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.
Turkey has closed airspace to Israeli military flights: PM
By IANS/AKI,
Toronto: Turkey closed its airspace to several Israeli military flights following the deadly raid on a humanitarian aid ship bound for the Gaza Strip in May.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters here that the ban was imposed after the May 31 raid on a Turkish ship in which nine activists were killed.
The ship was part of a six-vessel aid flotilla carrying food, medicine and other items to Gaza.
The prime minister, who is in Canada at the summit of the Group of 20 major industrial and developing nations, did not provide any more details.
US unable to account for $8.7 bn in Iraqi funds
By IANS,
Washington : US Defence Department is unable to account for $8.7 billion of the $9.1-billion fund earmarked for reconstruction of Iraq between 2004 and 2007, an audit report has said.
According to Los Angeles Times, the reconstruction money was from oil revenue the Pentagon was entrusted with and the report underscores a pattern of poor record-keeping during the period.
Cameron defends ‘frank’ comments about Pakistan terror
By IANS,
New Delhi : As Pakistan seethed over his remarks about exporting terror, British Prime Minister David Cameron Thursday said "it was important to speak frankly" and stressed that while Islamabad had "made progress... we need them to do more".
"I think it's important to speak frankly about the problems as you see them. I mean I think that is what people expect of their government," Cameron told BBC here.
Pakistan to seek UN help in hijacked crewmen release
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Friday said it may seek the help of the UN for safe release of the Pakistani crew on board a hijacked Panama-flagged cargo vessel.
Somali pirates hijacked the MV Suez ship off the Gulf of Aden early this month with 23 crew members from Egypt, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.
The ministry of foreign affairs is exploring avenues for seeking UN assistance for the release of Pakistani nationals, an official spokesman was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
India, Bangladesh to discuss terrorism, border crimes
Agartala : Arms and drug smuggling, terrorism, circulation of fake currency notes and border crimes are among the issues to be discussed when border...
India-Arab nations keen to pave new path for economic ties
By Biswajit Choudhury,
New Delhi : Projects worth billions of dollars, notably in energy, railways and finance were discussed at the two-day India-Arab Partnership Conference...
Pakistan to try 3,300 terror suspects in military courts
Islamabad : Around 3,300 people accused of being hardcore terrorists will be tried in special military courts in Pakistan over the next two years...
36 killed in clashes with IS in Iraq
Baghdad : A total of 36 people were killed in attacks and clashes with the Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq's eastern province of...
Pakistan army chief warns India ahead of talks
Islamabad : Days before the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary S.Jaishankar, Pakistan Army Chief Gen.Raheel Sharif Thursday warned India of a "befitting response" to...
Russia to sell Mi-35 helicopters to Pakistan
Islamabad : Russia will sell Mi-35 helicopters to Pakistan to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts, media reported Thursday.
Russia's Ambassador Alexey Dedov said the deal between...
Historic Iran nuclear deal spells good for India too
By Arun Kumar,
Washington : In what promises to be a good deal for India and other major importers of Iran oil, six world powers...
China is world’s ‘top executioner’: Amnesty
By DPA,
London : At least 470 people were executed in China last year, making it the highest overall figure for any single country, followed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the US, according to Amnesty International.
The report, titled Death Sentences and Executions in 2007. published in London, brands China as the "world's top executioner," and says that the true figure for executions in China "is undoubtedly much higher."
Around 30 bodies found in Iraq mass grave
By SPA,
Baghdad : US soldiers have discovered around 30 bodies in a mass grave north of Baghdad of people buried nearly eight months ago, the American military said Monday.
The grave was found on Sunday south of the town of Muqdadiyah in the restive Diyala province, north of Baghdad, according to a report of AFP.
"The coalition force was unable to determine whether or not the bodies had been tortured at the time of death, " the military said in a statement.
Iraq replaces commander in Basra
By SPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's government replaced the Commander of Iraqi military and police forces in the southern city of Basra, Lieutenant-General Mohan al-Furaiji on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Mohammed al-Askary said Furaiji's mission in Basra had come to an end and a new general had been placed in charge.
UN steps up security around its offices in Yemen
By DPA,
Sanaa : The United Nations has stepped up security at its local headquarters in Sanaa following three attacks against US and Western targets in the city.
Concrete blocks and sandbag walls were erected around the UN's main offices in the Haddah neighbourhood of the Yemeni capital, and more security personnel were deployed outside the compound Sunday.
Yemeni employees said that some of the organization's non-essential staffers were also given leaves.
"Those measures were taken as precautionary steps," one local employee told DPA on condition of anonymity.
Iraq neighbors’ meeting opens in Kuwait with Maliki’s call for help
By Xinhua,
Kuwait City : A ministerial conference on Iraq opened here Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged the neighbors to help stabilize his war-torn country. The neighboring countries, especially the Gulf neighbors should help stabilize Iraq by living up to pledges to forgive its debt, Maliki urged at the opening session of the conference.
Iran keen on enhanced ties with Persian Gulf states – Jalili
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili has said that Iran is keen on enhanced ties with the Persian Gulf states, calling on the neighbours to prevent foreigners from creating tension in the region.
