Mosaic News - 3/17/10: World News From The Middle East
Allawi ahead of al-Maliki in latest Iraq vote tally
BBC Arabic, UKPresenter, Male #1
The Iraqiya List led by former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, is edging ahead of the rival State of Law List led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Iraqiya List is leading by a few thousand votes. The results are based on 79 per cent of the votes. The count doesn’t include the votes by expatriates, members of the police and armed forces, the prisoners, or the infirm.
Reporter, Male #2
The gap is narrowing between the State of Law collation led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the Iraqiya list led by former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, with the latter leading by a few thousands vote. The count of nearly 79 per cent of the votes is showing that the Iraqiya list has won nearly 2,102,981 votes as opposed to 2,093,997 in favor of the State of Law coalition. The Iarqiya list has taken the lead in the provinces of Diyala, Salah Deen, Ninawa, and Anbar. In the province of Kirkuk, Allawi’s coalition is neck-and-neck with the Kurdistan Alliance. On the other hand, the State of Law coalition held the lead in the provinces of Baghdad, Babel, Najaf, Muthana, Basra, Karbala, and Wasit. The third runner is the Iraqi National Alliance, a coalition that includes several Islamic Shia parties, notably the Da’wa Party led by former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja’fery. However, the Iraqi National Alliance finished in first place in the provinces of Misan, Dhi Qar, and Qadesiya. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Alliance held a lead in the Kurdistan region, including in the provinces of Dahuk, Irbil, and Suliemaniya. In Kirkuk, it was a neck-and-neck competition between the Kurdistan Alliance and the Iraqiya list. The results don’t include the votes casted by Iraqis living abroad, members of the armed forces, the prisoners, or the infirm. Based on the available results, the makeup of the next council, which consists of 325 seats, will be as follows: The State of Law coalition and the Iraqiya List will each take 87 seats. The Iraqi National Alliance will take 67 seats as opposed to 37 seats for the Kurdistan Alliance. 32 seats will be allocated among the various political blocs, provided that each candidate wins at least 35,000 votes. The remaining 15 seats are being set aside for religious minorities and unrepresented groups. The results are subject to change pending the outcome of the final count, which may be influenced by the vote of the expatriates. According to knowledgeable sources, none of the Iraqi lists alone will be able to form the next government. This requires the formation of an alliance by at least two coalitions in order to win the majority at the parliament, not to forget that the Kurdistan Alliance enjoys a special position due to its national and political status.
Maliki accuses election officials of fraud, demands recount
Al Jazeera, QatarPresenter, Female # 1
Ali al-Adeeb, a candidate in Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition, demanded a recount because of what he described as clear manipulation in the interest of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s bloc.
Presenter, Male # 1
This, as preliminary results of the Iraqi elections revealed after a count of 80 per cent of the ballots, that Allawi’s bloc is leading by 9,000 votes for the first time.
Reporter, Male # 2
After the elections, and each time the counting center releases another dose of the results, the political scene in Iraq changes. After counting the majority of the votes, it wasn’t expected for the Iraqiya List, headed by Allawi, el-Hashmi, al-Isawi, and al-Najafi, to come out ahead of al-Maliki. The Iraqiya is now in the third position, and it seems that the drop-by-drop announcement of the election results still carries additional surprises. Allawi and al-Maliki’s blocs have each won almost 87 seats until now, out of 325 seats. These 2 blocs will get additional seats from the special vote, and the expatriate vote, in addition to 15% of the votes that have still not been counted. These numbers could, once again, change the equation, but it seems that these results do not please the coalition of the prime minister, who enjoys broad powers before and after the elections. A few days ago, the same Nouri al-Maliki who praised the election, began to adopt a stance against it by demanding the recount of tens of thousands of votes. He believes that some of the counting center’s employees tampered with the votes. However, the complaints against the center are varied and abundant. The Iraqiya List also has a long list of complaints, including some that took place on the day of the elections, during which many security violations took place, and complaints related to the sorting and calculating methods. That is what made Allawi demand an investigation into the performance of the counting center. Whether it is the Iraqiya List or al-Maliki’s Collation that is leading, the Iraqiya has, without a doubt, achieved a major accomplishment that will be important during its next role on the political scene. This new coalition has gained legitimacy, and caused al-Maliki to miss out on a broad victory in the provincial elections. While 10 days have passed since the end of the elections, and the final results have still not been announced, the alliances that will be formed after the announcement of those results will play a bigger role than the results themselves. Then, the real value won’t lie in who managed to get the biggest number of votes; rather, the value will lie in who preemptively managed to form the biggest number of alliances to represent the Iraqi people.
