[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 05/07/08: World News From The Middle East

PRESENTER, MALE #1
Lebanon has started a long day of strike, which was called by the opposition-led General Workers’ Union. Meanwhile, Beirut and several other Lebanese territories are witnessing a strike and sporadic protests over the economic and social situations in the country. However, once the curtains are pulled down, it seems that the political indicator is the one behind what is happening in Lebanon. Ilian Shatri from Beirut.

REPORTER, FEMALE #1
All roads are not leading to Beirut. Since predawn hours, all the entrances to the Lebanese capital have been closed by burning tires and dirt barriers. In addition, all roads in and around Beirut as well as all roads leading to the airport have been closed to traffic, which prompted the Aviation Administration to ground all flights. Today’s strike and demonstration were called for by the General Workers’ Union to protest the living conditions in the country. However, the union called off the demonstration due to the fragile security situation in the country.

GUEST, MALE #2
The situation can no longer be tolerated. Everything is expensive. My brother, we are neither loyalists nor opposition; we are people who are caught in the middle and just want to make a living.

GUEST, MALE #3
There’s no solution; every time a solution is proposed, they turn their backs on it. This is what the US wants.

REPORTER, FEMALE #1
The economic issue, in which the strike was based on, was quickly turned into a political issue, suggesting an escalation in the showdown between the Lebanese government and the majority on one side and Hezbollah and the Amal Movement on the other. This political escalation is due in part to the latest decisions regarding the Hezbollah communication networks and the recall of the Head of Security in the Beirut Airport, Brigadier General Wafeek Sheqayer. The political division overshadowed the strike but with a different degree, especially in areas close to the majority, where the residents considered the day of the strike a normal day.

GUEST, MALE #4
What is happening today is wrong. Lebanon has had enough.

GUEST, MALE #5
I will not go on strike.

REPORTER, FEMALE #1
The Lebanese army and security forces took exceptional measures: They took positions in the hotspots areas in and around the Lebanese capital in order to prevent any engagement between the majority and the opposition. In addition, the Lebanese army formed military barriers between the two sides, in order to prevent any security breach of religious or sectarian nature. This is how the streets of the Lebanese capital appeared today, isolated and cutoff, exactly like Lebanon’s channels of negotiations. Once again, Beirut appeared to be an open ground for all possibilities.
Ilian Shatri, Dubai TV, Beirut.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
The Head of Iraq’s Sahwa or Awakening Council, Sheikh Ahmad Abu Risha, held the Syrian authorities responsible for the killings of several security officers in the border city of Al-Qaem.
Abu Risha said that the armed men who carried out the attack were heard speaking in a Syrian accent. He also called on the Arab league, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the UN to take the appropriate action in this case.

GUEST, MALE #2, Abu Risha
With great sorrow and regret, we have received some sad news, confirming that a Syrian armed group, speaking in a Syrian accent, have infiltrated across the Iraqi borders via the village of Bakouz. The perpetrators carried out a heinous attack on the headquarters compound of the Rumana police department, martyring two police lieutenants and 7 officers and injuring another. After the attack, the criminals fled the scene and headed to the Syrian borders, where they fired flares to alert their accomplices, who would secure their return into the Syrian territories. Consequently, we are holding the ruling regime of Syria responsible for this criminal act and any implications that may follow. We hereby plead to the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, all Arab nations, and the special envoy for the UN Secretary General in Iraq, to take the necessary action and condemn these types of criminal incidents against the Iraqi people.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
In an interview with Al-Arabiya Channel, the Hadeetha Police Chief confirmed that Abu Omar Al-Baghdadi is originally from Hadeetha, and he remains at large in areas near Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Mosul. The chief added that Al-Baghdadi was a radical activist during the 1980’s, and was fired from the security agencies due to his extreme belief.

GUEST, MALE #3
Based on intelligence information, it has been confirmed that Abu Omar Al-Baghdadi is indeed Hamid Daoud Mohammad Khalil Azawi. Azawi served as an officer in the security agencies, and was expelled due to his extreme belief. We are currently pursuing him, and we believe he is traveling in areas between Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk, and Makhmour. He is a leader in Al Qaeda organization; and through these intelligence information, we found out that he is Abu Omar Al-Baghdadi, the Emir of the Islamic State of Iraq.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
From Cairo, we are joined with Abed Raheem Ali, an expert on Islamic Groups affairs. Mr. Abed Raheem, first, a clear accusation was made by Sheikh Ahmad Abu Risha against the official regime in Syria; how do you interpret this direct accusation?

GUEST, MALE #4
I believe that this direct accusation came too late. The Syrian borders are being used by the Syrian State, and with the knowledge of the Syrian regime, to destabilize the situation in Iraq and create chaos there. We have been saying this all along; we will continue saying that until God does what he wants to be done. Both the Syrian and the Iranian States have interests in Iraq; as they are engaging in combat with the US at the expense the Iraqi people and blood. 90% of those infiltrating into Iraq to fight the US army and, in the process, killing Iraqis in busy markets and public places come from the Syrian borders. The financial and military, including arms supplies, come from Iran. We said this many times, and we will say it again: This accusation came too little too late; the Arab League and everyone must take action to help end this chaos.

