[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 05/06/08: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, FEMALE, #1
The department of election affairs in the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced the withdrawal of 5 parliamentary candidates. The total number of candidates remaining after this withdrawal is 344, out of an original 380. They submitted their papers just before the nomination deadline for this year’s Parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior devised a security plan to manage the Parliamentary elections that will be held on May 17th of this year.
They emphasized that the security forces will act in a civilized manner with the candidates and voters. They will also provide necessary help for people with special needs who are participating in the elections.

Reporter, MALE, #1
According to the tribes of Kuwait, the law that criminalizes unofficial primary elections is an enemy. The law deems any voting prior to the general elections as an illegal criminal act.
The Interior Ministry started implementing this law; it prohibited Kuwaiti tribes from holding their primary elections, which led to clashes between the two sides. This has not happened in Kuwait for several years.

Guest, MALE, #2
I am saddened by what’s happening. As I see it now, this ruthless war was started electronically by the political parties whose aim is to discredit the government in the eyes of the tribes. This indeed happened- it did! And now the war has been launched against the tribes, and again this is done electronically by political parties and people who want to harm the government.

Reporter, MALE, #1
The tribe members witnessed severe and arbitrary harassment by members of the Special Forces-70% of whom are tribal members. The tribes were not deterred by the oppression and conducted their primary elections amidst severe condemnation to this unjust law.

Guest, MALE, #3
This has never happened in the history of Kuwait, since its independence, before its independence, and until this day. Special Forces have never been deployed in such large numbers and tanks like they were yesterday in Jaber el-Ali and again this morning. This is unfortunate; it never happened before. They say they are implementing the law that prohibits primaries…We don’t object to that-let them implement the law! But why…and who ordered the provocation of tribal members and citizens by sending out the Special Forces? Why did they send them out and against whom- the sons of Kuwait? My cousin is in the Special Forces, and the one above him is also my cousin- why…!

Reporter, MALE, #1
The last primary was held by al-Mitraq tribe; it was the largest and boldest primary and took place in plain sight. It was held after the clashes between tribal members and the Interior Ministry a few days earlier. Ra’ed Al Mutairi, for Al Madar program, Abu Dhabi TV, Kuwait.

Presenter, MALE #1
In Lebanon, the files of the cameras planted at the Beirut International Airport and the communications network, which Hezbollah has established have exited the framework of political controversy. The government has decided to remove the Director of Airport Security and considers Hezbollah’s communications network illegal. It will pursue everyone who is involved in it. A third decision has also been made. The government has decided not to respond to a demand by the worker’s union to raise the minimum wage. Thus, the union has, for a second time, pledged an all out strike tomorrow. There are real fears that the situation will become uncontrollable. Elian Shatery. From Beirut.

Reporter, FEMALE #1
It was the longest in the history of Lebanese governments. The Cabinet meeting lasted more than 10 hours as they discussed many hot, complicated and exploding files: starting with the two files of the airport camera monitors and the communications network, which both involve Hezbollah-and ending with fixing the wages.

Guest, MALE #2
Regarding the cellular telecommunications network, which Hezbollah has erected throughout the Lebanese territory: it is considered illegal and represents an attack on the state’s sovereignty and public funds.

REPORTER, FEMALE #1
While the ministerial cabinet was in session, the Deputy Secretary General for Hezbollah, Sheikh Naaim Qasem, was announcing during a television interview that his party’s special communication network is part of the weapons of the resistance, and tampering with it is like tampering with their weapons. This raises concerns regarding the course of action that Hezbollah will take in response to the government decisions.

GUEST, MALE #3
Regardless of any decision coming out of the ministerial council, the only exit we have is through the return to the Arab initiative. We must take practical measures and elect a president for the Republic, a president that has been approved by the cabinet; it’s not difficult to announce our intentions.

