Iran Slams Terror Attack On Diplomats, Holds US Responsible
By Bernama,
Tehran : Iran has denounced terror attacks on Iranian diplomats at Iranian Embassy in Baghdad and held the US responsible for violating diplomatic immunity in Iraq, Iranian national news agency (IRNA) reported.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki strongly condemned the terror attacks.
On Thursday, US agents opened fire at motorcade of Iranian diplomats, wounding three diplomats and one staffer of the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad.
Hundreds of Muslims rally in Indonesia, demanding for disbandment of religious sect
By Xinhua,
Jakarta : Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets Monday in Jakarta and Surabaya the capital of East Java province, demanding for the dissolution of the Ahmadiyah sect in Indonesia.
Nearly five hundreds Muslims of Islamic Forum (FUI) staged rally outside State Palace in Jakarta, asking President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to issue a decree to disband the sect.
Among the protesters was a prominent and controversial Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'ashir who has been released from jail for conspiracy in Bali bombings in 2002.
Blast rocks Afghanistan’s Herat city
Kabul: A blast rocked Afghanistan's Herat city Saturday night. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty, a security source said.
"An Improvised Explosive...
Iran ready for serious talks on nuclear deal: Rouhani
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran is ready for serious talks with world powers to reach a comprehensive agreement over its nuclear programme, President Hassan Rouhani...
India, Pakistan finalise liberal visa accord
By IANS,
New Delhi : In an important confidence-building step, India and Pakistan Friday firmed up a draft of their bilateral visa agreement that will ease travel between the two countries.
IAEA hopes for better US cooperation under Obama
By Xinhua,
Vienna : The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed its hope that the new US government under Barack Obama will have better cooperation with the organisation in propelling Iran's de-nuclearisation process and easing tension in the Middle East.
IAEA director general Mohamed ElBaradei Friday hailed president-elect Obama's position to "create a world without nuclear weapons and value dialogue".
Eight members of Iraqi security forces killed in attacks
Baghdad: At least eight members of Iraqi security forces were killed in attacks in and around the capital Baghdad Wednesday, police said.
Three members of...
Palestinians call on Arab League to stop Israeli settlement activities
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mussa has received a memo signed by 16,000 Palestinians calling on the Arab League, the UN Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to stop the Israeli settlement activities.
Kuwaiti finance minister departs to Kuwait following API meetings
By KUNA
Sharm El-Sheikh : Kuwaiti Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shimali lauded Tuesday the role of the Arab Planning Institute (API) in allowing greater cooperation and exchange of ideas and visions among Arab states.
Speaking to KUNA prior to departing from Egypt, where he participated in the API board of trustee's meeting which wrapped up yesterday, he noted the efforts for development exerted by the institute.
Financial sector assets climb to $ 180 bln: Dr. Akhtar
By APP
Karachi : Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr. Shamshad Akhtar said Saturday that the country’s financial sector assets have recorded a phenomenal growth in the last 10 years as its assets surged to $ 180 billion or 125 percent of GDP. “Total assets of financial sector were 95 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of 1997”, she said while speaking at the convocation of the Institute of Bankers, Pakistan (IBP).
Pakistan to double development fund to $16 bn
By IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistani government will double its annual development expenditure from $8 billion to $16 billion with the help of the private sector to improve the country's crumbling infrastructure.
"We will launch this plan this year as part of a public-private partnership programme and it will be formally incorporated into the budget for 2008-09 from the next financial year," the Dawn Friday quoted caretaker Finance Minister Salman Shah as saying.
Now, a fine for littering in Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad : Anyone caught littering would now have to pay a fine in this Pakistani capital.
A rule framed in 2008 was put in force Tuesday.
Iraq Urges Resumption Of Iran-U.S. Talks On Iraq
BAGHDAD, March 3 (Bernama) -- Iraqi Finance Minister Bayan Jabr urged Iran to hold talks with the United States on Iraq, saying that the former talks have proved fruitful to help establish law and order in Iraq.
"The Iranian officials have told the Iraqi officials that Iran has no reservation to resume talks with the US on Iraq, IRNA quoted Jabr as saying here.
He added that exact date of the fourth round of Iran-US talks on Iraq has not been determined yet.
He predicted that the next round of Iran-US talks on Iraq would be held at foreign minister level.
US urges Afghans, Pakistanis to cooperate on border security
By DPA,
Washington : The US Tuesday urged the Afghan and Pakistani governments to work together to improve border security, after Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned he was willing to send troops into Pakistan to halt cross-border militant attacks.
Karzai has been increasingly frustrated by attacks carried out on Afghan soil by Taliban militants operating out of Pakistan, and on Sunday threatened to launch an assault across the border.
Malaysian air force pilot dies in crash
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian air force training aircraft crashed Thursday during an air show, killing its pilot, news reports said.
The pilot with the Royal Malaysian Air Force had been manoeuvring the Pilatus PC-7 plane during an airshow at the Northern University of Malaysia in Kedah when the plane's engine compartment exploded and caught fire, the Star newspaper said.
Thousands of students and their family members witnessed the pilot eject from the burning aircraft, which soon crashed just outside the university grounds, the report said.
