[Transcript]  Mosaic News - 6/15/09: World News From The Middle East

Presenter, Female #1
In front of tens of thousands of his supporters gathered in the midst of Tehran, the defeated presidential candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi said that he is prepared to take part in new elections. Tens of thousands of the defeated Mousavi’s supporters gathered in defiance of the warning that was announced by the Ministry of the Interior. On Mousavi’s side, the other reform candidate Mahdi Karoubi was not wearing clerical attire. Meanwhile, Ridda Khatami, brother of the former president Muhammad Khatami, announced his demand for new elections and his intent to join demonstrations in support of Mousavi. On the other hand, the conservative candidate Mohsen Rezai said he also contested the results of the elections.

Reporter, Male #1
The results of the Iranian presidential elections were met with strong rejection and disapproval, creating a state of uncertainty on the Iranian street on Tuesday. In the face of this crisis, the supreme leader of the Islamic revolution in Iran, Ali Khamenei requested an investigation surrounding allegations of election rigging. Meanwhile Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose presidential term is up, postponed his visit to the capital of Russia, Moscow. Khamenei, who welcomes the reelection of Ahmadinejad and considers it to be a great joy for Iran, called upon the defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi to continue his objections over the election results through legal means. Meanwhile, reacting to this demand, the Iranian authorities prevented a demonstration that Mousavi called for, considering it illegal. However, supporters of the reformist’s camp said that this decision will not prevent them from holding small gatherings in several places throughout the capital. In other developments, members of the Guardian Council, who are directly or indirectly appointed by Khamenei, announced that they received official complaints over the election results from Mir Hossein Mousavi, and the candidate Mohsen Rezai, the former leader of the Revolutionary Guard, indicating that they will look into these two complaints. They will release their decision in about 10 days. Tehran has experienced riots and violent confrontations between the police and security forces on one side and Mousavi’s supporters and those opposing the election of Ahmadinejad on the other side. This is an indicator of the increasing popular mobilization of those demanding change. The return of Ahmadinejad to power may further isolate Iran internationally following three rounds of international sanctions imposed on Iran due to its nuclear program, which had been aggressively pursued during Ahmadinjad’s first presidential term. Sayid Al-Kashif. Al Arabiya.

[Summary]

Supporters of defeated candidate Mousavi have staged a massive and peaceful demonstration in Tehran. Mousavi has said he is ready to partake in any re-election. The Interior Ministry has declared that any such demonstrations are illegal.

Protestors have gathered outside of Western embassies in Tehran as they believe that some Western countries are trying to cause chaos within Iran.

Presenter, Male #1
We are joined by Hussein Rawi Waran, an Expert in Iranian and Regional Affairs, from Tehran.

Presenter, Female #1
What type of political effects will these elections have on the foreign policy of the upcoming government in the Islamic Republic. Which is currently studying the US’ conditions regarding Iran. This news comes after the famous speech that was delivered by Barack Obama at Cairo University. There appears to be a slight shift in Iranian foreign policy, especially amidst growing pressures facing the Iranian public. How do you interpret the policy of the upcoming administration during the second term of Ahmadinejad?

Guest, Male #1
The part of the Iranian policy regarding the unequivocal principles of the Islamic Republic is not likely to change, or undergo major changes. However, there will be a change in the way Iran is conducting its foreign policy. In most televised debates, the candidates launched fierce political attacks on the controversial foreign policies of Ahmadinejad. I think Ahmadinejad, during his second term, will try to address the issues that were being raised during the elections campaign. I believe relations between the US and Iran will take precedent in the policy of the upcoming administration.

Presenter, Female #1
Do you see any possibility of a breakthrough in the relations between Iran and the West? This was expected to happen should reformist Mir Hossein Mossavi have won the elections as opposed to Ahmadinejad. Can you comment on the national issues that seem to be causing concern among the Iranian public?

Guest, Male #1
There appear to be no major differences in the unequivocal principles of Iran’s foreign policy. However, there is a difference in the way the country’s foreign policy is being run. According to Moussavi, Tehran must appeal to and respect the international community, as well as win the confidence of others. Ahmadinejad, on the other hand, stressed the importance of preserving the dignity of the Iranian nation. Dignity, from a foreign policy perspective, means that Iran must not offer political concessions and cooperation must be based on mutual trust.

Presenter, Male #1
Yes, Mr. Hussein. We can conclude that Ahmadinejad will continue his political path of dealing with foreign issues. He will continue to deal with the US, and his county’s nuclear issue. In summary, we don’t expect a major change in Iranian policy under Ahmadinejad.

[Summary]

Defense Minister Ehud Barak called Netanyahu’s speech a “major step in the right direction.” Some people thought it went too far, while some thought it didn’t go far enough.

Presenter, Man # 1
Baghdad has demanded that the Israeli entity compensate them for the attack against the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1980. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki reiterated that his country will not give up its right to demand compensation from Israel.