REPORTER, FEMALE #1
As far as the minimum wage is concerned, the ministerial council has agreed to raise it to 500,000 Lebanese Liras; which means that the General Workers’ Union will go ahead with its scheduled sit-in and strike tomorrow. This comes after the union called off its scheduled protest provided that the government raises the minimum wage to 900,000 Lebanese Liras. Some observers warn that the strike may turn into a public protest due to the security and political situations, which could lead to developments that may spiral out of control. As the political crisis in the country is postponed indefinitely, and after the 19th date to elect the president has become subject to postponement, the security and living files will continue to further fuel the political deadlock, a deadlock that some fear will turn to an explosion. Ilian Shatri, Dubai TV, Beirut.

PRESENTER, FEMALE #1
In a public poll conducted by Al-Jazeera, several Egyptians have rejected a government resolution to increase fuel and cigarette prices; the resolution was approved on Monday by the Egyptian parliament.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Fayrouz, amidst this, more than 200 taxicab drivers in southern Sinai went on a strike to protest the price hike and the decision of the committee overseeing the parking services to increase taxi fares.

GUEST, MALE #2
The price of diesel went up. It’s not right what they are doing to us. They reduce the price of one thing; then, they go around and increase the prices of 50,000 other things. This is not acceptable.

REPORTER, MALE #3
This case may very well summarize what has been said about the Egyptian reaction to the government’s decision to increase fuel prices. The fuel increase, which was issued at night, came as a surprise to most Egyptians, who felt its effect the following morning. The Egyptian political blocs expressed mixed reactions: While the opposition rejected the resolution, the government defended its decision; and between the two, the Egyptian citizen is trying to get by.

GUEST, MALE #4
Of course, people are angry. The price went up by 9 Egyptian pounds per container; this comes after the price has recently witnessed another increase by 6 Egyptian pounds per container.

GUEST, MALE #5
The customer comes and pays for the fuel while trying not to show his feelings, but you can tell he is worried.

GUEST, MALE #6
This price hike is a normal government procedure, and it’s a fair distribution of revenues from someone able to pay to someone in need. I think it’s a good government policy.

GUEST, MALE #7
I was surprised by this latest decision. They told me the prices of diesel increased; what can I do?

GUEST, MALE #8
It’s not a good policy; we can’t give pay raises and turn around and take it all back from the market. The pay raises were limited to the government sector; you can’t give pay raises to employees of the private sector; also, you can’t oblige the employers in the private sector to give pay raises to their employees.

REPORTER, MALE #3
The owners of private cars, who are considered to be part of the middle class, expressed resentment toward the government decision to raise fuel prices. For less affluent Egyptians, such as those who use public transportation, the problem seems to be deeper; but strangely enough, the drivers filed a grievance before their passengers did.

GUEST, MALE #9
Yes, the fares of public transportation went up from 50 Egyptian Piatsres to 75 Piastres.

GUEST, MALE #10
We may call for a strike; the owners of private cars want to stop working. Gas and diesel prices went up; yesterday, we couldn’t find diesel to fuel our cars.

REPORTER, MALE #3
While the government resolution was an economic decision, it is carrying with it political implications. Did the Egyptian government succeed in creating harmony between its economic and political decisions?

GUEST, MALE # 1
The government made a bad decision. Just before the people get the chance to spend or enjoy the additional pay they received, the government took back more than 30% of it. The problem in Egypt has two sides to it: making political decisions and also implementing these decisions.

REPORTER, MALE #3
The public sentiment on Egyptian streets seems unaffected by the decision to increase fuel prices; but this doesn’t mean that the Egyptians are not angry they are asking those closest to them: can’t the government find another source of funding besides the pockets of the citizens.
Hisham Salah, Al-Jazeera, Cairo.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
In this episode of African Issues, we will examine the recent security developments in Somalia, following the death of Mualem Adam, also known as Abu Hassan Al-Ansari, a senior operative in the so called Al-Shabab Al-Mujahed or the Young Mujahedeen Movement. Al-Ansari, who is believed to be behind many of the recent attacks in the country, was killed in a US air strike; his death is considered to be a major setback for the Mujahedeen movement. Parallel to that, some breaking news has developed on the Somali Front, pointing to a growing US-Israeli intelligence influence in the region. The US attack on the Mujahedeen Movement shows a connection between the deteriorating security situation in Somalia and the global polarization; it also raises several questions regarding the type of interests the US is trying to protect in this part of the world. What is the nature of the political situation in Somalia, especially from a tribal standpoint of view? Amidst these political changes, we need to examine the political future of Somalia: An east African nation with a regional strategic importance. Let’s watch the following report.