Pakistan political parties still grappling to form government
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Two weeks after the nationwide elections, efforts are on to form a government in Pakistan with no clear announcements by either of the winning parties as to who would head the national and provincial governments.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly, had earlier hinted that Makhdoom Amin Fahim would be the prime ministerial candidate. But the party leadership later gave signals that there are other candidates as well.
British mercenaries being replaced by east Europeans in Iraq
By IRNA,
London : British mercenaries serving in Iraq are finding themselves without a job after being replaced by cheaper soldiers from eastern Europe, according to the National Association of Security Professionals (NASP).
The number of Britons, usually former soldiers, providing security in Iraq, was said to have fallen from a peak of about 5,000 in 2004-05 to nearer 2,000 this year.
Gaza crossings closed due to Qassam attacks
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered on Wednesday to seal all the crossings on the border of Gaza Strip for goods transfer in response to Tuesday's Qassam rocket attacks by Palestinian militants.
Pakistan to make Osama inquiry report public
By IANS,
Islamabad : The inquiry report into the killing of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden by US special forces in his Pakistani hideout will be made public, a top official has said.
Bin Laden’s freed ex-driver arrives in Yemen
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen) : The former driver of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden arrived in the Yemeni capital Wednesday after his release from the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, security sources said.
Salim Hamdan, 40, arrived on a US military plane that landed in a military base near Sana'a International Airport, the sources told DPA.
Hamdan was convicted by a US military commission in August of supporting terrorism and sentenced to five and a half years in prison. He is due for release in January with time served.
Egypt sets up committee to re-check Mubarak’s health
By IANS/AKI,
Cairo: Egypt's attorney general has ordered the setting up of a new medical committee to re-examine former president Hosni Mubarak's health condition.
Malaysian company aims to make Dubai its gateway to Middle East
By NNN-Bernama
Dubai : OSA Technology Sdn Bhd, the first Malaysian company to produce orthopaedic surgical implants and instrumentation systems, is eyeing Dubai as its gateway to the Middle East market.
Chief executive officer Dr Hyzan Mohd Yusof said the company is in talks with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to realise this objective.
Pakistani with fake Afghan passport arrested
By IANS,
New Delhi : A 20-year-old Pakistani national, staying in Delhi for the past two years while posing as an Afghan national, was arrested here Thursday, police said.
Tide in Pakistan’s Swat has decisively turned: Army chief
By IANS,
Islamabad : The situation in Swat in Pakistan's troubled northwest, where the military is engaged in major anti-Taliban operations, has "decisively turned" in the security forces' favour, army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani declared Thursday.
German FM to attend Afghanistan conference in Paris
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to attend the international Afghanistan conference, scheduled to take place in Paris on Sunday.
The confab will feature political representatives of the Afghan government as well as its six neighboring states and India.
Other participants include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the European Union, the United Nations, Germany and Italy.
Karzai pledges transparent elections in Afghanistan
Kabul: Afghan President Hamid Karzai Saturday assured the people of a free and fair presidential election on April 5, saying the security forces were...
UK in manifest breach of NPT, says nuclear researcher
By IRNA,
London : A British nuclear researcher Monday criticised the hypocrisy of UK government for trying to lecture Iran over the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) when it failing itself to implement its own commitments.
"It is no good pointing fingers at Iran over alleged non- compliance with its NPT obligations, when the UK is in manifest breach of its own obligations," said David Lowry, former director of the European Proliferation Information Centre.
Gilani asks Malik to improve Pakistan’s security
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday asked Interior Minister Rehman Malik to strengthen intelligence gathering to improve the security situation in the country.
20 detained in anti-terror raids in Istanbul
Istanbul : Turkish police detained at least 20 people in an anti-terror operation in Istanbul on Wednesday.
The semi-official Anatolian news agency reported that the...
Israeli naval forces arrest Palestanian fishermen
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli naval forces arrested four Palestanian fishermen after shooting at them in the Sudaniya coasts northern Gaza Strip, Palestanian fishermen unionist, Nizar Ayash told KUNA on Sunday.
Bangladesh Supreme Court to hear Yunus’ plea Tuesday
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Supreme Court Tuesday confirmed the removal of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as the managing director of the Grameen Bank that he had founded in 1976.
Israel to destroy Hamas tunnels before ending offensive
Jerusalem : The Israeli army Tuesday said that it will not cease its Gaza offensive before rooting out the "terror tunnels" that Hamas are...
Most Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr Monday
Jeddah : The majority of Muslims around the world celebrated on Monday Eid al-Fitr, a holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month...
Sarkozy urges EU to adopt common strategy on Libya
By IANS,
Paris : European countries should adopt a "common strategy" on issues related to violence-hit Libya, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in an address on national television.
US considering covert push within Pakistan: NYT
By IANS
New York : In response to intelligence reports that Al Qaeda and Taliban are intensifying efforts to destabilise the Pakistan government, the US is considering conducting aggressive covert operations in the country's tribal areas.
Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President George W. Bush's senior national security advisers met Friday at the White House to debate expanding the authority of the CIA and the military for the purpose, The New York Times reported.
Over 100 rebels killed in Syria
Damascus : More than 100 rebels were killed Wednesday by Syrian troops in an ambush in the eastern countryside of the capital Damascus, media...
Bangladesh PM urges developed nations to contribute more to ensure food security for developing...
By NNN-BSS,
New York : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the developed nations to contribute more in mobilizing a substantial fund to ensure food security for developing countries as they are badly hit by current global economic meltdown.
