Obama calls for diplomatic solution with Iran [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female # 1
American President Barack Obama warned of great risks if there's a military attack on Iran. He expressed his wish for a diplomatic solution to the crisis related to the Iranian nuclear program. In Iran, the deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, warned that his country's forces will attack any country from which the flames of war on Iran are launched.

Reporter, Female # 2
The message might have reached Washington and its allies that the Persian Gulf region is no longer open for them to come and go as they please to flex their muscles. And with the presence of Iran's growing force, it is no longer possible to disregard the country as it is ready for those tempted to attack it. And, it seems, it is for this reason that American President Barack Obama made statements ruling out that the Israeli occupation entity has decided to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. Obama expressed his desire to solve the crisis around Iran's nuclear program through diplomatic means.

Guest, Male # 1 (Barack Obama, US president)
I don't think that Israel has made a decision on what they need to do. I think they, like us, believe that Iran has to stand down on its nuclear weapons program. But, again, our goal is to solve this diplomatically.

Reporter, Female # 2
In an interview with the American channel NBC, Obama warned of the great risks that must be considered before militarily attacking Iran. He said he does not want more conflict in the oil-rich region; he considered any additional military activity to be problematic for the US. As for Tel Aviv, it is aware that it is weaker than a spider's web, lacking the most basic strategic military defense elements, as made clear in its latest wars on Gaza and Lebanon. So it has backpedaled on suggestions by some of its officials that the decision has been made to attack Iran. Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense chairman Shaul Mofaz described public statements by Israeli officials on the possibility of attacking Iran as "irresponsible." He confirmed the need to make objective decisions. This comes as Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is on a trip to Washington to meet with his counterpart Hillary Clinton and members of the US Congress to discuss their stance on Iran. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warned against Israeli officials threatening to beat the drums of war in the confrontation with Iran. He said launching an attack on the country will be a catastrophe. This comes as deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards, General Hossein Salami, threatened that any piece of land used by the enemy to launch an operation against Iran will be the target of a revenge attack by the Iranian armed forces. On the sidelines of the ground maneuvers in southern Iran, Salami confirmed that any site from which the flames of war and aggression on the Islamic Republic are initiated will be subjected to a response by the Iranian forces. This warning leaves no room to doubt that war will not be limited to one area if Iran is attacked. And this explains the clear hesitation around the decision to launch war.

--

New IAF chief says Iran is top concern [IBA, Israel]

Incoming Air Force Chief Amir Eshel said the Iranian drive to achieve nuclear capability, while at the same time attempting to undermine sovereign countries around the world must be stopped. He was speaking to foreign diplomats and journalists at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs before the announcement of his new appointment. Major General Eshel will be charged with the responsibility of carrying out an attack on the Islamic Republic if the order is given.

--

Are Israel and the US on the same page with Iran issue? [IBA, Israel]

Joining us in the studio to discuss recent statements coming from Washington is Calev Ben David, senior Israel correspondent from Bloomberg News. President Obama said Israel had not yet decided what to do about Iran. He stressed that Washington and Jerusalem are on the same page. Just a few days ago though Obama's defense chief said he thought Israel might attach Iran in the spring. Are they on the same page? David: Maybe about a strike, I mean I think there is a little too much talk about whether or not a strike is imminent. I don't think at this time that it is. But I think on the question of sanctions, the timing of sanctions, I think they are not on the same page.

--

Palestinian rivals agree to form Abbas-led unity government [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
In the Qatari capital, the Doha declaration was signed following talks between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the head of the Hamas political bureau, Khaled Meshal, under the auspices of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The announcement stipulates that the PA's president, Mahmoud Abbas, will lead an interim unity government that will oversee the elections.

Presenter, Male #1
In the first Israeli reaction to the Doha announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is choosing to abandon the path of peace by signing an agreement with Hamas. During a Likud ministers' meeting, Netanyahu said that Abbas must choose between reconciliation with Hamas and the path of peace with Israel. Palestinian factions welcomed the signing of the Doha agreement, stressing the importance of forming an interim government that is capable of preparing for presidential, legislative and national council elections. However, some factions expressed reservations, most notably the ability of the Fatah and Hamas movements to implement the agreement. The Palestinian public has cautiously welcomed the deal.