Presenter, Woman # 1
Israeli sources told Al Jazeera that Ehud Olmert will step aside from his position, or at least take administrative leave as a prime minister until his corruption investigation ends.

Presenter, Man # 1
The knowledgeable sources said that Zivi Livni may take over the duty of Prime Minister until Olmert is exonerated, or early elections are held.

Reporter, Man # 2
It seems that Olmert’s days in office are numbered. According to senior official sources in Israel, Olmert has no choice but to resign or take administrative leave as prime minister due the ongoing investigations about new bribery charges. Although Olmert’s cabinet denied this, Israeli officials are in a state of anticipation due to the investigations which may lead to early elections before the end of this year. If Olmert were to take an administrative leave as a prime minister, then foreign minister Zivi Livni will be the prime minister for 100 days. If Olmert’s innocence is not proven by then, the Israeli prime minister will have to nominate a new candidate, who will most likely be Livni to form a new government. It seems that this government will be supported by Shass, and the Labor party because they are not in a hurry to hold early elections. Livni’s government will also get the support of the left such as Merez party.

Guest, Woman # 2
If we have the option of early elections which means that the right headed by Benjamin Netanyahu may gain power, and the option of Zivi Livni heading another government then I support the second option.

Reporter, Man # 2
If Olmert’s efforts are not successful then the third option will be dissolving the Knesset and holding early elections in November, which the Israeli right and ultra right have been calling for.

Guest, Man # 3
It is clear that the political situation is not stable and therefore I call on the Knesset to reach an agreement on holding early elections.

Reporter, Man # 2
At least 61 Knesset members must support the notion of holding early elections which means that the Knesset must first dissolve itself. At the current time there aren’t many Knesset members willing to do so.

Guest, Man # 4
I do not think that the time has come to hold early elections. I think that both the opposition and the government coalition must unite to strengthen Israel’s position in the face of those who want to destroy it.

Reporter, Man # 2
The Likud party which according to polls may win early elections should they be held is hoping that the Shass party changes its position.

Guest, Man # 5
I call on the Shass party to withdraw from this bad and corrupt government. Do something and stop holding onto your seats and narrow interests.

Reporter, Man # 2
It was said that Olmert was the strongest political player in Israel, but this time he seems to be in a very weak position. This leaves the door open to all possibilities including freezing the peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Elias Karram, Al Jazeera, West Jerusalem.

[Summary]

Sirens went off at 11 am this morning, and the country came to a stand still to honor those fallen.

[Summary]

Palestinians prepare to commemorate the 60th anniversary of al nakba, the day Palestine was occupied in 1948.

Presenter, Man # 1
The results of the routine medical checkup of the Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Amman, Jordan were good. The President’s spokesmen, Nabil Abu Redenah said that Abbas also underwent an Angioplasty operation and that it was successful. Abu Redena reiterated that Abbas’ medical results were good.

Guest, Man # 2 Abbas
It is necessary for the doctors to perform an Angioplasty surgery to make sure that everything is okay. Dr. Imad Addad performed the Angioplasty surgery at Jordan Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Abdalah Al Basher. Thank God everything went well. I did not need another medical procedure. I entered the hospital in the morning and I’ve just left.

Presenter, Man # 1
The director of Jordan Hospital, Dr. Abdalah Al Basher said that the president underwent a routine checkup just to make sure that his health is good.

Guest, Man # 3
Thank God, the president is in good health and he does not suffer from any symptoms of any other disease. It has become customary for us to perform comprehensive medical exams for the President every year at this time. Blood tests, x-rays, blood pressure and heart tests. We do this every year.

Presenter, Man # 1
The Palestinian Radio and broadcast authority wish president Abbas the best of health after going through the Angioplasty surgery.

[Summary]

Tens of thousands of Somali refugees flee to Yemen.

Presenter, Female # 1
Border crossings function as safety valves to prevent banned objects from entering the country.
All governments agree that border crossings must be equipped with necessary equipment, but in Iraq, the border crossings still lack advanced equipment necessary to detect banned objects that might be brought in from neighboring countries.

Reporter, Man # 1
The border crossing between Iraq and Syria in Al Qaem city in western Baghdad was closed a long time ago by the American forces. However due to intensive efforts exerted by the Al Anbar province, the border crossing was reopened. However those who work at the crossing point said that they lack a great deal of necessary equipment to detect banned objects before entering the country. In addition the crossing point lacks electricity which prevents the use of equipment.

Guest, Man # 3
The crossing point needs technical equipment which is lacking, in fact we should have spare equipment that we can use when primary equipment breaks down. We should also have equipment to check bags. The crossing point suffers from technical and administrative problems in addition to electricity shortages. For example the equipment that we use to check bags needs electricity.

Reporter, Man # 2
Despite the strategic location of the Al Qaem border crossing and its importance for the economy, recent security measures discouraged passengers from using it.

