Oldest monastery in Egypt opens doors for pilgrims
By RIA Novosti,
Al-Zaafarana (Egypt) : The oldest monastery of Saint Antony near Egypt's coastal town of Al-Zaafarana has opened its doors for pilgrims after almost five years of renovation, the head of the country's Supreme Council of Antiquities has said.
The monastery, located some 200 km from the city of Hurghada, was founded in 356 AD immediately after the saint's death, and is now the world's oldest Christian monastery. Some 2 km away from the monastery, there is St. Anthony's cave, where he lived as a hermit.
Russia warns against training Syrian rebels in Kosovo
By IANS,
Moscow : Russia has urged international bodies operating in Kosovo to prevent the region from turning into a training ground for Syrian rebels, RIA Novosti reported.
Ahmadinejad: Iran serious’ in nuclear talks
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iran's president says diplomacy is the only way out of his country's standoff with the West over its nuclear program.
State TV aired footage Sunday of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad saying there is no way except talks and obedience to the law.
He says Iran is serious in nuclear talks and hopes the other side will be as well, according to a report of the Associated Press.
Gilani vows to protect constitution
By IANS,
London : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said "come what may" he will protect the constitution, a report says.
Malaysian PM calls for calm after protests over ‘Allah’ ruling
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has appealed to fellow Muslims to remain calm as 13 non-governmental organisations protested against the use of the word "Allah" in a Catholic weekly, the Herald.
The issue needed to be "handled wisely", Razak said Sunday.
His government has decided to appeal against a high court verdict that permits the weekly to use the word on its masthead.
"We understand and care about the feelings of the Muslims. This is an extremely sensitive issue and it touches the hearts of all Muslims.
US condemns recent bombings in Pakistan, reaffirms support in curbing violence
By NNN-APP
Washington : The United States has condemned recent bombings in Pakistan and reaffirmed its support for the South Asian ally in confronting extremist violence.
“We are concerned by the continuing violence in Pakistan and condemn those recent suicide bombings, including one that took the lives of a number of individuals in the Federally Administered Territories who were meeting to try and talk about what they could do to oppose al-Qaeda and the Taliban there,” State Department deputy spokesman said.
Indian foreign policy on Israel-Palestine conflict has changed: Mani Shankar Aiyer
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
New Delhi: India’s foreign policy on Israel-Palestine conflict has changed in the last ten years, admitted Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer speaking in a conference on Israeli aggression and independence of Palestine on 14th May.
The national conference was jointly held on the completion of 60 years of Israeli occupation of Palestine under the auspices of the Joint Committee of Muslim Organizations and Sadbhawna Mission at New Delhi’s Constitution Club.
‘Five months’ jail for hugging girlfriend excessive’
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A high court judge in Malaysia has ruled that sentencing a person to five months in jail for hugging his girlfriend was "excessive".
Justice Abdul Rahim Uda allowed a 29-year-old rubber tapper's appeal that his jail sentence be reduced and ordered him to be fined RM1,500 (approx. $ 450) instead.
"They were boyfriend and girlfriend. The five months jail sentence is excessive. Because of this, no one will dare to date our young women," he said in his order Monday.
Musharraf would be removed when people want: Zardari
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf will be removed "when the people of Pakistan ask for it and when parliament acts on it", Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said Friday.
"These are political decisions and you should wait for the right time. It will be done when the people ask for it and when the parliament acts on it," Zardari told reporters at a press conference while replying to a question whether the ruling coalition would impeach Musharraf.
Pakistan: Federal Govt moves appeal to Supreme Court against LHC decision barring Nawaz Sharif...
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Government on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Lahore High Court (LHC) decision disqualifying Mian Nawaz Sharif from contesting the June 26 by-election, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja Abdul Rehman said.
The DAG told reporters the federation has filed the appeal following an approval from the competent authority.
When a Bangladeshi judge set an example
By IANS,
Dhaka : A judge in Bangladesh refused to have his economy class seat in a Biman flight upgraded to a business class seat, saying the airline should not lose money from this service.
Egypt, Turkey call for peaceful solution to Iranian nuclear dispute
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egypt and Turkey on Tuesday called for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear standoff, warning against the use of force, the Egyptian official MENA news agency reported.
At a joint press conference with visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said details on the Iranian nuclear file are not available when commenting on U.S. President George W. Bush's remarks that Iran's nuclear program was posing a threat to the region.
Egypt court upholds 3-year jail sentence for activists
Cairo: An Egyptian court Monday upheld jailing three activists to three years for organising protests without permission.
Ahmed Maher, founder of the April 6 Movement,...
13 Al Qaeda militants killed in Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : At least 13 Al Qaeda militants and 10 soldiers were killed when the militants launched an attack at military troops in Yemen Sunday, army officers said.
Zardari seeks to inject Kashmir into Holbrooke brief
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : While the US made it clear that its new special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan has no mandate to deal with Kashmir, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has sought to inject the issue into his brief.
"The situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India is indeed critical, but its severity actually presents an opportunity for aggressive and innovative action," he wrote in an article in the Washington Post Wednesday.
War crimes trial divides Bangladesh opposition
By IANS,
Dhaka : The impending trial of Bangladesh's Islamists accused of colluding with the Pakistani authorities during the run-up to the 1971 freedom movement has divided the opposition.
Palestine: 190 children arrested by Israeli soldiers since early 2008
By NNN-WAFA,
Ramallah : Media Office of the Nafha Society for Defending Detainees Rights and Human Rights said that Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested 190 Palestinian children since the beginning of 2008.
