Iran condemns US for deploying F-22 fighter jets to the Gulf [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said that the deployment of US F-22 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates is "a harmful move" that undermines the region's security. The US said the deployment was a normal adjustment of US forces in the region, following their withdrawal from Iraq.

Reporter, Male #1
As part of its continuing efforts to arm and dominate the Persian Gulf region, the US announced the deployment of F-22 fighter jets in the UAE. US officials confirmed that the fighters were deployed in the UAE's al-Dhafra Air Base. A US military spokeswoman said that such deployment strengthens military-to-military cooperation, promotes regional security, and improves joint tactical air operations.

Reporter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the deployment was a normal adjustment of US forces in the region following their withdrawal from Iraq. In its initial response, Tehran said that the deployment is "a harmful move" that undermines the region's security and stability. Tehran also called on the Persian Gulf countries to adopt a joint security policy based on regional cooperation.

Guest, Male #2 (Ahmad Vahidi, Iranian Defense Minister)
We consider the deployment of US F-22 fighter jets in the UAE harmful and useless. We believe the move is part of a psychological scheme aimed at disrupting security in the region. Joint cooperation between the region's countries is the only way to guarantee security in the Gulf. Foreign presence and intervention in the region will further aggravate the situation and disrupt security there.

Reporter, Male #2
The Iranian defense ministry called on regional countries to aim their military capabilities against the Israeli occupation's entity, citing that new developments have emerged in the region.

Guest, Male #4 (Ramin Mehmanparast, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)
Instead of collaborating with the US and its allies, countries of the region should direct their military capabilities against the Israeli occupation's entity and liberate Palestine. This is why the people of the region find their rulers' relationship with the Israeli entity repulsive. For its part, Iran said it's ready to boost its cooperation and ties with all countries, especially Islamic and regional states.

Reporter, Male #2
Observers believe that the deployment of US fighter jets in the UAE is part of Washington's policy, which views the region as a market for its weapons, especially amid its economic crisis. The deployment will likely serve US interests at the expense of people of the region, who are suffering from poverty, deprivation, and unemployment. According to reports, the US military presence in the region is costing the region billions of dollars, paid by the host countries' governments. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and UAE, homes to the largest US military bases, are among the countries that spend the most on US military presence. Qatar hosts al-Udeid and Sayliyah bases, which are among the largest US military bases in the world. The US used these bases to launch attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The amount of money spent on the US bases is adding a heavy burden on regional countries. Saudi Arabia has recently spent USD 60 billion on a US aircraft sales deal.

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Israeli army attacks Palestinians near Ofer Prison [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
A number of Palestinians and a photojournalist were wounded with varying degrees of injury during confrontations around Ofer military prison when the occupation forces crushed a demonstration. Dozens took part in the march in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike, especially those whose health conditions have deteriorated and are described as very critical. Based on messages leaked from the prisons, human rights organizations confirmed that if the Israeli prison administration does not respond to the prisoners' demands, the strike will expand to include all prisoners.

Reporter, Female #2
The occupation forces resented the solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strikes in the occupation's prisons. They also resented the rising voices of prisoners who were transferred to the hospital at al-Ramla prison. As soon as the peaceful march, which included dozens, arrived at the gate of Ofer military prison, the occupation soldiers began firing rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse the protestors. A number of them were wounded with various injuries. The march took off after a sit-in organized in front of the International Red Cross's bureau. During the sit-in, families of the prisoners called on the world to pressure Israel into responding to the prisoners' demands. In addition, they demanded the transfer of prisoners whose health conditions have deteriorated to specialized hospitals.

Guest, Male #1 (Father of Two Prisoners Thaer and Shahir Halahla)
His temperature rose to nearly 40 Celsius, and at 3 o'clock in the morning, he collapsed on the floor. Until eight o'clock, the Israeli doctor who was on call at the so-called hospital of al-Ramla prison was cursing at him and spitting on him.

Reporter, Female #2
Human rights organizations confirmed that the situation inside the prisons, where more than 4,700 prisoners are held, is tense and on the verge of a storm, if the prison administration does not respond to their demands.

Guest, Male #2 (Jawad Boulus, Lawyer in Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs)
Those who have been on a hunger strike for over 50 days, such as Thaer Halahla, Bilal Diab, Omar Shallal, Hassan Safadi and al-Jaafar Azzedine, they are in a dangerous near-death situation. This is what the medical committee in the prisons says, and they are trying to put pressure on them.

Reporter, Female #2
Palestinian factions have escalated their warning level to Israel to a threatening tone, in case any prisoner is severely hurt or even martyred. Meanwhile, the Palestinian president affirmed his readiness to take the steps to refer the prisoners' issue to the United Nations. The prisoners do not demand anything other than freedom and a life with dignity. If that is not achieved, then they demand to be dealt with as prisoners of war, and are trying to internationalize their cause. According to messages leaked from the prisons, their goal will only be achieved through unifying the internal fronts and mobilizing the Palestinian, Arab, and international masses. Jifal al-Budeir, Al Jazeera, in front of Ofer military prison, west of occupied Ramallah.