US sceptical about Iran’s nuclear advances
By RIA Novosti
Washington : The US cannot verify reports about recent advances in Iran's nuclear programme, US State Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.
At a news conference Friday with Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Rice said she could not verify "one way or another" the statement by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that his country had started to install 6,000 'ordinary' uranium enrichment centrifuges at its underground facility in Natanz.
France condemns Israel’s Gaza offensive
By DPA,
Paris : The French government late Saturday sharply criticized Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, saying it "complicated" peace efforts.
"France condemns Israel's ground offensive against Gaza just as it condemns the continued rocket attacks" by Hamas against Israel, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Pakistan mulls panel to probe fake drugs deaths
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan may set up a judicial panel to probe over 100 deaths due to spurious drugs in its Punjab province.
Rice asks Hamas to control rocket attacks out of Gaza
By KUNA
Washington : US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice asked on Monday Hamas to do everything it can to control rocket attacks against Israel, in a first sign of recognition of the Palestinian militant role in Gaza.
"Hamas should do everything that it can to do what it has not yet done, which is to use whatever capacity it has to stop the rocket attacks against Israel, because that is the essential problem out of Gaza", she said in a press conference.
Rescue on capsized ferry in Bangladesh ends, 39 bodies recovered
By NNN-Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladeshi authorities announced Friday they have completed the rescue operation on a capsized ferry in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka with 39 bodies recovered.
Bangladesh shipping authorities Friday morning salvaged the capsized passenger ferry from the Buriganga River near capital Dhaka with more bodies recovered leading the death toll to 39.
UAE charity to sponsor air tickets of freed prisoners
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Inmates in various United Arab Emirates (UAE) jails, who have finished their terms and are waiting to be deported back to their respective countries, can now fly home for free.
The UAE's leading charity, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Charity Foundation, has announced it would sponsor the air tickets of the prisoners who are to be deported after serving their terms at various prisons, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Iran rejects UNSC’s criticism on n-programme
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran has rejected a UN Security Council statement calling Tehran's nuclear programme a threat to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Xinhua reported.
Germany welcomes Iran-IAEA agreement on resolving questions
By IRNA
Berlin : The German Foreign Ministry here Monday hailed the latest agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran to resolve all outstanding questions over Tehran's nuclear program.
Speaking at a routine government press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger welcomed the visit of the head of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei to Tehran.
UAE families to get free dry fruits during Ramadan
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Around 45,000 families in the United Arab Emirates will get free dry fruits and other food items that are consumed by Muslims observing the month-long fast during Ramadan.
Under the project "Ramadan Supplies for 2010", the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation in cooperation with the ministry of social affairs will distribute 11 food items through 24 centres across the UAE.
Ramadan is considered the most auspicious month in the Islamic calendar.
Delegation of Metro Cash & Carry International meets Prime Minister
By SPA
Islamabad : A delegation of Metro Cash & Carry International headed by its Chief Executive Officer Frans W. H. Muller met Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday, said an official statement.
The premier appreciated the initiative taken by the Metro Group in launching its whole-sale business in Pakistan and said it would encourage other foreign companies to invest in Pakistan.
Eight million kids go hungry in Pakistan
By IANS,
Karachi : Eight million children in Pakistan are facing food shortages and 23 million kids are deprived of basic education, an official said here.
Pakistan parliament by-elections starts amid tight security
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's parliament by-elections started on Thursday amid tight security in polling stations.
Pakistan has stepped up security measures to guarantee a smooth and uninterrupted polling, in which the voters will decide on vacancies of the National Assembly, lower parliament, and provincial parliament seats.
Around 4,300 police officials are guarding 562 polling stations in the garrison city of Rawalpindi adjacent to capital Islamabad, police sources said.
NA candidates seek direct communication with voters — academics
By Bedour Al-Hamad, KUNA,
Kuwait : Kuwaiti academics agree on importance of direct communication with voters, as a means of delivering their ideas during their campaigns, clarifying that seminars and regular visits to diwaniyas are the most effective.
Foreigners held in UAE for $14.4 bn fraud
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : An Iranian and a US citizen of Iranian-origin were arrested in Abu Dhabi for illegally transferring $14.4 billion from Germany through the UAE Central bank.
The suspects, identified only as E.H.K, 49, and Iranian and N.A.B, 47, an American of Iranian descent, transferred the money from Germany in the name of a fake company, said Col. Hammad Ahmed Al Hammadi, director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Both the men entered the country with mission visas, the CID said.
Huge blast heard in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Radio stations in Gaza reported on Sunday night that Israeli military aircraft fired a missile towards a group of citizens west of the city.
The radio stations said that the shelling targeted a jeep vehicle that was standing in the vicinity of the house of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya killing scores of citizens on board and destroying the vehicle.
Ambulances rushed to the scene and citizens were urged by the radio to exercise caution in fear of other possible raids.
UAE delivers aid for Libyan schools
By IANS,
By WAM,
Tripoli: About 20 tonnes of stationery, school bags, and clothes for displaced students have been delivered by the UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA) to the Libyan Red Crescent.
Kuwait interest rate cut hailed
By IANS,
Dubai : A decision by Kuwait's central bank to cut interest rates has been hailed by the bankers and financial analysts as a step in the right direction.