In a meeting with visiting Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi Tuesday, he underlined the need for further expansion of all-out cooperation among the Persian Gulf states.
Jalili said that the presence of foreign forces in the region is the root cause of numerous problems facing the regional states.
Pakistan frees top radical leader
By IRNA,
Peshawar : Pakistani government in the country's northwest on Monday freed a top radical leader after nearly seven years detention in a reconciliation process with the militants, a government spokesman said Monday.
Maulana Sufi Muhammad is the founder of 'Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e- Shariat-e-Mohammadi' (TSNM), a Pakistani organization which aims to strictly enforce Shariat in the country, was arrested in late 2001 after he was returning from Afghanistan.
Air strike, clashes kill at least 5 in Sadr City
By SPA,
Baghdad : An unmanned drone killed two gunmen in Baghdad's Sadr district, while another remote-controlled aircraft crashed south of the capital, the U.S. military said Tuesday.
Militiamen also have responded by repeatedly shelling Baghdad's U.S.-protected Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy and offices of the Iraqi government, the Associated Press reported.
A test for the world community
By NNN-WAM,
Sharjah : The world is on the brink of a disaster as millions of people are facing poverty because of global food scarcity and high food prices, a UAE daily paper warned Thursday.
''It may even affect political and economic stability of many countries. Unlike any natural calamity like tsunami, drought or flood that devastates the world every year, this looming crisis is man-made and needs immediate attention,'' wrote The Gulf Friday.
Turkey targets rebels’ infiltration
By SPA,
Ankara, Turkey : Turkey's military says its warplanes and artillery units have struck Kurdish rebel positions in Northern Iraq.
The military says it targeted rebels who were trying to Infiltrate into Turkey, in northern Iraq's Zap, Avasin-Basyan and Hakurk regions. The areas, which are close to the border with Turkey, were hit on Friday and early Saturday.
All planes returned safely to their bases, the military said in a brief statement Saturday, according to a report of the Associated Press.
Palestinians reject Israeli accusation over fuel crisis
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian gas union on Saturday rejected Israeli statements that the Palestinians, led by Hamas, are responsible for the fuel shortages in Gaza Strip.
On Friday, Col.Nir Press, head of the coordination and liaison administration to the Gaza Strip, said "the Palestinians, led by the Hamas organization, are creating shortages, misery and disaster."
He added that there was up to one million liters of fuel stored at the Palestinian fuel depot at Nahal Oz crossing and the Palestinians have not taken any of that fuel during the past month.
Peaceful protest held by Sadr City people
By IRNA,
Baghdad : The face-off between Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and the Iraqi government unfolded Sunday on the streets of Sadr City where a peaceful demonstration against continued violence there was held by members of the Iraqi Parliament even as clashes went on a few blocks away.
Iran criticizes US for blaming others for Iraq policy failure
By NNN-IRNA,
New York : The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations has dismissed "certain baseless allegations" made by the United States' representative at the Security Council meeting against Iran.
In his letter to president of the Security Council Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo Monday, Mehdi Danesh-Yazdi said: "I would be grateful if you could bring the content of the letter and its annexe to the attention of the members of the council, and to circulate it as a document of the Security Council.
WIEF”s Kuwait Declaration applauds Amir”s decent living fund initiative
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Delegates of the Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) applauded Thursday "the generous commitment" of USD 100 million by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the establishment of a food security fund to assist the poorest within the Muslim.
Israeli army arrests 32 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested 32 Palestinians in West Bank areas during overnight raids, the official Palestinian radio reported on Tuesday. Some 20 Palestinians were arrested in the holy city of Bethlehem and nine in Hebron town, said the radio, adding that other detentions took place in Nablus and Jenin. However, Israel Radio reported that only 27 wanted Palestinians were arrested.
Arab Israelis’ status on 60th anniversary of Israel’s establishment
By IRNA,
Tehran : Israel is celebrating 60th anniversary of its establishment under such conditions that a 5th of its population, merely due to their resistance against plots hatched by Zionism to deport entire Arabs remaining there after 1948 occupation, still enjoy least level of civil rights, have lowest possible political participation and live at lowest social status.
Fifth district candidate calls for establishing medical city
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Fifth constituency candidate Sadoun Al-Otaibi called for establishing an integrated medical city and buying two aircrafts for medical evacuation.
Al-Otaibi said, in a seminar he held Friday evening, that it was important to find a solution for the housing issue, adding that he previously suggested distributing 12,000 land plots every year.
He called for combating the hike of prices, developing the health sector, increasing the incomes, and establishing new power plants.
U.S. president vows to continue support for Israel
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday vowed to continue support for Israel, which is "the strongest ally and friend" of the United States in the Middle East.
Bush, who arrived in Israel earlier Wednesday on the occasion of the Jewish state's 60th anniversary, made the remarks during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the latter's official residence in Jerusalem.
Fatah al-Islam threatens fighting against “humiliation” in Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Fundamentalist Sunni group Fatah al-Islam, defined by Lebanese government as a terrorist group, has vowed to confront those "bowing the heads of the Sunni in Beirut" with "bloodshed," pan-Arab Al-Hayat daily reported Thursday.
