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Yemen's and Bahrain's pro-democracy movements retake to the streets in massive numbers, Syrian protestors vow to choose "death rather than humiliation," UN urges a quick mission to stabilize Libya, and more.
Mosaic | Sep 24
Jihadist group claims responsibility for deadly Egypt-Israel border attack, the two Sudans move towards deal as UN deadline expires, Cairo's graffi...
With the battle for Tripoli over, the UN urges a quick mission to stabilize Libya [Al Jazeera, Qatar]
Presenter, Female #1
The interior minister of the Libyan revolutionaries called on the revolutionaries that came to Tripoli from other cities to leave the capital. He said the battle has ended and the city is entirely under control. Meanwhile, representative of the Libyan Transitional Council in the UK Juma al-Gamaty said that a constituent assembly will be formed within eight months to draft a constitution for the country. He added that legislative and presidential elections will be conducted within 20 months from the date of the assembly's formation.
Reporter, Female #2
All revolutionaries that have come to Tripoli from other Libyan cities should leave the capital immediately; the city has been fully liberated and the battle has ended. This was the call sent by the interior minister of the revolutionaries out of fear of a security breakdown in the capital during this sensitive political and economic period. The National Transitional Council is trying to maintain security and accelerate the reconstruction of what was destroyed in the battles. The fact that weapons are available to everyone in Tripoli may make it more difficult for the revolutionary security institution to restore stability in the country. These weapons were licensed temporarily to everyone in the battles with Gaddafi's regime, but they have lost their legality since the capital is under control. There is no doubt that a call to leave the capital was not part of Gaddafi's audio message that he recorded in his hideout.
Guest, Male #1 (Muammar al-Gaddafi)
Continue the stiff and violent resistance against the colonists! Continue the resistance in every Tripoli neighborhood! All that you've heard, do not believe it! Confront it with rifles, confront it with bullets; let the bullets speak for the Libyan people! If they want to enter a long battle, so be it, let it be a long battle. We will fight on!
Reporter, Female #1
It appears that the Libyan people did not hear the message. The singing in celebration of the anniversary of al-Fateh Revolution overwhelmed the Colonel's voice. This is another face of Libya on September 1. The celebrations for the anniversary of al-Fateh Revolution this year are completely different from previous years. The Libyan people took over Tripoli at a high human cost after six full months of revolution. Libya's young people are celebrating like their peers in the neighboring countries that revolted; any observer of the Libyan revolution cannot distinguish between the atmosphere here and that of other countries despite the ferocious battles and fighting that Libya witnessed. When speaking of the liberation of Libya, everyone is celebrating in their own way. In Europe, another kind of political celebration is occurring, perhaps for different motives. The "Friends of Libya" countries reaffirm their support to the Libyan people and the NTC either economically, or politically, or militarily.
Guest, Male #2
First, the unanimous agreement to unfreeze the Libyan assets.
Guest, Male #3
NATO will continue its operations to implement the Security Council's resolutions as long as there is a need for us to protect the civilians.
Guest, Male #4
The United Nations will deploy a humanitarian mission in Libya as rapidly as possible.
Reporter, Female #2
As for the chair of the Libyan National Transitional Council, he hopes the noise of the celebrations in Libya will not drown out his message.
Guest, Male #5
I call for tolerance and forgiveness, and let the law speak for the tragedies that occurred.
Reporter, Female #2
Tripoli has indeed begun experiencing the benefits of the international intentions to rebuild Libya after receiving the first batch of unfrozen assets valued at several billion dollars. Here, far from celebration and politics, revolutionaries are taking their positions in Bani Walid at the center of the Libyan desert, tracking members of Gaddafi's regime. Perhaps resolving the battle for Sirte relies on the situation in Bani Walid, or perhaps it is the other way around.