The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) cut interest rates by 125 basis points Wednesday in the face of deteriorating state of the local financial market caused by the global financial crisis.
The benchmark discount rate is down to 4.5 percent from 5.75 percent and the repo rate has fallen to 2.5 percent from 3.5 percent.
Dhaka envoy new head of Unctad body
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's permanent representative in Geneva, Debapriya Bhattacharya, has been elected president of the Trade and Development Board (TDB) of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) for one year.
The first from his country to be elected by the 193-member assembly, Bhattacharya took charge Monday, the Daily Star reported Tuesday.
TDB is the highest policy making body after the quadrennial ministerial conference of Unctad.
OIC Islamophobia Observatory presents first report to Islamic summit
By KUNA
Dakar : The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Islamophobia Observatory's first report, to be presented to the 11th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference set to begin Thursday, expressed hope that member states would continue efforts toward combating this phenomena.
The report, covering May-December 2007, highlighted efforts by the observatory and the OIC secretary general to stand up to Islamophobia and to make it a priority on the international community's agenda.
Over 250 militants from Pakistani Kashmir waiting to enter Jammu: BSF
By IANS,
Jammu : Over 250 militants are waiting at launching pads in areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) facing Jammu, a top Border Security Force (BSF) official said here Thursday.
Divorced parents protest in Pakistan city
By IANS,
Lahore : A group of divorced parents, mostly fathers, held a protest in this Pakistani city over delay in legal proceedings that denies them access to their children.
Israel must show restraint: Hollande
Paris: Israel should protect itself from militant's rockets but must show restraint to not further fuel "a highly sensitive situation in the Middle East",...
Ahmadinejad invites Jordan’s king Abdullah to visit Iran
By DPA,
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah II Sunday received a rare message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inviting him to visit Iran, according to a royal court statement.
Malaysia`s Anwar to be investigated on sex charges – police
By ANTARA News,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will be investigated over new allegations of sodomy, police said on Saturday, the same charge that saw him jailed a decade ago.
Anwar's Keadilan party said that one of his aides, Saiful Bahari, had been arrested and "forced" to make a statement saying he was sodomised by the opposition leader.
"Yes, we have received a police report from an aide of Anwar Ibrahim that he was sodomised. But no, we will not arrest Anwar at the moment," said deputy police chief Ismail Omar.
Bangladesh court sends Jamaat leaders to jail in graft case
By IANS,
Dhaka : A Bangladesh court Monday sent two top leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), the country's largest Islamist party, to jail for corruption in the awarding of a coal mining contract when they were ministers in the Khaleda Zia government.
The development could harden the attitude of the four-party alliance of former prime minister Khaleda Zia against participating in the Dec 18 parliamentary polls.
Pakistan confirms 11 dead in K2 avalanche
By DPA,
Islamabad : Eleven climbers died in an avalanche on K2, the world's second-highest mountain, officials confirmed Monday after a crisis meeting was held with representatives of Pakistan's government and tour operators.
Shahzad Qaiser, secretary for sport and tourism, confirmed three Koreans, two Pakistanis, two Nepalese, a Frenchman, a Norwegian, a Serb, and an Irish national died.
"We do not have any missing mountain climbers," Qaiser said, adding that Pakistani authorities were in contact with two Italian climbers, one on his way to base camp and another already there.
Blast near Indian embassy in Kabul, many feared dead
By DPA,
Kabul : A dozen people were killed or injured in a suicide attack near the Indian embassy in Kabul early Monday morning, official said.
A suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed car in an area of the capital which is also very near to the interior ministry, causing several casualties, said Zemarai Bashary, interior ministry spokesman.
"It was a suicide car bomb in front of the Indian embassy, there are casualties but at this stage it is not clear to give precise number," he said.
Al Qaeda chemical expert believed killed in Pakistan
By DPA,
Peshawar : Al Qaeda's senior leader and chemical weapon expert, Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar, is believed to have died in a suspected US missile strike Monday in Pakistan's north-western tribal region, officials said.
Umar, an Egyptian militant who is also known as Abu Khabab al-Masri, and his Pakistani wife were killed in a predawn multiple missile attack that targeted a house in a village near the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan.
17 policemen killed in Afghanistan ambush
Kabul: At least 17 policemen were killed and three others injured after militants ambushed a police convoy in Afghanistan's Helmand province, sources said on...
Obama says Iran ‘must choose’ its future
By RIA Novosti,
Washington : Iran "must choose" whether it wants to open the door for opportunity and prosperity, U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement on the 30th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
"It is time for the Iranian government to decide whether it wants to focus on the past, or whether it will make the choices that will open the door to greater opportunity, prosperity and justice for its people," Obama said in a statement.
Israeli aerial attack on Gaza car kills 2 Palestinians
By Xinhua
Gaza : Two Palestinians, including a woman, were killed and three others wounded in an Israeli aerial attack in northern Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, medics and witnesses said.
Witnesses said an Israeli aircraft fired an air-to-ground missile at a car driving in northern Gaza Strip, killing two people on board.
The sources said Shehda Abu el-Fool, a militant of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC)'s armed wing, along with his wife, were killed in the airstrike on their car.
Hezbollah chief calls for defense strategy, elections on time
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called for swift settling of a national defense strategy and holding the parliamentary elections on time, local Daily Star reported Wednesday.
