Mosaic News - 08/06/08: World News From The Middle East
Mauritanian Army Stages Coup
Dubai TV, UAEPRESENTER, FEMALE #1
Mauritania is once again in the midst of military coup d'états. Today, the Mauritanian military staged a new coup in Mauritania, ending the short lived democratic experience, which Nouakchott took pride in. The Mauritanian President was overthrown this morning by the Commander of the Presidential Guards, who seized control of the presidential palace. In addition, the army, which took control of the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott and vital installations and government buildings there, arrested the President of the Republic, Sidi Weld Sheikh Abdullah, as confirmed by the President’s daughter who described the incident as a real military coup. Abdullah was arrested at 9 AM local time and was taken away from his home to an undesignated location. The President, his Prime Minister, Yahiya Weld Ahmad and his Interior Minister, remains in custody, with little information on their arrests or whereabouts. These images showing the streets of the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott were captured exclusively by Dubai Television moments after the staging of the coup d'état. The images are showing military units being deployed in the streets of Nouakchott, where they seized control of the state run radio and television stations and fired their employees. Today’s coup comes to end a chapter of democracy that Mauritania has lived in since the victory of Abdullah in the elections. Abdullah was handed over power from a military council, which has run the country since the 2005 bloodless coup that toppled the former President, Mouawiya Weld Sayyid Ahamd Tai’. Last may, Abdullah replaced his government after mounting criticism over the way it was dealing with the inflation crisis facing the country. Last month, the cabinet resigned after a resolution was issued to withdraw a vote of confidence from the government and replace it with a new one, but without the participation of the Union of Forces of Progress Party and the Islamic Contact Party. The political crisis in Mauritania has escalated to a boiling point. We are watching exclusive images captured by the News Center of Dubai Television Station; we are watching some of the military activities underway in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott. There appear to be no street confrontations, and the situation seems to be relatively calm. Our correspondent is standing by on the ground to update us of any information that may unfold in and around the Mauritanian capital and the rest of the country. To recap, the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott witnessed today a coup d'état, which was also confirmed by the President’s daughter. The President was arrested by the troops and was taken away from his home to an undesignated area; it seems that there’s a clear disagreement between the President and the military.
Iraqi Parliament Fails to Agree on Election Law
Abu Dhabi TV, UAEPresenter, Man # 1
Political officials said that the UN supports a new plan to resolve the current election crisis in Iraq. The plan calls for holding elections in most of Iraq but it leaves the fate of Kirkuk unresolved. These officials said that a proposal which was made during last night’s meeting, may provide an exit from this crisis, otherwise it may force the Iraqi government to postpone the elections, which Washington views as an important test for the new democracy in Iraq. The president of the Kurdish region of Iraq, Mas’ud Brazani said that there is a conspiracy to pass the provincial election law. He believes that this law is against the Kurds and that they will never let foreign agenda determine what happens in Kirkuk.
Reporter, Woman # 1
Iraqi politicians hope that a parliamentary session will be held in order to reach an agreement; but what they hoped for did not materialize. The provincial election law is still on hold until a decision is made about the fate of Kirkuk. Its Arab and Turkmen population demand an equal political representation, but the Kurds reject this demand and insist that Kirkuk be included within the Kurdish region of Iraq.
Guest, Man # 2
Every hour, we are surprised with a new proposal pertaining to Kirkuk. They are making impossible conditions in order to derail the political process and obstruct the provincial election law.
Guest, Woman # 2
So far, there are ongoing meetings and negotiations pertaining to conducting elections in Kirkuk. The UN proposed a reconciliatory plan which includes points of agreements, and points of differences. The meetings continue.
Reporter, Woman # 1
So far, the parliament can’t reach an agreement on the budget and on Kirkuk. If they fail to reach consensus, the local elections will be postponed until next year
Guest, Man # 3
Based on what has been happening it seems that there are difficulties and I think that there are no tangible results from yesterday’s meetings.
Guest, Man # 4
There are new proposals and we hope that in the next few hours we can reach a final agreement, so we can hold a voting session on the provincial election law.
Reporter, Woman # 1
Political observers believe that there is an urgency to resolve the provincial election law since the Iraqi president Jalal Talabani rejected an earlier draft of the provincial election law, and since the Kurdish officials made statements saying that conspiracies are being hashed against them. This comes as the election committee announced that it has been witnessing the lowest rate of voting registration due to the ongoing differences in parliament. If negotiations fail to bring out an agreement on Kirkuk then it is most likely that the country which once was driven into sectarian wars will be dragged into ethnic wars. If Iraqi politicians cannot reach an agreement, then how can 27 million Iraqis reach one? For Al Madar program, Douha Al Hadad, Abu Dhabi Television, Baghdad.
Israel Releases Five More Prisoners in Swap Deal
Al Jazeera, QatarPRESENTER, FEMALE #1
In the framework of its prisoner swap deal with Lebanon’s Hezbollah Party, Israel released five Palestinian detainees today. According to the spokeswoman of the Israeli Prison Authority, the released detainees are minors accused of throwing rocks and Molotov cocktail bombs at Israeli soldiers. The spokeswoman added that the release concludes the last phase in the prisoner swap deal signed with Hezbollah on July 16.
