WASHINGTON (Agencies)
Despite the fact that investigations of the incident in which the company’s guards killed 17 Iraqi civilians are still underway, the U.S. State Department said it is extending its diplomat protection contract for private security firm Blackwater USA.
"I have requested and received approval to have Task Order 6, which Blackwater has to provide personal protective services in Baghdad, renewed for one year," said Gregory Starr at the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
Blackwater is the most controversial of several private security firms tasked with protecting high-profile U.S. officials and foreign dignitaries visiting Iraq.
Blackwater guards fatally shot 17 Iraqi civilians while escorting a U.S. diplomat through Baghdad in a September 16, 2007 incident that the Iraqi government considers a crime. Blackwater says its guards reacted in self-defense.
FBI prosecutors have so far questioned more than 30 witnesses in Washington and in Iraq, but have announced no conclusions. One possibility is that individual contractors could be indicted; another is that the company could be indicted; or the FBI could conclude that no crime was committed.
The U.S. government, and especially US Ambassador Ryan Crocker, "will take a very close look at the FBI reports and then we will decide whether it is consistent with the U.S. government goals and policies to continue the contract of Blackwater," said Starr.
The company's contract was set to expire on May 7. It was renewed because Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have not yet concluded their inquiry into the September shooting, Starr said.
Foreign security companies at present are not subject to Iraq law, but at the same time are not governed by U.S. military tribunals, allowing them to operate without any repercussions for their actions. |
