Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070705-08
July 5, 2007

Baqouba Tribal Council meets to address concerns
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQOUBA, Iraq – Nine Baqouba tribal leaders, the mayor of Baqouba, the Diyala Operations Center (DOC) commander and the commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala met for the first time Wednesday to address concerns of the people of Baqouba, Iraq.
 
The sheiks, who are part of the newly-formed Baqouba Tribal Council, gathered at the Government Center in Baqouba to discuss issues pertaining to security, economics and government services.
 
“Today’s meeting was vital in the way ahead as the tribal leaders are true representatives of their people,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander, whose troops are responsible for Diyala province.  “There is strength through unity; and as the people continue to grow tired of the hatred al-Qaida brings, the tribal leaders play a key role in that unity.”
 
During the meeting, Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, the DOC commander, addressed the leaders’ concerns of security, focusing on the recent success with ongoing operations in Baqouba, and the need for people to turn to the security forces for help.
 
Also, Kareem and Sutherland stressed the need to hire new Iraqi police officers from the Baqouba neighborhoods so the force would be representative of its people.
 
“The terrorists are continually trying to build a wedge between the people, the security forces and the government,” Sutherland added. “In order to prevent the terrorists from driving that wedge, strong working relationships between the government, the security forces and the tribes are necessary.”
 
Following the meeting, the leaders gathered for a feast and tea to continue building their relationship and working toward a stable and secure future for their people.

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