An Iraqi boy stands next to Sgt. Kyle Roden, 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, as they watch Soldiers search for a weapons cache Saturday April 8, 2006.

"I am honored and delighted to be here today as the first ambassador for the state of Iraq in 15 years and the first ambassador since we got rid of the regime of Saddam Hussein with your help,” said Ambassador Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaidaie “I am looking forward enormously to work with you, the American Administration and all branches of government and the public opinion in the United States to bring a better understanding of the aspirations of the people of Iraq for democracy, freedom and a better life, which we are determined we will achieve with the help of our friends."

Northern Governors meet in Mosul

In Iraq, leaders from seven northern provinces met April 12 at Forward Operating Base Courage in Mosul for the first Northern Governors’ Conference.

Representatives from the U.S. State Department and Coalition Forces met with Iraqi civil authorities to discuss the process of transferring security responsibilities to the provincial capitols. They reviewed the rule of law, Iraqi Army and police status for each province, and discussed economic development.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Task Force Band of Brothers, thanked the leaders for their hard work during the past year, citing improved security in the region.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Dr. Mouwafek al-Rubaie met with other Iraqi leaders from Ninewa, Irbil, Kirkuk, Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah, and Salah ah Din Provinces, and several Iraqi Army and police officials.

While Iraqi leaders work to form a national unity government, others continue to repair and expand Iraq’s infrastructure, gradually raising its citizens’ standard of living.

In Najaf, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the city’s new Aden power substation marked the opening of three recently-completed electric substations April 6.
The Aden, Al Jamiaa and Al Shorta power substations receive power from Baghdad’s Ministry of Electricity, then distribute the power to Najaf’s homes and businesses.

“Consistent electrical generation and distribution is the keystone of any modern city,” said Col. John Tully, commander of 4th Infantry Division’s, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “Today we take another landmark step toward a better Najaf.”

A fourth power substation is under construction and is slated for completion later this month. In addition, a complete refurbishing of the outdated power-grid will serve all four substations and is scheduled to be completed this summer.

Through the development of the power grid, local governments and Coalition Forces are improving the quality of life for Iraqis throughout the country. Lt. Col. Lorenzo Valenzuela, south district deputy commander, Gulf Region Division, Army Corps of Engineers, said the idea that less electricity is available now than in pre-war times is a misconception.

“They are receiving almost twice the electricity they had received back when Saddam was here. Local areas now have the opportunity to get televisions, air-conditioners – things that will draw electricity – so they tend to use a lot more electricity than they ever have in the past. We’re building a network that helps them keep up with their new freedoms,” said Valenzuela.

A Najaf resident named Fares said he was passing by when he saw the ceremony, and stopped to share his excitement about the project’s completion.

“Before, we didn’t really have power,” Fares said. “We had maybe an hour a day. After the substation is complete, it will be very good for us and we will have consistent electricity. Now it is soon summer-time and we can get cold air from air-conditioners,” said Fares, a small-factory owner.

(Compiled from official Defense Department sources)