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Syrian protestors vow to choose 'death rather than humiliation' [BBC Arabic, UK]
Presenter, Male # 1
A number of protests were held in Syrian cities today, demanding the downfall of the regime, in what activists named the Friday of "death rather than humiliation." According to the revolution's Coordination Committees, protests were held across the neighborhoods of Homs, Idlib, Dara'a, Hama, Latakia, Aleppo, al-Qamishli, in addition to some parts of Damascus and its countryside despite the heavy security presence there. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of 13 individuals. Eight died in the cities of Arben, Kfar Batna, Doma, and Hamoriyah; three were killed in Homs, and two in Deir az-Zour. For its part, the official news agency SANA reported a number of law enforcement members were injured by armed groups who fired at them at a checkpoint in Talbisa in Homs' countryside. In conjunction with the events in Syria, the European Union imposed a ban on Syrian oil imports in a new punitive measure for what was described as the crackdown on protests in Syria. A British Foreign Ministry spokesman told the BCC that it is expected for the union's foreign ministers to approve the decision either today or tomorrow at their meeting in Sopot, Poland. Syria's oil exports to Europe constitute nearly 20 percent of the Syrian government's income. The British Foreign Ministry said stopping imports of Syrian oil will deprive Syria of an important source of funding. The EU also stopped dealing with Syria's governmental organizations and institutions but the measure has not had any significant impact.
Reporter, Male # 2
Activists dedicated this song to the Friday of "death rather than humiliation." The song summarizes their anger at what they say is the world's failure to support them. This slogan has a special place in the Syrians' uprising. With it, the residents of Daraa cried out when the protests broke out in the middle of March. Then, it was echoed across most Syrian areas: each with their own accent. Syrians have not been able to mobilize thousands of people since the army entered Syrian cities at the beginning of the month of Ramadan. However, they are still demonstrating to demand not only the downfall of the regime but also the execution of its figureheads. In two weeks, the Syrian intifada or uprising will have completed exactly six months. And the regime continues with its security option to repress the protests and also continues with its version of the same story without any modifications. The regime says a great conspiracy and armed gangs are behind these demonstrations. However, neither the security option nor that narrative has helped the regime bury the protests that keep on growing. This, despite reports by international organizations that point to measures that amount to crimes against humanity carried out by security forces against demonstrators. These scenes show civilians being hit and tortured. Activists who posted these images online say these scenes are the same ones that sparked their intidafa. On that day, security forces arrested children from Daraa and insulted their parents when they demanded their release. People took to the street with the slogan "death rather than humiliation." Those rising up today are restoring that slogan, an indication that nothing has changed in the regime's behavior after all these months. An issue that probably justifies their latest demand for international protection from the regime's violence, as they say. Firas Kilani, BBC.
Presenter, Male # 1
Activists posted new videos online showing security forces beating civilians in the city of al-Rastan. The images show a number of soldiers looking on without interfering as a security man beats three detainees, asking them if they have weapons as they deny the claim. The video could not be independently verified.
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Yemen's pro-democracy movement retake to the streets in massive numbers [Al-Alam, Iran]
Presenter, Female #1
Thousands of Yemenis across various provinces took part in the "Friday of Revolutionary Escalation," marking the beginning of what they referred to as "revolutionary resolve." Preachers of Friday sermons in Sana'a, Taiz, and Ibb, called on the Yemeni people to uphold their unity and escalate the peaceful protests until the downfall of the regime. They also called on the international community and regional powers to seize the opportunity and help achieve revolutionary resolve in Yemen. They further called for the launch of a new wave of revolutionary escalations, adding that the era of political and military actions has ended. Massive protests were also staged in the Yemeni province of Sa'ada, demanding the downfall of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. The protestors voiced their rejection of the Saudi-U.S. intervention in their country's affairs through proposed initiatives. They also called on the Yemeni people to continue their revolution until their legitimate demands are achieved. Furthermore, they issued a statement addressed to the popular masses of Sa'ada, calling for additional acts of peaceful escalation. They also slammed the negotiations and initiatives as "national treason."
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Protests sweep Bahrain after teenager's death [Al-Alam, Iran]
Presenter, Female #1
Meanwhile, Bahraini security forces have crushed fresh nighttime protests in various regions across the country. This news comes hours after the funeral procession of Ali Jawad al-Shiekh, the Bahraini youth who was martyred in the area of Sitra. Some Bahraini rights organizations called on the Manama authorities to launch an independent investigation into the martyrdom of the youth, who was killed by police during a protest after the Eid ul-Fitr prayer.
