Iraq's Green Zone in central Baghdad was reopened to all citizens Sunday for the first time in 12 years, though with many restrictions still intact.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made the announcement, referring to it as part of the "measures promised to our citizens and this opening that we are witnessing points to continued plans to reform - actions which we will not back down from," according to Mashable.
Another milestone achievement this evening in line with commitment to reform as the Green Zone in Baghdad is opened to the public
— Haider Al-Abadi (@HaiderAlAbadi) October 4, 2015
The four-square-mile Green Zone, located on the bank of the Tigris River, was mostly off-limits to the Iraqi public due to security concerns following the 2003 U.S. invasion that removed Saddam Hussein from power.
Now it has come to symbolize the isolation of Iraq's rulers from it's citizens, with the offices of the president, prime minister, parliament, the country's top courts and the U.S. embassy - the largest embassy in the world - all being located in that one area, reported Yahoo! News.
Standing isolated from the rest of the city for 12 years, the Green Zone has become little more than an annoyance to locals, causing considerable traffic disruptions for the city of seven million.
The move comes amid a wave of protests by Iraqis in Baghdad and many southern cities calling for the end of government corruption and reckless spending, according to NBC News. Two entrances to the Green Zone are now open to the public, while army special forces within handle the task of maintaining security.
Despite the concrete barriers and strict security measures, the Green Zone has been the target of multiple bombings over the years, especially at the height of the 2006-2008 civil conflict.
