U.S. continues Iraq reconciliation effort by releasing nearly 200 more detainees

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U.S. continues Iraq reconciliation effort by releasing nearly 200 more detainees
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, April 25, 2008

Nearly 200 more detainees have been released from U.S. facilities in Iraq over the past week, part of “national reconciliation” efforts that are putting former suspected insurgents back on the street in the hope of more security, officials say.

The largest recent release was that of 122 former detainees in the Tamim province of northeastern Iraq.

“This is a victory for the national and provincial judges across multiple provinces who are working together to find solutions in an effort to help bring an end to the fighting and establishing peace and stability to the region,” Col. David Paschal, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division commander, was quoted as saying in an Army news release.

“The fighting must stop. Reconciliation begins now,” he said.

The release ceremony was held at the Kirkuk Police Academy, with hundreds of families in attendance. The detainees are screened by release boards and must promise not to involve themselves with the insurgency or criminal acts.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54303