A rare moment of calm in Syria as truce is 'partly observed' [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said nine people were killed today in Homs, Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, Deir az-Zour, Daraa, and the countryside of Damascus. This comes as the Syrian regime announced its adherence to the ceasefire since six am this morning, Damascus time. However, activists recorded a number of violations of the ceasefire, including the killing of a civilian at a funeral in Aleppo. Syrian state media accused what it referred to as "armed terrorist groups" of attempting to foil the ceasefire by attacking a military bus, leading to the death of a colonel and wounding 24 officers, in addition to an undetermined number of civilians.

Reporter, Male #1
These images were taken on Thursday, April 12th in the neighborhood of Qarabis in Homs, according to the Syrian opposition. At six o'clock in the morning, Damascus time, a calm that some Syrian regions have not seen in months dominated the country. However, this calm did not last long. Around an hour after the calm, explosions were heard in the Zabadani area in the countryside of Damascus.

Guest, Male #2 (Rafis Mohamed, Member of the Local Coordination Committee in Zabadani)
Today, Zabadani woke up to the shelling by tanks from a portable checkpoint in the city, in the direction of Sahl al-Zabadani area. The shelling took place in the early hours of the ceasefire plan, since it took effect at six o'clock in the morning.

Reporter, Male #1
The sound of an explosion followed by gunfire pierced through the silence in the surroundings of Idlib. The quietness in the countryside of Deir az-Zour was replaced by gunfire.

Guest, Male #3 (Ous al-Arabi, Spokesman for the Revolution Leaders' Council in Deir az-Zour)
This morning, there was gunfire coming from some checkpoints. I am certain it was coming from the checkpoints, and there weren't any clashes. In addition to that, the regime caused an explosion in al-Naf Street of Deir az-Zour.

Reporter, Male #1
The tanks have not withdrawn from their positions. Syrian forces were supposed to pull its military vehicles out of the cities on Tuesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The shelling on Rastan in Homs Province continued until a few hours before the deadline. At least one civilian was killed at a funeral in Aleppo, and others were killed in Idlib and Deir az-Zour, according to the opposition. Syrian state news agency, SANA, said that a colonel was killed and 24 officers and a number of civilians were wounded in an attack with explosive devices in Aleppo. Damascus had warned that its forces would respond to what it referred to as "any terrorist attack". Our BBC correspondent in Damascus said there was no indication that the army's vehicles are retreating back to their barracks. The Syrian Defense Ministry issued a statement Wednesday evening saying its forces remain prepared to respond to any aggression.

Guest, Male #4 (Jihad al-Makdissi, spokesman for the Syrian Foreign Ministry)
Forty percent of the situation is in the hands of the Syrian government. We are committed to fulfilling our duties in this 40 percent. As for the other 60 percent, it is under the control of members of armed organizations, which attempt to prevent reaching a political solution by violating the truce.

Reporter, Male #1
The opposition called for demonstrations after the ceasefire took effect in Syria, claiming the purpose of the ceasefire is to allow free protests. Meanwhile, the Free Syrian Army vowed to respect the deadline, as long as Damascus does so.

Guest, Male #5
We do not expect the ceasefire to last, because the other side will not adhere to it. If the other side complies with it, then there will be demonstrations in front of the presidential palace on the day of the ceasefire. But we do not expect the tyrannical government to comply with the ceasefire.

Reporter, Male #1
In Turkey, where Syrian refugee camps appeared to be calm this morning, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, said his country is closely following the situation, and it is too early to assess the implementation of the ceasefire. The upcoming hours and days will be a tough test for both sides. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

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Fourteen rights groups join call to release dying Bahraini hunger striker [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Bahraini regime forces have crushed demonstrations held across various provinces in solidarity with detained activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja who has been on a hunger strike for more than two months. Meanwhile, fourteen international organizations called for mounting pressure on al-Manama to release al-Khawaja.

Reporter, Male #2
The cries of Bahraini people are echoing day and night across the country. They are demanding the downfall of the regime, which has failed to bring about a solution to the political crisis in the country. Meanwhile, the protestors are vowing to continue their mobilization until all of their rights and demands are attained. The demonstrators are demanding the release of political prisoners, most notably dying activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for more than two months. Fourteen international organizations called on the US President, Barack Obama, to mount pressure on the Bahraini regime to release al-Khawaja. The groups said that al-Khawaja is facing death, adding that he was subjected to torture and mistreatment that require head and face surgeries. International human rights organizations and Bahrain's Commission of Inquiry said that all trials are being held before military courts, in violation of international standards and Bahraini penal codes.

