<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/">
  <channel>
    <title>LinkTV World News Video Feed</title>
    <link>http://news.linktv.org</link>
    <description>Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: South Sudan)</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:12:00 -0700</pubDate>
    <copyright>Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc.</copyright>
      <item>
        <title>12 Killed in South Sudan Ambush of UN Convoy</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/12-killed-in-south-sudan-ambush-of-un-convoy?start=0</link>
        <description>In a major setback to efforts to bring stability to South Sudan, five peacekeepers from India and seven civilian United Nations staff were killed when unidentified attackers ambushed their convoy near the border with Sudan.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:12:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/12-killed-in-south-sudan-ambush-of-un-convoy</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-17490000/17490884/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=2be482ea034bb1690209014b282863ea" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, UN Peacekeepers, Jonglei, Murle people, United Nations, Ethnic violence, United Nations peacekeeping, Sudan, Cattle raiding, Euronews</media:keywords>
        <media:text>In a major setback to efforts to bring stability to South Sudan, five peacekeepers from India and seven civilian United Nations staff were killed when unidentified attackers ambushed their convoy near the border with Sudan.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Humanitarian crisis mounts as 100,000 Sudanese flee internal violence [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912?start=481</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Deadly twin blasts rock Damascus as Salafi group targets security buildings, Emirati foreign minister slams Muslim Brotherhood amid crackdown on Islamists, humanitarian crisis mounts as 100,000 Sudanese flee internal violence, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100912-3713.mp4" length="230681761" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11921000/11921963/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f4c400fe0072166033715153ec2d4a2c" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Aleppo, Antisemitism, Muslim Brotherhood, Israel, France, Egypt, Cairo, United States</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Relief organizations working in South Sudan say that more than 100,000 Sudanese are living under harsh conditions on the border between South Sudan and the north. The refugees fled to these areas as a result of the ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and rebel movements in the areas of the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains, which are adjacent to the state of South Sudan.

Reporter, Male #1
Within these dense forests, the fighting in the states of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Sudanese, who found a safe haven in the lands of South Sudan. More than 100,000 refugees are housed in this camp, in the southern state of Maban. They are living under harsh conditions, and they lack basic life essentials.

Guest, Male #2
We are cut off from the world. The only solution is air transport, and this is somewhat expensive. In addition, we are facing floods that make the roads impassable. This worries us regarding relief supply routes.

Reporter, Male #1
Children are the most affected by the suffering resulting from the war in these areas. Their families were forced to flee with them under harsh circumstances, as a result of the spread of combat operations. However, despite the harsh circumstances that these refugees are going through, they seem keen to send their children to the classes available in this camp, and hope to return to their homes one day.

Guest, Female #2
During the first week, we received 400 students at the school. Now that number has reached 1,000. We hope that the number reaches 2,000 within a few weeks.

Reporter, Male #1
The fighting between the Sudanese army and the rebel movements in the areas of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan erupted in the middle of last year. It saw the secession of South Sudan from the north, and the establishment of the Republic of South Sudan.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Omar al-Bashir 'committed' to security agreement as Sudan opens border with South [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100812?start=35</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Omar al-Bashir &quot;committed&quot; to security agreement as Sudan reopens border with South, Israel strikes Gaza in response to Hamas's retaliation for deadly attack, Imran Khan's anti-drone march stopped at Waziristan border, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-100812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3702.mp4" length="230479695" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11855000/11855640/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=fe0c2e4bccd04c26a2186fb4109ea81f" />
        <media:keywords>Gaza, Palestinians, Israel, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Missile defense, Israeli Air Force, Iran, Omar al-Bashir, Israeli–Palestinian conflict</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The Reuters news agency reported, on behalf of eyewitnesses, that gunfire and shelling erupted today in the main city of the oil-producing state of South Kordofan, near the border with South Sudan. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir revealed that the joint committees, especially the security committees that were formed as a result of the Addis Ababa agreement, will begin meeting this week to implement the agreements that were reached between the countries. And in front of the National Legislature at the Sudanese People's Assembly, al-Bashir asserted that a new stage of relations will begin between Sudan and South Sudan, which stopped engaging with armed groups in Kordofan.

Reporter, Male #2
The Sudanese president offered a broad scope in his speech at the opening of the 3rd session of the Sudanese parliament, on the agreements that were recently achieved in Addis Ababa with South Sudan's leadership. He said that it addressed all of the disputed issues.

Guest, Male #3 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President)
We achieved it with mutual effort from the other side, which we thank them for. This paved the way for solving all outstanding issues, and the issues after the secession. It contributed to normalizing relations, and mitigating the resolution of the thorny issue of Abyei, God willing. As for the unresolved issue of dividing the border, we sat with our brothers in the South Sudanese government. We hope that these agreements will lead to a breakthrough in relations between both countries, and establish a state of social and economic stability and security.

Reporter, Male #2
Al-Bashir revealed that the special committees, especially those pertaining to security, are beginning their work to implement the cooperation agreement reached with South Sudan. Al-Bashir announced the reopening of border crossings with the South, in a move described by observers as a show of seriousness in dealing with the latest agreement between the two countries.

Reporter, Male #2
Trade between both countries was halted before the secession of the South from the north last year. This cut off historic routes for supplying food, oil, and consumer products. The South seceded in July of last year, as mandated by a peace treaty that ended decades of civil war. However, disagreements continued over oil and border regions, as well as other issues. And under pressure, the two countries agreed last month to secure their joint borders. The agreement paved the way for Juba to resume the export of oil, which was halted last January due to a dispute with Sudan over the fees for exporting oil through its territory. Essam Abdallah, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan, South Sudan edge towards deal [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092612?start=995</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Gaddafi &quot;captor&quot; dies from torture at the hands of former regime loyalists, Free Syrian Army claims responsibility for bombing of military headquarters in Damascus, Mali agrees to ECOWAS troop deployment in Bamako, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-092612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3591.mp4" length="230170802" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-11155000/11155061/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=293977e4604e66e28a80740e795ab3db" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Damascus, Free Syrian Army, Press TV, Military of Syria, UN General Assembly, Misurata, Iran-Syria relations, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mali</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Press sources from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia confirmed that it is expected for a final decision to be announced within the coming hours between the Sudanese and South Sudanese presidents over the disputed cases between the two countries. Sources close to both delegations confirmed that the two parties are in the stages of drafting an agreement over the main disputed cases, and will have this agreement presented to the presidents of both of the countries to sign.

Reporter, Male #1
The outstanding issues between Sudan and South Sudan were pivotal, and caused tension that brought both countries to the brink of war in the spring. However, negotiations came after the Security Council warned both countries that the Council would impose sanctions on them if they did not reach an agreement.

Reporter, Male #1
The African Union's intervention and mediation forced both parties to announce an agreement, even though it was incomplete. And for this reason, the daunting negotiations were repeated between the delegations of both countries, with the attendance of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and President of South Sudan Silva Kiir, at the African Union's headquarters in Addis Ababa. This is in order to announce an agreement, even if it is incomplete.

Reporter, Male #1
The outstanding issues between the two countries include: Settling the disputed borders and stabilizing their security, allowing Sudan to resume oil exports from South Sudan, and to agree to a formula for sharing oil revenues, settling the situation of the disputed oil region of Abyei, and settling the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan, as well as the Blue Nile, which is witnessing activity from rebel groups.

Reporter, Male #1
Leaked information regarding the progress of the negotiations is promising. If the leaked information is accurate, there will be a final settlement of issues that had been unresolved since the achievement of the peace treaty in 2005, which ended a civil war that lasted for decades between the rebels in the south and the government of Khartoum, and led to South Sudan's independence in July 2011. Hayyan Yaqoob, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>The two Sudans resume flights between Khartoum and Juba [Al Jazeera, Qatar] </title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091812?start=1391</link>
        <description>Al Jazeera reports that the first Sudanese airplane arriving from Khartoum landed at Juba Airport after a halt in services that lasted several months due to the conflict that erupted between the two countries.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-091812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3485.mp4" length="230667880" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-10657000/10657704/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=1c00e0e921b3ca88aefa256d85110980" />
        <media:keywords>United States, Anti-Americanism, Islam, Palestinians, UN General Assembly, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Human rights in Bahrain, Bingöl</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The first Sudanese airplane arriving from Khartoum landed at Juba Airport. This comes after a halt in services that lasted several months, due to the conflict that erupted between the two countries. Khartoum and Juba had signed an agreement regarding the resumption of flights, while the controversial issues are still awaiting the results of negotiations in Addis Ababa.

Reporter, Male #1
After a halt that lasted more than five months, the first Sudanese plane landed in Juba, restoring hope for bridging the gap between the two countries, after the gap was deepened by political conflict. The plane's return was overshadowed by the warmth of the welcoming reception, as though everyone had been waiting for this moment.

Guest, Female #2
I was stranded for four months in Khartoum with nothing to do. Getting to the South is hard. The only way was through Ethiopia or Kenya, and I can't travel to Kenya or Uganda.

Reporter, Male #1
The occasion was filled with political messages that spread the hope of reconnection, after hope was lost.

Guest, Male #2 (Faisal Abdel-Azim, Charge d'Affaires of Sudanese Embassy in Juba)
Thank God, now the communications that had been cut between these two brotherly peoples is restored. We are firmly convinced that no matter how many political differences arise, in the end, there will be mutual relations based on respect, cooperation, and serving the interests that link the people of the two countries.

Reporter, Male #1
These hopes are met with similar ones from the South, despite the difficulties and ambiguities of the current political scene.

Guest, Male #3 (Kau Nak, South Sudanese Ambassador)
The route between Khartoum and Juba will be monitored by Sudanese companies until South Sudan establishes their own airlines. Everyone hopes that the current talks in Addis Ababa will succeed, and result in a permanent solution for the airline issue between Juba and Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #1
This return of flights does not only represent reconnection. It also carries important economic and social consequences. Opening the airspace between the two countries may be followed by opening other land and sea crossings, which are also very important for the citizens of both countries.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>The two Sudans resume negotiations over border conflict [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412?start=627</link>
        <description>Negotiators from Sudan and South Sudan attended a new round of negotiations today in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the aim of resolving their differences, especially over their borders and oil, Dubai TV reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-090412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-090412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3335.mp4" length="230798781" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-9843000/9843127/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=abaca4fc096b0fcd79a37f362a4b80c7" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Benjamin Netanyahu, Syria, Barack Obama, Human rights in Bahrain, Islam in the United States, African Union, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Amarnath Temple</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
With hopes of reaching a deal to settle their conflict, negotiators from Sudan and South Sudan attended a new round of negotiations today in the African capital, Addis Ababa, with the aim of resolving their differences, especially over their borders and oil. The negotiations are scheduled until September 22nd. Then, African Union envoy Thabo Mbeki will present a report to the Security Council to clarify the outcome of the negotiations.

Presenter, Female #1
According to Khartoum, the timing of the summit between the leaders of the two countries, Omar al-Bashir and Salva Kiir, was decided by the leaders themselves. Hani Nasr has the details.

Reporter, Male #1
Building on the temporary agreement over oil quotas that was reached between Sudan and South Sudan last month, and serving as the foundation of the new round of negotiations between Khartoum and Juba, the two leaders and foreign mediators are meeting in Addis Ababa. They hope this round will conclude with an agreement to stabilize the tense border, and pave the way for the two quarrelling neighbors to resume oil exportation, a resumption Khartoum has tied to the need to reach a security agreement over the vast border that extends 1,800 km, and on which there's a conflict every few meters.

Reporter, Male #1
According to Juba, this request is currently hard to fulfill, viewing the issue as premature. At this stage, the priorities are cross-border trade, the situation of individuals not residing in their state, and the disputed area of Abyei. From here, mediators are focusing on establishing a 10 kilometer-wide demilitarized buffer zone along the border to solve a conflict which erupted after the secession of the South over a year ago. The border conflict saw escalated battles in April that threatened a full-scale war after South Sudan occupied oil-producing Heglig in Sudan.

