BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Shiite-led government sought Tuesday to reassure Sunni paramilitaries that turned against al-Qaida and helped reduce violence in Iraq that it would honor promises of jobs and money despite arrests of key leaders and delays in pay.
The problems between the government and the Awakening Councils, which had been paid by the Americans and contain many ex-insurgents, have raised concern about renewed sectarian tensions as the U.S. draws down its forces here.
During a meeting with Sunni tribal leaders, Iraqi officials blamed the pay problems on bureaucracy, fraud and the cuts in the 2009 national budget which were due to falling oil revenues. The officials urged patience.
The government "appreciate the role of Awakening Councils in imposing security and stability, but the integration and paying of 100,000 members is a big process,” said Mohammed Salman al-Saadi, an adviser to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
It promised to continue paying the paramilitaries and help integrate them into the army, police and civil service.
by the associated press
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