EU imposes oil embargo against Iran [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
European diplomats stated that European Union ambassadors agreed to impose a ban on Iranian oil imports and sanctions on Iran's central bank. However, the ministers decided to postpone the full enforcement of the ban and give Iran a grace period that will end on July 1. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed a planned visit to Iran on January 29. The IAEA said the main objective of the visit is to solve all outstanding substantive issues pertaining to Tehran's activities.

Reporter, Female #2
The European Union is punishing Iran once again for its nuclear program by adopting sanctions described as "unprecedented." These sanctions include imposing a gradual ban on Iranian oil imports while allowing existing contracts to be fulfilled within several months, freezing assets in Iran's central bank in an attempt to cut off its source of investments, and banning all trade of gold, diamonds, and other precious metals with Iran. Iran did not respond to the Europeans' call for resuming negotiations about its nuclear program and is now, therefore, facing EU sanctions.

Guest, Female #3 (Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Policy Chief)
The pressure of sanctions is designed to try and make sure that Iran takes seriously our request to come to the table.

Reporter, Female #2
The French president believes that imposing additional sanctions means avoiding the risk of a military intervention, especially since this threat was recently escalated. Both sides held military exercises in the Gulf, and Iran threatened to close down the Strait of Hormuz. But it seems as though the exceedingly tense situation has been mitigated to a certain degree. The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln passed through the Strait of Hormuz accompanied by French and British military regiments. The transit took place without incident. Tehran did not consider the transit to be a new threat, and interpreted it as part of the West's permanent military presence in the region. Some see Iran's interpretation as a retreat from its previous threats suggesting that US aircraft carriers should not return to the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, others believed it was merely a change of strategy. Iran is not giving up on what it says is its right to possess nuclear capabilities, which it describes as peaceful. Washington approached a number of countries to persuade them to reduce their dependence on Iran's oil. These attempts succeeded with some countries, such as Japan, and are ongoing with others. Washington's attempts are currently focused on African countries.

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Morocco's February 20th movement vows to press on despite Islamists' withdrawal [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
The February 20th Youth Movement vowed to continue protests to demand reform in Morocco. The movement says it is working to reorganize its ranks after the Justice and Charity organization pulled out. The February 20th Movement believes that the program proposed by Benkirane's government does not respond to the people's demands to reform and fight corruption in the country.

Reporter, Male #2
The February 20th Movement came out to protest in a number of Moroccan cities. The movement considers this action to be a response to those who believed that the protests would die out after the government was formed and the Justice and Charity organization withdrew from its ranks. The movement affirmed it will continue protesting and insisting on their demands, which have been raised since the movement was established.

Guest, Male #3 (Rahid al-Bulghiti, February 20th Movement)
Those who bet on the death of the February 20th Movement are betting on the death of the people, and are betting on the death of dreams and aspirations. These dreams and aspirations will not die. We are here to demand democracy, justice, employment, housing, and a new constitution.

Reporter, Male #2
The movement responded with more protests against the program that was proposed to parliament by Benkirane's government. The protestors believe that Benkirane's statement in the program proposal confirms that the government's jurisdictions are still limited and that many issues are still beyond its power, especially the issue of political reforms.

Guest, Male #3
The government statement, just like all previous government statements, is only a statement and will not go beyond empty words. This is because we live in a reality and infrastructure that does not allow any government to function in accordance with what is expected, nor does it allow any government to reflect the people's will.

Reporter, Male #2
The protestors condemned the government's silence about the unemployed youths who set themselves on fire. The protestors demanded that an investigation be launched into what was considered the self-immolation of those unemployed. They also demanded that the corrupt be tried, as well those who robbed the public of its wealth and committed human rights violations.

Guest, Male #4 (Abdul Samd Ayyash, Media Coordinator of February 20th Movement)
Our basic demand today is to try and hold accountable the corrupt, those who stole the public's wealth, and those involved in political crimes against the Moroccan people. Because that is essentially the key to making change happen in this country.

Reporter, Male #2
From Rabat, the movement sent encrypted messages to the Moroccan authorities, condemning the continued harassment of the movement with various methods, including the use of the judiciary. The movement vowed to continue protesting until changes occur, including guarantees of freedom, dignity, social justice, equality before the law, and the people's sovereignty.

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Gaddafi loyalists seize former regime stronghold [Press TV, Iran]

Now in Libya, loyalists of slain leader Muammar Gaddafi have taken control of the northwestern town of Bani Walid. Gaddafi supporters took the town after laying siege on the main military base belonging to the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC). At least five NTC members have been killed and 30 others injured. Reports say the base is still under the siege of about 100 armed men. Arab media say the base has been occupied. Tensions have been high in Libya over the past weeks as the people demand all Gaddafi-era officials be sacked.