Reporter, Female #2
Despite the crackdown and heightened security measures imposed across Bahraini regions, streets, and alleys, nighttime protests continue. The situation quickly became heated after the funeral procession of martyred Ali Jawad al-Sheikh, in the area of Sitra.Al-Sheikh's death has stirred rage among Bahraini residents. Rights organizations said that the murder of the teenager constitutes a dangerous development and have called for an independent investigation. The boy's death comes after the speech of Bahraini King Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa, who called for pardon and justice for the victims. Sources at the medical examiner's office said that the boy died of injuries to the back of his neck, causing hemorrhaging in his spinal cord. The authorities said that the death was caused by serious injuries to the head and are investigating the incident. Regardless, his death has left a dark stain on the authority's record and the record of its security forces, as they targeted a 14-year-old boy on the first day of the blessed Eid ul-Fitr. As the authority's crackdown continues, the youths continue to cling to their demands. Hundreds of youths have staged protests late at night across various towns, including Na'im and Diyah. The protestors confronted the Saudi-backed police and security forces, which fired tear gas and sound bombs to disperse them. The protestors chanted the same slogans recited by people of the Arab Spring.
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NYPD uses excessive force against Muslims on Eid [Press TV, Iran]
Police in upstate New York have been criticized for using excessive force in arresting a group of Muslims at an amusement park on Tuesday. It all started when some women were asked to take off their Hijabs. What started as a celebration at this amusement park to mark the end of Ramadan, ended like this. In this cell phone video, Westchester police are seen arresting two women. The women say the cops used excessive force. But what was all this commotion about? Trouble started after 3,000 members of the Muslim Society of New York were told that women with Hijabs could not go on certain rides at the Rye Playland Amusement Park. The women say they were arguing with parks officials about the 'no headgear' policy when police were called, and that's when things got out of hand.
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Turkey expels Israeli ambassador, cuts military ties [Press TV, Iran]
The top story this hour: Turkey has expelled the Israeli ambassador and cut all its military ties over Tel Avivs deadly attack on a Gaza-bound Turkish aid ship last year. Turkey's move comes shortly before the publication of a UN report on Israel's 2010 aggression in the international waters. Nine Turkish nationals were shot dead during the Israeli commandos attack on activists onboard the Freedom Flotilla. The UN report, leaked by the New York Times has called Israel's use of force against the aid ship excessive and unreasonable. Yet it has described as legitimate Israel's blockade of Gaza. Ankara considers the siege illegal and wants Tel Aviv to apologize for its attack.
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EU debates unified vote on PA statehood [IBA, Israel]
Members of the European Union are this hour convening in Poland for a special session regarding the Palestinian bid for statehood recognition slated to be held at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. Twenty-seven foreign ministers are to hold a debate on the issue including on whether to vote as a unified block. Further efforts to counter the Palestinian initiative at this appoint appear to be fruitless as many representatives of the European body have already declared their support of a sovereign Palestinian state. During a visit to the region earlier this week, European Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton nevertheless assured Israel that she is actively continuing her attempts to convince the Palestinian Authority to retract its initiative.
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Middle East expert discusses Israel-Turkey diplomacy [IBA, Israel]
Joining us now from our Tel Aviv studio to discuss the latest regional developments is Middle East analyst Dr. Ra'anan Gissin. Many of Israel's critics are today arguing that an apology to the government of Turkey over the 2010 flotilla deaths would have been the right step diplomatically speaking and would have cost nothing. Whereas now Israel is paying a very high price with the fracturing of ties with the former and very rare ally in the middle east. Do you share this view? Gissin: Regrettably, now it's too late. I think along the way, Israel has done the utmost, I mean bent backwards and tried to exhaust all the possibilities to try to accommodate the Turks and accommodate Ardwan and come to sort of a compromise. But as we go along, we found out really that actually what we are facing here is a new form of diplomatic warfare.
