Green zone security transfer taking place gradually – U.S. spokesman

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The handover ceremonies for the green zone for the Iraqi forces, which took place on Thursday, is an initial step that will be subject to assessment after three months, a spokesman for the U.S. forces revealed. “The green zone and the republican palace were handed over to the Iraqi government. We’re fully confident that the Iraqi Baghdad Brigade will be capable of imposing security and order inside the zone,” said the spokesman during a press conference held today (1-1-2009) during ceremonies to transfer security responsibilities in the heavily-fortified central Baghdad area from U.S. forces to Iraqi authorities. The handover of the green zone is a symbolic step that comes as part of the security agreement between Iraq and the United States, he said, adding this initial step will be followed by evaluation during the first three months within preparations to gradually hand over full responsibility for the Iraqis. The zone, lying on the west bank of the River Tigris, stretches over an area of 10 square kilometers. It is the headquarters of the republican palace, the Iraqi government, parliament, a number of ministries, residential sections and offices of several top Iraqi officials as well as the conference hall and al-Rasheed Hotel. It also includes the headquarters of the U.S., British, western and Arab embassies in Iraq. The U.S. forces had set up this zone after they entered Baghdad in 2003 and surrounded it with high concrete walls. AmR (S) 1