In a report, the Society said that 20 children from the West Bank were arrested during the last 10 days, adding that 6,200 children were arrested during al-Aqsa intifada, of whom 530 children are still in Israeli jails.
Nafha Society appealed to the Human Rights Organizations to focus on children's prisoners and provide them legal assistance.
Cell phone connections zoom to 88 million in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : From just 300,000 eight years ago, the number of mobile phone connections in Pakistan has grown to 88 million in 2008 covering over half of the population, thanks to cheap rates and lucrative offers by service providers.
Iran, US Talks on Iraq in March
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : Iranian Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zibari announced for March the 4th round of talks with the US on security in Iraq.
Among the three previous talks results is the tripartite committee to discuss security in Iraq and strengthen its defense power.
However the talks coincides with US mounting drive at areas it calls rebel bastions and Turkey efforts to destroy the Kurdish Labor Party alleged bases on the north Iraqi common border.
Pakistan, Turkey wrap up air exercises
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Turkey have concluded air exercises aimed at excelling in the air combat capability, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said.
Two suspected al-Qaida militants detained in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. troops captured Tuesday two suspected al-Qaida militants in two operations in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said.
One wanted man, who is believed to be a security leader of al-Qaida branch in the city of Mosul, was captured along with four aides during a U.S. operation, a U.S. military statement said.
The suspect was accused of coordinating bomb attacks against the Iraqi police, the statement said.
Pakistan executes four terror convicts
Islamabad : Four convicts, involved in an attack on former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf 11 years ago, were hanged to death Sunday at a...
Intel to train two million teachers in Arab countries
By IANS
Dubai : The US based microprocessor giant Intel and United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation plan to train two million teachers in the Arab world by 2011, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
The memorandum of understanding for the training project was signed by Mohammed Al Gergawi, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Craig Barrett, chairman of Intel Tuesday.
Over 220,000 killed in Syrian conflict: New data
Beirut : At least 220,271 people have been killed, 67,293 of whom were civilians, since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in mid-March 2011,...
Afghan presidential election likely to go into run-off
Kabul: The Afghan presidential election is likely to go into a run-off as none of the hopefuls could obtain more than 50 percent of...
D8 to boost intra-trade, enhance economic cooperation
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : The Developing 8 countries (D8)will focus on pushing intra-trade and enhancing economic cooperation as its a direction in the future, the grouping's Secretary-General Dipo Alam said here on Sunday.
There had been a progress in terms of trade where the total trade of D8 countries in 2006 amounting to 750 billion U.S. dollars globally increased to 1 trillion U.S. dollars last year, he said in an interview on the sidelines of the 11th Session of the D8 council of Ministers.
UAE shuts down schools for breaching safety rules
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shut down six schools as their buildings breached safety rules and posed a threat to the safety of students, community and environment.
The schools will no longer be allowed to enrol students in the next academic year as the conditions of their buildings do not allow for continuing education and can no longer be used.
Two army officials killed in Bangladesh chopper crash
By IANS,
Dhaka : General Officer Commanding of Jessore Cantonment Maj. Gen. Rafiqul Islam and pilot Lt. Col. Shahid were killed Monday when their helicopter crashed in Tangail area.
The two army officers died on the spot while Maj Saif, who was also travelling in the helicopter, was taken to the Tangail General Hospital in a critical condition, The Daily Star reported.
Pakistan bomb attack toll rises to 27
By DPA,
Islamabad : The toll in a bombing in Pakistan's north-western city of Peshawar rose to 27 Saturday as rescue workers retrieved more bodies from the rubble, health officials and residents said.
An explosives-laden car detonated late Friday when people were shopping for Muslim festival of Eid ul Adha in Koocha Risaldar near city's historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar.
Several nearby buildings caught fire following the high-intensity blast, making it difficult for the rescue workers to move the dead and injured from the narrow street.
Fighting IS: Turkey boosts security along Syrian border
Ankara : Turkey is further boosting security measures along the Turkish-Syrian border in a bid to confront threats from the Islamic State (IS) terrorist...
I want Hamza adventures to reach English readers: Pakistani translator
By Madhusree Chatterjee, IANS,
New Delhi:It is not Harry Potter. But "Tilism-e-Hoshruba: The Enchantment of the Senses" is no less than any tale of magic and sorcery across the world, says Pakistan-based translator Shahnaz Aijazuddin.
Aijazuddin says her book aims to take the adventures of Middle Eastern legend Emir Hamza to millions of English-speaking readers across the subcontinent.
Book Review: Islamisation of Pakistani Social Studies Textbooks
By Yoginder Sikand,
Book Review:
Name of the Book: Islamisation of Pakistani Social Studies Textbooks
Author: Yvette Claire Roser
Publisher: Rupa & Co
Price Rs. 195
Pages: 109
ISBN: 81-291-0221-8
Reviewed by: Yoginder Sikand
Pakistan says no Afghan govt request for Taliban leader
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan has said there is no formal request received from Afghan authorities for handing over of senior Taliban leader Mullah Baradar to Afghanistan.
Abdbul Ghani Baradar, deputy to Mulla Omar, was arrested in Karachi earlier this month.
Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Zmarey Basharei said in Islamabad yesterday that Pakistan has agreed to hand over Mulla Baradar to Afghanistan.
Afghan Interior Minister Hanif Atmar visited Islamabad on Wednesday and reportedly handed over a list of some 42 Taliban leaders in the custody of Pakistan.
