Iraqi report calls for 136 million dollar payout from Blackwater

BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi government report calls for Blackwater USA to pay eight million dollars in compensation to each of the 17 people killed in shootings last month.

The report reviewed by The Associated Press also calls for the U.S. government to sever all contracts in Iraq with North Carolina-based Blackwater USA within six months. The report says
Blackwater security agents involved in shootings should face possible trial in Iraqi courts.

The government says the compensation is so high because Moyock-based Blackwater uses employees who the report says “disrespect the rights of Iraqi citizens.”

Blackwater has said its security agents fired only after their convoy was fired upon.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)