Brussels (AsiaNews) – Historically, Europe is closer to the Middle East, but its policies vis-à-vis the region lack unity and purpose. Europe understands Iraq better than the US, but "with the exception of a few countries acting on their own, Europe has not taken any significant step to solve the Iraqi crisis".

These are but a few of the views expressed by Burhan Jaf, envoy of Iraq's Kurdish regional government at the European Union. Mr Jaf praises the signing of the new European constitution but is still waiting to "see what the new European Commission will do in foreign policy". For him, it is important that Europe have "a united foreign policy" to help Iraq start again despite the terrorists' attempt to stop it.

Here is the interview Burhan Jaf gave AsiaNews.

What role can Europe play both in Iraq and the Middle East?

An essential role! It is important not to let the Americans bear the entire burden. I think Europe ought to be politically and economically more interested and involved. Undoubtedly, Europeans can do a lot to bring peace to my country. A crucial step will be the elections in January and Europeans can help create a free and democratic Iraq. Together, Europe and the US can do it.

How important is Europe for your country?

With the exception of a few countries acting on their own, Europe has not taken any significant initiative to solve the Iraqi crisis. I am certain however that the European nations can do a lot in stabilising Iraq given their culture, their sensitivity and political ideas. In Iraq we have an interim government but so far there is no visible sign of support and aid coming from Europe's governments.

What is the problem in your opinion?

Internal divisions! There is no single clear point of view and no one point of reference. There has been no conference on Iraq in Europe unlike the many organised in the US and London. Nothing like that has taken place in Europe, in the European parliament. Before the invasion and the overthrow of Saddam, Europe had backed the Kurdish people and the internal Iraqi opposition. After the collapse of the regime, nothing: no initiative, no discussion. Even at the Cairo conference on the reconstruction of Iraq we don't know what role Europe will play. If it can't find a united position I can't see what its weight in the matter will be.

Can the situation change on the short run?

Politics are constantly changing. We need important initiatives, commitment and presence.   

Do you consider foreign troops important in Iraq today?

Right now, every help is essential. Only the terrorists do not want foreign troops in Iraq. Europe is crucial for the rebirth of Iraq and its civil institutions. Historically, Europe is closer to the Middle East and understands the region better than the US. Western traditions and culture are based on fundamental civil and human rights that will be essential for building a democratic political culture in the Middle East. Iraq is a test case in the region.

Is it important to ensure that Iraqis go to the polls in January?

The elections will be a revolution. They will give us the opportunity to choose our leaders; this is something Iraqis have never done in their history. For us, it will be our first, real test. The European Union should be present with observers and technical staff who can guarantee the process gets off without any major hitch.

Who wants to destabilise Iraq?

That's simple. There is the Baath party that lost power with Saddam's fall and is unwilling to give it up. There are various extremist groups that are anti-American. They are richly funded from abroad to fight the US. There are also foreign powers like Syria and Iran . . . Sadly, there are foreign interests that do not want an Iraq at peace with itself because they might lose power and influence in the country. The problem is that so much is said about bombs and massacres, but little is said about the nine tenth of the country where life goes on. The same can be said about the capital. Only some of its sectors constitute a problem, in many more life goes on more or less normally. It would be absurd to stop the peace process and our march towards democracy because of what terrorists do. (DS)