Israel Talks Bogged Down, Abbas
By Prensa Latina,
Cairo : Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas said in an interview published on Monday that there is a lack of progress in the peace process in the Middle East, where everything is reduced to an exchange of opinions.
In a statement to the Arab daily Al Watan, Abbas pointed out the inexistence of any type of agreement.
The chief of the Palestine National Authority had previously made similar statements regarding the meetings with Israel, following an international conference in the US city of Annapolis.
Resume West Asia peace talks, says Rice
By DPA
Cairo/Gaza City : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, arriving in the region Tuesday, urged Israel and the Palestinians to continue peace talks despite the worst violence in Gaza in years.
UNSC report on Lebanon will not address Sheba’a farms issue – UN Coordinator
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : A report to be presented to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) within the next 10 days will not address the issue of Sheba'a Farms, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams said.
The report would enclose realisation of UN resolution 1701, Williams told reporters Tuesday after meeting Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gheit here.
Israel strikes targets in Gaza
Jerusalem : The Israeli military conducted airstrike on five targets in the Gaza Strip Sunday in retaliation to continued rocket fire towards Israel.
Among the...
IAEA chief welcomes Iran-US direct talks
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : Director-general of the UN nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei has welcomed Iran-US direct talks.
ElBaradei said that the US President-elect Barack Obama's stated readiness for dialogue with Iran without preconditions could make Tehran more forthcoming with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"If there is a direct dialogue between the United States and Iran, I think Iran will be more forthcoming with the agency," the IAEA chief said in Prague Wednesday.
18 killed in Pakistan drone strikes
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 18 suspected militants have been killed in three drone strikes in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, a media report said.
UAE to host debt management conference
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE finance ministry will host an international debt management conference in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, the organisers said.
Hollande vows ‘all measures’ to fight Syrian Jihadists
Paris : President Francois Hollande Tuesday voiced determination to fight against the rising menace of Syrian Jihadist by taking "all measures" to prevent his...
PLC deputy speaker threatens Israel with punishment for Gaza operations
By Xinhua
Gaza : Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Ahmad Bahar Saturday threatened to punish Israel "for its crimes" against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
"The time to punish the Israeli occupation is getting nearer and nearer," said Bahar, adding the PLC support the Palestinian militant groups to "strike every possible Israeli target in response to the ongoing aggression and to teach the occupation an unforgettable lesson."
Bangladesh: overall flood situation remains alarming, may deteriorate by next 2-3 days
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : The overall flood situation in the country, affecting 13 districts in the north and the central region, has remained 'alarming,' the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre(FFWC) said on Sunday, warning that it may deteriorate further by next 2-3 days as the three major river systems have continued rising together.
The Brahmaputra-Jamuna, the Ganges-Padma and the upper Meghna, which carries the flows of the flooded rivers in Sylhet region near Bhairab Bazar are rising simultaneously, contributing to the worsening of the situation.
Iranian president to visit Turkey to improve strained ties
Ankara : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to pay his first visit to Turkey Monday in a bid to improve bilateral ties between...
10 killed in Pakistan bus accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ten people, among them four women, were killed and several others were injured Tuesday when their bus fell into a ravine in Pakistan, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan among ‘five countries in deep trouble’
By IANS,
Washington : Political chaos and increasing terrorist activities, coupled with a worsening economic scenario, makes Pakistan one of the five countries in deep trouble, according to a listing prepared by a US publication.
"The country has already almost gone bankrupt once in the past six months. In October, only an emergency $10 billion in support from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and others prevented Pakistan from defaulting on its debt," the US News and World Report noted this week.
Two people killed in Baghdad bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Two Iraqis were killed and four others injured in a bomb attack in Baghdad on Friday, a well-informed police source said.
"A roadside bomb detonated near furniture's factory in Baghdad's eastern neighborhood of Ur, killing two civilians and wounding four others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Zardari undergoes angiography, is fine
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari underwent an angiography at a hospital in Britain where doctors gave him a clean bill of health, it was reported here Monday.
Saudi-led air strikes kill 21 in Yemen
Sanaa: At least 21 civilians were killed and 45 others injured on Monday when Saudi-led airstrikes struck a residential neighbourhood in Yemen's capital city...
Iraq’s Al-Sadr decides to retire from politics “temporarily”
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Embattled Iraqi Shi'ite leader Moqtada Al-Sadr said Friday he decided to retire from politics for the time being for several reasons.
"On top of the reasons are the growing splits within the Sadrist movement," according to a statement issued by Al-Sadr office here.
"The political life is exclusively open for secularists. It turned to be a field of sedition.
"So, I will retire from politics temporarily pending the removal of reasons for my retirement," he said.
Suicide bomb attacks kill 30 in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 30 people were killed and some 100 injured in four suicide bomb attacks in Iraq Monday, authorities said.
Three female suicide bombers blew themselves up in quick succession in a crowd of Shia pilgrims in Baghdad killing at least 19 people and wounding more than 40 while in the northern city of Kirkuk a human bomb detonated his explosive vest killing 11 people and wounding about 45, police said.
Pakistan Slams US, NATO Incursions
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, called today for the immediate cease of border violations by US and NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan.
He also emphasized the need for greater cooperation and understanding between all parties involved in the crusade against terrorism and rebel fighting in the region.
Gilani welcomed British Secretary of Justice, Jack Straw, visiting the country, and said that Pakistan's armed forces are able to handle insurgency within their own territory.
