Falluja people welcomes security mission by former Lt
Iraq, Politics, 5/1/2004

Hundreds of citizens of the people of Falluja welcomed yesterday ( Friday) the Lt. Gen. in the former Iraqi army, Muhammad Jasem Saleh al-Muhammadi, who entered the devastated city to the west of Baghdad to assume the leadership of a security force to replace the American forces which are redeploying.

Al-Muhammadi entered Falluja wearing his same military costume at a the grade of Lt. gen. carrying the Iraqi flag -- which bears three stars with Allah Akbar inscription-- on his car. Lt. gen. Saleh contributed with the people of Falluja Friday's prayers in al-Rawda al-Muhammadeyah mosque which was crowded by worshippers.

Saleh said that he is working currently following an agreement with the occupation forces to form a military emergency unit in order to restore back security and stability to the city of Falluja.

The former Iraqi leader -- who occupied the post in the Republican guards staff -- said that his force will help the Iraqi security forces to achieve security in the city so as there will be no need for the American forces. But he gave no mention on who will form this force.

However, the American forces, which are besieging the city of Falluja started redeployment around it yesterday morning from the industrial area, situated to the south east part of it. In a sudden step, the occupation authority decided to transfer supervision on the city to a force composed of Iraqi soldiers to be joined by "part of the armed men " led by al-Muhammadi.

Politically, the UN envoy to Iraq Elakhder al-Ibraheimi said that he prefers the forthcoming Iraqi government to be formed from technocrats. But he did not rule out in a statement that some politicians will take part in it. Al-Ibraheimi explained that the authorities of this government will not be complete but sovereignty will be complete in the hands of the Iraqis.

He simultaneously warned against "vacuum in the authority in case an Iraqi government is not formed before June 30."

Previous Stories:
  Arab League warns against American escalation in Iraq   (4/30/2004)
  Marines start today withdrawal from al-Falluja, 12 American soldiers killed   (4/30/2004)
  One Kuwaiti al-Salafeyah movement Sheikh was brought to judiciary   (4/29/2004)

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