Reporter, Male #1
There are many disagreements between Sudan and South Sudan, but the issue of oil is the most contested. Both countries are in dire need of oil revenue to revive their economies, which were hit after a decision by South Sudan to halt oil production due to disagreements over tariffs on oil passing through the north. The two countries face a new round of negotiations; yet, they appear even more concerned over the United Nations decision to set September 22nd as a final date for Khartoum and Juba to reach a solution to their differences, or face sanctions. So, it's a matter of days that separate the two countries from meaningful solutions, or painful sanctions.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Supreme Court of Israel orders Eilat to enroll migrant children into school system [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082412?start=820</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Israel takes aim at Palestinian agricultural sector in Jericho, minor clashes break out between pro- and anti-Muslim Brotherhood protestors in Egypt, renewed tribal clashes leave three people dead in northern Libya, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-082412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-082412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3243.mp4" length="230145939" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-9343000/9343086/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=2dba0e635208b47e5e65f123bed119dc" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Protest, Nuclear program of Iran, International Atomic Energy Agency, Cairo, Tahrir Square, Syrian Civil War, Demonstration (people), Iran, Tripoli</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israel's Supreme Court slammed the Education Ministry and the Eilat municipality for refusing to enroll children of migrants in the city's school system, and instead trying to create a school especially for them. The court ordered both sides to find a solution for the case before the new school year begins next week. Most of the 50 children in question come from families from South Sudan, Sudan, and Eritrea. The state said that it had tried to integrate migrant children in the past, but it had been a dismal failure.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>UNICEF urges South Sudan to improve health care as child mortality rates soar [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080812?start=1217</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt responds to deadly attack with air strikes on &quot;terrorists&quot; in Sinai, Syria's regime and armed opposition claim control of Aleppo's Salaheddin, thousands of Saudis demand retribution for slain activist, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3064.mp4" length="230589757" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8415000/8415838/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=da95fb39257dc896719a85cb7a85323e" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, Israel, Egyptian Army, Battle of Aleppo, King Abdullah, Kunar Province, Sikh, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
In South Sudan, UNICEF has called for improving medical services and raising the awareness of mothers in a bid to lower the mortality rate among children. Out of every 1,000 newborns, nearly 50 die as infants. The health sector in the south is suffering from a lack of medical staff and centers.

Reporter, Male #1
Adan has welcomed her newborn in a state of joy, while expressing sadness over the loss of his older brother, who died only days after he was born. His death was blamed on the lack of medical care, which Adan says nearly claimed the life of her second newborn child.

Guest, Female #2
We had two children. The first child died after a seizure at the hospital. The hospital is clean but didn't have medical services. For example, I gave birth naturally at home.

Reporter, Male #1
Child mortality rates in South Sudan have reached high levels, as confirmed by medical reports. Hospital administrators are attributing the high mortality rates to the fact that medical facilities in the south are continuing to lack the necessary means to administer health care.

Guest, Male #2 (Hassan Shalum, Head of Juba Hospital Pediatric Department)
With regard to child mortality rates, out of every 1,000 newborns, 52 die as infants, despite the fact that Juba Hospital and its Intensive Care Unit are considered to be the number one medical center in South Sudan.

Reporter, Male #1
In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, international organizations for early childhood education have warned and urged mothers to adopt methods that will help protect their children's health.

Guest, Male #3 (Gudin Mindra, UNICEF Official)
There are many factors that affect children's health, notably poor medical care, which is getting worse due to a lack of sufficient health experts. We are now working on providing vaccinations to the children to boost their immunity against diseases.

Reporter, Male #1
The children of the south are not being isolated from the many challenges facing this country. The deteriorating health situation will likely reflect negatively, not only on the children, but also on the southern people as a whole. Haitham Ewaid, Al Jazeera, Juba, South Sudan.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan and South Sudan Strike Oil Deal, End Months of Dispute</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudan-and-south-sudan-strike-oil-deal-end-months-of-dispute?start=0</link>
        <description>Sudan and South Sudan have ended an oil dispute that nearly ignited an all-out war earlier this year. The freeze in the flow of oil during the dispute had a major impact on the economies and people of both countries.</description>
        <pubDate>Sat, 04 Aug 2012 08:15:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudan-and-south-sudan-strike-oil-deal-end-months-of-dispute</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8170000/8170952/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8f554dd2b281bd9984c2f0e7c8de08fc" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, Economy of Sudan, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Sudan, Price of petroleum, Politics of Sudan, Austerity, 2011-2012 Sudanese protests, Al Jazeera English</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Sudan and South Sudan have ended an oil dispute that nearly ignited an all-out war earlier this year. The freeze in the flow of oil during the dispute had a major impact on the economies and people of both countries. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Hillary Clinton urges Sudan, South Sudan to reconcile as UN deadline expires [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080312?start=1180</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;UN General Assembly adopts Syria resolution as Western powers secretly support rebels, Bahraini forces injure 25 protestors marching for self-determination, Israel further tightens control over al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-080312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-080312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-3040.mp4" length="230256068" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-8281000/8281787/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=5fe76fb7301791a585f6932428edb680" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Palestinians, Jerusalem, Israel, Bashar al-Assad, Obama administration foreign policy, UN Security Council, West Bank, Barack Obama</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
In other news, the UN granted al-Khartoum and Juba additional time to resolve their problems and reach a peace agreement, as confirmed by the French ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, whose country is presiding over the Security Council this month. This comes after the UN deadline for Sudan expired last night. Araud said that despite the fact that the two Sudans failed to meet the deadline, notable progress has been achieved, adding that it is not time yet to impose sanctions. He further said that the UN Security Council will discuss the Sudanese issue again on August 9.

Presenter, Female #1
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived to Juba this morning as part of her tour in Africa. Clinton urged the two Sudans to exert great efforts to settle their outstanding differences. She said the fate of the two neighboring countries is linked. The US secretary of state is expected to meet with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir before heading to Kenya and concluding her African tour.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan's first anniversary of independence marred by growing tension [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070912?start=166</link>
        <description>It has been one year since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan, reports Dubai TV. However, the celebrations are marred by a strained relationship with al-Khartoum, a lack of basic infrastructure, poverty, and widespread illiteracy.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-070912-2782.mp4" length="196472731" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-6879000/6879443/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=96fda05a95232dee1fe554c49c5bb76f" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Shia Islam, Syria, Nimr al-Nimr, South Sudan, Mahmoud Jibril, Islamic Action Society, Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Golan Heights</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
South Sudan celebrates today its first anniversary of independence from Sudan. However, the celebrations were not complete in this newly-born country, amid its strained relationship with al-Khartoum due to border conflicts. In addition, South Sudan is continuing to suffer from an abrupt halt of its oil production, which accounts for nearly 98 percent of its revenue. South Sudan, one of the most impoverished countries in the world, continues to lack a basic infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and water distribution networks. Seventy-three percent of the adult population is illiterate.

Presenter, Male #1
The celebrations in the South are being overshadowed by the strained relationship with al-Khartoum, especially after talks hit a deadlock in Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, the head of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan, Thabo Mbeki, arrived in al-Khartoum and held talks with President al-Bashir in a bid to bridge the gap between Sudan and South Sudan. Our correspondent Sami al-Shinawi reports from al-Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
The new round of talks aimed at bridging the gap between al-Khartoum and Juba have failed so far have to resolve the stalled issues between the two sides. This prompted the head of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel on Sudan, Thabo Mbeki, to visit al-Khartoum in a bid to launch a new round of talks. Al-Khartoum's delegation said the positive atmosphere that surrounded the talks is a clear indication of a possible breakthrough.

Guest, Male #3 (Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein, Sudanese Defense Minister)
We have agreed on the general principles. This will help us move forward on a strategic path to resolve our issues. We will hold another meeting on July 11, God willing.

Reporter, Male #2
Both sides continue to cling firmly to their positions. While Juba continues to demand the implementation of Mbeki's roadmap, al-Khartoum believes that such a plan further complicates the issues. Observers believe the case could be referred to international arbitration.

Guest, Male #4 (Buhram Abed al-Munaem, Journalist and Writer)
The previous rounds of talks didn't produce any results. The talks may head to international arbitration. The UN Security Council's deadline on August 2nd will expire as the two sides are still in disagreement.

Reporter, Male #2
The long-term negotiations between Juba and al-Khartoum have further fueled the economic crisis, especially amid austerity measures in the north. In addition, the UN has warned of a looming hunger crisis in South Sudan. The deteriorating situation comes amid the closure of oil pipelines between the two sides. The transfer of stalled issues between the two sides is a southern demand opposed by the north. However, this is not the first time that both sides appear before an international arbitration panel, and in both cases, judgment is still pending. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>The two Sudans resume vital negotiations in Addis Ababa [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062112?start=404</link>
        <description>A new round of talks between Sudan and South Sudan started today in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the aim of solving their ongoing dispute, which pushed the two countries to the brink of war in April, reports Al Jazeera.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-062112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-062112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-2652.mp4" length="196458627" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-6053000/6053030/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a3b7ef205315b4e6d5cadeb5d834e870" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Politics of Syria, Palestinians, Syria, Al-Qaeda, Israel, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
A new round of talks between Sudan and South Sudan started today in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, with the aim of solving their ongoing dispute, which pushed the two countries to the brink of war in April.

Presenter, Female #1
All negotiators from both sides have arrived, as specialized committees are scheduling the meeting's agenda under the auspices of the African Union's mediation team, headed by the former South African president, Thabo Mbeki.

Presenter, Male #1
This round of talks will tackle border demarcation, security, oil, and the Abyei region, as well as other economic and social issues.

Reporter, Male #2
Once again, teams representing Sudan and South Sudan are returning to the negotiation table in Addis Ababa. The last round of talks held on June 4th failed in every aspect due to the many disputes over the proposed issues.

Reporter, Male #2
The most severe dispute that dominates the talks' atmosphere, and many believe can sabotage this entire round, is the proposition to establish what is known as a &quot;demilitarized buffer zone&quot; between the two countries. South Sudan's proposal suggests that each country withdraws its forces ten kilometers away from the border of the disputed regions. This means Khartoum would withdraw from the red line, which is Heglig.

Reporter, Male #2
The talks may begin with the security issue, especially since the negotiations of the Joint Political and Security Committee were scheduled to be at the forefront of the talks. In parallel are the discussions of the controversial Joint Border Commission. Khartoum holds Juba responsible for the failure of the previous round, as the latter proposed through the commission maps that contain six regions that have never been disputed over.

Reporter, Male #2
Juba rejects Khartoum's accusations, saying the maps proposed at the negotiation table were initially drawn in the interest of Sudan's territories, and have been accredited since 1955. Juba calls for resorting to international arbitration in regard to the Heglig region. Khartoum does not oppose the proposal; however, it considers it a mere political maneuver. South Sudan is seeking an urgent agreement on the issues of oil, and its revenues and transit fees through the Sudanese territory, in light of the brutal conditions the country has been enduring since the closedown of its oil pipelines in February.

Reporter, Male #2
The issue echoed with Khartoum's situation, which is also suffering from suffocating economic hardship. However, Khartoum does not prioritize oil over the border and security disputes. The disputes over the Abyei region are ongoing, and while Khartoum insists on forming all the civil institutions at once, Juba insists on establishing the administrative region first, then forming the legislative council. In either case, no methodology has been proposed yet to determine whether Abyei belongs to the north or the south.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Israel steps up migrant crackdown; 500 South Sudanese to be deported [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061412?start=976</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt's high court dissolves parliament two days before presidential elections, Syrian conflict nears global proxy war as rhetoric intensifies, a look at Gaza after five years of Hamas rule and Israeli siege, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-061412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2597.mp4" length="195588386" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5730000/5730634/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=3a27d8ae9cbcd871e21bdc2f33546ab4" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Gaza blockade, Gaza, Gaza–Israel conflict, Palestinians, Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt, Syrian Civil War, Governance of the Gaza Strip, Nuclear program of Iran, Muammar Gaddafi </media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israel's crackdown on illegal migrants is stepping up; as many as 500 South Sudanese have already been detained, and will be deported back to their country of origin next week. But despite Israel's tightened policies, the influx continues, and human rights organizations are pressing Israel to grant migrants refugee status. President Benjamin Netanyahu said that once the border fence with Egypt is completed, the influx of migrants will be stopped in months.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Jerusalem court rejects petition by human rights groups to bar migrant expulsion [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712?start=413</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WARNING: Graphic Content. &lt;/strong&gt;Syrian activists report new massacre in Hama Province, Israel violates hunger strike agreement with continued punitive measures against Palestinian prisoners, Benghazi residents protest unequal distribution of Libya's nation council seats, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-060712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2542.mp4" length="196700831" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5330000/5330927/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=b064c0eec45b9fdf75d602bd3274ac40" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, Taliban, Palestinians, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel, Israeli settlement, National Transitional Council, Quetta</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The Jerusalem District Court today rejected a petition filed by human rights groups to bar the expulsion of migrants from South Sudan. Court documents stated that the NGOs failed to provide evidence that the migrants would be in grave danger if they were forcibly returned to their native countries.

Interior Minister Eli Yishai expressed satisfaction at the ruling, saying that he hopes that the legislation will serve as the first step toward the complete expulsion of the entire migrant population in Israel.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Two Sudans disagree over border of demilitarized zone [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712?start=973</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WARNING: Graphic Content. &lt;/strong&gt;Syrian activists report new massacre in Hama Province, Israel violates hunger strike agreement with continued punitive measures against Palestinian prisoners, Benghazi residents protest unequal distribution of Libya's nation council seats, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-060712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2542.mp4" length="196700831" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5331000/5331752/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8cf2a7d1b83ec86fdd63e83082565cb6" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, Taliban, Palestinians, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel, Israeli settlement, National Transitional Council, Quetta</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The current African-mediated talks between Sudan and South Sudan have stalled once again since they started four days ago in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Both sides have failed to establish a demilitarized area on their shared borders.