Laura Bush arrives on visit to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : US First Lady Laura Bush arrived for one-day-visit in Afghanistan Sunday and was scheduled to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other senior officials, a government official said.
She was also scheduled to visit the central province of Bamian, where two giant Buddha statues are located, said the official, who requested anonymity.
The two statues were destroyed in March 2001 by Taliban militants who deemed them as un-Islamic. Bamian is also the only province in the country that is led by a female governor.
Apex court asks Gujarat to explain ban on Jaswant’s book
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Tuesday asked the Gujarat government to explain why it banned expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh's book "Jinnah - India, Partition and Independence" in the state.
A bench of Justice Altmas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph issued a notice to the Gujarat government on a lawsuit of Singh, challenging the state's Aug 19 order banning the book in the state.
Indian Hajis limited to bring 5-litre of Zamzam but will be provided with hi-tech...
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Mumbai: Under the revised agreement between Hajj Committee of India and Saudi Arabian Airlines Indian Hajis will be provided with 5 litre cans of Zamzam water on their return to India. Previous year Hajis could bring 10-litre of Zamam along with their belongings while returning from Saudi Arabia.
Musharraf vows to work with any elected government
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf vowed Monday to work in harmony with the new government elected after the polls.
"I will work in total harmony with the new government," Musharraf said after casting his ballot along with family members including his mother.
"Whosoever wins the polls, I'll have no problem in working with them," Musharraf, dressed in a light blue jacket and open-necked shirt, told state television.
Qatar plans new law to protect expatriate domestic workers
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : Qatar plans a new law that is aimed at protecting the rights of foreign domestic workers.
"Domestic workers usually don't fall under the purview of labour laws in the Gulf," India's Ambassador to Qatar George Joseph told IANS from Doha.
"The local government here (in Qatar) is now planning a separate legislation for (expatriate) domestic workers and they are very close to bringing it to effect," he said.
Iraqi premier confirms differences over US security deal
By DPA,
Amman : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has said there are "differences" between Baghdad and Washington over the long-term security agreement for stationing of US troops in Iraq.
"We have not yet reached an agreement on a security pact," al-Maliki said during a visit to Jordan Thursday. "It is merely blueprints still under negotiation, and we have differences over those drafts."
He was speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart, Nader Dahabi.
New Iraq flag hoisted officially Tuesday
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The new Iraqi flag has been officially hoisted over the government building in Baghdad during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki.
The government held a special ceremony Tuesday to hoist the new flag over governmental buildings in the capital and others all over the country. The Iraqi parliament approved the new flag with removal of the three stars in the middle section and the flag is to be used for one year.
Sindh court drops all charges against Zardari
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Sindh High Court Tuesday dropped all corruption and criminal cases against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Asif Ali Zardari, once nicknamed Mr.Ten Percent for his alleged extortion and now considered amongst the country's most influential persons.
Zardari, elected co-chair of the PPP along with his 19-year-old son Bilawal after his wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination in December, faced several cases, mostly filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) established by President Pervez Musharraf.
Manmohan-Zardari meeting: India to press for action against Saeed
By Manish Chand, IANS,
45 killed in army-militant clashes in Afghanistan
Kabul: At least 45 people were killed in Afghanistan's Saripul province in clashes between militants and security forces, reports said.
The clash erupted Sunday night...
Eliminating the US-Muslim world trust deficit
By Huma Yusuf
Gathered around a table with Karachi-based bloggers one evening last week, Farah Pandith, the US Special Representative to Muslim Communities, asked, "Can't a person do more than one thing at a time?"
Pakistan to have two Supreme Courts?
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan may end up having two Supreme Courts to break the deadlock between the two ruling coalition parties over the restoration of higher court judges sacked last year by President Pervez Musharraf.
With the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-Nawaz) still locked in a row over the judges, the formation of two Supreme Courts has been proposed, The News reported Saturday.
Pakistani police officer shot dead
By IANS,
Islamabad : A senior police officer was gunned down Friday in Pakistan's Quetta city, a media report said.
Indonesian Internet companies block Web sites
By SPA
Jakarta, Indonesia : At least three Internet companies say they have blocked access to YouTube and MySpace because of an anti-Islam film by a Dutch lawmaker.
The move Tuesday was in response to an order by the Indonesian government.
IndosatM2, a popular Internet Service Provider, and two other companies said they had temporarily blocked YouTube, MySpace and three other video-sharing Web sites.
It was not immediately clear if the country's other seven or so providers were following suit, the Associated Press reported.
Dhaka, Beijing discuss nuclear, military cooperation
By IANS,
Dhaka : Keen to set up a nuclear power reactor by 2015, Bangladesh has proposed to China that an arrangement akin to what the latter has with Pakistan should be evolved to push the sole project conceived way back in 1961.
The proposal was discussed during the two-day visit here of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jichie that concluded Friday, when Beijing expressed its readiness to aid Dhaka's quest for nuclear power, media reports said Saturday.
Egypt introduces new sexual harassment laws
London: Egypt has introduced new laws against sexual harassment in an effort to bring down the escalating menace.
In an order issued by outgoing interim...
UAE, Qatar, France start joint military exercise
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and France have begun joint military manoeuvres here as part of the "Gulf Shield 1" military exercise, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
The joint exercise is a part of wider defence cooperation between the three countries that includes sharing information and expertise.
Infantry, naval and air defence units are participating in the exercise that will last for several days. The exercise aims at unifying training methods and boosting troops' combative preparedness.
