Iraq has implemented tight security measures in its capital of Baghdad, ahead of the 23rd Arab League Summit scheduled to commence in Baghdad on March 29, Press TV reports.

Thamer Mohammed, an Iraqi Military Commander, told Press TV on Sunday that “new security measures” have been implemented and “all departments of the Iraqi Security Forces” will be involved in providing security during the summit.

The number of Iraqi Security Forces has been augmented in the streets of Baghdad with additional checkpoints deployed across the capital.

Iraqi lawmaker Saad al-Muttalibi said, “All security measures and logistic matters have been completed. A very firm security plan with the introduction of around 100,000 Security Officers will be involved in the effort to secure Baghdad and surrounding areas. Many of the streets will be cleared for the convoys of the visitors.”

Meanwhile, Nasser Hussein Bandar, Chief of Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority told AFP that Baghdad's International Airport will shut from March 26 until the end of the Summit.

“The airport will be used for receiving delegations,” Bandar noted.

Iraqi leaders have given repeated assurances that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the Summit despite the frequent violence still rocking the country, which saw 150 people killed in February, according to official figures.

The Summit had been due to be held in Baghdad a year ago, but security concerns and regional uprisings in several Arab countries saw the meeting delayed.

The Summit will take place on March 29, but will be preceded by 2 days of meetings of Arab Ministers.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Jordan’s King Abdullah II are among the Heads of Arab states that will participate in the Summit.

Source: Press TV; AFP