Brussels (AsiaNews/Agencies) - European Union leaders gave Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi assurances of "strong support" and said they would offer Iraq the prospect of aid and a special trade deal. The EU aid package provides for the training of police and election workers, and support for a special security force to protect U.N. workers in Iraq, on top of the 305 million euro in humanitarian and reconstruction aid the EU already has committed this year. However, a trade agreement with Iraq could take years to complete, given that the country only exports oil and the security situation remains bleak. Allawi said he was confident elections would be held in late January as scheduled. "Democracy, the rule of law and liberty will win in Iraq despite the difficulties," he said. "We believe that the reconstruction in Iraq can help the stability of the region and the world."

On Friday Vice President Ibrahim al-Jaafari said Iraq's national elections will be held on Jan. 27.

The date was set by the country's election commission and it is expected to be approved by the cabinet, Jaafari said.

Iraqis living in countries with large Iraqi communities would be able to vote. Estimated Iraqis living overseas are four million: most of them left the country during the rule of Saddam Hussein.

The elections will choose a 275-member parliament, which will draft a permanent constitution and form the basis for the country's next government.

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