Photo By Maj. Mark Cheadle | Iraqi President Jalal Talabani thanks Lt. Col Troy Smith, deputy commander, 4th...... read more read more
Pfc. Jason Dangel
4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
BAGHDAD - The Iraq Council of Representatives, the parliament elected under the nation's new constitution, convened at the Parliament Center in central Baghdad where elected representatives were sworn into Iraq's newly elected four-year government March 16.
Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, working along with Soldiers from the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and other security agencies, increased security measures for the seating of the first democratically elected body in Iraq as the Council of Representatives successfully completed its first session since December.
"The ISF led the effort providing security at the entry control points, around the perimeter of the IZ, and around Baghdad to ensure representatives arrived safely," said Lt. Col. Troy Smith, deputy commander, 4th BCT.
Coalition Forces have the means to provide direct and relevant assistance to the Iraqi Government as the Iraqi army and police continue to make steady progress in assuming control of more battle space and taking on increased security responsibilities, said Smith.
"This is another step toward democracy in Iraq " the first meeting of the elected leaders of this great country," Smith explained. "I am confident the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government will continue to move forward in this endeavor."
Iraqi Security Forces" officials, working with leaders from the 4th BCT Governance Team, headed by Smith, carefully planned and executed additional security measures and battle rehearsals to ensure the safety of the members of the Iraqi government.
The International Zone Masenia Iraqi Police Station also provided additional security measures.
The 4th BCT was responsible for facilitating communication among security agencies, assisting Council of Representative members and de-conflicting issues arising from security and badge deficiencies at the entry control points, said Capt. Walter Dunn, operations planner and governance operations officer, 4th BCT.
"The seating of the Iraqi Council of Representatives represents the first seating of a truly democratically elected government in Iraq," Dunn explained.
"The possibility of increased anti-Iraqi forces activity, sectarian violence, the recent bombing of the mosque in Samarrah and the general governmental strife over the office of the Prime Minister all posed an increased threat risk and a required increase of security," he said.
According to Dunn, the Iraq ministries of Defense and Ministry of the Interior worked closely to ensure the success of the event.
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2006 12:31 |
| Story ID: | 5910 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 93 |
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