EU talks aim to heal US rift over war in Iraq

THE EU should give up the idea of becoming a counterweight to the US in world affairs Foreign Minister Brian Cowen will tell his colleagues today at a meeting in Greece.

Mr Cowen was invited by Greece, the current holders of the presidency, to lead a major discussion on the transatlantic relationship at a meeting of all 25 new and current EU members.

The Iraq war has created a major rift within the EU and between the union and the US over the past few months and members are anxious to heal the ties.