Tony Blair, 6 Feb 2003
“Basra is ready to enter a new phase of its development. Together with clear support from the international community, there are many reasons to be optimistic that a brighter future lies ahead.”
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/sos-iraq.asp
"I am delighted to accept this new position heading-up international input to the Basra Development Commission. There are enormous opportunities for business and enterprise, and – as Commissioner – I am excited by the prospect of helping to achieve economic growth which will benefit not only the people of Basra and Southern Iraq, but also the entire region." blah, blah, blah
Michael Wareing, Chief Executive of KPMG & Head of Basra Development Mission
Yesterdays yawn inducing Observer had one relevant regurgitation of a press release. The lucky inhabitants of Basra are going to be guided along the path of economic development via investments in their oil sector by Western multinationals.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/24/iraq.oil
Wareing, 53, told The Observer that security had improved significantly in recent months and was no longer an issue for investors. 'If you look at many other economies in the world, particularly the oil-rich economies, many of these places are quite challenging countries in which to do business,' he said. 'Frankly, if you can successfully operate in the Niger Delta, that is a very different benchmark from imagining that Basra needs to be like London or Paris.'
Luckily, there is an event in London in April to look out for where some European and maybe even some US oil companies will be invited to give their suggestions on how to develop Basra. See you there!