"Equipping the Lebanese army is a priority, and discussion of a national defense strategy should be completed," Nasrallah said in a speech Tuesday night on the occasion of his party's martyr's day.
Lebanese leaders are engaged in national dialogue sessions to reach an agreement on a national defense strategy that would tackle Hezbollah's arsenal.
Was MH370 plane crash actually suicide by pilot?
London : The pilot of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 killed himself and passengers by switching off oxygen supply in what is the...
Indian found dead in Oman was brilliant scientist: colleague
Thiruvananthapuram : The award-winning Indian professor who was found dead in his residence on a university campus in Oman Friday, was a brilliant student,...
‘Doctor who helped in Osama mission needs US help’
By IANS,
Washington : The US needs to make renewed attempts to help the jailed Pakistani doctor who led the US to Osama bin Laden, a Congressman has said.
Nearly 48,000 Indians register for UAE Modi reception
Abu Dhabi: Nearly 48,000 Indians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have so far registered for the public reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,...
UAE, Argentina discuss ties
By IANS/WAM,
Buenos Aires : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina have discussed ways to boost bilateral relations.
Five killed in attack in Libya
Tripoli: At least five people were killed and 11 injured Friday when gunmen launched an attack against security forces in the Libyan city of...
One killed, nine injured in Peshawar car bomb attack
By IANS,
Peshawar: An eight-year-old child was killed and nine other people were injured Thursday in a car bomb attack in Pakistan's northwestern Peshawar city, media reports said.
The blast occurred around 5.00 p.m. in the Gulshan Rehman Colony that houses the government officials of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Nine people were injured and a three-storey building was completely destroyed in the blast, the Online news agency reported.
Police said the blast took place near the house of deputy secretary of the interior ministry.
Muslim-West clash: My insightful trip to Germany
By Mohammad Reyaz,
“I have grown certain that the root of all fear is that we’ve been forced to deny who we are”.
Pakistan, Afghanistan renew pledge to fight terrorism
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Afghanistan Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism and enhancing bilateral economic relations.
The pledge was renewed as Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta discussed security and economic issues with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani here.
The prime minister said a strong and stable Afghanistan was also in Pakistan's interest, according to an official statement.
Pakistan has offered joint probe of Mumbai attacks: Nawaz Sharif
By IANS,
Raiwind (Pakistan) : Former Pakistani prime minister and head of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan has offered India joint investigation of the Mumbai attacks, Online news agency reported Saturday.
Talking to media here after offering Friday prayers, Sharif cautioned India to take care while blaming Pakistan for the attacks.
British musician joins Israel boycott
London, May 18, IRNA -- British singer and songwriter Elvis Costello has joined the international boycott of Israel by pulling out of two gigs at the Caesarea Amphitheatre.
The 55-year old English musician of Irish heritage said in a statement that he did not want his performance to be a “political act”.
“One lives in hope that music is more than mere noise, filling up idle time, whether intending to elate or lament,” Costello said in an announcement on his website.
Extending solidarity from Mumbai for Palestine
By Yogesh Maitreya & Daisy Katta,
With the energetic recital of humanitarian songs from “Republican Panther”, a Mumbai based Dalit and Human rights cultural organisation, the meeting to condemn Israeli act of genocide in Palestine has accelerated amidst the wetly evening of 19th July, in Mumbai.
UAE, Kazakhstan seek energy cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Astana : Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will form a committee to explore ways to boost bilateral cooperation, mainly in the energy sector.
The decision was taken at a joint committee meeting of the two countries in Astana Wednesday.
The meeting was held under the joint chairmanship of UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammed Gargash and Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Temirkhan Dosmukhanbetov.
Trade between the two countries was worth $1.5 billion in 2008.
Russia-NATO Council to discuss conflict settlement in Libya
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Brussels : The Russia-NATO Council will discuss the current state of affairs in Libya and ways to resolve the ongoing conflict Tuesday in Brussels.
Yemen army thwarts rebel attack as ceasefire collapses
By DPA
Sanaa: Government troops thwarted an attack by Shia rebels in the capital of the restive northwestern province of Saada Sunday after a shaky truce collapsed, a military source said.
The army fought back the rebels, known as Houthis, and "inflicted huge losses" on them after they attacked Saada city from three directions at dawn, the unnamed source said in a statement posted on the defence ministry's website.
"Elements of rebellion and terrorism tried to take advantage of the ceasefire and the halt of military operations ... to achieve gains on the ground," the source said.
Pakistan seeks clear US vision for South Asia
By DPA,
Washington : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the US Tuesday to outline a clear commitment for stability and economic development in South Asia.
Meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Qureshi said his government has the political will to tackle the extremism and militants along the border with Afghanistan.
"The people of the region have to be assured that the United States has a vision for the entire region," Qureshi said. "Not just Afghanistan and Pakistan but the entire region."
Pakistan: Election for new President on Sept 6
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Election Commission of Pakistan on Friday announced that the election for the President will be held on September 6.
The schedule for election of the President was announced following the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf on August 18, by Secretary Election Commission Kanwar Dilshad.
The nomination papers will be submitted by Aug 26, scrutiny of the papers will be on Aug 28 while candidates can withdraw their papers by August 30.
