Tribal Leaders Across Diyala Reaffirm Commitment to Unity

Defend America News ^

[SandRat]

Local Iraq officials focus on recruiting police, creating peace.

By Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

TIKRIT, Iraq, May 17, 2007 — As coalition and Iraqi security forces continue to provide security and stability throughout Diyala Province, Iraq, many tribal leaders are also united in their efforts to bring peace and stand up against al-Qaida in Iraq. After a peace agreement was signed between the paramount sheiks of the Karki and Shimouri tribes, April 30, other tribal leaders gathered throughout the region to do the same – provide peace and protection for their people and their lands.

“The key message is that issues must be resolved in the political realm, not with acts of violence and intimidation.”

U.S. Army Capt. Michael Few

At the Al Abarrah Iraq Army compound, local leaders gathered, May 10, to pave a way ahead for peace between some of the rival villages and gain a commitment toward a unified stand against al-Qaida while supporting the government. The leaders also focused on establishing a police force in Zaganiyah.

“We’re beginning to have real success in the area,” said U.S. Army Capt. Michael Few, A Company, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment commander, who is attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “As long as we can continue these talks, there is hope for the people of Diyala.”

Sheik Ahmed Azziz, Sistan’s representative in Diyala, led the meeting and clearly stated that success will not be achievable unless the tribes unite against terrorist groups throughout Diyala. He encouraged the leaders to push their past aside and talk about how they will secure the city for themselves.

At the meeting, five Sunni and five Shia volunteered to form a committee to recruit residents for the Iraqi police force.

Ahmed also encouraged the leaders to agree on several key points: returning displaced families to the area, opening an Iraqi police station in Zaganiyah, securing the area under government supervision, turning to the International Security Force for assistance, protecting government institutions, committing to fight terrorists without sectarianism and being honest with one another.

“The key message is that issues must be resolved in the political realm, not with acts of violence and intimidation,” Few added.

The leaders agreed to continue meeting to work out grievances and work on a peace agreement.

“I am anxious to see this region enjoy a future free of sectarian strife,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Andrew Poppas, commander of A Company, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. “These positive engagements, where each element openly discusses issues which affect the community as a whole, and where their issues are received in a manner of understanding, provide great promise.”

Also in Diyala, tribal leaders from the Ambugiya and Ubadie tribes have begun a series of tribal meetings designed to resolve conflicts between villages from Khalis to Dali Abbas. The leaders have been meeting with provincial and security force leaders to determine how to resolve their differences, agreeing that terrorists must be eliminated from the province and pledging to eliminate terrorist activity from their lands.

Further meetings are also planned between the Amugiya and Ubadie tribes to reconcile differences and sign an official peace agreement.

[SandRat]

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[Parley Baer]

Good news. With the natives on our side we will win.