17/11/2011 World News Today

Mass protests hit the streets on two continents. Scuffles, tear gas

and arrests, as thousands frustrated over the global economy

voice their anger in America and Europe.

Right move or wrong step: Burma gets the green light to chair the

ASEAN summit in 2014. A special report from the West Bank

is critical of increasing violence between Jewish settlers and

Palestinians. Also coming up in the programme:

The stage play that's meant to shock - a Spanish play about

religion sparks controversy. Are there some topics which are too

It's been called the age of protest - in New York's Wall Street,

protesters are calling it their "Day of Action". Hundreds of people

are demonstrating in Manhattan and across other major US cities to

mark two months since the Occupy Wall Street movement began a

campaign against economic inequality. In New York, riot

police arrested people outside the New York Stock Exchange who were

protesting about their eviction two days ago from a central city park.

And the protests are being echoed across the Atlantic in Greece and

Italy. Thousands of students have been protesting in Athens and Rome

against austerity plans and rising unemployment.

Well, in a moment, we'll be speaking to the BBC's

correspondents in Athens and Rome, Mark Lowen and Alan Johnston. First,

let's go to New York and Caroline Hepker. In Manhattan, about 60

people have been arrested so far, where we saw hundreds of people

gathering to protest about economic insecurity and the greed of Wall

Street. There were small skirmishes. In the park, the protesters have

talked about rallying on to Brooklyn Bridge. They have also

talked about taking over the subways. New York's transport

authority will say they will do their utmost to protect the subway.

There has been sympathy for the protesters as well. Give us an idea

of the profile of these Occupy Wall Street protesters. They are a very

varied range of people. They are led by a small group of leaders,

and they are being backed by a significant donations, but they are

angry that the Mayor has managed to get rid of their tents and other

things they have been using to stage this two months old protest.

The protesters have also tried to prevent people from getting to the

New York Stock Exchange. I spoke to a trader who works on the floor of

that stock exchange. He said he had no trouble getting into work this

morning. He even said he had empathy for the anger at the

protesters have shown. He said they were simply directing their anger

at the wrong people. He said the traders on the floor of the New

York Stock Exchange, they are not the elite that the protesters angry

at. Let us cross to Athens now. This is an annual parade to mark a

student uprising in 1973. The protest began today in Athens

Polytechnic. It snaked its way through the square, and up to their

embassy. It ends there. As well as the commemoration aspect of the

march, it is a huge demonstration against anti austerity measures.

Fast crowds came out onto the streets today. -- fast. That said,

it was fairly peaceful. We were looking at pictures of those riot

police who were out in force clearly. Now to Rome. There is no

more marching here in Rome. These were young people who are

suspicious of Mario Monti's new administration. They are suspicious,

as well, of the austerity programme to come. The young people are

saying, why didn't you go after the people who caused the crisis in

Italy? I think are, generally, you get the feeling that it Italy is

ready to give Mario Monti a chance. Polls are suggesting that most

people have faith in him. William has written about this and joins us

from Durham, North Carolina. Is this anger going anywhere? You have

to take it country-by-country. If you look at Italy and Greece, they

are very specific demands there. In the United States, protesters are

being somewhat more generic. They are protesting against social

conditions. That is one of the inadequacies of the American people.

They have focused attention on the growing inequality of income of

wealth, which has become a problem that our economy, society and

politics. Do you think these protests will have a lasting impact

on the way that politicians do their business, or will it just be

situation as normal? In Italy and Greece, and other European

countries as well, as the crisis spreads, you will have an extended

process of trying to come to grips with the imperatives of austerity

verses genuine show socked -- genuine social hardships people are

experiencing. In the United States, even if the movement fades, it will

leave a residue. America it did have the effect of crystallising

sentiments that were shared about the growth of inequality of wealth

bus stop Americans can stand for much greater inequality than would

be acceptable in most European countries, but even here, enough is

enough. We let lead to new political methods? -- will it.

sceptical. There is a danger in the United States that protesters's

tactics will get in the way of their message, and politicians who

might be inclined to react to the message may be forced to distance

themselves from the tactics of the movement, if the movement starts to

shut down transit systems and bridges and things like that.

Now a look at some of the day's other news: Fears continue to grow

over Iran's nuclear programme. Six leading world powers have agreed a

draft resolution on Iran at a meeting of the United Nations

nuclear agency, the IAEA. The resolution expresses "deep and

increasing concern" about Iran's nuclear programme.

The emir of Kuwait has ordered the security forces to take all

necessary measures to maintain order. Several thousand protesters

briefly occupied Parliament on Wednesday. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad

Al-Sabah said no violation of state institutions would be tolerated.

Japan has banned shipments of rice from an area near the crippled

Fukushima nuclear plant, after it was found to have radiation levels

above safety limits. The sample came from a farm in Fukushima City,

around sixty kilometres from the nuclear plant. The Japanese

government says none of the rice had yet been sold.