India not considering military action against Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Tuesday said it was not considering military action against Pakistan at this stage but was waiting for Islamabad to act strongly against terrorists based in its territory responsible for terror attacks in the country.
“Nobody is talking of military action,” said External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee when asked to comment on media reports about a possible military action against the neighbouring country.
Pakistan moving on right path to end terror: Hillary
By NNN-APP,
Lahore, Pakistan : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday said the Pakistan government and its armed forces are moving in the right direction to eliminate terrorists and America will continue its support in this regard. In a formal interaction with students at Government College University here Thursday, she hoped that Pakistan would soon achieve a rock-solid success in the war on terror.
Exchange of fire in Gaza hours after ceasefire begins
By DPA,
Tel Aviv/Gaza : Israeli troops came under fire by a group of Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip Sunday, only hours after the beginning of a unilateral ceasefire declared by Israel, an Israeli army spokeswoman said.
The troops informed Israeli armoured units and air force which then shot at and hit the Palestinians, said the spokeswoman. She added she had no information about further incidents of violence.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by Israel came into effect at 2 a.m. (00:00 GMT).
Britain makes it tough for Pakistani students
By IANS,
London : Britain has decided to make it tough for Pakistani students to step on the English soil, following a pilot scheme finding as many as four in ten applicants may be bogus.
USAF Helicopter Bombs Iraqi Family
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : The US helicopter attack to Tamra small village in Salahadin Iraqi Northern Province has killed five members of a family, reported the police.
According to Tikrit agents the settlement was bombed early in Wednesday morning and a couple and its three children also died in the operation.
No US sources referred to the attack against that civil area.
Three other people living close to the house destroyed by the helicopter were wounded, emphasized the police..
Israeli settler shoots, wounds Palestinian, after deadly shooting of another
By RIA Novosti,
Ramallah : An Israeli settler shot and wounded a Palestinian early on Tuesday shortly after another lost his life with gunfire at an Israeli checkpoint.
An Israeli settler, who was driving his car in central Hebron, southern West Bank, opened gunfire at the victim, wounding him in the hand, witnesses said. Palestinian medical sources identified the wounded as Jawad Idkeedik, 30.
This incident occurred hours after another Palestinian, approaching Hawara checkpoint near the city of Nablus, was fired upon by Israeli forces.
Two foreigners kidnapped in Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : Unidentified men abducted two foreign tourists in Yemen's Taiz province Monday, said a government official seeking anonymity.
Russian aid planes reach Syria
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Two Russian planes with humanitarian aid for conflict-torn Syria landed in Damascus Monday, the emergencies ministry said.
UAE denies reports it has hiked visa fees
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dismissed reports that it has implemented a new fee structure for issuing different kinds of visas, WAM news agency said Tuesday.
A senior official at the interior ministry said that though the government has taken a decision to increase fees of different visas, the new policy was not yet implemented.
Earlier reports said the new fees would be implemented from June 1. But the official said: "We still don't know when it will be implemented".
Iran: UN should play greater role in settling regional problems
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Wednesday that the UN should strive more to settle regional and international conflicts.
In a meeting with the UN chief's new special envoy for Iraq affairs Stephen de Mistura, President Ahmadinejad expressed hope that the UN envoy's efforts will lead to restoration of peace, stability, security and integrity to Iraq.
He said the occupiers' presence in Iraq has been cause of many plights in the country.
"The solution to the problem is the occupiers' leaving Iraq on a timetable," he added.
Death toll in Bangladesh boat accident rises to 33
By Xinhua
Dhaka : At least 33 people including women and children have been killed as a passenger boat carrying about 150 passengers capsized on the Buriganga river near the Bangladesh capital Thursday afternoon.
Police said the MV Sourav launch was sailing from the Dhaka Sadarghat Terminal to Munshiganj district, about 30 km southeast from here, but it soon capsized after being hit by a sand carrying cargo near the Buriganga First Bridge.
Private news agency bdnews24 reported that when the accident occurred, about 70 people jumped off the vessel and swam to safety.
Two Gaza rockets land in S Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement on Sunday claimed responsibility for firing two rockets into southern Israel from Gaza Strip.
Al-Quds Brigades, the movement's military wing, said the rockets were fired at 07:30 (0430 GMT) in the morning, targeting Sderot city in southern Israel.
Israeli sources said two rockets landed in Western Negev, causing no damage or casualties.
The rocket attack came as Israeli tanks entered southeast Gaza Strip and bulldozers began leveling the land near Sufa commercial crossing.
Pakistan launches Hatf III missile
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday successfully launched a short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, the Hatf III (Ghaznavi), which has a range of 290 km.
Soldiers from the strategic force command carried out the successful launch, a statement by the army said.
The launch, during exercises in the third such training launch in as many weeks, was witnessed by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and army chief Ashfaq Kayani.
Pakistani kills wife, four kids
By IANS,
Islamabad: An unemployed man strangled his wife and four children in a village in Pakistan's Sindh province, a media report said.
ISIS controls area five times that of Lebanon in Syria
Beirut : Sunni fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) Thursday gained control over the eastern Syrian province of Deir...
Iran wary of the heavy burden of refugees
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran is wary of heavy burden illegal immigrants imposed on national budget as Interior Minister Mostafa Pour-Mohammadi on Saturday put the figure of refugees in Iran at three million.