Hindus, Muslims pray together to keep floods away
By IANS,
Islamabad : In times of adversity, religious differences are forgotten. In a rare demonstration of communal harmony, Muslims recited the Quran while the minority Hindus gathered for special prayers on the banks of river Indus near Shahdad Kot town of Pakistan's Sindh province amid the misery of the country's worst disastrous floods, reports reaching here said.
Riyadh calls for 10-year fight to wipe out terror
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia wants that the war on the so-called Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist organisations should continue for 10 years, Foreign...
Saudi Arabia Watchful with Hajj
By Prensa Latina,
Riyadh : Some 100,000 Saudi troops are patrolling the Islamic Holy City Mecca, to provide security to over three million Muslims at the Hajj or annual pilgrimage beginning Saturday.
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz said pilgrims from all over the world would flood every sacred place every Muslim must visit at least one in his lifetime.
The crowd virtually paralyzes the Islamic world as prelude to four days of Eid Al-Adha, main feast of the Muslim calendar 70 after Ramadan.
Hamas rejects long-term truce with Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas movement's leaders Sunday rejected a long-term ceasefire agreement with Israel, saying that only a ceasefire for a limited period of time was acceptable.
Ismail Radwan, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, told reporters here that the Hamas delegation heading to Cairo was "not to agree on a long-term ceasefire, but to discuss the reinforcing of the truce between Israel and Gaza factions."
Toll in Pakistan mosque roof collapse rises to 24
Islamabad : The toll in the mosque roof collapse in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore rose to 24 Wednesday even as rescue work continued...
Suicide bomber kills 15, injures 17 in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ramadi (Iraq): At least 15 people were killed and 17 injured Thursday when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a meeting of tribal leaders and local officials in west of Baghdad, a police source said.
The incident occurred in a Garmah municipal council building in Anbar province where Sunni Arab tribal leaders and officials were holding a meeting, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Three policemen and 12 people were killed in the blast and many of the injured were in critical condition, the source said.
Conflict has worsened Gaza’s food shortages: UN agency
By DPA,
Rome : The recent conflict in the Gaza Strip has badly damaged the territory's agriculture sector exacerbating food shortages, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Friday.
"Almost all of Gaza's 13,000 families who depend on farming, herding and fishing have suffered damage to their assets during the recent conflict and many farms have been completely destroyed," the Rome-based FAO said in a statement.
Some 1,300 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed in 22 days of Israel's military offensive against Islamist Hamas militants operating in the enclave.
Pakistani PM gets confidence vote from parliament
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Saturday took vote of confidence from the parliament and even opposition groups declared support to him.
The major opposition group Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and other small groups also announced support to Gilani as the confidence vote was tabled by the speaker of the National Assembly for the house consent.
Britain “seriously screwed” in Afghanistan, says UK expert
By IRNA,
London : Britain is “seriously screwed” in the Afghan war as it has no “strategic rationale” and is being pursued for purely “political purposes”, a British expert says.
Christopher Coker, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), said on Wednesday that Britain and the United Stets are losing the war in Afghanistan.
“We have lost two wars. The war in Basra was a major loss and we are losing the Helmand [war],” he said in a debate on Afghanistan at the University of Westminster.
‘Benazir ghost haunts Zardari’
By IANS,
Islamabad : A pre-election deal brokered between Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto continues to haunt her widower Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that heads the ruling coalition, who finds his hands tied because of the pact.
Zardari is "bound" by the deal to develop a "working relationship" with the president, The News reported Tuesday.
Supreme Court dismisses plea against death sentence for blasphemy
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal against a Federal Shariat Court judgement holding that death was the only punishment for people convicted of blasphemy, a media report Tuesday said.
With this, the Federal Shariat Court's order that a light sentence in blasphemy cases is un-Islamic and unconstitutional has become effective, Dawn News channel said.
Deputy Attorney General Agha Tariq Mahmood was present before the Sharia appellate bench while the case was being heard.
We need time to decide US official’s case: Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad: Islamabad has told Washington that it needs time to decide the case of Raymond Davis who shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore late last month.
Pakistani journalists live under constant threats: Amnesty
London : Pakistani journalists live under constant threat of being killed, harassment and other violence from all sides, including intelligence services, political parties and...
Afghanistan will not compromise on foreign policy: Karzai
New Delhi : Afghanistan will not compromise on the independence of its foreign policy, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Wednesday.
Karzai noted that the...
US missile strike kills 15 militants in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suspected US missile strike killed at least 15 Taliban fighters in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal district near Afghanistan Sunday, security officials said.
Two missiles believed to be fired by a US-operated pilotless aircraft struck a compound in Shaktoi, a remote village located on the border with the restive North Waziristan tribal region.
"Fifteen bodies have so far been dug out from the rubble," an intelligence official said, quoting an informer in the field. The death toll might increase, he added.
Egypt blocks YouTube over anti-Islam film
By IANS,
Cairo: A court in Cairo has ordered popular video sharing website YouTube to be blocked for hosting the controversial film "Innocence of Muslims", state media reported.
‘Floods maroon Pakistani villages as India releases Sutlej water’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Dozens of Pakistani villages have been submerged after India released the water from the Sutlej river, a media report said Sunday.
200 killed in Turkey coal mine explosion
Istanbul: At least 200 people were killed and some 400 workers remain trapped underground after an explosion and fire in a coal mine...
Death toll in Iraq mosque suicide blast rises to 14 – media
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : A death toll from a recent suicide bombing in a Sunni Mosque in northern Iraq rose to 14 with over 90 people injured, Xinhua reported on Saturday.
