Foreign Minister Gabriel on the signing of the framework agreement on an untied loan to support Iraq

Foreign Minister Gabriel issued the following statement in Berlin today (13 February) on the signing of the framework agreement on an untied loan to support Iraq: 

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We want to assist the Iraqi Government in restoring public infrastructure to enable those who were forced to flee from IS terrorism to return home.

The liberation of eastern Mosul by Iraqi security forces is a significant success. Tens of thousands have already returned to the suburbs and the liberated areas of the city. In other Iraqi towns too, such as Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah, international stabilisation measures have enabled many families to go back home. 

In order that these cities and areas can soon become peaceful, vibrant and pleasant places to live once again, even more engagement and investment is needed: in a functioning water and energy supply and a working transport system. That is the focus of our engagement. 

IS cannot be conquered by military means alone. Extremism and terrorism will only be deprived of their breeding ground if the people in the areas liberated from IS can envisage a positive future for themselves and their families. That is a Herculean task, but it is also strengthening the Iraqi communities, helping to pave the way for a peaceful future and tackling the root causes of displacement.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2017/170213-Unterstuetzung_Irak.html?nn=479796