Reporter, Male #2
The rights groups said that the court's ruling against al-Khawaja and other activists is a blatant violation of their rights to freedom of expression, and the freedom to hold public gatherings and assemblies, under the provisions of international law. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said that Washington is deeply concerned about the situation in Bahrain, and urged both sides to condemn all forms of violence. Carney condemned what he described as "violence against police and government institutions" on one side, and the use of excessive force and indiscriminate use of tear gas against protestors on the other. He also urged Bahraini rulers to double their efforts to implement the recommendations of Bahrain's Commission of Inquiry.

Reporter, Male #2
In addition, he renewed calls for the government, and the opposition, to engage in a genuine dialogue leading to meaningful reforms. Furthermore, Carney urged Bahrain to consider urgently all available options, to resolve al-Khawaja's case. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Bahrain Thomas Krajesky met with Bahraini Prime Minster Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa. Krajesky condemned what he described as "the targeting of police officers," while ignoring regime's crackdown. Al-Khalifa said his government will continue to counter what he described as "acts of chaos and terror, aimed at disrupting security and stability in the country." Despite preparatory measures taken by Bahrain to host the "Formula One" race, it's highly expected that the event will be canceled. This news comes after Bahraini activists called for "three days of rage" during the April 20-22 race.

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Two Afghan protestors killed in anti-US rally [Press TV, Iran]

People in northern Afghanistan have held an anti-American demonstration to protest fresh civilian deaths at the hands of US-led forces. The protestors say the US-led forces have killed a teacher at his home and arrested three members of his family during a night raid in Faryab Province. The demonstration turned violent after police prevented the protestors from entering the governor's office. Two people were killed and 20 others wounded.

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Mali interim president threatens 'total war' against separatists [Press TV, Iran]

Mali's new leader has threatened to wage an "all-out war" on separatists controlling the north of the country. Malian interim president Dioncounda Traore demanded that the separatists stop the pillaging and rapes and leave the cities they occupy peacefully. He was sworn in at Bamako on Thursday, ending a brief period of military rule. The junta had justified toppling former president Amadou Toumani Toure on grounds that the government was not effective in resisting the separatists.

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South Sudan refuses to withdraw troops from oil-rich town [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

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: "southern territories occupied by Sudan". 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.

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Egyptian court clears way for Salafi presidential candidate, as Brotherhood's fate still in limbo [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
An administrative court has decided to suspend its hearing on the lawsuit against Egyptian presidential candidate Khairat al-Shater, and transferred the case to another department. In addition, the court ordered the Egyptian interior ministry to issue a certificate to show that candidate Hazem Abu Ismail's mother has never held another nationality other than her Egyptian nationality, opening the door for him to reenter the presidential race. Meanwhile, the case of Ayman Nour's candidacy is once again sparking a judicial debate. This comes after Nour announced that he will resume his presidential campaign, ignoring the Egyptian judicial decision. From Cairo, our reporter Tawfiq Ahmed.

Reporter, Male #2
After a long wait and a controversy among Egyptian social, political, and judicial circles, an overwhelming joy has overtaken the supporters of Hazem Abu Ismail, after the Administrative Court ordered the interior ministry to provide the Islamist presidential candidate proof that his mother was not a dual citizen.

Guest, Male #3
Sheikh Hazem Abu Ismail's stance is clear, and this is evidence of the Council of State's justice.

Reporter, Male #2
The ruling was received by lawyers with different interpretations. Some see it as a return of Abu Ismail to the presidential race. Others oppose that; however, the final decision lies in the hands of the presidential elections committee.

Guest, Male #4 (Osama al-Shishtawy, Appeals Court Attorney)
From a judicial perspective, the ruling doesn't change anything regarding the citizenship issue. Also, it doesn't create a new judicial interpretation for Sheikh Salah Abu Ismail. Why? Because Sheikh Salah Abu Ismail does not have evidence to prove that his mother is not an American citizen. There is evidence from the American foreign ministry which indicates that Sheikh Salah Abu Ismail's mother was a registered voter and voted in the last elections as an American citizen.

