Mosaic News - 3/16/10: World News From The Middle East
38 Palestinians injured in clashes with Israeli police in East Jerusalem
Al Jazeera TV, QatarPresenter, Female #1
The head of the Palestinian Red Crescent said that 38 Palestinians were injured in clashes with occupation soldiers in the town of Issawiya in occupied Jerusalem.
Presenter, Male #1
Other Palestinians were injured in other areas of occupied Jerusalem. This comes after Palestinian forces called for a day of anger in reaction to Israel’s construction of a synagogue in occupied Jerusalem. The following report comes from occupied Jerusalem.
Reporter, Male #1
The Shuafat Refugee Camp became the battlefield for the fiercest clashes witnessed between Palestinians and occupation soldiers in the eastern part of Jerusalem. During unmatched confrontations between heavily armed soldiers and unarmed young Palestinian men, occupation soldiers responded to stones with sound bombs and rubber bullets. Because clashes expanded to other areas, the occupation authorities deployed additional soldiers to Jerusalem, which has been under occupation since June 1967. The Palestinians went out to the streets on this day of anger without any Arab or international support. Palestinians expressed their anger in response to plans announced by the Israeli government last week to build new settlement units in Jerusalem. What made the Palestinians even angrier is the Israeli decision to reopen a synagogue in Jerusalem, which came within the frameworks of a plan to Jewdify the city and strip it of its Arab and Islamic identities. Muslims originally prayed facing Jerusalem, and the city is their third holiest site. Jerusalem has a unique status for Muslims around the world because the Holy Dome of the Rock and the Aqsa Mosque are located in that city, and it is from there that Prophet Muhammad ascended and spoke to God. Israel is trying hard to Jewdify the city by constructing such buildings near the Aqsa Mosque. Palestinians believe that such moves are aimed at paving the way for building the alleged temple. This has compelled some Palestinian officials to warn that acts of violence are not only caused by Jewish extremists, but also by members of the Israeli government. Israel knows the risks of its provocative policies in Jerusalem. It even predicted the Palestinian reaction last Friday, which explains why it imposed restrictions on Palestinian worshipers trying to access the Aqsa Mosque. Israel also increased its oppressive policies and closed all of the West Bank in what it referred to as necessary security measures.
Presenter, Female #1
Our reporter Elias Karam joins us from Jerusalem. Elias, what are the latest developments?
Reporter, Male #1
Clashes in Isawiya are intense and have been ongoing since the early hours of the morning; they started at 7:00 AM. These clashes are ongoing, and occupation forces are deploying additional soldiers and special forces in an attempt to oppress these demonstrations, but to no avail. Once in a while, there are incursions inside the town of Issawiya, but as soon as these forces withdraw, the young men come out again to through stones at the Israeli forces. The Israeli soldiers responded to the stones with tear gas and sound bombs. The clashes have been increasing since the morning and have not subsided. It appears that these clashes will increase in the coming hours. As you can see, hundreds of young men are gathering at the entrances of the town in order to confront the Israeli occupation soldiers who are stationed there. The information we have indicate that 35 Palestinians were arrested and 38 others were injured. 12 were injured by rubber bullets, 9 were injured by tear gas bombs, in addition to other kinds of injuries. 8 Israeli occupation soldiers were injured. Other areas near the old city of Jerusalem specifically in Wadi al-Joz, al-Swaneh and the Mount of Olives also witnessed violent clashes with the Israeli occupation.
Heightened security amid riot fears for inauguration of Hurva Synagogue
IBA TV, IsraelThere was high security in the old city of Jerusalem today following calls from Palestinian leadership to defend the Temple Mount from alleged Israeli aggression. Palestinian shopkeepers observed a 2-hour commercial strike but threats of violence failed to materialize.
Israeli FM boycotts Brazilian president
BBC- ArabicPresenter, Male #1
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman decided to boycott Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s visit to Israel in protest of the latter’s refusal to visit the gravesite of the founder of Zionism, Theodore Herzl. Israeli media reported that Lieberman did not attend the session held by the Knesset for the Brazilian president, nor did he attend the meeting between the president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Reporter, Female #1
Brazilian President Lula da Silva is the guest of Israeli and Palestinian officials while he is on a brief visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. For Israel, what matters is that da Silva represents a country that is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and opposes sanctions on Iran, and is even preparing to visit Tehran this coming May.
Guest, Male #1
In the Knesset, the Brazilian president listened to Israel’s point of view, and we are hoping that he will convey it to Tehran so Iran stops its threats. Perhaps the Brazilian president will succeed in his diplomatic pursuit to convince Iran to halt its activities against Israel and maybe even its nuclear program.
Reporter, Female #1
Da Silva attended an economic workshop to mark the beginning of Israel’s implementation phase of its inception in the free-trade group, Mercosur. Da Silva commended his country’s policy to refrain from producing and using nuclear weapons, hoping that it sets an example for other countries. He also called on the Palestinians and Israelis to resume the peace negotiations.
Guest, Male #2
I am proud to see that there are no nuclear weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. In my country, there is a law that prohibits their production and usage. I would love to see that in other countries as well.
