Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Iraqi and Coalition officials met Apr. 12 to discuss the progress of Northern Iraq at...... read more read more
Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle and Spc. Richard Vogt
Photo by Spc. Leigh Campbell
138th Moblie Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (April 13, 2006) -The 101st Airborne Division hosted the first-ever Northern Governor's Conference at the Palace of Spears at Forward Operating Base Courage, Apr. 12 for civil and military leaders in the region. Iraqi leaders discussed security and economics affecting the region.
"This is a unique opportunity for us to have the Provincial Leaders and Iraqi Security Force Leaders in one quorum to discuss issues about their individual regions," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commander of the 101st Airborne Division and Task Force Band of Brothers.
The leaders discussed the highlights and accomplishments of the past year. Since 2004, the Iraqi people have elected an interim government, ratified a constitution, and elected a four year constitutional government that was seated in March.
"It's a historic time for all Iraqis," said Maj. Gen. Turner. "All of you here have had a lot to do with these accomplishments."
Turner said that the Iraqi Security Forces are now 103,000 strong and are taking the lead in security operations more and more every day.
According to Lt. Col. Aidis Zunde, deputy chief of staff for ISF for the 101st Airborne Division from Falls Church, Va., the ISF are heading in the right direction.
"There is a significant difference in how they handle themselves today than when I first arrived here nine months ago," he said.
"Our security forces are at a level where they need to be," said Duriad Mohammad Kashmoula, Ninewa Governor. "They are depending on themselves; it's all because of the help of Coalition Forces."
Turner went on to say that three Iraqi Brigades and 11 battalions are in the lead, not only with progress being made, but with the commitment of the Iraqi leadership.
"We are on track for 90 percent of IA Bn's and 75 percent of IA Bde's to be in the lead by early this summer," Turner said.
Turner also said that the vast majority of Iraqi police forces have completed formal training. The force is gaining capability and is starting to gain the trust of the Iraqi populace.
During opening remarks the leaders were told that economic security is steady, economic recovery is picking up, and the international monetary fund estimates the gross domestic product grew by 2.6 percent in 2005 and is expected to grow 10.4 percent in 2006.
Turner also said that a recent poll showed that 72 percent of Iraqi's expect the national economy to grow in the next two years, and 69 percent are optimistic about Iraq's future.
Turner told the leaders that in 2003 there was basically no cell phone service, today there are over five million cell phone subscribers and an estimated 2000 internet café's.
"Iraqi's are able to connect with one another and with the world in ways they were never able to before," he said.
"This conference is the beginning of a process to transfer responsibility to the Iraqi people," said Turner. "It has taken many months of hard work to get this far and the next six months we will face many challenges, but there is no challenge Iraqi's can't overcome."
"Having this conference is a step in the right direction to build the future free democracy," said Dr. Saad F. Hariz, head of oral and facial injury, Salyadeen General Hospital in Tikrit.
Turner said essential services must be delivered to the people in each province; they expect that from their government.
"I commend each and every one of you for your actions and leadership," said Turner. "I commend you for all that you do, and I am confident that you will meet the challenges that lie ahead."
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2006 17:27 |
| Story ID: | 6074 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,210 |
| Downloads: | 773 |
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