Mon Nov 16, 7:37 AM ET

Iraqi workers are seen in August at the Assyrian hall of the National Museum in central Baghdad with monuments dating back to the period between the 15th and 7th centuries BC. France has moved to raise its profile and it profits in Iraq, welcoming President Jalal Talabani to Paris with a series of trade and aid deals ready for signing. (AFP/File/Ali al-Saadi)

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