31.01.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Free Officers and Civilians Movement ("original document (English)") [ID 9960]

"Established in 1996 and led by former Iraqi Brigadier General Najib al-Salihi, the movement primarily comprises former officers who stood opposed to the Hussein regime. Al-Salihi was an active member of the Iraqi opposition prior to his return to Iraq in 2003. He supported the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council and has been outspoken in his advice to the U.S. military on issues regarding the establishment of the new Iraqi army and for the rights of enlisted soldiers. On the reinstatement of Ba'athists, al-Salihi has said: "Ba'athists are not all bad. On the contrary, the bad ones are small in number who can be brought to justice. Others, however, are citizens who can serve their country in a sound and positive way and contribute to the development process and to the reconstruction of Iraq in all fields.""

Document(s): original document (English)