http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Sergei Lavrov) en-us Tue, 07 May 2013 15:39:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-russia-agree-to-syria-conference?start=0 Russia and the US have agreed to arrange an international conference aimed at ending the crisis in Syria. They plan to involve both the government of President Bashar al-Assad and the rebels fighting to overthrow him. A visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to Moscow appears to have helped bridge the gap between the powers, who have long held opposing views on the conflict. "Russia and the US will push the Syrian government and opposition to reach a political resolution,"&nbsp;said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.&nbsp; Tue, 07 May 2013 15:39:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-russia-agree-to-syria-conference Syrian opposition, Syrian Civil War, Syrian army, Sergei Lavrov, John Kerry, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia), Moscow, Russia Russia and the US have agreed to arrange an international conference aimed at ending the crisis in Syria. They plan to involve both the government of President Bashar al-Assad and the rebels fighting to overthrow him. A visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to Moscow appears to have helped bridge the gap between the powers, who have long held opposing views on the conflict. "Russia and the US will push the Syrian government and opposition to reach a political resolution," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-expresses-concern-over-military-activity-near-north-korea?start=0 Soldiers have joined a mass rally in the North Korean capital Pyongyang, after leader Kim Jong-un stepped up threats against the US. He has signed off an order, putting missile units on standby to attack American bases in neighboring South Korea and the Pacific. Russia says it is worried about increased military activity near North Korea, an apparent reference to joint drills being run by Washington and Seoul. "We are concerned that, along with this adequate reaction of the Security Council, along with the collective reaction of the world community, unilateral actions are being taken around North Korea, which are manifested in the build-up of military activity," said Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, at a news conference in Moscow. "The situation may slip out of control and fall into a vicious circle." North Korea made its latest threats after the US flew two nuclear-capable stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula. A propaganda video animation, posted on the internet, is said to show a North Korean missile destroying one of those planes. Few believe that Pyongyang will risk starting an all-out war. <br /> Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:13:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-expresses-concern-over-military-activity-near-north-korea North Korea, Sergei Lavrov, North Korea–South Korea relations, Kim Jong-un, South Korea, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, Military exercise, Pyongyang, Korean Peninsula, Russia Soldiers have joined a mass rally in the North Korean capital Pyongyang, after leader Kim Jong-un stepped up threats against the US. He has signed off an order, putting missile units on standby to attack American bases in neighboring South Korea and the Pacific. Russia says it is worried about increased military activity near North Korea, an apparent reference to joint drills being run by Washington and Seoul. "We are concerned that, along with this adequate reaction of the Security Council, along with the collective reaction of the world community, unilateral actions are being taken around North Korea, which are manifested in the build-up of military activity," said Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, at a news conference in Moscow. "The situation may slip out of control and fall into a vicious circle." North Korea made its latest threats after the US flew two nuclear-capable stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula. A propaganda video animation, posted on the internet, is said to show a North Korean missile destroying one of those planes. Few believe that Pyongyang will risk starting an all-out war. http://news.linktv.org/videos/syria-arm-the-rebels-say-france-and-britain?start=0 France and the UK are pushing to supply arms to Syrian opposition fighters, and have requested that European Union talks on lifting the arms embargo currently imposed on rebel groups be brought forward. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said France intends to arm opposition forces in Syria regardless of the EU's decision. The moves were condemned by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while the Syrian government described it as a blatant violation of international law. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:20:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syria-arm-the-rebels-say-france-and-britain France, Free Syrian Army, Laurent Fabius, United Kingdom, Syrian opposition, Syria, François Hollande, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (France), Sergei Lavrov, European Union France and the UK are pushing to supply arms to Syrian opposition fighters, and have requested that European Union talks on lifting the arms embargo currently imposed on rebel groups be brought forward. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said France intends to arm opposition forces in Syria regardless of the EU's decision. The moves were condemned by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while the Syrian government described it as a blatant violation of international law. http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-offers-to-help-end-syria-war?start=0 Russia, warning that the Syrian war is "a road to mutual destruction," has offered to broker talks between the opposition and the Assad regime it has long supported in an attempt to end the conflict. The offer came after meetings with Arab League officials and other top Arab diplomats.<br /> Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:55:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-offers-to-help-end-syria-war Syrian Civil War, Russia, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Latakia, Arab League, Russia-Syria relations, Sergei Lavrov, Al Jazeera English Russia, warning that the Syrian war is "a road to mutual destruction," has offered to broker talks between the opposition and the Assad regime it has long supported in an attempt to end the conflict. The offer came after meetings with Arab League officials and other top Arab diplomats. http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-envoy-warns-of-hell-in-syria-urges-political-process?start=0 UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met with Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov to push implementing a political process to resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria before the country descended into "hell". Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:33:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/un-envoy-warns-of-hell-in-syria-urges-political-process Syrian Civil War, Lakhdar Brahimi, Sergei Lavrov, Russia-Syria relations, Bashar al-Assad, Arab League, Russia, Syria, CNN UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met with Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov to push implementing a political process to resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria before the country descended into "hell". http://news.linktv.org/videos/west-stands-behind-israel-as-arabs-condemn-assault-on-gaza?start=0 Saudi TV reports that Western reactions to the recent Israel-Hamas attacks varied from supporting Israel to considering the Israeli strikes a "disproportionate response" to the firing of rockets by Palestinian factions. Meanwhile, Arab nations unanimously denounced Israel, and held it completely responsible for the escalation. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:07:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/west-stands-behind-israel-as-arabs-condemn-assault-on-gaza Gaza–Israel conflict, Khaled Mashal, William Hague, Sergei Lavrov, Laurent Fabius, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Gaza, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Israel, Gulf Cooperation Council Presenter, Male #1 Successive Arab and international reactions denounced the Zionist aggressions waged by the Israeli war machine on the Gaza Strip that led to the martyrdom of 13 people and injured 148 others over the past 24 hours. Reporter, Male #2 The Israeli military's attacks on the Gaza Strip generated Arab and Western reactions. Arab nations unanimously denounced Israel, and held it completely responsible for this escalation. Reporter, Male #2 The Gulf Cooperation Council's ministerial council demanded the international community and the Quartet to condemn the Israeli aggressions on the Gaza Strip that have killed and injured many and led to the destruction of homes and properties. Reporter, Male #2 Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Libya, and Tunisia said Israel's aggressive policy will once again put the region in a spiral of violence and instability. As for Khaled Meshaal, the head of the Hamas political bureau, he said that the Israeli aggression on Gaza is as a test for the leaders of the Arab world. He called on Islamic and Arab leaders to change the rules of the game with Israel. Guest, Male #3 (Khaled Meshaal, Head of Hamas Political Bureau) This enemy didn't defeat Gaza, and didn't defeat the Jenin camp, and didn't defeat southern Lebanon. This enemy is weak, so weak. He was weak before the Arab Spring, but today he is trembling and confused. Today, the leaders of the nation, during their beautiful spring, must focus on their internal national issues, but they must not forget the region. They must not forget the causes of the nation: Palestine, Jerusalem, the right of return, the prisoners of Palestine and the prisoners of the nation in the jails of oppression, the holy land in Palestine, confronting the Zionist project that follows Arabs and Muslims in all their lands. Reporter, Male #2 In a series of Western reactions, London and Paris gave Israel the right to defend itself against Hamas. British Foreign Minister William Hague viewed the attacks of the Palestinian factions as the main motivator for Israel's aggression. He called on the Israeli government to try to avoid civilian casualties. Reporter, Male #2 As for French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, he described the actions of the Zionist occupation forces against the civilians in Gaza as self-defense. At the same time, he expressed concern over the increasing tension between the two sides. On the other hand, Moscow's stance was completely different, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. He confirmed the Israeli attacks on Gaza are considered a disproportionate response to the firing of rockets by Palestinian factions. He indicated that the violence could destabilize the entire region. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312?start=199 <p>Mauritanian parliament convenes amid presidential power vacuum, Taliban resumes peace talks with US as attacks on NATO troops surge in Afghanistan, a look back at Yasser Arafat's legacy as investigation into his death continues, and more.</p> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111312 Syrian Civil War, Taliban, United States, Palestinians, Israel, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Ra's al-'Ayn, Arab League Presenter, Female #1 Qatari Prime Minister Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani confirmed that the opposition Syrian National Coalition is the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, and the main interlocutor with the Arab League. Russian Prime Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Riyadh tomorrow as clashes and shelling continue in several parts of Syria. Reporter, Female #2 During an Arab foreign ministers' meeting, the Arab League recognized the Syrian National Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian opposition. Following the meeting, the league issued a statement calling on all opposition factions to join the National Coalition so it can be inclusive of the entire spectrum of the Syrian people, without any exceptions. It also urged regional and international organizations to recognize it the way the Arab League has. Guest, Male #1 (Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatari Prime Minister) We call on the remaining opposition factions to join this national coalition, so that it's inclusive of the entire spectrum of the Syrian people, without any exception or discrimination. We urge regional and international organizations to recognize it as the legitimate representative of the aspirations of the Syrian people. We will work with the National Coalition and the opposition, considering the coalition to be the legitimate and sole representative-- no, just representative, I apologize-- and the main interlocutor with the Arab League. The league is also calling for granting political and financial support to this entity. Guest, Male #2 (Nabil al-Arabi, Secretary-General of the Arab League) The blind cycle of violence is still leading to thousands of victims. It is pushing this important and brotherly Arab nation, which is a founder of the Arab League, toward chaos and disintegration due to the intransigence of the regime that announced a war against those asking for change and reform. Reporter, Female #2 The coalition's president, Ahmad Moad al-Khatib, asked that opposition fighters be supplied with specialized weapons. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that his country will support the coalition following a meeting with its leaders. He said the Syrian opposition has taken a very important step. The statement comes on the eve of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's meeting in Riyadh with his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss the struggle in Syria. Reporter, Female #2 On the ground, an explosion took place in the city of al-Raqqah that targeted the convoy of the governor of the city. The governor and his companions were seriously injured. The official SANA news agency reported an explosive device was detonated by a terrorist group near the Church of Our Lady of Annunciation in al-Raqqah, injuring a woman. The southern districts of Damascus witnessed clashes between groups of opposition fighters and regime forces that are shelling a number of areas in the district, and particularly the al-Tadamon neighborhood, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory reported military reinforcement was sent by regime forces to the outskirts of the city of Ras al-Ain, in al-Hasaka Province. Opposition fighters took over the city last Friday, and it is reportedly being shelled. Reporter, Female #2 Several other parts in the countryside of Damascus and Idlib Province have also come under artillery shelling as clashes took place in several neighborhoods of Deir az-Zour between regime forces and opposition fighters. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612?start=33 <p>Russia and Qatar compete over ownership of Syrian people's voice, Britain's Cameron slammed for acting as weapons dealer to Arab despots, Kuwaiti emir vows tough measures against "illegal" protestors, and more.</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110612 Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Politics of Israel, Palestinians, United Nations, Syrian Civil War, Mahmoud Abbas, Gaza, Bashar al-Assad, David Cameron Presenter, Female #1 From Jordan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that those demanding the resignation of President Assad of Syria don't care about the lives of Syrians. Reporter, Female #2 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab, in Amman, to look for ways to stop the violence in Syria. Hijab refused an invitation to visit Moscow in light of what he called Russia's current immoral stance. The meeting was announced by Lavrov during a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart, Nasser Jouda. He confirmed that the opposition's work must include all opposition groups so they can be convinced to operate in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Guest, Male #1 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) We are in favor of returning international observers to Syria, and increasing their numbers so that they can see with their own eyes how the ceasefire can be implemented, and who will do it. The next step, certainly, would be negotiations. I will tell you once again that ending the violence could be a goal for everyone, but for some, changing Bashar al-Assad's regime is more essential. So they are going to be in agreement, and will want to continue the bloodbath until they end Bashar al-Assad's rule. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian crisis also appeared in Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani's speech before the Shura Council during the council's new legislative session. Guest, Male #2 (Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar) The Syrian people's plight has lasted for a long time, my brothers, even though the entire world supports their legitimate demands. In this context, we hold the Security Council responsible for the people's ongoing suffering. And we not only hold the Arab League responsible, but view it as holding an even greater responsibility. Reporter, Female #2 For his side, the president of the Syrian National Council, Abdel Baset Sayda, said in the opening of the council's general assembly session in Doha, where a new council president will be elected, that the international community is doing nothing to stop the suffering of the Syrians. Sayda stated that targeting the council will prolong the crisis, which could encourage extremist factions. He stressed the need to establish the council as the most important pillar of the opposition. Guest, Male #3 (Abdel Baset Sayda, Head of Syrian National Council) I believe that the international community in general is falling short in regard to what has happened and what is happening in Syria. These international efforts didn't live up to the scale of the requirements. We feel there is a desire to rationalize this shortcoming by accusing the Syrians of being unable to unite their ranks. Guest, Female #3 Terrorists assassinated Dr. Muhammad Osama al-Lahham. Reporter, Female #2 On the other hand, terrorists assassinated the brother of the People's Assembly speaker in Damascus. According to the SANA news agency, terrorists fired at Dr. Muhammad Osama al-Lahham in the Thuraya area of al-Meidan in Damascus as he was heading to work, which led to his killing. This, as the Turkish Anadalu news agency reported that seven prominent officers left the Syrian army and sought refuge in Turkey. On the ground, a car bomb exploded in the Sayyida Zeinab area south of Damascus before noon on Tuesday without causing any victims. The explosion occurred following reports of intensified attacks by opposition fighting groups in the capital. According to Syrian security sources, regime forces were able to repel them. Reporter, Female #2 The town of Hauli, in Homs Province, witnessed an air raid followed by mortar shelling that caused the killing of seven people, including a woman. The Observatory also reported the killing of at least 12 members of the regime's forces and the injury of over 20 in an attack with explosive canisters, shells, and gunfire in Idlib Province, northwest Syria. It targeted a truck, a bus, an SUV, and an armored personnel carrier. In the evening, SANA reported a terrorist explosion in al-Wuroud neighborhood in the countryside of Damascus, saying a number of people were killed and injured. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512?start=807 <p>Myanmar's Suu Kyi under fire for ignoring violence against the Rohingyas as thousands lack medical care, two foreign workers killed by bombings in Bahrain's capital, Arabs disillusioned with Obama express indifference to the US presidential election, and more.</p> Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110512 Muammar Gaddafi , Israel, Rohingya, Civilian casualties, Myanmar, Iran, Aung San Suu Kyi, Iranian rial, Bahrain Uprising, Barack Obama Presenter, Female #1 Mass explosions and suicide attacks were reported in Syria. In Doha, the opposition's second day of meetings offset the failures of the first day. Reporter, Female #2 It was a bloody day in Syria, during which losses on both sides, the regime and the opposition, were recorded. But it was the innocent civilians that bore the biggest loss, and specifically those that were in the crowded Arous al-Jabal Square, in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus. Over 11 people were killed and dozens were injured in an explosion that official news outlets attributed to an explosive canister placed on site by terrorists. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the explosion was the result of a car bomb. Reporter, Female #2 In a major escalation of the campaign carried out by regime forces, Syrian planes and artillery shelled opposition strongholds south of Damascus causing the killing of at least 10 fighters. The neighborhoods of al-Hajar al-Aswad and al-Tadamon, in the surroundings of al-Yarmouk camp, south of Damascus, witnessed violent clashes that caused a large exodus of residents. In contrast, a suicide attack with a car bomb resulted in the killing of at least 50 people who were Syrian security members, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reporter, Female #2 In a number of Aleppo's neighborhoods, clashes continued as the anti-regime Tarek Bin Ziyad Brigade confronted war planes in al-Athareb area, according to a video posted on opposition websites. On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi in Cairo. Lavrov endorsed Morsi's initiative to resume the meetings of the four Middle Eastern powers to attempt to solve the Syrian crisis after Saudi Arabia missed the group's last two meetings. Guest, Male #1 (Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia) The five members at the Security Council are committed to pushing the Syrian government and opposition fighters to accept a ceasefire and initiate peaceful negotiations. Reporter, Female #2 After meeting with the international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and the chairman of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, Lavorov said the Russian side is trying to convince the fighting Syrian sides to stop the violence and to return to the negotiating table to agree on a transitional government. However, the tripartite meeting didn't end with fruitful results. Reporter, Female #2 From Cairo to al-Doha, the opposition's meetings were productive on the second day. Opposition parties agreed to include new coalitions to the council or commission, that will be declared on Thursday with the attendance of world figures and leaders, to which Doha has started sending invitations for. According to statements by the meetings' attendees, 13 new coalitions joined the initiative, and the council will include nearly 33 percent of the revolutionary movement. In Damascus, and from within the conference for humanitarian aid agencies, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad denounced all these meetings. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912?start=32 <p>Car bombings rock Damascus as failed Syrian ceasefire ends, Yemeni prisoners' family members mobilize to demand their release, Bahraini opposition stages anti-regime rallies, and more.</p> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102912 Israel Defense Forces, United Nations, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Tehran, Eid al-Adha, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 From Russia, the United Nations and Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, confirmed his determination to work on decreasing the level of violence in Syria, as Moscow is calling for dialogue between the two conflicting sides. Reporter, Female #2 After military events in Syria proved the failure of what was called a ceasefire, or a supposed truce during Eid al-Adha, the United Nations and Arab League envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, flew to Moscow to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to revive a truce that died in its infancy. During a joint press conference, the two sides expressed deep regret that the truce didn't succeed. Brahimi said this failure won't discourage his determination to continue his efforts for peace, indicating that the United Nations doesn't have immediate plans to send peacekeeping forces to Syria. Guest, Male #2 (Lakhdar Brahimi, United Nations and Arab Envoy to Syria) What we need in Syria is what we need in other countries in the region, real change, not cosmetic change; true reforms and not cosmetic ones. We must work so that this change comes from Syrians. We will strive to continue working in cooperation with all sides to decrease the level of violence in order to end it. Guest, Male #3 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) We must pressure the government and the opposition to send balanced signals to the two sides. We must not take sides, which allows the violence to continue, but we must convince them to stop shooting and move toward a political dialogue. I thank Brahimi for the efforts he's making in order to find a solution. Reporter, Female #2 Lavrov was disappointed that the Geneva Communique was not fulfilled at the Security Council. Presenter, Female #1 In Damascus, a car bomb was detonated in Jaramana as warplanes raided Harasta. Reporter, Male #4 On the fourth day of Eid and after accusations of breaking the truce by both the regime and the opposition with military operations, Jaramana, one of the Syrian capital's suburbs, woke up to the scene of a booby-trapped car bombing that lead to the death of more than 11 people, including women and children. In addition, a large number of people were injured and property damage was reported. The Syrian television channel's breaking news reported a terrorist booby-trapped car bombing in al-Rawda Street next to a bakery in Jaramana. Reporter, Male #4 On the other hand, updates on opposition websites reported that sounds of air strikes were heard in several neighborhoods in Damascus. They were carried out by warplanes on the countryside of the capital as well. Information indicated that sounds of the air strikes were heard for nearly two hours in several neighborhoods of the capital, shaking the windows of homes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that warplanes targeted armed men in the city of Harasta and the gardens next to it with eight raids within an hour and a half. Reports were also issued saying that clashes took place in the neighborhoods of Aleppo, Idlib, Homs and Deir az-Zour. Reporter, Male #4 In another development, Turkish media said a Syrian shell fell on the village of Besaslan in the southern province of Hatay, which pushed Turkish forces to respond. Politically, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his great disappointment that the Syrian rivals failed to commit to the Eid al-Adha holiday truce. Reporter, Male #1 In the South Korean capital Seoul, Ban Ki-moon stated, "I feel deep disappointment because the sides failed to respect the call to halt the fighting." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212?start=846 <p>Anti-Morsi slogans lead to clashes between Islamists and liberals in Tahrir Square, African Union forces expand control outside of Mogadishu, Saudi Arabia ranks as world's second-worst country for women, and more.</p> Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212 Taliban, Israel, Islamism, Afghanistan, Tahrir Square, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Ghazni Province, Jalalabad Airport, Bahrain Uprising, Nobel Peace Prize Presenter, Male #1 Tensions are escalating between Ankara and Damascus. This news comes after Turkish fighter jets confronted a Syrian military helicopter that shelled the border town of Azmarin. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed reports that a Syrian plane grounded by Turkey was carrying weapons. Reporter, Female #1 The tense Turkish-Syrian relationship has escalated to a new level. Relations between Ankara and Damascus took a turn for the worst after Turkish authorities intercepted and seized weapons aboard a Syrian passenger plane from Moscow that was en route to Damascus. Reporter, Female #1 Two Turkish fighter jets that had taken off from Diyarbakir fended off a Syrian helicopter approaching the Syrian-Turkish border. A Turkish official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Turkey immediately sent two fighter jets to its border with Syria after a Syrian military helicopter bombed the border town of Azmarin. The town and adjacent cities have been witnessing fierce battles between fighters of the Free Syrian Army and regime forces. Reporter, Female #1 In the latest news on the Syrian plane grounded by Turkish authorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that the plane was not carrying any weapons on board. This news comes amid an exchange of blame, after Damascus accused Ankara of lying. In what was attributed to a Russian arms exporting source, the Russian Kommersant newspaper reported that the plane was not carrying weapons. The source added that the plane was carrying 12 boxes of Russian radar parts for Syria's anti-missile defense system. Reporter, Female #1 Politically, the Syrian crisis was the focus of discussion between the Saudi King, Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz, and the international envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi. The talks, which were held in the city of Jeddah, centered on ways to stop all acts of violence and bloodshed, terrorization of civilians, and violations of human rights. Reporter, Female #1 On a Friday dubbed, "The Free People of the Coast Making Victory," Syrian opposition forces intensified their attacks on regime forces' strategic hubs in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo in the north. Nearly 14 Syrian soldiers and six opposition fighters were killed in an attack on an army checkpoint in the village of Khirba near Ma'araba in the southern province of Daraa, as confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Reporter, Female #1 Meanwhile, fierce battles are raging around the city of Maarat al-Numaan in Idlib, which fell under the control of opposition fighters a few days ago. Opposition fighters are seeking to expand their control over the entire area, and over supply routes to the city of Aleppo. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412?start=35 <p>Turkish demonstrators clash with police after parliament vote to strike Syria, Libyan protestors storm National Congress over lack of representation, Somali government blames al-Shabab for "systematic" killing of journalists, and more.</p> Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100412 Politics of Israel, Taliban, Afghanistan, Syrian Civil War, Tzipi Livni, Coalition government, Jordan, Child, Israel Defense Forces, Ehud Barak Presenter, Female #1 The Turkish parliament agreed to allow the government to wage a military operation outside the border if it is found necessary. Three hundred twenty representatives voted in favor of the decision, and 129 representatives opposed it. Presenter, Female #1 The Turkish anti-terror police fired tear gas to disperse dozens of protestors who opposed the war. Protestors gathered around parliament, which approved the government's request to conduct military operations inside Syria if necessary. Protestors chanted anti-war slogans and clashed with riot police. Reporter, Male #1 The outward calm in this scene at the Turkish Akcakale border gate appears to be a thin curtain that does not really conceal the tension that is dominating this area, and extends along the Turkish-Syrian border. Reporter, Male #1 This comes after Turkish civilians were killed and wounded in a shelling from Syrian territories. The influx of Syrian refugees, through the barbed wire that separates the borders of both countries, has not stopped despite the security and military mobilization. The Turkish military intensified the deployment of its forces in the area. Its artillery shelled targets in Syrian areas from where shells had been fired. Turkish shelling resulted in the deaths of a number of members of the regime's army. Reporter, Male #1 The Turkish government received parliament's approval to deploy its forces outside the borders, while it described the Syrian military aggression as a threat to Turkish national security. In the heart of Akcakale, a day after the shelling, the features of what happened are visible. The Syrian shells fell on different targets. One of them fell on this house and killed five women, leaving sadness, despair, and worry all across the village. Guest, Male #2 The dead were my next-door neighbors. We've been living through very bad psychological conditions for over a month and a half. No one can sleep because of the shelling and the sound of gunfire. Guest, Male #3 We are suffering from deep worry. We don't know when or where the shells will fall. We may become targets. These developments terrify us. Reporter, Male #1 Some of the families in Akcakale left their homes near the border and stayed in the streets, while others gathered near the mayor's office. In this atmosphere, public worry is growing with regard to the consequences of the Syrian crisis on Turkey's situation. Ordinary Turks and observers here tied this crisis to the latest escalation by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or the PKK, in Turkey. Presenter, Female #1 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Damascus to publically announce that the shelling of the border area within Turkey was an accident. Lavrov expressed his hope that Ankara and Damascus will open a channel of communication to prevent any escalation on the border between both countries. Guest, Male #4 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) We are now in contact with the Syrian authorities, who have assured us, including through Lakhdar Brahimi, that it was a tragic accident, and they will do everything possible to make sure it never happens again. At the same time, we cannot ignore other aspects of the Syrian tragedy. Presenter, Female #1 The European Union condemned the Syrian shells falling in Turkey, and called on all parties to restrain themselves. As for the British foreign secretary, William Hague, he called for avoiding an escalation. However, he said that he understands Turkey's response. Guest, Male #5 (William Hague, British Foreign Secretary) I condemn the Syrian action that resulted yesterday in the death of Turkish citizens. I spoke to the Turkish foreign minister last night to convey the sympathies of the United Kingdom for the victims of this outrageous incident. The most important thing of all is that the Syrian government makes sure that there is no repetition whatever of any incident of this kind, so that such tensions on border regions with Turkey or with other neighboring countries can be avoided. And I look to the Syrian government to ensure that that happens. Guest, Male #5 This whole incident is a reminder that the longer this conflict goes on in Syria, the greater the danger to international peace and security, and that we need a transitional government and a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria. This underlines the urgency of this. As to the Turkish response, of course we all want to make sure that there is no escalation of this incident, but I think the response of Turkey is understandable in these circumstances. I wanted to express our solidarity with Turkey, a valued NATO partner, but we don't want to see an escalation, from either side of the border, of the incident that has taken place. http://news.linktv.org/videos/clinton-pushes-tougher-syria-policy-russia-and-china-shove-back?start=0 Hillary Clinton heads to the UN General Assembly next week, trying to rally international support for tougher action against the embattled Syrian regime, but she continues to face stiff opposition from China and Russia. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:55:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/clinton-pushes-tougher-syria-policy-russia-and-china-shove-back Syrian Civil War, Hillary Clinton, Syria, UN General Assembly, Bashar al-Assad, Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Yang Jiechi, US Department of State, UN Security Council veto US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heads next week to the United Nations General Assembly, trying to rally international support for tougher action against embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. VOA State Department correspondent Scott Stearns reports Clinton continues to face stiff opposition from China and Russia. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082112?start=202 <p>Syrian conflict spilling into Lebanon as renewed clashes erupt in Tripoli, US assassination drone strike kills 3 in northwestern Pakistan, Israel asks Egypt to withdraw tanks from Sinai, and more.</p> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082112 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Eid ul-Fitr, Bab al-Tabbaneh–Jabal Mohsen clashes, Drone attacks in Pakistan, Defense industry of Iran, Kevin Yoder, Islam in the United States, Egypt–Israel relations Presenter, Male #1 In Syria, the Local Coordination Committees said security and military forces killed 72 people in many areas; most were killed in Damascus and Daraa. Opposition activists reported that the southern city of Daraa came under air and artillery shelling this morning, and that a number of residential neighborhoods were subjected to artillery shelling in the city of Latakia in the northwestern part of the country. Regime tanks also stormed the Damascus suburb of al-Mouadamiah. Presenter, Male #1 Qadri Jamil, the deputy Syrian prime minister, said the resignation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not a precondition to the start of negotiations between the parties of the Syrian crisis. He added that all issues can be discussed, including this one. He also indicated that foreign military intervention in Syria is impossible because it will lead to an expansion of the crisis beyond the country's borders. Jamil said the threat made by American President Barack Obama to deploy US forces if Syria were to use chemical weapons is a mere "propagandist threat." Guest, Male #2 (Qadri Jamil, Deputy Syrian Prime Minister) The US-European stance on sanctions is hypocritical, and greatly harms the Syrian people and the Syrian citizens who are suffering a lot today from these sanctions. And as the Arab proverb says, "A friend in need is a friend indeed," we felt that the Russian side, and all our other friends, and China and Iran, and all the others; we felt they want to help us ease the effects of these sanctions on Syrian citizens. Presenter, Male #1 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Western countries against taking unilateral action on Syria. He confirmed that Russia and China agree that they will not allow any violation of international law and the UN charter. This comes after American President Barack Obama threatened to wage a US military operation against President Bashar al-Assad if he attempts to use chemical or biological weapons. Reporter, Male #3 International understandings on Syria have hit a dead end after the failure of the Arab League's initiatives, the plan of joint UN-Arab League enjoy Kofi Annan, and finally the Russia communique in Geneva that was never implemented. Reporter, Male #3 And as the delegation of UN observers leaves Damascus, the curtain has been lifted on a fruitless international diplomatic effort, whose results were reflected in reports by the intelligence services of the powerful parties involved in the Syrian crisis. However, the verbal attacks between the major international players were the most notable. Reporter, Male #3 Recurring Russian warnings against the use of force in Syria outside the framework of the Security Council was expressed by Russian diplomat Sergei Lavrov during his visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki, and in Moscow during his meeting with China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo. Guest, Male #4 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) Russia and China have reliable standards, with which we adopt all our measures. And this is completed through coordinating our foreign polices. These standards are represented through the need to firmly commit to international law, and the principles of the UN charter. We must not allow their violation. So we are adopting these rules, and we believe it is the right path for the current situation. Reporter, Male #3 The shouts of the Russian minister came after American President Barack Obama warned Damascus in an unscheduled press conference against using chemical weapons. He stressed that this would constitute a red line. The statement was reminiscent to statements made by the administration of the former president, George Bush Jr., before invading Iraq. At the time, the administration accused the Iraqi regime of possessing and developing weapons of mass destruction. Guest, Male #5 (Barack Obama, US President) The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has lost his legitimacy and must resign. We are monitoring that situation very carefully, and there would be enormous consequences if we start seeing movement on the chemical weapons front, or the use of chemical weapons. That's our red line, and that would change my calculations significantly. Reporter, Male #3 International bickering on Syria comes alongside heightened international intelligence work. So, while there are talks that the battles in Aleppo are being run from Russian operation rooms, media outlets circulated photos showing a German spy ship near the Syrian coast, and an unusual workflow in NATO information centers in Cyprus was reported. Alex Ayoub, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082012?start=472 Clashes continue to rage in Aleppo and Damascus, while the Syrian Foreign Ministry responded to statements made by the new UN special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, by saying that talking about a civil war in Syria contradicts reality, New TV reports. Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082012 Israel, Martin Dempsey, Israel Defense Forces, Eid ul-Fitr, Yemen, Somalia, Israelis, United States, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US-Afghanistan relations Presenter, Female #1 Clashes are continuing to rage in Aleppo and Damascus. In response to comments issued by the new peace envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said that what's happening in Syria is not a civil war, but terrorist crimes targeting the Syrian people. Reporter, Female #2 As the observers began packing their bags before leaving Syria at the end of their mission, clashes in the capital Damascus continued. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that battles took place in both the Kadam and Assali districts between rebel fighters and regime forces. In addition, the Local Coordination Committee said that the Free Syrian Army clashed with regime forces in the Jobar quarter after the Free Army targeted a checkpoint in the area. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian Revolution's General Commission announced that this morning, regime forces raided the town Moadamieh al-Sham. The scenario repeated itself in the city of Aleppo, with continuous clashes in the Salaheddine neighborhood and the Suleiman al-Halabi quarter in the eastern part of the city, where several neighborhoods were shelled by regime forces. Reporter, Female #2 In Daraa Province, in the south of the country, the opposition Syrian National Assembly restated that the city of Hirak is witnessing a second day of fierce attacks by regime forces using helicopters, tanks, and artillery shells. Reporter, Female #2 On the political front, the Syrian Foreign Ministry responded to statements made by the new UN special envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, by saying that talking about a civil war in Syria contradicts reality, and that it only exists in the minds of conspirators. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian official news agency, SANA, reported on an official source in the department, saying that what is happening in Syria is terrorism targeting the Syrian people. The terrorist crimes, the official said, are carried out by armed Takfiri gangs supported by "known countries" with money, arms, and shelter, and indicated that it is not the responsibility of any nation, side, or international envoy to discuss who can lead Syria, because only the Syrian people can make that call. The source pointed that if the international envoy wishes to succeed in his mission and to gain the cooperation of the Syrian government, he must abide by the specified guidelines of this mission. Reporter, Female #2 The Syrian Information Ministry denied news reporting the death of a major Syrian military figure, saying it is "baseless and falls within the framework of desperate psychological warfare to undermine the determination of the Syrian people." Internationally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the idea of establishing safe zones in Syria will not lead to an end of the crisis in the country. Guest, Male #1 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) Opportunities to end the violence in Syria will present themselves if all conflicting parties immediately demand the start of negotiations to establish a transitional government. We call on everyone, including external players, to stop sabotaging the two UN Security Council resolutions. Reporter, Female #2 On a different note, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced that consultations with Russia must begin to suffocate the Assad regime financially, saying that the ongoing struggle in Syria is costing Damascus one billion euros a month. In Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced that his country is unable to host more than 100 thousand Syrian refugees, adding that a buffer zone on the Syrian territory may eventually be established to cope with the influx of refugees that has reached 70 thousand. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512?start=207 Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Moscow expects a formal answer from Western countries on whether they back the Geneva Accord from late June, in which a plan was agreed upon for a political transition in Syria, reports Press TV. Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081512 Syria, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, Israel, Free Syrian Army, Ministry of Defense (Israel), Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Israel, Iran, Afghanistan-Pakistan border Russia is warning the West against sabotaging affairs and to bring an end to the unrest in Syria. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Moscow expects a formal answer from Western countries within a matter of days on whether they back the Geneva Accord or not. The Geneva meeting in late June agreed on a plan for political transition in Syria. The plan did not call on President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Despite that, the United States and its allies have been supporting regime change. Lavrov accuses Western powers of fomenting violence the country by openly supporting armed groups fighting to overthrow President Assad. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612?start=1136 UAE detains additional activists as crackdown on dissent continues, Israel orders the demolition of eight Palestinian villages to make way for army training land, Pakistan suspends NATO supply route over security concerns, and more.<br /> Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:20:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072612 Israel, Iran-Israel relations, Ehud Barak, Human rights, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iran, Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates Presenter, Male #1 The Syrian regime's army has regained control of Damascus, as clashes continued in Aleppo. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the opposition has started to expand its control over broader areas. Reporter, Female #1 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree establishing a court specialized in terror cases in Damascus. Meanwhile, clashes continued to rage between regime forces and opposition groups in some neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo and its countryside. Agence France-Presse quoted a security source saying the regime army is preparing to launch an imminent wide-scale attack on Aleppo. The regime's army has regained control of the capital, Damascus. Syrian TV said that the appropriate authorities have stormed an armed group's hideout in the village of Al-Dhaheriyah in the countryside of al-Qamishli in al-Hasaka Province, where they arrested the group members and seized their weapons. Reporter, Female #1 Politically, the Syrian foreign ministry said that the defected Syria ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Abdulatif al- Dabbagh, has been relieved of his duty. The ministry further said that its envoy to Cyprus, Lamia Hariri, is not an ambassador, but a diplomat that has been running the Syrian embassy until an ambassador would have been appointed. In addition, the ministry said its security attache in the Sultanate of Oman, Mohammed Tahsin al-Faqir, does not hold any diplomatic or security status. During a press conference before leaving for London, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that President al-Assad and his close aides are close to leaving. Guest, Male #2 (Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister) Al-Assad and his inner circle are about to leave, and preparations are underway for a new era. Reporter, Female #1 Herve Ladsous, Assistant to the UN Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, discussed the UN observers' mission with the Syrian National Reconciliation Minister Ali Haidar Guest, Male #3 (Ali Haidar, Syrian National Reconciliation Minister) I held members of the UN Security Council responsible. They don't rely on the observers' reports even though they were the ones who deployed them. Reporter, Female #1 During a press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that his country is ready to send Russian observers to Syria. Guest, Male #4 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) The UN decided to reduce the number of observers in Syria. My country is ready to send observers to Damascus. Reporter, Female #1 For his part, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the international community to learn from the mistakes made in Bosnia in a bid to prevent a repeat of those mistakes in Syria. Guest, Male #5 (Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General) I don't want to see any of my successors visiting Syria in 20 years and apologizing for what we could have done now to protect civilians there. Reporter, Female #1 Ban Ki-moon also stressed the importance of mobilizing the international community to find a solution to the Syrian crisis. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072512?start=644 <p>Lebanese workers threaten to escalate protests over new wage scale, radical Israeli social justice activists question Zionism, Bahraini demonstrators vow loyalty to movement's prisoners of conscience, and more.</p> Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072512 Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Israel, Israel, Lebanese people, Israelis, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Hisham Kandil, Economy of Israel Presenter, Male #1 Clashes are continuing in Aleppo and the countryside of Damascus between the regime's army and the Free Army, as Russia describes the United States' position as justifying terrorism, while Turkey partially seals its border with Syria. Reporter, Male #2 Wide-scale violent clashes took place in the neighborhoods of the city of Aleppo between the armed opposition and regime forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the city's neighborhood of Bustan al-Qasr, and the neighborhood of Saif al-Dawla, witnessed the most violent clashes at dawn near the college of sciences, and near the immigration and passports branch, and in the neighborhood of al-Jumayliyah, near an office branch of the ruling Baath Party. And in the countryside of Aleppo, the city of al-Bab, where groups of the Free Syrian Army are stationed, was shelled by regime forces. Reporter, Male #2 According to the Coordination Committees, the frequency of the battles remains the same in the neighborhoods of the countryside of Damascus, Idlib, and its countryside. But according to Syrian state-run TV, the regime's army was tasked with cleaning neighborhoods in the countryside of Damascus, in Basateen Daraya, and Bayader al-Nader from terrorist groups, after seizing heavy, medium, and light weapons from them. Reporter, Male #2 On the political front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated the importance of implementing the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Anan's plan to settle the crisis. He described the European Union's measures, that include imposing an air and sea blockade on Syria, as counterproductive. He also announced that his country does not recognize unilateral sanctions, criticizing US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, saying that her statement implies that the United States will continue to support similar terrorist acts as long as the UN Security Council does not do what the US wants. Guest, Male #3 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) The Western resolution at the UN Security Council included terms that are not part of the Geneva agreement. We are surprised that the West did not condemn the terrorist act at the National Security building in Damascus. The US position on Syria justifies terrorism, because those who control the Syrian border crossings are groups from al-Qaeda. Reporter, Male #2 On the other hand, Turkey banned its citizens from entering Syria for security reasons at three crossings controlled by the Syrian opposition last week, according to official sources. The three crossings are located near the Syrian crossings of Jarablus, Bab al-Hawa, and al-Salama. Turkish official sources announced that the armed opposition damaged 30 Turkish trucks, and burned nine of them at the Bab al-Hawa crossing. http://news.linktv.org/videos/suicide-bomber-strikes-at-heart-of-syrian-regime?start=0 Syrian state TV is reporting a major bombing at the country's national security headquarters in Damascus. The dead include Defense Minister Dawoud Rajha and his deputy Assef Shawkat, who was also President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law. Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:45:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/suicide-bomber-strikes-at-heart-of-syrian-regime Syrian Civil War, Battle of Damascus, Dawoud Rajiha, Damascus, Assef Shawkat, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Suicide attack, Defence minister, UN Security Council Syrian state TV is reporting a major bombing at the country's national security headquarters in Damascus. The dead include Defense Minister Dawoud Rajha and his deputy Assef Shawkat, who was also President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law. Meanwhile, intensifying fighting in the Syrian capital is fueling fears that the embattled regime may use chemical weapons as a last-ditch defense, and concerns also remain about securing the country's stockpiles should the government fall. http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-army-shells-damascus-in-second-day-of-fierce-fighting?start=0 Activists in Syria's capital say government troops and armored vehicles have entered central Damascus, and are shelling several neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Russia has said it would block moves at the UN Security Council to extend a UN monitoring mission. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:33:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-army-shells-damascus-in-second-day-of-fierce-fighting Battle of Damascus, Damascus, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Artillery, Civilian casualties, Syrian army, al-Rastan, Russia, UN Security Council veto Activists in Syria's capital say government troops and armored vehicles have entered central Damascus, and are shelling several neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Russia has said it would block moves at the UN Security Council to extend a UN monitoring mission in Syria if Western powers did not stop resorting to "blackmail" by threatening sanctions against Damascus. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612?start=648 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that some participants in the Geneva talks on Syria were pressuring Russia to agree to drafts of the new UN Security Council resolution on Syria that include sanctions, reports Press TV. Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071612 Syrian Civil War, International Red Cross, Israel, Hillary Clinton, Syria, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, US-Israel relations, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain Uprising, US-Pakistan relations Russia is saying that it is being blackmailed by the West to accept intervention in Syria. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that some participants in the Geneva talks were pressuring Russia to agree to the drafts of the new UN Security Council resolution on Syria, threatening not to extend the mandate of the mission otherwise. Lavrov opposes sanctions or military action against Syria, insisting that international players should instead try to convince both sides of the conflict to engage in dialogue. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071112?start=522 <p>Bosniaks hold another mass funeral on 17th anniversary of Srebrenica massacre, Bahraini activists rally in solidarity with Saudi protestors, suicide attack targeting police academy kills 25 in Yemen, and more.</p> Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071112 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Nimr al-Nimr, Al-Awamiyah, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, West Bank, Srebrenica massacre, Bahrain Uprising, Saada Governorate, Sanaa Presenter, Male #1 In Russia, Syria's head of the opposition National Council has admitted his shortcomings, as Sergei Lavrov called on the opposition to unite and engage in a dialogue with the government. Reporter, Female #1 Following talks with the Russian foreign minister, the head of the opposition Syrian National Council, Abdel Basset Sayda, admitted to his shortcomings. Sayda said the council has failed to convince the Russian side to change its position on the Syrian crisis. During a joint conference with the former head of the Syrian National Council, Burhan Ghalioun, Sayda said Russian support for President Bashar al-Assad's regime is allowing the violence in Syria to continue. Guest, Male #3 (Abdel Basset Sayda, head of opposition Syrian National Council) We have made it very clear that any solution in Syria must start with the departure of Bashar al-Assad and his cronies. The Russians said they are not clinging to Bashar al-Assad, or the regime's repressive institutions, and that they respect the will of the Syrian people. But when we go into detail, we see the difference in the positions and goals. We called on the Russian side to push for a Security Council resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. Reporter, Female #1 For his part, Ghalioun said there has been no change in the Russian position. Guest, Male #4 (Burhan Ghalioun, Former Head of Opposition Syrian National Council) Even if Russia changes its position and becomes more positive, it will not force Bashar al-Assad to relinquish power. What we know for sure is that Bashar al-Assad will fight to the end, and will destroy the country. So the Syrian people have no choice but to wage a battle for liberation. Reporter, Female #1 Lavrov reaffirmed the Russian position, stressing the importance of exerting all necessary means to hold a dialogue between the government and all opposition groups, in which the Syrian people determine their country's fate and work towards a transition process. He also called on the opposition to unite and engage in a dialogue with the Syrian government in order to achieve self-determination. Briefly after holding talks with Sayda and Ghalioun, Moscow announced that it will continue to supply the Syrian government with anti-aircraft defense systems, which are strictly related to defense. Reporter, Female #1 In the same context, the Syrian foreign ministry's official spokesman, Jihad Maqdisi, said that tremendous efforts are underway to end the violence and implement the first article of the plan of UN-Arab envoy to Syria Kofi Annan. Maqdisi added that the follow-up committee is in constant contact with the international observers' team led by General Robert Mood. By the same token, Mood is maintaining contact with opposition groups in a bid to end the violence. Reporter, Female #1 At a closed session and via satellite, Annan briefed the UN Security Council on the outcome of his recent visits to Syria, Iran, and Iraq. The Iranian official news agency quoted the Iranian deputy foreign minister saying that armed terrorist groups in Syria are working in coordination with some foreign countries. The Iranian official told Kofi Annan the focus must be shifted to Syria's borders in order to prevent arms smuggling from neighboring countries, which will help restore stability and normalcy in Syria. Reporter, Female #1 On the ground, clashes broke out between army defectors and security forces across various regions in Damascus and its countryside. The Syrian forces also stormed Kafr Susa, al-Hikma neighborhood, and al-Zaytoun Street in al-Qalamun. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that fierce battles erupted in the Damascus neighborhoods of al-Qadam and al-Fahama, and Sibina. In the countryside of Damascus, a fleet of tanks from the Syrian Army's 4th Armored Division were seen mobilizing to Sahnaya and the western region. As seen in this video, the armed opposition was able to destroy one of the tanks. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070312?start=749 <p>Iran tests long-range ballistic missiles in response to growing Western threats, Palestinian Authority faces risk of collapse due to financial crisis, Libyan expats vote in first post-Gaddafi election, and more.</p> Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Palestinian National Authority, Palestinians, Cairo, US-Iran relations, Elections in Libya, Middle East Peace Process Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticizes the West for trying to distort an agreement reached on the crisis in Syria, saying some public statements made in recent days contradict agreements made in Geneva to end the violence in the country. Lavrov added that Russia will not take part in the so-called "Friends of Syria" meeting in Paris, as there is no need for such a gathering after the Geneva meeting. Last week, foreign ministers from several Western and regional countries agreed that Syrians should take matters into their own hands, and agreed to the formation of a Syrian-led transitional government made up of current government officials and the opposition. http://news.linktv.org/videos/amid-ongoing-violence-kofi-annan-attempts-new-peace-plan-for-syria?start=0 In the face of the ongoing violence in Syria, Kofi Annan, the joint United Nations-Arab League envoy, is pushing yet another plan to try to end the fighting. A UN conference this weekend is expected to discuss a proposal for a unity government. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:30:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/amid-ongoing-violence-kofi-annan-attempts-new-peace-plan-for-syria Syria, Kofi Annan, Syrian Civil War, Kofi Annan peace plan for Syria, Sergei Lavrov, Russia-Syria relations, Bashar al-Assad, Russia, Provisional government, Syrian National Council In the face of the ongoing violence in Syria, Kofi Annan, the joint United Nations-Arab League envoy, is pushing yet another plan to try to end the fighting. A UN conference this weekend is expected to discuss a proposal for a unity government. But Russia says the meeting aims to set conditions for a ceasefire in Syria, and not dictate terms of a transitional government. Charles Stratford has the details. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-8-2012?start=123 Bradley Manning appears at a pretrial hearing in a military court ahead of his September trial, as a new book documents his trajectory from a difficult childhood to his current predicament. And more from the Democracy Now! interview with the filmmakers behind "Five Broken Cameras," a new documentary that tells the story of a West Bank village's resistance to the Israeli separation barrier. Plus headlines, and more.<br /> Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:05:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-june-8-2012 Bradley Manning, WikiLeaks, Whistleblower, United States v. Bradley Manning, United States, Court-martial, Trial, Military justice, 2012 al-Qubair massacre, Bil'in The crisis in Syria is intensifying following a massacre of Sunni villagers in Hama province. Witnesses and activists say government-backed forces killed up to 86 people in the village of Kubair, around half of them women and children. Most of the victims were burned in their own homes, with many bodies showing signs of grizzly murders. The massacre reportedly came after dozens of Syrian troops and militia members surrounded the village from all directions. On Thursday, Syrian troops blocked U.N. monitors from reaching the village, and some observers came under fire as they tried to approach. The attack in Hama came less than two weeks after pro-government forces killed more than 100 civilians in the village of Houla. The Syrian government has denied responsibility for both atrocities, blaming rebel "terrorists." Annan: Ceasefire in Tatters, Assad Primarily Responsible At the United Nations, international envoy Kofi Annan acknowledged his ceasefire plan has failed and said responsibility first rests with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Kofi Annan: "Today, despite the acceptance of the six-point plan and the deployment of a courageous mission of United Nations observers to Syria, I must be frank and confirm that the plan is not being implemented. Clearly, all parties must cease violence, but equally clearly, the first responsibility lies with the government. Since then, shelling of cities has intensified. Government-backed militia seem to have free reign with appalling consequences." Also in his remarks, Annan renewed his warning that Syria may already be in the midst of a catastrophic civil war. Kofi Annan: "Given the level of violence and the actors on the ground, you could say we are drifting, if we are not already, in a sort of a civil war. All efforts are being made to ensure that if it were to become a full-blown civil war, it doesn't spread to the neighbors." Ban Condemns "Unspeakable Barbarity" in Syria Massacre Appearing with Kofi Annan, U.N. Security-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the massacre in Hama. Ban Ki-moon: "Any regime or leader that tolerates such killing of innocents has lost its fundamental humanity. Today's news reports of another massacre in al-Kubeir and Kafr Zeta are shocking and sickening — a village apparently surrounded by Syrian forces, the bodies of innocent civilians lying there. They were shot, some allegedly burned or slashed with knives. We condemn this unspeakable barbarity and renew our determination to bring those responsible to account." Russia Calls for Iran Role in Talks, Rejects Intervention Members of the U.N. Security Council remain at an impasse over an international response to Syria's turmoil. Kofi Annan has proposed establishing a new contact group involving the United States, Russia and Iran, but the United States has refused to accept Iran's involvement. Russia and China continue to oppose proposals for sanctions against Syria and the U.S.-led calls for Assad to step down. At the United Nations, Russia envoy Vitaly Churkin said Council members have ignored the role of Syria's armed rebels in the ongoing violence and called for Iran's involvement in any future talks. Vitaly Churkin: "The truth of the matter, as you know, is that armed opposition groups do not only — do not only fail to comply to the Kofi Annan plan, but they declare that it is their intention not to do so, which, to us, is a very dangerous development, a very counterproductive development. We hear complaints about Iran, so the way to deal with that is to involve Iran in discussions and make sure that their activities are in sync with the activities of the rest of us who want to have this matter finally settled peacefully." Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov vowed to oppose any Security Council measure authorizing military intervention, saying: "There will not be a Security Council mandate for outside intervention, I guarantee you that." Clinton: Assad "Has Doubled Down on Brutality" Speaking during a visit to Turkey, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton renewed the Obama administration's call for the immediate departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hillary Clinton: "Assad has doubled down on his brutality and duplicity, and Syria will not, cannot be peaceful, stable or certainly democratic until Assad goes. So even as we intensify the sanctions pressure, because as we were meeting in Istanbul, the sanctions working committee of the Friends of the Syrian People was meeting in Washington, the time has come for the international community to unite around a plan for a post-Assad Syria." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041912?start=33 As the Security Council held a closed-door meeting, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reviewed recommendations to allow sending a mission consisting of 300 observers to Syria for three months, reports New TV. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041912 Ban Ki-moon, Palestinians, UN Secretary-General, Syrian Civil War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Afghanistan, Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–present, Bahrain Uprising, Politics of Tunisia, French presidential election, 2012 Presenter, Male #1 On the fourth day of the international observers' presence in Syria, Damascus signed an initial agreement with the United Nations on the terms of the team's work. And in a closed-door meeting, the Security Council discussed sending an expanded monitoring mission to Syria consisting of 300 observers for three months. Reporter, Female #1 As the Security Council held a closed-door meeting, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reviewed recommendations to allow sending a mission consisting of 300 observers to Syria for three months. As for Damascus, represented by Syrian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fayssal Mekdad, and the United Nations, represented by Deputy Military Advisor General Abhijit Guha, they signed an initial agreement on the terms of the work of the international observers, who are monitoring the ceasefire in Syria. The agreement is intended to form the basis of a protocol that will govern the work of an advanced team of observers for the country's ceasefire. The team will monitor and encourage the halt of armed aggression in all its forms and from all parties, and comes as part of the Annan plan. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this agreement comes within Syrian efforts aimed at ensuring the success of Annan's plan, and facilitating the observers' mission within the context of Syrian sovereignty and commitment to the involved parties. The spokesman for UN envoy Kofi Annan announced that his office is holding similar negotiations with representatives from the opposition on the obligations and responsibilities of the armed opposition. This comes as the international observers visited the city of Daraa for a second time in two days. The residents welcomed them with chants opposing the regime. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said heavy gunfire from regime forces was reported in the city of al-Harak in Daraa after the observers left. Reporter, Female #1 Meanwhile, China announced it is looking into the possibility of sending observers to Syria. And while Paris hosted an international meeting today for 14 foreign ministers, including Hillary Clinton, to address the situation in Syria, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said it was regrettable that Russia did not attend the meeting. Reporter, Female #1 As for the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, he called on the international community to exert all effort to guarantee the success of Annan's plan and criticized the meeting in Paris. Reporter, Female #1 However, Lavrov discussed the Syrian issue with his American counterpart, Hillary Clinton, on the sidelines of a meeting attended by the foreign ministers of NATO member states in Brussels. And while diplomatic maneuvers operate in one sphere, conditions on the ground are in another, according to information by the Syrian Observatory and the opposition's websites that posted videos showing a renewal of the shelling in many areas of Homs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041312?start=927 <p>Pakistan demands immediate end to US drone strikes, thousands of Egyptians rally against Mubarak-era candidates, opposition tests Syria's ceasefire with peaceful protests, and more.