Presenter, Male #1
Khartoum blamed its neighbor, Juba, for the failure. Meanwhile, observers believe that both sides do not wish to continue fighting in light of their current crises, and the fear of UN sanctions if they fail to resolve their problems. Samy al-Shinawy reports from Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
The Addis Ababa negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan are at a standstill. Failure accompanied the process since the beginning, especially regarding the security issue. This comes after Juba drafted a map that placed the region of Heglig within its territory. In turn, Khartoum reminded Juba that intransigence over the security issue will likely bring negotiations back to square one. At the same time, Khartoum is reiterating that it is committed to peace, not war.

Guest Male #3
We will not allow for one inch of our land to be taken by force. Because if this happens, we will have no reason to negotiate. This shows they are not serious about peace. They are coming to the negotiation table with a hidden agenda.

Reporter, Male #2
It is true that the two sides entered the Addis Ababa negotiations under pressure from the African Union and the UN Security Council. However, the challenges facing the negotiations will likely hamper the efforts of the African mediator. But according to observers, the threat of implementing UN Security Council resolutions will force both sides to resume talks and tackle the current obstacles.

Guest, Male #4
The overall negotiations will not likely collapse, because the two governments are committed to reaching an agreement within a specific time frame. If they fail to reach such an agreement, a solution will be imposed on them.

Reporter, Male #2
The political crisis sparked an economic crisis which is posing a real threat to leaders of both governments. And this requires an immediate solution to the stalled issues between the two states attempting to end hostilities. Adopting a firm position is a characteristic that describes both parties' negotiating styles. Meanwhile, the street is impatiently waiting for a breakthrough over the issues that caused the deadlock. This puts the ball in the African mediator's court, as it is expected to do everything in its power to prevent both sides from resorting to war.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>The two Sudans start first security talks since border clashes [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060412?start=417</link>
        <description>Sudan and South Sudan started official negotiations in Addis Ababa, reports Al Jazeera. They discussed a number of issues, most notably the withdrawal of military forces, non-aggression over disputed regions, and a demilitarized buffer zone at the border.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-060412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-060412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2514.mp4" length="196768053" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5183000/5183783/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e09ed33c445001969e8c47761523feee" />
        <media:keywords>Drone attacks in Pakistan, Hosni Mubarak, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Syrian Civil War, Prevention of Infiltration Law, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Yemen Uprising, West Africa, Free Syrian Army, Abyei</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Sudan and South Sudan started official negotiations today in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa in accordance with the African roadmap.

Presenter, Female #1
The two delegations are discussing a number of issues, most notably the withdrawal of military forces of both countries, non-aggression over disputed regions, and the establishment of a demilitarized buffer zone at the border.

Reporter, Male #2
The delegations of Sudan and South Sudan have no alternative but start tackling their outstanding issues in detail. The most notable issues are security, Abyei, and oil.

Reporter, Male #2
These developments come after the African mediator completed a roadmap in hopes of completely resolving the crisis. The solution lies in ending acts of hostility and securing a 10-kilometer wide demilitarized zone, based on an unsigned agreement between the two sides. Sudan's negotiation team said the top priority during this round of talks is the security issue.

Guest, Male #3 (Mutaraf Sadiq, Sudanese Delegation Member)
According to the Sudanese government's position, when we fully settle the security issue and the conditions are ripe, we will continue to discuss all the remaining issues, specifically oil, the final status of Abyei, and the citizens' problems. We are also working on starting the discussion of the border demarcation as soon as possible.

Reporter, Male #2
South Sudan's delegation declared its readiness to enter these negotiations to discuss the unsolved issues all at once, with no preconditions. It says it has the full authorization to achieve peace through dialogue.

Guest, Male #4 (Atif Kiir, Head of South Sudanese Delegation Spokesman)
The government of South Sudan has come to this round of talks with the determination and readiness to implement the African Union's roadmap and the UN Security Council's resolution. South Sudan's delegation has the full authorization to discuss all the issues to reach a solution to these issues.

Reporter, Male #2
A delegation from the northern section of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, headed by its commander Malik Agar and Secretary-General Yasir Arman, suddenly arrived at the headquarters of the negotiations and met with the African mediating delegation. It seems this occurred within the framework of the UN Security Council's resolution that calls for settling the crisis in the Sudanese provinces of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile. These two provinces are part of three regions that were allocated special protocols by the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This round of talks between Khartoum and Juba appears the most likely to solve the outstanding issues between the two sides, after the UN Security Council intervened and warned both sides not to waste time in reaching a final agreement within the scheduled time frame. Al-Taher al-Mardi, Al Jazeera, Addis Ababa.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Netanyahu: 'Illegal migrants have no place in Israel' [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053112?start=1074</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Six bomb attacks in Baghdad kill at least 17 people, Israel returns the bodies of 91 Palestinian martyrs, UAE strips seven dissidents of their citizenship, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-053112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2480.mp4" length="230566751" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-5002000/5002068/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=6dcb7cbc3cca4af21b39b18277cb75f5" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Car bomb, Iran, Ghazaliya, Palestinians, Human rights in the United Arab Emirates, Iran-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, Baku, Illegal immigration from Africa to Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>&quot;Illegal migrants have no place in Israel,&quot; said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an annual conference at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies. He added that the deportation of the illegal migrant community will not happen in a stroke, but promised that Israel can and will expel them, starting with the completion of a border fence in the south, and continuing with an expulsion process that will begin with the Southern Sudanese and progressing to other groups.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Ministry advisor Robbie Sabel said that when dealing with the illegal migrant issue, Israel must not lose sight of international law, which stipulates that people cannot be deported to a country where there is a real danger of their persecution.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan pulls troops from Abyei amid new bombing accusations by South [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053012?start=241</link>
        <description>Amid a positive atmosphere of talks in Addis Ababa, Sudan completed the withdrawal of its military forces from the disputed oil-rich region of Abyei, reports Dubai TV. However, South Sudan accused al-Khartoum of launching new air strikes on its territories.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-053012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-053012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2471.mp4" length="230150257" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4958000/4958336/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=03e350f5ce4bb5ab211ef235a8221fa1" />
        <media:keywords>Iran, Israel, Iran-Israel relations, Sudan, Syria, Ahmed Shafiq, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Zainab Alkhawaja, Afghanistan War, Iran-Saudi Arabia relations</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Sudanese rivals have returned to Addis Ababa amid a positive atmosphere. In a preemptive move, al-Khartoum expressed willingness to open a new chapter in its relationship with South Sudan. Meanwhile, al-Khartoum has completed the withdrawal of its military forces from the disputed oil-rich region of Abyei, as confirmed by the US and the African Union. However, South Sudan accused al-Khartoum of launching new air strikes on its territories, which may diminish hope of reaching an agreement between the old rivals. Al-Seghair Salam has the details.

Reporter, Male #1
Handshakes and smiles are exchanged in Addis Ababa before in the presence of African mediator, Thabo Mbeki. This is how the new round of talks between the governments of al-Khartoum and Juba appeared in the Ethiopian capital, after the two countries nearly witnessed a bitter war. The negotiators of Sudan and South Sudan sat down face-to-face for the first time since the talks failed, in a bid to find a solution to their outstanding issues, most notably the border oil-rich region of Abyei.

Guest, Male #2 (Pagan Amum, South Sudan's Chief Negotiator)
Through its public statements, the Sudanese government came to the negotiation table with pre-conditions. This raises concern for us. We are here for peace; are they here for the same reason?

Reporter, Male #1
The objective of this new round of talks is to help achieve a lasting peace between Sudan and the newly-established South Sudan. The two sides hope to create a new platform to help bring about a peaceful coexistence between them, as mandated by the seven-point roadmap drafted by the African Union.

Reporter, Male #1
They also hope that the talks will help put an end to armed hostility between the Sudanese people, who have been living in two countries for the past 10 months. In a goodwill gesture, the Sudanese government has completed the withdrawal of its military forces from the oil-rich Abyei region, as confirmed by the UN. On the other hand, Juba has once again accused the Sudanese army of shelling its territories. Will the negotiators in Addis Ababa be able to overcome the first obstacle on the path to finding a lasting peace and stability in the region?</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>UN Security Council demands Sudan withdraw from disputed Abyei region [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051812?start=740</link>
        <description>The UN Security Council has commanded Sudan to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the border region of Abyei, while Sudan said it would only do so after a joint monitoring military force was formed in the region, reports Al-Alam.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-051812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2404.mp4" length="229941815" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4674000/4674681/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=ef5c6bb2e00849dd4cd5d85888f48705" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, United Nations, Iran, UN Security Council, Bashar al-Assad, Ban Ki-moon, Gaza blockade, Bahrain Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The UN Security Council has commanded Sudan to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the border region of Abyei, the disputed area with South Sudan. But Khartoum said it would only withdraw after a joint monitoring military force is formed in the region.

Reporter, Male #1
Once again, the issue of Abyei region goes back to square one at the UN Security Council. The United Nations has been conducting peacekeeping operations in that disputed region, between Khartoum and Juba, before South Sudan's secession from the north and after its official independence. Members of the Security Council have agreed to extend the mandate of the international forces' mission. However, maintaining the status quo in the tense situation is becoming a deep concern for the UN Security Council, in light of the delays to establish an administration for the border region of Abyei. While the steps to withdraw Sudan's security forces was welcomed, the UN is still demanding Khartoum's government to unconditionally and immediately pull its remaining military and police forces out of the region.

Guest, Male #2 (Francis Nazario, South Sudanese Ambassador to the UN) 
My government regrets that the progress on the implementation of certain elements of the June 20th agreement on Abyei area remains impeded, and it is fully prepared to move forward with the establishment of the Abyei area administration on the terms already agreed between the two parties.

Reporter, Male #1
As for Khartoum, it reiterated the same position which it had previously promised, that its forces would not stay in the disputed areas, on condition that both sides implement last year's agreement jointly and simultaneously.

Guest, Male #4 (Idris Ismail Faragalla Hassan, Sudanese Deputy UN Ambassador)
This withdrawal should take place simultaneously and it should be monitored by a body agreed upon by the two parties. The body will be composed of the two parties as well as the African Union. What happened is that the government of South Sudan took a piecemeal approach, not the comprehensive approach that the government of Sudan is calling for.

Reporter, Male #1
Khartoum occupied the Abyei region in May 2011, after an attack from South Sudan on a convoy of Sudanese army personnel. The occupation has displaced tens of thousands of civilians. These developments are taking place after armed conflicts and continual tension between the two sides in the oil-rich border region of Heglig.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudanese minister of agriculture appeals to Israel amid growing food crisis [IBA, Israel]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712?start=1224</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Renewed clashes erupt in Lebanon's Tripoli as Hezbollah is blamed, Israel and Iran beat the drums of war ahead of nuclear talks in Baghdad, the White House threatens to target anyone 'obstructing' transition in Yemen, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-051712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2388.mp4" length="230557930" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4543000/4543986/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=63177ccac5de14cadd5bbbd9b6bb652e" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Syrian Civil War, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Lebanon, Iran-Israel relations, US-Yemen relations, US-Israel relations, Al Wefaq, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Eli Yishai</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Israel is forging new partnerships with South Sudan, where more than half of the population faces critical food shortages due to the ongoing conflict with its neighbors. The South Sudanese minister of agriculture is currently attending the AgriTek Conference in Tel Aviv, and appealed for compassion and sanctuary for South Sudanese refugees, and explained how Israeli technology can benefit the nation.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan, South Sudan agree to resume talks as UN deadline expires [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051612?start=421</link>
        <description>South Sudan's lead negotiator said the South had informed the African Union of its readiness to resume talks, Al Jazeera reports. Sudan has repeatedly said that any talks to settle the two countries' differences must first address and resolve security issues.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-051612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2381.mp4" length="230640208" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4502000/4502207/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=13a75073c4df0f3195738dcc23979db2" />
        <media:keywords>Nuclear program of Iran, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Iran, Israel, United States, International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear weapon, Palestinian National Authority, Bahrain Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Sudan and South Sudan have agreed to resume talks over their unresolved issues. South Sudan's lead negotiator, Pagan Amum, said that the government of Juba had informed African Union envoy Thabo Mbeki of its readiness to resume talks.

Presenter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Sudan is waiting for Mbeki, who is due to arrive in al-Khartoum tomorrow to give more details. Sudan has repeatedly announced that any talks to settle the two countries' differences must first address and resolve security issues, as reaffirmed yesterday by President Omar al-Bashir.

Reporter, Male #2
The UN Security Council deadline for Sudan and South Sudan to resume talks and resolve their conflict has expired. Meanwhile, tension continues to dominate the scene in both countries. On May 2, the UN Security Council adopted the African Union Peace and Security Council's plan, which demanded both Sudanese rivals to withdraw their forces from disputed areas and resume talks within two weeks. In al-Khartoum, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir accused the ruling People's Movement in South Sudan of using &quot;foreign influence&quot; to target his country. Al-Bashir reiterated that any talks must resolve the security issue before moving to other outstanding issues, an indication that he has conditionally agreed to resume talks.

