The year 2006 will see an augmented commitment by the European
Union for the support of Iraq’s political transition and
economic and social reconstruction. Among the primary objectives
there is the launching of contractual relations with the new constitutionally
elected Iraqi government, in order to simplify the normalization
process in Iraq in international relations and to incite the domestic
reconciliation process. The scenario of relations with Iran seems
uncertain in this new year, following Iran’s recent actions
in the sector of nuclear energy. This behavior reflects negatively
on its desire not only for dialogue with the European Union, but
also for negotiations in various sectors. The horizon of relations
with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates) is vast and
must be explored with care: the conclusion of negotiations on
the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement is imminent, but there’s
still a lot to be done in order to give visibility and coherence
to European presence in the region. Lastly, the European Union
plans to dedicate special attention to Yemen, the only poor country
in the Arabian peninsula, which is seeking integration at a regional
level, has launched its own reform programs, and will continue
to need not only political dialogue but also financial aid.
Italy supports the need to raise the European Union’s
profile in this geographic area of primary geo-political importance,
and to emphasize the impact of the “Strategic Partnership”
with initiatives to promote the respect of human rights, the rule
of law, security talks, non-proliferation, antiterrorism, economic
and social reforms, cultural exchanges, and management of migrations.