</p> Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041312 Friday prayers, Nuclear program of Iran, Pakistan, Iran, P5+1, Israel, Saif al-Islam, Drone attacks in Pakistan, Mohammed VI of Morocco, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests Presenter, Female #1 Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, arrived to Istanbul to hold talks with representatives from major Western powers and Russia. This is the first round of talks in over a year. The major powers are hoping Tehran will provide convincing explanations of its nuclear program in order to extend the negotiations and avoid the outbreak of a Middle Eastern war. Iranian state TV said Iran will present new proposals aimed at easing concerns over its nuclear program. Reporter, Male #1 All eyes are turning to the city of Istanbul that will host a new round of talks tomorrow between Iran and world powers which will be focused on the Iranian nuclear program. Western diplomats say the six world powers, namely the US, France, the UK, Russia, China, and Germany expect indications that Iran is ready to offer concessions. Reporter, Male #1 Istanbul welcomed the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to discuss the focus of the negotiations. The previous rounds of talks failed due to Iran's refusal to negotiate the scale of its uranium enrichment program. Instead, Iran brought forward trade and security cooperation proposals, which were described as ambiguous. Shortly before the Iranian chief negotiator Saeed Jalili arrived to Turkey, Iran announced it will submit proposals during the talks aimed at easing the concerns of world powers. Reporter, Male #1 However, it is unclear whether Tehran is ready to discuss its uranium enrichment program. Jalili hinted that Tehran is ready to hold what he referred to as successful and constructive talks on cooperation. He warned that using threatening language and pressure will not lead to fruitful results. The US has shown no sign of changing its position. The US secretary of state insisted it is imperative for Iran to be ready to be seriously involved in negotiations on its nuclear issue. Guest, Female #2 (Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State) We want them to demonstrate clearly, in the actions they propose, that they have truly abandoned any nuclear weapons ambition. Reporter, Male #1 Russia's position seemed to be optimistic, as its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Istanbul round of talks brings some hope. He revealed that Moscow and Washington will also propose an initiative to dispel Iran's concerns. The dialogue seeking a diplomatic exit for the Iranian nuclear crisis had been stalled for 15 months. And while Iran insists that its nuclear program is designed for peaceful purposes, the major powers remain suspicious that Tehran is seeking to possess a nuclear weapon under the cover of peaceful programs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/kofi-annan-says-syria-plan-alive-despite-attacks?start=0 Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, has said it is not too late to implement a UN-brokered peace plan, despite reports of continued violence across the embattled country, including in areas not previously targeted. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:36:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/kofi-annan-says-syria-plan-alive-despite-attacks Syria, Kofi Annan, Ceasefire, Syrian conflict peace proposals , Syrian Civil War, Walid Muallem, Aleppo Governorate, Homs, Syria-Turkey relations, Syrian army Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, has said it is not too late to implement a UN-brokered peace plan, despite reports of continued violence across the embattled country. Activists on Tuesday reported heavy shelling by government troops in the city of Homs and the northern village of Marea in Aleppo. Walid Muallem, the Syrian foreign minister, said in Moscow that Damascus had started pulling some troops out of different provinces. But Annan said he had information that while the Syrian military was withdrawing from some areas, it was also moving to others not previously targeted. http://news.linktv.org/videos/continued-violence-marks-syria-ceasefire-deadline?start=0 The Syrian government says it has begun to implement its part of a proposed peace plan, although violence has continued within Syria and across its borders with Turkey and Lebanon. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:52:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/continued-violence-marks-syria-ceasefire-deadline Syria, Syrian conflict peace proposals , Syrian Civil War, Ceasefire, Russia-Syria relations, Syrian army, Kofi Annan, Walid Muallem, Syria-Turkey relations, Lebanon–Syria relations The Syrian government says it has begun to implement its part of a proposed peace plan, although violence has continued within Syria and across its borders with Turkey and Lebanon. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041012?start=35 The UN deadline for a ceasefire in Syria expired on April 10, but the Syrian army's military vehicles are still deployed in the heart of many cities, violating the most important provisions of UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan's plan, reports Dubai TV. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041012 Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hunger strike, Syrian Civil War, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Iran-Israel relations, Nuclear program of Iran, Middle East Quartet Presenter, Female #1 The UN deadline for a ceasefire in Syria expired at midnight Syrian time. However, April 10 dawned on Syrians without bringing the anticipated calm. The Syrian army's military vehicles are still deployed in the heart of many cities, violating the most important provisions of the UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan's plan. The Annan plan requires halting all forms of violence starting today so that confrontations can end within the next 48 hours. Until another sign of change appears on the ground, images of shelling and confrontations continue to dominate the general scene in Syria. Yuay Ghabra has the details. Reporter, Male #1 The Annan initiative does not include a military directive. Responding to gunfire will be with a rocket that could fall on a house and its occupants. These words can easily be transformed into actions. The proof can be seen in the pictures of dozens of victims who were killed recently. Syria's commitment to the UN envoy's plan remains theoretical. And even tough the deadline expired, the violence has not stopped, and its consequences are real. In the northern town of Maree and village of Hawr al-Nahr in the countryside of Aleppo, columns of smoke reveal the effects of the shelling by the army and the air force as they pursue defectors. In the east, between the village of Mas'ada and the town of Marqada in Hasaka province, six members of the regime's forces were killed in an attack launched by armed men, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. From their sites near Homs, Syrian forces renewed their shelling of the city's neighborhoods, especially al-Khalidiya, Bab Dreib, Safsafa and Deir Ba'alba, causing an undetermined number of injured people to appeal for help. Reporter, Male #1 In Hama, the scene was similar. Security forces stormed the town of Kfar Zeta and carried out a campaign of arbitrary arrests. As for Idlib, its situation was different. There, activists spoke of warplanes hovering over the city, accompanied by gunfire with heavy weaponry and a campaign of raids and arrests. In the south, violent clashes broke out between Syrian regime forces and defectors in al-Mizerib and Tafas areas of Dara'a province. As for Duma in the countryside of Damascus, activists uploaded images online showing the deployment of army tanks. In the heart of the capital Damascus and in front of the parliament building, a young woman held a banner reading, "End the killing" as passersby applauded. All of them were arrested. Presenter, Female #1 In parallel to military actions is Syria's diplomatic move titled "Moscow". There, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem met and conferred with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. After the meeting, Muallem said the tanks have started to withdraw from the cities. Lavrov called on Muallem to accelerate the implementation of the Annan plan, with the latter saying a sustainable ceasefire should coincide with the arrival of the international observers' delegation. Al-Muallem accused Turkey of harboring armed groups and allowing them to breach the border. Guest, Male #2 (Walid al-Muallem, Syrian Foreign Minister) I have explained to Minister Lavrov the measures the Syrian government has taken to show its goodwill toward the six-point Annan plan. We have already withdrawn some military units from some provinces, in accordance with Provision C of the Annan plan. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040412?start=723 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian opposition will not be able to defeat President Bashar al-Assad's forces even if fully armed, and renewed his criticism of the Friends of Syria conference, New TV reports. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040412 Israel, Al-Qaeda, Terrorism in the United Kingdom, Houthis, Syrian Civil War, Israeli settlement, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hana Shalabi, Zuwarah, Nasiriyah Presenter, Male #1 A peacekeeping delegation has arrived to Damascus as military operations and clashes have spread to Deir Ba'alba and other neighborhoods in Homs. Moscow announced that the opposition will not defeat the Syrian army, even if it's fully armed by the West. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition's Local Coordination Committees announced that 74 people have been killed in clashes between anti-riot regime forces and the Free Syrian Army. The committees posted videos online allegedly showing Syrian forces deploying helicopters to shell certain areas, notably the city of Taftnaz near Idlib. Meanwhile, the campaign of shelling, clashes, raids, and arrests continued across various regions, including Hama. The military clashes between the regime's army and the so-called Free Syrian Army have spread from the Baba Amr neighborhood to Deir Ba'alba in Homs Province, which tops the list of Syria's most battered regions. Reporter, Male #2 The Local Committees also announced the death of a man and his son by indiscriminate gunfire in al-Qisour neighborhood in the city of Homs. In addition, a civilian and four defectors were killed in clashes with Syrian regime forces that attempted to storm the Deir Ba'alba neighborhood in Homs. Furthermore, three civilians, including a woman, were killed by a shell that fell in the city of Talbisa. The village of al-Za'afran in the countryside of Homs is witnessing heavy artillery shelling. Also in al-Za'afran, several people were injured in clashes between the regime's forces and defected groups. Clashes were less tense in the city al-Qusayr and its fields. On the other side, the official SANA news agency announced that an armed terrorist group has set ablaze a Red Crescent food and medical aid center in the Qarbis neighborhood of Homs. Reporter, Male #2 Politically, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syria opposition will not be able to defeat President Bashar al-Assad's forces, even it is fully armed. During a visit to Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, Lavrov said it's as clear as the sun that even if the Syrian opposition is "armed to the teeth", it will not be able to defeat the government's army. Instead, there will be slaughter that will last many, many years, and mutual destruction. Lavrov renewed his criticism of the Friends of Syria conference, saying the pro-opposition Western and Arab allies are seeking to prevent any talks with the Assad regime. He added that the Friends of Syria want the opposition to reject talks, and that through their resolutions, they are seeking to finance the opposition and impose new sanctions on Damascus. http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-sends-military-unit-to-syria?start=0 Reports indicate that a Russian military unit has arrived in Syria, in what some are seeing as a show of support for the Assad regime. Meanwhile, Russia's foreign minister has called for a daily ceasefire between government forces and rebels. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:08:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-sends-military-unit-to-syria Syria, Russia, Syrian Civil War, Bashar al-Assad, Russia-Syria relations, Sergei Lavrov, Ban Ki-moon, Humanitarian aid, Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Civilian casualties Russia's Interfax news agency reports that a Russian military unit has arrived in Syria, in what some are seeing as a show of support for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has called for a daily ceasefire between government forces and rebels to allow in humanitarian aid and let injured people leave. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031312?start=460 <p>Bahraini opposition ignites week of resistance against Saudi occupation, post-Saleh Yemen looks to heal from psychological trauma, sixteen killed in new US drone strike on northwest Pakistan, and more.</p> Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, Afghanistan War, Gaza–Israel conflict, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Bashar al-Assad, Taliban, Iron Dome, US-Afghanistan relations The United States and its European allies clashed with Russia at the UN Security Council last night over how to end escalating violence in Syria. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed to Syria to act within the next few days on peace proposals by the UN-Arab League envoy on the Syrian crisis, Ban's predecessor, Kofi Annan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Security Council should press for an immediate end of violence by all sides. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that it was time for Moscow and Beijing to join the Arab League and the rest of the Security Council in supporting calls for an end to the Syrian crisis. Opposition activists said Syrian forces killed dozens of people near a mosque in the city of Idlib, and rebels killed at least 10 troops in an ambush in the same area. Fighting was also reported in the eastern city of Deir az-Zour, and in Syria's third largest city, Homs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/besieged-homs-endures-tank-assault?start=0 The Syrian military is reportedly moving deeper into the city of Homs, firing rockets and mortars rounds into residential areas, a day after the Russian foreign minister said President Bashar al-Assad was "fully committed" to ending the bloodshed. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:04:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/besieged-homs-endures-tank-assault Homs, Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Civil War, Tank, Syrian army, Mortar (weapon), Sergei Lavrov, Offensive (military), Civilian casualties The Syrian military is reportedly moving deeper into residential areas in the city of Homs, a day after the Russian foreign minister said President Bashar al-Assad was "fully committed" to ending the bloodshed. Activists said the army was firing rockets and mortar rounds to subdue opposition districts on Wednesday, as tanks entered the Inshaat neighborhood and moved closer to Bab Amr. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-calls-for-arab-league-solution-to-crisis-in-syria?start=0 Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has called for an Arab League solution to the crisis in Syria, just days after it vetoed a resolution tabled by the Arab League at the UN Security Council. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:01:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russia-calls-for-arab-league-solution-to-crisis-in-syria Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Arab League, UN Security Council Resolution, Syrian Civil War, Damascus, UN Security Council, Diplomacy Russia's foreign minister has called for an Arab League solution to the crisis in Syria, just days after it vetoed the Arab League's resolution on Syria at the UN Security Council. Speaking after talks in Damascus with Bashar al-Assad, Sergei Lavrov said the president was ready to seek dialogue with all poltical groups. Although he failed to reveal when exactly when that might occur, Lavrov did say that Assad was "completely committed to stopping violence regardless of where it came from." http://news.linktv.org/videos/russian-fm-arrives-in-syria-for-talks-homs-assault-continues?start=0 Large crowds greeted Sergei Lavrov in Damascus as Russia's foreign minister arrived in Syria for talks with President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, the Syrian army's deadly bombardment of the city of Homs enters its fifth day. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:52:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/russian-fm-arrives-in-syria-for-talks-homs-assault-continues Syria, Bashar al-Assad, Sergei Lavrov, Homs, Damascus, Syrian Civil War, Syrian army, Russia, Civilian casualties, Artillery Russia's foreign minister has arrived in Syria for talks with President Bashar al-Assad as the Syrian army's deadly bombardment of the city of Homs enters its fifth day. Large crowds greeted Sergei Lavrov in Damascus. His visit to Damascus comes three days after Russia and China vetoed any UN-backed measures against the Assad government over its crackdown on protesters. Al Jazeera's Omar al-Saleh reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020712?start=852 After the Russian veto at the UN, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, and said the Syrian president is committed to ending the violence in the country, reports New TV. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020712 Syria, Protest, Iran, Lebanon, Syrian Civil War, Israel, Yemen, Jerusalem, Egypt, Bashar al-Assad Presenter, Female # 1 After the Russian veto, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed from Damascus Syrian President Bashar al-Assasd's commitment to ending the violence in the country, and the authorities' readiness to hold a dialogue with opposition groups. Reporter, Female # 2 To the beat of drums, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was welcomed to Syria. His convoy passed through a million-person rally as it headed from the Damascus International Airport to the People's Palace. Thousands of citizens rushed to salute his country's position at the UN Security Council. A number of people held Syrian and Russian flags, and a large Russian flag made out of balloons. The streets of Damascus witnessed mass marches with protestors raising Russian and Syrian flags, repeating chants welcoming the man from Russia, the holder of the veto power in the international organization. The two men met in the People's Palace in Damascus. The Russian news agency reported Lavrov saying at the beginning of the meeting that heads of states must assume their responsibilities. He addressed al-Assad, saying, "You are assuming your responsibility." Guest, Male # 1 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) The Russians are ready to solve the Syrian crisis in accordance with their stance on the Arab initiative. President Bashar al-Assad confirmed he is committed to stopping the violence from all sides and that he is committed to carrying out reforms. Syria needs peace and an agreement without any foreign intervention must be reached. We believe it is important to continue efforts aimed at reaching a solution to the Syrian crisis. These efforts must be accompanied by a dialogue between all political forces. I received confirmation from Assad on his readiness to organize a dialogue; he has asked Russia to sway opposition groups that continue to reject dialogue. Reporter, Female # 2 Lavrov indicated that Syria wants the delegation of Arab observers to continue its mission. He said the regime expressed to the Arab League its wish for the delegation to continue it work and increase the number of observers. He pointed that Assad will announce the date of a referendum on the Syrian constitution as soon as possible. President al-Assad thanked Russia for its position in the UN Security Council on behalf of the Syrian people. He also expressed gratitude to Russia for giving priority to dialogue and for pushing national solutions instead of escalating the situation and giving orders, the way other countries in the council have. The states are seen as disregarding the Syrian people's interests and are not taking into account the Syrians' views to achieve reform in the internal front without foreign interference. He confirmed Syria's insistence on holding a national dialogue with representatives of the government and opposition, in addition to independents. Al-Assad said Syria welcomed from the beginning efforts that support the Syrian solution to the crisis and implemented the Arab League's mission, and full cooperation with the delegation of observers despite some Arab countries' disruption of the delegation's work. He renewed Syria's readiness to cooperate with all efforts that support stability in his country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-army-steps-up-bloody-homs-offensive?start=0 The Syrian government is attacking opposition targets across the country but its military is concentrating its attacks on Homs, shelling the center of the city to try to break the back of the opposition there. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-army-steps-up-bloody-homs-offensive Syria, Homs, Syrian Civil War, Syrian army, Offensive (military), Artillery, Bashar al-Assad, UN Security Council veto, Civilian casualties, Russia Syrian soldiers are shelling the central city of Homs, bombing houses and a temporary medical clinic. The government is attacking opposition targets across the country but the Syrian military is concentrating its attacks on Homs, to try and break the back of the opposition. Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012612?start=794 UN envoy warns of al-Qaeda expansion in Yemen, US marine is "sorry" for Iraqi deaths in Haditha massacre but walks free, Kashmiris observe Indian Republic Day as "Black Day," and more.<br /> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:16:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-012612 Syrian Civil War, Nuclear program of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Middle East Peace Process, European Union, Palestinians, Arab League, Israel France and Britain joined efforts at the United Nations to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule. French Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bernard Valero said the United Nations Security Council must support the Arab League's courageous decisions, which are trying to end the repression and violence in Syria and find a solution to the political crisis. He added that their aim is to get a resolution approved. Security Council diplomats said that the council could vote as early as next week on a Western-Arab draft resolution. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country remained opposed to sanctions on Syria and reiterated its opposition to military intervention. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011812?start=420 <p>Dozens killed in South Sudan tribal violence, Israel launches deadly air strike on Gaza, Bahraini troops attack anti-regime protest in Manama, and more.</p> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-011812 Israel, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, South Sudan, Iran-Israel relations, Middle East Peace Process, Foreign relations of Israel, Beta Israel, Syrian Civil War, Manama, Bahrain Uprising Presenter, Female #1 Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said his country is "very far off" at the moment from deciding on whether to launch a military strike on Iran. This comes as Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned against launching a military strike on Iran, saying it would be a catastrophe. Lavrov added that his country strongly opposes imposing additional sanctions on Tehran. Reporter, Male #1 Once again, Iran is attracting regional and international attention as it proceeds with its uranium enrichment programs. Iran is on the verge of suffering a new round of sanctions and the European Union is considering imposing an embargo on imported Iranian oil. Tehran responded by expressing willingness to hold negotiations about its nuclear programs in Istanbul. The Iranian foreign minister indicated that talks are being held in this regard. Guest, Male #2 (Ali Salehi, Iranian Foreign Minister) There is a negotiation going on about the place and date of talks on the Iranian nuclear issue between Turkish Minister Davutoglu, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, and the Iranian chief negotiator Saeed Jalili. Reporter, Male #1 It looks like Iran is not alone in facing pressure from the West. There are international powers that have vital interests in Iran, most notably China and Russia. Russia has helped build Iran's nuclear program and opposes sanctions and military intervention. Guest, Male #3 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) Any military campaign will have dire consequences. This concerns us because the number of refugees from Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia will be enormous. Reporter, Male #1 While Israel refuses to verify whether it possesses nuclear weapons, senior officials have often threatened to resort to the military option to eliminate what they consider the Iranian nuclear threat. Guest, Male #4 (Danny Ayalon, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister) I think it's quite obvious to everyone that Iran becoming a nuclear state is unacceptable. I believe that such a situation means the end of the world order as we know it, and it will be extremely dangerous not only for the region but for the entire international community. Reporter, Male #1 However, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak ruled out that Israel has made a decision to launch a strike on Iran. On previous occasions, Israeli officials made statements that were later contradicted by their actions. Their warplanes shelled what they said was a Syrian nuclear plant, causing major debates at the UN Security Council and among American decision makers. A short while ago, their warplanes held training sessions with Italian fighter jets to carry out long-range air missions which many speculate are in preparation to shell Iranian nuclear sites. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-122811?start=466 US-Iran war of words intensifies over the Strait of Hormuz, Gaza reconstruction is stalled three years after the war on the Strip, a look at the 'Year of the People' as seen from Tunisia, and more.<br /> Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:12:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-122811 Strait of Hormuz, Iran, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Israel, Syria, Bahrain, US-Iran relations, Yemen Uprising, Bahrain Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests Presenter, Female # 1 The head of the Arab League's delegation of observers confirmed that the situation seems "reassuring so far." Reporter, Female # 2 The Arab League's observers in Syria toured a number of neighborhoods in the city of Homs that are witnessing protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, notably Baba Amr and Bab el-Sebaa. The head of the observers' delegation, Mohammad Mustafa Dabi said the situation seems reassuring. He denied the occurrence of clashes and confirmed that the delegation has not seen tanks but saw some armored vehicles. He indicated that Tuesday was only the first day of the mission and that it requires additional investigations. He added that 20 members of the delegation will stay in Homs for a long time. Other observers will head to Daraa, Idlib, and Hama Wednesday night. And on the second day of the observers' mission, Syrian authorities announced the release of 755 prisoners arrested during the protests. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch accused the Syrian regime of transferring hundreds of detainees to sites that are off-limits to the Arab League's monitors. Al-Dunia satellite channel broadcast videos showing the confiscation of weapons it said were smuggled in a car coming from al-Hasakah. It also reported the killing of four Syrian soldiers and said others were injured in an ambush set up Tuesday morning by defected army and security forces in the southern province of Daraa. As the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said observers were in Homs for too brief a period to be able to understand the reality of the situation on the ground, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights expressed fear that the delegation's members will become false witnesses to the human rights violations in Syria. For his part, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on Syria to fully cooperate with the Arab League's monitors and grant them the utmost freedom. Lavrov added that Russia is concerned about the positions of some states asking the Syrian opposition not to deal with the delegation. He confirmed that such calls are provocative and damage the mission. Presenter, Female # 1 Syrian blogger Tal al-Mallouhi, who has imprisoned for the last two years, started a hunger strike yesterday to demand her release, according to the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. The center said al-Mallouhi's medical and psychological condition is deteriorating. Tal al-Mallouhi was arrested on December 27, 2009, and sentenced to five years in prison in late 2010 by the State Security Court in Damascus, a special judicial body. She was accused of providing information to a foreign country. According to Human Rights Watch, the young blogger commented on social issues and mainly discussed the fate of the Palestinians, and did not address the political situation in Syria. http://news.linktv.org/videos/syria-russia-says-rebel-attack-like-civil-war?start=0 New amateur video shows Syrian army defectors who claim to have killed 14 government soldiers in a bold attack. But Russia, which has resisted moves to condemn Syria and instead calls for dialogue, is alarmed by the turn of events. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:59:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syria-russia-says-rebel-attack-like-civil-war Syrian Civil War, Free Syrian Army, Syria, Russia, Syrian army, Defection, Sergei Lavrov, Civil war, Arab League, Bashar al-Assad New amateur video shows several masked men brandishing weapons, standing to attention while one reads out a statement. The men are said to be Syrian army defectors who claim to have killed 14 government soldiers. But Russia, which has resisted moves to condemn Syria and instead calls for dialogue, is alarmed by the turn of events. Its foreign minister said the attack was tantamount to civil war, and called for for the violence to stop, no matter which side it came from. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411?start=1043 <p>Sudanese groups form military alliance to topple al-Bashir's regime, Morocco's Islamists parties divided over election boycott, EU censors its own film on Afghan women prisoners, and more.