BAGHDAD, June 6 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced the imminent release of 2,500 prisoners in a bid to facilitate national reconciliation.
Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad Tuesday, Maliki said "the release of prisoners is a message and a chance for them to reconsider their actions and review their thinking in order to contribute to Iraq's construction."
He said, "They will be released in batches starting from Wednesday with the liberation of 500 prisoners."
Maliki said those who will be released were proved not to be involved in any violent action and expressed wishes their positions be reconsidered.
"These people are not Baathists or Muslim extremists but they have committed minor mistakes," he said.
Maliki denied the existence of any political deal behind the releases, saying they will be released from Iraqi and U.S. army prisons.
He noted that the government is extending a hand for national reconciliation to those who are seeking consensus, stressing that whoever rejects reconciliation and insists on continuing terrorism will be dealt with according to a security plan which he did not disclose.
"National reconciliation will go on in Iraq and he who does want reconciliation is welcome while those who choose terrorism will be dealt with firmly," Maliki added.
In another development, security sources said Tuesday nine heads belonging to unidentified victims were discovered in the area of Hadid near Baaqouba and taken to the local forensic doctor for identification.
Three other people were also killed in separate incidents of violence in Baaqouba and Baghdad.