Guest, Male #3 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President)
The South closed the oil pipeline, but we have the key, and we will not open it until we guarantee our security 100 percent, and until our brothers in the South realize that they have learned a lesson, and that they will not undermine Sudan's security again.

Reporter, Male #2
Juba has given Khartoum a bargaining chip by shutting down its oil pipeline throughout the north, which also sparked an acute fuel crisis in the South. Sudan closed its borders and halted its commercial exports with the South in the aftermath of the Heglig incidents, which further fueled the crisis in the South, especially amid the lack of basic necessities, notably in food and medicine. Juba accused Khartoum of seeking to disrupt the African and international efforts.

Guest, Male #4 (South Sudanese Defense Minister)
Al-Khartoum is now trying to take a step forward, but time has run out. While some are trying to purse a peaceful solution in Addis Ababa, the north is still trying to carry out military operations here and elsewhere. This will not change anything.

Reporter, Male #2
The Heglig incidents in mid April upended the state of affairs between Khartoum and Juba. The deadline issued by the UN Security Council and the African Peace and Security Council, demanding both Sudanese sides to resume negotiations, has expired. However, amid the lack of trust between the two sides, the situation remains fragile and open to all possibilities, similar to the calm before a storm.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Airlift of South Sudanese underway in Khartoum [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051512?start=1348</link>
        <description>One hundred sixty-four South Sudanese who had been stranded in the Nile port of Kosti during the Sudanese border clashes were airlifted last night to Juba Airport in an operation organized by the International Organization for Migration, reports Dubai TV.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-051512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-051512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2374.mp4" length="230238525" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4457000/4457075/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e3bd5ceedf5c5e2c0f7123b0ea6efe8c" />
        <media:keywords>Palestinians, Nuclear program of Iran, Gaza, Iran, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Nakba, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Middle East Peace Process, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
One hundred sixty-four South Sudanese were airlifted last night to Juba airport, in an operation organized by the International Organization for Migration. Nearly 12,000 South Sudanese were stranded in the Nile port of Kosti almost one year ago. The stranded Sudanese left Sudan with mixed feelings after having received orders to leave last month, since the conflict erupted between the neighboring countries. This comes after the UN Security Council issued a resolution demanding both sides settle their differences within a ten week deadline, under penalty of sanctions. Sami al-Shinawi reports from al-Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #1
With heavy footsteps, the caravans head back to South Sudan, whose passengers are thousands of South Sudanese who have been stranded in the river port of Kosti. Many of those returning say that they are on their way to a country that they don't have a sense of belonging to. But it is a final return journey overlapped with feelings of fear of the unknown, and happiness with the new future, despite the uncertainty.

Guest, Female #2
We are going to families in the South; they are ready to receive us. We are good, nothing is wrong.

Reporter, Male #1
Despite the readiness of the southern families and the mixed feelings that appear on the faces of everyone, many expressed regret over leaving the north. But the train of return has departed, and those past years will soon turn into a mere memory.

Guest, Male #2
The good relationship that ties together the people of Sudan and the people of South Sudan has left a big impact on the returnees.

Reporter, Male #1
It is true that the people of Juba in Khartoum were affected by the political crisis, and made them foreigners overnight, and the security tension between both countries has added to their suffering. But with all that in mind, the social and family ties are still strong along the border between them.

Guest, Male #3
The Southerners did not leave because they were expelled, or because they do not have families in Sudan. In fact, they still have family, social, and economic ties with the North.

Reporter, Male #1
Elders, women, and children packed up all their memories to their newly-born nation in a difficult return journey. But it does not lack hope of escaping an economic suffering that has haunted them for long in the North. Although their new nation is still lacking a lot of basic life necessities, it is the political reality that forced them to depart a country in which they were born and raised, to the homeland of their ancestors, which they know nothing about. However, departing in any case will not be like entering, making the north a faded memory in the mind of the Sudanese of Juba. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan Accuses Sudan of Continued Air Strikes</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/south-sudan-accuses-sudan-of-continued-airstrikes?start=0</link>
        <description>South Sudan says Sudan has been carrying out airstikes on its territory. It violates a UN Security Council resolution to end weeks of fighting. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa spoke to residents Pankuach in Unity State.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 09:59:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/south-sudan-accuses-sudan-of-continued-airstrikes</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4133000/4133456/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d6427f858059144e32c9e4a7655e052c" />
        <media:keywords>2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, South Sudan, Air strike, Haru Mutasa, Unity State, Sudan, UN Security Council Resolution, African Union, Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English</media:keywords>
        <media:text>South Sudan says Sudan has been carrying out airstikes on its territory. It violates a UN Security Council resolution to end weeks of fighting. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa spoke to residents Pankuach in Unity State.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan accuses Khartoum of cross-border shelling [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050912?start=35</link>
        <description>Khartoum denied South Sudan's accusation of launching new attacks on its territories. In an interview with Al Jazeera, a spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry asked the African Union to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the issue.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2326.mp4" length="230519194" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-4171000/4171486/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d87cdba7e92909811989f17f9a1c6138" />
        <media:keywords>Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown, Al-Qaeda, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Politics of Morocco, Yemen Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Islamic Human Rights Commission, Syrian Civil War</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Khartoum denied South Sudan's accusation of launching new attacks on its territories. In an interview with Al Jazeera, a spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that South Sudan is attempting to distort Sudan's image in the international community. He asked the African Union to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the issue.

Guest, Male #2 (Al-Abid Ahmed Morawah, Sudanese Government Spokesman)
These accusations are false, and even the evidence they used show scenes of old military operations. We believe South Sudan is now trying to smear our reputation in the international community, but has no basis for its allegations. But, so it can't be said that one party is making accusations and the other is denying them, we demanded the formation of a fact-finding committee to examine the statements of both sides, and decide who is telling the truth.

Presenter, Male #1
On the other hand, the government of South Sudan renewed its accusations that Khartoum launched strikes it described as violent on its territories. In an interview with Al Jazeera, a spokesman for the government of South Sudan, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, stressed the importance of having international observers in the border regions between the two countries. He also emphasized that his country will defend itself against any attacks from the Sudanese army on its territories.

Guest, Male #3 (Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Sudanese Government Spokesman)
We request the presence of UN forces in this area to witness the continuous air strikes that are launched by the Sudanese army with military airplanes, south of border 156 in the territories of the republic of South Sudan. We have always said that the United Nations must deploy international forces to this region, so we can start to understand who is not abiding by the law. It could be by either the African Union or the UN Security Council.

Reporter, Male #4
It does not seem hostilities between the Sudanese army and South Sudan's Sudanese Liberation Army will end any time soon. The smell of war permeates Sudan's vast regions; a war that has been ongoing for two decades. The war of Heglig, which was violently ended by Khartoum and suspended by the Security Council that threatened to impose sanctions, appears to be continuing in other forms, according to the South Sudanese army. Today, the latter accused the Sudanese Air Force of shelling residential areas in the Upper Nile, Unity, and Bahr al-Ghazal states on Monday and Tuesday.

Guest, Male #5 (Kella Dual, South Sudanese Army Spokesman)
These were indiscriminate strikes on residential areas and unarmed innocent people; they have no weapons.

Reporter, Male #4
For its part, Khartoum denied it shelled these areas and said the accusations are void.

Guest, Male #6 (Khalid al-Sawarmi, Sudanese Army Spokesman)
We have no targets in South Sudan, and we did not shell any targets inside South Sudan. We have never violated the UN Security Council's resolution to end the hostilities between South Sudan and Sudan.

Reporter, Male #4
However, these images out of South Sudan show militias, formerly with the Sudanese army, announcing their loyalty to South Sudan's Liberation Army. This could dampen many expectations in a region that does not seem to be ending the war but working on further fueling it. Two hundred fifty defectors in the area of Adaril in the north of the Upper Nile state surrendered their weapons and a number of vehicles. They say they defected after Khartoum assigned them to attack targets in South Sudan, including the Adaril oil field.

Guest, Male #5
In truth, the militias are controlled by the government of Khartoum. But some militias are being asked to bomb their families in the south so that Khartoum can win the war.

Reporter, Male #4
As for the other side of Sudan, in Darfur, the drums of war barely subside before they are renewed. The battles between the two Sudanese liberation movements, the Minni Minnawi faction and the Abdul Wahid al-Nur faction on one side, and the Sudanese army on the other, were at their peak. According to the Sudanese Liberation Movement, the battles ended with its control of the city of Gereida, south of Nyala, the capital of the state of South Darfur.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan says it wants peace with South Sudan [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050312?start=1152</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Egypt's military rulers renew pledge to step down after Abbasiyah &quot;massacre,&quot; Syrian security forces raid Aleppo University following anti-government protests, former Libyan PM confirms Gaddafi funded Sarkozy's 2007 campaign, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2265.mp4" length="230213328" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3939000/3939508/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e488950ae445bdfa24a03c2c8b37aa3d" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Politics of Israel, Iraq, Bashar al-Assad, Politics of Iran, Mauritania, Abbasiyah, Bahrain Uprising, Tariq al-Hashemi, Mohammad-Reza Rahimi</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Khartoum took two controversial steps yesterday. The parliament unanimously approved the state of emergency declared by President Omar al-Bashir in the territories along the border with the south. Additionally, the government agreed to allow 12,000 South Sudanese citizens stranded in the White Nile state's port of Kostly to stay until May 20 instead of May 5.

Presenter, Male #1
Commenting on the UN Security Council resolution, Khartoum said it wants peace with the south, and hopes that Juba will respond positively to the UN and African resolutions aimed at resolving the conflict. The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution, threatening Sudan and South Sudan with sanctions if they fail to stop fighting and resume talks within two weeks and resolve their differences. Russia and China voted in favor of the resolution, following days of talks with Security Council members in a bid to sway Western nations from issuing a resolution to impose sanctions on the Sudanese rivals.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>UN threatens sanctions over Sudan dispute [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050212?start=1117</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Deadly clashes erupt in Egypt ahead of vote, Human Rights Watch accuses Syrian regime of committing war crimes in Idlib, blasts rock Afghan capital hours after Obama's surprise visit, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-050212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2252.mp4" length="230095789" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3892000/3892029/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=dfa2a38a1d61592eb65a86e0e63af7ec" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Palestinians, Human rights, Hunger strike, Egyptian Revolution, Syrian Civil War, US-Afghanistan relations, Tzipi Livni, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>The UN Security Council has approved the draft resolution threatening non-military sanctions, such as asset freezes, against Sudan and South Sudan if they fail to halt violence on their border. The resolution orders the neighbors to stop all hostilities within 48 hours and resume negotiations within two weeks under an African Union roadmap. The UNSC condemned the continued conflict, in particular South Sudan's capture of the Heglig oil fields and Sudan's aerial bombings. It also warned Khartoum and Juba against any measures to overthrow the government of either side.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>UN: Four million at risk of starvation in Sudan's armed conflict regions [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042512?start=1344</link>
        <description>The UN said that four million displaced people are at risk of starvation in Sudan and South Sudan due to a lack of food caused by the wars raging in the Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and Darfur regions, reports Dubai TV.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042512</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-042512-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2194.mp4" length="230461222" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3616000/3616657/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=d52b2acc936c791fff3a3de537aec6e8" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Human rights in Bahrain, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran-Israel relations, Bahrain, Bahrain Uprising, United Nations, Israeli-occupied territories, Palestinian prisoners in Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The African Union has given Sudan and South Sudan three months to resolve their differences, or face what it described as &quot;appropriate measures.&quot; After a special meeting in Addis Ababa to discuss the Sudanese crisis, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra called on both Sudanese rivals to resume talks within two weeks. Talks must address all outstanding issues lingering since the independence of the South last June, including the sharing of oil revenues, the status of the disputed Abyei region, and the demarcation of borders.

Presenter, Male #1
Amid a war of words and the war on the ground that seem to be on everyone's mind in the north and the south, the UN issued a new report sounding the alarm on a humanitarian crisis looming in the region. The UN said that four million displaced people are at risk of starvation due to a lack of food caused by the wars raging in the Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and Darfur regions. This was also confirmed by the president of the Darfur Regional Authority. Khartoum, which described the report as &quot;exaggerated,&quot; said it will welcome any UN initiative aimed at helping the famine-stricken because of the volatile situation. Sami al-Shinawi reports from Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
The war between Khartoum and the northern command of the People's Movement, the armed confrontations between rebel movements in Darfur, and the Heglig battles; all these factors have contributed to the humanitarian crisis raging in the regions witnessing an armed conflict. According to a new UN report, nearly four million displaced people are at risk of starvation due to a sharp shortage of food supplies and the difficulty of delivering aid to the famine-stricken because of the violence. The humanitarian situation is far worse in the region of Darfur, especially at the refugee camps scattered along both sides of the Sudanese-Chadian border. The head of the Local Governance in Darfur said the situation can't be helped because the Doha agreement granted him authority but no money.

Guest, Male #3 (Al-Tejani al-Sisi, President of Darfur Regional Authority)
I must say the situation in some parts of the Darfur state is alarming because of a gap in the food supply, and this calls for an immediate intervention.

