I have previously posted about the opening of the new Consulate General in Al Baṣrah, Iraq (see Newest US Consulate General Opens in Basrah, Iraq | Wednesday, July 6, 2011). See below a couple of videos on ConGen Basra.
The Basrah Provincial Reconstruction Team transitions to a diplomatic post as US Consulate General Basrah. Video is produced by DOD | Spc. Lisa Soule:
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.”
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.
Video below is via Al Jazeera with Iraqi reactions:
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