Shiite leader urges Turkish companies to invest in Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The head of the Shahid al-Mihrab Foundation, Ammar al-Hakeem called on Turkish companies to take part in investment projects in Iraq. The call was made during Hakeem’s meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the capital Ankara. During an official visit to Turkey, Hakeem met with Gul, who stressed his country’s “constant readiness to support the Iraqi government and people in their efforts towards construction,” according to a statement published on Sunday on the official website of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC). Based in Najaf, the Shahid al-Mihrab Foundation is an offshoot of the Shiite SIIC and has branches in several Iraqi provinces. The two officials discussed the security agreement that is scheduled to take place between Iraq and the United States. Negotiations are currently underway between the Iraqi and U.S. government over a long-term security agreement that is expected to regulate the presence of U.S. troops when a UN mandate expires at the end of 2008. SS (S)/SR 1