</p> Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411 Iran, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Lebanon, Women's Rights, Politics of Sudan, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Libya, Mossad The Russian foreign minister has criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for its latest report on Iran's nuclear energy program. Sergey Lavrov says the report contains nothing new and provides no evidence that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons. The UN nuclear watchdog last week accused Tehran of conducting nuclear weapons research. Lavrov said the report was apparently aimed at paving the way for further unilateral sanctions against Iran. http://news.linktv.org/videos/escalating-war-of-words-ahead-of-un-report-on-iran-nuclear-program?start=0 A new report by the IAEA on Iran's nuclear program, due to be released this week has raised alarm in the West, with Israel said to be considering military action. But ordinary Iranians are dismissive of the latest international threats. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:18:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/escalating-war-of-words-ahead-of-un-report-on-iran-nuclear-program Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency, Israel, Nuclear weapon, Ali Akbar Salehi, Shimon Peres, US-Iran relations, Tehran, Sergei Lavrov Foreign scientists have helped Iran overcome key hurdles in its pursuit of nuclear weapons, according to leaked information from a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The full text, which is due to be released this week has raised alarm in the West, with Israel said to be considering military action to halt Iran's nuclear program. Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jabbari reports from Tehran, where ordinary residents are dismissive of the latest international threats. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110711?start=287 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that any military strike against Iran would be a serious mistake. Lavrov's remarks come after Israeli President Simon Peres comments that there is a growing possibility of launching an attack on Iran. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110711 Eid al-Adha, Muslim, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Nuclear program of Iran, Syria, Gaza, Yemen Uprising, Syrian army, Arab Spring Presenter, Male #1 Russia has warned against launching a military strike on Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that any mobilization against Iran would be a very "serious mistake with unpredictable consequences." Lavrov's remarks come after Israeli President Simon Peres issued a warning, in which he said that there is a growing possibility of launching an attack on Iran. Reporter, Male #2 Diplomatic western pressures are mounting on Iran by the day, indicating that an attack has become imminent, as some western sources confirm that within a year, Tehran will be closer to possessing nuclear weapons. The latest warning came from Israeli President Simon Peres, who said that the possibility of launching a military attack on Iran is more likely than the diplomatic option. In conjunction, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad warned against any military action against his country, hinting that Israel's end is near, in reference to Tehran's counterattack. At the international level, warnings against any military action on Tehran are mounting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that any military intervention against Iran will be a grave mistake with unpredictable repercussions. Guest, Male #3 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) There is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear problem as there is no military solution to any other problem in the modern world. This is confirmed every day when we see how the problems and conflicts around Iran are being resolved, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan, or other countries in the region. Reporter, Male #2 For its part, France also warned against the military option. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that a military strike will create a situation that completely destabilizes the whole region and beyond. Guest, Male #4 (Alain Juppe, French Foreign Minister) We can still increase sanctions to pressure Iran. We will continue on this path because a military intervention could create a situation that completely destabilizes the whole region and beyond. We have to do everything we can to avoid irreparable harm. Reporter, Male #2 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to release a new report about the Iranian nuclear program, which observers believe will shed light on Tehran's presumed efforts to develop missiles with warheads. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110211?start=37 Damascus says it has reached an agreement with the Arab ministerial delegation over the final paper concerning the situation in Syria, saying the official announcement and details are to be announced at the Arab League HQ in Cairo today. BBC Arabic has more. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110211 Protest, Civilian casualties, Israel, Iraq, Iraqi security forces, Syrian Civil War, Arab League, Bahrain Uprising, Occupy Oakland, Occupy movement Presenter, Female # 1 Arab foreign ministers are currently holding a meeting at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo to discuss the situation in Syria. Yesterday, Damascus said it reached an agreement with the Arab ministerial delegation over the final paper concerning the situation in Syria, saying the official announcement and details are to be announced at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo today. However, sources at the League denied the claim. Meanwhile, Syrian opposition sources reported the deaths of nearly 17 people, most in al-Houla region of Homs, by the gunfire of Syrian security forces that carried out an arrest campaign in the provinces of Daraa, Homs, and Idlib. One officer and a soldier were killed in an ambush set up by gunmen believed to be army defectors in the area of Sarmin in Idlib Province. Reporter, Male # 1 All eyes are on Cairo today. The Syrian government announced having reached an agreement with the Arab ministerial delegation over the final paper, set to be officially announced today in the Egyptian capital. But despite the Syrian announcement, doubts still loom over the true position of the regime. The deputy secretary-general of the Arab League confirmed the League has still not received a response from Syria. Leaks to the media point to disagreements, notably over the site of the proposed dialogue between the opposition and the regime, after the Arab paper suggested Cairo. Internationally, the consensus is one of approval of the Arab initiative. The United States, which renewed its call on Assad to resign, announced via the White House spokesman its welcome of all initiatives that end the violence in Syria. And from Dubai, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his support for the initiative. At the same time, he confirmed his country's rejection of repeating the Libyan scenario in Syria. Guest, Male # 2 (Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister) Not the Libyan resolutions, the Yemeni resolutions. And this is the model for responsible behavior by members of the international community who are not thinking about a public relations campaign but about the future of the countries in the region. Reporter, Male # 1 However, the opposition in Syria, represented by the National Council, doubted the regime is serious about the Arab initiative. The National Council demanded Arab ministers freeze the regime's membership at the League and provide international protection to civilians under an Arab umbrella. The council also asked for recognition as the representative of the Syrian revolution and the Syrian people. Dissenters anticipated Cairo's meeting by increasing their protests. They held night demonstrations hours before the meeting of the Arab ministers. Participants repeated chants demanding the Arab League and the international community interfere. The regime responded to these demonstrations by gathering thousands of its supporters in the city of Deir az-Zour. While its soldiers opened fire at an opposition protest in the same city. A number of people were killed and injured across different areas by the gunfire of security forces. Meanwhile, reports indicate soldiers were killed in Idlib Province in clashes with army defectors. Dissenters said Syrian security forces carried out an arrest campaign that reached dozens of people in the provinces of Daraa and Homs. In addition, a number of students were arrested in Kafrinbil in Idlib Province. Wael el-Hajjar, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072011?start=559 <p>The UN declares famine in war-torn Somalia, Russia-Libya talks begin in Moscow as war stalemate continues, "revolt" over high rent prices hits Israel, and more.</p> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-072011 Syria, Syrian army, Iraq, Bahrain, Israel, Libya, Yemen, Arab people, Somalia, Palestine Presenter, Male #1 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is holding talks with his Libyan counterpart, Abdel Ati al-Obeidi, in Moscow to discuss solutions to the situation in Libya. Prior to this, Lavrov reiterated Russia's refusal to recognize the Libyan transitional council as the only representative of the Libyan people. He said that his country was contacting both the Libyan government in Tripoli and the opposition in Benghazi in compliance with the EU and UN suggestions. He said that the Russian efforts are attempting to bring the two sides to the negotiation table, begin preparations for conducting free and democratic elections, and implementing necessary reforms in Libya. Reporter, Male #1 The international division over the war on Libya is widening. Russia seizes every occasion to heighten its criticism of the West's manner of dealing with the Libya issue. The West, which has blocked the paths to any political solution and become part of the conflict, does not see any other option but war to solve the crisis in Tripoli. Meanwhile, Russian leaders believe that the chance for a political solution has not passed. Guest, Male #1 (Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President) A bias in this conflict will not be in favor of Libya's interests. A peaceful solution is still possible. We will continue to seek middle ground for the opposition and the government. Reporter, Male #1 Meanwhile, the developments on the ground have sometimes moved forward, but then immediately backwards. Neither side is able to resolve the battle; therefore, the media's focus is on the political maneuvers being made to find a peaceful solution. Gaddafi is still vowing to the revolutionaries that he will advance to the cities and towns they have seized, while NATO is unable to resolve the conflict but seems content with the continuation of seesaw battles between the revolutionaries and the regime. Guest, Male #2 (Muammar al-Gaddafi) We are on our land, in our homes, in our houses, we will fight, we will defend, we will protect them with our men, our women, our children! Reporter, Male #1 The revolutionaries do not appear to be capable of settling the matter militarily. Gaddafi relies on the city of Brega to provide supplies and funds to his forces. Despite the revolutionaries' announcement that they had entered the city, it seems that they are still at its entrances. Guest, Male #3 Our forces are stationed 65 kilometers from here and they are advancing towards Brega carefully and slowly. Reporter, Male #1 The exhausting and prolonged war worries NATO's commanders and those who joined them in their war on Libya. Perhaps their incompetence is impeding them from resolving the crisis, or perhaps they do not desire a resolution. In the end, the Libyan people are the ones burdened by the high price of war, regardless of whether they try to advance east or west. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071811?start=869 <p>Deadly clashes erupt between pro- and anti-Syrian regime residents in Homs, Moscow refuses to recognize Libyan Transitional Council, rights group highlights "alarming rate" of Palestinian children jailed for throwing stones, and more.</p> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071811 Israel, Protest, Gaza, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Palestinians, Syrian Civil War, Tunisian revolution Presenter, Male # 1 Russia announced its refusal to recognize the Libyan Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people while the US and a number of European countries have. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow refuses to recognize the council as the Libyan people's legitimate representative. He said the recognition would constitute taking the side of one political force in a civil war. Lavrov added that his country is in contact with both Tripoli and Benghazi with the aim of taking a constructive position and sitting at the negotiation table. Washington and the Libya Contact Group countries recognized the council during their last meeting in Istanbul. On the ground, Libyan revolutionaries announced they took control of the eastern town of Brega. They said they expelled Gaddafi's forces after waging fierce battles that lasted for days. A spokesman for the revolutionaries confirmed that Gaddafi's battalions withdrew to Ras Lanuf, located 100 kilometers west of Brega. He said regions that witnessed clashes were filled with lands mines, which has led to the death of over ten fighters and the injury of nearly 300 others in the past few days. Joining us from Moscow to discuss the Libyan issue, and specifically the latest Russian position, is Dr. Viteslav Motosov, a former Russian diplomat. Dr. Motosov, how would you interpret Russia's strict position on the recognition of the Libyan Transitional Council? Guest, Male # 2 (Dr. Viteslav Motosov, former Russian diplomat) Russia's position has been clear from the beginning of the Libyan crisis. Russia is not playing the role of Muammar al-Gaddafi and the ruling Libyan regime's lawyer. However, at the same time, Russia does not recognize the temporary Transitional Council as the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people. The main reason is the large number of political movements in Libya right now. Russia shares the African Union's position, which demands and insists on intensive political negotiations to find a political solution, a Libyan solution, without any foreign interference, neither political, nor military. Russia is against NATO's military strikes targeting Libya, and this is the main point. This was the initial difference between the Russian position and that of the US and the West. The second issue is recognizing the legitimacy of the temporary Transitional Council in Benghazi as the main force of the Libyan political scene. In order to solve the Libyan issue, there is an urgent need to support the position of the African Union. The African Union's position is based on contact with the Libyan government and the Transitional Council. Russia stands with regional forces, not foreign forces that are motivated by selfish reasons.