REPORTER, MALE #2
In a military operation described as exceptional, Mualem Adam Hashiaro, a leader from the Young Mujahedeen Movement, was killed in Somalia. Based on credible intelligence information, the US military carried out an air strike in Central Somalia, killing Adam and several activists from the Mujahedeen movement. The death of Mualem Adam is considered to be a major blow to armed opposition movements in Somalia. Prior to the invasion of the Ethiopian forces to Somalia, Adam was a member of the Islamic Courts Union. After the formation of the Eritrean-based Alliance for the Libration of Somalia, Adam left the courts and accused them of adopting a secular belief. Then, Adam formed the Young Mujahedeen Movement, which has become a nightmare for the Somali coalition government. The attack on the Mujahedeen movement carries with it two indications: while it sheds light on the internal situation in Somalia, it points to a growing US influence in the African Horn region. The attack comes after the Somali government forces, which are backed by the Ethiopian army, have failed to maintain security in the country. This news comes as government institutions around the country have become prospective targets by armed fighters. In addition, many Somali towns have fallen under the control of armed fighters; which indicates that the backed government forces are losing grounds to Somali armed groups. Meanwhile, the US-led war on terror and the deployment of regional powers to reorganize Somalia’s internal affairs have hit several political barriers. This comes after the opposition accused the Ethiopian forces of committing violations against Somali civilians. Moreover, it seems that armed groups are increasingly gaining momentum among the Somali public, which is considered to be a society of a tribal structure. Can Somalia achieve stability? A question that is not easy to answer, especially considering the absence of a national consensus in the country, and also considering the negative role played by world’s powers to keep the situation in the region unchanged.

[Summary]

Five Afghan prisoners that were held without charge in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for years were released one week ago. They are now being held in an Afghan prison for evidence that they were never convicted of.

[Summary]

Dramatic developments in the latest investigation of Israeli PM, Ehud Olmert.

Presenter, MALE #1
Coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the creation of Israel and the celebrations, which will begin tomorrow on this occasion, Israel intensified its security measures in the West Bank, imposing a siege for three days and hindering road travel in the Palestinian areas. Israel said that it will only allow sick patients and medical teams to cross through the security barriers. The Israeli Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, rushed to write Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert’s political obituary. He said that he did not expect Olmert to survive a new probe opened by the police.
He is studying the possibility of nominating himself as prime minister. Barak said that his party must be prepared for early elections following a new corruption scandal involving Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, at a time when the media and political sectors in Israel are demanding that the court lift its imposed gag order on Olmert’s investigative proceedings. From Jerusalem, we have our reporter, Ziad Khalabi. Ziad, can you elaborate on the security measures, which are coinciding with the celebrations for the anniversary of Israel.

Reporter, MALE #2
Mahmoud, there is never an anniversary or occasion in Israel without a total closure of the Palestinian Territories. What is notable this time is that there is an intensification of the security measures, not only on the periphery of the Palestinian territories, but also inside Israeli towns out of fear that Palestinian factions will carry out operations or attacks. This, according to the warnings, which were announced by the Intelligence Chief in the Israeli army a few days ago.
Consequently, last night, Ehud Barak, the Israeli Defense Minister, imposed a closure that will last until Thursday, at the least.

Presenter, MALE #1
Regarding Barak’s statements, and his writing Olmert’s political obituary. Is there any basis for such talk inside of Israel?

