"We have faced political pressures and challenges from criminals and
organized crime, but now the ministry has a large support from the people,"
Khalaf said.
Deputy Interior Minister Adnan Al Asadi said Iraq has trained 21,459
police officers and hired another 210,000 employees since 2006. Al Asadi
said the ministry dismissed 32,000 employees as part of an effort to purge
militia elements from the Iraqi security forces.
"This shows the tremendous change and growth we have experienced," Al
Asadi said.
Since 2006, the National Police have trained 20,666 policemen in basic,
advanced and specialized courses, officials said. They said the training
proved instrumental in police operations in 2008 in Amara, Basra and Mosul.
The ministry has also been building its energy protection force.
Officials said 31,000 oil police and 16,000 electricity police have come
under ministry supervision.
Officials said the ministry's Border Enforcement Department has acquired
309 border forts and annexes. They said the department captured 327
insurgents, 1,300 illegal migrants and 1,728 smugglers over the last two
years.
"What is now most needed in Iraq is the formation of a spirit of
nationalism and national unity," Al Asadi said.
