Published: July 27, 2007
Iraq's Prime Minister Visits Diyala for First Time
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Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, walks with Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala province, after arriving at the Baqouba Government Center July 26, for his first visit to the province since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
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raq's prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, met with the governor of Diyala, provincial leadership, key tribal leaders, Diyala's Iraqi Security Force leadership and senior Coalition officers during a meeting at the Baqouba Government Center, July 26.
"The prime minister's visit is vital, not only for the government and security officials, but for the people of Diyala to see that their effort in achieving peace and fighting against terrorist groups does not go unnoticed," said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala province.
The visit, which focused on current operations in the province as well as provincial-level government issues, was Maliki's first trip to Diyala province since taking office.
"This is a great day for Diyala province because the prime minister is among us," said Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala.
Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's Prime Minister, receives and operational update from Diyala's Provincial Director of Police, the commander of the 5th Iraqi Army Division and the commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala July 26, during his first visit to Diyala since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)
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"We are here to thank all the excellent efforts by you (the government and security officials), and we also came to thank the people of Diyala," Maliki said in his opening remarks. "We can say that the suffering of Diyala people is ending; and we in the central government appreciate all your efforts."
During the meeting, Maliki addressed the peoples' ability to rise above terrorism, assuring those present that the central government will continue to work closely with the provincial government and is committed to the people of Diyala.
Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, addresses members of the Diyala government, key tribal leaders and security officials during a meeting at the Baqouba Government Center, July 26. This was Miliki's first visit to Diyala province since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)
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"This province suffered a lot from the outlaws," Maliki said. "They wanted it to be a huge grave yard, but we wanted something else for Diyala - and we succeeded when the Iraqi army, Iraqi police, tribes and all other people found out what the terrorists are really made of.
"We are fighting against the terrorists and we will prevail," Maliki added, before discussing the importance of tribal reconciliation.
"Iraq is not only for some people, it's for everyone," Maliki said. "We cannot ignore our nation and we have to be united in our efforts to build Iraq."
Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala, addresses concerns with Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, at the Baqouba Government Center, July 26, during Maliki's first visit to Diyala province since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)
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"The tribes have to support the government in its war against the terrorists - they play a big role," the governor added.
"Iraq, with all its (rich resources) and people, can eliminate all kind of threats," Maliki continued. "We will all work together for the prosperity of this country and we will not let anyone interfere with our affairs or with the political process."
"The ultimate success of Diyala lies in the hands of the people," Sutherland said. "Today's meeting continued to prove that the governments, both central and provincial, care greatly for the peoples' safety, security and well-being.
"The will of the government drives the hope of the people," Sutherland continued, "and I hope today's visit, along with recent operations throughout Diyala, continue to restore that hope - a hope that the terrorists tried to destroy, but couldn't."
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