E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

Joint Commission for Conditions-Based Transition Holds First Meeting
The joint commission for conditions-based transition held its initial meeting Aug. 2. The commission will establish the conditions for gradual transition of security responsibility to the Iraqi security forces. Membership of the joint commission includes Iraq’s Minister of the Interior, Minister of Defense and the National Security Advisor, the U.S. Ambassador, the U.K. Ambassador, the Commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq and the Deputy Commanding General.

The first meeting resulted in agreement on the way ahead for the commission. Members agreed to the following guidelines in developing the strategy:
The key consideration is the capability of Iraqi security forces.

In addition to the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, other considerations will include the capacity of local governments to exercise civil authority and provide basic services, as well as the level of the insurgent threat.

Transition of security will not be based on rigid timelines.

Transition will be gradual to ensure continued success of Iraqi governance and security forces.

The transition of security to Iraqi security forces and the reduced presence of Coalition Forces will be visible to the Iraqi people.

A working group was chartered to meet twice weekly to assist in the process. The commission will meet every other week to finalize the conditions and criteria for the conditions-based transition. The commission will report back to the Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja’fari with their recommendations by September 26th 2005.
Posted by: Anonymoose 2005-08-04
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=125839