Worldwide Web WorldTribune.com

  breaking... 


Wednesday, October 10, 2007      New: Take a Stand

New Iraq bill would restrain military contractors

BAGHDAD — Iraq has drafted legislation that would impose strict controls over private military contractors.

"The bill is being studied by the consultative council and will soon be presented to parliament for ratification," Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Karim Khalaf said.

"We have set strict mechanisms to control the behavior of the security companies and their conduct in the streets," Khalaf said.

Also In This Edition

[On Tuesday, security guards from the Dubai-based Unity Resources Group killed two women when they opened fire in Baghdad. The shooting, directed against a suspicious car, took place in Karada during the passage of a civilian convoy, Middle East Newsline reported.]

Khalaf told a news conference on Oct. 8 that the legislation would ensure restraint over U.S. security contractors, particularly Blackwater USA. Blackwater has been accused of killing 17 people in a shootout in Baghdad on Sept. 16.

Officials said the government would seek to prosecute the Blackwater guards who directed the convoy of State Department officials. They said Baghdad would seek $8 million in compensation from the U.S. company for the families of each of the 17 Iraqis killed in the Baghdad shootout. Iraqi security forces were said to have joined the gun battle.

Officials said legislation would be sent to parliament over the next few weeks.

"Employees of the company violated the rules governing use of force by security companies," the Iraqi statement said. "They have committed a deliberate crime and should be punished under the law."

Blackwater has asserted that the State Department convoy had been struck by a bomb and light arms fire. Under U.S. pressure, the company has been allowed to maintain operations in Baghdad.

But the Iraqi probe dismissed Blackwater's claim. The FBI has sent a team to Baghdad to conduct its own investigation.

"The investigation committee appointed by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has finished its inquiry and has found that there was no evidence that the convoy of Blackwater came under fire directly or indirectly," the government statement said. "It was not touched even by a stone."

About Us     l    Contact Us     l    Geostrategy-Direct.com     l    East-Asia-Intel.com
Copyright © 2007    East West Services, Inc.    All rights reserved.