Anti-Government demonstrations took place in several countries across West Asia on Friday. Egyptian protestors gathered at Tahrir Square in large numbers where country’s new Prime Minister Essam Sharaf addressed the demonstrators. He assured the protestors that necessary changes would take place in due course of time saying that he wanted to see Egypt a free country where security of the citizen was top priority. In a separate development, hundreds of Egyptian protesters attempted to storm a building belonging to the internal security service in Alexandria. Reports quoting medics and one of the protesters say, officers inside the building opened fire on the crowd, injuring three demonstrators. The biggest demonstrations were held in Yemen, where tens of thousands of people rallied in several cities, including the capital of Sanaa. Reports quoting witnesses say that Yemeni soldiers opened fire at anti-government protesters in Amran city in the country's north, killing four people and wounding seven. In the capital Sanaa, tens of thousands assembled near Sanaa University urging Saleh's ouster. Security forces watch the gathering closely. Thousands of Iraqis rallied in Baghdad and other cities in anti-Government demonstrations despite security checkpoints and a vehicle ban. Most of the protests were peaceful, but the police used water cannons against demonstrators in the southern city of Basra and beat some journalists covering the demonstrations. The protesters want improved government services, better pay and an end to corruption in Iraq. In Bahrain, thousands of anti-Government demonstrators protested in front of Bahrain's state television today while Protesters are camping in the capital's Pearl Square and some of them are demanding the monarchy to step aside altogether. A leading opposition member of Shiite group Al Wefaq, Abdul Jalil Khalil has said that opposition will talk to the crown prince without pre-conditions. He however said that no date has been set for the beginning of the talks. Reports however say that opposition has sent a letter to the crown prince saying they want a new government and constitution. The opposition has previously called for formation of a constitutional monarchy that would have an elected government. In Oman, more than hundred people demonstrated at globe round about in Sohar city calling for corrupt ministers to resign, political reforms. They wanted Sultan to address the unemployment issue. Jordanians also held demonstrations as they have held protests every Friday for more than two months to demand a greater political voice and action to reduce poverty and unemployment. The weekly demonstrations have largely been peaceful and have not reached the level of violence seen elsewhere in the region.
News On AIR | March 5, 2011 8:54 AM
West Asia on boil