Reporter, Female #1
In statements that appeared to be issued in response to the wave of criticism directed at Israel from Washington, following Israel’s announcement of its intention to expand the Ramat Shlomo settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his meeting with the Brazilian president that the Israeli government’s policy in East Jerusalem has not changed since the city fell under Israeli control in 1967.
Guest, Male #3 (Netanyahu)
The establishment of these Jewish suburbs did not harm the Arabs of East Jerusalem in any shape or form and did not come at their expense. Today, Mr. President, nearly half of Jerusalem's Jewish population lives in these suburbs. None of these places are far away.
Reporter, Female #1
If these statements can be construed as being directed at Washington, then it is also an important message to the Brazilian president, who is known for criticizing Israelis for their settlement policy in the West Bank. Israel hardly ever misses a chance to warn about the Iranian nuclear issue, but this time it was in front of the Brazilian president. Though described as balanced, it is well-known here that the Brazilian president is less friendly with Tel Aviv when it comes to the issues of the region. From Jerusalem, Shirin Lunas, BBC.
Merkel: Mideast peace process in jeopardy
NBN TV, LebanonPresenter, Female # 1
Prime Minister Saad el-Hariri met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Bundestag President Norbert Lammer in Berlin. Hariri confirmed that Lebanon’s security is largely linked to regional developments. Merkel stated that an Israeli military attack on Lebanon was unlikely.
Reporter, Female # 2
Prime Minister Saad Hariri held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in which they discussed regional developments, the efforts to resume the peace process, and the bilateral relations between Lebanon and Germany. Following the talks, a joint press conference was held, during which Hariri confirmed that Lebanon’s security is largely linked to regional developments. He stressed that we are in dire need to breathe life into a process that so desperately needs resuscitation. Hariri stated that the most important issue is accomplishing credible progress on the Palestinian track.
Guest, Male # 1 (Hariri)
Unfortunately, I see very little progress in the Middle East peace process. I hear announcements for additional settlement construction in the West Bank, and whenever there is a little flicker of light, in the midst of this darkness… I am tremendously concerned by this issue. At the same time, I won’t lose faith in the power of cooperation and diplomacy to find common grounds and a common stance for peace in the Middle East.
Reporter, Female # 2
Merkel, from her side, downplayed the possibility of an Israeli war on Lebanon. She stated that the construction of new settlements should end.
Guest, Female # 3 (Merkel)
I think that the current developments are headed toward stabilization, and I don’t see any danger for a war, whether it’s from Israel against Lebanon…but, the issue hasn’t been stabilized enough, in order to enjoy that kind of stability or calm. So, indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians must continue. We see, through the announcement of the construction of additional settlements in the West Bank; we see that we have suffered a serious blow to the question of proximity talks between the Palestinians and Israel. In a phone call with Mr. Netanyahu, I clarified that point and said that it is dangerous to disrupt the entire Middle East peace process.
Reporter, Female # 2
Upon his return to his residence, the prime minister received German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. During their meeting, the two officials held further talks about the issues discussed with the German Chancellor. He also met the German defense minister, and visited the head of parliament.
Iraq: Some candidates still haven't paid for election posters
Al Arabiya TV, UAEPresenter, Male #1
The election campaigns in Iraq ended 24 hours before Election Day on March 7th, but some candidates have still not paid the designers and print shops for their elections posters. We leave you with Ali Khalaf.
Reporter, Male #1
After the results of the parliamentary elections became clear, and after many candidates realized that they had lost, the owners of print shops and visual ad companies started demanding candidates to pay their bills. Candidates, whose posters filled the streets of Basra, have still not paid the costs associated with these ads; estimated to be in the millions of Iraqi dinars.
Guest, Male #3
Different candidates owe me more than $60,000. One candidate owes me $10,000 and another owes me $20,000.
Guest, Male #4
Some candidates promise to pay but they never show up. Others don’t pick up our phone calls, and some even disconnected their phones.
Report, Male #2
Some candidates sold their furniture and cars to pay their debts, such as candidate Adel Abdel Razak, but others only offered a lot of excuses. Graphic designer Ahmad decided to post the most famous excuses in a large font outside his office, or as Iraqis call them “clarat”.
Guest, Male #3
We go to their private offices but we never find them. They tell us that the candidate is outside of Iraq, or that they went to Baghdad. I decided to make a list of their most famous excuses and post it outside of my office; I called it the list of excuses or “clarat”.
Guest, Male #6
He has been asking me for money since the election campaign, so I sold my car and gave him the money, just to get rid of him.
Reporter, Male #3
To better compete in these elections, and by using Photoshop, candidates were made to look 10 years younger on their election posters. Basra residents know that these candidates have still not paid the costs associated with producing these posters. In fact, if their creditors decide to sue them, they may have to go to court for failing to pay their debts. From Basra, Ali KhAlaf, al-Arabiya.
