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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

June 8, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-29


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


IRAQ WEAPONS POLICY AMNESTY PERIOD ENDS FIRST WEEK

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The National Weapons Policy is seven days into the 14-day amnesty period for Iraqi citizens to turn in all unauthorized weapons to Coalition forces. According to Coalition officials the number of weapons turned in to date is considered "light."

Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, Coalition Provisional Authority, implemented the National Weapons Policy on June 1 to reduce the force protection threat to new Iraqi leaders and Coalition forces, and to increase the security and stability of the Iraqi people.

The policy affects all citizens of Iraq, not only former Iraqi military members. Iraqis possessing unauthorized weapons after June 14 will face possible confinement for one year.

Unauthorized weapons are defined as: automatic firearms that fire ammunition larger than 7.62mm; machine guns or crew-served weapons; anti-tank weapons; anti-aircraft weapons; indirect fire weapons; all armored vehicles or self-propelled weapons; and high explosives and explosive devices. Family heirlooms and collectors weapons must meet National Weapons Policy requirements.

No one in Iraq, unless authorized, may possess, conceal, hide or bury these weapons. No one can trade, sell, barter, give or exchange automatic or heavy weapons with or to any person who is not an authorized representative of Coalition forces.

While Iraqi citizens may keep small arms--including automatic rifles firing ammunition up to 7.62mm, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols-- in their homes and businesses, they may not possess those weapons in public. If caught in public carrying small arms or unauthorized arms, individuals will be subject to detention, fines and possible confinement.

Those having small arms in their home and businesses are not required to have a temporary weapons card. Weapons cards are only given if an individual is hired into a position that requires carrying a weapon.

There is no weapons buy-back program within the National Weapons Policy. Iraqis must give up all heavy weapons without any expectation of reimbursement. Weapons turned in to Coalition forces will either be destroyed or set aside for use by the new Iraqi army or police forces.

Individuals will turn in unauthorized weapons by placing the unloaded, disassembled weapon into a clear plastic bag provided by Coalition forces and walk slowly to the collection point. Collection points will be at designated locations like police stations and will be jointly manned by Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Weapons may only be turned in during daylight hours before 6 p.m. local time at collection points designated and publicized by Coalition authorities.

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