IRAQ/EU: The European Union must endorse tomorrow's Iraqi elections in advance, the United States' ambassador to Ireland, Mr James Kenny, has said.
The Iraqi people "need to know that the world is with them on Sunday when they go to the polls. They need to know that they votes will count," he added.
The EU's governments and media must show that they "endorse these elections" in advance and show that they will work with elected Iraqi leaders.
Speaking to the Association of European Journalists in Dublin, Mr Kenny acknowledged that many in the EU oppose US President George Bush's handling of the issue.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern, pledged the Government's support for the election of Iraq's Transitional National Assembly.
"Whatever differences there may have been regarding the invasion of Iraq, everybody who believes in democracy must wish to see the Iraqi people take control of their own destiny through the ballot box," he said.
The European Commission has pledged an extra €200 million ($261 million) for post-war reconstruction in Iraq. The offer, which was made yesterday, is a major increase of existing EU aid to the country. - Reuters
