ICC issues arrest warrants for Gaddafi and son [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Libyan Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam, and his intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanussi.

Presenter, Male #1
This came after Attorney General Luis Moreno-Ocampo's request to issue the warrants under allegations of crimes against humanity. It is worth mentioning that in the request he submitted to the ICC this past May, Ocampo indicated that he had obtained evidence proving that Gaddafi gave orders to kill protestors and that he committed crimes against humanity.

Reporter, Male #1
After the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Gaddafi has become the second Arab leader wanted by the International Criminal Court. On May 16, the ICC attorney-general, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, requested arrests warrants for Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam, and the Libyan intelligence chief under accusations of crimes against humanity. The number of Libyans killed since the Libyan revolution began is not known for certain but is estimated at over 3,000. With the ICC's decision, Gaddafi went from being the "King of Kings in the African Continent" to a wanted man by justice. This is the scene witnessed by countries of the world. In his lengthy speech given in late February, described by some European leaders as "very very frightening," Gaddafi threatened his citizens of using force against those he referred to as "inciters" hired by foreign institutions. He considered them gangsters, rats, mercenaries, and addicts of hallucinogens, and said they did not represent the Libyan people. As protests escalated, he delivered on his promise and used warplanes to bomb neighborhoods of cities that revolted against his 42-year rule. As he was about to bomb Benghazi, the announcement of a no-fly zone imposed on the city prevented him from targeting it. He relied entirely on his security battalions and mercenaries to attack revolutionary strongholds and cities using Grad rockets and artillery shelling. Large numbers of civilians and revolutionaries were killed and residential neighborhoods completely destroyed. In addition, there has been a wave of displacement due to the severe shortage of basic supplies, the cutoff of drinking water and electricity, and the depletion of oil byproducts. The situation deteriorated as members of Gaddafi's battalions confessed to committing atrocities, such as killing soldiers who refused to take part in opening fire on civilians, executing doctors and others who would not swear allegiance to Gaddafi, raping women because they were from rebelling cities, attempting to poison drinking water to kill as many people as possible, and brutally torturing a number of victims. Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam is seen as a direct accomplice in the atrocities that Libya has been witnessing. This past February, he described the protests as a major strife and warned of a civil war. He also accused many protestors of using narcotics and hallucinogens. Gaddafi has been in hiding since NATO escalated its bombing of Tripoli and still remains out of sight. The Libyan people are continuing their revolution even if it means more sacrifices in the path to ending this leader's rule. Data shows that he has squandered the wealth of Libya on personal ventures, which have done nothing but fuel anger in the country.

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Syrian opposition leaders meet for the first time in Damascus [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
Syrian authorities set this coming July 10th as the date for the first session of its consultative meeting called for by the National Dialogue Body headed by Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa. The official announcement comes as the consultative conference for independent opposition figures continues in the Syrian capital Damascus. The conference is expected to make a closing statement this evening.

Reporter, Female #1
Today, Damascus is witnessing a unique experience in its political life that hasn't occurred in decades: a consultative conference attended by personnel from various political and cultural positions. Among them are supporters for Assad's government as well as dissidents who opposed it at the cost of years in prison. It is difficult to tell the structural organization of the opposition, which represents the protestors who chanted anti-government slogans demanding the downfall of the regime. Today's conference includes figures with good reputations among the dissidents. However, several dissidents see attempts at the conference to outmaneuver the popular movement and bargain with the protestors in order to weaken and divide the opposition. Participants of the conference reject such a move.

Guest, Male #1 (Faiz Sara, writer and journalist, participant of the conference in Damascus)
Things won't become clear until the end of the conference, but not at the beginning of it. These people are waiting to see whether or not this conference speaks for the Syrian protestors in general and this community of Syrians in particular. At the conference they have a right to say whether our vision is compatible with theirs or different from theirs.

Reporter, Female #1
Syrian TV did not mention the conference in its morning news. But a move like this cannot be made without a green light from the authorities. Assad's own speech made promises to open a national dialogue with participation from various social communities in order to resolve the political crisis. This development coincides with an official report on the return of Syrian refugees who fled to Turkish refugee camps in the aftermath of the broad military campaign launched by security forces on certain border regions. Today, these regions witness a cautious calm as everyone monitors the situation in Syria and anticipates the result of the upcoming consultative meeting. The meeting is considered the first indicator of the direction that Syria is headed. Karin Tarabai, BBC.

