Obama, al-Abadi agree to tighten security in Baghdad’s Green Zone

US President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi have agreed to tighten security in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, according to a statement by the White House.

The agreement came after at least four anti-government protesters were killed when Iraqi forces opened fire on a group of reform-seeking demonstrators in the Green Zone on Friday.

More than 100 people were also wounded in the unrest, in which forces used tear gas, water cannons and sound bombs against protesters who broke into the area which houses government buildings, parliament and embassies.

Protesters broke into the Green Zone for the second time in three weeks, challenging the government's ability to secure the capital.

Demonstrators, mostly the supporters the cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, are upset with the government's failure to approve anti-corruption reforms and maintain security in Baghdad.

The breach also prompted the government to declare a curfew in the capital, only to be lifted hours later by al-Abadi.

During a telephone conversation on Saturday, Obama and al-Abadi highlighted the need for talks so that "the Iraqi people can address their aspirations through their democratic institutions."

According to the White House statement, the talks stressed the “critical importance” of improving security in Baghdad, calling for continued dialogue among the Iraqi political parties.

Obama also commended al-Abadi for the measures his government has taken so far to finalize an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

MG