Intro:

Iraq prepared in Baghdad on Thursday (30 January) for their forthcoming Fed Cup Group II games against Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan at Astana in Kazakhstan

Script:

After three decades of absence Iraq is preparing a return to the Fed Cup.

Iraq will be represented by three girls; Ghada and Hala Mohammed and Nour Magid for their Group II Asia and Oceanic zone.

Tennis diminished in the 1990s because of the country's war against its neighbours and the embargo against the country. But made a return after the embargo was lifted in 2003,

Ghada Mohammed admits the girls need more time to prepare:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ghada Mohammed, Iraq:
"This is our first day of practice. I think we needed more time to prepare. It is a big tournament, it is the Fed Cup, it is the first time we've play in it for a long time, so we should have a good impression. As an Iraqi team we should leave a good impression as good players as experienced players, so I think we should have prepared more."

Iraq will face strong teams in the Fed Cup but the players are hoping to repeat the success of Iraq in the 1970s and 80s