State building, economy hinge on security for investors – PM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Sunday said that the building of the state, strengthening the economy and providing service for citizens all hinge on security efforts exerted for companies investing in Iraq. “The masses constitute guarantees and resources of information that spotlight security imbalances, including the detection of smugglers,” Maliki said during an address in a conference discussing mechanisms of coordination between the central government and provinces, which was held in Karbala today (Feb. 6). “The local efforts furnished by the provinces to security agencies are important for them to undertake their tasks,” he added. Maliki noted that governors are authorized to sign contracts with investor companies and seek more cooperation with the private sector, which should help settle the problem of housing suffered in Iraq. The premier also underlined the importance of refurbishing the agricultural sector. “We will sign contracts with major companies worldwide in order to obtain new systems and benefit from the development in the agricultural field,” he said. AmR (TS) 2309