Al Jazeera earlier reported at least 12 people were killed and 42 injured.
"Our latest reports said that 14 worshippers were killed and some 92 others injured," Xinhua quoted an anonymous Iraqi source as saying.
Larijani: Iran’s policy based on supporting Iraq independence
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday that Iran's policy is based on supporting Iraq's independence and respecting Iraqi people's right to decide their own fate.
"To solve Iraq problem, Iraqi people and national leaders should be trusted and their country's sovereignty should be returned to them. Americans refusal to allow the Iraqi people to administer their own affairs might lead to a confrontation," Larijani further told UN chief's new special envoy for Iraq affairs Stephen de Mistura.
British army corporal jailed for spying for Iran
By DPA,
London : An Iranian-born army interpreter who worked for Britain's top general in Afghanistan was Friday sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by a criminal court here for spying for Iran.
Daniel James, 45, was working for General David Richards, the then head of NATO forces in Afghanistan, when he was arrested in December 2006.
A jury at London's Old Bailey Criminal Court had found him guilty of "communicating information to an enemy", the most serious of three charges he faced under Britain's Official Secrets Act.
Pakistan decries US claim on cross-border operation
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday said its army has the sole responsibility of fighting terrorism on its soil and it would not allow cross-border operations by foreign troops in pursuit of the militants.
"Pakistan has once again clarified that on Pakistan side of the border along Afghanistan, it is the Pakistani troops who have the sole responsibility to take action against the terrorists," said foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq.
Gogoi clarifies stand on visa-free entry for Bangladeshis
Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Monday said he has not compromised with 'national security' by divulging the BJP-led union government's proposal to...
Pakistan holds Senate elections
By IANS,
Islamabad : The daylong polling for 45 Senate seats, including four newly-added seats in the upper house for minorities, began Friday morning in Pakistan, a media report said.
Headmaster beheaded, schools torched in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Suspected Taliban militants beheaded a headmaster and torched two schools in southern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday.
Sakandar Shah Mohammadi, head of Al Berooni School in Qara Bagh district of Ghazni province was beheaded Saturday, the education ministry said in a statement.
On the same day, dozens of militants, riding on motorbikes, came to Zardalo area of the district and torched two elementary schools, Muhibullah Khepilwak, district governor, said. One of the schools was a girls' school and the other for boys.
Pakistan not to allow any intrusion into its territory: Foreign Minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan would not allow any country to take action inside its territory.
The American CIA chief said this week that the U.S can strike Pakistani territory if it receives information about the presence of al-Qaeda leaders there.
"We cannot allow any other country to take action within our territory. This is the matter of our sovereignty and we cannot compromise on it," Qureshi said in a private television interview.
He said the features of new government's policy vis a vis counter terrorism are very clear.
Iranian FM calls for complete ban of all nuclear weapons
By Xinhua
Geneva : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Tuesday called for a complete ban of all nuclear weapons through an international convention.
"Now is the time to ban and eliminate all nuclear weapons," Mottaki told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament.
Nuclear weapons are as illegal as chemical and biological weapons and the illegality of such weapons should be recognized through a legally binding Nuclear Weapons Convention, he said.
Hamas calls on pro-Abbas forces to stop arresting West Bank members
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian security forces arrested two members of the Islamic Resistance Movement or Hamas in West Bank, the Hamas said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the detentions took place in Nabluscity. The West Bank forces, loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, arrested Hamas supporters and members for political motivation related to the Islamic movement's takeover of Gaza Strip more than a year ago.
South Korea to drill oil in northern Iraq
By IANS,
Seoul : South Korea will explore eight oil fields in Kurdistan and drill to meet its domestic requirement in return for building infrastructure facilities in the northern Iraqi region, state-run Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC) has said.
The agreement signed with the Kurdish regional government June 21 would give Seoul 1.9 billion barrels of crude oil that will meet Korea's total crude oil demand for two years, WAM reported Thursday.
Bush condemns terror attack in Pakistan
By DPA,
Washington : US President George W. Bush Saturday condemned the terrorist bombing at a hotel in Islambad that killed more than 60 people and injured hundreds more.
"This bombing, the latest in a series of terrorist attacks, is part of a continuing assault on the people of Pakistan. This attack is a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism," Bush said in a statement.
Israeli hardline minister announces bid to replace Olmert
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz on Tuesday formally announced his bid to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as leader of the ruling Kadima party.
Highlighting his defense credentials, the former defense minister said that security experience is an essential condition for any Israeli prime minister.
Local daily The Jerusalem Post said that with such remarks, Mofaz took a stab at the lack of security experience of his chief rival in Kadima, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
10 killed in Pakistan artillery attack
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 10 people, including women and children, were killed Monday when artillery fire by security forces hit a house in Pakistan's Bajaur tribal region, the News Network International news agency reported.
The incident occurred in the Enayat Qila town of Bajaur. Most of the dead were from the same family, the report said.
However, the state-run Pakistan Television put the toll at eight.
No further details were immediately available.
Israel admits use of white phosphorus in Gaza offensive
By DPA,
Jerusalem : The Israeli military made mistakes during its December offensive in Gaza, which caused civilian deaths, but did not deliberately fire at civilians, Israel's deputy chief of army staff has said.
"We haven't found even a single case in which an Israeli soldier aimed his sight and deliberately shot a Palestinian civilian," Israeli media quoted Major General Dan Harel as saying, as he presented the findings of internal army investigations into allegations of human rights violations during the Dec 27 to Jan 18 offensive.
