LOC21:27
18:27 GMT
BAGHDAD, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- The Iraq-based US army on Tuesday concluded a
friendship treaty with the Anbar elders and awarded a Marines Officer Sword to
two of the elders in appreciation of their efforts.
According to a statement by the US army, the general commander of the
Western wing of the Multi-national Force, General Gaskin officiated at the
ceremony of handing the sword, which is a ritual dating back to 1805.
Such swords were handed to two elders, namely , Sheikh Ahmad Abu Risha head
of the Iraq Awakening Council and Sheikh Amer Al-Assafi of the Dulaim tribal
union.
"The ceremony was made in appreciation of the two elders' devotion," the
army statement said.
During the ceremony, the text of the friendship treaty was read.
The Anbar tribe is now exemplary with regard to law and order," the army
statement said.
The army pledged to hand out more such swords to deserving elders in future
in appreciation of their assistance and cooperation with the US forces. (end)
aam.eh
KUNA 162127 Jan 08NNNN