Kuwaiti minister of information faces inquiry again
Dubai TV, UAEPresenter, Female #1
The Kuwaiti National Assembly is having another confidence crisis. A heated discussion began today over a number of allegations directed last month at Information and Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. Al-Sabah is accused of not applying the financial control provisions on organizations and companies licensed to publish and broadcast; and of not applying visual media-related laws. This is the fifth inquiry on Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Sabah in the current parliament; and the sixth in the 13th legislative term of the National Assembly. Joining us from Kuwait over the phone is our correspondent Ahmed el-Ounayzeh. Ahmed, for the fifth time, the Minister of Information stands in front of the inquiry podium. What is the general atmosphere like inside the session?
Guest, Male #1
Yes, actually, this is the second time that he stands before the inquiry podium, but 5 Ministers of Information have had to face it in the past. The inquiry podium has witnessed many Information Ministers. Today’s inquiry was described as routine and very casual, the major parts of the inquiry did not produce anything new. The public and political observers expected some surprises and stronger charges against Minister Ahmed al-Sabah, different than the ones mentioned by the head of the inquiry committee Ali al-Deqbasi. Many people also expected a verbal oath to take place in the beginning of the session, the way they usually start, but the inquiry began very casually. The inquiry is still going on, and it is expected that someone will speak in support of the minister and someone will speak in support of the session’s head of the committee; more explanations will eventually follow.
Presenter, Female #1
So has the possibility of ousting or ending the term of the minister of information from the National Assembly been excluded?
Guest, Male #1,
It’s difficult to guess right now, because at the end of this session, after all the members have listened to the complete questioning and to the answers given, 10 representatives may submit a request for the minister’s resignation. The Head of the National Assembly Jassem Al-Kharafi will appoint a special session on a specific date, maybe in a week or two, to vote on the resignation proposal. But political observers say that they did not see or hear all of the articles of the inquiry during this session, and even if voting on the proposal of Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah’s resignation takes place, voting abstention may be the dominant position in that case.
Presenter, Female #1
Our correspondent Ahmed el-Ounayzeh from Kuwait, thank you.
Arab League tackles environmental issues in Cairo
Sudan TV, SudanPresenter, Male #1
France welcomed the release of two French hostages and praised the efforts of the Sudanese government and the responsible authorities in the case. French ambassador in Khartoum Patrick Nicoloso said that his country expressed its gratitude to all the sides that took part in the release efforts. Nicoloso said the two hostages were kidnapped on November 22nd, 2009 while working in Dirawa in Central Africa, and were later transferred to Darfur. The Official Spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Muaweya Othman, praised the Sudanese military, police, and security forces for their efforts that led to the release of the two French hostages.
Guest, Male #2
The release of the two hostages was made possible by the well-coordinated efforts of the Sudanese authorities. We must recognize the efforts of the security agencies, which include the military and the Foreign and Interior Ministry forces. Their efforts have led to the safe release of the two hostages; we are very happy. The French authorities held constant consultations with the Sudanese authorities, which led to the release of the hostages.
Presenter, Male #1
With the participation of several Arab Ministers of Environment, the Arab League held a meeting at its headquarters in Cairo. The ministers discussed the environmental changes expected in the Arab World amidst climate change, pollution, and desertification.
Presenter, Female #1
The council discussed ways to resolve environmental problems in Sudan, especially in conflict zones, where tension runs high due to drought and disputes over access to grazing land.
Reporter, Female #2
In consultation with the Arab League and the United Nations and with the participation of several Arab Ministers of Environment, a report on the expected environmental changes in the Arab Territory was released today in Cairo. The report is the first comprehensive scientific document to be issued in the Arab Territory. The Sudanese delegation to the conference said that addressing the environmental challenges facing Sudan is a “strategic option.”
Guest, Male #3
The main problems facing Sudan today are linked, by and large, to the environment. For example, the issue of Darfur is deeply rooted in the environment. The issue was manipulated by certain groups for political reasons. We need to launch environmental projects across Sudan in order to help prevent hostilities between cattle herders and farmers. This will also help protect the environment from drought and desertification.
Reporter, Female #2
The report touched on several issues pertaining to the environmental challenges facing the Arab World. Among the issues discussed are: The scarcity of water resources, pollution, climate change, and desertification. In addition, the council discussed national policies pertaining to the environment, which include the effects that depleting natural resources have on food safety, both at the national and regional levels.
Guest, Male #4
We must address the issue of climate change. Although it’s not a major producer of greenhouse emissions, the Arab region will negatively suffer from serious climate change because of its geographic expansion.
Reporter, Female #2
The report concluded that the deteriorating environmental conditions pose a serious threat with great cost, both at the health and economic levels. The report stressed the importance of gradually moving to a green economy in order to counter climate change, protect biological diversity, as well as increase economic development opportunities. The investments in environmental projects as well as the adequate use of energy and resources were some of the primary issues discussed in this meeting. The council released the first report on the environmental changes expected in the Arab region. The report stressed the importance of exerting joint Arab efforts aimed at taking the necessary measures to protect the environment, through the adequate use of energy and natural resources. In turn, we will be able to achieve sustainable development in the Arab World.
From the headquarters of the Arab League, Samia Kasef, Sudan TV, Cairo.
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