Presenter, Male #1
13 Palestinian resistance groups announced the formation of a joint operations room to strengthen the resistance against the Israeli occupation. A spokesman for Al-Qassam Brigades said that their response will be “thunderous” to what he called the “land-selling negotiations” between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Presenter, Female #1
For its part, Israel tightened its intelligence and military measures in Israel and the southern parts of the occupied West Bank.

Reporter, Male #1
The formation of a joint operations room against the Israeli occupation was announced hours after the Israeli Prime Minister and the Palestinian president agreed to hold direct talks. 13 Palestinian groups vowed to increase attacks on Israel in response to what they call “land-selling negotiations”.

Guest, Male #1 (Abu al-Abida, spokesman for Al-Qasam Brigades)
The authority in Ramallah will slide into a whirlpool of absurd and useless negotiations again. We completely reject this action. These negotiations create a cover for the Zionist enemy’s aggression on our people. We will not allow these negotiations to mislead our people. The resistance’s thunderous words will be the response to the land-selling negotiations.

Reporter, Male #1
These 13 groups include the Islamic Jihad, the Popular Resistance Committees, and a splinter armed group from Fatah. Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing for Hamas, claimed responsibility for an operation that killed 4 Israeli settlers in the West Bank shortly before the negotiations. The Brigades also claimed responsibility within 24 hours after an attack took place near a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, wounding 2 Israelis. For their part, the Israeli authorities tightened their intelligence and military measures in the West Bank, specifically in Hebron and the Green Line areas, preparing for any potential security developments after the resistance groups announced their threats. However, despite the threats that the resistance may create by launching more attacks during the negotiations, the two sides, Palestinian and Israeli, both showed their will to enter the negotiations in spite of other possible consequences. Besides the acute disputes and lack of trust between the two sides, which create widespread doubts on the chance of success of these negotiations, the two sides are expected to confront their first obstacle on September 26. This is the date on which the partial freeze that Israeli imposed on constructing new residential buildings in the West Bank will end. The Palestinian president affirmed shortly before the peace talks that the Palestinians may pull out of the negotiations if the freeze is not renewed.

Presenter, Male #1
On the World Quds Day, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad said that negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli authorities were “born dead and failed”.

Presenter, Female #1
In his speech for the occasion, Ahmedinejad added that the only path for Palestinians is not peace talks and negotiations but resistance.

Guest, Male #2 (Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Iranian president)
These negotiations are born dead. They don’t have any basis. When the foundational issue, the rights of Palestinian people and the realities in the region, has not been confronted, it is clear that these negotiations will fail. I say this out loud and in all honesty, that the fate of Palestinians is decided in Palestine through the Palestinian people’s resistance, not in Washington or Paris, or London.

Presenter, Female #1
Meanwhile, massive marches have started in Tehran and other Iranian cities to mark the World Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan.

Presenter, Male #1
Participants in these marches carried slogans denouncing the Israeli policy in occupied Jerusalem and called on Muslims to take action in order to achieve victory.

Presenter, Female #1
‘No talks if settlement freeze ends:” This is what Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas threatened to do in response to remarks issued by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that the partial settlement freeze is due to expire at the end of September. The most notable outcome of the first days of direct talks was a promise made by both sides to meet every two weeks, with the first round scheduled for October 14 in Sharm el-Sheikh, in the presence of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Our correspondent, Emil Barudi, reports from Washington.

Reporter, Male #1
A new formula was introduced by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in the opening session of the direct talk at the headquarters of the US State Department. This is the first time in the history of Palestinian-Israeli talks that the Israeli prime minister refers to Palestinian sovereignty over its territories, though it was conditional.

Guest, Male #2 (Israeli Prime Minster, Benjamin Netanyahu)
President Abbas, I'm fully aware and I respect your people's desire for sovereignty. I'm convinced that it's possible to reconcile that desire with Israel’s need for security.

Reporter, Male #1
The Palestinian side has shown an understanding of Israel’s desire for security. But, in return, PA President, Mahmud Abbas, said that Israel must understand that freezing its settlement activities during the talks is important to their continuity.

Guest, Male #3 (PA President, Mahmud Abbas)
We call on the Israeli government to move forward with its commitment to end all settlement activities and completely lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip as well as halt all forms of incitements.

Reporter, Male #1
How can we ensure the success of talks that are facing so many obstacles? The answer may vary depending on who you ask.

Guest, Male#4 (Ziyad Aseli, US Working Group for Palestine)
Now that the US has committed itself and invited the partners of peace to attend the conference, it will not allow the negotiation process to collapse within one month. It’s impossible.

Guest, Male #5 (Yigal Balmier, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman)
There will be of course a shared understanding that neither side want to be embarrassed. Of course there are problems and grievances by our side but we will try to resolve all issues within the framework of negotiations.

Reporter, Male #1
Senator George Mitchell informed reporters of the next scheduled round of negotiations set to take place on Sept. 14 and 15. Sources close to the Israeli delegation said that Mahmud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu have met one-on-one for nearly two hours. They discussed several issues, including some final-status issues. Now and after the barriers separating the two sides have been removed, the peace partners will move quietly to exploring ways to help resolve some of the secondary issues to prevent any possible backlash on the core issues. Emil Barudi, Dubai TV, Washington.

