Photo By Spc. Brittany Gardner | Consul General Piper A. W. Campbell is congratulated by local community leaders and...... read more read more
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BASRAH, Iraq – The U.S. provincial reconstruction team in Basrah, Iraq, was elevated to the status of consulate general July 5 during a reception at the Basrah International Airport recognizing the 235th anniversary of the United States of America’s independence.
During the reception, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James F. Jeffrey announced the new consul general, Piper A. W. Campbell, who addressed the reception’s guests.
The consulate general will build on the relationship previously established by the PRT, said Campbell, which contributed to projects to provide hospitals, school, water treatment and other services for women and children.
The consulate general in Basrah is a significant step forward in the transition from the civilian-military footprint the PRT had to a more diplomatic presence, said Campbell.
“The opening of the consulate today in Basrah is a huge step forward in the military-to-civilian transition,” said Cambell, “which people in the United States, as well as in Iraq, are eagerly watching and waiting for. So as we see the U.S. military drawing down in Iraq, it is very important that there is still a sense of connection and a sense of continuity. And the establishment of the consulate is a huge part of that.”
“We’ve had a great partnership with the Basrah Provincial Reconstruction Team this year,” said Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, U.S. Division-South and 36th Infantry Division commander.
Spurgin said the elevation of the PRT to a consulate is a milestone and that it does not signify a change in the U.S. commitment to Iraq.
“It’s just a different role for the United States, and a diplomatic role versus a military role,” said Spurgin.
The reception’s guests included Jeffrey D. Feltman, assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Dr. Khalef Abdul Samed, Basrah provincial governor, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Forces-Iraq commander, Iraqi dignitaries, and other Iraqi and U.S. officials.
| Date Taken: | 07.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2011 11:08 |
| Story ID: | 73283 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 433 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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