Reporter, Female #1
It's the good news Palestinians have been waiting for since the signing of the Cairo reconciliation deal nine months ago. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was nominated to head a new government, following an extensive debate over Salam Fayyad's candidacy to head the new interim government. The Palestinian street has cautiously welcomed the deal, amid varying opinions over the elections.

Guest, Male #2
It's not important who will lead the newly-formed government. What's important is to end the division in Palestine.

Guest, Male #3
No steps to prepare for the elections are being taken on the ground. We, the Palestinian people, demand a democratic solution, as it's the best option in dealing with our cause.

Reporter, Female #1
Amid caution, Palestinian factions that didn't sign the agreement said they welcome any step toward the path to reconciliation.

Guest, Male #6 (Qais Abu Layla, Political Office of the Democratic Front Member)
What's important is to form this interim government and to hold elections within 90 days of its formation, as mandated by law.

Reporter, Female #1
However, some factions expressed reservations, amid fears over the failure to implement the latest agreement.

Guest, Male #6 (Jamil Majalawi, Political Office of the Popular Front Member)
I have two concerns. First, I'm warning against turning this deal into yet another paper with no serious intention to implement it. Second, I was hoping that this announcement would be issued from Cairo.

Guest, Male #7
Although we were not part of this government, and not part of this division, we are keen to preserve Palestinian interests and the restructuring of our internal front. What's important is to end the crisis.

Reporter, Female #1
The Palestinian people hope the deal will help resolve more outstanding issues, similar to the breakthrough witnessed in the detainees' file, in which dozens of political prisoners were freed. They also hope that the newly-formed committees will be able to solve social reconciliation issues, as well as passport and freedom of travel issues. A new obstacle was removed from the path to reconciliation, an indication that some of the biggest challenges, which lasted for months and even years, could be resolved by displaying a real political will and by continuing to move forward on the path to unity. Shireen Abu Akela, al-Jazeera, occupied Ramallah.

--

Another Bahraini killed by toxic tear gas fired into his house [Press TV, Iran]

Now in Bahrain, another person has died from inhaling tear gas fired at him and his family by Saudi-backed forces. Ali Abdullah was killed when regime forces fired tear gas into his house several days ago. Meanwhile, clashes between regime forces and protestors continue for another day outside the capital Manama. Activists say clashes with Saudi-backed forces are an order of the day. They say the clashes erupt after police officers attack peaceful protestors.

--

Yemenis demand prosecution of Saleh [Press TV, Iran]

People in Yemen have taken to the streets across the country including the capital Sanaa calling for the prosecution of embattled ruler Ali Abudllah Saleh. Yemenis blame Saleh and his aides for the killing of nearly 2,000 protestors since their revolution began last year. The protestors also demand that the international community help them get rid of Saleh, who is on a trip to the US for what is being labeled as a medical visit. Saleh left Sanaa as soon as parliament passed a bill granting him full immunity from prosecution. The Yemeni people have slammed the law, calling it illegal.

--

Rights groups urge Israel to end demolition of Palestinian property [Press TV, Iran]

Israeli forces have arrested four Israeli activists trying to stop the demolition of a Palestinian property in East Jerusalem, al Quds. A bulldozer hired by the Israeli municipality cleared the land for a new national park. Some Israeli NGOs say the park's construction is politically motivated. They accuse Tel Aviv of trying to block the development of impoverished and overcrowded Palestinian neighborhoods. Rights groups and international organizations including the UN have called on Israel to end such demolitions.

