European Parliament
Ribeiro e Castro (UEN ),
in writing
(PT)
I voted for the report, because I believe the European Union should overcome the split it suffered when the last Iraq war began and should unite in view of the need to lay down the conditions for a free and democratic Iraq to rise out of the rubble of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.
In this respect, today I recall the time when this Parliament was unable to adopt any position at all on the Iraqi crisis.
The real difficulties to which I alerted this House at that time are still current, as is the appeal I then made for a serious, respectful and honest dialogue between equals.
In view of the most recent developments in Iraq, it is obvious that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq has to be a priority for the international community as a whole.
I therefore believe that this proposal helps to establish a responsible position for the Union on this important issue, providing it with the means that are deemed necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

