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Bremer Announces Dissolution Of Iraqi Army, Key Ministries
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Bremer
issued the order
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BAGHDAD,
May 23 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Hours after the UN
approved a resolution endorsing the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq, the
U.S. overseer in Iraq, Paul Bremer, announced Friday, May 23, the
dissolution of the Iraqi army forces, other security structures of the
ousted regime and the information ministry, a top aide said.
The
order also does away with the Ministry of Defense and (outgoing
President) Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard corps, said the
official, adding that the U.S.-led “coalition” planned to form a
new Iraqi army, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"The
coalition provisional authority plans to create, in the near future, a
new Iraqi corps. This is the first step in forming a national
self-defense capability for a free Iraq," the aide claimed.
The
move comes a week after Bremer banned Baath Party members from working
in the public sector, raising fears among Iraqis the U.S. may not be
dealing with all Iraqis as equal.
"The
Coalition Provisional Authority plans to create, in the near future, a
New Iraqi Corps. This is the first step in forming a national
self-defense capability for a free Iraq," a written statement
released by the administration read.
"Under
civilian control, that corps will be professional, non-political,
militarily effective, and representative of all Iraqis," it said.
The
statement did not elaborate on when the new defense force would be set
up, but U.S. officials have in the past indicated it would include
members of the army, navy and air force who were not compromised by
their association to the banned Baath Party and who were not involved
in “criminal acts”.
"The
order suspends conscription, turns the property of the dissolved
entities over to the Administration of the CPA, and dismisses all
employees of the dissolved entities," the statement said.
One
Month Payment
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Dissolved
Iraqi Republican guard
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"Eligible
military personnel and other employees of the dissolved entities, who
are dismissed by the order, will be entitled to a termination payment
of approximately one month's salary,” the statement said.
The
order is expected to affect at least half a million Iraqis. According
to observers, the “one month payment” is likely to cause
“problems” as it goes against all “laws and even logic”.
However,
the order said that officers with the rank of colonel or above will
receive no benefits because they "will be presumed to be in the
barred classes, unless they prove otherwise."
"These
actions are part of a robust campaign to show the Iraqi people that
the Saddam regime is gone, and will never return," the statement
said.
Only
hours earlier, the United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly
approved a resolution lifting economic sanctions against Iraq and
giving its backing to the U.S.-led administration, reported the BBC
online news service.
The
resolution asked UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to appoint a special
representative to help set up an interim Iraqi government. Annan said
he would do so "without delay".
UN
Role Not Substantial
However,
the BBC UN correspondent said the UN’s role in Iraq will not be a
substantial one.
The
occupying powers, the U.S. and Britain, are left firmly in control of
Iraq and its oil "until an internationally recognized,
representative government is established".
The
resolution sets a legal framework for the future of Iraq, and will
give the go-ahead for companies wishing to invest in the country.
"The
lifting of sanctions marks a momentous event for the people of Iraq.
It is time for the Iraqi people to benefit from their natural
resources," U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Negroponte said after
the vote.
French
ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere said the resolution was not
perfect, but added: "The Iraqi people must now take control of
their future."
The
U.S. needed sanctions lifted in order to export Iraqi oil legally and
to use the proceeds for “reconstruction”, while the anti-war camp
had to recognize the reality of US and British control on the ground.
Iraq's
massive debts will be dealt with by multilateral systems such as the
Paris Club - thus dispelling Russian fears that the U.S. would
invalidate some of its claims.
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