Al-Maliki discusses security measures for Arab summit

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki called on security services in his country to tighten the security measures and do their utmost as a precaution against what he described as armed and sabotage groups before the Arab Summit due to be held in Baghdad at the end of this month. A statement issued by Al-Maliki's office said that the Iraqi Premier and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces chaired last night a crisis cell meeting with senior security officials, including a number of senior army officers and leaders of the security services. According to the statement, the meeting discussed the security situation and the security preparations for the upcoming Arab Summit. The meeting also reviewed the measures relating to the guarding of the Arab leaders and delegates who will attend the summit. Last Monday, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani stated that all preparations for the summit, due here on March 29, are complete, and Baghdad is now ready to receive the Arab leaders.