Reporter, Man # 2
Demanding compensation from the Israeli entity for its attack against the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1980, has received a lot of coverage in Iraqi media. Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki reiterated that his country will not give up its right to demand compensations from Israel.

Guest, Man # 3
Israel has been attacking, destroying and sabotaging without being held accountable. But now the countries that have been attacked by Israel must be compensated.

Reporter, Man # 2
Iraqi politicians say that Israel should not only compensate Iraq for hitting the Iraqi nuclear reactor, but it must also compensate them for the human and material damages that were inflicted on Iraq by the attack.

Guest, Man # 4
Iraq has the right to demand compensation for the victims of the Israeli attack as well as for the material damages that were inflicted on Iraq. The attack is a dangerous act and the international community must hold Israel accountable for it.

Reporter, Man # 2
Legal experts believe that Iraq has the right to demand material compensation from Israel especially since the UN Security Council resolution that was passed in 1981, condemning the Israeli entity.

Guest, Man # 5
International law and the UN Security Council Resolution which was passed in 1981 after Israel attacked Iraq’s nuclear reactor supports Iraq’s demand. The UN gave Iraq the right to demand compensation. Iraq’s demand for compensation is also supported by international law, and by the UN Security Council Resolution that was passed after the Israeli air strike.

Reporter, Man # 2
Material and human losses were inflicted on Iraq by the attack which primarily targeted Iraqi civilians. This explains why Iraqis support Al Maliki’s demand for compensation.

Guest, Man # 6
We have a famous Iraqi saying, “rights never die as long as there is someone to demand for them.”

Reporter, Man # 2
Iraqis hope that the international community is receptive to the Iraqi right for compensation from Israel for the damages inflicted on them by the air strike against the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1980. They hope that the international community will pressure Israel to compensate Iraq. The Iraqis have never forgotten their right even after all these years. Usam Thamimi, Al Alam, Baghdad.

Presenter, Male #1
The US special envoy to the Middle East arrived in Beirut yesterday, where he met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman. Mitchell reiterated the US’ support of Beirut and said that any deal between the Obama administration and Tehran or Syria will not be at Lebanon’s expense. Mitchell's trip to Beirut coincided with a visit by the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana. These diplomatic maneuvers come in the aftermath of the Lebanese parliamentary elections. Iliam Shatri reports from Beirut.

Reporter, Female #1
US special envoy George Mitchell arrived in Beirut, where he discussed the Mideast peace process with Lebanese President, Michel Suleiman. Suleiman said that any political settlement in the region short of providing a solution to the Palestinian plight will be “useless.” The special envoy also met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Guest, Male #2, Mitchell
Lebanon will play a key role long term for building a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Clearly, there can be no lasting solution reached at Lebanon's expense and we look forward to continuing to work with Lebanon to “build this solution.”

Reporter, Female #1
Mitchell's trip to Lebanon coincided with a visit by the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana, who is on a Mideast tour.

Guest, Male #3, Solana
I came to discuss with Lebanese rivals the latest developments in the region, following the Lebanese elections. I hope these elections will open a new page in Lebanon’s open a new page in Lebanese political life. Serious efforts are under way to deepen the relations between Lebanon and the EU, which has always supported the country.

Reporter, Female #1
The separate visits by Mitchell and Solana to Beirut, following the Lebanese parliamentary elections, will definitely help move the political process forward in the country. Meanwhile, there appear to be two issues raising the level of concern among the Lebanese public. One issue has to with filling the position of the speaker of the parliament, with some expecting that Nabih Birri will win the nomination for the fifth term. The second issue centers around the position of the prime minister, with some hinting that MP Sa’ad al-Harriri will likely head the upcoming government. During a meeting with Maronite Patriarch, Nasrallah Sefayer, al-Hariri said that he will adopt an open and constructive policy.

Guest, Male #4
We want to reach out and negotiate with everyone. This is our unequivocal position.

Reporter, Female #1
It seems that positive signs have begun to emerge out of Beirut, amidst national, regional, and international diplomatic efforts, which are waiting for the practical implementation on the ground. Iliam Shatri, Dubai TV, Beirut.

Presenter, Female #1
Due to Swine Flue, The World Health Organization has raised the alert level to level 6, causing many people to be concerned. However, this concern is unjustified because despite the high rates of sickness, the rate of death is low and the maximum chance of death is 4%. Likewise, many of the cases recovered without medical care or antibiotics. All patients should rest, drink adequate fluids and use pain killers that don’t contain aspirin. It is worth mentioning that more than half of those seriously infected with the virus are already suffering from other medical conditions or weak immune systems. In other words, swine flu resembles the regular flu. There are more cases of Swine Flu in Egypt where it appears that people fear enclosed places such as the movies, schools and buses. The reactions to the appearance of the disease have been mixed; some scared and some skeptical of the existence of the sickness all together. Ahmad Uthman with details.

