Photo By Rick Rzepka | Balad area sheiks meet at the local community center to discuss reconcilliation...... read more read more
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By Spc. Rick Rzepka
BALAD, Iraq – More than 140 fugitives in the Balad area have turned themselves in to Iraqi security forces here, May 22, and many more are expected to come into the fold during the next several days.
Iraqi nationals suspected of planning and carrying out attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces, initiated the process of reconciliation at the Joint Coordination Center in the city of Balad as a result of increased pressure on anti-Iraqi forces in the last several weeks.
Tribal leaders in the area have made an attempt to end the stand off with coalition and Iraqi forces by bringing the men under their influence into the governmental fold.
"Today's reconciliation is an example of local leaders taking a broad step forward in the future security and in the legitimacy of the Iraqi legal process," said U.S. Army Maj. Ramiro Salazar, operations officer for the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Along with Iraqi security forces, the squadron is responsible for security in Balad.
A local Sheik taking part in the reconciliation said, "We are tired of fighting and want peace. The reconciliation process is a step in the right direction, and now there will be a common goal of peace between the government and those who had fought it."
As the security situation in the area improves, more and more former insurgents are making the move to take part in legitimate governmental processes here, including taking part in elections, which are to be held in the fall.
Iraqis wishing to reconcile must sign a cease-fire agreement and stand before the Iraqi court system before being fully reintegrated into civil society.
"The reconciliation process is a great start for those who have been reluctant to approach coalition and Iraqi security forces and have been increasingly isolated from Iraqi society," said Salazar. "Iraqi citizens will feel safer knowing that this process is working to improve their lives."
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2008 14:25 |
| Story ID: | 19825 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 497 |
| Downloads: | 447 |
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