Erbil provincial council is preparing events and celebrations to mark the New Year day including live music concerts and fireworks in the public parsk and around the government building.

“Dozens of artists will participate in the music concerts” said Tahir Abdullah, deputy Erbil governor.

Also big screens will show live the celebrations in three different spots in the city, including one on top of the historical citadel in the center of Erbil so that people can watch the events from a better position.

The provincial council has spent 60 million Iraqi Dinars (about US$49,000) on the preparations, Tahir said. Streets, public parks and the shopping malls in the city are already decorated with colorful lights during the night. Erbil's Majidi Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Iraq, has erected a large Christmas tree in the center of the mall. There will be Fireworks in Shanadar Park and the surrounding area.

 

celebrations amid fears of terrorist attacks.

The preparations of the day come amid fears that armed groups may deal a blow on the crowds of the merry-making people in the city which enjoys greater security and stability. The last fatal attack was in 2007 when a truck packed with explosives exploded in front of the regional government's ministry of the interior killed 17 people.

Erbil police chief Abdulkhaliq Talaat says they have their own security plan for the day, in cooperation with the other security services.

“The security forces will maintain security of the hotels and public places where celebrations are held.” Talaat said.

 

 

©Aknews