Arab summit marks milestone for Baghdad as leaders remain divided [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
The 23rd Arab summit opened in Baghdad today. In attendance are the leaders of nine countries, in addition to Iraq, which is hosting the Arab summit for the first time in 22 years. Iraqi leaders received the rotating presidency from Libya. The last Arab summit was held in Sirte during the former regime's reign. Syria is absent from the Baghdad summit due to the suspension of its participation in official Arab functions. However, the Syrian issue is on the summit's agenda, but there is no demand for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's resignation.

Reporter, Male #2
Putting an immediate end to the violence in Syria, settling Arab conflicts through peaceful means and within an Arab framework, and supporting the mission of Kofi Annan: these were the most important topics of the Baghdad summit. Some believe this outcome to be insufficient and a mere repetition of the repugnant rhetoric of regimes overthrown by the Arab people.

Guest, Male #3
Our Arab summit in Baghdad delegates us with a historic mission in light of the political developments in our Arab region and their consequences. As Arab countries, we should create an appropriate environment for dialogue in order to avoid violence, chaos, and foreign interference.

Reporter, Male #2
The Arab League believes convening the summit at this time and place, and under such circumstances, to be the most important event, regardless of the outcome. For its part, Iraq, through many of its official spokesmen, tried to reassure that its presidency of the Arab League this year will not come at the expense of the Syrian people. However, these assurances contradict Baghdad's lack of any indication that the summit will ask President Bashar al-Assad to step down, or transfer power to his deputy. This is interpreted as a reversal of the Arab League's previous resolutions.

Guest, Male #4 (Ali al-Dabbagh, Iraqi Government Spokesman)
We are now completely removed from the Arab League's initiative. We're now talking about the mechanisms with which the Arab League's initiative may be activated.

Reporter, Male #2
The absence of the Syrian revolution's most prominent demand is perhaps diverting the attention to another summit, hosted by Turkey for "the Friends of Syria". The Syrian people are hoping to find in Istanbul what they did not find in Baghdad. The Baghdad summit may represent the first step on the path to reintegrating Iraq into its Arab environment, and beginning a new phase with new Arab leadership. However, it is more essential to implement different policies that respond to the winds of change and the Arab people's aspirations for freedom, democracy and power rotation. Abdul Fattah Faid, Al Jazeera, Baghdad.

Presenter, Male #1
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the Syrian president should translate his words into actions, and implement the Arab initiative. In his speech at the Baghdad summit, Ban stated the Syrian government has failed to protect its people.

Guest, Male #5 (Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General)
The government has failed to protect the people and to fulfill its responsibility. Instead, it has subjected citizens in several cities to military assault and disproportionate use of force. As you know, the Syrian government has written to the Joint Special Envoy, Mr. Kofi Annan, accepting his six-point plan, which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. I share Mr. Annan's view that this is an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed, provide aid to those people who are suffering, and create an environment conducive to a political dialogue that would fulfill the long-held legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. It is essential that President Assad put those commitments into immediate effect. The world is waiting for commitments to be translated into action. The key here is implementation. There is no time to waste.

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Arab League voices support for Palestine, ignores Bahrain and Yemen [Press TV, Iran]

Arab leaders have held their annual summit in Baghdad amid tight security. They voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause and supported a peaceful solution to the unrest in Syria. But absent from their discussions were the ongoing revolutions in Bahrain and Yemen.

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International activists descend on Lebanon ahead of Land Day protest [Press TV, Iran]

Rights activists from all over the world have gathered in the Lebanese capital Beirut to join Friday's global march to Jerusalem and al-Quds. They met at the city council to show their determination for taking part in the rally. Among the participants were several anti-Zionist rabbis opposed to Israel's aggressive policies in the occupied territories. The activists plan to hold a Land Day rally near Lebanon's southern border.

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Eight in ten Egyptians oppose US economic aid to Egypt [Press TV, Iran]

A recent Gallup poll shows eight in ten Egyptians oppose US economic aid to their country. Similar research has revealed anti-US sentiment in Egyptian society marked an upward trend since Gallup began the survey in April 2011. The recent public debate about US influence over Egyptian foreign and domestic policy has strengthened anti-US opposition in the country. The murky circumstances and arrangements that resulted in the sudden departure of US citizens facing trial in Egypt has also inflamed Egyptians' sense of distrust and suspicion regarding what US funds mean for Egyptian sovereignty.

