Iraqi Dinar Discussion Board

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Iraq - Diwaniya security transfer delayed

30-Jun-08 [11:12]
Diwaniya, (VOI) – The security duties transfer from the Multi-National Force to Iraqi forces in Diwaniya was delayed on Monday until further notice for reasons relevant to the central government and the IMF Question and also for bad weather conditions, a local official source said.

The source did not elaborate on the reasons pertaining to the Iraqi and U.S. side.

"A curfew was lifted in Diwaniya as of 9:00 a.m. on Monday after the security handover was postponed," the source, who did not want his name mentioned, told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

Diwaniya Governor Hamid al-Khudari had told VOI on Sunday that an indefinite curfew would start at 6:00 p.m., with the exception of service departments in the province, in preparation for the handover of security duties from the MNF to Iraqi forces.

The city streets have witnessed intensive security personnel deployment while the entrances were adorned with Iraqi flags and placards welcoming security transfer to the Iraqi side.

The handover coincides with the 88th anniversary of the outbreak of Iraq's major revolt, known as Thawrat al-Ishreen, or the 1920 Revolution, against the Britons who were then occupying Iraq.

Diwaniya would be the 10th out of Iraq's 18 provinces where security duties are received by the Iraqi authorities.

Security duties in the predominantly Sunni province of al-Anbar should have been handed to Iraqi authorities on Saturday but the U.S. side said the ceremonies were delayed due to bad weather conditions.

Diwaniya lies 180 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

In 2002, the population of Diwaniya was estimated at 420,000. The area around the province, which is well irrigated from the nearby Euphrates River, is often considered to be one of the most fertile parts of Iraq, and is heavily cultivated.

The town is located on the main rail transport corridor between Baghdad and Basra. For birdwatchers, Diwaniya is a city with a rich bird list, as it has a wide range of biodiversity.


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