Guest, Man # 4
The main problem is visas. It is a problem. We urge the Iraqi government to stop this procedure.
Now very few people are paying customs. People are not going back and forth due to visa related problems.

Guest, Man # 5
We urge the government to solve the visa problem.

Reporter, Man # 2
Officials in the province and security agencies have a positive influence in the reopening of this border crossing which took place after the security conditions improved in the province and the government forces took over most of the security responsibilities there.

PRESENTER, MALE #1
The French Interior Minister, Michele Alliot-Marie wrapped up a two days-visit to Algeria, where she discussed with top Algerian officials ways to improve bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of counterterrorism and organized crime. During the visit, the two sides signed a 2 million Euro agreement aimed at modernizing and reinforcing action capacities of the Algerian National Guards.

REPORTER, MALE #2
Algeria and France have signed a security cooperation agreement. This news comes after a visit by the French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie to Algeria. Alliot-Marie’s visit carries with it an implied message, indicating that France is more determined than ever to implement the Nicholas Sarkozi’s project, which calls for the formation of a Mediterranean Union similar to that of the EU to combat terrorism, organized crimes, and illegal immigration. Through the visit, the French Interior Minister has sought to win Algeria as an effective security partner in the region.

GUEST, FEMALE #1, France’s Interior Minister
Certainly, counterterrorism can be achieved through security cooperation between the two countries. Terrorism doesn’t impact one country over another; it’s an international issue that must be countered internationally. Counterterrorism can be achieved through consultation and cooperation between France and Algeria. Algeria is a strong ally of France in the fight against terrorism.

REPORTER, MALE #2
Algeria tentatively approved the French sponsored project to establish a Mediterranean Union. This comes despite an earlier announcement by Algeria, rejecting the French sponsored initiative due to reservations over the motives hidden behind the project. Meanwhile, the Algerian Interior Minister expressed interest in his country’s cooperation with Paris in the fields of security and counterterrorism and crimes.

GUEST, MALE #3, Algeria’s Interior Minister
In the presence of her Excellency, the French Minister, I believe that the most important thing for both countries is to improve and expand their cooperation in all areas. We also need to exchange knowledge and experience for better and more effective cooperation. God willing, we will come up with a better and more effective program that will help improve the relationship between France and Algeria.

REPORTER, MALE #2
The visit by the French Interior Minister comes on the eve of the anniversary for the massacres of May 8, 1945, which has stirred strong emotions among the revolutionary segment of Algerian society, a segment that has consistently opposed a close relationship between Algeria and France.

GUEST, MALE #4
I believe bringing up the painful history in our relationship with France will have a negative impact on any effort to bring the two countries closer. We hope that the French politicians will deal with the issue in the same reasonable way; we also urge them to work to achieve what’s best for both nations.

REPORTER, MALE #2
France and Algeria have entered into a cooperation agreement, which is mandated by their interdependence and their need for one another. However, such cooperation lacks the spirit and motivation necessary to take the relationship to the next level, as there appears to be a red history separating the two sides; in addition, France’s failure to offer an apology for the crimes committed in Algeria is further widening the gap between the two nations. For Madar Program, Saad Tarrafi, Abu Dhabi Channel, Algeria.

Presenter, MALE #1
While cyclone nargis devasted Myanmar, poverty and hunger and their implications threaten human existence throughout the world. Who benefits from all this? This is the question, the answer may lie in the global increase in the price of food commodities.

Reporter, FEMALE #1
“Hunger is Death”. As a result of the rise in prices. This has placed us in the range of danger with the rise in the number of poor throughout the world. The new UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates indicate that 852 million people throughout the world suffer from chronic hunger, according to 2004 surveys. Somalia, Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq and a number of African nations are suffering the most from lack of food; and they are the most impoverished.
The rise in the prices of food and the refusal of food commodity traders to accept old currencies in Somalia compelled hundreds of residents of the capital, Mogadishu, to protest for the second consecutive day. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) refused to comment on the statements made by the Senegalese President, Abdullah Wad, who called for scrapping the FAO, considering it a waste of money. He also said that the current global food crisis represents a huge failure of the FAO. The Japanese Minister of Agriculture, who is visiting Brazil, criticized the restrictions placed by the Brazilian authorities on the export of food from producing countries and using them as bio fuels.

Guest, MALE #2
I think that there must not be restrictions on food exports by producing countries. Instead the World Trade Organization must regulate the international markets so that these shortages do not happen.

Guest, MALE #3
There is no technical or scientific reason to close the markets in the face of Brazilian imports.

Reporter, FEMALE #1
Meanwhile, the Indonesian capital, Jakarata, witnessed a meeting of the ambassadors of rice producing countries to discuss the reasons behind the rise of this commodity, which is a basic food commodity. World markets have witnessed a huge demand by citizens to buy rice before its price rises dramatically. The question is: Will the supply of rice increase in the international markets, or will it remain in the warehouses and expire in the face of the worlds poor?