The violence in Iraq must be condemned and Europe must recognise that its own commitments on building democracy, human rights and good governance in its agreement with the country are gravely at risk. The MEPs from the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament spoke out during a plenary debate on the outbreak of fighting by the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.
 
S&D foreign affairs spokesman Richard Howitt MEP called for all sides to respect humanitarian law and said regional dialogue was an essential part of securing political solutions in both Iraq and Syria.
 
Richard Howitt MEP told the European Parliament debate:
 
"The brutal killing of civilians by ISIS and the unlawful execution of at least 255 prisoners by the Iraqi security forces underline the need for all sides to respect international humanitarian law.
 
"I hope yesterday's appointment of a Sunni speaker to the Iraqi parliament can be the beginning of the formation of a truly inclusive government, representative of the diversity of the country's population.
 
"Noting the link between the rise of ISIS and the Syrian civil war, I also call for Europe to support regional dialogue including with Iran and Saudi Arabia, to make a reality of our commitment to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Iraq."
 
Ana Gomes S&D MEP added:
 
"Iraq needs urgently to form a new and inclusive multi-ethnic and multi-religious government, with the reconciliation process as a top priority on the political agenda."