MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Aug. 27, 2007
Release A070827c

Government of Iraq, MNF-I launch joint venture to expand detainee reintegration programs, conduct special Ramadan releases

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi and Maj. Gen. Douglas M. Stone, deputy commanding general, Multi National Force – Iraq (Detainee Operations) announced a new joint venture between the Government of Iraq and MNF-I to expand reintegration programs and conduct special Ramadan releases of detainees from Coalition custody.

The new venture, called Operation Lion’s Paw, provides Government of Iraq endorsement and support for several new initiatives launched by Detainee Operations. 

Coalition Force and the Government of Iraq have been working together to develop new education, medical and judicial programs to ensure preparation of detainees for release and reintegration into society.

Some of the most important new measures to achieve success will be through education, said Hashimi.  He and the Iraq Minister of Education will take a larger role in overseeing education programs for detainees. 

“Extremists have been very successful at spreading their ideology to economically-strapped Iraqis with little to no formal education,” Hashimi said. “If we are to succeed, we must build-up detainees, providing tools they will need to free themselves from the grip of the extremists.”

The vice president is confident the new programs will work and he is recommending MNF-I extended them to all Coalition detention facilities in Iraq. 

“I am very pleased with the efforts of the Coalition and all of the positive things they are doing to prepare the detainees for release,” Hashimi said.  “Success will be achieved when we break the cycle of extremist violence and find ways to reintegrate former detainees into the fabric of the new Iraq.”  

These new initiatives will serve as role models for the Iraqi prison system and similar Iraqi detention facilities. 

“These programs will benefit detainees in Iraqi facilities as well as those in Coalition custody,” Hashimi said.  “They are models for reconciliation for all Iraqis.”   

Another Coalition program Hashimi was pleased with is the Pledge and Guarantor Program, designed to deter detainees from engaging in misconduct after their release. It also enhances the relationship between the Iraqi courts and Coalition Forces by incorporating Iraqi judges into the detainee release process. 

“When the detainee makes the promise that he will maintain good behavior, he is doing so not only for himself, but also for the person who is signing as a guarantor,” Hashimi said.

According to Hashimi, the Government of Iraq is committed to the reconciliation process.  In support of that process, MNF-I will increase the number of detainees released to allow them to be home for the upcoming Ramadan holiday.  Releases will start as early as this week and continuing through the end of Ramadan, Oct. 13.  In addition, Hashimi attend a number of special Ramadan Release Ceremonies that will take place throughout Iraq.   
 
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