No delay in IAEA’s report on Iran
By NNN-FNA
Tehran : The International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei will submit its long-awaited report on Iran's nuclear program to the Board of Governors on March 3, IAEA sources said.
On Monday, diplomats claimed that the UN's report on Iran's nuclear activities could be delayed due to disagreements between atomic watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei and his technical staff.
However, IAEA sources told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that ElBaradei would submit his report to the board as scheduled.
Sharif’s u-turn on Mumbai attack; asks India to give evidence
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Former Premier Nawaz Sharif, who last week indicated that the lone captured Mumbai attacker Ajmal Amir Iman was a Pakistani, has said India should provide evidence for Islamabad to take action or else it should avoid creating tensions through "fake allegations".
"Pakistan, as a state and as a government, is not at all involved in the incident. If India provides evidence to Pakistan, the country will look into them and take action," Sharif, the leader of the opposition PML-N, said.
Coronavirus stalks Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
Riyadh: A new case of coronavirus infection has been detected in Saudi Arabia after two people have succumbed to the disease recently.
Pilot killed as Pakistan Air Force fighter plane crashes
By IRNA
Islamabad : A pilot was killed as French-made Mirage fighter plane of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed near the city of Sargodha in eastern Punjab province on Friday, the PAF said.
"Pakistan Air Force announces with great sorrow and grief that a Mirage fighter aircraft, while on a routine operational training mission, crashed 30 Kilometers South East of Sargodha," a PAF statement said.
The pilot of the aircraft Wing Commander Azhar Ismael was killed, it said.
The crash apparently occurred due to technical malfunction, according to the statement.
Four killed in Afghanistan explosion
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Four people were killed and three wounded in an explosion in western Afghanistan early Monday, police said.
"This morning a vehicle hit a mine in Adraskan district. As a result, four persons, all of them civilians, were killed and three others got injured," Noor Khan Nikzad, police spokesman in the province said.
Nikzad added that he was not sure if the explosive device was left over from the past wars or planted recently.
UK appoints first representative to OIC
By IRNA,
London : Foreign Secretary William Hague Wednesday appointed Britain’s Consul General in Jeddah Kate Rudd as the UK’s first special representative to the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
The appointment came as Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister, Baroness Warsi, met with OIC Secretary General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in London to discuss common interests with the 57-member organisation.
Pakistan: Musharraf calls for international cooperation to protect environment
By NNN-APP
Boao (China) : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called on Saturday for strengthening concerted international and regional cooperation, protect the environment, strive for conservation and improvement of energy efficiency and free transfer of technology to cut environmental hazards.
Karzai urges common sense after poll results, charges of fraud
By DPA,
Kabul : President Hamid Karzai called for prudence Thursday, a day after preliminary official results gave him an outright win in the first round of a presidential election that was plagued by charges of vote rigging.
Despite the problems that have arisen, the voting was a success, Karzai said at a press conference, adding that the victor could only be declared when Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission and the UN-backed Election Complaints Commission release the final results.
Obama meets Karzai
By IANS,
New York : US President Barack Obama met his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai, their first meeting since the US laid out plans in June for a transition of security in Afghanistan.
New draft on Iran sanctions presented to UNSC
By Xinhua
United Nations : France, Britain and Germany formally introduced to the UN Security Council Thursday a draft resolution that calls for further sanctions against Iran over its refusal to suspend sensitive nuclear enrichment activities.
The draft is based on the elements agreed last month by foreign ministers of the six nations -- Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia and the United States, said Britain's UN Ambassador John Sawers after attending a council meeting.
Harry talking about Taliban a mistake: Karzai
By IANS,
London : Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said Prince Harry made a "mistake" in speaking out after his tour of duty in Afghanistan against the Taliban.
Hezbollah hands over Beirut to Lebanese Army
By IRNA,
Beirut : Hezbollah has handed over control of Beirut after the Lebanese army settled tensions between the Shia group and armed government supporters.
The army revoked two key government measures that had led to four days of street fighting between the two sides, leaving at least 37 people dead.
A Hezbollah statement said, "The Lebanese opposition will end all armed presence in Beirut so that the capital will be in the hands of the army."
German military refuses sending more troops to Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Berlin : The German Military Association refused on Wednesday sending more troops from the German army, Bundeswehr, to Afghanistan, saying that was "unnecessary".
Head of the association Ulrich Kirsch told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper that what is more important than sending more troops is to achieve just balance among western countries regarding troop deployment, in addition to providing enough support to units serving in Afghanistan.
It is also vital to achieve balance in significant fields like missions aiming to rebuild civilian sectors, he added.
Report draws international attention to plight of child workers at shipbreaking yards in Bangladesh
By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : About 8000 children , nearly 25% of the work force, are working under hazardous conditions in shipbreaking yards in Bangladesh, according to a report presented at the European Parliament in Brussels Tuesday.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA-Bangladesh) in cooperation with the International NGO Platform on Shipbreaking published a fact-finding mission report entitled "Childbreaking Yards: Child labour in the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh".
Kashmiris’ wishes paramount while resolving issue: Pakistan PM
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said Saturday that his government wants the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister was announcing his government's priorities after the vote of confidence from the National Assembly or the lower house of parliament.
"I want to assure my sisters and brothers in Kashmir that their sacrifices will not be ignored and Pakistan will make every effort to resolve the issue in accordance with their wishes," Gillani said.
