Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday (23/5) expressed satisfaction over the fact that the United Nations would be playing a significant role in the process of reconstruction in Iraq “as recommended by the EU”. 

Simitis was replying to reporters’ questions concerning the UN Security Council vote on Iraq after talks with his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern in Dublin. He was in the Irish capital as part of his tour of EU capitals in his capacity as President of the European Council.

The Greek premier underlined the need to expedite the provision of assistance to Iraq in a way that would help organise the government and the economy, while at the same time combating poverty.

On his part, Ahern placed particular emphasis on the successful outcome of the European Convention, saying it was of “vital importance” for the future of Europe. 

The importance of this priority, particularly to Ireland, given that it will be holding the presidency-after-next, was also underlined by Simitis.

According to the timeframe, Simitis said, the Intergovernmental Conference that will follow the Convention will conclude its work at the end of the forthcoming Italian presidency, “so Ireland will have the last word in procedures relating to the final decisions of the IGC”.