Fighting rages in Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte [Al Jazeera, Qatar]

Presenter, Female #1
Our al-Jazeera correspondent in Sirte reported that a revolutionary was killed and at least 30 others were wounded in the continuous street fighting with Gaddafi's battalions in the city.

Presenter, Male #1
Our correspondent quoted a revolutionary field commander saying they took control of several of the city's neighborhoods and confirming they are facing violent resistance from a group of trained snipers.

Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent, Osama Said Ahmed, reports on the latest military developments in Sirte.

Reporter, Male #2
Street fighting is ongoing between the revolutionaries and Gaddafi's battalions in the city of Sirte. Its intensity increases every day and the sound of artillery and gunfire overwhelms everything else. Heavy clashes are taking place on the edges of what is known as the "Mauritanian neighborhood" inside the city. A number of snipers from Gaddafi's battalions are massing here, opening heavy fire on the revolutionaries. The revolutionaries are deeply engaged in ferocious clashes with what they refer to as the remnants of Gaddafi's battalions.

Guest, Male #3 (Hathim bin Ali, Field Commander)
We are fighting a real, intense war for the victory of our revolutionary brothers and the defeat of Gaddafi's forces. As you can see, the battle is very heated. And as you can see and hear, the fighting is very intense, and we're praying that God help us defeat them, eliminate Gaddafi and his aids, and bring peace.

Reporter, Male #2
Clouds of smoke are rising in central Sirte from the concentrated mortar shelling by the revolutionaries, who confirmed their control over a large part of one of the biggest neighborhoods in the city, neighborhood No. 3, in addition to 600 residential units near the coast. They are engaged in fierce battles and continuing to advance towards central Sirte.

Guest, Male #5 (Makhlouf al-Farjani, Spokesman for the Military Council in Sirte)
Our revolutionaries pushed into the residential neighborhood No. 3 and now they're combing the sea coast. And of course, the well-known 600-unit residential complex in Sirte was taken over by the revolutionaries two days ago. Now we're advancing towards the coast. In this coming hour we will head to central Sirte to liberate it from the corrupt gang.

Reporter, Male #1
The reality inside the city paints a picture of violent confrontations which may not end soon. The clashes, referred to as 'the street war' between the revolutionaries and Gaddafi's battalions inside the city of Sirte, are still at their height. Meanwhile, the revolutionaries assert once again that the battle will be resolved soon and the city will be in their full control. Osama Said Ahmed, al-Jazeera, from inside the city of Sirte.

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UN: Syria death toll reaches 2,900 [BBC Arabic, UK]

Presenter, Female #1
The United Nations said the death toll has risen to at least 2,900 since the Syrian uprising began in March. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of at least 12 people in clashes between the Syrian army and gunmen believed to be army defectors in the northern part of the country. The Observatory added that seven of the killed were soldiers and the other five were defectors and civilians. It also said dozens were wounded in the clashes. This comes as protests continue in Syria over Russia and China's veto that blocked a proposed resolution against Damascus at the Security Council.

Reporter, Male #2
Clashes erupted in Jabal al-Zawiya in the countryside of Idlib in northwestern Syria after the army stormed the region. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least four Syrian soldiers were killed and an unknown number of civilians and gunmen were wounded. The army is conducting military operations in various areas of Syria, claiming it is cleansing the country of armed Islamist terrorist groups. Most recently, Syrian TV aired footage of the confiscation of a car carrying weapons in the Khalidiya area of Homs. Civilians insist on protesting despite all these reports. In the city of Da'il in Daraa Province, around 15,000 civilians participated in a massive demonstration during the funeral of a young man who died from wounds sustained in a shooting last month. The funeral turned into a protest demanding the downfall of the regime and condemning Russia and China's use of their veto to block the resolution against the regime in Damascus. Syrian security forces arrested approximately 30 civilians in Deir az-Zour Province. All of this is a daily occurrence in most Syrian regions, such as here in the town of Duma in Damascus, which is witnessing a night protest. When morning comes, the town is quiet.

Guest, Female #1
Tell us what happened yesterday.

Guest, Male #3
Yesterday, we were coming out of the mosque and we had barely reached?

Reporter, Male #2
As one protestor tried to talk to our BBC camera crew, someone nearby warned him of imminent danger.

Guest, Male #3
They shot at us. We were in the middle.

Reporter, Male #2
He may or may not regret it. Perhaps regret no longer worries many Syrians who remained silent for a while but then found themselves in another trap.

Guest, Male #4
They will arrest me in five minutes. I am afraid right now.

Reporter, Male #2
Duma is witnessing an attempt to organize a small daytime protest that was deterred by the army deployed near the town, but not for long. Night protests were held in a number of Syrian regions, especially after the Security Council failed to issue a resolution against Damascus as a result of Russia and China's vetoes. This came despite the UN's report that the repression has killed over 2,700 people since March. Hayan Yaaqoub, BBC.