In an indirect reference to Shiite Hezbollah group, Fatah al-Islam said in a statement what happened in Beirut, "the killing, burning and humiliation to our Sunni people is not justified or accepted."
Kuwait goes to polls for second time in two years
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : Kuwait went to the polls Saturday, the second time in two years, to elect its 50-member parliament.
The elections were held in the Gulf city-state under a new five-constituency system instead of the earlier 25-constituency system.
A total of 275 men and 27 women are contesting for the 50 seats.
Women are contesting for the second time in Kuwait's election history.
Saturday's elections were being held after Kuwait's entire cabinet resigned March 17 amid strained relationship between the legislative and the executive wings of the country.
News Analysis: pushing forward Mideast peace tough task for Bush
By Yu Zhongwen, Xinhua,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : U.S. President George W. Bush wrapped up his five-day visit to the Middle East on Sunday, insisting that an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement is possible within the year but requires "sacrifices", which, does not sell well among Arab leaders and local analysts.
During his stay in the region which took him to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Bush hold a series of talks with regional leaders in a bid to push forward the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which, however, scored no visible progress to date.
Five civilians killed, militant leader held in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : Five members of an Afghan nomadic family were killed as a vehicle, they were traveling in, hit a landmine in western Afghanistan, officials said.
The incident happened in Nimroz province as a nomadic family was shifting sheep in a truck from one place to another, said provincial Governor Ghulam Dastagir Azad.
The governor said Taliban were responsible for planting the bomb. However, the militants so far did not issue any comment.
Tehran agrees with Solana’s visit on nuclear proposal
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Tehran Wednesday agreed "in principle" to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana's visit to deliver a promoted incentive package to Iran, reported the official IRNA news agency.
Foreign Minister Manouchrhr Mottaki was quoted as saying that Solana has sent us a message asking us to let him to travel to Iran to deliver the package and "we have agreed in principle with the visit."
The date "will be announced when it was fixed," said Mottaki.
Iran supports Syria’s right to restore Golan
By NNN-SANA,
Tehran : Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Manouchehr Mottaki affirmed on Saturday Iran's support of Syria's right to restore the occupied Syrian Golan, saying "the occupied Golan is Syrian land that should be returned to Syria."
In a joint press conference with Chairman of the political bureau of Hamas Khalemd Mishaal in Tehran, Mottaki pointed out that Israel is in no position to dictate terms for withdrawal from the occupied Arab lands, including the Golan.
Olmert denies Syrian claim that Israel agrees return of Golan Heights
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday denied outright the Syrian claim that Israel had already agreed to cede the Golan Heights during their talks.
"No obligations were offered - either spoken or in writing – to Syria," Olmert was quoted by local daily Jerusalem Post as saying. "All I said from February 2007 until May 2008 was 'I know what you want and you know what I want.'"
France strongly denies secret contacts with Hamas
By KUNA,
Paris : The French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday emphatically denied rumours of secret contacts held with the Islamist movement, Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and which is listed as a "terrorist organization.
" Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascale Andreani said that there was "no official contact" and "no negotiations with Hamas." The official said that a former French ambassador to Iraq and former Director of the Foreign Ministrys Middle East and North Africa department had had "individual" contact with Hamas within the framework of "research" he was doing.
Syria, Iran boost military cooperation
By NNN-SANA,
Tehran : Defence Minister Hasan Turkmani and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammed Mustafa Najjar, have stressed that cooperation between Syria and Iran has a big role in enhancing security and stability in the region.
In a joint press conference Tuesday, the two sides underlined the importance of continuing the defence cooperation between the two friendly armies.
US notes three Syrian sites as nuclear suspects : Report
By DPA,
Washington : The United States has identified three sites in Syria as possible locations of secret nuclear facilities, the Washington Post reported Thursday.
Unidentified US officials told the Post that the US wanted to know if the sites served as support facilities for the alleged al-Kibar nuclear reactor that was destroyed by an Israeli air attack in September.
The report said the US was pushing the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to expand its inspections to the three sites.
‘Zardari eyeing Pakistani presidency’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition has reached an agreement on turning the heat on President Pervez Musharraf to pave the way for Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of alliance leader Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to ascend to the office, a newspaper report said Saturday.
In line with the new understanding between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), "both parties will build up immense pressure on Musharraf, leaving him with no other option but to resign without any condition", The News reported, quoting highly credible sources privy to the developments.
Jordan criticizes new Israeli settlement plans
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan on Sunday voiced full refusal to Israeli plans on more settlements, which it said violates the international resolutions and poses threat to peace efforts."
The Israeli attempts to create new reality on the ground are clear violations of the international law and the Israeli commitments to the roadmap, which refuses any unilateral actions that might affect the final status issues," Nasser Judeh, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications said in a statement carried by the official Petra news agency on Sunday.
UAE grants 500,000 tonnes of wheat to Syria
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has given orders for the dispatch of 500,000 tonnes of wheat as a grant to the people of Syria.
Sheikh Khalifa's grant is a token of the strong brotherly ties and solidarity between the peoples of the United Arab Emirates and the Syrian Arab Republic and is aimed at helping Syrians to cope with the rise of wheat prices on global markets.
The granted amount of wheat will be procured from the international markets and will be directly shipped to Syria.