Pour-Mohammadi He said that two million immigrants have entered the country illegally.
Taliban capture second district in Afghan province
Kabul: A second district in Afghanistan’s northern province of Kunduz on Monday fell to the Taliban militants amid their recent advances in the area.
The...
Two Chinese engineers missing in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Two Chinese engineers have been missing since Friday in the troubled northwest Pakistan, an official of the Chinese embassy said here Sunday.
A search operation has been launched to trace the engineers who were found missing along with their driver and security guard, both Pakistanis, the official said.
The two engineers are from Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment Company (ZTE) in Pakistan.
The duo disappeared in Lower Dir district of North West Frontier Province where they had gone for a routine check of equipment.
Rail track, gas pipeline blown up in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Unidentified militants blew up a rail track and a gas pipeline in Pakistan's Quetta city early Sunday, police said.
160 Yemeni religious guides to work in Kuwait
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Kuwaiti Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs has selected 160 Yemeni religious guides to work in Kuwaiti mosques in coordination with Yemeni Ministry of Endowment and Guidance.
The Kuwaiti Deputy Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Walid Isa stated
to Saba upon his departure that the ministry selected them based on their experiences and knowledge of Islamic principles and laws.
129 Afghan prisoners released
By IANS,
Kabul: As many as 129 Afghans held by NATO and US forces on suspicion of being involved in anti-government activities were Saturday released from the Bagram prison, Xinhua reported.
Israel’s Supreme Court to rule on former president plea deal Tuesday
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel's Supreme Court is expected to hand down on Tuesday its ruling on the petitions filed by rights groups against a plea bargain deal signed between Attorney General Menachem Mazuz and former Israeli president Moshe Katsav.
Afghan police, U.S.-led Coalition kill 7 insurgents
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan police backed by the U.S.-led Coalition forces have killed seven suspected Taliban insurgents in Afghan eastern Paktia province, a local official said Saturday.
Afghan national police backed by the Coalition on Friday night launched an anti-insurgents operation in Gardi Sira area, killing seven militants, spokesman of provincial administration Rohullah Samon told Xinhua.
Among the dead bodies were foreign fighters including Arab nationals, he said, adding that there were no casualties on the government forces.
Iran’s Khatami warns of ‘return of despotism via populism’
By DPA
Tehran : Iran's former president Mohammad Khatami Saturday warned of "return of despotism via populism", ISNA news agency reported.
"One of the greatest dangers in Iran is the return of despotism via populism," Iran's ISNA news agency quoted Khatami as saying in a campaign speech in Tehran ahead of Friday's parliamentary elections.
The reformist cleric was referring to his successor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who has frequently been blamed by his opponents for his populist rhetoric for realising political and economic promises.
End ISI links with terror groups, says US to Pakistan
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The United States is pressing Islamabad to get its Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency to shed its links with the Taliban and other extremists that pose an existential threat to Pakistan itself.
"Some of those reports aren't new. There are a whole host of contingencies that we've got to deal with," President Barack Obama told CBS Sunday when asked about reports of members of Pakistan's intelligence service actually actively helping the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Malaysia asked to lift ban on use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims
Bangkok : Amnesty International (AI) Tuesday demanded that the Malaysian government abolish a decree that bans non-Muslims from using the word "Allah" meaning God,...
India treated Nawaz like a schoolboy: Imran Khan
Islamabad : Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan Monday said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was treated like a schoolboy when he visited India to attend...
Three Egypt policemen killed in Suez Canal area
By IANS,
Cairo : Three Egyptian policemen were killed Wednesday by unidentified gunmen in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia, northeast of Cairo.
The militants shot...
Constitutional Court”s decision on election contestations will be decisive — minister
By Jamal Yali, KUNA,
Kuwait : It is up to the Constitutional Court to take decisions on contestations filed over results of the May 17 parliamentary elections, said Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Khalid Al-Sabah on Wednesday.
The minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a tour of polling stations for the first constituency by-elections, which he conducted with Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Hussein Al-Huraiti.
Pakistan prepares to auction 3G licences
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taking a cue from the spectrum scam in India, Pakistan has decided to auction third generation spectrum (3G) licences, a media report said Wednesday.
As Imran marches on, Islamabad security given to army
Islamabad : As a protest march continued in Pakistan, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Tuesday announced that the army has been entrusted with...
Emirates airline to launch Airbus A380 service to US
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates-based air carrier Emirates would launch its Airbus A380 commercial service on the Dubai-New York route on August 1, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
The 14-hour non-stop flight would be the first commercial A380 service to the US.
"The Americas represent a key focus area in Emirates' route development plans, and we are delighted to be the first airline to launch commercial A380 services to the continent,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline.
Two militants, NATO soldier killed, seven suspects held in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : Two Taliban commanders and a NATO soldier were killed in two separate incidents while seven suspected militants were detained in the volatile southern Afghanistan, a NATO spokesman said here on Thursday.
The operation was conducted in the province of Helmand, said spokesman Brig. Gen. Carlos Branco. He said the Taliban network had suffered another set back as a result of this operation.
Pakistan strikes peace deal with militant tribal group
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government has signed a peace deal with a key militant tribe in the restive Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), a media report said Monday.
"The government of Pakistan and the Mamond tribe have struck a peace deal (in Peshawar)," Geo TV said.
