Posted on 04/02/2009 4:01:30 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD — The Sons of Iraq, security volunteers credited with helping reduce violent attacks and terrorist influence across the country, marked two major milestones Wednesday. Coalition forces completed the final transfer of Sons of Iraq members to Iraqi control, and the Government of Iraq secured the funds to pay back-wages to Sons of Iraq in four provinces.
“These are big wins, and they affirm the Government of Iraq’s commitment to the Sons of Iraq,” said Col. Jeffrey Kulmayer, chief of reconciliation, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.
The Sons of Iraq, numbering about 92,000 in nine provinces across Iraq, began in 2006 out of the grassroots movement known as Sahwah, or “The Awakening.” Concerned local citizens rallied together in their neighborhoods to counter violent acts by terrorists and insurgents.
In 2007, the volunteers partnered with Coalition forces to defeat common enemies like al-Qaeda in Iraq. Security conditions improved greatly and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki approved a plan for the national government to take control of the Sons of Iraq, pay them and transition them into meaningful long-term jobs.
“Everyone in the government understands the importance of the Sons of Iraq and their sacrifices for the good of the nation,” said Dr. Zuhair al-Chalibi, a representative of the Iraqi government’s Implementation and Follow-Up Committee for National Reconciliation, which oversees the volunteers’ transfer and transition to Iraqi control. He said the government would continue to support the “vital project and give it the attention it deserves.”
On Wednesday, the government officially took responsibility for all of the nation’s Sons of Iraq, when Coalition forces passed command of Salah ah Din province’s 10,000 members to the Iraqi Army. The transfer came on the heels of news that the Government of Iraq would soon pay other SOI members who were still owed their regular wages.
This week, the Ministry of Interior transferred sufficient funds to the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration committee, which prepares the pay rosters and writes the checks to each ISF unit overseeing the SOI.
(Multi-National Corps – Iraq)
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