Pakistan Election Commission clears way for Sharif brothers to contest by-polls
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : In a major relief to former premier and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan's Election Commission today allowed them to contest the by-polls to be held later this month.
The decision came a day after a two-member election tribunal gave a split verdict on the validity of their nomination papers and referred the matter to Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq.
The Election Commission upheld the initial decision by returning officers to accept the nominations filed by the Sharif brothers.
Bangladeshi gov’t signs deal with UNDP for translucent ballot box
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The Bangladeshi caretaker government Wednesday signed an agreement for a 6.586 million U.S. dollars fund with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on procuring translucent ballot boxes for the next general elections.
The Canadian International Development Agency (Cida) will channel the fund through the UNDP for the Election Commission (EC)' s 'Translucent Ballot Boxes' project, which began last month and would run through April 2009, leading English newspaper The Daily Star reported Thursday.
Zayed Foundation discusses cooperation with Comoros
By WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works (ZFCHW) is planning to further its activities in the Union of the Comoros.
Director General of ZFCHW Salem Obeid Al Dhahiri and the Minister of Finance, Economy and Trade of Comoros Dr. Yusuf Saeed Saleh discussed today ways for boosting cooperation between the two sides in the fields of humanitarian and developmental projects. The ZFCHW is implementing a number of charity and humanitarian projects in the island nation located in the eastern coast of Africa.
Hamas dismisses Rice visit as useless
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Sunday slammed the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Israel and the West Bank, calling it as useless and a waste of time.
Fawzi Barhoum, Hamas spokesman in Gaza said in a written statement sent to reporters that the visit of Rice and her meetings with Palestinian officials "won't bring anything good for the Palestinian people."
"Rice came to the region to exert pressure on President (Mahmoud) Abbas and to spoil the efforts aiming at launching a Palestinian comprehensive dialogue," said Barhoum.
Russian FM stresses expansion of ties with Muslim world
By IRNA,
Moscow : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that promoting relations with the Islamic world was one of the priorities of Russian foreign policy.
In his greeting message to participants in an international conference dubbed as 'Russia-Islamic World', opened in Moscow on Monday, Lavrov said, "Over centuries our country existed as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society. Fundamental
particularities of the present-day world are its cultural civilized diversity."
Israeli officer commits suicide at Sarkozy`s farewell
By ANTARA News/Xinhua,
Jerusalem : An officer of Israel Border Guard shot himself dead on Tuesday during a farewell ceremony held in honor of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Moshe Fintzy, spokesman of Israel Border Police, refused to disclose any details of the incident, but confirmed to Xinhua that there was no assassination attempt on the French leader.
The incident is under investigation, Fintzy added.
Violence erupts as Pakistan’s by-elections underway
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Violence has erupted in a couple of constituencies when Pakistan's parliament by-elections started on Thursday amid tight security in polling stations.
The by-polling is set to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for vacancies of the National Assembly, lower parliament, and provincial parliament seats.
But the polling has been suspended at one polling station in Jahania of Punjab province after a severe clash between two rival groups. The street firing during the clash injured several people and created panic among the voters.
Bush Funds for Covert Ops Against Iran
By Prensa Latina,
Washington : US President George W. Bush asked Congress for funds to boost covert operations against Iran to destabilize the country, The New Yorker magazine reported.
According to an article by Seymour Hersh, Bush requested the funds to Democratic and Republican House and Senate leaders, as well as ranking members of the intelligence committees. The funding was approved in late 2007.
Britain to double its assistance to Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Britain announced Thursday it will double its financial aid to militancy-hit Pakistan, making it to 480 million pounds (about $950 million) by 2011.
The announcement was made by British Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander, who signed an agreement to this effect with the Pakistani government in Islamabad.
The programme, largely meant to eliminate poverty and improve the social sector, would also focus on development in Pakistan's tribal areas, which have seen a steep rise in Islamic militancy.
Seven killed in suicide blast at Indian embassy in Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul/New Delhi : At least seven people were killed in a suicide attack Monday morning that targetted the Indian embassy in the Afghan capital, officials said.
Five people died on the spot while two succumbed to their injuries in hospital after a suicide bomber blew up his explosives-packed car, according to the Afghan defence ministry.
The attack took place near to the interior ministry, said Zemarai Bashary, interior ministry spokesman.
Yemen, Russia to discuss military cooperation
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : A high-ranking Yemeni official delegation has left for Moscow headed by Minister of Defence Mohammed Nasser Ahmed.
The delegation would hold talks with Russian officials on military cooperation ties between Yemen and Russia and means of boosting and improving this cooperation.
U.S. condemns car bomb attack near Indian embassy in Kabul
By Xinhua,
Toyako, Japan : The United States on Monday condemned the suicide bomb attack near India's embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul, which killed at least 28 people.
"We condemn this needless act of violence, and offer our sincere condolences to those injured and especially to those families who lost loved ones," said U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
At least 28 people were killed and 141 others injured in the suicide attack near the Indian embassy in Kabul Monday morning, according to an Afghan Health Ministry spokesman.