Presenter, Male #1
In a related development, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the countries that vetoed the draft resolution against Damascus in the Security Council will have to bear the consequences.

Guest, Female #2 (Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State)
So, the United States and our European allies have made very clear where we stand on this issue, and we think that the people who joined with us from four continents to express our condemnation and call for an end to the violence, and to begin a peaceful transition to a new democratic, non-sectarian Syria are on the right side of history. In the meantime, those countries that continue to send weapons to the Assad regime that are turned against innocent men, women, and children should look hard at what they are doing.

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Afghans denounce US occupation on eve of invasion's anniversary [Press TV, Iran]

Thousands of Afghans have taken to the streets in Kabul to protest against the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. They have demanded an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from their homeland. A massive protest rally against the US in Kabul was held on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. The protestors were chanting "death to America." They said the US military involvement has only achieved civilian deaths.

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Clashes rage through the night in Yemen's Taiz [Press TV, Iran]

In Yemen, anti-regime forces have attacked protestors in the southwestern city of Taiz. This is while clashes continue to rock the capital Sanaa. Medics say that eight demonstrators have been wounded after snipers opened fire at them. The protestors took to the streets to call for the trial of embattled ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh. And in the capital Sanaa, clashes between pro-revolutionary tribesman and regime forces raged all night until early Thursday. Heavy weapons were used including mortars and anti-aircraft guns.

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Iraq decides to keep US trainers, withholds immunity [Dubai TV, UAE]

Presenter, Male #1
In its first response to the agreement reached by Iraqi politicians, which comes despite their fundamental differences, the Sadrist Movement rejected the extension of any US training troops in the country, with or without immunity. The Iraqi prime minister was able to rally the support of the various political blocs, granting him the authority to negotiate the extension of US military trainers in the country after their withdrawal at the end of this year. However, the trainers would not be granted immunity, as demanded by Washington. Shafiq Abed Jabar reports from Baghdad.

Reporter, Male #2
Despite all expectations, the political blocs have reached a unified deal, affirming the need for further training and preparation for the Iraqi armed forces. This means that the US forces would remain in Iraq after the expiration of the security agreement at the end of this year. The trainers would serve as military trainers for Iraqi institutions but would not enjoy legal immunity.

Guest, Male #3 (Roze Nouri Shawish, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister)
The participants agreed to not grant them immunity. The proposed trainings must take place in Iraqi institutions only.

Reporter, Male #2
The Sadrist Movement expressed a different position from that of its rivals by renewing its rejection of the extension of the US forces' stay in Iraq.

Guest, Male #4 (Baha'a al-A'raj, Sadrist Leader)
We strongly reject the extension of the US forces' stay, regardless of whether they are trainers or not, with or without immunity. This is our final decision.

Reporter, Male #2
It seems that the political blocs in Iraq have set aside their fundamental differences and agreed on the issue. However, it all hinges on the US reaction.

Guest, Male #5 (Ahmed al-Abyad, Journalist and Writer)
I believe that the US will not accept that its forces be stripped of their legal immunity. Immunity has been the main disagreement in the negotiations between Washington and Baghdad.

Reporter, Male #2
The Iraqi public may have a slightly different position than the one adopted by their politicians. However, the future of Iraq seems unclear, as seen by some.

Guest, Male #6
I think it's a good idea. Having said that, we must depend on ourselves, as Iraqis. It's true that the Americans played a role in the transfer of power in Iraq but we shouldn't be depending on them all the time.

Guest, Male #7
I don't care whether they stay or leave. What is important is who will provide us with services and improve infrastructure.

Reporter, Male #2
The presence of the US military in Iraq, whether for training purposes or not, with or without immunity, is a decision that will ultimately be made by the Iraqi parliament. From Baghdad, Shafiq Abed Jabar, Dubai TV.

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Saudi security forces open fire on civilians as protests gain momentum [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female # 1
Saudi forces indiscriminately fired at civilians in the village of al-Awamiyah in the Kingdom's eastern province of al-Qatif, where residents were protesting. The demonstrators are demanding an end to injustice, persecution, and the crackdown on the Saudi people, as well as an end to sectarian incitement. British newspaper The Independent confirmed 27 civilians were injured by the live bullets of Saudi forces who fired on a large demonstration in al-Awamiyah, denying the Saudi narrative on these protests. The newspaper reported that medical sources who received the wounded in al-Qatif Hospital said all of them are civilians and had gunshot wounds. Saudi authorities accused the demonstrators in al-Awamiyah of firing at the police, saying most of the injured are police officers.

