Posted on 09/19/2006 7:34:23 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD — Coalition forces reiterated their commitment to the Iraqi security forces and the Government of Iraq on Monday, pledging to stand by them as they face the complex challenges inherent in building and protecting a new democracy.
During a joint press conference, representatives of the Iraqi government and the multi-national Coalition discussed ongoing efforts to secure peace and prosperity throughout the country.
Brig. Gen. Qassim Mousawi, spokesman for the general commander of the Iraqi Armed Forces, discussed the strength of Iraqi forces and the positive trend in the number of Iraqis who have volunteered to serve their country.
“The number of the volunteers until yesterday amounted to 22,000 volunteers in all the recruit centers across the provinces of Iraq,” said Mousawi. “There is good response from the citizens to volunteer in the Iraqi Army, and this is a great evidence that the people believe in the justice of the cause of Iraq.”
Mousawi also discussed the formation of Iraqi Air Force and Navy, as well as the creation of military academies for training and leadership. These latter include: a staff academy, a military academy, a civil defense academy and a language institute that prepares officers to assume high-ranking positions within the Iraqi Army.
Multi-National Force - Iraq Spokesman Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, discussed progress in Iraq and commended the government on the work it has accomplished so far.
“I would like to congratulate you and the Government of Iraq for your dedication and commitment toward building an Iraq at peace with its neighbors, an Iraq with a representative government that respects the human rights of all, and an Iraq that is working toward equipping and training sufficient security forces capable of maintaining domestic order and to deny Iraq as a safe haven to terrorists,” said Caldwell.
The general said the Multi-National Force, comprised of 162,000 service members from 27 countries, remains committed in its effort to assist in the development of the Iraqi security forces and to the Government of Iraq as it faces the complex challenges inherent in a new democracy.
“Every day we see the Iraqi security forces taking the lead to defeat the insurgency, to quell ethno-sectarian violence, and to ensure a safe and stable and secure life for the Iraqi people,” Caldwell said. “They have made tremendous strides in the equipment, the combat readiness, the leadership and confidence within the Iraqi security forces.”
Caldwell also congratulated the Iraqi Ground Forces Command as the organization assumes operational command of the 4th Iraqi Army Division. He said that occasion shows “significant progress in the building of the Iraqi Armed Forces capabilities and forms the basis for a joint force capable of protecting its people and preserving peace.”
The general said that as Iraqi security forces take on more responsibility for security in their country, Coalition forces will increasingly move into a supporting role.
“The Coalition's military posture on the ground will remain responsive and flexible,” explained Caldwell. “As the security situation evolves, Coalition forces will maintain sufficient forces to assist the government of Iraq as they so request.”
He said the increase in Coalition forces in Baghdad, as part of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Baghdad security plan, is an example of that flexibility.
Caldwell also said Coalition forces will continue to partner with the Iraqi security forces to provide training and other support as necessary.
“In addition, we will continue to work with the democratically elected government of Iraq on improving security, promoting national reconciliation and rule of law, and helping the leadership of Iraq deliver essential services to the Iraqi people,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work together as we move forward in securing a more stable peace for the people of Iraq.”
Following the discussion, Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh, spokesman for Prime Minister Maliki, talked about the “wave or terrorism” facing his country.
“Wherever we make progress … the terrorists increase their attacks,” al-Dabbagh said. “There are terrorist groups in IraqIraq.” which try to prevent the political process in
The spokesman also said the Iraqi forces will ultimately reach a sufficient level of competence and capabilities to be ready to depend on themselves.
“We see how the Iraqi government is seeking to achieve the national reconciliation,” al-Dabbagh said. “Many groups … want to join the reconciliation project, and we will see great cooperation between these groups and the Iraqi government to fight the terrorist groups which want to kill Iraqis.”
I, with just about everybody else on FR would like to see the coalition efforts in Iraq succeed. Seems most people here in the UK are convinced it is a lost cause...
I think the Telegraph is a lot better than the 1st 2. At least it doesn't WANT us to lose just to spite Bush.
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