1st Infantry Division hosts Iraqi Senior Advisory Council
Forward Operating Base Danger, Iraq - Government leaders from north-central Iraq met with Multi-National Force officials at FOB Danger in a periodic Iraqi Senior Advisory Council meeting Jan. 19.
Maj. Gen. John R.S. Batiste, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, welcomed new and old members to the group of about 15 local leaders from the unit's area. The Iraqis come from each of the area's four provinces to talk about issues that pertain to the area. The meetings are normally held monthly and hosted by Batiste.
The expansion of the Iraqi Army's duties, upcoming elections and gas shortages were some of the topics of discussion.
During the meeting, Batiste mentioned that the gas situation was not a lack of supply rather a distribution problem. Iraq doesn't have enough gas stations and often only one of four pumps work, he said.
Batiste also took the opportunity to stress the importance of the election to the leaders. He asked the leaders to encourage people to vote and explain to people the importance of the election.
"This election on the 30th of January is the first step to achieve true freedom and a representative government," Batiste said. "You can't hold freedom back."
Release #050120cc
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