Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Citizens speak out. Gathering in rallies for reforms that include social and political
change to bring greater democracy and human rights for themselves and fellow countrypersons,
people continue to rally in countries like Bahrain, Italy, Libya, Palestine, Spain, Syria,
United States and Yemen.
UNITED STATES & ITALY - In a statement issued Monday, August 8, G7 finance ministers and
central bankers pledged to enact all necessary measures to support stability and growth in
financial markets. This announcement from the group of industrialized nations, which
includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and USA, was made in response to destabilization
concerns over the global economy after US debt was downgraded on Friday for the first
time ever by credit rating agency Standard and Poor's, along with concerns that Italy,
the world's eighth largest economy, might also need a financial bailout.
SPAIN - As demonstrations continued last week in protest of high unemployment and the government's
handling of the nation's economic crisis, police closed Madrid's central Puerta del
Sol Square and attacked protesters, with 20 people injured and four arrested, including
a journalist on Thursday, August 4. By Saturday, widespread public outrage and solidarity demonstrations
in at least seven other cities resulted in the square being re-opened, with thousands
gathering there since for rallies and discussions about unified ways to initiate change.
PALESTINE - Representatives for the Fatah and Hamas parties met in Egypt on Saturday
and Sunday for the first time in two months to resume reunification talks. During the
meeting, they were able to resolve one of the key issues hindering reconciliation as
they mutually agreed to a prisoner exchange by the end of the holy time of Ramadan, and
made plans to meet again next month.
BAHRAIN - Two former members of Parliament, along with human rights lawyer Mohammed al-Tajir
and several others were released from months of detention on Sunday, although they still
face trials.
SYRIA - The Arab League spoke out for the first time Sunday on Syria, saying that the
government must stop all attacks on protesters immediately. Meanwhile, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
withdrew their ambassadors over the unacceptable situation, as they also urged for an end to
the bloodshed, with Saudi King Abdullah Abdul Aziz also calling for Syrian President Bashar
al-Assad to govern responsibly and to enact real reforms.
With sorrow for the loss of human lives and the plight of the wounded and suffering, we
pray for an end to all conflicts and that harmony may prevail as people in every nation
choose to live in shared respect and freedom as a peaceful world