U.S. Forces transfer military base to Iraqi government
April 17th, 2010 - 3:03 am ICT by BNO NewsBAGHDAD, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) – Officials from United States Forces - Iraq Deputy Commanding General, Advising and Training transferred a military base to the government of Iraq in an official ceremony on Thursday.
In an effort towards empowering the Iraqi people and represent important steps in achieving Iraqi security and self-reliance, the U.S. transferred Phoenix Base, which was the location of the Multi-National Security Transition Command headquarters from 2004, to the Government of Iraq.
The unit was deactivated on December 31, 2009, becoming a subordinate unit of USF-I. The Government of Iraq plans to use the former U.S. base as the new home of the Iraq National Defense University.
Sameer Al-Haddad, Secretariat of the Committee for Receiving Real Properties and Camps Office of the Prime Minister, accepted the key from U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero and expressed his gratitude for the base transfer.
“I want to thank the US. Army for the support they provide to the Iraqi Army and its training institutions,” said Hussein. “We hope this level of cooperation and coordination will continue to increase as we achieve our common interests.”
This base transfer to the government of Iraq and the shore up of its institutions, underscore a strategic partnership that will exist long after US forces depart Iraq.
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