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International Labor Organization calls on Bahrain to reinstate all sacked workers [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Hundreds of Bahrainis gathered outside the offices of the United Nations in the capital al-Manama to protest against the regime's use of poisonous gas against demonstrators. Other areas in Bahrain also witnessed anti-regime protests demanding the ouster of the Saudi occupation. The International Labor Organization demanded the Manama authorities present their final report on the case of workers sacked for protesting.

Reporter, Male #1
Their slogans reveal more persistence than ever, and throughout their continuous protests in the country, Bahrainis are demanding political reforms. Here, in the village of Abu Saiba, protestors chanted in solidarity with prisoners held before the revolution, especially with their own Ali Abdul Imam, and demanded their immediate release. In the city of Karzakan, they demanded that murderers be held accountable, especially King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

Reporter, Male #1
Under these banners, families from the island of Sitra participated in a demonstration to condemn the arrest of opposition figures, notably activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for 50 consecutive days. Protestors called on other countries to intervene on behalf of al-Khawaja and other prisoners. Here, in Bani Jamra, protestors chanted for the withdrawal of the Saudi occupation, and condemned the repressive acts protestors are subjected to.

Reporter, Male #1
Regime forces responded to the protests with tear gas and live ammunition; they also besieged many of the villages that witnessed demonstrations. They quickly raided cities, especially al-Bilad al-Qadeem and the area of al-Sahl al-Janoubiya and al-Shamaliya. They stormed homes and arrested a number of people, most of them participants in the actions. The families of Bani Jamra stood up against the regime's forces as they raided the city with the support of the Saudi occupiers' armored vehicles. As a result, violent clashes broke out near Dowar al-Fakhari. The ongoing violence in Bahrain pushed the International Labor Organization to demand the Bahraini regime to present its final report on the case of the workers sacked for protesting. In a hearing held by the organization's board of directors, and attended by Bahraini Minister of Labour Jameel Mohamed Ali Hemaidan, the board called on the Manama authorities to speed up the presentation of their final report. In addition, the organization called on the regime to present the details of the reinstatement of the sacked workers to their workplaces.

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UN rights chief: Syrian authorities target children [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
There is enough evidence to indict Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as cited by UN Human Rights commissioner Navi Pillay. Pillay said the acts of violence committed by security forces must have received the approval or involved complicity at the highest level, and they could end by an order from al-Assad. The UN commissioner also accused Syrian forces of committing acts she described as "horrendous," such as opening fire at children and denying them medical treatment.

Presenter, Male #1
Meanwhile, the Syrian armed forces continued their military campaigns across several Syrian cities, killing 21 people. Most of the victims were killed in clashes between the regime's forces and army defectors. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fierce clashes have been raging since yesterday in the countryside of Hama, killing four civilians, five defectors, and four regime soldiers in the area of Qalat al-Madiq. In addition, dozens of regime soldiers were injured in the clashes. Luai Ghabra has more details.

Reporter, Male #2
This is Syria, where today is not much different than yesterday, and where the sound of gunfire is echoing louder than the voices of protests. There also, the news of killing, shelling, and displacement is continuing to dominate the scene. This comes as the scene of armed confrontations between regime forces and army defectors is continuing to expand. In the countryside of Hama, military and security operations are raging amid fierce clashes that claimed several lives. This news came as reports confirmed the death of two regime soldiers in an attack on their military truck.

Reporter, Male #2
In the area of Qalat al-Madiq and surrounding villages, many homes were looted and set on fire amid heavy gunfire. In "Green Idlib" as it's known, the squares were turned into battlefields amid the sounds of powerful explosions and heavy gunfire. Today, military forces stormed several villages in the eastern countryside of Maarat al-Numan, killing several civilians.

Reporter, Male #2
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in the countryside of Damascus. Also, fierce confrontations broke out between regime forces and defected armed groups in Wadi Qak and Kafr Amer in the area of al-Zabadani. A powerful explosion was heard in the city of Harasta, and columns of smoke were seen raging near an army checkpoint. To the south of Damascus, fierce confrontations erupted near al-Diwar al-Jadid in the city of Dael in Dara'a province, injuring eight regime soldiers and destroying an armored troop carrier, as regime forces continue to impose a tight siege on several neighboring villages. Images and news, which are made available on opposition websites and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, seem to offer a painful glimpse of the daily Syrian life.

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Sudan and South Sudan meet in Addis Ababa over border conflict [BBC Arabic, UK]

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.

