Tuesday, June 19, 2007
400 tribal chiefs meet in Kut to sign security agreement
Security, Tribal
(Azzaman) - Tribal chiefs in the southern Province of Wasit have signed a pact under which they have pledged to work for reinstating the rule of law in their areas. The tribes in the Province of Wasit of which the city of Kut is the capital have traditionally exercised a lot of authority in their areas. In early 20th century they repelled a British attack on their town. Thousands of British troops were killed and captured.
The tribal leaders were brought together amid worsening security in the province. A provincial official said about 400 tribal chiefs attended the meeting last week in which they signed the agreement. “They (tribal leaders) signed an honor pact which states their full support for the rule of law and the exertion of all efforts to reactivate the file of (Iraqi) prisoners in jails led by multinational forces,” said Ali Hameed, the province’s information officer.
Thousands of Iraqis languish in U.S. jails without trial. The detainees are taken from their families and it takes a lot of efforts and time before they are told about their whereabouts. The security forces in Wasit have launched a campaign to bring stability to the province where armed groups have recently increased their attacks and activities. Such tribal meetings have become common in Iraq, which usually end up with the signing of a pact. But the level of violence has nonetheless been rising as armed groups often attack the tribes opposing their authority.
The tribal leaders were brought together amid worsening security in the province. A provincial official said about 400 tribal chiefs attended the meeting last week in which they signed the agreement. “They (tribal leaders) signed an honor pact which states their full support for the rule of law and the exertion of all efforts to reactivate the file of (Iraqi) prisoners in jails led by multinational forces,” said Ali Hameed, the province’s information officer.
Thousands of Iraqis languish in U.S. jails without trial. The detainees are taken from their families and it takes a lot of efforts and time before they are told about their whereabouts. The security forces in Wasit have launched a campaign to bring stability to the province where armed groups have recently increased their attacks and activities. Such tribal meetings have become common in Iraq, which usually end up with the signing of a pact. But the level of violence has nonetheless been rising as armed groups often attack the tribes opposing their authority.
Labels: honour pact, tribal leaders, Wasit
