Photo By Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller | Iraqi Security Forces stand guard outside the grand opening of the Rafidain Bank in...... read more read more
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MUQDADIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. officials commemorated the opening of the Rafidain Bank in the Sala-Aruba Marketplace, or suq, during a ribbon cutting ceremony in Diyala province, Iraq, Nov. 29.
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Much of Muqdadiyah was damaged or destroyed during the past seven years of conflict, driving away business and prosperity. Since Iraqi and U.S. Forces drove insurgents from the area in 2007, the city has slowly been rebuilt in hopes that citizens would return.
The 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in cooperation with the Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, offered assistance with micro-grants to help bolster economic revitalization. Shopkeepers and customers have slowly refilled the streets as the grants took effect, facilitating a need for a new bank.
“Today was the response and reply to our citizens in Muqdadiyah,” Diyala Governor Abdul Nasser Al-Mahdawi said to the crowd gathered in the square outside the new bank. “This landmark is the evidence and proof of the security and the safety, and I wish from almighty God that peace will resume in all Muqdadiyah, Diyala, and Iraq.”
U.S. Ambassador Peter W. Bodde, Assistant Chief of Mission for Assistance Transition in Iraq, said the U.S. Army worked closely with the PRT, provincial and national government officials, and the Diyala Red Crescent to finish the project estimated to cost $500,000.
“Restoring this bank and opening this bank is a critical part of getting the private sector up and running in a successful manner,” said Bodde.
U.S. Army Col. Malcolm Frost, commander of the 2nd AAB, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, said that the bank opening is indicative of the gains made in security and economics by Iraqi forces in U.S. Division-North.
Frost thanked his Iraqi counterparts for their support with the project, and pledged continuing U.S. support and assistance as the American role in Operation New Dawn changes from a military to a diplomatic effort in Iraq.
“While U.S. Forces are still present, your Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead and are fully responsible for the security in this great province,” he said.
Al-Mahdawi also took the time to thank those involved in the project.
“I offer gratitude and thanks to my brothers and friends from the PRT teams and the American Embassy for giving their gift to the Muqdadiyah people,” said Al-Mahdawi.
Bodde said the Rafidain Bank reopening is only one of many projects meant to improve the quality of life in Muqdadiyah.
“This project is but one element of a multi-faceted development agenda that has brought about substantial change to Muqdadiyah,” said Bodde. “In addition to reconstruction of this bank, schools and clinics have re-opened, trash has been removed, streets have been paved, and a large investment in the merchants of the Aruba Suq has brought the central market back to life.”
Zaid Al Azawi, the Muqdadiyah Q’ai’mmaqam, or Mayor of Mayors, accompanied Bodde, Frost, Al-Mahdawi and other officials as they joined hands to snip the blue ribbon hanging across the bank steps shortly before noon, ushering in a new chapter in the story of Muqdadiyah and Diyala.
As development continues in Diyala, Al-Mahdawi said that he wants further projects to be possible to continue the economic expansion.
“I hope that the budget for 2011 will complete these projects that we have started and will show off the radiance of this province,” he stated.
The 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. is deployed to Iraq as a part of United States Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.06.2010 03:03 |
| Story ID: | 61427 |
| Location: | MUQDADIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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