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, PressTV reported.

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.

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.

The US president said that it was necessary that the international community support Iraq's economic recovery amid its battle against Daesh.