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Azerbaijan denies granting Israel access to air bases [IBA, Israel]

The government of Azerbaijan denied reports that it has granted Israel access to use several of its air bases for potential military strikes against nuclear sites in Iran. A report published in this week's Foreign Policy magazine carried an interview with three senior American officials who claim that Israel has arranged to use four airfields in Azerbaijan. Access to the abandoned Soviet-era bases in Azerbaijan, which borders Iran, would enable IDF jets to reach the hardline Islamic republic without refueling in an air strike against its nuclear facilities.

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Israeli settlers break into home near Cave of the Patriarchs [IBA, Israel]

Several dozen settlers entered a home adjacent to the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron earlier this morning, claiming to have documents proving they purchased the empty building some four months ago. The IDF declared the area a closed military zone and opened an investigation into the ownership of the home. Military sources called the move an irresponsible provocation that may inflame spirits ahead of Land Day.

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Eighteen-year-old Mohamed Shuman indicted for stabbing IDF soldier [IBA, Israel]

The Jerusalem District Court issued an indictment against 18-year-old Mohamed Shuman, who was arrested for stabbing IDF soldier Yehudit Aharon on Jerusalem's light rail and fleeing the scene two weeks ago. Shuman, a resident of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a knife, and obstruction of justice. The suspect allegedly carried out the attack because of what he described as frustration with the Israeli treatment of Palestinians.

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Beitar Jerusalem soccer fan crackdown continues after racist riot [IBA, Israel]

Six Beitar Jerusalem soccer fans, including five minors, were brought to the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court for an extension of their remand. Some ten more fans have been detained and released to house arrest until the end of next week, and dozens more are expected to be arrested. All of the men are suspected of involvement in last week's racist riot at the Jerusalem Malha Mall, which broke out following a soccer match. The Beitar fans are suspected of shouting out offensive racist comments at Arab workers at the mall.

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Toulouse killer to be buried in French Muslim cemetery [IBA, Israel]

It was announced that Mohammed Merah, the 23-year-old gunman who killed seven people, including the four killed in last week's shooting in Toulouse, will be buried in a Muslim cemetery in France within the next 24 hours. His father wanted him buried in a family plot in Algeria, but Algerian authorities refused to approve the request for what they cited as security concerns.

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Egypt's Al-Ahly fans demand justice for Port Said victims [Nile TV, Egypt]

Presenter, Male #1
Al-Ahly Ultras continued their sit-in in front of the Egyptian People's Assembly demanding the urgent prosecution of the perpetrators of the Port Said incidents. They also demanded the eradication of corruption in various ministries, in particular the Interior Ministry, and for the government not to interfere in sports.

Reporter, Male #2
Their love for al-Ahly brought them together, and the martyrs' blood unified them. They demand fair retribution for the killing of over 70 martyrs. In front of the People's Assembly, the Al-Ahly Ultras' sit-in continued for a fourth day, demanding the arrest and prosecution of the criminals responsible for the Port Said Stadium incidents.

Guest, Male #3
It was caught on video. The entire world saw them killing the people in the stadium. Why is it becoming such a big deal to call for retribution? They attacked us and ordered us to end our sit-in. As you can see, the sit-in is peaceful. This is our fourth day. The indicted security leaders are living lavishly, while the martyrs' families are sleeping on the street to demand justice for their children. At the same time, those who plotted the deaths of Egyptian youths are still working at the police academy and having fun.

Reporter, Male #2
The penalty imposed by the Egyptian Football Association on al-Ahly and al-Masry clubs was not the reason for this sit-in, the Ultras seeing it as an insignificant reason to rally. This was the Ultras' answer to the purpose of the sit-in. They stressed the rally is to demand the rights of the martyrs, cleanse the Interior Ministry, seek fair trials, and get the parliament to declare its position on the revolution.

Guest, Male #4
The sit-in has nothing to do with the penalty imposed on al-Masry. This is an insignificant reason to hold a sit-in. Our great demand, and the most important demand, is for the martyrs' rights and to complete the revolution. We want them to deal with our demands in a fair and objective manner. Again, we demand justice for the martyrs, the completion of the revolution, and the cleansing of the Interior Ministry, as well as fair trials. I will not escalate the situation until I see how they will react to our demands. Our demands are legitimate and objective. We have the legitimate right to make demands.

Reporter, Male #1
The day I stop cheering is the day I die, and those who have stopped cheering did so because they died. But their colleagues are continuing until they attain the martyrs' rights, eliminate corruption in many ministries, and guarantee that the government will not interfere in the affairs of the sport. Abdullah Barakat, Nile TV.