Iraq Press Roundup

Al Sabah newspaper reported Wednesday Iraqi forces were taking over security in Diyala province.

Taiseer al-Meshehadani, member of Parliament, told Al Sabah Iraqi forces will take full responsibility for the security situation after they are fully equipped and after they clean up the province. She also told the paper that multinational forces will now play a supporting role.

Awad Najim al-Rubaee, member of the Diyala Salvation Council, welcomed the idea of handing security over to Iraqi forces.

The Kurdish Al Taakhi newspaper reported that Foreign Minister Hushiar Zibari demanded that Iran stop bombing the border between the two countries.

The paper said Zibari insisted Iraq was willing to establish a technical committee to investigate the incidents related to the bombings and agree on suitable solutions. The discussion came as he met with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran.

The Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council's Al Adala newspaper reported Wednesday a new special security plan had been set up for the holy month of Ramadan.

It quoted government spokesman Qasim Atta as saying: "The new security plan aims to facilitate people's movement during rush hour, and coordinate with checkpoints to provide services to the people."

He also said there was a possibility the daily curfew hours will be reduced.

"Sectarian killing and displacement has completely stopped, and car bombs and IED attacks are a lot less," he told the newspaper.