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UN team to assess human rights in Yemen amid dire economic conditions [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
A UN team is due to arrive in Yemen today to asses the human rights conditions in the country. The team will also investigate claims by the opposition against Yemeni government forces about the crackdown on the popular protest movement. The UN team will meet with representatives from the Yemeni authorities, members of the opposition, human rights activists, and victims of violence. The spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, said that it will take the team, which includes three council members, ten days to complete the investigation.

Presenter, Male #1
Meanwhile, Yemenis continue to stage daily protests demanding the ouster of the "regime's elements" and the formation of a transitional council. Between the opposition's demands and the authorities' rejection, Yemen is on the verge of a suffocating economic crisis. Our correspondent, Abdul Rahman al-Shumari, reports from Sana'a.

Reporter, Male #2
Yemenis continue to stage marches of millions in change and freedom squares across the country, protesting what they refer to as "attempts by remnants of the ruling family to hijack power." The protestors once again called for the immediate ouster of the regime and for the formation of a transitional council. They also accused foreign powers of collaborating with Saleh's regime and conspiring against the revolution.

Guest, Male #3
I would like to send a message to our "brothers" and to the world: stand with the revolutionaries not with one individual.

Guest, Male #4
Through our mission we are signaling a message: no mandate for the revolution. We reject any mandate issued by anyone. We will continue this peaceful youth revolution until all demands are met.

Guest, Male #3
We will reclaim our rights, no matter how long it will take. We will continue to be steadfast, God willing, all praises to him. We will not retreat.

Reporter, Male #2
Amid the semi-daily protests witnessed in Yemen, the political crisis started to cast its dark shadow on the country's economy. Meanwhile, economists have warned of a possible collapse of Yemen's economy, which may affect all segments of society. The sharp shortage of fuel products and the tripling of food prices are the first side effects of the economic crisis facing the Yemeni people.

Guest, Male #4
The price increases are unusual. The prices are very high. Transportation is almost nonexistent, and when available, it's very expensive.

Guest, Male #5
Basic products and food have totally disappeared from the market. The prices are unprecedentedly high. This is insane.

Reporter, Male #2
The political stalemate witnessed in Yemen is further fueling the deteriorating living conditions in the country. This news comes after several industries have ceased operations. In addition, several private companies have laid off nearly 60% of their employees. The new wave of inflation sweeping across Yemen is becoming a nightmare haunting the average Yemeni citizen, who is caught between a crushing economic crisis on one side and a suffocating political one on the other. Meanwhile, the fates of the Yemeni people and their revolution are open to all possibilities. Abdul Rahman al-Shumari, Dubai TV, Sana'a.

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Bahrainis mark "International Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture" [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Male #1
Several protest rallies were held today in various parts of Bahrain, marking the "International Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture." The protestors called for an end to the regime's crackdowns on civilians and for the release of all male and female prisoners. The Wefaq Society said that over 1,000 Bahraini citizens have been arrested and subjected to the most heinous types of torture.

Reporter, Male #2
Several protest rallies were held today across Bahraini towns and cities, marking the "International Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture." In response, Saudi-backed Bahraini security forces were heavily deployed in an attempt to quell the popular movement. Residents in the village of Sanabis held a protest rally in solidarity with victims of torture and in support of Bahraini medics behind bars. The protestors, who represent all classes of society, marched through the village's neighborhoods before being attacked by security forces. They chanted slogans denouncing the dialogue that was called for by the Bahraini authority. The proposed dialogue has caused a major debate among the Bahraini public. The scene in the village of Mahr was not much different. The protestors held a candlelight vigil, demanding the immediate release of all medics held in Bahraini jails. This news comes on the second day of the week of rage, marking the "Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture." In the village of Sifla on Sitra Island, a candlelight vigil was held in observance of the "Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture." The protestors said they will continue their popular movement, vowing to return to Martyr's Square, formerly known as Pearl Roundabout in central Manama. Another night rally was held in the village of Abu Siba'i. The protestors condemned the life sentences issued by the military court against several prominent opposition leaders, and demanded their immediate release. In the area of Kisab, a large crowd of Bahraini men and women took to the streets in a show of solidarity with the victims of torture. The participants stressed the peaceful nature of their revolution. Elsewhere in Bahrain, several protest rallies were held in the villages of Kharijia, Newadrat, Diyyah, al-Bilad al-Kadim, Musala, and others. In observance of the "Day of Solidarity with the Victims of Torture," the Wefaq National Society said in statement that over 1,000 Bahraini citizens have been arrested and subjected to all forms of torture and harassment. The statement added that the death of four Bahraini martyrs in prison is the most notable evidence of torture. The campaign of harassment also targeted detained women and minors. The Wefaq Society further said that the torture targeted key opposition figures and leaders. Furthermore, many male and female medics, scholars, students, as well as many members of the public sector were targeted in this unprecedented campaign of torture and harassment.

