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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071019-02
October 19, 2007

Iraqi leaders officiate Iraqi detainee release ceremony

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Two Iraqi leaders oversaw a release ceremony for more than 350 detainees during a ceremony Oct. 17 with a message of national reconciliation and rejuvenation.

Iraqi Vice President Adel Abd al-Mahdi and Chief of Anbar Awakening Counsel Ahmad Abu Reesha greeted the Iraqi people on the occasion of Eid El Fitr while addressing and congratulating the detainees on their release.

“We are hoping that those released will serve as a model or example for others,” said Vice President Abd al-Mahdi who continued to comment on the efforts of detention operations. “We only want true criminals to remain in detention rather than the innocent and we are seriously working towards that goal.”

Approximately half the detainees were released yesterday while the remaining half will be released within the next several days.

The Government of Iraq and Multi-National Force – Iraq have worked together to allow more releases throughout the holy month of Ramadan in an effort to foster goodwill and reconciliation.

This release ceremony was in celebration of the end of Ramadan.

Abd al-Mahdi also spoke of the importance of an impartial review and release process. “Detention is not political. It is not done for the sake of revenge but rather for the benefit of all,” he said. A fair, open and transparent release process has been pivotal in ensuring that cases are reviewed equally and impartially.

Although the Government of Iraq and Coalition Forces have made great efforts to increase the average number of those released per month, individuals are only released when they are deemed to be no longer an imperative threat to Iraqi/Coalition Forces and the security of Iraq.

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