Security forces capable of protecting foreign companies in Basra – official

BASRA / IraqiNews.com: A senior security official in Basra said on Saturday that security forces are capable of protecting foreign companies wishing to come to the province and work there. “We can protect the foreign companies wishing to enter Basra for reconstruction projects and investment. The security agencies are currently qualified to foil any attempts to destabilize the city,” Maj. General Mohammed Jawad Howeidi, the Basra Operations Commander, told IraqiNews.com news agency. Howeidi’s statements coincide with an economic conference on investment in Basra, attended by representatives of Ukrainian firms working in the fields of heavy industries, power and consumer industries as well as Iraqi businessmen and government officials. “All areas of Basra are under control. There are no security problems in the city, where security agencies were not affected by the withdrawal of British troops,” he added. The oil-rich port city of Basra lies 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. AmR (P)/SR 1