An global conference on Iraq opened Wednesday in Brussels, with the participation of more than 80 ministers and officials, including UN chief, Kofi Annan. Discussions will focus on the rebuilding efforts of the country.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice urged Iraq's government to boost security and open its political system and economy. "We have agreed to work together to build a renewed international partnership with Iraq," Rice told the gathering, according to The AP. "The brave people of Iraq are asking us to stand with them -- and they deserve our full support." But she added that "Iraq, in turn, has obligations of its own."
"To maximize the financial benefits of assistance, the new Iraqi government must continue to improve security, liberalize its economy and open political space for all members of Iraqi society who reject violence."
Rice urged all countries to deliver the material support they have pledged to Baghdad and said "Iraq's neighbors -- Syria, in particular -- must secure their borders from those who seek to destroy Iraq's progress."
At the same time Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, whose country currently holds the the EU's rotating presidency, called for a "truly central" role for the United Nations in Iraq. "We call .. with all our wishes for a strengthening of the universal organization of the United Nations," Asselborn said.
On his part, UN chief, Kofi Annan, underlined that the global community must match its words with action to help Iraq, <i>AFP</I> reported. The people of Iraq "look to this conference for a clear sign that the international community will be their determined and dedicated companions on the tough road ahead," he said Wednesday.
