PM lays cornerstone for Culture & Arts Palace in Babel

BABEL / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Culture & Arts Palace in Babel, according to a statement by the premier’s information office. “We want to send a message to the whole world that Iraq will once again become an intellect, culture and science hub in which Iraqi intellectuals have a great role to play in the rebuilding of this nation,” Maliki was quoted in the statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. Maliki, who paid a visit to the province of Babel on Monday (Jan. 26), said the power of intellect and culture is flourishing in the atmosphere of democracy and freedom the country is experiencing. The Iraqi premier toured the General Company for Textile Industries in Hilla city and met with workers there. “Our national unity government has pledged to offer a decent life for workers and to develop and give a push forward to the industrial sector,” Maliki said. Hiilla, the capital city of Babel province, lies 100 km south of Baghdad. AmR (P)/SR 1