BAGHDAD, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The Iraqi government ordered all illegal residents evicted from government buildings and government land within 60 days.
Baghdad said it would establish a committee to handle the evictions of the squatters, who took refuge in government property after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. It said as of Jan. 1 that squatters had 60 days to vacate their shelters or face legal consequences, the U.N. humanitarian news agency, IRIN, said.
"The Iraqi Cabinet has decided to evict all squatters in or on government property -- land, houses, residential buildings or offices," the government said. "They will be given financial help to find alternative places to live."
News of the evictions sparked protests in the streets of Baghdad, with squatters demanding government assistance to find new residences in the capital.
A media campaign and public forums would be launched in an effort to raise awareness of the issue. Baghdad said it would set up micro-grants, ranging from $850 to $4,300, to help relocate the settlers.
