Iraqi, Kurdish forces reach deal on Diyala
Iraqi military units and Kurdish Peshmerga forces reached an agreement Friday on security responsibilities in northern areas of Diyala province, officials said.
Peshmerga commander Nazim Kirkuki told the media arm of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party that Iraqi military forces agreed to withdraw from northern areas of Diyala province to allow Kurdish units to patrol the area.
"The joint meeting between a senior delegation from the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces was held for cooperation in eradicating terrorism in Jalawlah, Qarah Tapah and Sa'diyah areas," he said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered the military into Diyala province in July to target armed militias and al-Qaida fighters.
For his party, Iraqi army Maj. Gen Tariq Abdel Wahab denied allegations of a potential military conflict between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces over security responsibility in the predominately Kurdish area of northern Diyala.
"Cooperation between both forces is good and there are no tensions. Our meeting witnessed fraternity, and we gave a salute to the Kurdistan flag," he said.
Full story: http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/08/15/iraqi_kurdish_forces_reach_deal_on_diyala/042c/
