Diyala leadership addresses concerns of citizens

Photo By Sgt. Serena Hayden | A local muktar (judge in traditional bedouin law) from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi security forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18.  

DIYALA PROVINCE, IRAQ

07.22.2007

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Multi-National Division-North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Taking advantage of the improved security situation in Baqubah, Iraq, the Diyala governor and the deputy commander of Iraqi security forces (ISF) in Diyala met with several local leaders July 18 to address concerns and issues throughout the province.

During the first meeting, Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri, deputy commander of Iraqi security forces in Diyala province, and Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala, met with the mayor of Balad Ruz at the Government Center in Baqubah, Iraq.

The director generals of education and electric, as well as the assistant governors of technical and social affairs were also in attendance to discuss solutions to issues throughout the Balad Ruz region.

The mayor discussed topics such as teacher salaries, irrigation, electricity, and fuel and food distribution. Ra'ad assured each issue would be addressed with respective ministries to reach a solution.

During the second meeting, Ra'ad, Nouri and Sutherland traveled to Abarah, Iraq, to visit local muqtars, the mayor and security officials. As of four months ago, there was no political leadership in the region; this was Ra'ad's first trip to the Diyala River Valley area since taking office.

"I don't look at the Abarah Nahia (region) with pity," said Ra'ad. "Instead, I look at it with love and respect.

"That's why we are here with you today, to see what you need and how we can solve all these issues," he continued.

"It is a great honor to meet with you," said a local muqtar to the leadership in attendance. "We belong to you and you belong to us."

While at the meeting, the group discussed food distribution, ISF integration into the Diyala River Valley, recruiting, projects, repatriation of families and the unification of tribes across Diyala.

"If we are going to move forward, we have to move forward together," said Sutherland. "Working together, we can accomplish things. We can make this area rich and prosper as it has before."

"We will work to extreme capacity to serve Abarah and its surrounding communities," said the Abarah Iraqi army commander. "We are committed to working together."

• Date Taken: 07.22.2007
• Date Posted: 07.22.2007 11:22
• Story ID: 11395
• Location: DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