Suicide bomber kills at least five army recruits in Diyala
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A suicide bomber blew himself up at a recruitment center in the city of Baquba, capital of Diyala province, on Tuesday, killing at least five recruits and wounding 55 others, a provincial police source said.
aSuicide bomber kills at least five army recruits in Diyala
BAGHDAD, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A suicide bomber blew himself up at a recruitment center in the city of Baquba, capital of Diyala province, on Tuesday, killing at least five recruits and wounding 55 others, a provincial police source said.
Militants fire 10 missiles at security forces camp in Pakistan, 6 wounded
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least six soldiers were wounded in a missile attack on their camp in northern Pakistan on early Tuesday, said officials.
Suspected militants fired at least 10 missiles at Scouts Camp in northern Der district of Pakistan, security officials told KUNA.
They said the attack left six soldiers wounded and caused damage to the camp.
Israeli cabinet endorses prisoner swap with Hezbollah
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : The Israeli cabinet has approved the prisoner swap with Hezbollah with 22 ministers voting in favour, and only three against.
The next step is for the Israeli president to approve the deal.
According to Israeli law, prisoners who killed an Israeli shall be pardoned only with a presidential endorsement.
The newly-inked decision will come into effect on Wednesday.
Iraqi minister escapes unhurt in bomb attack
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : An Iraqi minister Tuesday escaped unhurt when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy in the capital, the interior ministry said.
"Waheed Kareem, Minister of Electricity, escaped unhurt in a roadside bomb explosion targeting his convoy in Zayouna neighborhood," a spokesman of the ministry said.
Kareem was heading for his office when his convoy was attacked. Two civilians were injured in the explosion.
Sporadic attacks continue in Baghdad despite the US and Iraqi officials' announcement of a relative lull in violence during the past few months.
China slams BBC, international court over Darfur
By DPA,
Beijing : China Tuesday voiced "grave concerns" over the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s decision to charge the Sudanese president with genocide in the embattled Darfur region, and said a BBC report alleging that China had violated a UN arms embargo on Darfur was "strongly biased."
"China has grave concerns and misgivings about the ICC's prosecution," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.
"The ICC's actions should be helpful to the stability of the Darfur region and to finding a solution to the issue, not the contrary," Liu told reporters.
Concerns over Darfur escalation after war crime charges
By Michael Logan, DPA,
Nairobi/Khartoum : The official levelling of war crimes charges against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir has been welcomed in many quarters, but fears remain that the decision could cause an escalation of violence in Darfur and more misery for millions of long-suffering displaced Darfuris.
Al-Jaberi welcomes Saudi efforts to project civilization role of Islam
By SPA,
Tunis : A prominent Arab academician has hailed the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to project the civilization role of Islam.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr Mohammed Salih Al-Jaberi said the convening of the World Conference on Dialogue embodies the awareness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the problems facing the nations and societies.
Dr Al-Jaberi, who will participate in the conference, expressed optimism about the outcome of the conference.
Jordanian Media underscores importance of World Conference on Dialogue
By SPA,
Amman : The Jordanian media highlighted the World Conference on Dialogue, which opened in Madrid yesterday, and pointed to the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for a constructive dialogue among the followers of all religions.
The Jordanian newspapers prominently displayed today the speech delivered by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at the inaugural ceremony of the conference and also gave good coverage to proceedings of the Conference.
Maliki, Bush discuss troop withdrawal timetable over phone
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi and U.S. leaders have talked about bilateral relations in a phone conversation, including working out a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, the Iraqi government said Friday.
Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and U.S. President George W. Bush stressed the importance of achieving a timetable to hand over security control to the Iraqi security troops so as to lay the ground for the pullout of the U.S. force.
Rising inflation affecting lives in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Unprecedented inflation in Pakistan has hit common people very hard with petrol having risen by 46 percent in the last three months, food items by 30-50 percent and rice by more than 100 percent. While the government has launched schemes to help the poor, many people have committed suicide in despair.
The inflation rate in Pakistan has increased by 19 percent since the new coalition government led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took over power in March this year -
Int’l air raid kills several Afghan police
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Air raids carried out by international troops Saturday night left several Afghan policemen dead and injured in Afghanistan's western Farah province, police said Sunday.
"It was late last night when air crafts of international troops mistakenly targeted a police checkpoint in Anardara district killing and wounding a number of our policemen," a senior police officer in the province Najibullah Popal told Xinhua.
Coalition soldier, several militants killed in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
KabulA soldier of the US-led coalition troops died of wounds he had suffered during a roadside bomb blast in Helmand province of Afghanistan. A statement from the coalition forces' Bagram base said the soldier died this (Monday) morning. His identity and nationality were not released. Earlier in the day, the NATO-ISAF had also announced the death of one of its soldiers in fighting in the southeastern province of Khost.
Iran not to make concession in nuclear rights
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that Iran will not make any concession in the country's nuclear rights, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Ahmadinejad made the comments in a speech during a visit to the southwestern province of Kohgilouyeh and Boyer Ahmad on Wednesday.
"Iran will not allow anybody to make any concession," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying, "I advise them (the West) to be more realistic regarding Iran's position in this issue."
Lebanon Armed Clashes Continue
By Prensa Latina,
Beirut : Armed clashes between rival Muslin factions in northern Lebanon have killed at least six and wounded 50 people, although they are less intense after security forces interfered.
