Photo By Pfc. Joseph Day | Maj. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin Dances with Iraqi citizens during a celebration in Ramadi,...... read more read more
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By Spc. Ricardo Branch and Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Day
1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade, 7th Marines Public Affairs
RAMADI, Iraq– Along the banks of the Euphrates River, 400 municipal leaders and local professionals gathered July 7 for the "Promise of the People" conference in Ramadi.
"This conference is very important," said Col. John Charlton, 1st Brigade Combat Team commander. "It's very important from the standpoint that it shows a continued resolve from the tribal leaders to maintain unity against al-Qaida, support of the Iraqi security forces, and the government of Iraq, as well as support of the efforts of the coalition Forces."
He said the conference occurred despite a recent attack against the tribes of al Anbar.
"This conference occurred just a few days after a major al-Qaida attack against the tribes of Ramadi was thwarted by coalition and the Iraqi security forces," Charlton said.
"Even in the face of recent threats, the people of al Anbar continue to stand united against these threats."
Attendees included both Shiite and Sunni leaders from across various provinces including Baghdad, Salahuddin and Karbala. The Alwani Tribe of Ramadi planned the conference to build community ties and celebrate the unity with coalition and government forces, while denouncing insurgent activities.
Children waving small Iraqi flags greeted the attendees as they approached the waterfront. Tents were lined with streamers and signs in support of this historic day, with phrases praising the civic progress being made within the city.
"This conference is about Iraqi's era and fighting insurgents and standing next to each other against this insurgency, which has demolished infrastructure and killed innocent Iraqis," said Arif Mukhaibir Sayad al Alwanee, assistant chairmen to the Ramadi District council.
Among those present were members of the al Anbar Awakening, which formed in August 2006, by Sunni sheiks who said the group would become a national party. Its platform includes opposition to al-Qaida and cooperation with the Iraqi government in Baghdad.
The al Anbar Awakening is the call to all of Iraq to stand up with people from all tribes, and all religions to stop insurgents from causing fear throughout their land. The speeches asked for everyone to join together and bring peace and prosperity to all of Iraq.
Lt. Col. Salah Arak al Alwani, the al Jameah police station commander, cited the present as the moment for all Iraqi's to come together. He said, "Catholics, Muslims, Sunnis and Shiites act as one, work as one to rid the country of terror and fear."
The day was filled with live music, dancing and food. Iraqi police were holding hands and dancing with Marine and Army generals. Col. Ahmed Hamed Sharqi, the Shaheed Salam, police station commander, was carried around the field as the crowd chanted and yelled in celebration of their new beginning, and out of thanks for the security the police provided.
"To all the attendees and by the name of God, the merciful God, it's an honor and gives me great pride to have the sons of al Anbar gather here today," said Ma'Mun Sami Rashid, al Anbar provincial governor. "We're here to defend ourselves against insurgents and bring back the honor and pride of the Iraqi people. Anbarians have established this with God's blessing and have been defending themselves from the insurgents, who wanted to bring shame to our nation."
At the end of the meeting, the participants issued a statement stating that they have agreed to "stand in one line against the terrorism and defeat it" and work united to return life to normal in the province, to build the governmental institutions and to provide services to the citizens.
"This conference is going to form councils that are going to lead us and advise us to better improvements," al Alwanee said. "Everyone is happy with the way this meeting is turning out because it's going to represent the first results for eliminating this insurgency."
Coalition forces were also present at the conference and provided exterior security for the event.
"We've seen events like this all over the province," said Brig. Gen. John Allen, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) deputy commanding general. "These are the signals that the people here are beginning to emerge from a period of conflict into a future that has some promise for them. People really do have hope now that we're emerging ... and that the future is wide open to them."
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2007 09:00 |
| Story ID: | 11257 |
| Location: | RAMADI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 394 |
| Downloads: | 306 |
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