Iraqi government places death toll at nearly 70,000 since 2004 [Al-Iraqiya TV, Iraq]

Presenter, Male #1
The Iraqi government announced the number of fallen martyrs killed in Iraq between 2004 and 2011 has reached nearly 70,000. The figure is significantly smaller than those from other sources.

Presenter, Female #1
Government spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, said in a statement that the number of martyrs was based on reports issued by related government agencies, namely the Health Ministry and the National Security Council.

Reporter, Male #2
For the first time, an official number of fallen victims is being published. It tallies the number of people killed between April 5, 2004 and December 31, 2011. The figure was extracted from reports issued by the Health Ministry, in cooperation with the National Security Council, as confirmed by the Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh in a statement posted online. Al-Dabbagh said the number of victims reached 69,163 martyrs and 239,133 wounded. He added the figure represents the total number of victims killed and injured due to terrorist attacks, violence, and military operations. He further said the deadliest year was 2006, during which 21,539 people were killed and 39,329 were injured. In contrast, 2011 had the lowest number of victims, accounting for 2,777 martyrs. Between 2004 and the end of 2011, Baghdad province witnessed the highest number of martyrs.

Guest, Male #3 (Dr. Mohamed al-Shumari, Deputy Governor of Baghdad)
In the past, only those martyred or injured due to unknown acts of violence were included in the reports. However, Law 20 stipulates that all victims of combat and military operations, including friendly fire, as well as acts of terror, must be taken into account. The total number of victims in Baghdad stands at 31,000: 19,000 martyrs and 12,000 injured.

Reporter, Male #2
Diyala province accounts for the highest number of martyrs in proportion to its population. It's followed by Anbar province, then Ninawa.

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Support grows for Palestinian Hana Shalabi's prison hunger strike [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
In Tulkarm, participants in a solidarity sit-in with prisoner Hana al-Shalabi and the prisoners' movement in the occupation's prisons condemned the practices of the prison administration. During a sit-in organized in front of the Red Cross in the city, Minister of Prisoners' Affairs Issa Qaraqe assured that the Palestinian Authority is moving forward with its plan to internationalize the prisoners' issue.

Reporter, Male #2
For the 13th consecutive day, Hana al-Shalabi is continuing her empty stomach battle in protest of the suffering she is enduring and her administrative detention. Solidarity campaigns and sit-ins in front of the headquarters of the Red Cross are continuing amid warnings of her deteriorating health condition and the escalating situation inside the occupation's prisons. This led to a massive sit-in in front of the Red Cross in Tulkarm.

Guest, Female #1 (Halimah Armilat, Director, Tulkarm Prisoners' Society)
I call on the entire international community to play a real role. Where are the Palestinians' human rights? Where are the rights of the Palestinian prisoners? The international community turns a blind eye when it comes to the conditions of the detainees inside the occupation's prisons.

Reporter, Male #2
Former female prisoners, who experienced similar circumstances, expressed their deep concern for the life of Hana al-Shalabi and the other prisoners amid calls to take action and save her.

Guest, Female #2 (Tahani Nasar, Former Prisoner)
We came here to stand in solidarity with the female prisoners in Israeli prisons and with Hana al-Shalabi, who has entered her 12th consecutive day of hunger strike. We are telling Hana that we are steadfast with her.

Guest, Female #3 (Shifaa al-Qudsi, Former Prisoner)
We are all with you, Hana. Our complete support will continue. We have experienced the same misery that you are currently going through, and we also went on strikes, and thank God, who has been alongside the Palestinian people, we are here for you and we will not leave you.

Reporter, Male #2
In conjunction with the popular movement supporting the prisoners, specifically the prisoners in administrative detention, the Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs continues to prepare for the second Geneva Convention in order to internationalize the prisoners' issue until their release. During his visit to the house of prisoners Kifah al-Hattab and Ataa Abdul Ghalib in Tulkarm, the Minister of Prisoners' Affairs stressed that the occupation's prisons are on the verge of experiencing an unpredictable situation in light of the occupation prison administration's ongoing repressive practices against prisoners. The prisoners are suffering and engaging in a series of protests.

Guest, Male #3 (Issa Qaraqe, Minister of Prisoners' Affairs)
We will set up meetings with all the human rights organizations and the factions on a national level in order to issue a national document to boycott the administrative detention courts. We will use the achievement accomplished by prisoner Khader Adnan and ask the international community to engage with an international campaign to help us end this unjust policy being implemented against prisoners behind bars.

Reporter, Male #2
Mu'e Shadid, Palestine TV, Tulkarm.

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Another Bahraini dies from inhaling tear gas fired by regime forces [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Thousands of Bahrainis gathered at the Gulf of Tubli, south of the capital Manama, as part of a sit-in called for by political blocs demanding the downfall of the regime. Meanwhile, Saudi-backed Bahraini regime forces carried out home raids and arrested residents in the northern province town of Bani Jamra. The regime's mercenaries were also deployed across various neighborhoods in Bani Jamra and attacked passers-by with sharp objects. The regime's forces fired toxic gas, attacked the residents, and looted their homes. Hajj Kathem al-Mulla was martyred this morning after inhaling toxic gas fired by Bahraini regime forces in the southern Sahla region. The revolutionaries blocked public streets leading to the capital Manama as part of the "cry of conscience" rallies called for by the opposition.

