The Governor of Najaf, Youssef Knawi, met with the British Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, and explained to him the economic importance of the governorate, as well as its religious status. The governor assured the ambassador: 'Najaf is distinguished by agriculture, industry and trade, in addition to its historical, religious, civilizational and cultural role.' He added: 'The activity of the private sector in it gives it vitality and flexibility at all levels,' noting that the sports movement in it, too, is distinguished and in continuous progress. Source: National Iraqi News Agency