Baghdad-INA
The European Union(EU) affirmed on Saturday that combating corruption is a priority for the Iraqi government, while reiterating the EU's readiness to support Iraq's efforts in recovering funds and assets and strengthening the rule of law, and praising the judiciary and government's efforts in combating corruption.
EU Ambassador to Iraq Klemens Semtner said in a speech during the launch of the trial follow-up program report, which was attended by a correspondent from the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “we appreciate the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme for its continued commitment to this important work, which reflects a shared determination to strengthen governance, consolidate institutional integrity, and protect public resources in a way that serves the interests of Iraqi citizens.”
He added that "the report comes at a crucial time, and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has clearly affirmed that combating corruption is at the top of his government's priorities," noting that "the European Union supports these efforts through its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme within the project (Anti-Corruption Initiatives and Arbitration for Environmental Justice), which contributes to creating an environment conducive to investment and economic growth."
He explained that "efforts are not limited to monitoring trials, but also include supporting legislative development, resolving commercial disputes and arbitration, promoting environmental justice, and conducting a broader dialogue on governance," stressing that "institutions must be credible, apply laws consistently, and harness public power to serve the public interest."
He pointed out that "good governance and the rule of law are two essential pillars for building citizens' trust, supporting economic diversification, and achieving sustainable development."
Simetner emphasized that "justice in major corruption cases is not measured by convictions alone, but by the extent to which public resources are recovered and returned to the state,”He explained that "the report calls for a more comprehensive approach that extends from identifying financial damages and tracking and securing assets to implementing reparations, including cross-border reparations when necessary."
He further stated that "recovering funds and assets links legal accountability with tangible results, ensuring the pursuit of the proceeds of corruption and addressing its practical consequences." He noted that "Iraq possesses the necessary legal tools and institutional framework to achieve this, and the priority lies in applying these tools consistently, in a timely manner, and in coordination with the relevant institutions."
He explained that "the report includes practical recommendations to enhance asset recovery, including strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing the link between criminal and civil proceedings, improving asset preservation mechanisms, and expanding the use of legal and technical tools."
He affirmed that "the European Union is ready to support Iraq at various stages of this process, through building legal capacities within public institutions, developing case and data management systems, enhancing institutional coordination, supporting international cooperation on cross-border issues, as well as continuing legislative and political dialogue in line with international standards."
Simetner praised "the Supreme Judicial Council, the Iraqi government, and all national institutions," appreciating "their role, leadership, and continued cooperation in advancing anti-corruption efforts."