Israel lifts West Bank siege
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
The Israeli occupation authorities are continuing to impose a siege on Jerusalem. Israel’s army was placed on high alert in East Jerusalem. In the meantime, the occupation authorities have lifted the 5-day-old ban that has been imposed on the West Bank. Nearly 3,000 Israeli police officers have been deployed in and around al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The Israeli army also staged dozens of road blocks and military checkpoints across East Jerusalem, in anticipation of new clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police. The Palestinians are protesting the building of the “Kherba” synagogue near al-Aqsa Mosque. More than 90 Palestinians were wounded in clashes that erupted yesterday and continued to the night. In addition, dozens of Palestinians were detained in the protests. Joining us via phone our correspondent, Sherouk As’ad, from Jerusalem. Sherouk, are there any reports of clashes at this hour? Is the situation still tense, and will it escalate?
Correspondent, Female #2
The confrontations seem to be more intense in the West Bank. I was informed a short while ago of new clashes erupting in some of the villages in the county of Hebron, as well as in various West Bank cities, including Nablus and Bethlehem. In Ramallah, Palestinian students clashed with the Israeli army using stones. In response, the Israeli army was deployed at various military checkpoints across the West Bank. Here in Jerusalem, the Israeli army was put on high alert. A large number of police and security officers were deployed in and around Jerusalem. The army has eased up security measures at certain checkpoints. However, this doesn’t mean that West Bank residents are allowed to enter Jerusalem. West Bank residents are not allowed to enter Jerusalem without an Israeli permit. The situation is sure to deteriorate, maybe not today but for sure in the forthcoming days. Simply, the situation is being fueled by a number of factors, which include the issue of the settlements, the synagogue, and the stalled peace negotiations, as these issues are the key ingredients of the violence. There is uncertainty in Jerusalem and anger is still the dominant factor, from a Palestinian perspective, to say the least.
Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent, Sherouk Asa’d from Jerusalem, thank you. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has criticized Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman for releasing information about what Ban Ki-moon said was a confidential phone call between them. Ban Ki-Moon said that he was troubled by what he described as a “unilateral announcement.” In addition, the UN Secretary-General called on both the Israelis and the Palestinians to show restraint in light of yesterday’s incidents. Ki-moon also criticized Israel’s settlement plan to build 1,600 new housing units for the settlers in East Jerusalem.
Guest, Male #1 (Ban Ki-moon)
We condemn the Israeli government’s decision to build 1,600 new housing units in Jerusalem. As I have said before, I say again, directly and without equivocation: settlements are illegal under international law.
Left-wing Israelis demonstrate against E. Jerusalem construction plans
IBA, IsraelAt the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a group of left-wing students demonstrated against continued Israel construction in East Jerusalem. They were challenged by right-wing protesters; a large police deployment separated the two factions and violence ensued as 3 of the left-wingers were detained by police on charges of incitement.
Vigils held to mark 7th anniversary of peace activist's murder
Press TV, IranDozens of states in the U.S. are holding candlelight vigils to commemorate the brutal murder of American peace activist Rachel Corrie. The 7th anniversary comes as Corrie’s criminal trial against the bulldozer drivers is underway in Israel. The U.S. has said that it will be monitoring the trial through a diplomat.
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon protest Israeli aggression on Aqsa Mosque
NBN TV, LebanonPresenter, Female #1
Palestinians living in refugee camps in Lebanon initiated their support of the Aqsa Mosque in their own way; through sit-ins, they condemned Israeli crimes and the compliance of the Arabs and the international community.
Reporter, Female #1,
The Palestinian Diaspora can no longer sit still. The people anxiously follow the news of the Israeli enemy’s violations of the holy land on their television screens. The Palestinians in refugee camps in Lebanon are outraged. In Hsoun, a wide-scaled demonstration was called for by Hamas in front of the old mosque in the north tower camp, in support of al-Aqsa Mosque. Protesters held pictures of Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque. The protesters condemned the Zionist aggression on Islam and Christianity’s holy ground.
Guest, Male #1
The Aqsa Mosque is a Muslim site; it cannot be compromised or given up. Everything that is happening in Jerusalem was caused by the useless and reckless negotiations. Nothing will come out of them.
Reporter, Female #1,
The scene is the same in the Sidon refugee camps. Students from Ain el-Hilweh camp released their suppressed anger, protesting Israel for its arbitrary behavior on holy ground. A massive demonstration and march were organized and joined by the UNRWA students.
Guest, Female #1
May God protect al-Aqsa, I want to say that the Arabs are asleep, and they’ll continue to be asleep. The Arabs should not be entrusted with protecting the Aqsa Mosque.
Guest, Female #2
We are always with you, and standing behind you. God willing, we’ll liberate Aqsa. Don’t be afraid, we’ll always be with you.