Among the victims, there were combatants from Bad al-Tebbaneh towns, of Sunnite majority, and Jabal Mohsen, basically of Shiite Alawit, although there were also civilians including women and children, the Police reported.
Palestinians under Israel Intelligence Pressure
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : Israeli intelligence agents condition medical treatment for some Palestinians in this country on serving as informers in the occupied territories, a human right organization reported on Monday.
At least 30 people from the Gaza Strip were denied health services for not giving information to the Israeli Security Agency, commonly known as the Shin Bet, according to the report by Physicians for Human Rights in Tel Aviv.
Pakistani PM directs to carry out further deliberations on coordinating intelligence efforts
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed that the Federal Government will carry out further deliberations on coordinating the intelligence efforts.
According to a Notification issued here Tuesday night, till the completion of these deliberations, the Cabinet Division’s Memorandum of even No. 4-10/2008-Min-I, dated 26th July, 2008 has been held in abeyance.
Following is the text of the Notification:
Iran denies WikiLeaks report that Ahmadinejad was slapped
By DPA,
Tehran: Iran has denied a WikiLeaks report that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was slapped by the chief of the country's Revolutionary Guards, the Tehran press reported Saturday.
Talks on for compromise with Grameen’s Yunus
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government is holding talks to reach a compromise with Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus, Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith has said.
Libya’s rebels ready for truce if Gaddafi also complies
By IANS,
Benghazi : Libya's rebel leaders Friday expressed their readiness to abide by a ceasefire, provided Libyan leader Muammar Gaddaffi also does so, Arab Al Jazeera TV reported.
Bangladesh may act against ex-chief advisor, army chief
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's parliament has said it would move against a former World Bank economist who ruled Bangladesh for two years, and the army chief who backed him during 2007-08.
20 die in Bangladesh boat capsize
By IANS,
Dhaka : Twenty people died and a number of passengers went missing after a boat capsized in the river Meghna in Bangladesh early Thursday.
Over 470 inmates escape from Afghanistan prison
By IANS,
Kabul : Over 470 inmates escaped from a prison in Afghanistan's Kandahar town early Monday after digging a hole, an official said.
Mullah Omar dead? Taliban says no
By IANS,
Kabul/Islamabad: One-eyed Taliban leader Mullah Omar has been killed in Pakistan, an Afghan TV channel said Monday. The Taliban promptly denied this.
Pakistan hikes salaries of civilian employees
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has given a 15 to 20 percent increase in salaries and pensions to all its civilian employees with effect from July 1.
Few Pakistan high court judges denotified
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has denotified some judges of the Lahore and Sindh High Courts following a decision by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to enhance cooperation
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation and boost ties, it was reported here.
‘Afghan solution minus Pakistan won’t be productive’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is part of the Afghanistan solution and any effort to address this issue minus Pakistan will not be productive, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
20 killed in Pakistan boat accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty students were drowned Monday in eastern Pakistan when their boat capsized in a canal.
Hillary Clinton to arrive in Pakistan to mend fences
By IANS,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Islamabad Thursday to get relations with Pakistan back on track and push Islamabad to act against the Haqqani network.
Pakistan-India dialogue increases SAARC significance: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : The dialogue process between Pakistan and India has increased the importance and effectiveness of the SAARC forum, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said here Wednesday.
15 killed in Pakistan bus accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 15 people died in northern Pakistan Monday night when their bus fell into a ravine.
Shooting rampage: US soldier moved out of Afghanistan
By IANS,
Washington : The US soldier who was accused of killing 16 civilians in Afghanistan has been transferred out of the country, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Pakistani daily wonders why no tax on agriculture
By IANS,
Islamabad : For decades Pakistan has "flirted with the idea of imposing taxes on the agricultural sector", but the effort has met with little success, rued a leading daily.
Five bodies found in quake-hit Afghan district
by IANS,
Kabul : Five bodies have been found from the rubble in an Afghan district that was hit by a landslide after an earthquake jolted parts of the country Monday.
Iraq car bomb explosion kills 18
By Xinhua,
Mosul (Iraq) : At least 18 people were killed and 20 wounded Friday in a car bomb explosion in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, the police said.
The blast occured in a market in Tal Afar town, some 70 km west of the provincial capital of Mosul, a police official said on condition of anonymity.
The Nineveh province, some 400 km north of Baghdad, is considered to be one of the last strongholds of the Al Qaeda fighters in Iraq.
100 militants killed in Pakistan tribal region fighting
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 100 militants have been killed in fighting started in a tribal region four days ago, the army said Sunday.
Army spokesman Major Murad said that 13 soldiers were also killed in the fighting in the Bajaur tribal region.
He also denied the Taliban claim to have surrounded Khar, the center of Bajaur.
The Taliban have claimed that their fighters are very close to Khar after taking control of Loi Som, a town 15 kilometers from Khar.
US forces fill in for Georgian troops in Iraq – MNF
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The US forces have filled in for the Georgian forces who were withdrawn following hostilities in South Ossetia, in Diyala and Baghdad.
