2008 Press Releases
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker Visits Najaf
February 18, 2008
At the invitation of Najaf Governor, Asaad Abu Gelal al-Ta’ie, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker visited the Najaf office of Sayid Amaar al-Hakim on February 17. The Ambassador met with Sayid Amar Al-Hakim and the Governor of Najaf, the Deputy Governor, other prominent leaders, and Najaf tribal leaders, and discussed recent developments in Najaf. This was Ambassador Crocker’s first visit to Najaf since arriving in Baghdad on his current assignment and his first visit since 2003.
The Ambassador held an inaugural meeting with Najaf Sheikhs at the office of Sayid Amaar al-Hakim. Al-Hakim hosted the Ambassador and other prominent leaders from Najaf for lunch. During the meetings, Najaf leaders discussed plans for economic development including the airport, and plans for education including the new Najaf University, and the expansion of Kufa University. They emphasized the role of the provincial government, women, and tribes in Najaf. At an impromptu press conference, Ambassador Crocker said, “Najaf is important as one of the centers to Islam and I see major improvements since I was here in 2003.” He also discussed cooperation between the Provincial government and the Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team.
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