EU seeks common ground on Iraq

EU seeks common ground on Iraq

EU leaders seek to bridge differences over the Iraq war

European Union leaders are expected to discuss the future of Iraq, on the second day of a EU summit in the Greek capital, Athens.

Talks on a draft statement continued late into the night on Wednesday without agreement.

A final statement on Iraq is now expected later on Thursday.

A wider gathering including EU states, new members, and other countries in the region, is also taking place in Athens.

This wider meeting is described as a follow-up to the main business of the summit - Wednesday's signing of a treaty on the largest expansion of the European Union yet.

Declaration

The BBC's Chris Morris in Athens says that having been deeply split about the decision to take military action against Iraq, Europe's pro- and anti-war factions are trying to find a common stance.

The statement on Iraq being circulated among EU members is said to have been drafted by the leaders of France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

ACCESSION STATES

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Estonia

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Malta

Poland

Slovakia

Slovenia

The first two opposed the war - while the second two supported it.

But now all sides have emphasised a central role for the United Nations in post-war Iraq. They also stress that the EU wants to be involved in reconstruction and humanitarian aid efforts.

Our correspondent says this is non controversial, and much of the detail - such as the exact role for the UN - has not yet been agreed.

The treaty signed on Wednesday cements plans for the fifth enlargement of the union since the creation of the original six-member European Community in 1957.

Ten new members, eight of them from the former communist bloc, are due to join the EU in May 2004.

The leaders approved an Athens Declaration, pledging to put an end to centuries of conflict on the European continent.

It said the EU was committed to facing up to its global responsibilities, and that it would "support conflict prevention, promote justice, help secure peace and defend global security".

It added: "We are determined to work at all levels to tackle global terrorism and stem the weapons of mass destruction."

Broader benefits

The Athens Declaration had been intended to mention the war in Iraq, but the phrase was dropped from the final text.

Street violence marred the optimistic mood of the summit

As the signing ceremony took place, anti-war protesters threw petrol bombs at police, who replied with tear gas. Several people were injured.

Thursday's wider meeting brings together not just the 25 present and prospective EU members, but other candidates like Turkey, as well as neighbours such as Russia, Ukraine, Serbia and Switzerland.

Participants are due to discuss issues such as security, trade and transport.

Analysts say the idea is to show the broader benefits of EU enlargement.