PRESS RELEASE COALITION PROVISIONAL — Basra — 1 آب 2003

PRESS RELEASE COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY SOUTHERN REGION PN NO 11 1 August 2003 NEW AMBASSADOR PRAISES THE WORK OF THE BASRA PROVINCE INTERIM COUNCIL The new Regional Coordinator for the Coalition Provisional Authority Southern Region, Ambassador Sir Hilary Synnott today took the opportunity of his first meeting with the Governor of Basra Province, Judge Wael Abdelaetif to praise the work of the Interim Council. He commented: “ The formation of the Basra Province Interim Council is a major part of the process towards Iraqi self-governance that we all want to see. I am delighted to learn of the diligence and dedication of the Council as it serves the people of Basra Province, representing for the first time in many years the true views and aspirations of the Iraqi people. I am very much in a listening mode at the moment as I want to hear about the priorities and challenges that lie ahead. I am determined to do what I can to ensure that we all work together to produce real and visible progress. I believe that the work of the Interim Council is an important step in a process that will lead to full, free and fair democratic elections in Iraq.” NOTES TO EDITORS The announcement of Sir Hilary Synnott’s appointment as the new Regional Coordinator for the CPA Southern Region was made by the Danish and British Governments on 29 July. He was previously the British High Commissioner to Pakistan. On completion of briefing in Basra, Baghdad and elsewhere, he takes up his post fully at the end of this month. COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY – SOUTHERN REGION PRESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE TEL 001 703 692 1713 Pickardi_orha@javasmiths.com