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Talabani: Iraq vows to handle security
this year
2.8.2006
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BAGHDAD, Iraq,
August 2 ,-- 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.
The optimistic statement by Talabani comes at a time
when the country is reeling under intense sectarian
violence, mainly involving Shiite and Sunni
militias. On Tuesday, more than 70 people were
killed in one of the
worst days of bloodshed.
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
President : Jalal Talabani, a Kurd
Photo: Military |
Much of the recent sectarian violence has occurred
in the capital Baghdad, and many lawmakers have
called for replacing the interior minister over the
government's inability to stop the almost daily
bombings, drive-by shootings and executions after
abductions.
The U.S. military is moving at least 3,700 soldiers
from Mosul to Baghdad and is gearing up for a new
security operation to wrest control of the capital
from Shiite militias, Sunni insurgents, kidnap
gangs, rogue police and freelance gunmen.
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.
AP
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