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Sudan rejects deployment of additional UN troops to the border [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
Khartoum has strongly rejected the idea of deploying additional international troops on its border with the South. In addition, Khartoum took an escalated move, granting thousands of Southerners stranded in the border state of White Nile one week to leave, under the pretext they are posing a threat to Sudan's stability and security. Sami al-Shinawi reports from al-Khartoum.

Reporter, Male #1
In the shadow of the war declared between north and south Sudan, and amid the diminishing chances of bringing them together, Khartoum's government responded with disregard to Juba's demand of deploying international troops on their border, adding that such deployment is a Southern internal issue.

Guest, Male #3 (Mustafa Othman Ismail, Sudanese Presidential Advisor)
We accepted the deployment of international forces in Abyei because the region's status has not yet been decided. As for the other regions, we will not accept any deployment of international forces. If the South wants international forces, then let them deploy forces inside their border. We don't mind.

Reporter, Male #2
On the humanitarian level, more than 12,000 southerners are stranded at the border port of Kosti. They are facing a humanitarian crisis that was further fueled by the confrontations raging in the region.

Guest, Female #1
We hope that the government of the South finds a solution and helps rescue us. The situation is very difficult.

Reporter, Male #2
Sudan says that the presence of Southerners within its territories poses a threat to peace and security in the region. Sudan has set May 5th as the day for southerners to leave. In addition, Khartoum declared a state of emergency along its border with the South. Also, it cut off food supply lines and limited trade activities in a move that may diminish the chances of rapprochement between the two countries, as confirmed by the Sudanese opposition.

Guest, Male #4 (Kamal Omar, National Congress Party Political Secretary)
The Sudanese government has completely erased the history of its relationship with the South. It treats Southerners far worse than the refugees who came to our country. They deal with them in a vile and insulting way.

Reporter, Male #2
It seems that the relationship between the North and South is heading toward further strain and deterioration, which is diminishing any chances of rapprochement. This prompted both Juba and Khartoum to adhere to a policy of arm-twisting, warning that the coming days may witnesses yet another humanitarian crisis that may force both sides to bow to popular demands, especially with both sides starting to call for better living conditions on each side of the border. Sami al-Shinawi, Dubai TV, al-Khartoum.

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Bahrainis mark May Day by demanding reinstatement of sacked workers [Press TV, Iran]

In Bahrain, Saudi-backed regime forces have clashed with protestors during May Day rallies. Clashes erupted between regime troops and protestors in the village of Qibli, west of the capital Manama, and rallies were held in Manama and Dair. Among the protestors were people who lost their jobs for participating in anti-regime protests. They also called for the release of political prisoners, such as Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.

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US defends drone use for targeted killing [Press TV, Iran]

For the first time, the US government has publicly confirmed the use of drone strikes in detail. White House Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan says President Barack Obama wants to be more transparent with the American public on the issue, and said that the US Constitution allows the president to protect the nation from any imminent threat or attack. He was interrupted by a member of anti-war group Codepink, who was escorted off the premises.

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Deadly Syrian mortar shelling kills family of 11 in northern village [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said at least 45 people were killed in multiple areas of Syria, including nine people from the same family in Mishmishan Village, near Jisr al-Shughur, in Idlib Province. On the other hand, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the killing of 12 soldiers in clashes between regime forces and defectors of the Syrian army in al-Bseira area of Deir az-Zour Province. A regime soldier was killed in Mishmishan as well.

Reporter, Male #1
Activists said the mortar shells launched by regime forces killed 11 people from the same family in Mishmishan, in the countryside of Idlib. Four women and three children from the family were killed in their home. Also, three members of the Free Syrian Army and a sergeant from the regime's army were killed that same shelling and clash, according to activists.

Reporter, Male #1
Ma'arat al-Nu'man in the countryside of Idlib was also shelled, leading to casualties, despite the presence of UN observers in Ariha City in the province, according to activists. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a high-ranking officer is commanding a military operation in the areas of al-Baseerah, Khasham, al-Bu Omar, and Muhassan, east of Deir az-Zour. Twelve regime soldiers were killed in an attack launched on the Free Syrian Army in al-Baseerah. At least one civilian was killed and others were wounded. In the countryside of Aleppo, al-Atarib was shelled, inflicting immense damage on the town. In addition, civilians were killed in the countryside of Damascus, Daraa, Hama, Homs, al-Raqqa and Qamishli.

Reporter, Male #1
The violence continues in Syria. It has claimed the life of more than 11,000 people, according to activists, especially during the bombardment. In this context, Agence France-Presse reported that an Islamist group calling itself "al-Nusra Front," which was not known before the turmoil, carried out bombings in Damascus and Aleppo in the past three months, which resulted in the killing of dozens. As for the protesting street, its demonstrations continue, while the other side is maintaining the confrontations under the slogan of "combating armed terrorist groups." Others continue their armed clashes under the slogan of "protecting the peaceful demonstrations."

