(14 Oct 2007)
++AUDIO AS INCOMING++
1. Wide of entrance to park with sign reading (Arabic): ''Amusement Park''
2. Various of Iraqi soldiers searching people entering the amusement park
3. Various of men, women and children on roller coasters, wheels and other rides
4. Wide of park with roller coaster in the background
5. Children on ride
6. Wide of people at the amusement park; UPSOUND cheering and clapping
7. Various of people enjoying the rides
8. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Vox pop, Abu Hussein, Shiite resident:
"There is a big a difference compared to the past years, we see so many people coming to the amusement park this year. I think the security situation has improved and is getting better."
9. Wide of octopus ride in amusement park
STORYLINE:
Iraqi authorities have intensified security measures during Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, as celebrations continued for the second consecutive day, on Sunday.
Security checks were in evidence as residents of Baghdad's predominantly Shiite eastern section, flocked to an amusement park to enjoy the rides and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Shiite resident Abu Hussein, said the security situation has improved compared to previous years.
"There is a big a difference compared to the past years, we see so many people coming to the amusement park this year. I think the security situation has improved and is getting better," he said.
Iraq's Sunni population announced Eid on Friday - but as Iraq is ruled by a Shiite majority government the country officially started Eid celebrations on Saturday.
Eid al-Fitr is the celebration that marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn until sunset celebrated by Muslims all over the world.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, and is followed by Shawal. The first three days of Shawal are the Eid days.
The festival is determined by clerics based on the sighting of the new moon.
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