"Mid-afternoon I sat in a Basra street cafe and had a cup of tea with General Mohammed Juwad Huwaidi, commander of the Iraqi forces in Basra. All around us were the signs of a city returning to normality -- shop keepers working away, women walking around wearing head scarves and children playing on their bikes."
Maj. Tom Holloway, the British military spokesman, told CNN on Friday that Browne discussed security plans with British commanders and met with local Iraqi military officials during the three-hour visit.
British troops had been based in Basra city since the Iraq war began in 2003. The country handed over security control to Iraqis late last year, but still maintains a presence in Basra province.
Thanks, Clive. It's my mistake to suggest the singular present perfect. In this context, I feel though the change cause the meaning to change by relating to thhe present time, it doesn't change the results or cause any disconnection from the previous or following idea. Am I right to say that in this context?