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Nearly four million Somalis risk death due to difficulty of aid delivery [Dubai TV, UAE]
Presenter, Male #1
The bloody conflict and drought in Somalia has made it increasingly difficult to deliver international humanitarian aid to approximately 3.7 million individuals, according to estimates by the UN's refugee agency. Meanwhile, more than 29,000 children have died of starvation in the past three months in southern Somalia alone. Louai Ghabra has the details.
Reporter, Male #2
After fasting for one month, they broke their fast on Eid with barely enough food to stay alive. Somalis exchanged holiday greetings amid famine and drought in addition to the ongoing conflict between the interim government and al-Shabab Islamic Movement. The situation in Mogadishu today is better than yesterday in light of a detente following the sudden withdrawal of al-Shabab's fighters. This sweets store is intended for buyers who can make a living, while hundreds of drought victims wait just a few meters away in long lines to receive food rations from relief agencies. Around 3.5 million Somalis are still in a life-threatening situation due to the difficulties relief organizations are facing in delivering aid.
Guest, Male #3 (Antonio Guterres, UN Refugee Agency Chief)
I think it's clear that" the situation is beginning to improve now but part of the problem is how little we have been able to achieve. The entire international community is still unable to deliver aid to any of these residents due to the conflict and the drought.
Reporter, Male #2
The relief efforts are repeatedly impeded all across southern Somalia by al-Shabab's fighters. This prompted Guterres to urge the armed groups and militias to allow relief agencies to reach the millions of starving people.
Guest, Female #1
I have eight children but I don't have enough food for them. My husband passed away and I ask the international community to help because we're in a very critical condition.
Reporter, Male #2
Years of conflicts and famine exacerbated the humanitarian situation, putting international organizations in front of a difficult and urgent task to save hundreds of thousands of refugees. The number of refugees who are pouring into makeshift refugee camps is doubling every day. They stay in tents made of tarpaulin, which lack the most basic living supplies. However, getting closer to the capital may give the residents of southern Somalia some hope to stay alive.
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Where will a divided Lebanon stand on regional issues? [Future TV, Lebanon]
Presenter, Male # 1
Yesterday, Lebanon took over the United Nations Security Council presidency for the month. International relations experts fear Hezbollah's government will distance itself from important issues, notably from the events in Syria and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. William Azzam reports.
Reporter, Male # 2
The recognition of a Palestinian state tops the important issues proposed at the UN Security Council during Lebanon's presidency for the month of September. And even if this function is not expected to cause disagreements between the Lebanese and foreign countries, it is certain the position on Syria's events and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was and remains a divisive issue.
Guest, Male # 3 (Sami Nader, International Relations Expert)
One can see the depth of the crisis. The depth of this crisis is not only related to the defensive strategy but the national strategy, including diplomacy. Regardless of the Lebanese government's position, it will not be based on an agreement and we can see that through the struggle in the country, the heated political debate, and the conflicting points of view. So regardless of Lebanon's position, it will not be based on a consensus, which reveals the depth of the crisis in the country. However, the question is to what extent can the prime minister avoid these inconsistencies? This is the major question. To what extent can Prime Minister Mikati coexist with Hezbollah, which is calling for one thing while the Lebanese government is calling for another? This is clear in their respective positions on the international tribunal and the ongoing events in Syria. To what extent can the head of the government, the president, Minister Walid Jumblatt's side coexist with Hezbollah's position and its allies?
Reporter, Male # 2
In between adopting a form diplomacy that relies on subordination to the Syrian regime and defending its position at the UN, which stance should Lebanon adopt on the events in Syria?
Guest, Male # 3
Lebanon's position should confirm its commitment to freedoms and the defense of human rights. At the same time, it should adopt a position that calls for the non-interference in the affairs of another country. There is not disagreement on that last point. The disagreement will arise when someone raises a slogan against the inference in the affairs of another Arab state and uses that slogan to strike at an essential principle, which is the people's right to self-determination and the people's right to self-expression.