21 September 2006
Iraqi Military Takes Charge of Dhi Qar Province
Transfer of security to Iraqis another sign of progress, say U.S. officials
Washington – Coalition forces have turned over security responsibilities for a second southern Iraqi province in what U.S. officials called “another sign of progress toward a stable and secure Iraq.”
In a September 21 ceremony, the responsibility for safeguarding the people of Dhi Qar was returned to the Iraqi government and its civilian-controlled security forces.
“After decades of dictatorship and oppression, the Iraqi people have taken another step toward security self-reliance,” U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and Multi-National Force – Iraq commander Army General George W. Casey said in a joint statement. “With the steadfast support of the coalition, Iraq is on a path to national unity, improved security, and increasing prosperity that benefits all its citizens,” according to the statement.
Home to the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur, Dhi Qar is especially significant to archeologists, historians and tourists. Among its landmarks is the Sumerian Ziggurat, an ancient temple built in 2000 B.C. It also is purported to be the birthplace of Abraham, who figures prominently in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Dhi Qar is the second southern Iraqi province in which Iraq forces have taken full control of security. Since July 13, local police and military forces in neighboring al Muthanna province also have had full responsibility for the province's security and have planned and executed their own operations, independent of coalition assistance. (See related article.)
Since 2003, a coalition task force led by 1,500 Italian troops, along with Romanian, Australian and some British soldiers, has worked closely with the local government in Dhi Qar to train and equip Iraqi army and police units in the area. In addition, they advise local government officials as well as support public works and construction projects, such as building and repairing schools and medical clinics.
Iraqi and coalition officials agreed on the transfer after assessing the overall security situation in the province, the capability of area Iraqi army and police units to maintain security and the provincial leadership’s ability to take the lead in providing services to local citizens.
The officials said several other Iraqi provinces also are close to meeting these criteria and will be transferred in the near future.
While the Iraqis will gain a new level of self-reliance in the province, coalition military and police advisers will remain available to support both the security forces and efforts to build the local economy, which will be the bedrock of Iraq’s long-term security, they said.
“As Iraq develops and its needs continue to evolve, so too will the nature of international assistance and investment. The United States remains committed to the development of Dhi Qar province by providing funding for additional humanitarian relief and reconstruction projects,” the U.S. officials said.
The statement also said the United States has contributed nearly $14 million toward the province’s revitalization under its Economic Support Fund and the Commander’s Emergency Relief Program.
At the ceremony, coalition officials and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said they hope to transfer security responsibilities in all 18 of the country’s provinces to Iraqis by the end of 2008.
The text of the Khalilzad-Casey Statement is available from the Multi-National Force – Iraq Web site.
For more information, see Iraq Update.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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