Two thirds of the new Iraqi army resign in protest or of fear, One American killed, 14 wounded

A spokesman for the American occupation army in Iraq announced yesterday that 300 out of 700 members of the first group of the new Iraqi army, which graduated recently, had resigned.

The spokesman said that the reason of these resignations ranges between "non satisfaction of the soldiers with their salaries" which range between USD 80 to 180 per month, and fears to be targeted, because they are collaborating with the enemy. This was declared when the US forces was exposed to a new suicide attack in al-Ramadi that resulted in killing one soldier and wounding other 14, while the campaign of arrests continued in various Iraqi cities.

The spokesman for the US defense department James Castella said that about 300 members of the 700 members of the first group of the new Iraqi army resigned or is absent, adding "they showed discontent over ( work) conditions and did not abide by the instructions of their officers."

The spokesman explained that the occupation authority will reconsider all salaries of security forces members, expecting that "there is a misunderstanding to that they joined the Iraqi army knowing not precisely the conditions and rules they have to abide by."

This group, however, completed its training in October following 9 weeks of its formation. It is expected to start working on the ground before the end of this month. This development, however, threw doubts on the remaining number of the group on whether it will start its work or not, according to American officials.

The US " Washington Post" said yesterday that the CIA with the support of Jordan will finance and qualify the special Iraqi unit which was decided to be formed from former members in the Iraqi army to chase Baathists and former regime officials.