Reporter, Male #1
The cycle of violence is neverending, despite the announcement of a ceasefire and the UN calls for all sides to cooperate with the 30 unarmed international observers on the ground to enforce the ceasefire. These developments come only days before the legislative elections in Syria, scheduled for May 7. These are the first elections after the new Syrian constitution was adopted, which abolished the Baath Party's leading position and allowed a multi-party system. It is worth noting that the bulk of the protesting opposition parties will not participate in these elections.

Guest, Male #2 (Mahmoud al-Abrash, Syrian Speaker of Parliament)
Future political process will begin from Parliament. It should focus on the turnout of the elections, and exercise the elections on a larger scale, so that the Syrian citizens can completely cast their votes pertaining to Syria's future.

Reporter, Male #1
Damascus accuses foreign powers that wish to overthrow the political process in Syria of supporting armed terrorist groups to destabilize the country. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC.

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Knesset dissolution vote delayed for PM Netanyahu to mourn father [IBA, Israel]

In the wake of Benzion Netanyahu's passing, opposition factions have withdrawn their no-confidence motions that were slated to be put before a vote in the Knesset today. The Kadima, Labor, National Union, and Meretz parties announced plans to delay their proposals to dissolve the Knesset for one week until the end of the seven-day mourning period out of respect for the Prime Minister. The four political parties have announced their intentions to submit bills to dissolve the government in one week's time, fueled by disagreements over the Tal Law.

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IDF adds new security barrier to Lebanese border [IBA, Israel]

The IDF has announced plans to add new security infrastructure along the northern border in coordination with UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army, a move meant to reduce regional tensions and to bolster security. The army has already begun to build a new barrier along the Lebanese border near the city of Metulla. The structure is intended to obstruct gunfire from neighboring Lebanese villages, and is expected to stretch over a kilometer long and be several meters high.

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Top Israeli officials defend ex-Shin Bet chief's remarks on Netanyahu, Barak [IBA, Israel]

Several members of Israel's top intelligence echelon and former government leaders have rushed to defend former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin. Former Mossad chief Meir Dagan and former prime minister Ehud Olmert both echoed Diskin's sentiments that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are misleading the public on Iran.

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Iraq and Kuwait sign bilateral cooperation agreement [Al-Iraqiya TV, Iraq]

Presenter, Female #1
After 13 hours of negotiations, Iraq and Kuwait signed the minutes of a meeting held by the higher Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint commission in its second session.

Presenter, Male #1
Both parties also signed two accords, one stipulating the formation of a bilateral cooperation committee, and the other regulating maritime navigation, through the Khor Abdullah waterway. This comes as the Kuwaiti foreign ministry announced that the Kuwaiti prime minister will visit Iraq at the end of this year.

Reporter, Male #2
Two rounds of friendly negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait ended with the signing of a number of protocols and agreements. They include an agreement on the joint cooperation in finance, border, and political issues, and other protocols focusing on the marine movement in Khor Abdullah waterway, which will bring invaluable benefits to both countries.

Guest, Male #3 (Salah Khader, Advisor in Ministry of Transportation)
The agreement covers marine movement inside Kuwaiti territorial waters, as stipulated in Resolution 833, on the demarcation of the border. Iraqi ports are surrounded by shipwrecks in territorial waters, which is impeding the movement of ships and boats. Ships passing through these waterways must raise the Kuwaiti flag. Again, it's hard to reach certain areas because of the sunken ships. So we agreed to form a joint committee to address these issues.

Reporter, Male #2
The agreements on bilateral cooperation were also the fruit of the high Iraqi-Kuwaiti joint ministerial meeting. It was a source of optimism after it focused on many of the outstanding issues and announced its commitment to solve them in the framework of bilateral efforts based on the immense desire to achieve this goal.

Guest, Male #4 (Fahdi al-Shilmi, Strategy Expert)
There was a Kuwaiti delegation headed by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister in addition to the presence of economic and political delegations, as well as a delegation from the UN, including a team led by our brother Mohamed Abu al-Hassan, who was our ambassador and the former minister of information. He has experience working at the United Nations on agreements and border demarcation. Both sides have good intentions to resolve this issue.

Guest, Male #5 (Karim al-Nouri, Advisor in Ministry of Transportation)
God willing, we are anticipating the discussion of many unresolved issues. In addition, we will able to solve or settle the crisis of Iraqi airlines, God willing. It will be a key to improving the relationship between the two countries.

Reporter, Male #2
It is worth mentioning this committee was formed on January 12, 2011. Its first meeting was convened on March 27, 2011. The people of Iraq and Kuwait expressed frustration with the status quo. As a result, both countries are now standing on the verge of a new phase, in which a new roadmap is being drawn, as stipulated in the joint agreements signed by both sides. The future of the two brotherly nations is beaming with optimism. From Baghdad, Haidar al-Aboudi, Al-Iraqiya.