- Title: IRAQ: Army day celebrated
- Date: 6th January 2010
- Summary: VARIOUS OF IRAQI TANKS IN PARADE
- Embargoed: 21st January 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Iraq
- City:
- Country: Iraq
- Topics: Defence / Military
- Reuters ID: LVA3E79TQLBRRJ4LFNGXXB6ALY4U
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Iraq's military forces held a large parade in Baghdad on Wednesday (January 6), marking the anniversary of its founding 89 years ago.
Iraq's president Jalal Talabani, Minister of Defence Abdul Qadir al-Ubaidi, Chief of Staff Babakir Zebari and a number of Iraqi officials presided over ceremonies held at the monument of the Unknown Soldier at the fortified Green zone.
Iraq's President Jalal Talabani expressed his happiness with the development of Iraqi army, confirming that the Iraqi US agreement is being well implemented and their withdrawal will be on time.
"Actually, I feel so happy with what I have seen today. In this great parade, I have found a remarkable development in the Iraqi army. I would like to thank the Minister of Defence, all leaders and officers and all those who worked on developing our army. I think that our army is able to fulfil and perform its duties. I think that the Iraqi- US agreement will be implemented accurately and our American friends will return back to their country according to the agreement," said president Talabani.
U.S. troops have withdrawn from Iraq's urban centres, part of a plan to fully withdraw from the country by the end of 2011. That will leave Iraqi forces to take the lead. But American soldiers can sometimes still visible on the scene after bombings and they assist local forces in analysis of forensic evidence.
Big numbers of tanks, military vehicles, helicopters and Iraqi military personnel, representing different divisions of the Iraqi army have participated in the parade.
LT Gen. Michael D. Barbero, Commanding General Multi-National Security Transition Command in Iraq praised the capabilities of the Iraqi army.
"Today was a very proud event for the Iraqi security forces. We got to see their growing capabilities and seeing the new equipment and it really demonstrates how much progress they have made. Their capabilities are growing everyday, as you know in June the Iraqi security forces assumed responsibility for security in the cities and since that time, the number of attacks have dropped 40 percent," said Barbero.
Violence has dropped sharply in Iraq but stability remains elusive and officials are bracing themselves for the U.S. troop withdrawal and a potential rise in violence in advance of national elections in March.
The birth of the modern Iraqi Army came about with the establishment of its first battalion in 1921. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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