Arab economic summit to discuss Iraq's reconstruction process

Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign
Minister Hoshyar Zebari said here Thursday that the first Arab Economic,
Development and Social Summit, to be held in Kuwait on Jan. 19-20, will include
a discussion on Iraq's reconstruction process, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
reported.

Zebari made the remarks upon arrival at the Kuwaiti
capital to represent his country at an Arab foreign ministers meeting on Friday.

He said the Iraqi government "is making determined
efforts to encourage Arab countries and investors to invest in the
reconstruction process which will serve the interests of all partners."

He hailed that the historic Arab economic summit is a
timely event to enhance cooperation and economic integration among the Arab
countries amid the ongoing world economic recession.

The two-day Kuwait summit is the first for the
22-member Arab League to exclusively devote to Arab economic, development and
social matters. The summit is expected to map out steps to improve Arab nations'
economic and social development and strengthen Arab economic integration.

Following the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has so far killed some 1,077 Palestinians and wounded over 5,000, the Gaza war is expected to top the agenda of the summit. Arab leaders are expected to review the latest developments in the Palestinian enclave, and to find a solution to end the Israeli attacks which began on Dec. 27 last year.