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Egypt's new parliament appoints speaker [Press TV, Iran]

In Egypt, the newly elected Lower House has elected Saad al-Katani as the new speaker. The chamber held its first session nearly a year after a popular revolution toppled former ruler Hosni Mubarak. This is the first Parliament in Egypt's history that's been elected by the people. The new chamber opened its inaugural session with lawmakers standing up for a minute of silence. This, in memory of those killed during the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak. The deputies were sworn in one by one, promising to preserve the safety of the nation, and the interests of the people, and to respect the constitution and the law. Outside Parliament, people massed to cheer the historic event. The People's Assembly or Lower House consists of 498 MPs as well as ten appointed by the ruling military council. Islamic parties dominate the chamber. They have nearly three quarters of the seats

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Syria's Douma holds mass for funerals as Mazzeh rallies for Assad [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male # 1
The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said the gunfire of the army and security forces killed 11 people, mostly in Idlib and Homs. The commission added that many neighborhoods in Homs witnessed explosions and heavy gunfire. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 150,000 people gathered today in Douma, near Damascus, to participate in the funeral processions of 12 killed civilians. The Observatory said the number of participants is the largest since the start of the uprising in Syria in March of last year. The Observatory indicated that Douma witnessed violent clashes days earlier between the Syrian army and groups of defectors, which led security forces to withdraw from the area. In another development, Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, the head of the Arab observers' mission to Syria, presented his report to the Arab League. In his report, he cited the delegation's goal was to view the reality on the ground. He indicated it was criticized by both pro- and anti-regime Syrians.

Guest, Male # 2 (Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, Arab League mission's chief)
Some of the things that were happening were greatly exaggerated. The reaction of the Arab League and Arab leaders to the issue is reflected domestically. And in reality, when I returned and was asked to present my report on the 19th, we included the citizens' reactions, the loyalists and dissenters. The loyalists viewed our visit as a prelude to foreign introduction, while dissenters considered our visit a way to prolong the life of the regime.

Presenter, Male # 1
Also in Syria, protestors loyal to President Bashar al-Assad asked the Arab League to support him in his attempt to quell demonstrations demanding his downfall. Protestors were filmed by the BBC team in the neighborhood of al-Mazzeh 86, that has a majority of Alawites, confirming their commitment to al-Assad. This comes as activists in the town of Douma posted videos online showing army and security forces firing at mourners, leading to the deaths of four people. The Free Syrian Army then succeeded in forcing them to retreat.

Reporter, Male # 3
Only a few minutes after our arrival to the area of al-Mazzeh 86, we found ourselves surrounded by the Syrian president's supporters. They were expecting us. These images were printed in advance but we have no reason to doubt these people's sincerity. They belong to the Alawite sect, from which President Bashar al-Assad hails and constitutes nearly ten percent of the population. They are calling on the Arab League to support their president in fighting what they say is armed gangs and a foreign conspiracy to destroy the country. Many residents here work in the army, security forces and secret services. Some were killed while confronting demonstrations. This child says his older brother was killed this month. His friend says he applied to work in the state's intelligence service. In a few days, he could find himself in Douma, a Damascus neighborhood that the BBC was not permitted to visit. These videos posted online confirm mourners were attacked two days earlier. Protestors say four were killed by the army's gunfire. The bodies of the killed were placed in the mosque while the army was outside. Later, it was said the soldiers withdrew from Douma. They Free Syrian Army says it forced them to do so, threatening to attack Bashar al-Assad's palace and execute five detainees if the security forces return. The Arab League is warning of the risk of civil war in Syria but it has still not found a way to prevent the situation from heading in that direction.

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Yemen's Saleh leaves for US, revolution youth protest for his prosecution [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
After Muscat, the United States was the final destination for Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was granted permission to enter US territory for a limited time to undergo medical treatment. Saleh arrived at the Sultan private airport in Muscat hours after delivering a speech in the Yemeni capital. In his speech, Saleh asked for forgiveness from the Yemeni people and vowed to return to Yemen to continue leading the General People's Congress party. Our correspondent, Abed Rahman al-Shimiri reports from Sanaa.

Reporter, Male #2
After being granted immunity, Ali Abdullah Saleh securely exited the country for a temporary medical visit to the United States. Before leaving Yemen, Saleh asked his people to forgive him for any "shortcomings" during his 33-year rule. A position that Saleh's loyalists describe as part of a policy of "reconciliation and tolerance" called for by the Yemeni president.

Guest, Male #3 (Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemeni President)
I ask for forgiveness from all citizens of our nation, women and men, for any shortcomings during my 33-year-rule.

Reporter, Male #2
However, it seems as though Saleh's departure has failed to diffuse the rage of revolutionary youths, who said that his departure didn't only fall short of meeting their demands, but also inspired them to push ahead for the trial of anyone implicated in the murder of demonstrators.

