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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Iraq Leader Promises Insurgency Crackdown with a "very sharp sword" |
| 2004-07-12 |
| Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer threatened Monday to use a "very sharp sword" to fight insurgents threatening the security of the country, a day after three U.S. soldiers died in attacks north of Baghdad. Al-Yawer spoke two weeks after the United States handed sovereignty over to an interim Iraqi government. The handover, however, has not quelled the violence that has wracked the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime nearly 15 months ago. "Terrorism isn't just killing and blowing up bombs, whoever threatens the ordinary life of the people is a terrorist," al-Yawer told reporters. "We have a very sharp sword ready for anyone who threatens the security of this country." Al-Yawer, who was meeting with Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan and National Guard Brig. Gen. Muther al-Rashardi, said the roughly 160,000 coalition forces led by the United States were required to stay here to fight the insurgents, but violent groups should not use this as an excuse to continue attacks. "Those who claim they are resisting the occupation, the occupation is over now," he said. "We want to tell anyone who wants to threaten the security of this country: 'Enough,' I say, 'Enough. Stop.'" Security officials also sought to reassure Iraqis they were trying to restore order. Al-Rashardi said the national guard has divided the capital, Baghdad, into eight sectors to make it easier to control. "We have very big plans to follow this up," Shaalan said. "We are ready to sacrifice ourselves for our people." Al-Yawer, a prominent Sunni whose position is largely ceremonial, said the government planned to announce an amnesty soon for some of the insurgents. Al-Yawer appealed to insurgents to accept the amnesty and lay down their weapons. "This is your last chance, otherwise there will be the sword," he said. |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |