International community remains silent on ethnic cleansing in Myanmar [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Male #1
Amnesty International has accused the authorities in Myanmar and Buddhist groups of ethnically cleansing the Muslim Rohingya minority in the state of Rakhine.

Presenter, Female #1
The organization said an undetermined number of Muslims have been abused, killed, or raped.

Reporter, Male #2
Ethnic cleansing is now a term that can be applied to the description of what the Muslim minority is being subjected to in the state of Rakhine in Myanmar, in the midst of international silence that is occasionally breached by the warnings of international human rights organizations. Among them is Amnesty International that recently spoke of systematic ethnic cleansing, killings, and rapes committed by government forces and Buddhist groups against the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Reporter, Male #2
This minority was classified by the United Nations as the world's most persecuted race. The latest chapter of these people's suffering started with Myanmar's entry into what was described as a "democratic transformation," and held elections after 49 years of direct military rule. Then, there was talk of granting the Muslim Rohingya minority full citizenship rights, after having been considered third-class citizens by law that was applied for three decades.

Reporter, Male #2
Buddhists viewed the Rohingyas as outsiders, with even the president frankly saying that his country will not tolerate their presence, and that they must settle elsewhere. The Rohingyas say they account for around five million people, with the UN indicating that over 800,000 Muslims live in Myanmar today. Many have fled to Bangladesh, Malaysia, and other nearby locations. But even this asylum has many difficulties, as many of them were abused in nearby countries, notably Bangladesh, that decided not to allow the Rohingyas' entry into the country in fear of what it called serious environmental and social problems. But even worse is that what everyone refers to as systematic ethnic cleaning is being carried out amid dubious local and international silence.

Reporter, Male #2
Even the West's so-called champion of democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, has remained silent despite the appeals she was sent by her Muslim countrymen. The same applies to Western countries that have lifted their economic sanctions on Myanmar, leading many to view the country as an investment paradise.

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Egypt's striking workers to occupy Mahalla factory until their demands are met [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Male #1
Workers at the Mahalla Textile Company are continuing their strike. Workers from the morning and evening shifts gathered in front of the company's administrative building. They placed sleeping mats on the ground, set up tents, and announced an open-ended sit-in and strike until their demands are met. These demands include an improvement to their financial situation and the dismissal of the holding company's chiefs, who the workers say caused the collapse of the textile industry in Egypt, and the destruction of the Mahalla Textile Company, a fortress of the industry in that country. Attia Nabil reports.

Reporter, Male #2
To such beats, on April 6, 2008, a popular uprising was launched, and later turned into a revolution that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak's regime on February 11, 2011. The protestors' demands do not differ much from their previous demands.

Guest Male #3 (Magdy Eid, Founder of April 6th Movement in Mahalla)
The people's first demand is end-of-service bonuses. My second demand is to receive the same pay as the holding company after 12 months. As for the incentive pay, it's supposed to be at a rate of 35 percent.

Guest, Male #4
We have spent the last 4 nights here; there are no officials who would even consider our demands.

Guest, Male #5
Our routine is slow; there is no decision, there is no negotiation committee, nobody is asking about us, there is no labor syndicate, and there is no solid executive board. The union has been nonexistent since the sit-in started.

Reporter, Male #2
Administrative bodies at the Mahalla Company say they are in solidarity with the protestors and their demands, but the timing of the sit-in is inappropriate in light of the critical period the country is experiencing after President Mohamed Morsi assumed the reins of power. Labor leaders vowed to continue the pressure until all of their demands are met, saying that those demands will not be subjected to any political compromise.

Guest, Male #7 (Mahmoud Ghali, Executive Manager at the al-Mahalla Company)
Staging a sit-in is a legitimate right, and the workers have the right to do it because they have been demanding this for a while, and no one has fulfilled these demands.

Reporter, Male #2
Al-Mahalla Textile workers are complaining of being deliberately neglected by a company that was a power player in the Egyptian economy in the 1960s. This has led to halting a number of large machines and a decrease in the production rates. The factory's actual production capacity was at 25 percent before the sit-in.

Reporter, Male #2
The workers of Ghazl al-Mahalla, the largest labor pool in Egypt, announced an open-ended sit-in and strike until their demands are fulfilled. However, the administration believes the time is not right for their demands. Attia Nabil, BBC, al-Mahalla el-Kubra.

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Protestors defy government ban on rallies with 25 marches across Bahrain [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
In Bahrain, the opposition confirmed that the 25 marches organized by al-Wefaq National Society will take place today despite the Interior Ministry's ban on rallies and its condemnation of protestors. The February 14th Coalition also called for holding demonstrations on the Friday of Solidarity with the Saudi people, and to support their right to demand freedom and democracy.

Reporter, Female #2
The Bahraini opposition affirmed that its call for 25 marches will proceed as planned, despite the crackdown and the threats of the Interior Ministry.

Guest, Male #1 (Hadi Moussawi, Chairman of Human Rights at Wefaq Society)
We don't wait for them to allow it, or not allow it, because the law guarantees it for us. The lies in their previous allegations were also revealed since it is not a vital street. These marches, these 25 marches, have become diverse and spread across different areas; some can be considered vital, and others not. So their previous claims were lies, and an attempt to seize people's rights and citizens' rights.

Reporter, Female #2
The Bahraini opposition renewed its call for Friday's 25 marches, in different areas of Bahrain, to condemn the regime's crackdown on peaceful protests, and to demand the release of prisoners, political reform, and justice and equality.

Reporter, Female #2
This comes after the Interior Ministry announced a ban on rallies, warning protestors that they would be violating the law. Public security chief in Bahrain, Tarek al-Hassan, viewed these marches as being outside the framework of freedom of expression, accusing al-Wefaq society of aiming to obstruct the citizens' public life, aggravating internal affairs, creating a tense atmosphere, and disturbing security and stability. And it seems that in order to maintain this stability, security forces are continuing to crack down on peaceful protestors who confirmed they will continue to protest during the holy month of Ramadan, except for one day, when they will halt their demonstrations to respectfully witness the holy month.

Reporter, Female #2
And while the authorities are trying to ignore the citizens' demands and silence the opposition, a voice from within the ruling family broke the silence and described King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa as an oppressor, revealing an internal conflict within the ruling family. And according to Al Jazeera's Arabic site, Sheikh Abdullah, the grandson of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Ahmed al-Fatih al-Khalifa, said that King Hamad is unable to solve the crisis that is facing al-Manama. He confirmed that the main problem in the country lies with the authorities that do not respect the opposition's view that the government is on the wrong course. Their policies are limited to crackdowns and threats, and it seems the Interior Ministry is orchestrating another crackdown on peaceful protestors.

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Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province holds candlelight vigil for protests' martyrs [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female #1
The revolutionaries in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province have called for holding a large demonstration in the area of al-Qatif on al-Thawra or Revolution Street this evening, under the banner of "al-Nimr has defeated the oppressor." Demonstrations were held in al-Awamiyah, al-Rabiah, Tarot, and al-Qatif, where protestors held a candlelight vigil expressing loyalty to the martyrs of the protests. Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the release of political prisoners, most notably Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr. Protestors also demanded that officials who are responsible for murders be held accountable.

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Israel points finger at Hezbollah for Bulgarian bus bombing [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
Israel has interrupted the chapter of settling its accounts with Syria, and has turned its attention to Lebanon. Since the tourist bus bombing in Bulgaria, Tel Aviv has not hesitated for one moment to accuse Hezbollah for the operation, be it Ehud Barak or Benjamin Netanyahu. And today, the accusation came from the American Pentagon, as part of the coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv to wage another campaign against the weapons of the resistance, as Israel has threatened to continue the war of terror.

Presenter, Male #1
The Pentagon believes the bombing in Bulgaria is marked by Hezbollah's fingerprints; an accusation that comes without any imprints, and its evidence resembles Colin Powell's documents and maps, with which he deceived the world to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. The accusation also resembles George Bush's random documents, and his war on two countries without any evidence.

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Syrians hold funeral for killed officials as clashes continue in Damascus [New TV, Lebanon]

Presenter, Male #1
In Qasioun today, Syria held a funeral for its three security leaders, and bid farewell to Hisham Bekhtiar, the head of the national security bureau, who died of wounds sustained in the Damascus earthquake.

Reporter, Female #1
In a solemn official convoy, a funeral was held for Brigadier-Generals Assef Shawkat, Daoud Rajha, and Hassan Turkmani at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Mount Qasioun, with the Syrian Arab flag wrapped around the coffins. It is worth mentioning that al-Manar TV broadcast a video saying the funeral was attended by Mahar al-Assad. However, Syria's official news agency SANA did not list al-Assad among the attendees, nor was he seen in any of the pictures.

Reporter, Female #1
Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador in Syria Alexander Orlov issued a statement to Radio France Internationale, saying that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ready to step down, but in a "civilized way." The Syrian Information Ministry quickly denied the Russian ambassador's claim, saying it is completely false.

Reporter, Female #1
This comes as clashes are intensifying in the capital Damascus, while the Syrian deputy defense minister said the situation on the ground is very good. He said good news will be announced soon, while the authorities said the regime's army has taken control of al-Midan neighborhood. Clashes continue in a number of the capital's neighborhoods, most notably Kafr Susa, al-Mazzah, and al-Qaboun. The Shaam news agency confirmed that over 15 houses were destroyed in the area of Sayyida Zainab as a result of the regime army's shelling. The neighborhoods of the northern Aleppo Province are witnessing for the first time fierce battles between the regime's army and the opposition fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory. These battles are taking place in Salah al-Deen, al-Azamiyah, and al-Akramiya, in addition to the city of Bab.

Reporter, Female #1
In a related development, the Iraqi army sealed Syria's main border crossing, the Bukamal crossing, with concrete blast walls. This comes one day after officials stated that Syrian opposition fighters took control of a border area on the Iraqi side. At the same time, protests were held in many areas on the Friday of the "Ramadan of Victory" in Damascus. Local Coordination Committees confirmed that nearly 100 people were killed in the violence today in different parts of the country, notably in Damascus and Hamada. In a related development, the Security Council unanimously agreed to extend the mission of the observers for one month, after making some amendments.

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Experts doubt Hezbollah orchestrated Israeli bus bombing [Press TV, Iran]

Israel has accused Hezbollah of their involvement in an attack on Israeli tourists in the Bulgarian city of Burgas. The Lebanese movement has not yet reacted to the accusations, but experts point out that Hezbollah has never attacked any Israeli targets outside of Lebanon, and the attacks would not fit in with Hezbollah's history.

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Saudi intelligence chief sacked for poor performance [Press TV, Iran]

Saudi Arabia has sacked its intelligence chief, Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz. Saudi Arabia has given no reason for the sacking, but reports say that the Saudi king has dismissed Muqrin for his poor performance, ranging from giving unreliable evidence on anti-regime protests in the kingdom to delegating responsibility for the affairs of Iraq to his head of office. Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz has been replaced with the former Saudi ambassador to the US, Prince Bandar Bin Sultan.

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Yemenis in Sa'ada call for expulsion of US ambassador, condemn US drone attacks [Press TV, Iran]

In Yemen, protestors have taken to the streets in a new demonstration against foreign interference in their country's affairs. Thousands have held demonstrations in the northern city of Sa'ada following Muslim Friday prayers, shouting slogans against the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. They also called for the expulsion of the American ambassador and condemned US drone attacks in their country.

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Israel's ownership claim of al-Aqsa Mosque causes outrage [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
Statements by the occupation government's attorney general, Yehuda Weinstein, indicating that the al-Aqsa Mosque is part of the occupation state were met with wide-scale condemnation on the street. This comes as officials have called on the international community and the Arab peoples to assume their responsibilities in the face of the dangers that await the al-Aqsa Mosque.

Reporter, Male #2
There is official and public concern over the future of al-Aqsa Mosque following statements by the occupation state's attorney general, in which he boasted that al-Aqsa Mosque is inseparable from his entity's territory; an entity that is tirelessly trying to legitimize its illegal presence in the heart of the holy land.

Guest, Male #3
We all know that al-Aqsa Mosque is in danger. We must overcome our silly differences, and put them behind us and remember that we face a project that is more serious than these issues.

Reporter, Male #2
And while the occupation state has closed in on the holy city and spread corruption in its heart and surroundings, the statements of its attorney general has fervently reached al-Aqsa Mosque. It has also heightened the level of aggression on a city that has always been the gate to war, or peace.

Guest Male #4 (Mahmoud Habash, Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs)
The sense of danger is heightened by the reaction of the Arab, Muslim, and international communities. You can barely hear a timid Arab or Muslim reaction. You barely hear it. Have the Arabs, Muslims, and the world relinquished control of al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem to Israel? We will not recognize it; we will not recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem. We will not recognize any Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque.

Reporter, Male #2
And in between an escalating aggression on the ground, and extremists who don't care about anyone, the Israeli judiciary pardons its settlers and extremists through this legislation that comes only days after the Levy Committee's call to adopt settlements in legislation, and seize Palestinian land.

Guest, Male #5
The Levy Committee's report, and the assessments of the attorney general on al-Aqsa Mosque, are attempts to legally cover up Israel's violations of Palestinian land and the Palestinian people's rights, and the violation of international law which clarifies and confirms that occupied territories, including east Jerusalem, are indeed occupied.

Reporter, Male #2
So once again, our experience proves the occupation state's fanaticism that only makes our situation worse. The citizens considered the statements of the occupation government's attorney general as the beginning of a dark phase that is manipulated by the extremists who proclaim night and day that their historical opportunity to seize the rest of the city had come, as Arabs continue to be preoccupied with their internal affairs. Bayrou Jumhour, Palestine TV.