Ex-Premier says Iraq's multi billion aviation restructuring for post election start

During a tour of the static park of Dubai 2005, the ninth international aerospace exhibition currently under way at Airport Expo Dubai and the world's fastest growing aviation trade event, the former Iraqi Premier said the massive reformation programme would start soon after Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections.

"Iraq's air forces and national airline will require a multi-billion dollar investment for a long-term restructuring programme, and we will use this show to further what is needed in Iraq," said Allawi.

Allawi has previously declared his intention to form a broad-based secular coalition to fight the next elections due to take place in December.

Visiting Dubai 2005 in a private capacity, Allawi was escorted around the show by the Chairman of Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), the event's organisers, Virginia Kern and its Chief Executive Aerospace Division, Clive Richardson.

"The Dubai air show is one of the world's most significant aerospace events and is testimony to Dubai's evolution as a major global hub. It also reflects the strength of the emirate's aviation industry,"

said Allawi.

"I have been talking to most of the manufacturers, from Boeing and Airbus and others, and they all have expressed their desire to do business in Iraq, so it's good to be here and start building some bridges for the future.''

Dubai 2005 runs at Airport Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates until November 24.