General documents - Statement by Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the EP's Delegation for relations with Iraq, on the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq - Delegation for relations with Iraq

14 March 2022

Ms Sara Skyttedal, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, condemns the recent Iranian missile attack in Northern Iraq.

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Iraq, I express, together with my colleagues, my condemnation of this unacceptable act of violence and violation of the Iraqi sovereignty by Iranian armed militias.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq denounces all violation of the Iraqi sovereignty and expresses its confidence that the citizens of Iraq will remain united in their resolute rejection of the attempts made by foreign countries and their armed forced both in Iraq and abroad to undermine the sovereignty and stability of their country.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq takes the view that it is in the common interest of all parties involved to abstain from any aggressive and violent action, which may undermine the fragile stability in the Middle East. It is essential, during these difficult times marked by the Russian aggression to Ukraine, to avoid the risk of further escalation of tensions both in Europe and in the Gulf.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq calls on all the parties involved and especially Iran to abstain from violence and instead find ways to overcome international clashes, in full consistency with international law and practices, in particular with regard to the respect of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all independent nations.

The Delegation for relations with Iraq finally reaffirms its lasting support to the Iraqi government and the regional government of Kurdistan and reiterates its call on the European Union and its Member States to reinforce their assistance to Iraq in the field of security and protection from external and internal threats.

Background

On 12 March 2022, Iran's Revolutionary Guards force based in Iran targeted an alleged Israeli "strategic centre" with missiles that struck the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil.

Twelve missiles hit areas around the local US consulate, causing severe material damage but no casualties.