CPA Iraq

Archive

07 October 2003

FIRST BATTALION OF NEW IRAQI ARMY GRADUATES

Kirkush, Iraq…October 4, 2003— The Iraqi Theme, once banned by the regime of Saddam Hussein, filled the air as a new era for the Iraqi Army dawned in Kirkush this morning. Today, the first battalion of the New Iraqi Army graduated from basic training.

More than 700 proud new Iraqi troops marched onto the parade ground of the Kirkush Military Training Base to be congratulated by the Iraqi Governing Council and the Coalition for their dedication to a new, free Iraq. The battalion began their 9 week training course on August 2, 2003. During their time in Kirkush, the trainees were instructed in a variety of subjects from the laws of war and codes of conduct to first aid and marksmanship.

"Gone is the brutality of the old regime," said CPA Administrator L. Paul Bremer. "The New Iraqi Army will be responsible to its citizens and will serve to protect Iraq from external threats."

In addition to Governing Council President Dr. Ayad Allawi, Bremer and other dignitaries, the graduates were also joined by the more than 1000 new recruits who will comprise the next battalion to be trained. The second battalion will begin training exercises tomorrow. More than 3000 Iraqis have been recruited to become part of the army beyond today’s graduating battalion.

During training, recruits received a minimum of $60.00 per month salary. Upon promotion to Private First Class, the soldier's pay will increase to $ 70.00 per month. Officer cadets will receive $100.00 a month while undergoing training. Every soldier and officer will receive annual performance increases.

The first battalion will become part of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division and work along side Coalition forces to protect Iraq's borders. A number of graduates will remain at the training base to become instructors for future battalions of the Iraqi Army. They will continue to receive advanced training focused on their specific mission, once assigned.

The Coalition is working to produce three trained divisions over the next two years. These roughly 40,000 troops will form the foundation of a strong national defense force, with a proud new tradition of service that is admired by free Iraqis.

Coalition Scales Curfew Hours Back

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Recent improvements in security and the reduction of crime in the city of Baghdad have prompted military officials to scale back the curfew in effect throughout the city since the fall of the prior regime.

The Coalition is changing the curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. to midnight to 4 a.m.

The scale back of curfew hours is another sign that conditions in Iraq continue to improve.

Continued improvements in security and associated reductions in crime may result in a further reduction of the curfew hours.

Council Of Judges Begins Work Again In Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq...October 4, 2003 -- Iraq's newly reestablished Council of Judges began its work in Baghdad today.

The Council, a sign of Iraq's new judicial independence, will supervise Iraq's judicial and prosecutorial systems. The Council will investigate allegations of professional misconduct and incompetence, take necessary disciplinary or administrative actions and nominate lawyers to fill judicial and prosecutorial vacancies.

The Council will operate independently of the Ministry of Justice.

"The Council of Judges assures the independence of the judiciary, away from any interference by any authority in the judicial or prosecutorial affairs," said Judge Mithat Al-Mahmood, Supreme Court Chief Justice and President of the Council. "This Council is based on democracy."

The Council was first established in 1963, but was abolished by the former regime in 1979.

"The reestablishment of the Council of Judges is a clear indicator of judicial independence and represents a turning point in Iraqi judicial history which suffered from intrusion in its affairs by the past authorities," said Judge Al-Mahmood.

In addition to the chief justice, the Council consists of the deputy chief justices of the Supreme Court, the director-general of the State Council Assembly, the director-general of the Office of Public Prosecution, the director-general of the Legal Supervision Office, the director-general of administration and the presidents of the appellate courts.

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