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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 9, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-32


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


COALITION RESPONDS TO FICTIONAL AL SA'AH NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

Coalition Responds to Fictional Al SA'AH Newspaper Article

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait - A recent claim by the Al Sa'ah newspaper that U.S. forces raped two girls in the Wasit governate on June 7 is absolutely false.

We take any claim of this nature extremely seriously, have looked into the allegations and found nothing whatsoever to substantiate the accusations - including checking local hospital records.

After conducting a thorough investigation into this supposed account, we know this report is inaccurate, irresponsible, and purposefully attempts to damage the credibility of our forces and our efforts to create a secure and stable environment for the people of Iraq.

It should be noted that the Al-Sa'ah newspaper supported the Ba'ath party and Saddam Hussein while in power, and its Chairman, Ahmad Qubaysi, previously called for the unity of Shi'a and Sunni Muslims to confront the U.S. presence.

The Al Sa'ah newspaper clearly and blatantly abused its recently attained freedom to report responsibly to the Iraqi people.

Furthermore, this report contradicts the efforts made by the budding Iraqi media establishment to provide honest, fair, and accurate journalism to the public.

Coalition forces will take every step necessary to correct this report and ensure the Iraqi media becomes a credible source of information for the public.

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