Reporter, Male #2
While Khartoum said that gap is not as big as cited by UN reports, it welcomed any UN pledge to help the famine-stricken.

Guest, Female #1 (Amira al-Fadil, Sudanese Minister of Social Welfare and Security)
The government has immediately mobilized, through its Humanitarian Aid Commission branch and the regional authority. We sent food and medical supplies to the region. We made sure the aid reached the affected residents.

Reporter, Male #2
It seems the situation on the ground in Sudan is continuing to deteriorate. This requires the immediate intervention of the Sudanese government, which must fulfill the promises it made to those affected by the internal wars. The conflict in Sudan has only left behind all kinds of suffering. At the same time, Khartoum said it will not allow having even one Sudanese citizen at risk of starvation. However, the reality on the ground seems to be harsher than Khartoum's assessment, as confirmed by the UN. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Democracy Now! Headlines: April 24, 2012</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-24-2012?start=107</link>
        <description>A shocking new PBS documentary exposes the tasing and beating death of a Mexican immigrant by US border agents in California, and renews scrutiny of what critics call a culture of impunity. And in part two of Democracy Now's interview with Tavis Smiley and Prof. Cornel West, they discuss American poverty and their own experiences of growing up in working-class households. Plus headlines, and more.&lt;br /&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:58:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-24-2012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/democracy-now-april-24-2012-2176.mp4" length="309125502" type="" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3516000/3516965/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=3f5a076ad8d1cc28ead750998120481c" />
        <media:keywords>Anastasio Hernández-Rojas, Mexico – United States border, US Customs and Border Protection, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Illegal Immigration, United States, Immigration, Poverty in the United States, Tavis Smiley, Cornel West</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Sudan Accused of Declaring War Against Southern Neighbor

Tension appears to be rapidly escalating between Sudan and South Sudan in a conflict over oil profits and territorial disputes. Earlier today, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir said Khartoum had &quot;declared war&quot; on his country. Kiir made the comment during a visit to China. On Monday, Sudanese warplanes bombed a market in the capital of South Sudan's oil-producing Unity State. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir ruled out negotiations with South Sudan.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir: &quot;There will be no negotiations with those people. Our talk with them will be through guns and ammunition because this is the only language they understand. They understand nothing except that. We came here to convey the Sudanese people's thanks, to say thank you for this great victory, and you made Sudan a proud nation.&quot;
</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan's President Pledges to Speak to South with 'Guns and Ammunition'</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudans-president-pledges-to-speak-to-south-with-guns-and-ammunition?start=0</link>
        <description>Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president, has rejected UN calls to resume peace talks with South Sudan, saying: &quot;There will be no negotiations ... Our talk with them will be through guns and ammunition, because this is the only language they understand.&quot;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:24:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudans-president-pledges-to-speak-to-south-with-guns-and-ammunition</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3508000/3508210/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=939e4962943ce8ed5beab614496c9978" />
        <media:keywords>Sudan, South Sudan, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Omar al-Bashir, Heglig, Armed Forces of South Sudan, Sudan People's Armed Forces, Unity State, Jimmy Carter, Aerial bomb</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president, has rejected UN calls to resume peace talks with South Sudan, saying instead: &quot;There will be no negotiations with those people. Our talk with them will be through guns and ammunition, because this is the only language they understand.&quot;</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan's leader says Sudan air strikes amount to declaration of war [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042412?start=34</link>
        <description>South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit said during his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing that Khartoum has declared war on his country following air strikes launched by Sudan on oil sites in South Sudan, BBC Arabic reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042412</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-042412-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2187.mp4" length="230084559" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3567000/3567439/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=0a0fbfee630c1ca2052b4a44e1fabf87" />
        <media:keywords>Amnesty International, Cairo, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Salva Kiir Mayardit, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Islam in Europe, Syrian Civil War, Israeli settlement</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit said during his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing that Khartoum has declared war on his country. He made this statement during his visit to China. On the other hand, the Chinese president confirmed the crisis between Sudan and South Sudan cannot be solved through an armed struggle. He called on both sides to exercise calm and self-restraint. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its hope that Khartoum and Juba will return to negotiations over the oil dispute.

Reporter, Male #2
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir was welcomed the same way his Sudanese counterpart Omar Hassan al-Bashir was received months ago. But Salva Kiir's visit, through which he may be attempting to gain Beijing's support in his dispute with Khartoum, comes after an armed conflict broke out over the oil-rich region of Heglig. The dispute may be problematic for Beijing that is seeking, through its balancing act between the two sides, to protect its oil interests. Those interests were split between Sudan and South Sudan after the latter became independent.

Guest, Male #3 (Salva Kiir, South Sudanese President)
It comes at a very critical moment for the Republic of South Sudan because our neighbor in Khartoum has declared war on the Republic of South Sudan. I have undertaken this visit because of the great relationship that I value with China. China is one of our economic and strategic partners.

Reporter, Male #2
Khartoum and Juba are well aware of Beijing's interests in the region. The growing Chinese oil companies in South Sudan and China's close diplomatic relationship with Khartoum's government in the north places China in the distinctive position to exercise pressure and use its influence in the ongoing dispute between the two Sudans.

Guest, Male #4 (Liu Weimin, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
China has repeatedly expressed its concern over the escalating conflict in Sudan. We believe that oil is the common economic lifeline of Sudan and South Sudan. Cooperation between them in this field guarantees the interests of both countries. It will also benefit Chinese companies and their partners. We also hope South Sudan and its northern neighbor will resume negotiations over the oil issue, and reach a solution that satisfies both sides and their partners.

Reporter, Male #2
Beijing is the largest oil importer from both Sudan and South Sudan. For this reason, it has a large stake in ending the armed conflict between Khartoum and Juba. According to official sources, Salva Kiir's visit to China coincides with the air strikes launched by Khartoum's warplanes on oil sites in South Sudan. Khartoum also vowed to continue the military campaign until Juba stops funding movements in northern Sudan. A peace treaty was signed between Sudan and South Sudan in January 2005 that ended the over two decade-long civil war and paved the way for the birth of the state of South Sudan. However, border demarcations and oil transits remain unresolved issues that may bring the conflict back to square one. Abdul Qadir Balhajj, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan's Bashir in Heglig, rules out talks as new air raids hit South [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042312?start=867</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Morocco's February 20 Movement makes comeback after reform pledge falters, mass funeral held for Bahraini man killed by regime forces, Egyptians welcome cancellation of gas sales to Israel, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042312</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-042312-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2178.mp4" length="230501788" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3526000/3526551/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=17585b5f979d680be90042b2ac817f63" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, 2011 Moroccan Protests, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Egypt–Israel relations, Syrian Civil War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Winter Stadium, Beit El, Ain al-Hilweh</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vowed not to negotiate with South Sudan after the latter occupied the oil-rich region of Heglig. During his visit to Heglig, al-Bashir threatened to eliminate the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, and accused its leadership of betraying the people of the South and of stealing their wealth, which is generated from oil revenue.

Guest, Male #1 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President)
Our language with them is the rifle. Our language with them is the ammunition. This is the language they understand. They don't understand any other language. Our position now is to remove the People's Movement. The People's Movement must be eliminated! This insect, the People's Movement, must be eliminated!

Presenter, Female #1
The spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces, al-Sawarmi Khalid Saad, denied Juba's accusation that Khartoum shelled the cities of Bentiu and Rubkona in Unity state in South Sudan. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Saad said Khartoum had nothing to do with what is happening in the state. He said South Sudan's government has many enemies there.

Guest, Male #2 (Al-Sawarmi Khalid Saad, Sudanese Armed Forces Spokesman)
We have absolutely no connection to what is happening in Unity state, be it the shelling on the ground or from the air. These areas might have been targeted by other parties.

Reporter, Male #3
According to South Sudan's government, the Sudanese Air Force launched an air strike Monday morning on South Sudanese border regions. The shelling burned part of Rubkona Market, and damaged the properties of some citizens. A child and storekeeper were killed, and dozens of people were injured. Local authorities in Unity state accuse the Sudanese Air Force of shelling large parts of the state. They say the incident is a confirmation that Khartoum is targeting innocent people. They added it was also clear evidence of the extermination of Southerners and others in Sudan's conflict zones.

Guest, Male #4 (Taban Deng Gai, Unity State Governor)
He said those are insects; the oppressor said the Southerners were insects, not humans. We were very afraid, not only for us in the South, because we here in the state are able to defend ourselves. We were frightened by al-Bashir's statement for the unarmed Southern citizens in the Nuba Mountains, the Blue Nile, Darfur, and the rest of Sudan.

Reporter, Male #3
As for the Sudan People's Liberation Army in South Sudan, it considers the Sudanese army's killing of civilians to be a criminal act, saying it will pursue judicial prosecution. The Liberation Army also confirmed it will reserve the right to respond to avenge the civilian victims.

Guest, Male #5 (Majak D'Agoot, South Sudanese Deputy Defense Minister)
After what has happened, we have the right to respond by any possible means.

Reporter, Male #3
The air strike on large areas of Unity state caused great fear among the citizens. They condemned the Southern army's withdrawal from the Heglig region. This time, the air strike on the cities of Bentiu and Rubkona hit the depth of civilian areas. Residents of the region believe it is the beginning of another battle of what they refer to as the genocide of the South Sudanese people, while the government of South Sudan is saying it reserves the right to respond. Adel Faris, Al Jazeera, Rubkona, South Sudan.

Presenter, Female #1
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of EU countries expressed their deep concern over the rapid escalation between Sudan and South Sudan. At their meeting in Luxembourg, the ministers called on the two countries to return to negotiations under the auspices of the African Union. For his part, US President Barack Obama said in a speech in Washington that killing innocent people must end in Sudan and South Sudan. He urged the leaders of the two countries to negotiate to end the conflict.

Guest, Male #6 (Barack Obama, US President)
In Darfur, Abyei, South Kordofan, and the Blue Nile, the killing of innocents must come to an end. The presidents of Sudan and South Sudan must have the courage to negotiate, because the people of Sudan and South Sudan deserve peace.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudanese Forces 'Liberate' Heglig from South Sudan </title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudanese-forces-liberate-heglig-from-south-sudan?start=0</link>
        <description>After weeks of fighting along the Sudanese border, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has declared victory against his southern neighbor. The news was met with celebrations in Khartoum, but South Sudan has denied it suffered a military defeat.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:59:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/sudanese-forces-liberate-heglig-from-south-sudan</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3350000/3350342/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=004fa537ba1bab3f4013d45da8c9a6c5" />
        <media:keywords>Omar al-Bashir, Sudan, Heglig, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, South Sudan, Khartoum, Juba, Armed Forces of South Sudan, Sudan People's Armed Forces, Sudanese Air Force</media:keywords>
        <media:text>After weeks of fighting along the Sudanese border, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has declared victory against his southern neighbor. The news was met with celebrations in Khartoum, but South Sudan has denied it suffered a military defeat, announcing instead that it had withdrawn its troops from the Heglig oil region in response to international pressure. Al Jazeera's Peter Greste reports.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan declares 'liberation' of Heglig as Juba pulls out [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042012?start=217</link>
        <description>The Sudanese defense minister has announced that Heglig was &quot;liberated&quot; from the grips of South Sudan's army, confirming the region was recaptured by force ten days after South Sudan seized control of the area, Dubai TV reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042012</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-042012-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2168.mp4" length="230072518" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3484000/3484044/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=aa3234e2fa1b1ce9d74a61d1b515232f" />
        <media:keywords>Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Al-Qaeda in Iraq, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Bahrain Uprising, Yom HaShoah, Syrian Civil War, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Yemen Uprising, Nessma TV, Persepolis</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Sudanese defense minister has announced that Heglig was &quot;liberated&quot; from the grips of Juba's army, confirming the region was recaptured by force ten days after South Sudan seized control of the area.

Presenter, Male #1
This announcement was intended to refute a South Sudanese army statement claiming that its forces voluntarily withdrew from Heglig. Meanwhile, demonstrations broke out in a number of northern cities to celebrate the north's victory in the battle. President Omar al-Bashir stressed the victory marks the beginning of a war to liberate the South from the rule of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. Sami al-Shinawi reports from Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
Heglig has returned to the arms of Sudan once again.

Guest, Male #3 (Abdul Rahman Mohamed Hussein, Sudanese Defense Minister)
The first battles took place at 2:30 in the morning. Special forces infiltrated the enemy's locations, then besieged and completely crushed it.

Reporter, Male #2
Khartoum said the plan to &quot;liberate&quot; the South begins in Heglig, and denied Juba's claim that it withdrew from the region. Khartoum's statement declared that it taught South Sudan a brutal war lesson. For the north, the objective of this war is not limited to liberating Heglig, especially after breaking talks with its old enemy, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. In the north, spontaneous demonstrations broke out in Khartoum and other northern cities, praising the army's victory and the recapture of Heglig. This scene restored the ruling party's self-confidence.

Guest, Female #2
I salute all Sudanese people for their victory and for recapturing Heglig, which is part of our territory. They wanted to seize control of the oil, but I tell them no way, no way.