The US forces have filled in for some 2,000 Georgian forces who were working within the Multi-National Force (MNF), coalition spokesman Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll told a news conference Sunday.
Driscoll commended the Georgian forces during their deployment since 2003, and noted that they were tasked with many duties in different parts of Iraq.
OIC deplores reports of holding “Anti-Islamization Congress” in Cologne
By ANTARA News,
Jeddah : A spokesman of the OIC Islamphobia Observatory in Jeddah has expressed serious concern over reports of holding an "Anti Islamization Congress" by the so-called "Pro Koln" group in Cologne, Germany on September 19-21.
In a press statement issued here Saturday evening, the Spokesman said that the proposed event was intended to arouse anti-Muslim sentiments in Europe and that it would pose a threat to inter-communal peace and harmony in the society.
Saudi intelligence chief in Pakistan on Musharraf’s fate
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Saudi intelligence chief dashed to Islamabad to broker a deal between the embattled President Pervez Musharraf who is facing impeachment and possible trial, local media reported.
Muqrin ibn Abdul Aziz met President Musharraf and leaders of the ruling coalition to discuss a 'safe exit' for the President, TV channels reported.
There was no official word and also the Saudi embassy did not comment.
Suicide bombing in Pakistani hospital kills 23
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 23 people, including two policemen, were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a hospital in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP), officials said.
Pro-Taliban militants accepted responsibility for the attack in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, some 300 km south of the provincial capital Peshawar.
The blast occurred outside the emergency ward of the hospital where a crowd of mostly Shia Muslims had gathered to protest the assassination of their leader, Asif Shah, by unknown gunmen riding a motorbike earlier in the day.
British premier in Afghanistan on surprise visit
By DPA,
Kabul : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrived Thursday on a surprise visit to Afghanistan and was expected to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
During his one-day visit, Brown visited British soldiers at a base in southern Helmand province where he told them they were in the "front line in the fight against the Taliban."
Rejecting fears that the battle against the Al Qaeda-linked Taliban was losing ground, he said: "You know that by what you are doing here. You prevent terrorism coming to the streets of Britain."
Gunmen shoot dead local politician, four other in northwest Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead a local leader of the ruling party and three of his colleagues with him in Pakistan's northwest, police said Thursday.
Mouhammad Amin, a leader of the ruling nationalist party in North West Frontier Province, and his three friends were shot dead late last night in the restive Swat valley.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack but suspected militants have in the past targeted politicians belonging to ruling parties.
Police said that armed men ambushed their car at Deolai area, killing them at the scene.
Israel begins to free Palestinian prisoners
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel Monday began freeing 198 Palestinian prisoners, in a goodwill gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The prisoners were to be transferred from a prison close to Jerusalem to a checkpoint near Ramallah, from where they would cross into Palestinian territory for an official welcome at Abbas' headquarters compound in the West Bank city, Israel Radio said.
The list of prisoners being freed included two with "blood on their hands" - Israeli terminology for attacks in which Israelis were killed.
Saudi Arabia: Allehaidan congratulates Muslims on advent of Ramadan
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Chairman of Supreme Judiciary Council Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammad Allehaidan on Saturday congratulated the Muslim nation on advent of the holy month of Ramadan, praying to Almighty Allah for all success for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi people and Muslims.
Afghan probe team confirms US air strikes killed 90 civilians
By Xinhua,
Kabul : An Afghan investigation team probing the death of civilians in US-led coalition airstrikes Aug 22 said Sunday 90 people were killed in the raids in western Afghan province of Herat.
The Minister for Haji and Religious Affairs and head of the investigation team Nimatullah Shahrani, submitting the report to President Hamid Karzai, said the air strikes purportedly on Taliban targets left 90 civilians dead and injured six, a presidential palace release said.
Pakistan premier’s convoy receives gunfire
By DPA,
Islamabad : Gunshots hit an armoured limousine used by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Wednesday as his motorcade rolled to the airport in Rawalpindi, where he was to arrive from an official visit, officials said.
"Two bullets hit the vehicle's front side window but only caused cracks in the ballistic glass," said Zahid Bashir, a spokesman for Gilani.
Zardari sworn in as Pakistani president
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is sworn in as Pakistan president at a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday, embarking on a five-year term in the top office of the country.
Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar administered the oath to the new president at Aiwan-i-Sadr, the presidential house, in Islamabad.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai also attended the oath-taking ceremony.
EU upset over honour killings of three girls in Pakistan
By IANS,
Brussels : The European Union Monday expressed outrage over the murders of three young girls in Pakistan's Balochistan province by relatives for wishing to marry men of their own choice.
The 27-member European bloc called for a full investigation into the matter and said it was absolutely essential that those responsible for the "intolerable acts" be brought to justice, EuAsiaNews reports.
A statement by the current French EU Presidency voiced its deep concern over the extreme forms of violence against women reported in Pakistan.
Roadside bomb kills four coalition soldiers in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : A roadside bomb killed four soldiers of the US-led coalition in eastern Afghanistan, the military said on Wednesday.
The coalition troops did not disclose nationalities of the soldiers killed. Also it did not reveal the exact location of the explosion.
Eastern Afghanistan groups the provinces of Laghman, Kunar, Nuristan and Nangarhar.
