CAIRO: Iraq’s representative to the Arab League says his country is going ahead with preparations to host next year’s summit of the 22-member organization, already allocating $100 million.
Qais Al-Azzawi said Thursday "tremendous" preparations are under way to host the Arab world’s kings and presidents for the 2011 summit, including restoring whole palaces to accommodate.
It would be the first high profile international event to be held in Iraq since the US-invasion.
Arab officials have expressed concern about holding the meeting in Baghdad, citing security conditions and the continuing presence of US troops, prompting suggestions by some to host it elsewhere.
Al-Azzawi said hosting the summit would show that Iraq can "stand on its feet."
