WASHINGTON (Aug. 4, 2010) — Working collaboratively toward the responsible transition of U.S. assistance to Iraq from the Department of Defense to the Department of State, senior leaders from across government met at National Defense University recently to plan the turnover of many of the Department of Defense’s activities in Iraq to the Department of State.
The conference was co-hosted by Deputy Secretary of State Jack Lew and Lt. Gen. John Allen, Acting Commander, US Central Command.
Ambassador Christopher Hill and General Ray Odierno flew from Baghdad to attend, along with members of the White House National Security Staff, and more than 60 Ambassadors, military leaders, and senior executives. Noting the successes of the Iraqi people, their government, and security forces, the conference provided a forum for attendees to have detailed discussions about various topics including regional security, the Iraq security force, and strategic partnerships throughout the region.
The senior leaders in attendance focused on ensuring common situational awareness on Iraq transition planning amongst senior executives in the U.S. government, who will be involved in the State Department-led process of transferring issues of security, development, and governance to the Iraqi people in the months and years ahead.
“We will continue to work collectively over the next 18 months as our State Department and interagency partners assist the leadership and citizens of Iraq during this transition,” said Lt. Gen. John Allen. “We are all working to ensure that Iraq can assume its rightful place in the region as an equal and responsible partner.”