The European Parliament adopted a resolution tabled by the Committee on Foreign Affairs welcoming the conclusion of the negotiations on the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement , which establishes contractual relations between the two parties for the first time. Members stress the following aspects of the agreement:

the ‘essential element’ clause on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction calls for the parties to play an active role in nuclear disarmament and to give their full support to the planned UN Conference on a Nuclear-Free Middle East. In addition, Parliament wants Iraq to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty as soon as possible; the clause concerning cooperation between the EU and Iraq in relation to the accession of Iraq to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Members stressing the importance of the EU providing maximum support for Iraq's ratification of the Rome Statute as soon as possible, and for the implementation of international human rights standards and instruments as a matter of priority; the clause on cooperation in the promotion and effective protection of human rights in Iraq, with the caveat that failure by Iraq to protect, enhance and respect human rights would negatively affect cooperation and economic development programmes; the importance of maintaining strict conditionality on the basis of the principle of ‘more for more’ and the need to put greater emphasis on the importance of substantial progress in relation to human rights in Iraq.

Parliament also calls on the Commission to draft a binding corporate social responsibility (CSR) clause for consideration at one of the first meetings of the Cooperation Council. It suggests that this clause should harmonise existing standards and concepts, in order to ensure comparability and fairness, and that it should set out measures to implement CSR principles at EU level, such as requirements to monitor the activities of companies, their subsidiaries and supply chains, and to apply due diligence.

Parliament applauds the opening of an EU Delegation to Iraq in Baghdad and the appointment of an EU Head of Delegation. It recalls, however, the need to secure for the EU Delegation its own adequate premises and the necessary resources commensurate with the EU's stated ambition of playing a significant role in Iraq's transition to democracy. It adds that it is essential to put the Head of Delegation in a position to travel in full security to all parts of the country to monitor the proper implementation of programmes financed by the EU, the human rights situation and the reform process.

The resolution emphasises that the political dialogue between the EU and the Iraqi authorities must primarily focus on the continuing allegations of human rights violations and the protection of the rights of all religious and ethnic minorities. It notes that, contrary to the worldwide trend towards the abolition of the death penalty, the number of executions in Iraq is increasing, and it calls on the Iraqi Government to abolish the death penalty, as a first step, and to declare and implement immediately a moratorium on executions.

Members underline the importance for Iraq's future of the political agreement reached by Iraqi leaders on the establishment of a national unity government , which properly represents the political, religious and ethnic diversity of Iraqi society and reflects the will of the Iraqi people as expressed in the general election held on 7 March 2010. However, they express concern at the growing sectarian tensions and deep lack of trust between the Iraqi Government and the opposition, which, if not remedied, may lead to the resumption of violent conflict. Concern is also expressed regarding the potential negative spill-over from the Syrian conflict into Iraq , which could exacerbate sectarian tensions in Iraq. Parliament calls on all players in Iraq to behave responsibly and with restraint in order to avoid such a scenario. It notes that 34 000 Syrian refugees have sought refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan since the start of the war, and calls for assistance for the Iraqi authorities in managing the refugee flow into Iraq.

On the matter of religious and ethnic diversity, Parliament remains deeply concerned at the continuing acts of violence perpetrated against the civilian population, vulnerable groups and all religious communities, including Christian minorities . Whilst noting that some progress has been made in this area, it calls on the Iraqi authorities to continue to improve security and public order and combat terrorism and sectarian violence throughout the country. Members recall that 800 000 Christian Iraqi citizens (Chaldeans, Syriacs and members of other Christian minorities) were living in Iraq in 2003, and that they constitute an ancient, native population group which is now facing serious danger of persecution and exile. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have fled the violence of which they continue to be the target, either leaving their country completely or being displaced within its borders. Parliament calls on the Iraqi authorities to step up their efforts to protect Christian minorities and all vulnerable minorities, to guarantee all Iraqi citizens the right to practise their faith or affirm their identity in freedom and safety. It takes the view that priority should equally be given to establishing a new legal framework which clearly defines the responsibilities and remit of the security forces and facilitates the adequate oversight of security forces, as called for in the Constitution.

Members go on to ask the Iraqi authorities, to secure the safety of, and humane living conditions for the residents of Camp Ashraf and Camp Hurriya . It asks Member States to honour Article 105(3)(b) and (4) of the partnership and cooperation agreement and to do everything possible to facilitate the resettlement or repatriation of the residents of Camp Hurriya on an individual basis, and according to their own free will, so that the issue of their presence on Iraqi territory can finally be settled.

Parliament stresses the need to pay particular attention to be paid to women's participation in the post-conflict reconstruction process and at the highest levels of political and economic life, and the importance of introducing an adequate and effective body of laws upholding and protecting women's and girls' rights. It expresses great concern at the many cases of suicide by women and honour killings in connection with forced marriages, and other common instances of violence against women, such as female genital mutilation and domestic abuse.

Applauding the recent establishment of Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights , Members call on Member States to support its development through technical assistance, ongoing dialogue and the sharing of experience in relation to human rights protection efforts.

Lastly, Parliament welcomes the establishment by the partnership and cooperation agreement of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee , which will be a forum for the Iraqi parliament and the European Parliament to meet and exchange views. It supports this important parliamentary dimension and takes the view that such a committee will provide a valuable opportunity for democratic dialogue and the provision of support for democracy in Iraq.