The White House
President George W. Bush
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 13, 2007

Fact Sheet: Expanded Provincial Reconstruction Teams Speed the Transition to Self-Reliance

      President Bush Participates in Video Teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders, Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders, and Brigade Combat Commanders
      In Focus: Renewal in Iraq

"Much of the progress we are seeing is the result of the work of our Provincial Reconstruction Teams. These teams bring together military and civilian experts to help local Iraqi communities pursue reconciliation, strengthen moderates, and speed the transition to Iraqi self-reliance."

- President George W. Bush 6/28/07

Under The President's New Way Forward For Iraq, The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Program Has Expanded. PRTs are joint civilian-military units that support local leaders and empower provincial authorities by working closely with the communities they serve. The expansion of this joint Department of State-Department of Defense mission will employ both civilian and military resources toward a common strategic plan.

Strategic Purpose Of The PRT Mission

Accomplishments Of PRTs

The PRTs Are Implementing Programs Aimed At Improving Local Governance, Restoring Essential Services, Promoting Small Business, And Building Confidence And Reconciliation Among Their Iraqi Counterparts. A variety of activities are underway, and a number of accomplishments are evident in just the first two months after their stand-up:

The Original Program Includes U.S.-Led PRTs In Baghdad, Anbar, Ninewa, Kirkuk, Salah Ad Din, Diyala, And Babil, And U.S. Participation In Coalition-Led PRTs In Basrah (UK), Dhi Qar (Italy), And Erbil (Korea).

PRTs Help Provincial Leaders Secure Funds From The Central Government By Helping Forge Better Working Relationships Between Provincial Leaders And Their Counterparts In The Central Government. Through these new relationships, provincial leaders are able to voice their concerns and obtain approvals for critical essential services projects. This process helps them develop greater self-reliance and increases their capacity to govern.

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