Maliki appoligizes to Iraqi people for tight security measures

BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Premier Nouri al-Maliki announced today that the Arab Summit was "a challenge to Iraq on security, political and economic levels", submitting his apology for "the sufferings incurred on the people on this occasion".

A word on the termination of Arab Summit deliberations, he added that "it was a new turn in Iraqi relations with other Arab countries".

He extended thanks to President Jalal Talabani, Parliament Speaker Usama Nujaifi, Parliamentarians and the security forces for their efforts, as well as the Arab leaders and guest for attending the Summit.

The Summit witnessed the attendance of the Arab Spring countries, while Gulf leaders were absent except for Emir of Kuwait.

It was held in Baghdad, at a time Iraqi is facing internal challenges due to political differences among the party components on the participation in the rule of the country.

The Summit is the most important diplomatic event since 1990, where the Arab leaders met to discuss the issues of their countries, at a time the Arab region witnessed, during the last two years, the emergence of new regimes.

The Iraqi government spread greater number of armed and security forces during the last two weeks, while the government announced a one week holiday in Baghdad.

But all these measures did not prevent the eruption of explosions in a number of Iraqi provinces, including Baghdad that led to 50 killings and 100 casualties, according to official statements.

During the Summit period, no important violent events were reported, which was regarded by the government "a success".

The New York Times reported that the costs of the Arab Summit reached to $ 500 million to provide security, accommodation, renovation of hotels and Baghdad airport highway.