BAGHDAD, Iraq – In a statement read to troops here Friday, U.S. commander Gen. Tommy Franks said that American forces would remain in Iraq until a free government is in place.
"The Saddam regime has ended, is over and we will stay until there is a free government," Franks said in an order read to unit commanders. "We are going to respect their culture and their religion."
Franks' order also listed new rules of behavior for American forces in Baghdad now that the Iraqi capital is under U.S. control.
Under the rules, troops are forbidden to use deadly force to prevent looting. They should allow government workers to go to their jobs. Hospitals, businesses and mosques should remain open. Schools should reopen and record attendance.
Police, fire and emergency workers should continue to report to their jobs unless told otherwise.
The Iraqi public must also not engage in any terrorist acts or display weapons publicly and should halt looting.
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