HAGEL LAUDS OUTREACH TO SUNNI TRIBAL LEADERS BY IRAQI GOVERNMENT

FROM:  DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
Hagel Lauds Efforts Urging Iraqis to Evict Terrorists

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today lauded the Iraqi government’s continued outreach to local Sunni tribal leaders and officials to evict terrorist fighters from Fallujah and other parts of western Iraq, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

Hagel delivered the praise during a Pentagon meeting with Osama al-Nujaifi, speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives, Kirby said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, the press secretary said Hagel provided an update on U.S. efforts to accelerate delivery of critical defense equipment to resupply the Iraqi security forces conducting missions in Anbar province. “The secretary also underscored the importance of proceeding with federal Iraqi elections as scheduled, and encouraged the government of Iraq's efforts to implement local and national political initiatives,” he added.

Hagel concluded the meeting by reaffirming the steadfastness of the U.S-Iraq bilateral relationship and the U.S. commitment to helping the Iraqi government ensure the safety and security of all Iraqi people, Kirby said.