BRUSSELS, June 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union (EU) and the Belgian government Wednesday welcomed the new resolution on Iraq adopted by the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday.

    In a written statement, the EU's executive arm, the European Commission (EC) said it "welcomes the unanimous approval" of the resolution as "an important contribution to efforts to end the crisis in Iraq."

    "The Resolution strengthens the role of the UN as a guarantor of the political and economic reconstruction of this country", thestatement quoted the remarks of EC President Romano Prodi, who is attending the G-8 Summit on Sea Island in Georgia of the United States.

    According to Prodi, the process that is starting on Tuesday would "put an end to the military occupation."

    "It will start a transitional phase during which the Iraqi people will be able to choose their own government and determine its composition," said the statement.

    Prodi promised that the EU will stay at the side of the Iraqis,supporting the full reintegration of the country to the international community.

    On Wednesday, the EC approved a proposed framework for the EU'srelations with Iraq, which proposes actions for the immediate future, the post-election period, and the medium term.

    Addressing a press briefing on the framework, European Commissioner on external relations Chris Patten said the adoption of the new Iraq resolution was a "good sign", but it was by no means a "guarantor of success".

    He said the EC's framework maps out three medium-term objectives in the EU's strategy in Iraq:

    -- the development of a stable and democratic Iraq;

    -- the establishment of an open, stable, sustainable and diversified market economy;

    -- Iraq's economic and political integration into its region and the open international system.

    In the meantime, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana also voiced his support for the resolution.

    The EU supported the reintegration of Iraq into the international community as a sovereign, independent and democratic country, at peace with itself and its neighbors, and with its territorial integrity preserved, he said.

    On the same day, Belgian Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Louis Michel saluted the resolution.

    He said the resolution opens the way for full sovereignty of Iraqi people and contributes to create conditions for organizing the first free election in Iraq.

    "It is especially important (for the resolution) to establish aclear agenda for the implementation of the process, -- this has been done now," he added.

    The 15-nation UN Security Council adopted the US-British drafted resolution endorsing the newly-formed interim Iraqi government and authorizing the multinational forces, mostly US troops, to stay in the country until elections are held by Dec. 31,2005.

    Michel said the way all members of the council have striven tomake consensus for general interest "translates a return to genuine multi-lateral logic," and "this is a good omen."

    However, Solana said the situation remains complex and securityis still a serious concern, adding that it is his sincere hope that "the adoption of this resolution will contribute to bring stability and prosperity to the Iraqi people."

    Under the new resolution on Iraq, a force would be created witha dedicated mission to protect UN staff and facilities.

    The UN pulled all its staff out of Iraq last October after its office in Baghdad came under two terrorist attacks. Enditem