(6 Mar 2019) LEADIN: The roadblocks and barbed wire in Beirut's Verdun district are finally gone.
They were removed as authorities believe the area is more stable so the precautions are no longer necessary.
STORYLINE:
Soldiers are on the streets of Beirut - but actually, the situation here is safer than before.
They are supervising the removal of cement barriers from this upscale residential and shopping district.
Forklift trucks and cranes carry the blocks away, opening up the streets again.
The security measures were put up around the residence of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri but have brought years of traffic and road closures.
Resident and shop owner Jamil Fakhry notes that earlier in the week, barriers were also removed from the popular Corniche seafront area.
"We hope we will see that continuing between the Dunes (mall) and Lycee (school)," he says.
"The most important thing is that this area is considered touristic, we hope this year we will have more tourists. These are all good step for the area and tourists".
Workers also cut down wire security fencing.
The city has seen numerous car bombs and violent clashes in recent years, but authorities have deemed the situation stable enough to remove some of the heavy security measures put in place.
Honda showroom employee Sarine says it's a good sign.
"This is something very positive, to be honest we have been in this situation for years. There is abnormal paralysis and I hope once the streets reopen there will be some movement, people will move around more freely and will feel safer in their country," she says.
Interior minister Raya El Hassan began her tenure by ordering the removal of the cement blocks next to her ministry on the main road in Sanayeh, which had been placed there in June 2014 following a series of security incidents in the country.
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