Guest, Male #4
We will continue our march to Juba. Yes to Juba. We support you Mr. President, we're behind you.

Reporter, Male #2
So Juba did something good for Khartoum by restoring its unity, said Sudan's ruling party, that has searched for means to unify its ranks for a long time. But victory doesn't always lead to success, especially when an entire nation is at stake. In the recovered land of Heglig, sources say the final battle killed thousands of southerners, many of them in an ambush set up by Khartoum's army, days after cutting supplies to Juba's army. The Sudanese army stresses the end of the Heglig battle does not mean the end of the war. Khartoum said the objective of the war is to remove the Sudan People's Liberation Movement from South Sudan's government. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Ban Ki-moon threatens South Sudan with sanctions after Heglig takeover [Press TV, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041912?start=211</link>
        <description>Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir leader has vowed to punish the South Sudanese government over its seizure of the north's main oil field in the Heglig region, Press TV reports. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has threatened South Sudan with sanctions.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2151.mp4" length="229994273" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3349000/3349283/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=cfa229a261f8345fc8a5b4fc2ddbcbf4" />
        <media:keywords>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</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Sudan's leader has vowed to punish the South Sudanese government over its seizure of the north's main oil field in the Heglig region. Omar al-Bashir's warning comes as fighting between the countries intensifies over strategic oil-producing regions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has threatened South Sudan with sanctions.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan: Why is Israel building a foothold in Africa? [New TV, Lebanon]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041712?start=1369</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;1,200 Palestinians held in Israeli jails declare open-ended hunger strike, Amnesty International criticizes Bahrain over ongoing human rights crisis, Ahmadinejad warns the West against attacking Iran, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2125.mp4" length="230653158" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3254000/3254654/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=e22315d8b171e7fe92de69412fc70f8e" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Foreign relations of Israel, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Welcome to Palestine, Bahrain Uprising, Human rights in Bahrain, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Syrian Civil War, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Quetta</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Sudanese parliament declared it voted to brand the government of South Sudan an enemy of Khartoum. This comes after South Sudanese force occupied the oil-producing Sudanese area of Heglig. The announcement declaring South Sudan's government an enemy of Sudan added that Sudanese state institutions must deal with the south accordingly. The head of the parliament called for ousting the government of South Sudan. The following report explores the mysteries of the Sudanese crisis.

Reporter, Male #1
It is a coincidence that the land of the Sudanese Unity State is a post-secession battlefield between the north and the south. The disputed state is located in the south, and holds the Bentiu area that has one of the most important oil fields in Sudan: the Heglig field. And while oil continues to be a contentious issue between Sudan and the emerging South Sudanese state, Juba doesn't hesitate to provoke Khartoum and drag it into an armed conflict. 


Reporter, Male #1
Juba is backed by Israel, and according to the Israel Today newspaper, the country is training and arming the South Sudanese army. The newspaper revealed that Israeli warplanes land daily in the Rubkona airport in South Sudan, and confirmed that planes unload missiles and arms, in addition to transporting African mercenaries ready to fight on the side of the South Sudanese army against Sudan.

Reporter, Male #1
The relationship between Israel and South Sudan is not new, but goes back to the early 1960s when the armed rebellion was first launched, and was known as the Anya Nya and led by Captain Joseph Lagu in Uganda. The support was not limited to weapons, but military camps led by Israeli officers were established in Uganda. In the 1980s, the second armed rebellion started with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, led by John Garang. During this stage, Israel's arming and training of the movement grew. Following the secession of South Sudan, there was no longer a reason for secrecy and covertness, and the newly-established state's president, Salva Kiir, visited Israel after the two states started their official relationship on the basis of strategic cooperation. Kiir's famous statement was, &quot;Had it not been for you, we would not have been able to exist. You fought with us for the establishment of South Sudan.&quot;

Reporter, Male #1
Israel's battle for the establishment of South Sudan wasn't fought with the southerners in mind, but it was part of an Israeli effort to create a non-Muslim Sub-Saharan African coalition led by Israel, with South Sudan at its forefront. The Israeli aspiration is not limited to the continent's oil, gold, and uranium resources, but extends to water, as Israel seeks to control the water springs that feed the Nile River. For this reason, it financed South Sudan's Nile water dam projects. And this will cause a conflict that neither Sudan nor Egypt are likely to idly stand by and watch.

** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan rules out talks until South Sudan withdraws from Heglig [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041612?start=421</link>
        <description>Dubai TV reports that Egypt and Libya sent mediation teams to Sudan after it insisted on reclaiming the oil-rich Heglig region before launching any talks with South Sudan.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041612</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041612-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2111.mp4" length="230309447" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3208000/3208491/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=61fde103a88cea403b4cbfad524aa0dd" />
        <media:keywords>NATO, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests, Afghanistan War, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Welcome to Palestine, Lebanese Civil War, Hamid Karzai, South Sudan</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The Egyptian foreign minister visited Khartoum, then headed to Juba in new efforts aimed at bridging the gap between the two countries. Along with Egypt, the Libyan National Council sent Mahmud Jibril to Sudan as the head of a mediation team. Meanwhile, Sudan insists on reclaiming Heglig before launching any talks with Juba that has, in turn, accused the north of wanting to open new battlefronts. Sami al-Shinawi reports from Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
Egypt is initiating contact between Khartoum and Juba in an attempt to diffuse the crisis and boost African Union-led efforts aimed at narrowing the gap between the Sudanese rivals. Egypt may be more concerned than any other country in resolving the Sudanese dispute.

Guest, Male #3 (Mohamed Kamil Amr, Egyptian Foreign Minister)
We call for a peaceful solution that will help diffuse the crisis. Egypt is ready to play any role, which all sides and our brothers in Khartoum find suitable to broker a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Reporter, Male #2
However, it seems a number of factors are weakening the Cairo-led position, among them Khartoum's insistence on reclaiming Heglig by force. In response, Juba said its withdrawal from Heglig hinges on the withdrawal of the Sudanese army from Abyei. Other factors have to do with the rise of Islamists in Egypt, as well as the alliance between South Sudan and Israel.

Guest, Male #4 (Ahmed Diqish, Political Analyst)
In the past, Egypt would have played a major role in the Sudanese plight. However, it is different today due to the internal changes witnessed in Egypt and the suspicion of the South Sudanese state that Egypt is biased towards Sudan. All of these factors may largely affect the anticipated Egyptian role in the efforts aimed at bridging the gap between Sudan and South Sudan.

Reporter, Male #2
Many observers believe that Egypt's intervention at this time may not bring any changes to the Sudanese scene, citing that any resolution may not overcome the framework of diplomatic announcements by Juba and Khartoum. And this in itself will not be enough to put an end to the war or lead to the resumption of oil exports. On the ground, both sides continued military operations. The South accused the north of seeking to open new battle fronts. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army said it's tactically mobilizing toward Heglig from various fronts, as both sides continue to blame each other for targeting oil fields and facilities in the region. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.

Presenter, Male #1
In a new ground escalation, the village of Mayum in the southern Sudanese Wahda State was targeted by the Sudanese Air Force. However, the shells hit a UN peacekeepers' camp with no reports of causalities, as confirmed by UN officials. In a different account, Gideon Gatpan, the information minister in Wahda State, said that seven civilians were killed and 14 others were wounded in the shelling.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Inside Story: Are the Two Sudans Heading for War?</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-are-the-two-sudans-heading-for-war?start=0</link>
        <description>As violence escalates along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, we ask what the implications of war would be for both countries. Our guests Atem Yah Atem, David Anderson, and Ibrahim Ghandour discuss.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:49:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-are-the-two-sudans-heading-for-war</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3001000/3001345/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=33825eb37d4e56bef34e846a0bd83bd4" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Heglig, Sudan, Abyei, Omar al-Bashir, Salva Kiir Mayardit, Armed Forces of South Sudan, Sudanese Air Force, Juba</media:keywords>
        <media:text>As violence escalates along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, we ask what the implications of war would be for both countries. Our guests Atem Yah Atem from South Sudan, David Anderson from Oxford University, and Ibrahim Ghandour from Sudan discuss.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>South Sudan refuses to withdraw troops from oil-rich town [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041212?start=767</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;A rare moment of calm in Syria as truce is &quot;partly observed,&quot; fourteen rights groups join call to release dying Bahraini hunger striker, two Afghan protestors killed in anti-US rally, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041212</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041212-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2067.mp4" length="230478890" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-3035000/3035777/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=6162cfb6b55609a30afba34d0eb45e8f" />
        <media:keywords>Palestinians, Palestinian nationalism, Syrian Civil War, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Anti-Americanism, Dioncounda Traoré, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Welcome to Palestine, Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–present</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit refused to withdraw his forces from the oil-rich region Heglig, and threatened to take over Abyei if the Sudanese forces do not retreat from the area. Juba said Sudanese army warplanes raided Bentiu, capital city of the border state of Unity, amid continuous tension between the two countries. For its part, Sudan announced it will mobilize its forces to recover the Heglig region. The UN Security Council called on Sudan and South Sudan to halt the border battles and return to negotiations, in order to avoid further deterioration of the situation by the border.

Reporter, Male #1
The developments of the Sudanese and South Sudanese scene transferred from the battleground to the parliament. Salva Kiir Mayardit spoke at the South Sudan National Legislative Assembly, criticizing the international calls demanding his troops' withdrawal from Heglig. Kiir responded to the call otherwise.

Guest, Male #2 (Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudanese President)
The UN secretary-general called me, saying he orders me to pull my forces out of Heglig. I said to him, I am not subordinate to his command. And this time, I will not order our forces to withdraw.

Reporter, Male #1
It seems the disputes are not limited to Heglig. Kiir sent other signals threatening to retake the disputed Abyei region by force if the Sudanese army does not retreat from it.

Guest, Male #2
Al-Bashir is the one who sent his forces to Abyei. I have informed the UN secretary-general that al-Bashir must withdraw his forces from there. Otherwise, I will send troops to retake the region by force.

Reporter, Male #1
The streets of South Sudan appeared optimistic over the possibility of retaking what they called: &quot;southern territories occupied by Sudan&quot;. This stance mobilizes both sides to enter a new phase, which may lead to severe consequences in both countries.

Guest, Male #3
The People's Army will retake Heglig.

Guest, Male #4
All the Southern land will be liberated, God willing. All Southern territories will be recovered.

Guest, Male #5
In reality, both countries are suffering internal crises. An external war will help divert attention from their internal trouble.

Reporter, Male #1
Today, it is Heglig; tomorrow, it may be Abyei. A state of mobilization is dominating the leadership of both countries. The reality indicates that an extended crisis will continue. It seems the calls for peace will fall on deaf ears as the situation is on the brink of a war. Adel Faris, Al Jazeera, Juba, South Sudan.

Presenter, Female #1
In his response to South Sudan's People's Liberation Army's taking over Heglig, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said the Sudanese army is capable of resolving any aggression on his country.

Guest, Male #6 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President)
It is obvious that our brothers in South Sudan are not considering the interests of Sudan, or the interests of South Sudan. There will be absolutely no benefit for either country to continue the war; on the contrary, it will only inflict losses on both sides. They have chosen the path of war, implementing agendas dictated by foreign parties who supported them during the civil war. We affirm that we will resolve any aggression on Sudan, God willing.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Renewed clashes over oil-rich region spark war fears between the two Sudans [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041112?start=34</link>
        <description>Al Jazeera reports that the vice president of Sudan said his country is now in a state of war with South Sudan.The oil-rich region of Heglig in the state of South Kordofan has completely fallen to the South Sudanese People's Army.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041112</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-041112-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2060.mp4" length="230378571" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2996000/2996222/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=02f0eefa7b90b2ffe6e903a66e360d30" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Middle East Peace Process, Palestinians, Middle East Quartet, Saudi Arabia, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Syrian Civil War, Welcome to Palestine, Sanctions against Iran</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The vice president of Sudan said his country is now in a state of war with South Sudan and will not negotiate with the latter. Khartoum vowed to respond with all legitimate methods to the attack launched by South Sudanese forces on the Heglig region.

Presenter, Male #1
An Agence France-Presse correspondent said Sudan's air force launched strikes near the village of al-Tashwin as its army shelled the area with artilleries. Artillery fire was heard from both sides.

Reporter, Male #2
The oil-rich region of Heglig in the state of South Kordofan has completely fallen to the South Sudanese republic's People's Army. Government sources said the army used heavy weaponry and artilleries in its attack on the region, with the participation of a large number of forces. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army issued a statement indicating that battles between the two sides are continuing in the region. The statement accused South Sudan of being involved in what it described as a &quot;brutal assault&quot;. It also accused South Sudanese President Salva Kiir of what it referred to as a desire to prolong the war between the two neighboring states. The statement said the South Sudanese government's People's Army was mobilized from inside the newly-born country with the assistance of what it referred to as &quot;mercenaries&quot;. Observers described these on-the-ground developments as the start of a comprehensive war between the two neighboring states, the signs of which have started to loom. If war continues, it will weaken the resources of both countries.