Scientists may have established how a mountain range came to exist

under the Antarctic. The mountain's are thought to be 1 billion years

old. There have been further signs that

Burnett is gradually being welcomed back into the international fault.

Leaders gathered for the summit on the Indonesian island of Bali. They

have agreed that Burma cannot chair the group in 2014. Meanwhile, one

year Ron from third release of the pro-democracy leader, our

international development correspondent has been to Burma to

meet her. Burmese people support this man

with something close to reverence - - this woman. Conditions that

prevented her party from a standing in elections were lifted. It is

expected that people will decide to register again as a party. There is

no doubt which way the leader will vote. I am not entirely sure of the

reasons why people think it is not the right time to register. On the

whole, I think the majority of allow people going for re

registration is fine. What reforms are we going -- what reforms are

going on here? How do you see Burma changing? There you while! -- duo

are! -- you are. This is the first of Burmese generation that may not

have to grow up under a dictatorship. There is no doubt in

deep affection and that she is held here. She is on the eve of making

the most important political decision of her life. The issue is

the speed of which these reforms are being implemented, and it is

part of that that she will stand in these by-elections and wins. Issue

goes to parliament with the strength of that mandate, that will

help to transform politics and Burma. -- if she goes. It is not

about the past. It is about the future. What the leaders are doing

now, by confirming the resignation, we are trying to ensure that the

process of change continues. The momentum is maintained. The leader

they call here the lady looks like she is running for office already.

The cost has been great. The young -- the long years of seclusion has

been great, but she has not suffered. I have never seen it as

suffering. I find it embarrassing when people talk about my suffering.

People have died, and it seems to be that no one still alive has a

lot to complain. She told me the new President is a good listener.

What do you think of this move to let Burma chaired the 2014 summit?

You can't be stuck in the past, can you? It is important to look into

the future. But you also need to live with the past. This is an

important message. There is a necessity to see consistent human

rights. This is very important. They need to remember what happened

in the past. But surely you also have to look at progress, and not

just what has happened in the past? There have been a recent overtures

by the government in Burma to try and reach out to their former

Yes, I witnessed a lot of progress in Myanmar. This is important. We

need to encourage the current President. I think the President

has been consistent in the resurrection. Progress has to be

welcomed, recognised, but also continue reminding... Can you state

quite clearly, do you think the fact that Burma has been invited to

chair ASEAN 2014, is it the right step or the wrong move?

understand but let the not respond to that question because it is a

political question. I think that the new authorities are in the

right direction. But more time is needed. There is still a lot of

political prisoners in Myanmar prisons. I visited myself.

Prisoners who have suffered torture and mistreatment. There are many

human rights situations that you cannot at this moment forget. I

think that the government is going in the right direction, I recognise

that. This is my message to the United Nations, a report to the new

United Nations on that. But also to remind of the importance that a

transition to democracy, to have success they need to sort out human

There's been a big rise in Jewish settler violence against

Palestinians living in the West Bank. The United Nations says the

number of attacks by settlers against Palestinians resulting in

injury or property damage has gone up roughly threefold in the last

These are olive farmers from the Palestinian village, clashing with

Jewish settlers last month. The Israeli army intervened. The

Palestinians say they were forced to leave their trees. They say

settlors then set their fields on A few days later, Nidam Qaraweq

shows me the damage. He tells me these settlers attacked him with

sticks. As to his trees, he says they are wholly to him, sold you

can't put a value on them. The situation around the villages

especially tense, after two Palestinians there were convicted

of murdering a family of five settlers, including three children,

in March. But settler related violence is on the increase across

the West Bank. The UN that says the number of Palestinians being

injured in settler attacks has roughly tripled since 2009. Some

settlers have guns, which the Israeli government allows them to

legally own. But it is the Israeli army that often has to intervene.

We go to the Palestinian village which sits right next to a Jewish

settlement. It is a regular point of friction. These clashes between

Palestinians and Jewish settlers are happening on a weekly, if not

daily basis at the moment. The Israeli army had intervened,

they've been firing tear gas towards the Palestinians. They are

on the side of the Jewish settlement. But the officer in

charge here has tow the boat sides are as stupid as the other. And

Nitzan Alon, a man who has just left his post as Israeli army

commander in the West Bank, says he's worried about a rise in Jewish

extremism, even calling it terrorism. But settler leaders say

he's wrong. I think that Commander Alon is exaggerating and making

mistake, not being careful with his words. Or Palestinians, continued

settlement expansion, illegal under international law, is an obstacle

to peace. Is a viable Palestinian state requires tens of thousands of

settlers to leave. That would not happen easily. A spokesman for the

Israeli government joins us now from Jerusalem. Does the Israeli

government categorically condemn any kind of violence by Jewish

settlers against innocent and unarmed Palestinians? Most

definitely yes. We've been doing so for quite some time. President

Perez, Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Speaker of our Parliament - all

across the board the police leaders and military leaders, this

vigilante violence is unacceptable and we condemn it and act against

it. The United Nations says the level of inaction by the Israeli

police is shameful for a country that says it uphold the rule of law.