Reporter, Female #1,
In Beirut, Palestinians responded to Hamas’ call for a sit-in at the Burg al-Bargina refugee camp. The protesters gathered, carrying the Palestinian flag that reflects their identity. Speeches were given at the sit-in, condemning the violations that are taking place on the holy ground of the Aqsa Mosque, and they called for placing Jerusalem at the top of the Arab summit’s agenda.
Guest, Male #2
We are taking this step in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon in order to send a clear message: Jerusalem has men to protect it.
Guest, Male #3
Now the Arab Summit will open in Libya. Let it be the summit for Jerusalem, and for Palestinians and for the holy ground. We demand that it supports the Palestinian people.
Guest, Female #3
I swear to the almighty God. I swear on the blood of the martyrs, on the blood of the children, on the blood of all the Palestinian youth. We will not forget you Jerusalem; we will not forget you al-Aqsa. Our souls will fight for you even if we’re dead.
Guest, Female #4
We are in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers who are being massacred. We see children getting killed right in front of us. Our hearts are wounded because of Jerusalem, we want to fight, just open the road to Palestine. We may be women, but we’re just as strong as men. We want strength; we want the Arab countries to support us.
Reporter, Female #1
At a time when Arab countries and the international community are all officially silent on the events that are taking place in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa, the residents of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon broke their silence to protest: “We sacrifice our souls for al-Aqsa, we sacrifice our souls for Jerusalem.”
Following apology, former Syria critic to visit Damascus
New TV, LebanonPresenter, Female #1
Damascus now welcomes the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt. What are the reactions of his constituents and the people of Damascus? We leave you with Nedal Humaidi from Damascus, and Ogareet Dandash from Beirut.
Reporter, Female #2
Every single time Walid Jumblatt decides to adopt a different position, it worries the public and causes a big ruckus. With very few words, but expressive body language, he easily takes center stage. Even though Damascus now welcomes him, people are still concerned.
Guest, Male #2
His positions are all wrong; he caused us to have problems with a lot of people. If he wants to say something, he should be responsible for the consequences or else not say anything at all.
Guest, Male #3
Sometimes I’m against him and sometimes I’m with him. It depends on the timing, his latest position is excellent.
Guest, Male #4
Of course, not all of us support him. As a resident of Choueifat, I can tell you that the rest of the residents agree. No one knows what his next position will be, and where he’s going. Whichever road he’s taking it, he should take it by himself.
Guest, Male #5
He is not going to Israel; he is going to Syria, the best country in the world.
Guest, Male #6
He went all over the place, but ended up adopting his initial position. He can’t leave Syria; he has to stay with Syria.
Guest, Female #3
We are all with Walid Jumblatt, and we all love him, but he constantly changes his positions. We don’t know what he is doing. We can’t follow him if he keeps on flip-flopping. Every other day, he changes his position.
Reporter, Woman #2
Jumblatt will definitely go to Damascus, but it is uncertain how his constituency will react to this new reality. In the past, every time he changed his position, his supporters rushed to defend him. This time, however, his political decisions do not necessary reflect the views of the people. They have still not come to terms with Jumblatt’s new decision, especially after having stood against Syria and the resistance movement for years.
Houthi rebels free 178 captives
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Female # 1
Houthi rebels released all the civilian and military captives they have been detaining, a total of 178 individuals. In exchange, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh promised to free Houthi detainees held in Yemeni prisons.
Reporter, Male # 2
Following the government’s accusation that Houthi rebels were dragging their feet over the implementation of the six-point truce agreement that ended the hostilities, the Houthis released 178 military and civilian captives who were captured during the last war. In exchange, the Yemini government promised to free Houthi prisoners, in accordance with an understanding with the committee charged with implementing the ceasefire. Political observers believe that the legal situation of the hundreds of Houthi detainees in Yemini prisons constitutes an obstacle for the implementation of the agreement. A number of the detainees either received death sentences, or prison terms, and the Yemeni government needs to find the legal means that would enable it to release them. In addition, the truce is facing a number of obstacles set by the Houthis; the Yemeni news agency Saba quoted an official for the high security commission as saying that the Houthis continue to hamper the work of the committees charged with implementing the ceasefire, and have not even complied with the first point of the agreement. The official accused the Houthis of overturning what has already been accomplished, refusing to turn over cleared mines to authorities, retaking control of some areas soon after withdrawing, in addition to setting-up new checkpoints in these areas. Yemen's supreme security committee demanded that the Houthis fully comply with the six-point terms of the ceasefire deal, and not hamper the efforts of the national supervising committees, in order to be able to re-establish peace in Saada and Harf Sufyan, relieve the efforts for development and reconstruction, and enable the return of the refugees. Jibar Abou Daqqa, al-Arabiya.
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