REPORTER, FEMALE #2
The third and last phase in the prisoner and remains swap deal between Hezbollah and Israel was completed, with the release of five Palestinian detainees. The prisoners, who are minors accused of throwing rocks at the Israeli soldiers and whose sentences were about to run out, were released by the Israeli authorities into the custody of their parents and the Palestinian authority at the Taiba checkpoint south of Tulkarim.
GUEST, MALE #1
Thank God, I was released from prison; I commend Hassan Nasrallah on his efforts. God willing, Nasrallah will be able to help free other detainees, including men, women, as well as those serving life sentences.
REPORTER, FEMALE #2
The news of the release came unexpectedly, as the Israeli government only agreed to release 5 Palestinian minors, in protest over a report submitted by Hezbollah regarding the fate of the Israeli pilot, Ron Arad, in which Israel described as “out of context.” Israel was expected to release dozens of Palestinian detainees, including women, children, the ill, and some of those serving long sentences, such as the prisoners’ veteran Saaid Al-Ataba. Meanwhile, the Palestinian authority believes that only through a comprehensive political deal that a large number of Palestinian detainees could be released.
GUEST, MALE #2
This file will not end until we reach an agreement based on the release of all prisoners and detainees within a specific timeframe. The release of all veteran prisoners, women, children, political leaders, and the ill, must be taken into consideration in any deal whether reached through political negotiations or through a prisoner swap.
REPORETER, FEMALE #2
All eyes are now focused on the possible prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas and what Israel referred to as “goodwill gestures toward the Palestinian President.” Meanwhile, the Palestinians hope that the release will include more than 40 ministers and MPs, with the head of the legislative council topping the list. The head of the Palestinian legislative council who sent a letter on behalf of the prisoners, has called on Hamas and Fatah to open a political dialogue under the roof of the Palestinian parliament.
GUEST, MALE #3
We hereby call on the government in Gaza and the presidential office in the West Bank immediately to stop all political arrests and release all political prisoners. We also call for the halting of all media rhetoric between the two sides.
REPORTER, FEMALE #2
Although Hezbollah was unable to free a large number of Palestinian detainees, Israel is getting ready to pay a higher price in its swap deal with the Hamas Movement. Meanwhile, the Palestinians are lost between the suffering of their detainees held in Israeli prisons on one side and the ongoing division, which may foil all efforts, on the other. Jibara Al-Budairi, Aljazeera, occupied Ramallah.
Settlers to Take Over Homes in Palestinian Neighborhood
Palestine TV, RamallahPRESENTER, MALE #1
According to medical sources at Ramallah Government Hospital, Yousef Ameera, a seventeen year old Palestinian boy, has been declared clinically dead after he was hit by two bullets fired by the Israeli occupation forces. In addition, six residents were wounded during a confrontation with the occupation army in the village of Ni’leen west of Ramallah. According to sources in the Popular Committee against the apartheid wall of annexation and expansion, the occupation army attacked local residents in the town of Ni’lin during a funeral procession for Ahmad Husam Mousa, a Palestinian child who was martyred by the occupation army; the attack took place near the eastern entrance of Ni’lin. In the context of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the occupied city of Jerusalem and Jerusalemites, Israeli settlers backed by the occupation police tried to seize control of two homes in the Salam neighborhood in the town of Al-Aisawiya, northeast of the holy city.
REPORTER, MALE #2
It is the battle of an occupied nation: in which Israeli settlers are the perpetrators and the Palestinian rightful owners are the victims. In the Salam neighborhood in the town of Al-Aisawiya in northeast occupied Jerusalem, a group of settlers tried to seize control of two Palestinian homes; this news comes after an Israeli court issued an eviction notice to the residents, ordering them to hand over the homes to the settlers.
GUEST, MALE #3
At nearly 5:00 AM, a convoy of four to five cars, carrying Israeli settlers, rolled into town and tried to seize control of two homes; this is not acceptable; the settlers are claiming the land was theirs; they (the Israelis) can forge the deeds because they have control over the legal records.
REPORTER, MALE #2
The case didn’t end here as the settlers started to protest in front of the two seized homes, claiming they are the rightful owners. The settlers, who attacked the local residents, were escorted and backed by a large Israeli military force.
GUEST, FEMALE #1
The settlers stormed into the homes and occupied them. They came from the valley, passing through here and the adjacent streets; they brought their families, including women and children, and seized control of these homes. What right do they have to come and take a home that doesn’t belong to them? They are now inside our home; we don’t know whether they intend to take it away or not; we don’t have peace.
REPORTER, MALE #2
Meanwhile, in the occupied city of Jerusalem, where the Israeli occupation forces demolished the home of the Abu Aisha family, several Jerusalemite national and Islamic figures staged a sit-in near the rubble of the demolished home. The protestors built a sit-in tent to express solidarity with the Abu Aisha family, whose home was demolished a few days ago, hoping this will help ease the pain suffered by the Jerusalemites and help heal this wounded nation, which has suffered for so long.
