12 Syrians killed in the "fall of legitimacy" rally
Al Jazeera TV, Qatar

Presenter, Female #1
The Syrian Revolution Coordinators Union said at least 12 people were killed today by the gunfire of security and army forces in various parts of Syria. Eyewitnesses and Syrian opposition activists said tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets across Syria after Friday prayers to demand the downfall of the regime. Protests broke out in the cities of Homs, Aleppo, Hama, Rif Dimashiq, al-Bukamal and the Damascus suburb of Arbeen. Similar protests also erupted in Deir al-Zor, and al-Qamishli in the northeastern parts of Syria. Rania Halabi reports on the developments there.

Reporter, Female #1
They are residents of Az-Zabadani, a suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus. Their shouts are delegitimizing Bashar al-Assad on a new Friday that they've called the "Friday of the Fall of Legitimacy." Syrians in Damascus and other Syrian regions seem to have grown tired of the words and promises repeated by the regime for the past 11 years. Today, only change will appease them. In southern Syria's Daraa, people are speaking and proclaiming their support for convening a Conference for National Salvation. They are also criticizing what they describe as "the international silence" towards what is happening in Syria. So far, the international community?s reaction has been limited to sanctions imposed on Syrian officials and state organizations. The sanctions were expanded in the last several hours to include three Iranian Revolutionary Guard leaders who were accused by the European Union of supporting the Syrian government's crackdown on the protestors demanding democracy and freedom. In other Syrian regions, northern and southern, Syrians also came out on the Friday of the Fall of Legitimacy to call for regime change. The security's reaction to the protests was swift. In Kaswi of Rif Dimashiq, protestors were killed and injured by the gunfire of Syrian security forces during their demonstrations in the city, according to activists who uploaded these videos online. Meanwhile, Syrian state media says a number of the regime's security forces were hit by the gunfire of what it described as gunmen. Across different parts of Rif Dimashiq, the demand for change continued. In Hama, eyewitnesses said great number of protestors took to the street, a number they estimated at thousands. Demonstrations also swept across Homs; activists said Bab al-Siba'a, Baba Amr, Deir Baalaba, and different part of the city witnessed protests. In Aleppo's Ain Arab, and Deir al-Zour's Boukamal, the demand was one. Images taken in Amouda city in Hasakah province and Idlib province's Banash area were also uploaded online to send the message that residents there want the downfall of the regime of al-Assad, the son. Everything is good, here, in Idlib's Jisr al-Shughour is the image broadcast only by Syrian television. Didn't al-Assad ask those he described as immigrants, not refugees, from Jisr al-Shughour, to return to the city? This is the official camera that headed to the area of Jisr al-Shughour to broadcast what the television station claims to be a return to normalcy with the aid of testimonies by the residents.

Guest, Male # 1
We felt the area was safe so we returned. I advise all those who are outside the country to return to it. Nothing is going on here, thank God!

Reporter, Female # 2
However, a directly opposing image confirms that the justifications Assad gave are still lacking in light of the ongoing military operations. Syrian military units are still deployed on the border with Turkey and Syrians are also still fleeing their country to neighboring Turkey in search of safety. The number of those in the land of asylum has reached nearly 12,000 so far. On Thursday alone, over 1,500 crossed the border. With them, they carry a wide range of stories, including the entry of dozens of vehicles filled with soldiers and police officers, who even killed an elderly man in his 90s in Khirbet al-Joz, according to those who fled the town.

