IRAQI   MEDIA  NETWORK  RADIO

Fifth Radio Message announcement to Iraqi People from News Director Mr. Ahmad Al Rikaby via IMN.

Today we are reporting in more detail about Jay Garner’s various meetings in Baghdad. As you know, Jay Garner is the Coalition’s Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA).

Mr. Garner met in a closed session with 60 key leaders of Baghdad civil society. He also went to the National Museum in Baghdad to observe some of the national antiquities that have been returned. He held a press conference at 3 p.m. in the Baghdad Convention Center.

Garner introduced himself and his major staff members at the meeting with local leaders from Baghdad. He gave a brief statement on ORHA’s mission and intent and then for the next hour had a dialogue with the Baghdad leaders. Jay Garner’s deputy is Tim Cross from the UK. Garner introduced Lew Luck as the coordinator for Reconstruction. He also stated that Mr. Luck will become the Chief of Mission for USAID in Iraq. Ambassador Barbara Bodine was introduced as the coordinator for Baghdad; Ambassador George Ward was introduced as the coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs; and Mike Mobbs was introduced as the coordinator for civil administration.

Garner and his staff met behind closed doors with 60 very prominent leaders from Baghdad civil society. The group included former political officials and leaders, academics, businessmen, and others.

Garner made a statement concerning his role and added that he works very, very closely with the coalition military in their role to create a safe, secure environment from which ORHA will provide assistance in administering civil society.

Tim Cross and Garner welcomed the broad range of Baghdad leaders and talent. He stated that Iraq is a wealthy country with much potential considering its vast oil reserves. The coalition will assist the Iraqi leaders in helping themselves get started. Garner and Cross stated that in addition to the US and UK, the Spanish, the Danes, the Australians, the Japanese, and the Italians are helping with reconstruction of Iraq.

The coalition’s first priority is a stable, secure, and safe environment. One of Garner’s first priorities is getting the governmental workers back to work. We will give you an emergency payment after the first week of work. We will begin regular payroll in a month,” Garner said. Details and announcement will be forthcoming soon.

MG Strock, US Army Corps of Engineers, is working with local leaders in re-establishing essential utilities infrastructure and services—especially, electric power. A local Baghdad managing engineer from the electric power sector, has already begun working the power issue.

He stated that much has been looted. He needs more spare parts. This chief engineer has a team of workers who are already back working power problems. He stated that the electric power issue will be closely monitored and that a time schedule will be produced soon; the power problem will not be resolved overnight.

Local leaders asked for coalition support on four key issues. One is the prevention of local looting of individual houses and hospitals by armed thugs. There are too many people with guns taking advantage of the lawlessness. Local leaders asked ORHA and the Coalition Military to do more in preventing obvious looting in front of them. Do more to bridge the gap of the police force. Do more for street security. Garner responded that this is good advice and that Lt. General McKernan’s number one priority is a safe, secure environment.

The second issue covered was education. Local leaders want their children back to school in a safe, secure environment. Ambassador Barbara Bodine and Mr. Lou Luck advised the local leaders that US assistance in funding a summer school session to help children catch-up with their peers in other countries.

The third issue was TV and radio broadcast capabilities to the Iraqi people to assist with gtting key community instructions out to the people. They want a newspaper to read. Garner offered that Mike Mobbs, his coordinator with civil administration will address the issue. After the meeting Mike Mobss introduced Mike Furlong, Deputy Director of ORHA’s Iraqi Media Network, to these key local leaders from the former Ministry of Information. Further meetings are planned to re-establish the radio, TV, and print operations for the people of Iraq.

The fourth issue addressed by the local leaders was “self-appointed” civil administrators who lack any legitimacy. These local leaders reiterated the terrifying tactics of how many opposition parties, some with guns, have entered Baghdad and intimidated the local citizenry. They have demanded legal decrees from local leaders to legitimize their.presence. Ahmed Chalibi’s group was singled out for intimidation.

Chalabi’s personal security forces are using American weapons and vehicles. These forces have claimed, legitimately or not, that they have the backing of the US government. Local leaders asked for clarification of Chalabi’s role and if the Coalition is supporting him.

Mr. Garner replied, “The coalition is backing no candidate. It is the Iraqi people who will chose their leaders. Mr. Chalabi is not the Coalition’s candidate.” It was further stated later at the press conference that all potential leaders must gain status through free and fair elections by the Iraqi people.

Further concern was voiced about tribe leaders presenting themselves in the city and declaring themselves governors and mayors. Muhammad Al-Zubaydi was singled out for his declaration that he is Mayor and will begin appointing people. The Baghdad leaders asked ORHA for the criteria for selecting these interim councils. The Baghdad council was very concerned about several illegitimate appointments by Al-Zubaydi—men who are well known as illiterate, thugs. Honesty and integrity was a primary concern. They wanted clarification on the role of ORHA and legitimate authority in Baghdad.

They will not accept self appointed de facto rulers.

Garner related that in the next 48 hours he and General Mckernan will have a meeting to resolve some of these issues. The coalition desires to bring an end to this chaos and has issued a proclamation. The coalition will not tolerate self-appointed individuals or groups seizing public properties and authority. Coalition will not tolerate interference by other outside countries.

“Ambassador Bodine will be in constant touch with you—maybe on a weekly basis,” Garner said. Also, Garner will speak to the trade ministry personnel to coordinate the Oil for Food program. The US has provided $500 million to transition the Oil for Food program to accommodate the current situation.

Garner told the local leaders and press: “We will work hard. We will make some mistakes. But, we will find solutions for the problems. We will maintain a constant dialogue with you before we commence implementing on any issue.”

Prepared by: News Director Ahmad Al Rikaby.