2006.12.06: December 6, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Iraq: Congressman Chris Shays: Chris Shays Reaction to Iraq Study Group Report
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2006.12.06: December 6, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Iraq: Congressman Chris Shays: Chris Shays Reaction to Iraq Study Group Report
Chris Shays Reaction to Iraq Study Group Report
“The Iraq Study Group is providing momentum for changing the course at a critical time for the future of Iraq and we need to move quickly to review its recommendations,” Shays said. “Iraqis are facing increased violence yet their government is not showing the political will to make the tough decisions that will begin to resolve the conflict. Based on my 15 oversight trips to Iraq, I agree with the ISG’s assessment that we need to transition combat operations to Iraqi forces; encourage national reconciliation; and increase diplomatic efforts in the region. It is important to note the panel unanimously agreed our support needs to be conditional on the Iraqis’ performance.” Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji in the 1960's.
Chris Shays Reaction to Iraq Study Group Report
Shays Reaction to Iraq Study Group Report
Washington, D.C. –Stressing the need for a significant change in the United States’ approach to the situation in Iraq, Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) today applauded the Iraq Study Group’s (ISG) work and called for quick review of its recommendations.
“The Iraq Study Group is providing momentum for changing the course at a critical time for the future of Iraq and we need to move quickly to review its recommendations,” Shays said. “Iraqis are facing increased violence yet their government is not showing the political will to make the tough decisions that will begin to resolve the conflict. Based on my 15 oversight trips to Iraq, I agree with the ISG’s assessment that we need to transition combat operations to Iraqi forces; encourage national reconciliation; and increase diplomatic efforts in the region. It is important to note the panel unanimously agreed our support needs to be conditional on the Iraqis’ performance.”
Shays, who recently returned from his 15th oversight trip to Iraq, helped create the ISG. Joining Congressman Frank Wolf, Shays offered the President the idea of an independent panel which would provide “fresh eyes” on Iraq last November. Click here to read the letter suggesting the independent panel.
In announcing the recommendations today, Lee Hamilton, a chair of the ISG, said, “On behalf of the Iraq Study Group, Jim Baker and I thank Congressman Frank Wolf who took the initiative to create the study group; Senators John Warner and Joe Biden, Congressman Chris Shays and others for supporting our efforts. And, of course, we thank all of the members of the Congress on both sides of Capitol Hill, on both sides of the aisle.”
The ISG offered 79 recommendations, encompassed in three broad categories:
* transition responsibility for combat operations from US forces to Iraqis troops and change the primary mission of US forces to one of training and supporting the Iraq army;
* encouraging prompt action by the Iraqis to achieve milestones including national reconciliation, security and governance; and
* renewed and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region.
Click here to read the report.
Shays worked to secure $1 million for the Iraq Study Group in the Fiscal Year 2006 (FY 06) Supplemental bill and supported an additional $26.9 million for the U.S. Institute for Peace in the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations bill, which specified some of the funding could be used for the Iraq Study Group.
The ISG is chaired by James Baker and Lee Hamilton. Other members include Lawrence Eagleburger, Vernon Jordan, Jr., Edwin Meese III , Sandra Day O'Connor, Leon E. Panetta, William Perry, Charles Robb, and Alan Simpson.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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Headlines: December, 2006; RPCV Chris Shays (Fiji); Figures; Peace Corps Fiji; Directory of Fiji RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Fiji RPCVs; Politics; Congress; Iraq; Connecticut
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Story Source: Congressman Chris Shays
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Fiji; Politics; Congress; Iraq
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he was peace corps volunteer teacher in
Ethiopia in 1967 and 1968 at woayita sodo secondary school