2008 Press Releases
Joint Statement by Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker and General David H. Petraeus on the Transfer of Security Responsibility for Qadisiyah Province
July 16, 2008
The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq welcome the transfer of security in Qadisiyah Province to Iraqi responsibility.
Qadisiyah is the tenth province to achieve Provincial Iraqi Control. The first province transferred to Government of Iraqi security control was Muthanna in July 2006, followed by Dhi Qar, An Najaf, Maysan, Irbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk, Karbala, and most recently Basrah.
The joint decision of the Iraqi government and the MNF-I to transition security responsibility reflects their assessment of the situation in Qadisiyah and the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces there. For the past two months, Iraqi Security Forces in Qadisiyah have been operating independently and demonstrated their readiness to assume responsibility for the provincial security. Today this responsibility is theirs.
The transition of responsibility for security in Qadisiyah Province is an important step. The provincial and military leadership in Qadisiyah will have to work cooperatively in order to attain the sustainable security necessary for long term economic prosperity. We will assist as requested. The United States and Multi-National Force-Iraq congratulate the Government of Iraq on this important milestone.
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