By Mohammad Al-Ghazzi
BAGHDAD, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- A scheduled session of the Iraqi parliament got underway on Sunday and the visiting Arab League Secretary General, Amr Moussa, was expected to address the legislators shortly following talks he had held with eminent figures on preparations for the upcoming Arab summit.
Moussa is expected to re-affirm the Arab organization firm support for the government in its efforts to restore normalcy and lure Arab investments. A source close to the Arab League chief said he would assert support for Iraq and pledge to encourage Arab entrepreneurs launch businesses and invest in national ventures in the country.
The Arab summit, that had been held in Sirte, Libya, issued a resolution calling for Arab support for Iraq's reconstruction process and contribution of Arab organizations and establishments in rebuilding and developing the country.
For his part, Usama Al-Nujaifi, the chairman of the assembly, said in a statement that the holding of the Arab summit in Baghdad would send a message to the world affirming Iraq's comeback to its Arab fold. A spokesman of the premier office quoted him as saying during a meeting with Moussa, earlier tdoay, that the current visit by the secretary of the league would underline the cement ties bounding Iraq with brotherly nations.
Moreover, Al-Mujaifi expressed hope there would be "full Arab presence" at the summit, due in Baghdad in March, saying, "Iraq needs the Arabs as much as they need it." For his part, Moussa said in a statement to reporters that destabilization in Iraq affects the whole Middle East, considering the country's significant weight and strategic location.
Furthermore, the visiting chief of the Arab organization held talks with the former vice president, Tareq Al-Hashemi, discussing the preparations for the summit. (pickup previous) mhg.rk KUNA 091243 Jan 11NNNN