The EU is expected to close ranks today on the future of Iraq by agreeing that the UN should have a central role. Leaders of the 15 member states, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, are discussing the matter on the second day of their summit in Athens. A joint statement is expected, with differences widely expected to be set aside to state agreement on a central role for the global body.
The statement - being worded carefully to avoid divisions that emerged over the war - will reaffirm the EU's willingness to help in the reconstruction of Iraq. The UN secretary general Kofi Annan has been urging the US and European countries to bury the hatchet on Iraqi policy in order to allow the rebuilding of the country. //www.fxcentre.com