Good News from Iraq: 2 Jun 2007

From MNF-I, Kurdish Regional Government assumes control of security.

IRBIL —The Kurdish Regional Government assumed control of security in three provinces from Coalition forces at a ceremony here Wednesday.

As Coalition forces train and advise Iraqi security forces to fight terrorism, provincial transfer of security is gained when four security criteria are met. Set by the Joint Committee to Transfer Responsibility, the four criteria involve assessing threats, combat readiness of Iraqi Army and Police, governance capabilities and Multi-National Force-Iraq force posture.

Although security in 11 provinces currently remains to be transferred, improved security and reconstruction efforts in Iraq are expected to give provincial and national leaders an opportunity to regain control of their respective areas.

“This transfer of security to the Government of Iraq demonstrates another bold and courageous step forward in this country’s movement to an independent and secure nation,” said [U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R.] Mixon.