MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
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Press Release A080510b
May 10, 2008

Iraq’s national security advisor visits Camp Bucca

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq – The Iraqi National Security Advisor, Dr. Muwafaq al-Rubaie, toured the Camp Bucca Coalition detention center in southern Iraq May 2 to survey facilities and review programs for detainees.

Rubaie’s visit to Camp Bucca was hosted by Marine Maj. Gen. Doug Stone, the commander of detention operations in Iraq, and Army Col. David Glaser, the head of detention operations at Camp Bucca. Also on the tour was Marine Maj. Gen. Mastin Robeson, the MNF-I Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Plans and Assessment. 

During his visit, Rubaie met with board members of the Multi-National Force Review Committee. The MNFRC board allows each detainee to state his case and tell the story of his capture and what led to his detainment.  The detainee’s behavior while at Camp Bucca is also reviewed and is vital to the overall assessment.

Rubaie also toured the Bucca Enrichment School, an academic building where detainees are afforded the opportunity to attend mathematics, civics, Arabic and English courses for Levels one through three and four through six. Upon completion of these levels, detainees participate in a graduation ceremony, during which they are awarded a diploma from the Iraqi Ministry of Education.

The school also offers art instruction, where detainees develop and demonstrate their artistic abilities, such as painting, drawing and crafts. Some detainees choose to make yellow, stuffed bears from uniforms and mattress foam called “Bucca Bears,” and present them to their families during visitation, another program offered here.

Before concluding the trip, Rubaie was treated to a choir ensemble of detainees, who held the new Iraqi flag and sang the Iraqi National Anthem for their guest.

"Dr. Rubaie's visit was a great opportunity for him to see first hand the quality care detainees receive while in Coalition custody," said Maj. Gen. Douglas Stone, commanding general of detainee operations in Iraq.  "His visit also communicates to all Iraqis the importance of detainee operations in contributing to Iraq's security and stability in the near-term."

Camp Bucca is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Basrah, Iraq.

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