Iraqi PM opens Green Zone to all citizens

Baghdad: Iraq's Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has declared the heavily fortified Green Zone open to all of his citizens for the first time in 12 years.

A statement from the premier's office says al-Abadi was the first to pass through the newly-opened Green Zone, or the International Zone as it is officially known.

A senior Green Zone security official tells The Associated Press that much of the restrictions on the Green Zone will still remain in place, particularly on streets leading to high-level government buildings and embassies, including the US embassy.

The official spoke anonymously because he is not authorised to brief the media.

The zone has continued to be a target for bombings and rockets over the years, despite the concrete walls that surround it.