Guest, Male #3 (Nour Ahmed Nour, Editor-in-Chief of Sudanese Newspaper Sahafa)
The south seceded, then war broke out once again. This means the past six years have been a mere period of truce, and now war is erupting again. This will cause resources to be wasted, the political process to be obstructed, the economy of both states to be destroyed, and it will weaken both of them. For this reason, and in this very late phase, we are still hoping the two sides will be able to overcome their differences and reach a comprehensive peaceful solution.

Reporter, Male #2
The oil-rich Heglig region in the state of South Kordofan is located about 70 kilometers north of the border between the two countries. It holds nearly 60 percent of the gross production of Sudanese oil, and produces 115,000 barrels daily. There are also oil wells in the region, and administrative housing that is allocated to the workers. The southern edge of Heglig was attacked in March by the forces of the People's Movement with the help of the Revolutionary Front, which joined the northern branch of the People's Movement and a number of Darfur's armed movements. However, the Sudanese army fended off the attack after hours of fighting. Before the secession, the north and south were engaged in a civil war. Now, it is a war between two countries. The situation could have catastrophic results if it is not quickly remedied with wise policy. Osama Sid Ahmed, Al Jazeera, al-Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Thousands of South Sudanese in Sudan at risk of becoming stateless [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040912?start=476</link>
        <description>Since South Sudan declared its secession from Sudan, citizenship and nationality has become a problem for some South Sudanese since the legal status deadline set for southern nationals living in the north expired, Al Jazeera reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-040912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-2047.mp4" length="230379494" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2917000/2917151/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c79071a074fc3c3d3223d1ac60ba0361" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, Iraq, Baghdad, Hosni Mubarak, Kofi Annan, Egypt, Christianity in Iraq, Politics of Sudan, Politics of Egypt</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir accused the South Sudanese government of arming and harboring armed groups.

Presenter, Female #1
In his speech at the Sudanese parliament, Bashir said Juba's aggressions and violations reflect its unjustifiable hostile attitude. This comes as a deadline set for Southerners living in the North to settle their residency status in the country has expired.

Reporter, Female #2
The relationship between the countries of Sudan and South Sudan is increasingly complicated. A myriad of disputes emerged between the two sides since the South declared its secession and independence from Khartoum. The citizenship and nationality issue is raising questions among many people today, especially since the legal status deadline set for southern nationals living in the north expired. Constitutionally and legally, they are now foreigners.

Reporter, Female #2
The security issue is equally significant, and Khartoum views it as the basis to solve all its outstanding issues with Juba. This was a clear request by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who accused the government in South Sudan of harboring and arming the groups behind the recent attacks on the border region between the two countries. However, Bashir was also keen on keeping the door to dialogue and negotiations open with Sudan's southern neighbor if the latter ceases to arm rebel factions, as he stated. On the other side, Juba said it received a message from Khartoum in which the latter announced a suspension to air traffic between the two states starting today. These developments, in addition to the oil disputes and border demarcation issues between Sudan and South Sudan, will undoubtedly open the door to questions over the future of the two countries' relationship.

Presenter, Male #1
Bashir's speech comes as the deadline expired for those who do not hold a Sudanese or South Sudanese citizenship to settle their status. Most of them have shared interests that were split following South Sudan's secession on July 9th, 2011.

Presenter, Female #1
The South Sudanese government says it does not ban dual citizenship; however, it is concerned by the status of southerners who remain in Sudan.

Reporter, Male #2
Awad is a Sudanese national. He is not documented as a citizen of South Sudan, where he has been living for over 10 years. He was married here and has four children. They are entitled to South Sudanese citizenship because their mother is a southerner. But Awad has not lost hope yet in attaining South Sudanese citizenship, which he has been pursuing for months.

Guest, Male #3 (Awad, Sudanese Living in South Sudan)
I have lived here for 10 years. I have children and I am married. I have four children: Mohamed, Aisha, Sara and Rajab. I registered at the immigration and citizenship bureau so that I can get the nationality. They said I could present the same paperwork five years after South Sudan's independence day, five years after. And then one year later I could get southern citizenship.

Reporter, Male #2
Awad is one of around 8,000 Sudanese people, who live in South Sudan for different reasons, according to the authorities. As of April 8, they are treated as foreigners, and the same applies to southerners in Sudan. They were hoping that an agreement would be reached between the two countries to resolve citizenship, unemployment, ownership, and relocation issues. But no agreement has been signed so far. Those whose names are Arabic, Muslim, or foreign will be temporary deprived of southern citizenship until they can prove they are southerners. But the government of the south is concerned that Sudan may mistreat its nationals, whose living conditions do not allow them to return to their homeland in the south.

Guest, Male #4 (Alison Magaya, South Sudanese Interior Minister)
The country exists, so there shouldn't be a problem. An announcement was made to deal with the issue of some people's temporary status. But, of course, we take everything they say seriously, because there are many different parties in the north who are in power with different agendas.

Reporter, Male #2
The idea of combining the two Sudans in terms of personal cases does not seem to be the end result of a number of peace treaties signed in Nairobi in 2005. It is feared that disputes between the two sides over other remaining issues could devour what is left of their old amicability. Adel Faris, Al Jazeera, Juba, South Sudan.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Fears of War Grow as Sudan Talks Stall</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/fears-of-war-grow-as-sudan-talks-stall?start=0</link>
        <description>Talks between Sudan and South Sudan have stalled as both sides accuse each other of being responsible for last week's violence on the border, the worst since South Sudan became independent last year. Military leaders now say they fear an all-out war. </description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:23:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/fears-of-war-grow-as-sudan-talks-stall</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2579000/2579632/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a3b15d8dcac025f3d8fcb9c242ef9b54" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, Unity State, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, Sudan, Pipeline transport, Armed Forces of South Sudan, Sudan People's Armed Forces, Border, Sudanese Air Force, Aerial bomb</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Talks between Sudan and South Sudan have stalled as both sides accuse each other of being responsible for last week's violence on the border. Fighting had broken out last Monday, the worst flare-up of violence since South Sudan became independent last year. Military leaders now say they fear an all-out war. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri reports from South Sudan's Unity State.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan and South Sudan meet in Addis Ababa over border conflict [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032912?start=966</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Arab summit marks milestone for Baghdad as leaders remain divided, International Labor Organization calls on Bahrain to reinstate all sacked workers, Egypt's al-Ahly fans demand justice for Port Said victims, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-032912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1977.mp4" length="229713914" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2460000/2460946/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=c293bfa63cb2588766249c1b0b8ce9e8" />
        <media:keywords>Palestinians, Israel, Jerusalem, Syrian Civil War, Arab League, Israel Defense Forces, Bashar al-Assad, Israelis, Syria, Israeli–Palestinian conflict</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Sudanese army celebrated the withdrawal of South Sudan's soldiers from the border region of Heglig after days of clashes. The celebrations came shortly before the meeting between political leaders of the governments of Sudan and South Sudan in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to discuss security issues between the two countries. It is expected for the recent developments to dominate the talks.

Reporter, Female #2
After several days of clashes, the Sudanese army celebrated the withdrawal of South Sudan's soldiers from the disputed border region of Heglig. Sudanese officials confirmed they fully secured Heglig, which is surrounded by a number of oil wells and located 15 kilometers from South Sudan.

Guest, Male #1 (Major-General Abdul Mun'em Saad, Sudanese Army Deputy Chief of Staff) 
Our forces are now securing the Sudanese border, 36 kilometers from this area. As the whole world can see, Heglig is secure, and in turn, the areas around Heglig are also secure. The armed forces have taken the initiative; they're ready to fend off anyone who thinks they can launch an aggression on this vital and crucial region for Sudan.

Reporter, Female #2
Several days ago, Juba declared its control over Heglig. However, Khartoum confirmed it regained control of the area soon after. For three days, the Sudanese Air Force continuously launched air strikes on al-Wahda state of South Sudan. Khartoum then said it never launched any strikes on the territories of South Sudan. The two countries held each other responsible for starting the attacks amid a military escalation. This caused tension between the two countries that had witnessed a civil war that lasted more than 20 years. The international community considered the clashes to be a dangerous escalation that may lead to a new war between the two sides.

Guest, Male #2 (Mark Lyall Grant, British Ambassador to the UN)
The members of the Security Council are deeply alarmed by the military clashes in the region bordering Sudan and South Sudan, which threatens to precipitate a resumption of the conflict between the two countries, worsen the humanitarian situation, and lead to further civilian casualties. The members of the Security Council call upon the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to exercise maximum restraint and sustain purposeful dialogue in order to address peacefully the issues that are fueling the mistrust between the two countries.

Reporter, Female #2
These clashes came shortly before today's meeting between Sudan and South Sudan's governments in Addis Ababa to discuss security issues. It is likely for the clashes to dominate the meeting that was scheduled before the battles erupted. Some fear the meeting will hit a dead-end due to the confrontations. Maha Sukkar, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudanese forces recapture oil-rich border regions [Al-Alam, Iran]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032812?start=278</link>
        <description>The Sudanese Air Force launched a cross-border raid on South Sudan's Unity state as Khartoum announced it regained control of the Heglig area and other oil-rich border regions following confrontations with South Sudan's popular army, Al-Alam reports.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-032812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1969.mp4" length="230976604" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2419000/2419446/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=8a51671782768a3e676f66dad260e536" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Yemen Uprising, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Hillary Clinton, Israel, Arab Spring - duplicate, Heglig</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1
The Sudanese Air Force launched a cross-border raid on South Sudan's Unity state. Meanwhile, al-Khartoum announced it regained control of the Heglig area and other oil-rich border regions following confrontations with South Sudan's popular army. And while the two sides expressed their aversion to another war, the UN Security Council called for an end to the clashes.

Reporter, Male #1
Border disputes between Sudan and southern Sudan are still the main cause for the crisis between the two sides, opening the door to occasional confrontations. The renewed battles between the two sides led Khartoum to regain control of the Heglig area and another oil-rich border region after fierce fighting erupted between soldiers of Juba's popular army and Khartoum's army. Khartoum said its armed forces defeated attacks by South Sudan's popular army in the border area of al-Tashwin, and repelled attacks by groups affiliated with the Justice and Equality Movement, headed by Khalil Ibrahim, in the area of Martyr al-Fadil. Khartoum denied Juba's allegations of launching air raids on border regions, as the northern and southern sides expressed their opposition to another war. And amid the clashes between the north and the south, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rushed to place the weight of the responsibility on Khartoum. Clinton said current events reflect that the forces of the two sides are uneven. The UN Security Council expressed its concern over the clashes, calling for an end to the confrontations and what was referred to as all aggression between the two sides. The council also warned against continuing these confrontations.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan suspends summit with South Sudan following clashes [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032712?start=441</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Syria accepts Annan's ceasefire plan as Assad tours former rebel stronghold, Tunisia's Ennahda to preserve secular basis of the state, Sudan suspends summit with South Sudan following clashes, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-032712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-032712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1963.mp4" length="230372020" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2423000/2423707/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=a52030e80034e25016ec0cfd9f386dbe" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, West Bank, Palestinians, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel Defense Forces, Egypt, Hunger strike, Syrian Civil War, Ennahda, 2012 Ozar Hatorah Toulouse shooting</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
South Sudan's authorities said the Sudanese army's fighter jets shelled its border area for the second consecutive day, after ground battles broke out between Khartoum and Juba two days ago.

Presenter, Female #1
Before the accusation, the Sudanese government announced the cancellation of President Omar al-Bashir's visit to Juba, initially scheduled for April 3, after South Sudan's army launched an attack on the Heglig region of South Kordofan on Monday.

Reporter, Male #2
The long border between Sudan and South Sudan, still awaiting demarcation in accordance with the treaty recently signed by the two sides, has suddenly turned into a battlefield in the conflict over the oil-rich areas of the two countries. The region now feels like a war zone. It appears the political table was turned after the Sudanese government announced its new top priority is to fend off what it referred to as an aggression.

Guest, Male #3 (Al-Haj Adam, Sudanese Vice President)
We will decide on the next move when the issue becomes clear. But, all the people are now behind our armed forces. We are all behind our armed forces. For now, we have no comments to make. I mean, we will not comment on the negotiations, or the next phase.

Reporter, Male #2
The course of these events began to move in the opposite direction after South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit suddenly announced that the Sudanese army shelled the southern areas, and the People's Liberation Army responded by entering the Heglig region in South Kordofan. On the other side, the Sudanese army denied that the People's Liberation Army has taken control of the Heglig region, or that any shelling was launched on southern areas. However, political observers believe this new development will further complicate the situation that was already far from ideal.

Guest, Male #4 (Al-Nour Ahmed al-Nour, Editor-in-Chief of al-Sahafa Newspaper)
The shocking latest development in the Heglig region will first strengthen the extremists' position in both sides, meaning the people who do not wish to have any rapprochement between the two countries. In addition, it will prompt others who desire peace to work outside the framework of negotiations. Military operations will not solve the ongoing crisis between Sudan and the South. Only negotiations can resolve these situations.

