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U.S. Dignitaries Dedicate New American Embassy in BaghdadNews Release For Immediate Release U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker officially dedicated the new American Embassy in Baghdad today in the presence of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte. Iraqi dignitaries and close to 1,000 invited guests witnessed the U.S. Marine Security Guard detachment ceremonially raise the American flag in front of the Embassy’s main Chancery Building. This was accompanied by a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem and music from the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division Band. The largest American Embassy structure to date, its scale reflects the importance of the U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship. Construction began in 2005 and was completed in 2008 at a total cost of $592 million. More than 1,200 U.S. diplomats, service members and government officials and staff from 14 federal agencies work and live on the Embassy compound. Their tasks and missions are broad and varied to include: supporting local elections, helping to fight corruption, helping develop Iraq’s energy and transportation sectors, strengthening the rule of law, providing security training, and promoting educational and cultural exchange. This new U.S. Embassy will serve to broaden and enhance U.S. diplomatic engagement with a sovereign and independent Iraq. 2009/02 |