In reaction to Tuesday’s fatal shooting in Hebron, the Yesha Council of settlers announced that it will unilaterally resume construction in West Bank settlements, without waiting for September 26th. In a symbolic gesture, settlers gathered in a few settlements yesterday to dedicate those building projects, as bulldozers began work and dozens of residents gathered to lay the groundwork for a new community center.

Thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims across Iran took to the streets to mark the international Quds Day. It was the last Friday of the month of Ramadan as nation-wide rallies marked the international Quds Day. Iranians took to the streets to denounce Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinians, especially the besieged people of Gaza.

Presenter, Female #1
The Israeli occupation is exploiting ignorance of the essential facts of the Aqsa Mosque to carry out a scheme that would divide the mosque, and dig tunnels underneath it. Israel separates the structures of the mosque from the temple mount. Portrays the buildings as the sacred Islamic site, while the area is not sacred. This report will shed some light on the issue.

Reporter, Female # 2
There is no doubt that the holy Aqsa Mosque is facing numerous dangers today that threaten its identity, and its historic building. The excavations at the Aqsa Mosque and its precincts constitute one of the most prominent dangers, as they not only threaten the architectural structure of the mosque, but also redraw the identity of its precincts, granting it an odd Jewish identity that does not belong to the Aqsa Mosque. Today, these excavations are no longer mere separate tunnels, dug to disrupt the foundation of the Aqsa Mosque, but they have become shrines and tourist sites that constitute, together, a historical Jewish city with multiple entrances. The city of Jerusalem has adopted the shape and essence that the Zionists believe the city had during the time of the alleged First and Second Temples. Its main purpose is to manufacture Jewish history in the city of Jerusalem that would prove the alleged right of the Zionists to the city and distort the overwhelming Islamic and Arab presence in the city, along with their sacred sites. Today, the occupation is building a Jerusalem that is made out of settlements that live inside walls, severed from everything that is Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and Christian. It is now building a pure capital for Israel that has no place for non-Jews. Israel is waging a war that it believes to bear no cost, in order to ameliorate its fate in the city that fell under its control 43 years ago. It is waging a war against time, pushed by the realization that what cannot be accomplished today will not be possible to achieve tomorrow or the day after. The inevitable imbalance of power is not in its favor. It is worth mentioning that Muslim scholars have proved that the Aqsa Mosque is comprised of everything that surrounds it, and spans 144,000 square meters. Promoting the truth is an essential priority in terminating the plan to divide the mosque. In addition to fostering Arab and Muslim awareness of the nature of the danger that the mosque is facing.

Presenter, Male #1
Iranian security and Basij forces have launched random sweeps against reformists in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Security units were heavily deployed in Iranian major cities, in anticipation of opposition protests to mark al-Quds day. Incoming reports also confirmed that members of the Basij forces and plainclothes security officers were deployed in major public squares. In addition, a state of emergency was declared by the various security institutions in the country. Knowledgeable Iranian sources told our al-Arabiya channel that a special force affiliated with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, attacked opposition reformist leader Mahdi Karroubi. The sources added that the security forces attacked Karroubi’s home with fire bombs and prevented him from leaving his home to take part in the celebrations marking al-Quds day. Karroubi's guards clashed with members of the Wilayat al Faqih, or Iranian Guardianship of the Jurist, security forces.

Reporter, Male #2
The notable deployment of the Iranian security forces on the major streets of the Iranian capital, Tehran, aims to counter public protests marking the anniversary al-Quds day. Reformist groups called for holding protests against what they referred to as “the crackdown on public freedoms, forging the elections, and religious persecution.” Security forces were deployed in the Bulvar and Wali Asr streets as well as in and around the Inklab square and the University neighborhoods.According to incoming reports, members of the Basij forces and plainclothes security officers were heavily deployed in major public squares. In addition, a state of emergency was declared by all security institutions, especially the Tha'r Allah, or Vengeance of God, forces. Tha’r Allah brigade is an offshoot of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards that is responsible for the protection of Tehran. The sources added that some members of the Basij forces were dispatched from cities adjacent to the Iranian capital. The security forces were deployed to terrorize the citizens and counter any protests planned by opposition to mark al-Quds day. Before the bombing of his home, reformist leader Mahdi Karroubi met with Mir Hossein Mousavi to condemn what they referred to as “the government of liars.” The two leaders stressed the importance of marking al-Quds day and also promised that a new dawn will soon to come. Sources close to Mousavi and karroubi said that the two leaders avoided to call for public protests but left the door open for reformist organizations and groups to make the call. Incoming reports also confirmed that the Iranian authorities have imposed a strict ban on the use of the internet and denied access to reformist and opposition websites. The Iranian authorities also blocked the use of electronic mails, such as Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo, in an attempt to prevent coverage of the protests and demonstrations marking al-Quds day. Najah Mohammad Ali, Arabiya.