Reporter, Male #1
Bahraini protesters are continuing to rally under the same banner despite the regime's bloody crackdown that has claimed the lives of several martyrs, including the latest victim Habib Kathem al-Mulla, who died after inhaling toxic gas fired by the regime's forces on his home in the southern Sahla region. Senior religious scholars held a festival in Sitra Island to honor the martyrs killed by the Saudi-backed Bahraini forces. Sheikh Issa Qassim said the people will not set a deadline to achieve their rights and demands, and will not surrender to conspirators and impostors. He added the people are determined to press ahead with their legitimate demands, and that the popular mobilization was launched in the interest of the country, and for the glory and dignity of its people. For his part, the father of martyr Ali al-Muemin, who was killed by the Bahraini regime's forces during the peaceful protests, held al-Manama's authorities and those arming them responsible for the bloodshed of innocent people demanding reforms.

Reporter, Male #1
The opposition political societies called for a massive sit-in today under the slogan "no retreat" in the square adjacent to the main highway leading to Um al-Husem. The coalition called for holding marches expressing loyalty to detained leaders, most notably human rights activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for twenty consecutive days. The revolutionaries held a rally under the slogan "the cry of conscience," as called for by the February 14 coalition. The protesters closed down 61 major streets leading to the capital Manama and other vital areas. The revolutionaries closed al-Barhama Street and set it on fire. In addition, they blocked streets in the northern and southern Sahla regions. In the area of Jad Hafs, the revolutionaries closed down major streets and set them on fire, which brought traffic to a complete halt. They also shut down al-Shahid Abed Karim Fakhrawi Square and the public road adjacent to Waqif Market in the city of al-Zahra'a. Furthermore, the protesters closed down the main highway leading to the Saudi Bridge, which is the sole land passage to Bahrain. Despite this mobilization, Bahraini King Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa denied any problems exist among the components of Bahraini society. During his meeting with Arab journalists, al-Khalifa said what's happening in Bahrain is nothing more than an action taken by a Shiite minority influenced by Wilayat al-Faqih, or the supreme Jurist leader.

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Syrian troops battle opposition fighters in Homs [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said security and military forces killed 7 civilians in a number of areas, and carried out raids and arrest campaigns. Reports indicated that al-Rastan city in Homs province endured violent shelling, while the army stormed the town of Halfaya in the countryside of Aleppo. Meanwhile, protests and confrontations continue across the country.

Reporter, Male #2
This is the neighborhood of Baba Amr in the heart of the Syrian city of Homs. Reports indicate ongoing violent clashes occurred in the city's surroundings between the regime's military forces and members of what is known as the Free Syrian Army. A security source said the army's forces stormed the neighborhood and carried out what he referred to as a "house-by-house cleansing operation of weapons and terrorists". Meanwhile, Syrian opposition sources denied the neighborhood fell under the army's control on Wednesday afternoon. Here in the village of al-Taiba in Dara'a province, soldiers of the regime's army are entering the village in their vehicles, responding to those chanting against President Assad with heavy gunfire. These images were taken by opposition activists in the daytime on Tuesday, and were uploaded online on Wednesday morning before the Syrian army's tanks swept across the streets of the village.

Guest, Male #3
Al-Taib village was stormed with tanks.

Reporter, Male #2
This is Sirmin in the northern part of Idlib province one day after the regime's army shelled the neighborhoods of the village with artillery and rockets, according to the residents.

Guest, Male #4
An older couple lived here. There was no one else in the house; no gunmen, no Free Syrian Army members, no one. There was nothing at all. The old man was 80 years old and the old woman about 65 years old. They were sitting on the couch when a rocket fell on them. The explosion was extremely horrifying; their flesh and blood splattered on the walls.

Reporter, Male #2
As for the residents' reaction to the army's attacks on their town, it is evident in this video of the funeral held for the victims. The regime's army forces launched an arrest campaign against a number of the residents in the area.

Guest, Male #5
They came in. They didn't ask questions, or say anything. They just grabbed me while I was praying. I was begging them, asking what was going on. They asked about Russian-manufactured weapons, I said I don't have any; I'm 90-years-old and have been disabled for 10 to 15 years. Then they asked me where my son is; they said he is inciting people to join the revolution and the movement, and that he is stirring strife. Then they asked again for the Russian weapons.

Reporter, Male #2
A few days ago, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed his predecessor Kofi Annan as the UN envoy to Syria, hoping to quickly end the crisis. Damascus has still not confirmed whether or not it accepts the arrangement.

Guest, Male #6
We are waiting for the United Nations, represented by the UN Secretary-General, to send us a message explaining the nature of this mission.

