Armed groups in Basra handing over weapons to Iraqi gov''t

BAGHDAD, July 16 (KUNA) -- Iraqi ministry of National Reconciliation Affairs said on Saturday that an armed group handed over their weapons to the government, amid conciliation efforts by the country.
Large quantities of weapons from various factions have been handed over to provincial authorities in Basra, a statement by the ministry quoted the Minister of National Reconciliation Affairs Dr. Amer Al-Khuzaie as saying.
The statement did not specify the exact amount nor the type of weapons which were handed over, but noted that the weapons included medium to light types of weapons.
The statement did not also name which group or faction the weapons came from, but noted that the handing over operation was attended by various security representatives in Basra province. (end) ahh.mb KUNA 161700 Jul 11NNNN