Home » Archives » "Diyala province holds second SoI transfer meeting"

Diyala province holds second SoI transfer meeting

Nov-20-2008 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT

Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – The Government of Iraq committed to the Sons of Iraq in a second transfer to GoI control briefing in Diyala province at Forward Operating Base Normandy outside of Muqdadiya Nov. 19.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense’s Reconciliation councilman, Gen. Muthrir Mawla, Iraqi Army and Coalition force leaders from across Iraq attended to show their support for this important event.

The meeting began with a welcome from Brig. Gen. James Boozer, deputy commander of Multi- National Division – North. Boozer thanked the SOI members for attending and complemented them for their service. Salim Kareem, deputy commander of Diyala’s Iraqi Army element and headquartered at Baqubah’s Diyala Operations Center, praised the attending SoI representatives and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. He also addressed the upcoming transfer of SOI to GoI control in January 2009 and eventual goal of transitioning the SoI into ISF positions or other meaningful jobs,“We will help you to succeed,” said Kareem.

Kareem will have the task of working closely with the CF element in the province, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to successfully register and transfer all area SoI from CF to GoI control.

Also attending the meeting and representing the Iraqi Ministry of Defense’s Reconciliation council was Gen. Muthrir Mawla who explained the registration process to the group, in careful and deliberate detail.

“The application is so important,” said Mawla. “You must fill it out completely, so that the Government of Iraq will know what job to find for you.”

He assured the group that the GoI would make every effort to find jobs for each and every member of their organization.

Following his overview of the transfer plan, the floor was opened for questions.

The group was largely positive towards the information presented by GoI officials. Their questions largely concerned the process involved, as well as, in one case, the possibility of paid retirement for older members.

Concluding the meeting, Mawla assured those present that the Prime Minister had given him specific guidance concerning the upcoming transition.

“Don’t forget about Diyala, he told me,” said Mawla. “And I told him I wouldn’t. Diyala is a special province. We are with you.”


Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by a site administrator before your comment will appear. We appreciate your patience.)

Advertisements