Guest, Male #4 (Mohammed Saleh, Member of the opposition Joint Meeting Parties)
Ali Saleh's departure yesterday marks the beginning of the departure of his relatives, God willing, as well as the beginning of the regime's downfall, which the revolutionary youths have been demanding for over ten months.

Reporter, Male #2
Meanwhile, the opposition described Saleh's departure, which is not expected to last more than a month, as quote "a temporary move dictated by the status quo." The opposition also believes that his departure marks a new phase that will allow Yemenis to begin the formation of a civil modern state.

Guest, Male #4
His speech doesn't concern us. What is important is for him to stop hurting the Yemeni people and to restrain his elements. We now have five provinces that are subject to the spread of al-Qaeda influence, which has been facilitated by security and military agencies loyal to him.

Reporter, Male #2
So it's the beginning of a new phase that's filled with challenges and concerns, especially considering that in only four weeks, Yemeni Vice President Abed Rabu Mansur Hadi will be inaugurated as the country's new president, marking an end to Saleh's rule. While some believe that Saleh's departure will create an opportunity to complete the power-transfer deal, others downplayed its importance, saying that the president is still capable of causing confusion, even from faraway in the northwest. Abed Rahman al-Shimiri, Dubai TV, Sanaa.

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Settlers reject Netanyahu's proposal to relocate illegal outpost [IBA, Israel]

In the news here at home, most residents of Migron, the Migron outpost in the West Bank, today flatly rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request that they voluntarily abandon their illegal outpost in favor of a new settlement, which will be built nearby. Some say they have lost all confidence in Netanyahu and they called on Likud supporters to boycott the approaching primaries. Are these scenes going to be repeated in the near future? This is what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was hoping to avoid when he announced his new plan for the Migron outpost yesterday. Netanyahu proposed that the residents voluntarily move their existing illegal outpost, which is situated on private Palestinian land, to a new site which will be established on authorized, sate-owned land.

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Palestinian lawmakers call for release of Dweik [IBA, Israel]

The speaker of the Hamas dominated Palestinian legislative council remains behind bars today. The military court has extended the remand of Abdul Aziz Dweik until tomorrow. Dweik's lawyer believes the prosecution will seek to have the client placed under administrative detention. Hamas lawmaker, who is currently being held hear the Ofer prison near Ramallah, was arrested last Thursday on the suspicion of involvement with terror groups. He claims his arrest was aimed at foiling the reconciliation process between Hmas and Fatah and preventing the Palestinian parliament from convening.

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Iraq rejects request to release Arab prisoners in Iraq [Al-Iraqiya TV, Iraq]

Presenter, Male #1
Certain brotherly Arab countries have played a prominent role in fueling Iraq's years of struggle by supplying terrorist groups with money and manpower. Now that the crisis is over, these countries are the first to demand the release of detained terrorists.

Presenter, Female #1
Today, Iraq insists on trying Arab terrorists who have come here over the past several years to carry out terrorist operations but who fell into the hands of justice.

Reporter, Male #2
The attacks launched by terrorist groups on Iraqi territory in the aftermath of the downfall of the defunct regime have caused several troubling issues. Perhaps the most prominent of these issues is the presence of al-Qaeda and its Arab affiliate groups, which have committed many crimes against the Iraqi people. So how does the Sharia law view these groups that are now in the hands of the Iraqi judiciary?

Guest, Male #3 (Sheikh Mahdi al-Saeedi, Head of the Commission for Sunni Community in Iraq)
From the perspective of the Sharia law, it is certain that those who are proven to have killed people, or who confess to having done so, or who have witnesses or evidence against them, especially those who murdered or violated Muslims and Iraqi citizens, of course, they have to be punished. As God says, "in retribution, there's a lesson to be learned."

Reporter, Male #2
Article 73 of the Iraqi constitution excludes terrorist crimes from special amnesty laws. A number of officials in certain Arab countries requested that the Iraqi leadership release the Arab detainees in Iraqi prisons who were arrested and have confessed to committing crimes.

Guest, Male #4 (Mahmoud al-Hassan, Member of Parliament)
The president of the republic cannot issue special pardons for these crimes. According to Article 73 of the constitution, the president of the republic is authorized to pardon crimes, but certain crimes were excluded from the amnesty law, such as terrorist crimes.

Reporter, Male #2
Security commanders confirmed that most Arab prisoners arrested in Iraq in compliance with arrest warrants have confessed to committing criminal acts. And based on criminal evidence, they were handed over to the judiciary to face justice.

Reporter, Male #2
The Arab officials' demand to release their citizens detained in Iraq is considered to be interference in the Iraqi judicial affairs. Iraqi officials say that Iraq's judiciary has proven on more than one occasion that it cannot succumb to pressure, especially in cases pertaining to the bloodshed of the Iraqi people. Mohamed al-Khafaji, al-Iraqiya, Baghdad.