Reporter, Male #2
At the same time, thousands of students at Aleppo University demonstrated in solidarity with the besieged Syrian cities, demanding the downfall of the regime. Anwar al-Ansi, BBC.

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US prepares for Assad regime's collapse [IBA, Israel]

The United States and its Western allies are continuing efforts to draft a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians who have been most affected by the violence. Washington is hoping that Moscow and Beijing will not veto the bill as they have done on two previous occasions. CNN is reporting that the Pentagon is now preparing contingency plans to protect chemical weapons sites in Syria in the event that the entire Assad regime would collapse, including possible military action. American officials revealed that they are intercepting communications by Syrian security apparatus on its attacks against civilians, which may serve as evidence in the future prosecution of war crimes.

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IDF raids two Palestinian television stations [IBA, Israel]

Presenter, Female #1
IDF soldiers this morning accompanied communications ministry officials on raids of two privately-owned Palestinian television stations in the West Bank. The first stop was at the al-Watan station, owned by three NGOs including one headed by Palestinian activist Dr. Mustafa Barghouti. Troops arrested four staffers and then confiscated documents and transmission equipment at the site. Israel says that the station was broadcasting as a pirate, or unlicensed channel, at frequencies that could endanger flight operations at Ben Gurion International Airport. The IDF confirmed a second raid at the Jerusalem Education Television Station, owned and operated in Ramallah by the al-Quds University. Both actions were denounced by Palestinian officials as an aggressive violation of the freedom of expression. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad visited al-Watan's offices this afternoon, where he angrily vowed to assert international pressure on Israel to force the return of the stations to the airwaves.

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Sudan formally files complaint to UNSC, AU against South Sudan [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

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.

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Iranian candidates in final pitch for votes [Press TV, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Iranian officials say they are confident that there will be a high voter turnout at the tightly contested parliamentary elections on Friday.

Reporter, Male #2 (Ghanbar Naderi, Press TV Reporter)
It's the final countdown for Iran's parliamentary elections. Tehran's governor says that high turnout is expected, especially in the capital, where more than 5 million are eligible to vote. According to the official, 547 candidates will be vying for seats at the Tehran constituency, in which four seats belong to religious minorities, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians. There will be more than 5,000 polling stations in the Tehran province. They will be controlled, supervised, and run by around half a million personnel, including representatives of the competing candidates. Speaking to Press TV, Governor Tamaddon said the election is the critical force in shaping and transforming the Iranian society, giving the general public an opportunity for its voice to be heard. According to the official, polls are part of the political process, and those who claim that they are not transparent or accurate must visit different cities and towns to see for themselves how polls have proven their place in Iran.

Guest, Male #3 (Morteza Tamaddon, Tehran Governor)
Those who claim that elections in Iran are not genuine should visit our cities and towns to see the campaigns, the opinion polls, the polling stations, and of course, the high turnout on Friday. We'll leave it to their conscience to observe these realities and then say whether or not Iran's elections are genuine and transparent.

Reporter, Male #2
Iranian officials say live voter turnout rates presented by foreign media is an artifact of their poor measurement. They say quite the opposite, voter turnout will be higher than the previous rounds because people know that their participation is a necessary factor for their democracy.

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Yemenis rally in front of US embassy, demand expulsion of ambassador [Press TV, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Yemeni youths have gathered outside the US embassy in Sana'a to protest against what they call the US intervention in the country's internal affairs. The protestors demand the expulsion of the US ambassador from their country. They're angry at the US and Saudi Arabia for trying to keep officials linked to former dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh in power.

Reporter, Female #1
Yemeni protestors burning the flag of the United States and an effigy of US ambassador Gerald Michael Feierstein; scenes like this are becoming all too familiar in a country hit by months of pro-democracy protests. The demonstrators accuse Washington of interference in Yemen's internal affairs, and want the US ambassador out of their country. They are angry at the United States and its ally Saudi Arabia for trying to preserve the status quo in the absence of longtime dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh. Washington and Riyadh pushed for a transition deal that ousted Saleh after almost a year of uprising against his dictatorial rule. But the power was transferred to Saleh's deputy, the UK-trained army field marshal Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi in a single-candidate election.

Reporter, Female #1
Many observers have slammed the vote as a political theater, which keeps the existing regime almost intact. While al-Hadi takes the helm as the head of state, many key officials remain to be Saleh's family members. His half-brother, Major-General Mohammed Saleh, holds the position of the commander of the Air Force. Saleh's son Ahmed is the chief commander of the Republican Guard, while the former ruler's cousin and nephews also hold top posts in the military. This has raised criticisms that the slight change in the ruling administration hardly addresses the aspirations of Yemenis for justice and a fundamental change in the political life of their country, following more than three decades of Saleh's iron-fisted rule. Yemenis want Saleh and his allies to stand trial for involvement in the killing of nearly 2,000 people in the brutal crackdown on demonstrations, something the US-backed deal has made impossible by granting immunity from prosecution to Saleh and his closest aides.