Reporter, Male #2
These rapid and dramatic developments come only three days after the latest visit of Pagan Amum, head of South Sudan's government delegation that is negotiating the unresolved issues between the two sides. The visit was met with great optimism. Security was one of the most outstanding issues on the agenda; however, it did not even succeed in activating the non-aggression pact recently signed by the two sides. The optimistic spirit created by the latest visit did not last long. The military conflicts have altered the relationship between the two sides from engaging in dialogue to war. This development is the worst option for both countries under the extremely sensitive circumstances. Al-Tahir al-Mardi, Al Jazeera, Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Southern Kordofan: Casualties Mount in Area Without Medical Help</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/civilian-casualties-mount-in-south-kordofan-fighting?start=0</link>
        <description>Sudan's South Kordofan region has seen heavy fighting since South Sudan became independent in July last year. But injured civilians face a struggle to find medical resources to help them.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:14:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/civilian-casualties-mount-in-south-kordofan-fighting</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-2110000/2110680/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=7a047e4248620995c3263ca3572381bc" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, South Kordofan, South Kordofan conflict, Civilian casualties, Sudan, Air strike, SPLM, Nuba Mountains, Artillery, Nuba peoples</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Sudan's South Kordofan region has seen heavy fighting since South Sudan became independent in July last year, with many civilians at risk from air raids and artillery bombardments by Sudanese forces fighting rebels. But injured civilians face a struggle to find medical resources to help them.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Thousands of South Sudan Refugees in Need of Aid</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/thousands-of-south-sudan-refugees-in-need-of-aid?start=0</link>
        <description>Fighting in Sudan has displaced nearly half a million people,  with thousands fleeing south across the border. Refugee camps in remote areas are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands now live at Yida Refugee Camp in South Sudan.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:37:00 -0700</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/thousands-of-south-sudan-refugees-in-need-of-aid</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1979000/1979109/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=f1f477c883be5ced7e5bed5913523489" />
        <media:keywords>South Sudan, Sudan, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, Refugee camp, Refugee, Air strike, Humanitarian aid, United Nations, Humanitarian crisis</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Fighting in Sudan has displaced nearly half a million people,  with thousands fleeing south across the border. Refugee camps in remote areas are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands now live at Yida Refugee Camp in South Sudan.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Meet Joseph Kony, Africa's Most Wanted Man</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/meeting-joseph-kony-africas-most-wanted-man?start=0</link>
        <description>He's the leader of the feared Lord's Resistance Army and number one on the International Criminal Court's &quot;most wanted&quot; list. Filmed in June 2006, this was Joseph Kony's first interview for over 20 years.</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:23:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/meeting-joseph-kony-africas-most-wanted-man</guid>
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1531000/1531747/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=38be1e2c8f7b28e828cf63b4bf57d0b9" />
        <media:keywords>Joseph Kony, Lord's Resistance Army, Vincent Otti, Uganda, South Sudan, Lord's Resistance Army insurgency, Riek Machar, Politics of Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yoweri Museveni</media:keywords>
        <media:text>He's Africa's most wanted man, the leader of the feared Lord's Resistance Army. In what was his first interview for over 20 years, filmed in June 2006, Joseph Kony explained his reasons for fighting: &quot;I am a freedom fighter not a terrorist. We are fighting for total democracy.&quot; 

It's a surprising statement from a man widely believed to be a mad fantasist fighting for God. It's taken nearly a year of negotiations for Kony to agree to this interview. In his jungle hideout in the DRC, he seems relaxed and at ease. He weighs up each question with consideration and is surprisingly articulate. &quot;The LRA has never been involved in any abductions, rapes or mutilations. That's just Museveni's propaganda.&quot; Perhaps mindful of his reputation, Kony denies suggestions God told him to fight. He does, however, admit to being guided by &quot;very many spirits.&quot; And Vincent Otti, his number two states: &quot;We are fighting to defend the 10 Commandments.&quot; It's believed Kony is about to begin peace talks with the Ugandan government. He's been following the case of former Liberian leader Charles Taylor with interest. But Kony himself has no fear of an international tribunal. As the VP of South Sudan states: &quot;If we can bring about a peaceful settlement, the legal process can be done later.&quot;</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Sudan formally files complaint to UNSC, AU against South Sudan [Al Jazeera, Qatar]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022912?start=1029</link>
        <description>Al Jazeera reports that the Sudanese government filed an official complaint at the United Nations Security Council after fighting intensified in South Kordofan, accusing the government of South Sudan of planning to attack the Buhayrat al-Abyad region.</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022912</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022912-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1740.mp4" length="229563424" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1283000/1283172/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=13b48948bb2a66c74b6465032db2d58b" />
        <media:keywords>Syrian Civil War, Syria, United States, United Nations, Casualties of the Iraq War, Hana Shalabi, Bahrain Uprising, Ramallah, South Sudan, Sudan</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1   
The UN Secretary-General's representative to the Republic of South Sudan, Hilde Johnson, warned tension between Sudan and South Sudan may drag the two countries into a direct military confrontation. For his part, Sudan's foreign minister assured an end to hostilities between the two countries and a rebuilding of mutual trust if the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement is implemented and South Sudan severs its connection to Sudanese insurgent groups. On the other hand, Johnson, with the assistance of the United Nations, reviewed measures taken to prepare documents for South Sudan natives living in Sudan, paving the way for their return or for legalizing their current residence. She discussed trade and allowing citizens of both countries near the border to move without restraint. Meanwhile, the Sudanese government filed an official complaint at the Security Council accusing the government of South Sudan of planning to attack the Buhayrat al-Abyad region in South Kordofan. Khartoum warned the Security Council of the consequences of failing to condemn the South, saying it will undermine the security of the region. In addition, Sudan called on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and commit to exercising its right to respond.

Reporter, Male #1
Through the UN Security Council, a clear and strong message was sent to the government of South Sudan to stop supporting the armed movement. Using this rhetoric, the Sudanese government said it filed a complaint at the United Nations against the South Sudanese government after fighting intensified in South Kordofan. Khartoum considers the fighting to be a malicious attack by Juba, and warned the international community of the ramifications of failing to exert pressure on the South; this is Sudan's fourth such complaint.

Guest, Male #2 (Al-Abeed Ahmed Maruh, Sudanese Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
If the Security Council fails to condemn such an action, it will widely open the door to other actions. It will definitely destabilize the region. Sudan will not remain a spectator to these violations; otherwise, there will be no end to it.

Reporter, Male #1
The government of South Sudan downplayed Khartoum's complaint at the Security Council and considered it an internal matter. It accused Khartoum of supporting anti-Juba rebels.

Guest, Male #3 (Atem Yaak Atem, South Sudan's Deputy Minister of Information)
This is an internal crisis in north Sudan, we do not need to interfere in the affairs of other countries, nor should anyone interfere in our internal affairs. The truth is that South Sudan is the one that has cases against Sudan because Sudan is supporting individuals from the South fighting Juba's government.

Reporter, Male #1
Followers of Sudanese affairs believe the UN Security Council will not exert any pressure on Juba, downplaying the usefulness of Khartoum's complaint. They believe that filing complaints has not been able to resolve the crisis.

Guest, Male #4 (Osman Merghani, Tayyar Newspaper Editor-in-Chief )
I do not expect the Security Council to take action to exert pressure, or even simply send a message, to South Sudan. Because, on the international level, the current situation between the two countries is perhaps slightly in favor of South Sudan. There are no alternative means for the two sides other than sitting down with each other, once again, at the negotiation table.

Reporter, Male #1
In light of the escalating dispute between the two sides and the ongoing military action, the resumption of negotiations next week will not be easy amid an atmosphere dominated by tension and mistrust. A complaint is filed at the Security Council as battles are ongoing on the ground. The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement has not stopped the gunfire. This is the situation of the crisis between Sudan and South Sudan, and as the possibility of an internal war looms on the horizon, both sides are searching for new platforms for negotiation. Al-Taher al-Mardi, al-Jazeera, Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Khartoum blames foreign forces for conflict with South Sudan [BBC Arabic, UK]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812?start=1070</link>
        <description>&lt;p&gt;Amnesty accuses Iran of intensifying clampdown ahead of elections, Saudi Arabia takes new measures to avoid an uprising, death toll mounts as shelling of Syria's Baba Amr continues, and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022812</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022812-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1725.mp4" length="229471967" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1246000/1246201/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=069e4babe239184b278ff79c6914841c" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran, Nuclear program of Iran, Gaza, Palestinians, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, Iranian legislative election, 2012, Yemen Uprising, Palestinian prisoners in Israel</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Female #1   
Sudan accused what it referred to as foreign forces of being behind the ongoing oil dispute between Khartoum and South Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti said during his visit to China that foreign powers are unhappy with China's presence in Sudan.

Reporter, Male #1
During his visit to Beijing, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti accused what he referred to as foreign forces of being behind the ongoing conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, explaining they are upset over China's investments in his country. Karti said he conveyed a message from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Bashir reaffirmed Khartoum's permanent support for China and its investments in Sudan. The Sudanese minister did not hesitate to send a warning to unspecified foreign powers, saying they intend to prevent Chinese companies from drilling for Sudanese oil.

Guest, Male #2
It is obvious in our assessment that these powers fundamentally reject Chinese investments, fought them during the oil exploration, and beat the engineers who were working in the oil fields installing equipment and pipelines. Since the war, the goal of these powers has been very obvious, and that is to prevent China from investing in Sudan's oil industry.

Reporter, Male #1
The oil issue between Sudan and South Sudan started when Juba stopped transporting its oil through the north's pipelines at the beginning of the year, after Khartoum decided to retain half of the oil as a fee for transferring it through its territory. South Sudan is still forced to transport its oil through the north in order to export it from Port Sudan. One-third of Sudanese oil is exported to China. Rashid Sakkari, BBC.</media:text>
      </item>
      <item>
        <title>Tension escalates between Khartoum and Juba over key areas [Dubai TV, UAE]</title>
        <link>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022712?start=578</link>
        <description>North Sudan accused South Sudan of carrying out attacks and incursions into its Buhairat al-Abyad region in a development described by Khartoum as &quot;a step towards war,&quot; Dubai TV reports. The attack sparked new clashes between the two armies.</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
        <guid>http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022712</guid>
        <enclosure url="http://download.news.linktv.org/mosaic-news-022712-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video-1716.mp4" length="229963694" type="video/mp4" />
        <media:thumbnail url="http://news.linktv.org/images/image_cache/base-1209000/1209039/thumbnail.width=640,height=360,grow=1,crop=center.jpg?sig=eb6fc3e9c627267c3da2a76118de4f9e" />
        <media:keywords>Israel, Iran, Tear gas, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Nigerian Sharia conflict, Khartoum, Nuclear program of Iran, Vladimir Putin, Bahrain Uprising</media:keywords>
        <media:text>Presenter, Male #1
The memorandum of understanding signed between Khartoum and Juba has become a worthless piece of paper amid counter-accusations between the two sides over attempts to disrupt security and stability in the region. North Sudan accused South Sudan of carrying out attacks and incursions into its territories, in a new development described by Khartoum as &quot;a step towards war.&quot; The new confrontation may impede efforts to revive talks between the two sides over stalled outstanding issues. Our correspondent Sami al-Shinawi reports from Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #2
The papers of the non-aggression agreement signed by North Sudan and South Sudan nearly two weeks ago are being blown away by the winds of war looming between the two sides. Southern Sudanese forces launched a direct military attack on the Buhairat al-Abyad region. The southern forces also carried out an incursion, advancing more than 6 kilometers deep into the northern territories. The attack sparked fierce clashes between the two armies.

Guest, Male #3 (Sawarmi Khaled Sa'id, Sudanese Army Spokesman)
A direct attack was launched on Buhairat al-Abyad region. The attack, which was led by the People's Army, was launched from the southern Sudanese territories.

Reporter, Male #2
A list of accusations aimed at disrupting security and stability was directed by the Sudanese army against the government of South Sudan.

Guest, Male #3 (Sawarmi Khaled Sa'id, Sudanese Army Spokesman)
We must closely monitor the government of South Sudan, which continues to plot against Sudan. Juba has not disengaged from the People's Army over its ties with the army's 9th and 10th battalions in South Kordofan.

Reporter, Male #2
The exchange of accusations between the two armies is not new. However, its timing is critical as it coincides with the implementation of the security agreement that calls for an end to the military escalation and a resumption of talks over stalled issues.

Guest, Male #4 (Jamal Mohamed Ibrahim, Writer and Journalist)
I'm not optimistic. I don't like to be pessimistic, but this is my view of the situation. Unfortunately, I expect more deep divisions to take place in the country.

Reporter, Male #2
All options are available amid an atmosphere in which war is more likely to prevail than peace. And between war and peace, the crisis continues in the states of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, which are being accused of supporting rebel movements. The stalemate between North Sudan and South Sudan shows that peace between the two neighbors remains far-fetched, especially as the rhetoric continues to undermine their newborn relationship. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, Khartoum.</media:text>
      </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