--

Sporadic clashes resume around Egypt interior ministry [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
In Egypt, efforts to appease the public have failed. Clashes were renewed last night between the revolutionaries and security forces near the Interior Ministry in Cairo. The police fired tear gas at the protestors, who responded by throwing stones at the ministry's building. In turn, hundreds of riot policemen shut down the roads leading to the site. Angry youths threw stones and Molotov cocktails in a number of streets leading to the area. Also in Egypt, an order was issued to transfer former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to Tora Prison and the figureheads of his regime to five other prisons. Sources in Egypt's Interior Ministry revealed that the interior minister ordered the prison hospital of Tora to anticipate the arrival of Mubarak, who has been detained in the International Medical Center. However, Interior Minister Deputy for Prison Sector Major-General Mohamed Naguib indicated the process of preparing the prison may take more than two months. In addition, the minister issued a decision to transfer 41 figureheads of the former regime to five central prisons. Today, 40 Egyptians and foreigners were brought to the Cairo Criminal Court on charges of providing illegal foreign funds to non-governmental organizations in the name of spreading democracy. The nationalities of those placed on trial were not immediately revealed. They were barred from traveling due to their involvement in the case. It is expected for the details of the defendants on trial to be revealed today, including their names, allegations against them, and details of their illegal funds, according to the investigating judge.

--

US closes embassy in Syria amid reports of intensified military assault on Homs [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The US embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus informed other diplomatic delegations that it closed down its doors and suspended its mission. The American ambassador to Damascus, Robert Ford, left the country, announcing the suspension of all the embassy's operations. The US embassy requested the Syrian authorities shut down the street on which the embassy is located, between the squares of Malki and Rawda, out of security concerns. Damascus rejected the request, prompting the US administration to threaten to shut down its embassy, which was finally done today. This comes as US President Barack Obama vowed to implement sanctions and intensify the pressure on President Bashar al-Assad's government to step down. However, he said it is possible to resolve the Syrian crisis without foreign military intervention. The US president expressed his belief that it is imperative to try to find a solution without resorting to foreign military intervention. He added that it is possible to do so. Obama made these statements in an interview aired today by the American NBC network. The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said the death toll in Syria rose to 67 people, including women and children; most were killed in Homs. Regime forces shelled a number of neighborhoods in Homs with artilleries and rockets, including Bab Amr, al-Inshaat and al-Khalidiya. For its part, Syria's state-run TV said what it referred to as terrorist groups bombed a gas pipeline that passes through the Talbisa region near Homs.

Reporter, Male #1
Activists say the neighborhoods of Homs, including Bab Amr, al-Khalidiya, al-Inshaat, Bab al-Sibaa and Bab Dreeb, are enduring the most violent shelling they have witnessed since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began 11 months ago. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, dozens were killed in the city this morning and many more were wounded, some are in critical condition. Activists say artillery and rocket shelling struck the field hospital and aimed to kill the largest number of people.

Guest, Male #2 (Omar Idlibi, Local Coordination Committees Spokesman)
They used rocket launchers and mortar shells; snipers are heavily stationed in most of the neighborhoods, targeting any moving object. The city has in fact turned into a ghost town. Neighborhoods such as Karm al-Zaytoun were shelled. The shelling was also concentrated in the neighborhoods of al-Bayada, al-Khalidiya, Deir Ba'albi, Bab Dreeb, as well as the town of Taldaw in al-Hawla city. Dozens of martyrs were killed in the city.

Reporter, Male #1
As far as the besieged city of al-Zabadani in the countryside of Damascus, it witnessed shelling that led to a number of deaths and massive damage to its buildings. Regime forces have been attempting to storm the city for several days. However, the fierce resistance by the defectors prevented them from entering the city.

Guest, Male #3 (Rami Abdul Rahman, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights)
For days, they have been trying to storm the city. Defected soldiers were fending them off, disrupting their attack and destroying their armored vehicles, inflicting many casualties on the Syrian regime's army, which hindered their attempt to storm the city. However, today they started storming the city from the eastern mountain. Until this moment, we don't know the extent of resistance they are facing.

Reporter, Male #1
Not far from al-Zabadani, specifically in the town of Darya, tanks violently stormed and shelled the town. Clashes between members of what is known as the Free Syrian Army and the regime's army can still be heard in these areas, which seems to be a main platform for battles aimed at taking control of the region near the capital. In this context, Brigadier-General Mustafa al-Sheikh, who defected from the regime's army, announced the formation of what he named the "Higher Revolutionary Military Council" to liberate Syria.