This is the second peace deal with militants after the one signed with the Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi, or the Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Laws, of radical cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammad.
Blast kills five in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A remote-controlled bomb targeting law enforcers killed five people, including three policemen, in Pakistan's North- Western Frontier Province (NWFP), police said Saturday.
The incident occurred in the town of Dera Ismail Khan just before Friday midnight when a police team and locals reached a vacant piece of land where a less severe blast had taken place without causing casualties.
"Explosives planted on a bicycle parked close to the blast site went off when investigators were collecting evidence," a senior police official Ghaffar Qaisarani said.
US wants new Pakistan government to work with Musharraf
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
Washington : If President George W. Bush can continue to head the US government after his Republican Party lost the majority in Congress in 2006, Pervez Musharraf can retain his position as the president of Pakistan even though his party has lost the polls, a White House spokesperson said.
Acknowledging that Musharraf's party has conceded defeat in the elections, the Bush administration now hopes that the new government will continue to work with Musharraf, its ally, and continue to partner the US in its war on terror.
EU postpones visit to see Pakistani seafood industry
By IANS,
Karachi : The postponement of a visit by a European Union (EU) team over the implementation of international standards for seafood export will be "harmful for economic development", an official said in this Pakistani port city.
Sharmila Farooqui, adviser to the Sindh chief minister, expressed concern over the postponement of the EU delegation's visit -- scheduled to start Monday. She said it was harmful for economic development.
Iran’s stealth fighter to fly in 2009: official
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran’s new stealth fighter will make its maiden test flight by the end of summer 2009, the commander of the Iranian Air Force has said.
Hassan Shah-Safi told reporters on the sidelines of a conference on military industrial research here that military experts are now working on the project, Mehr News reported.
He said the defence ministry will produce as many aircraft as needed.
He pointed out that Iran is currently attempting to increase the range of the air-to-air heat-seeking missile it has successfully tested.
Iraq signs gas deal with Pakistani energy firm
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq has signed a deal with a Pakistani energy company to explore for natural gas in eastern Iraq, Xinhua reported.
Iran responds to G5+1 package of incentives
By NNN-IRNA,
Brussels : Iran's response to the Group 5 1 package of incentives was handed over to the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, on Friday.
The response was delivered to Solana in a meeting by Iran's ambassador to Belgium, Ali-Asghar Khaji.
It is a letter from Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki to Solana.
Syrian president threatening Israel is media provocation: Russia
By IANS,
Moscow, Oct 6 (IANS) Russia Wednesday blamed media for provoking a recent threat to attack Israel reportedly voiced by Syrian President Bashar al Assad, RIA Novosti reported.
Missile strike kills six in Pakistan’s tribal region
By DPA,
Islamabad : A missile strike Monday on a suspected Taliban hideout in the tribal region in Pakistan's northwest killed at least six people, officials said.
The predawn attack targeted a house in a village near the Azam Warsak area of the South Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan.
At least three people were also injured in the strike that destroyed the building, local administration officials said on condition of anonymity.
No comment was available from military officials.
Afghan Officers Removed over Civilian Deaths
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai removed two top army commanders after a coalition air strike in Herat killed 90 civilians.
General Jalandar Shah Behnam, head of the corps for western Afghanistan, and commando Major Abdul Jabar were fired for negligence and concealing facts, an official statement said.
The air strike was launched Friday by the US-led coalition against the Azizabad village in Shindand district, where 90 Afghan civilians were killed.
US general takes over NATO command in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : The American general who led the ground invasion of Iraq took command of the 40-nation NATO-led campaign in Afghanistan on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.
Army Gen. David D. McKiernan took charge of the 51,000-member International Security Assistance Force from Gen. Dan McNeill, who will retire from the U.S. Army after 40 years.
Addressing a change of command ceremony Tuesday, McKiernan said he was honored to walk alongside our Afghan brothers.
British MPs “disappointed” by Afghan Presidents criticism
By KUNA
London : The deterioration in political relations between the government of Afghanistan and the UK could undermine British support for development in the country, an influential cross-party panel of MPs said here Thursday.
The House of Commons International Development Committee said they were "disappointed'' by Afghan President Hamid Karzai's criticisms of British military operations, after he claimed last month they had made the situation in the country worse.
Poll shows Israelis divided over truce with Hamas
By KUNA,
Berlin : A recent public opinion poll showed Israelis divided over a truce with Hamas, as well as over talks with Syria and the Palestinians and over withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
The poll was conducted by German Adenauerstiftung.
The results also showed most Palestinians oppose a peace deal with Israel like that proposed by former US president Bill Clinton, with supporters at 49 percent and opposition at 52 percent.
Support of an independent Palestinian state coinciding with Israel was meanwhile 58 percent among the Palestinians.
LAS head to hold talks with Lebanese leaders
By IRNA-Itar-Tass
Beirut : Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS) Amr Moussa on Wednesday will hold talks with political leaders of Lebanon within the framework of a mediator mission.
The Egyptian diplomat will discuss with them a three-stage plan aimed at the Lebanese crisis settlement that was approved on Sunday, January 7, at an urgent meeting of the LAS foreign ministers in Cairo.
Pakistani parliament lifts YouTube ban
Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly Tuesday approved a resolution to lift a ban on video-sharing website Youtube, a media report said.
Pakistan People Party's Shazia Marri...