Former Ba’ath Party leaders in Northern Iraq denounced the party of Saddam Hussein Tuesday and exhorted the people of the region to work with the Coalition to build a free and unified Iraq. More than 50 leaders who once supported The Ba’ath Party objectives met in the city hall of Ash Shurah, a small town 35 kilometers south of Mosul, to discuss their role in the future of Iraq. During the meeting, ten 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier leaders of the party publicly denounced terrorism, violence, and voiced the need for all Iraqis to work together for the future of the new Iraq. The event was marked by impassioned speeches to cajole those who persist in identifying themselves with the Ba’ath Party to help end disruptive violence and join with them to make Iraq a better place.
Simultaneously, in a related event in the nearby town of Al Hadr, about 25 former Ba’athists, including several 3rd tier Shua’bah leaders, also denounced violence and pledged to work with the Coalition. The 101st facilitated the events to support reconciliation by former regime elements in order to ensure the democratic process includes all Iraqis who are willing to support a free, safe and democratic environment. The events signify a shift among the top regional leaders of the Nineveh province toward supporting the reconstruction of Northern Iraq and increased cooperation with Coalition efforts. |