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Release A050714a

Coalition Forces and Kirkuk 's religious leaders hold conference

Multi-National Force-Iraq

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – Soldiers of the 116th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and Kirkuk 's religious leaders came together for a religious conference July 6.

Chaplain John R. Worster of the 116 BCT introduced the conference by reminding the assembled clerics of the good work being done by Iraqis in partnership with Coalition Forces in rebuilding Kirkuk 's infrastructure. He reminded the clerics that religion formed the “heart” of Kirkuk 's civil life and encouraged the clerics to use the day to build unity and to stand together against anti-Iraqi forces and other false religionists.

“The conference must stay united in making sure the pure, true voice of authentic religious traditions be heard by the Kirkuk community,” Worster said.

Kirkuk 's Governor, Abdulrahman Mustafa, addressed the assembly and spoke at length of Islam as having come down from heaven and that all are brothers. There should be unity and equality between Arab, Turkomen and Kurd, he added.

Local religious leaders knew that they have a problem competing with the radical messages of anti-Iraqi forces, but seemed willing to organize themselves into a committee to speak with one voice on religious matters pertaining to the Kirkuk Province .

The 116 BCT plays an important role in efforts to protect the provinces of Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. The unit's mission includes establishing security, aiding the Iraqi government, supporting economic and infrastructure development and facilitating communication.

The 116 BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion and various intelligence, signal and specialized units. The 116 BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

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THIS RELEASE HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE TASK FORCE LIBERTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT FORTYSECOND.ID.PAO@US.ARMY.MIL.

CUTLINES:

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – Kirkuk 's Governor, Abdulrahman Mustafa, addresses clerics at the Religious Tolerance Conference July 6.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – Kirkuk 's Religious Leaders attend Religious Tolerance Conference to discuss issues in the Kirkuk community July 6.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq – Clerics sit in on Kirkuk 's Religious Tolerance Conference to discuss issues in the Kirkuk Community July 6

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE LIBERTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT FORTYSECOND.ID.PAO@US.ARMY.MIL.