The March 2003 statement supported efforts to restore cooperation between the United States and Europe. Its central argument was that planning for Iraq after the war could provide a practical basis for renewed transatlantic partnership rather than deepen the political divisions surrounding the conflict.
A proposed political objective
The statement described the intended outcome as a peaceful, stable and unified Iraq governed through representative institutions and the rule of law. It emphasized civil rights, broad political participation and improved conditions for Iraq's population, while also anticipating the elimination of any prohibited weapons programs.
Its authors argued that Iraqis committed to democratic government should play the leading role in the country's political transition. Subject to security conditions, they favored an early and progressive transfer of authority so that Iraqi participants—not foreign governments or international administrators—would ultimately make the country's political and economic decisions.
International reconstruction
The statement recognized reconstruction as a large and difficult undertaking requiring cooperation among governments and multilateral institutions. It proposed early involvement by United Nations relief bodies and international financial institutions so that expertise and resources could be prepared and allocated without unnecessary delay.
It also called for officials from participating countries to serve alongside Americans in any initial civilian administration. The stated purpose was to draw on varied experience from earlier peacekeeping and reconstruction missions while improving coordination between security personnel and those responsible for political, economic and humanitarian work.
NATO and the United Nations
NATO was presented as a possible vehicle for rebuilding transatlantic cooperation. The statement proposed a prominent alliance role in stabilization, infrastructure recovery and humanitarian assistance, as well as support for locating and dismantling any prohibited weapons capabilities found in Iraq.
Finally, it argued that endorsement by the United Nations Security Council could broaden international participation. The proposed resolution would recognize a civilian administration, authorize relief and reconstruction activity, welcome a stabilization force involving NATO allies and end the economic sanctions imposed after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait.
This page provides an editorial paraphrase rather than reproducing the statement verbatim. Readers can place it alongside related material in the Iraq and Middle East and the broader letters and statements collection.