Iraqis thank Utahns 'for your efforts'

The governor, a mayor and other officials of Babil Province, Iraq, expressed heartfelt thanks Sunday to Utah for helping in the fight for democracy in their country.

The struggle will end in victory over tyranny and terrorism because, said Babil Provincial Council chairman Ahmed Al-Amidy, "the good is stronger than bad things."

The program, termed "Iraq Says Thanks," drew hundreds of spectators to the theater in the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many in the audience were uniformed servicemen and -women and their families.

On the stage were dignitaries including Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert; Rep. Chris Cannon , R-Utah; Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon; South Jordan Mayor W. Kent Money and high-ranking military officers.

The South Jordan Children's Choir sang "It's a Small World After All" and "I am a Child of God," with verses in Arabic.

The event was organized by New Hope Humanitarian, a group helping women and families of Iraq.

The delegation is in Utah to learn more about representative government, economic development and the practical application of democracy, says the humanitarian group. A main organizer of the tour was James B. Mayfield, emeritus professor of political science at the University of Utah.

Mayfield spent May 2003 to May 2004 working in Babil province helping establish local governments in a State Department program.

In welcoming the group, Herbert thanked the military for its role in "spreading freedom throughout the world."

Iraqi speakers began with a prayer, their comments translated by Satie Najm, regional director for local government development for Research Triangle Institute International.

Salim Al-Musilmawi, governor of Babil Province, noted that Iraq's history goes back thousands of years.

Under Saddam Hussein's tyranny, Iraq was pushed into war with its neighbors. "He used the forbidden chemicals in these wars," Al-Musilmawi said. Now Iraq needs to build a new country engaged in civilized life and to build good relations with neighbors.

"We are calling on American people and especially Utah people to contribute to build new Iraq," he said.

"We will continue fighting terrorists. . . . And will stand against all these bad forces," Al-Musilmawi said. "We are so thankful for your efforts and for the efforts of the good people of the world."

Al-Amidy said he understands the sacrifice that Utah's military personnel are making by being separated from their families. "I am a father and I have a wife and kids," and he misses them already, during this trip to the United States.

"The human feelings," he said, "are the same."