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U.S. forces to continue patrolling in Basra after June 30

June 27, 2009 - 03:38:59

BASRA / Aswat al-Iraq: U.S. forces will continue their patrols in Basra even after the U.S. forces withdrawal from Iraqi cities by June 30, 2009, said the head of the U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team (P.R.T.) in the province, explaining that the patrols are essential for his team’s protection.

“Basra residents should know that U.S. forces that will continue patrolling in their city are there to assist the efforts of civil reconstruction,” the head of the U.S. P.R.T in Basra told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

“The P.R.T aims at supporting a representative and responsible Iraqi government,” he said.

“This mission is essential and requires the P.R.T members in Basra to move throughout the province accompanied by U.S. forces for their protection,” he added.

He pointed out that success in Iraq over the long-term relies on decision that will be made by Iraqis themselves.

The oil-rich city of Basra lies 590 km south of Baghdad.

MH (P)/SR

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