Pro- and anti-Saleh Yemenis stage rival rallies
Dubai TV, UAE

Presenter, Male #1
In the third week since President Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure, Yemeni protestors have staged massive rallies, dubbed "The Will of the Revolution," aimed at reiterating their demands, most notably Saleh's ouster. The organizing committee of the Yemeni youths' revolution has called for a march of millions to escalate their protests and mount pressure for the formation of a transitional council. Meanwhile, waves of protestors continue to converge on freedom and change squares across Yemeni cities. On the other hand, the ruling regime called on its supporters to hold prayers in mosques for Saleh's speedy recovery on a day referred to as "Friday of the Guardians of the Homeland." Amid Saleh's departure for treatment, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman called for an immediate and peaceful transfer of authority to Yemen's vice-president, as mandated by the Gulf initiative. Feltman held a series of talks with all political groups in Yemen. The revolution youths continue to exert efforts aimed at establishing a transitional council. Our correspondent, Abdul Rahman al-Shumari, reports from Sana'a.

Reporter, Male #2
A new US diplomatic maneuver is being launched in Sanaa aimed at reactivating the Gulf initiative. The US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, held a series of talks with Yemeni politicians, including members of the authorities and the opposition. After his meetings, Feltman called for an immediate and peaceful transfer of power to the Yemeni vice-president.

Guest, Male #3 (Mohamed al-Qadi, researcher and scholar)
I think Feltman's visit reflects the volatile status quo in Yemen. In addition, it's an attempt to mount pressure on all sides to return to the Gulf initiative, as it's the best available option.

Reporter, Male #2
The ruling National Congress Party is insisting on diffusing the situation before implementing the Gulf initiative. However, the opposition believes that the volatile situation in the country requires an official transfer of power to Hadi as a first step toward forming a national unity government in accordance with the Gulf initiative.

Guest, Male #3 (Mohamed al-Qadi, researcher and scholar)
There are a number of proposed amendments with regards to the Gulf initiative. The initiative is enjoying the support of regional powers in the Gulf as well as the support of the international community. It was signed by the authorities and the opposition. Therefore, it's the best available solution at this current stage.

Reporter, Male #2
The diplomatic maneuvers don't necessarily mean that the international community is seriously seeking to end the Yemeni crisis politically. Yemeni politicians believe that what's being announced by certain foreign mediators contradicts what is going on behind the scene, saying that it's a tactful campaign aimed at allowing members of the regime to buy more time until Saleh's return. It seems that the US's call for the immediate transfer of power to Abed-Rabbu has failed to sway the youths of change from continuing to mount pressure on the acting president to form a transitional council and to permanently close Saleh's file. Abdul Rahman al-Shumari, Dubai TV, Sana'a.

Italy calls for Libyan ceasefire as ICC mulls arrest warrant for Gaddafi
Al-Alam TV, Iran

Presenter, Female # 1
The International Criminal Court announced it will issue a final decision on Libyan Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi's arrest warrant on Monday. At the same time, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen played down the Italian call to suspend military operations in Libya. And while additional defections were reported in the military institution of Gaddafi?s regime, traditional battles continue to be waged between the revolutionaries and Gaddafi's battalions in the country's eastern and western parts.

Reporter, Female # 2
Sings of a long, exhausting war have started to loom in Libya despite NATO's continued raids on Gaddafi-controlled cities, especially on the capital Tripoli. However, NATO has failed to overthrow the Libyan regime thus far. On the ground, Gaddafi's battalions have been unable to retake control of Misurata, located 160 kilometers east of Tripoli, despite its use of surface-to-surface missiles to push fighters out of the city. Meanwhile, the National Transitional Council's armed men continue to gather and train volunteers in Misurata and other cities in order to advance west, toward Tripoli. This comes as Gaddafi's battalions seem desperate to prevent their advance west.

Guest, Male # 1
The young men are training to use light weapons to protect the city of Misurata. Some already belong to the front of course; not all, but some.

