Iraq aims to end security contractors' immunity... story

[HysteryDiagnosis]

http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnL21368451.html
IRAQ WRAPUP 4-Iraq aims to end immunity of security firms
Fri 21 Sep 2007, 18:05 GMT
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(Adds Rice saying U.S. to review security policies)

By Mussab Al-Khairalla and Paul Tait

BAGHDAD, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Iraq wants to tighten control over security contractors after a deadly shooting incident involving the U.S. firm Blackwater, ending their long immunity from Iraqi prosecution, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Blackwater guards were back on the streets of Baghdad on Friday after the U.S. Embassy eased a three-day ban on road travel by U.S. officials outside the capital's heavily fortified Green Zone.

Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Abdul-Kareem Khalaf said the ministry had drafted legislation giving it wider powers over the contractors and calling for "severe punishment for those who fail to adhere to the ... guidelines."

Iraq has said it would review the status of all security firms after what it called a flagrant assault by Blackwater contractors in which 11 people were killed while the firm was escorting a U.S. Embassy convoy through Baghdad on Sunday.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki suggested the U.S. Embassy should stop using Blackwater and said he would not allow Iraqis to be killed "in cold blood."

[orpupilofnature57]

1. It's a wonder the story ever made it out.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. True that.... this is from Reuters S. Africa and I do understand that

you most likely mean the original story about Blackwater making it out. I'm surprised this slipped out the cracks as well.

[orpupilofnature57]

3. False Transparency? Kkkarl still slithers Somewhere.

[tekisui]

4. They are still reporting 11 dead, Iraqi sources say at least 28 were murdered.

[Rageneau]

5. What the hell business does Iraq have in setting policy for Iraq?

Somebody better tell these arrogant Iraqis who the boss is. Remember Saddam.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

6. Saddam is so pre democracy... hardly figures into the equation

any longer.