Guest, Male #4 (Colonel Malik Kurdi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief)
Brigadier-General Mustafa al-Sheikh has defected from the Syrian Arab Army, however, he has not declared he will join the Free Syrian Army. We do not share his vision in terms of the formation of the council. He did not consult us on the matter either.

Reporter, Male #1
This comes as Damascus asserts the storming of the city was carried out by infantrymen without the use of artilleries with the aim of cleansing the areas of what Damascus referred to as members of armed terrorist groups. Supporters of Damascus say these terrorists are directly responsible for the shelling.

Guest, Male #4 (Sharif Shahadah, Writer and Political Analyst in Damascus)
The Syrian people no longer want to remain silent about these armed groups that have violated all religions, sects, customs and traditions. Therefore, the Syrian government acted with its soldiers, but only with the infantrymen, not through shelling.

Reporter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Syria's state-run TV reported an explosion took place when those it referred to as terrorists were preparing explosive devices in a building in al-Khalidiya neighborhood of Homs, killing a number of them. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

Presenter, Female #1
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said France and Germany cannot accept the blocking of the international community's resolution on Syria after Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution at the Security Council that condemns the repression in Syria. Sarkozy said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he would make phone calls to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev this afternoon to inform him of his and Merkel's position. The German chancellor called on Moscow to carefully assess the consequences of its decisions.

--

Syrian defectors reveal information on Lebanese prisoners in Syria [Future TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Female #1
Some defectors from Syria's intelligence agencies revealed information they have on Lebanese detainees in Syria, including a Phalange official, Boutros Khawand. The information circulating in media networks drew the attention of the kidnapped man's family members, who can only hope for the best. Susan Dawouq reports.

Reporter, Female #2
News reports circulated information on Lebanese citizens kidnapped and detained in Syria. This information was revealed by defectors from Syria's intelligence, especially those who worked in its Palestinian branch, a security agency in charge of capturing "anti-regime" dissidents. The reports included the member of the Phalange party's political bureau Boutros Khawand, who was abducted near a checkpoint set up by the Syrian forces in Sin el-Fil. His wife, Janette Khawand revives their memories together through his pictures, hoping the Foreign Ministry will take action on the matter.

Guest, Female #3 (Janette Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand detained in Syria)
We have old information confirming that Boutros is there. New information emerged confirming that Boutros is indeed in a Syrian prison.

Reporter, Female #2
Is he being held at the Palestinian branch?

Guest, Female #3 (Janette Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand detained in Syria)
He was moved to several branches. The last branch was Tudmar. I don't know where he is now. They might have moved him again.

Reporter, Female #2
You contacted President Gemayel, what was the answer from the Phalanges?

Guest, Female #3 (Janet Khawand, wife of Boutros Khawand detained in Syria)
They told us they are investigating the matter. The Foreign Ministry formed a committee that was sent to Libya to look for missing leader Musa al-Sadr. They also did their best to bring back the detained Lebanese in Israeli prisons. Some of them came back in body bags. They must form a Lebanese committee to look for the detainees held in Syrian jails.

Reporter, Female #2
Boutros' son Rabi'a Khawand says they are putting their hopes on changes in Syria because President Bashar al-Assad's regime has not provided them any information about his father.

Guest, Male #1 (Rabi'a Khawand, son of Boutros Khawand)
As far as the situation in Syria is concerned, I hope that it will be on the path of change, which makes us more hopeful. God willing, he will be fine and he will return safely.

Reporter, Female #2
Lebanese Tony Riyashi was kidnapped on August 31, 1985, on his way to the airport. His wife Rabi'ah shows this picture of him, in which their son Hadi was only one year old. Today, the son is 26 years old and the family is still hoping for the return of the man of the house.

Guest, Female #4 (Rabi'ah Riyashi, wife of detainee Tony Riyashi)
I was hoping they would have informed us before making an announcement on television about the case.

Reporter, Female #1
Did you contact any officials about the case?

Guest, Female #4
It's still unclear. In the past, when we would ask for information we would have to pay to receive it. The Lebanese state must take serious action.

Reporter, Female #2
This is not the first time information is revealed about Lebanese citizens kidnapped in Syria. However, inaccurate information, though considered good news, only generates confusion and concern.