CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Tikrit, Iraq -- Task Force Iron,
Multi-National Division -- North, The University of Tikrit Law School and the University
of Baltimore Law School began an official affiliation for teaching law when they
connected via video teleconference here Nov. 27.
The schools formalized their association by simultaneously signing memorandums of
understanding during the conference. The documents state that schools will "engage in
the exchange of faculty, students and academic programs for mutual benefit."
The document also says the schools will "collaborate with one another to establish,
support and continue ... the development of the Rule of Law and Civil Society."
The program's goal is to "develop international relations, expand the international studies
program at UBLS, and to further develop the graduates of the UTLS," according to an
official statement issued by the Provincial Reconstruction Team hosting the signing. The
program is expected to culminate in six Iraqi students attending the Master of Laws
program at the Baltimore, Md. school.
The U.S. Departments of Justice and Defense will fund "six qualified individuals … who
are representative of Iraqi society," the MOU states. These students will then return to
Iraq to help in reconstruction efforts aimed at establishing and maintaining the rule of law
in Iraq.
"Iraq has been exposed to continuous wars, embargo, violations to human rights and
occupation, and we hope from this agreement to improve all these conditions," said Amir
Ayaash, UTLS dean. "I hope this agreement will be the first step toward building and
rebuilding an inclusive and full system in order to improve rightful relationship between
Iraqi and American people. Universities play (a) fundamental role in all this; thanks to
(the) American people and government (for taking) this great step."
The dean added that when America built its country two centuries ago, it was based on
true and sound laws aimed at respecting human rights and that within these two centuries,
"America become a superpower because of its sound and rightful laws."
Task Force Iron and MND-N are headed by U.S. Army Europe's 1st Armored Division
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