Reconstruction teams move into south Iraq

BAGHDAD, May 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. ambassador to Iraq said improved security has allowed reconstruction efforts to begin in two southern provinces.

Local reconstruction crews moved in Saturday to sites in Najaf and Karbala provinces, the scenes of some dramatic bombing attacks in recent years.

Ambassador Ryan Crocker told the Washington Post the United States was increasingly confident that Iraqi security agencies had gotten a handle on the situation and would enable the 15-member crews to work on infrastructure and economic development.

"As security conditions stabilize, you have opportunities that weren't there before," Crocker said. "This is an important part of the country, and there are opportunities for development here."

The Post said the reconstruction teams would closely guarded by security contractors and small contingents of U.S. troops.