Reporter, Female # 2
For his part, Gaddafi renewed his determination to continue fighting until his death. He condemned NATO's raids, which have resulted in the deaths of civilians and led to divisions within NATO members, including Italy, which has called for an end of military operations in Libya. In an attempt to display unity between the allies, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen played down Italy's call to suspend military operations in Libya. He attempted to reassure NATO's hesitant members of al-Gaddafi's imminent defeat. In the same context, British Prime Minister David Cameron said time is on NATO's side and not on Gaddafi's. He confirmed the necessity to be patient until the downfall of the Libyan regime. For its part, the Libyan National Transitional Council is trying to make political gains without leading risky battles that would cause the death of additional revolutionaries. The council's spokesman, Mahmoud Shamam, said indirect contact is being established with Tripoli's representatives. They are discussing the possibility of allowing Gaddafi to stay in Libya if he relinquishes power.

UN rights chief condemns Bahrain trials
Press TV, Iran

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has slammed the Bahraini regime for what she calls "political persecution" of anti-regime protestors. The organization is writing a letter to Bahraini King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa to express its concerns about the harsh sentences handed out to anti-regime leaders. The UN says that they may be up to 1,000 activists and opposition members held behind bars. The world body also noted that Bahraini military courts have convicted more than 100 pro-democracy protestors since March. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has also voiced alarm at the harsh sentences.

Jordanians slam delay in reforms
Press TV, Iran

Jordanians have once again taken to the streets in several cities after Friday prayers to call for political and economic reform. Protestors demanded an end to Jordan's peace treaty with Israel. The protestors say the treaty is no more than a scandal and a waste of time. The protestors also demanded the resignation Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit and his cabinet to pave the way for a national reconciliation government. Hundreds in Amman gathered outside Bakhit's office to denounce his failure to carry out promised reforms. They also demanded the trial of corrupt officials.

US pushes for a peacekeeping force in Sudan's Abyei
BBC- Arabic

Presenter, Male #1
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said that he does not exclude the possibility of a war between north and south Sudan. In an interview with Xinhua news agency, he said that the possibility of a war is likely due to problems sparking conflicts between the two sides. He affirmed that his government is committed to peace but the Sudan People's Liberation Movement pushes to create problems. The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said that Washington submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council to deploy 4,200 Ethiopian soldiers from the UN forces to the Abyei region in Sudan. Rice expressed her hope that the Security Council will pass the draft resolution as soon as possible. However, she declined to predict how long it would take to adopt the resolution and said that it will not happen overnight. Council diplomats said that the African troops will be separate from the UN mission in Sudan, which has 10,000 members.

Guest, Female #1 (Susan Rice, US ambassador to UN)
The United States has just tabled this morning a draft resolution to establish the interim security force for Abyei, as requested by the government of Sudan and the government of South Sudan. The council will begin consultations on this draft resolution which reflects the mandate proposed to the council as agreed by the two parties that calls for the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian National Defense Force personnel under the United Nations flag. We are looking forward to discussions with council members in order to swiftly adopt a resolution authorizing this new interim security force for Abyei.

Presenter, Male #1
On the other hand, at a press conference in Khartoum with his Sudanese counterpart, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called on all parties in Sudan to peacefully resolve the disputes before the South's secession takes effect.

Reporter, Male #1
Merely days before the declaration of the State of South Sudan on July 9th, the situation in southern Sudan was the main topic of discussions between the German and Sudanese foreigner ministers in Khartoum.

Guest, Male #1 (Ali Karti, Sudanese Foreign Minister)
We also requested that our generous guest advise the other side when he visits the south tomorrow that this issue be resolved peacefully. Now, in the dealings with the north, certain influential personnel are moving to sabotage the peaceful environment in Abyei, where you have seen the violations that have taken place, in South Kordofan and in South Blue Nile, where there are ongoing attempts at disruption.

Reporter, Male #1
The German foreign minister, who will visit the capital of the South Juba after Khartoum, said that his country and the European community are eager to settle the situation peacefully.

Guest, Male #2 (Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister)
We ask all parties to be flexible in order to proceed with negotiations, dialogue, and cooperation instead of stalling the cooperation. It is possible that not everyone wants a peaceful solution, but we do.

Reporter, Male #1
Westerwelle is expected to visit the Darfur region after Juba before he returns to Khartoum to conduct discussions with Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha.