Reporter, MALE #2
It does have a basis, Mahmoud, because Israel is living in a state of anticipation, as if it is waiting for a reckless storm that will hit the political landscape when all the details about Ehud Olmert’s new corruption scandal will be allowed to be made public.

Presenter, MALE #1
However, Ziad, there are many scandals, which have been talked about a lot, and yet nothing has resulted from them. So, why now?

Reporter, MALE #2
It may be that this time, the new case has greater legal consequences, in terms of presumptions and proofs, in contrast to the four corruption cases, which you referred to and which Olmert successfully saved himself from, up until now. Thus, the situation is dependent on the specific developments of this case. Will Olmert’s deep involvement in this case force him to suspend his duties and resign? Will it open a succession war within the Kadima party? Or perhaps all of Israel will hold early elections? In the next few days, this will be clarified when the Israeli court allows the details of this scandal to be known.

Presenter, Woman # 1
The Israeli prime minster Ehud Olmert met with the Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
Then US Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice finally held a meeting with Olmert which lasted for an hour. Following the meeting, Rice returned to Washington. No information was released about what happened during that meeting. Rice said that she will ask Olmert to remove more checkpoints from the West Bank in order to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians.
Rice said that the checkpoints that have already been removed did not improve the lives of the Palestinians in a significant way.

Reporter, Man # 1
While the Palestinians preferred not to go into the details or expressing a great deal of optimism towards the peace negotiations, the Israelis tried to draw a positive view of what these negotiations can lead to. According to Israeli sources, security and borders agreements were reached in the meeting between the Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and the Israeli prime minster Ehud Olmert in his official home in the West Jerusalem. The agreement calls for land swaps in which big blocks of settlements will be exchanged with Israeli lands. It also calls for expanding the security responsibilities of the Palestinian Authority like what happened in Jenin, before holding negotiations about Jerusalem and Jenin.

Guest, Man # 2
I believe that there is a very good chance that these negotiations will lead to tangible results for the benefit of the two nations, the Palestinians and the Israelis. I believe that the time-table that was specified in Annapolis is attainable and we have been working hard to achieve it.



Reporter, Man # 1
However, the Palestinians have only said that the negotiations were thorough and serious.
They have been trying to make Tel Aviv change its position on two issues; first is to improve the daily lives of the Palestinians including the implementation of the cooling off period agreement ending the Israeli attacks, removing the checkpoints and releasing political prisoners; all of which the head of the Egyptian intelligence agency, Omar Suleiman has been working to achieve. The Palestinians also want to hold the final status negotiations on all remaining issues at the same time. They do not want to negotiate things separately.

Guest, Man # 3
We have reached an agreement with the Israelis and they know this agreement very well. No agreement can be reached if we do not agree on all remaining final status issues. According to signed agreements the final status issues include Jerusalem, borders, settlements, refugees, water, security, relations, and political prisoners. Today president Abbas told Mr Olmert that we are seeking peace and we want 2008 to be a year of peace, but we will not agree on a peace agreement at any cost.

Reporter, Man # 1
The Palestinian persistence is matched with soft Israeli tone, does not necessarily mean that the two sides will get what they want, which means that other alternatives such as reaching an agreement on principles or framework is easier to achieve especially when considering the corruption charges that have been made against Olmert which may topple his government.

Guest, Man # 3
Most likely, the two sides which are interested in these negotiations are looking for an exit strategy such as an agreement on some kind of a document or a very general framework agreement which means that all the final status negotiations will be put on the shelf until the American elections are held. I can’t see a possibility for the negotiations to advance until after the elections.

Reporter, Man # 1
Despite the many Palestinian Israeli meetings and despite the American mediations between the two sides, there is no hope for real peace. For peace to happen negotiations must be accompanied with sincere intentions. Al Madar program, Majed Said, Abu Dahbi Channel, Ramallah.

[Summary]

American contractors helped torture Iraqis in notorious Baghdad jail.