Lebanese prime minister to visit Iraq "in next few days"; Al-Iraqiyah roundup

Iraqi government-controlled Al-Iraqiyah TV highlights in its 1500 gmt and 1700 gmt newscasts on 18 August Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's condemnation of the "terrorist incident" that targeted citizens in Al-A'zamiyah and reactions to Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih's visit to Iran. It also carried reports on the security "successes" in various Iraqi cities.

- "The seventh session of the Council of Undersecretaries was held at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers under the chairmanship of the secretary general of the Council of Ministers and with the attendance of a number of undersecretaries. During the session, the conferees discussed the proposals for and amendments to the consumer protection law presented by the Trade Ministry and listened to the interpositions of a number of undersecretaries regarding the law. It was recommended that all notes be captured and incorporated into the law. In addition, the conferees listened to the proposal of forming a higher national committee for removing landmines, which was presented by the Environment Ministry, and discussed the committee's organizational structure and bylaw."

- "Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Labid Abbawi said that Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora will visit Iraq in the next few days. Abbawi added that Siniora, who will be accompanied by a large delegation, will discuss with Iraqi officials several issues of mutual concerns."

- "Politicians and media figures asserted that there are clear indications of the independence of the Iraqi Government's political decision. Speaking to Al-Iraqiyah today, they said that the Iraqi officials' visits to the neighbouring countries and signing of agreements that serve the interests of the Iraqis are clear indications of this independence."

An unidentified Iraqi politician is shown commenting of Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih's visit to Iran. He says: "The visit derives its importance from two facts. First, the complicated situation Iran is facing. Secondly, what is Iraq's position towards the crisis? Is Iraq capable of taking an independent position and making an independent diplomatic and political decision? The Iraqi official proved that it [Iraq] can."

Another unidentified politician is shown saying: "I view this visit as an Iraqi endeavour to create a positive regional environment that would enhance security and stability. Moreover, Iraq's movement towards reconstruction and building requires cooperation with all sides, foremost of which are the neighbouring countries and Iran in particular."

- "Speaking exclusively to Al-Iraqiyah, Major General Qasim Ata, spokesman for the Law Enforcement Plan, said that the third batch of the Iraqis currently residing in Egypt will return home next Sunday. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki ordered that the returning Iraqis be brought home on board of the plane designated for his trips."

Source: Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 1500-1700 gmt 18 Aug 08