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Rice boosts Iraq firms oversight US reins in Iraq security firms
(about 8 hours later)
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has ordered new measures to improve government oversight of private security contractors used in Iraq.US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has ordered new measures to improve government oversight of private security contractors used in Iraq.
It follows a review by an independent panel ordered after an incident last month involving the US firm Blackwater, in which some 17 Iraqi civilians died.It follows a review by an independent panel ordered after an incident last month involving the US firm Blackwater, in which some 17 Iraqi civilians died.
The steps include tightening the state department's rules of engagement so they are line with the military's.The steps include tightening the state department's rules of engagement so they are line with the military's.
Contractors will also have to undergo improved cultural awareness training.Contractors will also have to undergo improved cultural awareness training.
There will also be better co-ordination with the US military and tighter restrictions on the use of force.There will also be better co-ordination with the US military and tighter restrictions on the use of force.
Boards will be set up to investigate any future killings involving private contractors in Iraq, and will have to power to refer cases to the US justice department.Boards will be set up to investigate any future killings involving private contractors in Iraq, and will have to power to refer cases to the US justice department.
Contractors will also have to have Arabic speakers on hand.Contractors will also have to have Arabic speakers on hand.
'Strained relations''Strained relations'
Ms Rice, who was briefed on the report on Monday "has decided to move ahead with the recommendations that are within her purview to act on immediately", state department official Patrick Kennedy said.Ms Rice, who was briefed on the report on Monday "has decided to move ahead with the recommendations that are within her purview to act on immediately", state department official Patrick Kennedy said.
Blackwater provides security to US diplomatic staff in Baghdad Ms Rice wants to improve the accountability of contractors
Mr Kennedy, who led the review panel, said its recommendations would clarify the rules of engagement for private contractors.Mr Kennedy, who led the review panel, said its recommendations would clarify the rules of engagement for private contractors.
The panel has emphasised that they should open fire only with "due regard for the safety of innocent bystanders".The panel has emphasised that they should open fire only with "due regard for the safety of innocent bystanders".
However, its recommendations focus on management and policy relating to security contractors rather than any possible wrongdoing by Blackwater or others, Mr Kennedy told reporters.However, its recommendations focus on management and policy relating to security contractors rather than any possible wrongdoing by Blackwater or others, Mr Kennedy told reporters.
"Prompt measures should be taken to strengthen the co-ordination, oversight and accountability aspects of the state department's security practices in Iraq in order to reduce the likelihood that future incidents will occur," the report said."Prompt measures should be taken to strengthen the co-ordination, oversight and accountability aspects of the state department's security practices in Iraq in order to reduce the likelihood that future incidents will occur," the report said.
'Strained relations'Strained relations
State department spokesman Sean McCormack said earlier that some of the review panel's recommendations would require co-ordination with the Pentagon.State department spokesman Sean McCormack said earlier that some of the review panel's recommendations would require co-ordination with the Pentagon.
Ms Rice is expected to meet Defence Secretary Robert Gates later this week to discuss those changes.Ms Rice is expected to meet Defence Secretary Robert Gates later this week to discuss those changes.
Earlier this month, Ms Rice ordered that a member of the state department's own security staff accompany all Blackwater-escorted diplomatic convoys and that video cameras be installed in the firm's security vehicles.Earlier this month, Ms Rice ordered that a member of the state department's own security staff accompany all Blackwater-escorted diplomatic convoys and that video cameras be installed in the firm's security vehicles.
The Blackwater incident in Baghdad strained relations with Iraq and forced the state department to act, the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says.The Blackwater incident in Baghdad strained relations with Iraq and forced the state department to act, the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says.
An Iraqi government investigation concluded that Blackwater guards fired on civilians without provocation.An Iraqi government investigation concluded that Blackwater guards fired on civilians without provocation.
Iraqi leaders have that demanded the US government end its association with Blackwater in Iraq within six months and hand over the contractors involved in the 16 September incident.Iraqi leaders have that demanded the US government end its association with Blackwater in Iraq within six months and hand over the contractors involved in the 16 September incident.
Blackwater's chairman, Erik Prince, has insisted he has proof that the firm's guards were fired upon and has defended its record before the US Congress.Blackwater's chairman, Erik Prince, has insisted he has proof that the firm's guards were fired upon and has defended its record before the US Congress.
US officials have released few details of the incident, as it is subject to an investigation by the FBI.US officials have released few details of the incident, as it is subject to an investigation by the FBI.