The new President of the European Parliament’s Iraq delegation has said that he intends to play a constructive role to assist Iraq wherever possible to see off ISIL, support humanitarian aid, and promote strong inclusive government.

The new President of the European Parliament’s Iraq delegation has said that he intends to play a constructive role to assist Iraq wherever possible to see off ISIL, support humanitarian aid, and promote strong inclusive government.

David Campbell Bannerman, Conservative MEP for the East of England and ECR Group member, said it is a privilege to chair the Parliament’s Delegation to Iraq at such a pivotal time in history. Whilst the EU rightly does not have any military role to play in the current conflict, Campbell Bannerman said that he is looking forward to supporting Iraq’s people with all humanitarian and diplomatic tools.

He said:
“It’s a privilege to chair the parliament’s Iraq delegation at such a pivotal time in Iraq’s future. I want also to build on the good work of my predecessor Struan Stevenson who fought relentlessly for human rights in Iraq.
“Europe’s first priority in Iraq must be to destroy ISIL. In the cradle of human civilisation we see the most barbaric and heinous organisation, one that must be eliminated. This is predominantly a military operation, working with allies in the region, and naturally the European Parliament has no military role here and nor should it have. However, we can play a role in promoting a more stable political environment in Iraq with a strong and inclusive government and parliament that promote the rule of law and engage with the West. I also want to support the Kurdistan Regional Government and be cautious about getting too close to Iran.
“We can also work with the European Commission to ensure that humanitarian assistance is being used effectively, so that it is targeted at those whose lives have been destroyed by ISIL fighters.
“The Iraq delegation will be seeking to play an active and constructive role in the coming months and years. We must use all of our tools: military, diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and political to see down this threat and protect minorities from these purveyors of evil.”