torresdd

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20031129_682.html
Troop Families Go to Iraq on Peace Mission
Relatives of Service Members Embark on
Peace Mission to Iraq to Bring Message of Friendship

The Associated Press

SAN DIEGO Nov. 29 -

Relatives of U.S. service members said they
were nervous but hopeful Saturday as they
embarked on a private peace mission to Iraq,
where they will bring their message of friendship
and doubts about the war.

The leader of the 10-member group,
Fernando Suarez del Solar, said it is important
for Iraqis to realize that not all Americans support
the U.S. military presence in Iraq.

His son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus Suarez del Solar, 20,
was killed in Iraq eight months ago when he stepped
on an unexploded American cluster bomb.

"The regular Americans like peace,"

Suarez del Solar, 48,

said in a telephone interview a few hours
before the group's scheduled departure.

"The enemy is not the people from America.

"The young boys in Iraq only see
the American flag on the uniforms.

They see that as the destroyer of their life and family.

It's very important to try to reach them."

The group included two wives of soldiers based at Fort Bragg, N.C.,
and four veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf wars, two of whom
have children on duty in Iraq.

"I'm feeling a little nervous but too much optimistic,"

said Suarez del Solar.

"I know the military commander over there in
Iraq doesn't like my trip, but more important
is the people in Iraq."

The group raised donations to pay for the trip,
and received letters of support from 25 members
of Congress.

After a flight to Jordan, they planned to drive into Iraq.

In Baghdad, coalition spokesman Sgt. Danny Martin
expressed concern about the safety of the delegation,
but said this past week that their effort would be appreciated.

"Any assistance in keeping the entire nation stable
and peaceful and secure is more than welcome," he said.

photo credit and caption:

Fernando Suarez del Solar sits in his Escondido, Calif.,
home Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003, while holding a photo
of his son,

Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus Suarez del Solar Navarro,
who was killed in battle in Iraq in March.

Fernando Suarez del Solar leaves Friday for
a journey to Iraq to visit the spot where his
son died. (AP Photo/Tim Tadder)

pedro martori

US 'kills dozens' in Iraqi city


The US military has reported killing 46 militants and wounding 18 in clashes
in the central Iraqi city of Samarra.
Five US soldiers and a civilian were wounded in the fighting which raged as
militants made a series of attacks on convoys in the city on Sunday.

Eight militants were also captured, US spokesman Lieutenant Colonel William
MacDonald told reporters.

News of the fighting comes after a weekend of bloody ambushes across Iraq,
largely targeting American allies.

Colonel MacDonald said the US forces had fought back with tank fire as they
were attacked by militants wearing uniforms of the pro-Saddam Fedayeen
fighters.

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super duty

No offense , but I opine that Mr. Fernando Suarez del Solar, is way in over
his head.

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