Reporter, Male #1
This is how the role of the movies began. The public is reluctant to enter and enjoy what is playing and want to protect their health by simply returning home to wait for the final scene of swine flu to end.

Guest, Male #2
People are worried, with some avoiding the movie theatres.

Guest, Male #3
I take the kids with me but I keep in mind to stay away from crowded places. May God protect us all.

Reporter, Male #1
The “Good News” film production company, in preparation of the release of one of its films, “BuBus” starring the artist Adil Imam, took into consideration the public’s fear of the spread of swine flu.

Guest, Male #5
We recommend wearing face masks. The face mask which we brought from abroad must meet a certain criteria. They are not like surgical masks. They are round and they have two openings at the top for breathing. After using it they must rip it apart so no one else can use it.

Reporter, Male #1
Some of the youth who have begun their yearly exams have requested for the availability of masks inside the testing centers.

Guest, Male #6
They should distribute masks to the students as the classrooms are crowded with over 20 people in each class. This is how the flu spreads.

Reporter, Male #1
The Ministry of Transportation decided to increase the number of subway trains to avoid overcrowding. Public buses are another place where the virus is easily spread. It appears that there are different assessments among passengers.

Guest, Male #7
This measure is not practical because it increases crowding throughout the city.

Guest, Female #2
Don’t be hasty and ask for masks because the disease hasn’t spread.

Reporter, Male #1
Rumors began to spread, one of them concerned with the existence of massive graves. The other rumors, more popular, are concerned with the closure of sports clubs.

Guest, Female #3
There is no influenza. This is why we are here.

Reporter, Male #1
Other people do not believe in the existence of the virus at all.

Guest, Male #8
God willing, we don’t have anything. Things mentioned in newspapers or other publications are merely rumors.

Reporter, Male #1
This state of confusion compelled the Ministry of Health to use the popular singer Shaban Abdul Rahim to create a song about Swine Flu and ways to avoid it. This is similar to his song regarding Avian Flu, which was a success. Some pharmacies took advantage of the situation and increased the price of masks. Ahmad Usman. Al Arabiya. Cairo.

Presenter, Man #1
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech was well received by the Israeli public. Some described it as “courageous and honest”. But the majority of Palestinians expressed their disappointment in the speech and they said that “it didn’t bring anything new and it was basically a major blow to the peace process.” Our correspondent Ilyas Karam observed both the Israeli and Palestinian reactions in the West Bank and Gaza in the following report from Jerusalem.

Reporter, Man #1
People showed their support with applause each time Netanyahu said “no” in his speech. This applause was to support the removal of Jerusalem from the bargaining table, confirming that Jerusalem is Israel’s united and eternal capital. And this applause is for denying Palestinian refugees’ right to return. Netanyahu was also interrupted by applause when he announced his acceptance of Palestine as a demilitarized and disarmed state with no sovereignty or clear borders, with security conditions and the recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. The enthusiasm in the applause also reflected the Israeli people’s position, who headed to the right wing and extreme right in the latest elections. Netanyahu’s speech received wide support among the Israeli people, with some criticizing his acceptance of the proposed Palestinian state, whichever form it might take.

Guest, Man #1
Netanyahu spoke the truth and he talked about the creation of a Palestinian state, which is good. However, there are conditions, which is for Palestine to be a disarmed state and recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

Guest, Man #2
It doesn’t matter how much land we give up. Even if we cut the country into small pieces the Arabs still will not recognize us.

Reporter, Man #1
In the Palestinian territories where the leaders are divided between the besieged Gaza strip and the occupied West Bank, people expressed their disappointment over Netanyahu’s speech. In addition to the affirmation of unequivocal Palestinian principles, Palestinians called for national unity in order to counter Netanyahu’s project, which is considered to be the toughest in the history of the conflict.

Guest, Man #2
There’s nothing new in this speech. It was only a talk of slogan for the state of Israel, but its ultimate purpose was to annex more Palestinian land.

Guest, Man #3
The speech ignored the issue regarding refugees’ right of return. These rights are firm and worth sacrificing for.

Reporter, Man #1
This is in the West Bank. In Gaza, Palestinians also called to form a united front, with some calling for choosing the resistance as a way to preserve Palestinian rights.

Guest, Man #4
Netanyahu’s speech yesterday indicated that he has no regard for the Arab or Muslim nation! No one is holding him accountable!

Reporter, Man #1
So Netanyahu’s speech does not meet the Palestinian people’s hopes for self determination and the rights to establish a sovereign state. But at the same time, the speech, as some considered, was an honest one. It expressed the majority of Zionists’ stance. They deny Palestinian rights and consider the establishment of entity for them as a threat to Israel as a Jewish state. Ilyas Karam, Al Jazeera, Occupied Jerusalem.