Reporter, Male #2
In the midst of the presidential heat, Ayman Nour enters again, saying that running for that office does not require enrollment in the voters' list, ignoring the decision depriving him of running for office.

Guest, Male #4
He will be excluded from the presidential elections race because he is not eligible to run. In order to reclaim his political rights, he must meet certain legal conditions, most notably the rehabilitation period, which is set at six years after release. Second, the pardon issued from the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces does not qualify him to run in the presidential race.

Reporter, Male #2
Another controversy ensued over al-Shater's candidacy after the court panel decided to withdraw from the case. The presidential electoral committee said it has completed reviewing three complaints against ten candidates, saying it will soon make a decision and disqualify anyone found ineligible. A political debate, a legal battle, and a popular panic are dominating the scene in a country that is seeking to restore political, security, and economic stability, through the building of government institutions in post-revolution Egypt. Meanwhile, competition for the presidential office is heating up, especially in light of the recent political twists. Tawfiq Ahmed, Dubai TV, Cairo.

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'Flytilla' activists gear up in Paris, as Israeli police secure Ben Gurion [IBA, Israel]

With up to 1,000 pro-Palestinian foreign activists set to land in Israel on Sunday, Police Commissioner Yochanan Danino ordered his forces to do everything in their power to ensure that Ben Gurion Airport continues to operate normally. One group of activists gathered in the Resistance bookstore in Paris, where they declared their intention to join some 1,200 others in the third annual so-called "flytilla." Olivia Zemor, the shop owner and coordinator for the activists, said that the participants included children and elderly people who are neither launching a provocation nor posing a threat to security.

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Pro-Palestinian conference promoting 'non-violent resistance' opens in Baleen [IBA, Israel]

The pro-Palestinian Baleen conference opened in the Palestinian village that has become a symbol of anti-Israel protest. Palestinians and their sympathizers say that their goal is to promote non-violent resistance against Israel's occupation of the West Bank. Speaking at the opening session, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said that his people refuse to accept the existence of an Israeli security barrier and Jewish settlements, and that all Israeli actions are against the Palestinians' aspirations for freedom.

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Iraq to compensate victims of terrorism and military errors [Al-Iraqiya TV, Iraq]

Presenter, Female #1
The central committee to compensate Iraq's victims of terror and military mistakes announced that the total amount of funds appropriated by the Ministry of Finance during last month stands at nearly 2.5 billion Iraqi dinars, directly payable to affected citizens across the provinces.

Presenter, Male #1
A source in the committee said the Iraqi Council of Ministers appropriated 300 billion dinars from this year's federal budget to the supervising committee and its branches in the provinces.

Reporter, Male #2
Two laws, No. 10 and No. 17, were issued during the reign of Iraq's civil governor, Paul Bremer, aimed at compensating victims of terrorist operations and military mistakes after June 1st of 2004. However, due to loopholes in these two laws, another law, No. 20, was issued in 2009 annulling the two previous laws, and offering a wider range of benefits. According to the 2009 law, citizens who have been affected by terrorism or military mistakes after February 2nd of 2003 are eligible for compensation.

Guest, Female #2 (Dr. Bushra Azwaina, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister)
This law aims to compensate anyone targeted after March 20, 2003, including martyrs, wounded, displaced, unemployed, and for those who dropped out of school due to terrorism. So it covers the martyrs, injured, or missing during this period of time.

Reporter, Male #2
Law No. 20, which began its implementation in 2011, includes 20 provisions. The law was passed to facilitate the compensation procedures with specific stipulations. On the basis of the law, an amount of 73 billion Iraqi dinars were allocated for the compensations.

Guest, Female #2
This law offers a wider range of privileges. The allocation of funds will be prioritized as follows: Human loss, property loss, retirement pension, and loss of land. In fact, though this law was issued in 2009, it had not been enforced until 2011.

Reporter, Male #2
In order to facilitate the process of disbursing the funds to the eligible candidates, the prime minister's advisory office instructed the citizens to go to their local jurisdictional councils, where the incidents occurred, instead of heading to irrelevant institutions and organizations. From Baghdad, Zaid al-Mustaf, Al-Iraqiya.