Reporter, Male # 2
Saudi Arabia is witnessing domestic unrest after the latest events in al-Qatif and al-Awamiyah when Saudi security forces used indiscriminate violence to quell the protest, which led to the injury of dozens of people and the arrest of dozens of others. Reports indicate that Saudi security forces indiscriminately fired at civilians in the village of al-Awamiyah, which led al-Qatif residents to protest. They chanted slogan demanding an end to injustice, persecution, and the crackdown on the Saudi people. They also demanded an end to sectarian incitement. This comes as reports confirmed that the reason a number of police officers were injured during their crackdown on a protest in al-Awamiyah was confusion, which led some to fire at their colleagues. The Saudi Interior Ministry admitted in a statement that some people were injured, stressing that most are police officers. It directed blame toward a foreign country, saying that country is behind the events in al-Qatif. Observers believe Saudi authorities are using the claim to justify all new measures against the residents of al-Qatif and to divert attention from the political crisis in the country, which is caused by the ongoing struggle between the regime's leaders over the succession of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The king and his heir are both ill. On the other hand, Saudi religious scholar Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr is accusing the authorities of provoking and dishonoring the residents of al-Awamiyah. He also condemned the arrest and harassment of the protestors. Meanwhile, protests continue in the eastern province of al-Qatif, condemning the injustice facing Saudis. Demonstrators demanded the dismissal of the eastern region's prince, Muhammad bin Fahd. In an attempt to reduce the unrest, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz said his country enjoys stable security and that it guarantees its citizens a free life without any restrictions on their movements despite the regional conditions. However, he said the barrier to the blowing winds of change is represented by the fact that Saudi Arabia is surrounded by unrest in a number of Arab countries.

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Thousands of Kuwaitis condemn corruption scandals [Al-Alam, Iran]

Presenter, Female # 1
Thousands protested in the center of the Kuwaiti capital to condemn corruption scandals. They demanded the resignation of the government and warned of escalating their protests if the authorities don't put an end to the corruption cases involving a number of ministers loyal to the government. Newspapers unveiled bribes of tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, an opposition minister said an organized gang led by the government is involved in the bribes in the country.

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Palestinians rally in support of Israeli prison hunger strike [Palestine TV, Ramallah]

Presenter, Male #1
Prisoners in the Israeli occupation's prisons continue their hunger strike for the ninth consecutive day in protest of the prison administration's oppressive measures against them. The prisoners confirmed they will continue their hunger strike until their just demands are fully met, in particular the end of the suffering of those in solitary confinement. In this context, Palestinian Minister of Prisoners' Affairs Issa Karake stressed that the ministry is closely following the prisoners' movement in the occupation's prisons that are waging the battle of empty stomachs. In a visit to a number of the detainees' families in Tulkarm, Karake added that the prisoners' cases are a top priority for the Palestinian leadership. In Ramallah, seven citizens were wounded when the occupation forces attacked a peaceful march organized in front of Ofer prison west of Ramallah in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike.

Reporter, Female #1
As the prisoners' hunger strike enters its ninth day, dozens of protestors rallied with the families of prisoners who remain in Ofer military prison, which holds around 1,000 detainees. The protestors carried pictures of the prisoners in solidarity with them.

Guest, Female #2
They're on a hunger strike these days. No water or anything else. They've been on the strike for nine days. We support the prisoners and all the prisoners are my children, not only my son, all of them. May they be released! We ask all countries and all institutions to help them attain their demand. May they be released safe and sound, my son and all the prisoners.

Guest, Female #3
I have two children, one is 16 years old and the other is 18. They are on a hunger strike in solidarity with the prisoners. I came to visit them today and was surprised that they are also on strike.

Reporter, Female #1
Minister of Prisoners' Affairs Issa Karake took part in the demonstration. He indicated that the occupation's prison administration, whose actions forced the prisoners to go on a hunger strike, threatens to break their strike and ignore the prisoners' legitimate humanitarian demands.

Guest, Male #2
The prisoners decided they will not stop the movement as long as the prison administration does not respond to their demands. It is expected for the strike to persist because this popular movement needs to continue. All international and human rights groups need to exert political pressure on the Israeli government to end its practices against the detainees and to take responsibility for the lives of our sons and daughters inside its prisons.

Reporter, Female #1
However, it appears that the occupation's army did not want a peaceful rally, nor did it want to listen to the chants describing its brutal behavior against the prisoners, so the army turned the scene into a barrage of gunfire. The occupation soldiers opened fire at the protestors, who took to the street to condemn the dangerous sanctions the prison administration has imposed on the prisoners. These sanctions include withholding salt to harm their bodies and stomachs as a method to exert pressure on them as they continue their open-ended hunger strike to attain their demands with dignity. Yara al-Omli, Palestine TV.

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UNESCO board recommends Palestinian admission to world body [IBA, Israel]

Israel lashed out at the Palestinians and UNESCO today after the UN organization's executive committee recommended the acceptance of Palestine as a full member with state rights. And US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton issued a veiled threat to cut off funding if the move goes through. In a move meant to expand and accelerate the push for international recognition the Palestinians won an overwhelming endorsement yesterday from the UN cultural agency UNESCO when its board decided to let the 193 member countries vote on full admission of Palestine later this month.