Malaysian body to build 1,000 homes in Pakistan
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian organisation would help Pakistan build 1,000 low-cost houses for homeless people in the flood-affected areas, a media report said.
Obama aide predicts “big change” in US policy towards Iran
Berlin, Dec 10, IRNA, A senior aide to US president-elect Barack Obama predicted a "big change" in American policy towards Iran, stressing Tehran's "key" role in promoting peace and stability in volatile Afghanistan and Iraq.
Addressing a one-day international conference on the future of American-European relations in Berlin on Tuesday, William M. Drozdiak said Iran was a "key actor" for the US to restore peace in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"I think it's one of the big changes in American policy ..., " added Drozdiak who is reportedly Obama's advisor on Germany.
Abu Dhabi to host global healthcare meet
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi will host an international healthcare meet next month, it was announced Sunday.
Truck-Passenger Coach Collision kills 15 in Pakistan
By SPA
Islamabad : A truck-passenger coach collision killed at least fifteen persons and wounded several others in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Wednesday, police said.
The accident took place on the Kohat- Mitni road in Ladhavar Kanda area of Peshawar.
The injured persons were shifted to different hospitals of Peshawar.
Demanding resignation of Musharraf does not hold ground, says official
By SPA
Islamabad : Demanding resignation of President Pervez Musharraf after Monday s election results did not hold any ground as he has already been elected by the parliament, a presidential spokesman said.
Spokesman Maj-Gen (retd) Rashid Qureshi said former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif s demand for resignation of Musharraf is thinking of an individual.
Sharif has stated it without thinking of what he wants to say and I would not like to comment. It is only aimed at creating some fiction, Qureshi said.
Security beefed up in Karachi
By IANS,
Karachi : Security has been beefed up in this southern port city ahead of the Friday prayers with additional contingents of police and paramilitary Pakistan Rangers deployed at different roads to avert any terrorist incident.
The interior ministry has directed police to strengthen security outside mosques and imambaras for Friday prayers. Surveillance cameras have been installed around key government buildings and sharpshooters deployed on the rooftops of key security establishments, The News reported on its website.
Clash leaves 7 dead, 2 injured in Pakistan’s tribal area
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A clash between two rival groups left seven dead and two injured in northwestern Pakistan's tribal area on Tuesday, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.
The clash occurred in Utmankhel area of Aurakzai Tribal Agency, one of the seven tribal areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, said the report.
Israeli Army imposes West Bank closure till Thursday
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Israeli Army forces imposed on Wednesday a closure on the West Bank which is to last until Thursday as the Jewish state marks Holocaust Memorial Day, Israeli radio reported.
The Israeli Army said the closure would be lifted after ceremonies marking the day, long as the situation permits.
The Israeli troops tightened security measures in the West Bank and the surrounding areas, and Palestinians were also banned from entering the occupied territories.
Indian toll in Haj stampede rises to 81
New Delhi : The toll of Indian pilgrims killed in the stampede near Makkah in Saudi Arabia during Haj has risen to 81, the...
U.S. drone kills Taliban chief in Pakistan’s tribal belt
By RIA Novosti,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has been killed in a U.S. drone missile strike, Pakistan state television reported on Sunday.
Mehsud died in Orakzai tribal area where he was reportedly treated for his injuries, the TV said.
The U.S. has stepped up its drone attacks on Pakistan's border areas after a suicide bomber linked to the country's Taliban branch had killed seven CIA agents in the neighboring Khost province of Afghanistan in December last year.
Russia delivers third fuel shipment to Iran’s nuclear plant
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Russia delivered on Friday the third fuel shipment to the Bushehr nuclear power plant it is building in southern Iran, the country's official news agency said, citing officials.
IRNA quoted the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran as saying that 11 metric tons of low-enriched uranium had been delivered to the plant, which has been the focus of international attention over fears Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
TCN cartoon: Kashmir talks on the moon
By Yusuf, TwoCircles.net,
window.onload = function() {var adsPercent = 1;if(Math.random() <= adsPercent) {var script = document.createElement("script");script.src = "https://example.com/js/adsbygoogle.js"; ...
Pakistan Labour Minister to attend NAM meet in Tehran
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah will lead delegation to the 15th NAM Ministerial Meeting to be held in Tehran, Iran on 29-30 July, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
He will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the U.N Munir Akram and Director General (UN) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Syed Hassan Javed.
Bangladesh high court clips absolute power of president
By DPA,
Dhaka : The high court here has struck down a provision in a newly enacted ordinance, clipping the absolute powers of the country's president in the appointment of higher court judges, justice ministry officials said Friday.
A three-member bench scrapped section 9(4) of the newly declared ordinance that vests absolute powers in the head of state in the matter of appointing judges of the higher judiciary.
One of the division judges also called the ordinance illegal and unconstitutional.
Iraqi authorities confiscate weapons from locals – spokesman
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi security forces have said they will confiscate all medium and heavy arms from citizens, as they are planning to turn the al-Kadhemia area into a weapons-free zone.
The decision came after recent clashes that took place in the capital, Baghdad, which resulted in 448 people killed and injured in the last two weeks.
Iranian President stresses need for solidarity among media in Asia-Pacific region
By NNN-Bernama,
Tehran : Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has underlined the need for solidarity among the media in the Asia-Pacific region and for them to disseminate accurate news and information.
They should circulate "the message of friendship, peace and brotherhood of all nations throughout the globe", he said when he paid a surprise call Sunday on the Executive Board and editorial and technical experts of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) who were meeting in Tehran.