Brussels, Oct 9, SPA -- The European Union is to extend its trainingprogramme for senior officials in the Iraqi justice system by 18months to mid-2009, DPA quoted EU representatives as saying on Tuesday. "Iraq is often stereotyped with only bad news... I have seen withmy own eyes some of the positive things that are happening, andI believe that the EU is contributing to some of the positivedevelopments through this mission," mission head Stephen White toldjournalists. "I have been with this programme since its birth. Now, in a sense,the baby is walking," he added. The programme known as the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission forIraq (EUJUST-LEX) was launched by the EU in March 2005, at therequest of the Iraqi interim authorities. It is designed to provide high-level officers in the Iraqi police,judiciary and prison services with training in and exposure topractices in the equivalent services in EU member states. Initially planned for a single year, the scheme was extended inearly 2006 to run to the end of 2007. So far, 1,273 Iraqi officialsranging from police generals to judges and prison managers have takenpart in 51 courses lasting an average of three weeks, White said. The initial budget for the programme was 10 million euros (14.11million dollars). The budget for the period from January 1, 2008 tothe middle of 2009 will be approximately the same, he added.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/489249