Five-star hotel for Baghdad's international zone

Iraqi officials say they have approved plans to build a five-star hotel in the International Zone in Baghdad.

Iraq’s National Investment Commission says land for the project is being leased by the Summit Global Group, a US-based investment company.

Robert Kelley, head of Summit Global, says the 300-room hotel will cost €63m and that American and Iraqi investors are involved. He did not name them.

At a ground-breaking ceremony on Saturday, Mr Kelley said construction would begin soon, but he did not specify a date.

Iraqi government offices and American diplomatic and military facilities are inside the International Zone.