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NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

May 11, 2003
Release Number: 03-05-38


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


COALITION FORCES RELEASE AL-ZUBAIDI

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Coalition forces released Mohammed Mushin al-Zubaidi earlier today after holding him since 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."