Thursday, August 03, 2006
Iraqi RhetIraq: Iraqi Forces to Take Over Security Lead by End of 2006
Who: Jalal Talabani, Iraq President
Source: Associated Press via myway
Quotes: From article titled, "Iraq Vows to Handle Security This Year"
President Jalal Talabani said Wednesday that Iraqi forces will take over security of all provinces in the country by the end of the year. Currently U.S. forces handle security in 17 of Iraq's 18 provinces.
Talabani, a Kurd from northern Iraq, said the government is confident of vanquishing terrorism.
"We are highly optimistic that we will terminate terrorism in this year... the multinational forces' role is a supportive one and the Iraqi forces will take over security in all Iraqi provinces by the end of this year gradually and God's will, we will take the lead," he said.
"The terrorists fear the unity of the Iraqi people," he said. "Our armed forces are doing well, but we expect more from them."
Iraqi leaders have said previously that their goal is to be fully in control of the country's security by the end of 2006, but Talabani's statement is the most direct on the subject.
Talabani did not elaborate, and it was not clear if he meant whether the U.S. would retain an advisory type of role in security or take a fully hands-off approach.
U.S. forces are currently responsible for the security of 17 of Iraq's 18 provinces. Only Samawah province is totally under Iraqi forces at present.
"Terminating terrorism cannot be achieved through military force ... we need a comprehensive plan and we started by launching the national reconciliation campaign as part of this work," Talabani said.
Source: Associated Press via myway
Quotes: From article titled, "Iraq Vows to Handle Security This Year"
President Jalal Talabani said Wednesday that Iraqi forces will take over security of all provinces in the country by the end of the year. Currently U.S. forces handle security in 17 of Iraq's 18 provinces.
Talabani, a Kurd from northern Iraq, said the government is confident of vanquishing terrorism.
"We are highly optimistic that we will terminate terrorism in this year... the multinational forces' role is a supportive one and the Iraqi forces will take over security in all Iraqi provinces by the end of this year gradually and God's will, we will take the lead," he said.
"The terrorists fear the unity of the Iraqi people," he said. "Our armed forces are doing well, but we expect more from them."
Iraqi leaders have said previously that their goal is to be fully in control of the country's security by the end of 2006, but Talabani's statement is the most direct on the subject.
Talabani did not elaborate, and it was not clear if he meant whether the U.S. would retain an advisory type of role in security or take a fully hands-off approach.
U.S. forces are currently responsible for the security of 17 of Iraq's 18 provinces. Only Samawah province is totally under Iraqi forces at present.
"Terminating terrorism cannot be achieved through military force ... we need a comprehensive plan and we started by launching the national reconciliation campaign as part of this work," Talabani said.