Sudan's Bashir threatens to turn off oil pipelines
Nile TV, Egypt

Presenter, Male #1
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has strongly rejected any dialogue about the north and south sharing oil revenues. Al-Bashir threatened to shut down oil pipelines if the south refuses to pay shipping fees or to share oil proceeds after its secession.

Presenter, Female #1
Al-Bashir further said that Sudan is embarking on a new era and will not forfeit one inch of its territories. He stressed that the Kordofan territory will remain part of the north.

Reporter, Male #2
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said that the government of southern Sudan has three options with regards to oil revenues after its declaration of independence on July 9. First, the south must continue to share oil revenues with the north. Second, the south must pay fees for using northern oil pipelines and territories, as mandated by Khartoum. And if the south rejects options 1 and 2 then the north will shutdown the oil pipelines.

Guest, Male #3 (Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese President)
I give the south three options with regards to oil: either the north continues getting its share, or they pay us fees for every barrel that the south sends to Port Sudan. Either they share or we will claim our rights over any oil passing through our territories. If they refuse, we will shutdown the pipelines.

Reporter, Male #2
The Ummah opposition Party led by Sadek al-Mahdi, which was the first northern political entity to recognize the sovereignty of the southern state, called on the opposition alliance to discuss the economic and political impact of secession from the north. The alliance said they will mount pressure through the international community to stop the war raging in South Kordofan.

Guest, Male #4
We reject any attempts to justify the continuation of war in South Kordofan. There are no reasons for it to continue. The two partners are bound by agreements and protocols. There are certain mechanisms that could be used to solve their differences.

Reporter, Male #2
Under the terms of the comprehensive peace agreement, the 50-50 oil sharing deal between the north and the south is due to expire on July 8. Despite the fact that the oil issue is one of many stalled issues under discussion between Sudan's north and south in Ethiopia, the three-option rule cited by Khartoum will likely fuel the already tense situation. Muheyi Deen Jibril, Nile TV, Khartoum.

Palestinians to push forward with UN state plans in September
IBA TV, Israel

Even if peace negotiations are back on track the PA will still seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state in September. That?s the word from PA envoy to the UN, Ryad Mansor, who explained that the Palestinians are working on three independent tracks: 1. restarting talks 2. building inst for independent Palestinian state and 3. obtaining unilateral statehood. American and European diplomats have been trying to restart talks, hoping progress could prevent a UN vote, which they see as counter-productive. In the mean time, envoys from the Middle East Quartet are slated to meet in Bussels later tonight in a further attempt to relaunch the stalled peace process.

Will Saudi women's defiance push others to demand change?
New TV, Lebanon

Presenter, Female #1
Saudi women are once again challenging ban that prohibits them from driving cars. Since women succeeded in their mission, will men begin the more difficult task of waging a comprehensive uprising that undertakes the issue of changing the country's leadership?

Reporter, Male #1
Dozens of Saudi women inaugurated a campaign to break the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia. Social networking websites reported that more than 40 women drove their cars. Sara al-Khadi announced that she drives her car on a daily basis, accompanied by her mother, an academic. She was harassed by a group of teenagers, who informed the security institution. She was then stopped by traffic police.

Guest, Female #2
It was a very nice experience, I didn't have any problem except that three teenagers cursed at me, citing words of the prophet. They called the police after breaking my car's mirror and left a note in English that said, "Do not drive." On the back of the paper, they wrote "prostitute."

Reporter, Male #1
Azza Shammasi, a Saudi woman in her 30s, also drove her car accompanied by her friend, Saudi blogger Iman Nafjan. She said she drove her car everyday for a week and did not experience any problems.

Guest, Female #3
I believe that the majority of residents are ready to accept our demand. Most conservatives believe that it is safer for women to drive their own cars rather than having a driver, a stranger, whose background is unknown.

Reporter, Male #1
This phenomenon began nearly a month ago and is quickly spreading.

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