Iraqi Troops Take Over Security At Baghdad Airport

9 September 2005 -- Iraq's government today ordered its forces to take over security duties at the Baghdad airport after a British company contracted to do that job closed the passenger terminal in a dispute over unpaid bills.

British company Global Strategies Group closed the airport at dawn this morning in an effort to recover several
months of back wages from the Iraqi government.

Acting Iraqi Transport Minister Esmat Amir said later the issue was related to Iraq's sovereignty and nobody was
authorized to close the airport.

Amir said the dispute over fees was settled yesterday. He said Iraqi troops had already entered the airport and
flights would resume within hours.

Global Strategies suspended operations in June for similar reasons. The company is one of many private companies
providing services to the military, government, and private organizations in Iraq.

(AP/Reuters)