It says 90 % of complaints by Palestinians result in nothing

being done, nobody is indicted. shared that report with the Israeli

police a short time ago. They said it's not true, that every complaint

made his thoroughly investigated, but that a tactical and

intelligence level. I would remind you that some two months ago we

established a special police task force of some 60 officers who are

permanently bared, designed to stamp out this sort of vigilante

violence. It is unacceptable. We as a society and country do not want

to see this vigilante violence. Anything done outside the rule of

law will not be tolerated. You said you talked to the Israeli police,

then give us the correct figure because the UN says 90 % of

complaints result in nobody being indicted. What is the number of

people being indicted? I don't have that figure. I can tell you that

every complaint made his thoroughly investigated. But nobody is ever

indicted, that's the point. That is not correct. People have been

arrested, put in jail, people have been put in front of legal

proceedings. We have no tolerance policy. My Prime Minister, there

was a terrible incident in northern Israel where a mosque was attacked.

My Prime Minister stood up and said it was unacceptable. This is not

Jewish, this is not Israeli, we A satirical play about the life of

Jesus Christ is causing controversy following its premiere in France.

The play, called Golgota Picnic, has been denounced by Catholic

groups who staged street protests, while others have demonstrated in

favour of freedom of speech. The play's director welcomes the debate

between culture and blasphemy. We will be discussing this. This play

intends to shock. A modern depiction of Jesus Christ - the

stage littered with Big Macs and a very present day falling angel. The

French opening follows a run for six months in Madrid with no

trouble. But now Catholic groups in Toulouse petitioned to censor the

play but were denied. Shock tactics didn't always have a place on the

stage. The UK passed the Theatres Act in 1968 abolishing censorship.

A change brought on by the prominence of the Angry Young Men

playwrights. John Osborne was one of the early writers who fought for

a theatre that reflects society. But with the freedom have come the

protests. In 2006 Jerry Spinger: The Opera could hide behind the law,

in the face of protests who called the play blasphemous. The career of

director Peter Brook has spanned the changes and for him freedom on

stage is necessary. Look at every television programme, look at every

newspaper and you can't get away from the themes of clashing

interests, clash of civilizations, With religion at centre stage,

Golgota Picnic will continue to gain supporters and protesters,

waiting for its next resurrection I have been joined in the studio by

the playwright and former theatre critic. It is very difficult to

strike a balance between freedom of speech but also blasphemy. I don't

think it is. Isn't it? It's the age-old battle of fundamentalists

who feel that religion, or religious belief and doctrine, is

this very fragile thing which is subject to terrible, inexplicable

ABTA. And that it must be stopped, that religion must be revealed.

Christianity is a very strong plant. If there are some people who for

whatever reason want to smear or mark it, religion will survive.

Surely you shouldn't mock people's beliefs, you should respect them.

Not necessarily. I do think from what I've read of the play that it

sounds very infantile, silly. set out to shock. Exactly. It seems

to set out to shock in the crudest, most juvenile fashion. I haven't

seen it so I don't know. Nor have I, I may be quite wrong. But I think

the freedom to criticise religion and perhaps from the viewpoint of

fundamentalists, that is to market in an unacceptable way. I think

that is quite wrong. How typical of the general public do you think

theatregoers are and playwrights such as yourself are? I don't think

there is such a thing as a typical theatre-goer or a typical play

right. I completely understand the attitude of the fundamentalist.

Jerry Springer rehearsed the same arguments. They've been going on

for many years here and I'm sure abroad. I think probably they are a

little more fragile in their attitudes in Paris and France.

few seconds things have become more relaxed for your protests over the

years? A little. Which pleases you, no doubt. I'm so glad to hear that.

Thank you very much indeed. That is all from the programme. Next is the

weather. From the team here on It's been a mild day today,

especially if you had some sunshine. But rain returns to Northern

Ireland and western Scotland and other parts of the West overnight,

with still some outbreaks of rain tomorrow and still a brisk wind.

Low pressure from the Atlantic reading the weather fronts in our

direction, high to the east has now pulled away somewhat. It is

allowing the wetter weather to come in. There will be heavier bursts in

the rain to western Scotland during Friday, but central and eastern

areas are looking dry with further sunny spells. A fine afternoon

across much of northern England. It is mild again, 13 or 14 degrees.

Sunny spells across East Anglia and the south-east, the temperature a

degree or two higher than we've had today, but it will be on the breezy

side. We look to the south-west, and yet there is a chance,

especially during the first part of the day, for a bit of patchy, light

rain or drizzle. There is a brisk towards the south and west of Wales

as well. North-west England brightening up, Northern Ireland

blustery again but not quite as windy as today. The rain tomorrow

isn't going to be as heavy as it was today, just like and patchy.

Outbreaks of rain for Western and Central Scotland. Across the North-