FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 11, 2003

Coalition forces release Al-Zubaidi

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Coalition forces released Mohammed Mushinal-Zubaidi earlier today after holding him since Sunday, April 27. Prior to his release, al-Zubaidi admitted that he had over-stepped his authority and that his actions were contrary to Coalition efforts to secure and stabilize Baghdad. Upon his release, al-Zubaidi issued a public statement affirming his support to the Coalition and pledging to work within the Coalition authority to enhance the reconstruction of Baghdad and Iraq.

In his statement, al-Zubaidi said, "My intent has always been to work in support of the coalition, but I now realize that a number of my statements and actions have actually served to hinder progress in the very areas in which I was working to improve. I am not the Mayor of Baghdad, nor am I interested in working independently of the coalition to achieve what we all understand to be the same goal - peace and prosperity for all Iraqis."

Lt. Gen. David McKiernan, Commander for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command, said, "It is important that self-appointed leaders do not spring from the void formed with the removal of the regime. There will be officials elected and appointed who will represent Iraqis. I hope that, like we did with Mr. al-Zubaidi, we can work with those Iraqis who want a better future for Iraq."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 11, 2003