U.S. Ambassador to Iraq officially opens Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team

Photo By Spc. Paul Harris | United States Ambassador to Iraq, Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, listens to the Governor of Diyala Province Ra'ad Rashid Mulla Juwad Al-Timimi, during a press conference after the Provincial Reconstruction Team inauguration ceremony at Forward Operating Base Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

10.06.2006

Story by Spc. Paul Harris 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

by Pfc. Paul J. Harris
3rd HBCT, 4th ID PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq (October 6, 2006) -- United States Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, visited Forward Operating Base Warhorse Oct. 5 to ceremoniously inaugurate the Provincial Reconstruction Team.

The PRT is responsible for overseeing the reconstruction efforts in Diyala Province and working with local leaders and government to make sure the projects run smoothly. To date, the U.S. has invested an estimated $735 million in Diyala Province on 771 projects.

"This ceremony provides yet another great example of how far Iraq has traveled on the road to peace and prosperity," said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander, 25th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, during the ceremony. "This is also significant to Diyala and is most appropriate following the opening of (Independence Radio and Television) earlier this week in Baqubah. The Provincial Team is now fully mission capable and the people of Diyala can expect great results from this team of highly qualified professionals."

Mixon, after finishing his comments, introduced the Governor of Diyala, Province, Ra'ad Rashid Mulla Juwad Al-Timimi, who spoke about how impressed he was with the U.S. commitment to Diyala's reconstruction efforts.

"The governor straight out said 'The high level involvement shows that the U.S. government puts emphasis on what the PRT is doing,'" said Kiki Munshi, team leader for the Diyala PRT. "I think it will have payback in the future with increased cooperation."

Munshi explained the challenge is not the reconstruction of infrastructure but giving empowerment and knowledge to the people of Iraq to be self-sustaining.

One of the future projects the PRT has in development is a soil testing laboratory at Diyala University. The laboratory would aid in the planning of a soil map which would help the local farmers have a better understanding of what crops to plant and where. The size of the project would employ local workers and teach them a skill at the same time.

"It is a win, win situation," Munshi said.

To close out the ceremony, Khalilzad spoke to the audience of civilian, military and Iraqi leaders on the vitality of the PRT's mission.

"You have come a long way for a noble cause to help the leaders of Diyala Province," said Khalilzad. "You are here to help the people of Iraq and Diyala succeed. In doing so we are working toward a better world. This, in turn, will help with the security of the U.S."

But the ambassador was quick to caution that the U.S. is not alone in the driver's seat for the reconstruction effort.

"PRT is the manifestation of the U.S.-Iraqi interest to build a secure sovereign and prosperous Iraq," Khalilzad said. "But the PRT can only play a supporting role. Now this country belongs to the Iraqi people. The tyrant is in jail and in the end the success of Iraq will depend upon the decision of the Iraqi people and its leadership."

• Date Taken: 10.06.2006
• Date Posted: 10.06.2006 11:32
• Story ID: 7942
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