BRUSSELS, July 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union (EU) pledged Monday to help in the reconstruction of Iraq by providing funds and other assistance to build a secure, stable, united and democratic country.

    The pledge came during the first meeting between EU foreign ministers and visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari since the US transferred power to the Iraqi government last month.

    The 25 EU foreign ministers agreed in a statement to send a scouting mission to Iraq "as long as conditions allow it" to determine the best way for the EU to promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights in the country.

    The statement did not make specific commitments as to the amount of aid to be allocated or when it would be provided.

    The EU has already committed 305 million euros (378 million US dollars) in humanitarian and reconstruction aid for Iraq this year.A similar commitment is expected next year. Enditem