Iraq Awaits Blackwater Probe Before Taking Action
24 September 2007
Iraq says it will wait for the results of an investigation into the killing of 11 Iraqi civilians during a shootout involving a U.S. security firm before taking any action against the company.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement from New York Monday, that the government would take required legal measures against the security firm Blackwater USA after the investigation is complete.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told the Associated Press Sunday in New York that it is not acceptable for a security company to carry out killings in his country.
He accused the firm of challenging Iraq's sovereignty because of its alleged involvement in the shootings.
Iraqi officials accuse Blackwater guards of shooting 11 Iraqis to death on a Baghdad street on September 16. Blackwater says its guards reacted lawfully to an attack on a U.S. diplomatic convoy they were escorting.
Mr. Maliki says Blackwater has been linked to seven other shootings that harmed Iraqi civilians, including the killing of three guards at a state television building in Baghdad in February.
Mr. Maliki says a joint panel of Iraqi and U.S. officials is investigating the latest shooting and will hold those responsible accountable.
Mr. Maliki is in New York to attend a U.N. General Assembly session.
Iraqi government official Tahseen Sheikhly said Sunday Baghdad will not take immediate steps to expel Blackwater. He said such a move would leave a "security vacuum" that would require diverting troops from combat missions.
Iraqi officials suspended Blackwater's Iraq license for several days after the September 16 shooting. But the firm resumed operations Friday, guarding some U.S. government convoys.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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