Security operation in Baladiat

Gulf News reports that the Palestinian Ambassador, Dalil Kassous, has welcomed the new security plan conducted by Iraqi and US forces despite the launch of a security operation in the Baladiyat district and the arrest of three young Palestinians. "Palestinians are for any security plan that leads to peace and security in Iraq, and this will guarantee security for the Palestinian community living in this Arabic country. There are ongoing security operations in the Baladiyat district, which includes the largest Palestinian community in Baghdad. This development must be understood as a part of the general situation in most Iraqi districts and thus we don't think it is addressed against Palestinians particularly." Kassous stressed there is ongoing movement to release Palestinian detainees accused of terrorism. He pointed out the Palestinian-Iraqi Shiite relationship is in its best phase and there is continuing dialogue with Shiite leaders to promote this relationship. "The Iraqi political leaders' general view about Palestinians' loyalty to Saddam Hussain had diminished. They believe that terrorist acts directed at the Palestinian community are part of the general security situation .. and that doesn't mean Iraqi Shiite- Palestinians relations are marred."