This is a sad and sombre day for all nations around the world. The onslaught of war has put paid to the international community's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis within the United Nations. Today we must all pray that the war will be short and as bloodless as possible and that it will bring the least possible disruption to the region.

We trust that all involved will do their utmost to limit the number of civilian casualties. Iraq's territorial integrity must be preserved.The Commission is committed to delivering humanitarian aid quickly and effectively, under international auspices, where it is most needed.The United Nations has played an important role and it will continue to be crucial in the future.

We need to concentrate all our efforts, under the auspices of the UN, on finding a solution that will bring a return to peace as soon as possible. Whatever the outcome of the war, there can be no denying this is a bad time for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, for the European Union as a whole, for the authority of the UN, for NATO, and for transatlantic relations. In war there are no winners, just losers. Today the leaders of the EU's nations will meet in Brussels to discuss the situation. The Commission urges all Member States to strive to build on what we share in our approach to the conflict now commencing. The Commission has worked hard with the Presidency of the Union to seek a common position and it will continue to do so.

These difficult circumstances also show it is time to draw the lessons from this crisis. Europe can make an effective contribution to peace in the world only if its nations pull together within the European Union. We all agree that we owe our wealth and prosperity to the Union. It is not in our interest to continue relying on others when it comes to defending our
values militarily.

We must press forward with the Middle East peace process too. It is heartening to see the United States is now ready to proceed with the Road Map towards a two-State solution prepared several months ago within the international Quartet. We must proceed with the Road Map towards a two-State solution prepared several months ago within the international Quartet. We must now ensure this brings the implementation of these ideas urgently, not a protracted discussion on their validity with the parties. Peace in the Middle East is the key to stability throughout the region.