," the Council added.
The European Union has representation in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, as well as the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil.
The Council also noted the election of Nechirvan Barzani as the president of the Kurdistan Region following the parliamentary election on September 30, 2018.
"The EU welcomes the improved relations between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and encourages both parties to maintain the dialogue based on the Constitution of Iraq," it wrote.
New Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is visiting Baghdad on Tuesday on a "goodwill" tour with the three Iraqi presidencies.
The EU Council acknowledged that disagreements remain between Erbil and Baghdad over the administration of areas. The areas in northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are outlined in Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution; however, a referendum has not been held to settle their status.
"Joint work to improve governance and security coordination in the "disputed territories" is especially needed," the Council stated.
"The EU welcomes the improved relations between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and encourages both parties to maintain the dialogue based on the Constitution of Iraq," it added.
Since 2014, the European Union has contributed more than €1.2 billion (about $1.35 billion) to the EU-Iraq partnership. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 1.6 million Iraqis remain displaced since the military conflict with the Islamic State (ISIS) began in 2014 and officially ended in December 2017.
European politicians are meeting in Brussels to discuss ways to address dealing with Iran which faces mounting US sanctions namely targetting its energy and trading sectors.
While exact figures on Iranian oil exports are unavailable, it is believed the Islamic Republic is exporting less than 500,000 barrels per day (bpd). Prior to the re-implementation of US sanctions following its withdrawal from the nuclear deal last year, Tehran exported at least 2.5 million bpd in addition to holding the world’s second-largest proven gas reserves.
The European and Iranian insistence that the special barter channel known as INSTEX could be operational does not coincide with previous reports that the Europeans have not assigned a bank to handle the possible transactions, devoid of the US dollar.
The United Kingdom increasingly has been forced to deal with Iran trying to bypass sanctions re-imposed by US President Donald Trump and existing EU sanctions on Syria.
A British warship had to provide security to a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, and then British Royal Marines with Spanish authorities detained a Panama-flagged supertanker trying to traverse the Strait of Gibraltar that was believed to be carrying Iranian oil to Syria.
US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford has floated the idea of an international naval coalition that would allow ships traveling near the Persian Gulf safe passage near Iranian waters and areas which their proxies are alleged to be operating.