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Palestinian leadership in Ramallah endorses push for UN recognition [IBA, Israel]

We open in Ramallah where the Palestinian leadership says its decision is final. Their unilateral declaration of independence will be taken to the United Nations. Advancing earlier declarations, the Palestinians announced their intentions to make their case for statehood at the United Nations this September. The decision was taken during a meeting of PLO and Fatah officials at the Ramallah headquarters of PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who claimed that supportive US President Barack Obama for a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders inspired their UN bid. This, despite clear objection to the unilateral move from the US, Europe, and Israel, following a meeting in London on May 25 both British Prime Minister David Cameron and Obama opposed the Palestinian's plan to seek recognition of statehood in lieu of resuming direct negotiations with Israel.

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Is the IDF better prepared to stop the latest attempt to run the Gaza blockade? [IBA, Israel]

Kadima member of the Knesset Dr. Nachman Shai gives his views on whether the IDF is better prepared for the latest attempt to break the Gaza blockade by sea.

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Israel orders navy to intercept Gaza aid flotilla [Press TV, Iran]

Israel has authorized its naval forces prevent the incoming international aid flotilla from breaking its blockade on the Gaza Strip. Earlier Tel Aviv threatened to stop the convoy from reaching the besieged coastal enclave. The humanitarian aid convoy, dubbed Freedom Flotilla II, is preparing to leave Greece for the besieged trip within a few days International activists from 22 countries with join the convoy to break the four-year Israeli blockade. Meanwhile Palestinians have gathered outside the UNESCO building in Gaza urging the international body to facilitate the entry of the activists. It was in May of last year that Israeli forces attacked another aid convoy and killed nine Turkish activists on board that convoy.

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Extreme poverty forces Iraqi children to work in garbage dumps [Alsumaria, Iraq]

Presenter, Female #1
The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, warned that more than a quarter of Iraqi children are living in extreme poverty, living on less than two dollars a day. Poverty is forcing them to undertake one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: waste collection. Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization warned that collecting waste is a dangerous job for children because they may be subject to physical or sexual harm.

Reporter, Male #1
It seems that the hill of garbage that emits a foul smell in the city of Sadr has become the only source of livelihood for the child Abbas Mohamed. He and his family survive by selling plastic bottles and old tin cans. Abbas spends his days on top of a garbage dump searching for anything he can sell in order to help his family. His mother and one of his brothers work with him in order for the three to collectively make a monthly income that ranges between 200 and 400 dinars.

Guest, Male #1, child
We used to work in al-Kut and al-Diwan. We used to work in the garbage there but they removed it. They also removed it from al-Nahran, so we came here. At least it's work. I've been working in it for seven years. We used to go to school; I stopped going before the fifth grade.

Reporter, Male #1
Abbas and other children run towards trucks carrying additional amounts of waste as they approach to empty their loads. Afterward, they delve into the reeking waste.

Guest, Male #2
Our entire livelihood depends on this, we live from it. We can make 200 dinars. We sell this stuff and live from it. This is how we live.

Guest, Male #3
We get here at five in the morning, and sometimes at two. Sometimes we make 2,000 and sometimes nothing at all. I stopped going to school after the fifth grade and I started working here. I hope I can go back to school so I can be an employee or a teacher.

Guest, Male #4
By God, we are the ones who carry the entire load. The hero is the one who makes 200 or 250. Let the government come see us and see how we are living. This is what the situation is like. Look, look, the people are tired; we are tired of these conditions. We start at four in the morning until noon.

Reporter, Male #1
Badriya Khamar is a mother of eight. She said she was forced to work in the waste dump to help her family and husband.

Guest, Female #1
I've been working in this for three years. With garbage, we have no salary, nothing. I don't have anything; I work with my kids, what kind of life is this? No salary, nothing. I have three girls and two boys.

Reporter, Male #1
Despite the large amount of oil and gas reserves, documents from the Ministry of Planning indicate that 23 percent of Iraqis are living under the poverty line. UNICEF's reports say that 23 percent of Iraqi children, estimated at 3.4 million, are living in poverty with an income of less than two dollars a day. Eleven percent of Iraqi children are forced to work. The latest report from the International Labor Organization said that collecting waste is a dangerous job for children, because they may be exposed to physical or sexual harm.