Presenter, Male #1
Afghan president Hamid Karzai accused NATO troops in Afghanistan of killing 10 activists working for the campaign of a parliamentary election candidate. The elections are scheduled to take place this month. He said that the campaign workers were killed in an air strike launched by NATO forces in Takhar, northern Afghanistan. NATO released a statement saying that the air strike targeted a member in the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. This coincided with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ arrival in Afghanistan.

Reporter, Female #1
Afghanistan’s government and people seem to be fed up with the NATO forces’ operations in the country because their air strikes often end up killing scores of civilians. The latest air strike was launched on the relatively peaceful Rostaq district in northern Afghanistan near Tajikistan. NATO released a statement saying that its forces carried out the air strike precisely, targeting an important member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. But the Afghan president Hamid Karzai gave different figures as he welcomed the US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Guest, Male #1 (Hamid Karzai, Afghan President)
“According to the reports that we get so far, ten were killed and three wounded in this operation.” “The nature of the operation and the presence of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan’s personalities or activists have to be determined.” “We are investigating it.” “And as it turns out, we will then share the information with our allies, the United States and NATO.”

Reporter, Female #1
Gates promised to investigate the air strike, which, like previous air strikes, caused tension between Afghanistan and the US. The tension is not only created by these operations; it is also fueled by the spreading of corruption which the US fears to be in favor of the Taliban.

Guest, Male #1 (Robert Gates, US Defense Secretary)
“President Karzai and I also discussed our respective efforts against the incidence of corruption that, as he has forthrightly noted, saps the strength and resources of the Afghan people and diminishes their support for their elected government.” “I want to note that the U.S. must make sure that American dollars and other foreign assistance do not fuel corruption.”

Reporter, Female #1
Gates arrived in Afghanistan from Iraq after attending the withdrawal ceremony of US combatant troops there. His visit carries a message to the Taliban and the Afghan government that Washington will intensify its military fights against the Taliban. The US admits that the Taliban has gained more influence in the region 9 years after its governance was ousted. Ola Maki, BBC.

Presenter, Male #1
As part of their ongoing security efforts, Iraqi security agencies in the city of Mosul dismantled a terrorist cell, specializing in assassinations. Several members of the group were arrested. In addition, security forces stormed a special shop used to manufacture firearm silencers.

Presenter, Female #1
During the interrogation, the terrorists confessed to carrying out assassinations, targeting members of the security agencies and the public.

Reporter, Male # 1
Acting on specific intelligence tips, the command center of the Iraqi Federal Police, 3rd Infantry Division, was able to dismantle a terrorist cell suspected of carrying out assassination operations in the city of Mosul. Five terror suspects were arrested in the raid.

Guest, Male #3 (Member of the Iraqi federal police, 3rd Infantry Division)
We received intelligence information confirming that a terrorist cell was operating a shop used to manufacture firearm silencers in the industrial district of Wadi Ekab. We formed a task force under the direction of Major General Mohammad Sabri Latif, the commander of the Iraqi Federal Police, 3rd Infantry Division. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Information Division of the Sawlat al-Fursan Brigade, or Charge of the Knights. Our forces raided the shop and arrested 5 terror suspects on charges of operating and manufacturing firearm silencers.

Reporter, Male #2
After gathering intelligence information, the Information Division of the Sawlat al-Fursan Brigade raided the terrorist hideout in the industrial district of Wadi Ekab.The shop was used to manufacture firearm silencers and bombs.

Guest, Male #4
We formed a task force made up of heroes from the Information Division of the Sawlat al-Fursan Brigade, under the direction of commander in chief of the Iraqi army’s 3rd Infantry Division. The officers arrested five terrorists and seized a shop that was used to manufacture firearm silencers.

Reporter, Male #2
During the interrogation, the terrorists confessed to operating the terrorist cell and carrying out assassinations, targeting members of the security agencies and the public in the city of Mosul. The command center of the national police in Mosul has dismantled a terrorist cell, specializing in assassinations, and arrested most of its members.During the interrogation, the suspects admitted to operating the terrorist cell as well as carrying out assassinations in the province of Ninawa. Samir Seluka, Iraqiya, Mosul.

Presenter, Female #1
The command center of the Iraqi Rapid Intervention Forces has arrested the defense minister of the so called “Islamic State of Iraq,” during a security operation in the county of Abu Ghraib. The commander of the Rapid Intervention Forces, Major General Numan Dakhel, said that his officers carried out a sting operation, in the county of Abu Ghraib in pursuit of terror suspects. Among the suspects arrested in the operation was the so called “Khuder Ali Dhiab.” Dakhel added that the operation was based on specific intelligence information.

Presenter, Male #1
Several members of al-Qaeda terrorist group were killed while trying to plant bombs or detonate booby trapped cars in Anbar Province. The spokesman of the Anbar Provincial Police Department said that the arrests of al-Qaeda explosive engineers and experts have led to faulty detonation of booby trapped cars. The source added that the rise in the number of terrorists killed while trying to detonate bombs is due to the lack of knowledge in detonation techniques and due to the mishandling of dangerous dual-use materials.


** Mosaic News is produced by Jamal Dajani. Contact: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org