GUEST, MALE #4
We are holding a sit-in near the home of Majid Abu Aisha; the home was demolished on the day before yesterday. The Abu Aisha case has been in court for nearly 5 years; when examining the boring details of the case, you will come to a conclusion that there’s no Israeli court that will serve justice to a Palestinian citizen. From the details of the case, it’s clear that the court decision was politically motivated. It’s also an attempt by Israel to prevent the Palestinian people from advancing; they (the Israelis) don’t issue new building permits to Palestinians yet they continue to demolish what has already been built.
Hezbollah May Acquire Anti-Aircrafts Missiles
IBA, IsraelMeeting in Jerusalem, the security cabinet heard a briefing from top security officials indicating that Hezbollah has 40,000 rockets. According to a diplomatic source, Hezbollah now poses a greater security threat to Israel than Iran does. Meanwhile, Israel has revealed new anti-rocket systems and released five Palestinian prisoners in accordance with the final stage in a deal with Hezbollah.
Life Returns to Normal in Beirut
NBN TV, LebanonPresenter, Woman #1
The Political improvement in Lebanon has had positive effects on the lives of the Lebanese. Life has returned to normal after it was significantly disturbed by the consecutive political crises.
Reporter, Woman # 2
Today is a new day for the Lebanese. We have resolved the political crises which were hopeless until recently. Lebanon now has a government and ministerial cabinet that are waiting for approval by the Parliament. The Lebanese are known for their ability to live well and enjoy life, but they went through difficult conditions, especially considering that the Lebanese citizens have had both political and economic difficulties. They faced endless problems with electricity, telephone lines, social services, inflation, and an increase in reverse immigration. Today the beloved sounds have returned to the Lebanese streets. They are full of Lebanese, Arab and foreign visitors. The streets are full of pedestrians and the cafes have a good amount of traffic. After the end of the political nightmare, hopes were renewed for a shared homeland based on brotherhood among all. What do Lebanese citizens want from their government?
Guest, Man # 1
In brief, the problem is the big economic burden that citizens have to deal with. Any new government must address the concerns of ordinary citizens. In Lebanon we have two classes, one is the working class and the other is semi-middle class. They must improve the living standards for people so they can live with dignity.
Guest, Man # 2
The social and economic conditions must be improved and the government must be approved by the parliament.
Guest, Man # 3
We want the government to find a solution to the inflation problem in the country. As you know the economic conditions are very difficult. We are optimistic. They have completed the ministerial declaration, we will see what the coming steps will be like.
Guest, Man # 4
The government must take care of its people and the economy. That is the most important thing. The people are now poor.
Reporter, Woman # 2
Lebanese ex-patriots are pleased that the political crises have ended.
Guest, Man # 5
What concerns us more than anything is security. As Lebanese expatriates who live in America, we mainly want Lebanon to stay safe so we can come and visit every year. This will help us spend a month or two in Lebanon with peace of mind.
Reporter, Woman # 2
Hopefully the prayers of the following Arab tourist will become true. After all, Lebanon is relatively stable and calm.
Guest, Man # 6
We feel that everyone is happy. People are going out to the market. I hope that they can continue on the same path. God willing I hope that they can forget the past and join together, so they can build a good future for Lebanon.
Reporter, Woman # 2
The formation of the government and resolving the ministerial deadlock have relieved the Lebanese citizens from political burdens. This government must start working to resolve the serious economic and social problems that Lebanese citizens face. From Beirut, Rusha Zin, NBN.
New Sanctions Against Iran
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Woman # 1
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany held a closed session to discuss the Iranian letter which was handed yesterday to European Union Foreign policy chief Javier Solana. They are also discussing new sanctions on Iran, though they have different views on this topic.
Reporter, Man # 1
The US is trying to convince the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to impose new sanctions on Iran in order to force it to stop its Uranium Enrichment program. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany held a closed session today to discuss the Iranian letter which was handed to European Union Foreign policy chief Javier Solana. The US Undersecretary of State William Burns, who participated for the first time in the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 5 +1 countries, suggested what he views as several important steps to solve Iran’s nuclear crisis. Burns gave a lecture at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, saying that the US must impose stronger sanction on Iran while working on a diplomatic option and opening bilateral relations with it. Burns acknowledged that the imposed economic and trade sanctions on Iran are not being implemented by countries such as Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and even the United Arab Emirates. He said that Tehran uses these gaps in the international sanctions as a way to continue the Uranium Enrichment program and to undermine the ability of the 5+ 1 countries to reach an agreement to impose new sanctions on it. Tehran promised to respond in a positive manner to the European incentives but did not give a specific time. Iran demanded a clarification from the 5 + 1 countries; meanwhile it continues to its missiles tests because it is betting that the time factor is on side. Najah Muhammad Ali, Al Aarbiya.
Bin Laden's Driver Found Guilty
Al Jazeera English, Qatar[Summary]
In the first US war crimes trial since WWII, Osama Bin Laden’s driver has been found guilty of providing material support for terrorism. The White House said that Salim Hamden had received a fair trial. The trial is taking place in US military base, Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The Jury has also acquitted him of a charge that he was conspiring to commit acts of murder against US soldiers.
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