Ex-PM in Basra to canvass for National Reform Movement

BASRA / IraqiNews.com: Former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Saturday arrived in Basra to canvass for the National Reform Movement, one week ahead of provincial council elections, scheduled to take place in 14 out of Iraq’s 18 provinces. “This morning, Jaafari arrived in Basra to garner support for his slate,” a correspondent for IraqiNews.com news agency said. “He went on a walkabout in popular areas, including 5 meel area (9 km north of Basra city),” the correspondent added. “Afterwards, he headed to al-Minaa playground, where he met with his supporters and talked about the history of Basra and the vigor of its residents,” he added. The Shiite city of Basra, the capital of Basra province, lies 590 km south of Baghdad. SS (P) 1