The ceremony was marred by violence in several cities in Iraq and a
stalemate in efforts to form a new government. At least 16 people were
killed in explosions in Basra, and bloody clashes were also reported in
Baghdad and Mosul, Middle East Newsline reported. In Baghdad, at least six police officers were killed.
"The Iraqi security forces have continued to do their job throughout
this time and have not been affected at all by the delays in the formation
of the government," Odierno said.
The U.S. military has also sought to speed up weapons shipments to Iraq.
On Aug. 7, the first 11 of 140 M1A1 main battle tanks arrived by ship to
Iraq's Umm Qasr port.
Officials said the remainder of the Abrams MBTs were expected to arrive
over the next 17 months. They said the Iraq Army has already prepared 65 MBT
crews.
The Iraq Army's 9th Mechanized Division would acquire the Abrams.
Officials said the first shipment of tanks would be deployed at the Besmaya
Combat Training Center.
"This represents a significant milestone for the Iraqi Army as we
approach the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the beginning of Operation
New Dawn," U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, head of the U.S. training
mission, said. "These tanks will strengthen the Iraqi army's ability to
protect the sovereignty of Iraq. And a stable and secure Iraq that can
protect itself will be a stabilizing force in the region."