EU vows Iraq divisions healed on 'historic' Baghdad visit

[ECH1969]

BAGHDAD (AFP) - A top-level European Union delegation arrived in Baghdad, expressing hope for the EU's new partnership with Iraq now that divisions over the US-led invasion of more than two years ago were healed.

"In Europe the war divided us, but now we are unified to help Iraq," said Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, following talks with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

EU external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and foreign policy chief Javier Solana were also part of what was described as "an historic visit" ahead of an international conference on Iraqi reconstruction later this month.

"I think it is a very deeply significant event because this is the beginning of a new political relationship that would grow into a real partnership," said Ferrero-Waldner.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050609/wl_mideast_afp/iraqbritaineu_050609175049
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Bush knew they would would cave.

[keopeli]

1. This is not caving

This is helping a country in desperate need of assistance.

This is doing what the US refuses to do.

This is protecting European countries' own interests in the Mid East.