Although nationalities of the soldiers were not disclosed, majority of the troops operating in the eastern Afghanistan are Americans.
Seven foreigners among 62 killed in Islamabad blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Seven foreigners were among 62 people killed in a massive suicide bombing that ripped through the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Saturday, a media report said.
The blast was so powerful that it created a 20-foot deep crater at the entrance of the building. Over 120 people, including diplomats, were injured in the blast, eyewitnesses and officials said.
The Aaj news channel reported that seven foreigners were among the dead, while a medical officer at Islamabad's Polyclinic said three injured US and Danish diplomats were being treated there.
UN chief condemns bombing attack in Islamabad
By Xinhua,
United Nations : The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday strongly condemned the "heinous" terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan.
"No cause can justify the indiscriminate targeting of civilians," Ban said in a statement through his spokesperson.
Ban expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the attack and to the government and people of Pakistan.
Manmohan to take terror upfront with Zardari
By Manish Chand, IANS,
On Board Air India One : Even as Prime Minister Manmohan gets ready for some tough talk on cross-border terror and spike in infiltration and ceasefire violations with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in New York, India is not sure about how much clout Zardari has in the new dispensation marked by multiple centres of power.
“We will discuss entire gamut of relationship (between India and Pakistan),” Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told reporters on board the special aircraft carrying the prime minister to New York via Frankfurt.
Two terrorists blow themselves up in Pakistan
By DPA,
Karachi : Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in this southern port city of Pakistan, after police raided their hideout Friday foiling a major terror strike during the Muslim festival of Eid, officials said.
On a tipoff, police raided a house in the Baldia Town area where Islamic militants from the banned Lashkare Jhangvi group were holed up in the western part of the city, mostly inhabited by Pukhtoon labourers from restive North West Frontier Province.
Saudi Arabia, other Arab states to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday
By DPA,
Amman : Saudi Arabia announced Monday to be the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Tuesday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr festivities.
The crescent of the month of Shawal was sighted in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi legal moon sighting panel was quoted by DPA as saying in a statement.
According to Koranic rules, fasting should end when the crescent of the lunar month of Shawal is sighted.
Jordanian Chief Justice Ahmad Helayel said that although the crescent had not yet been sighted in Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom would
Iranian nuclear program has no security concern
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iranian nuclear program has no security concern so that the resolution passed by Group 5+1 is illegal, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said on Monday.
He dismissed Resolution 1835 passed Group 5+1 as non-technical and a political agenda misusing the Security Council as a leverage for the United States foreign policy.
"The national nuclear program poses no threat to security of the international community to compel the UN Security Council to issue resolution against it," he said.
Pakistani rupee falls again against dollar
By DPA,
Karachi : The Pakistani rupee fell by over one percent against the dollar Tuesday to close at 79.60 from 78.60 the previous day amid growing concerns over eroding foreign exchange reserves, traders said.
The decline in the rupee was one of the steepest in Pakistan's history in a single day as bankers and traders panicked over falling hard currency reserves with the central State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Pakistan: Libyan envoy calls on President Zardari
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Ibrahim E. Mukhtar Henitish, Ambassador of Libya on Wednesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr here.
The President said Libya is a brotherly Muslim country having historic ties with Pakistan and the friendship between the two countries is time-tested, says a statement issued by President House here.
The Ambassador said Libya considers people of Pakistan as their brothers and always wants Pakistan to be a strong and prosperous country.
Iran says US has worn out its welcome with Iraqi people
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Sitting with The Times, Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Kazemi-Qomi warned that the United States had worn out its welcome with the Iraqi people and said that Iraqis did not want a long-term security agreement with the United States, Los Angeles Times said.
Exhibitors from India in Dubai gem show
By IANS,
Dubai : Exhibitors from India are among those from 20 countries participating in a global gem show taking place in Dubai.
Over 100 exhibitors from the coloured stones industry have gathered here for the International Gem Show Dubai 2008 that started Monday.
The three-day exhibition, under the patronage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is being organised by the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) and supported by the Middle East GemBureau.
Joy, cautious optimism after markets rebound in Gulf
By Aroonim Bhuyan,
Dubai : Media and investors in the Gulf reacted with joy and cautious optimism after regional bourses rebounded Monday after a weeklong slump triggered by the global credit crunch.
'Brimming with confidence,' read the front page banner headline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) daily Gulf News' Tuesday edition, followed by the sub-headline: 'Markets rebound after governments move to secure foreign and domestic bank deposits.'
'Markets rejoice after UAE bank moves,' read another headline in the Khaleej Times newspaper.
Passengers foil hijack attempt of Turkish plane
By Xinhua,
Ankara : An attempt to hijack a Turkish Airlines (THY) plane on its way from Antalya in southern Turkey to Russia's St Petersburg has been foiled by passengers Wednesday, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
State Airports Authority (DHMI) chief Orhan Birdal said a passenger attempted to hijack the plane by claiming that he was carrying a bomb.
"He was overpowered (by other passengers). And the plane is continuing its flight to St Petersburg," Birdal said.
Court stays all graft cases against Khaleda Zia
By DPA,
Dhaka : A High Court bench Thursday ordered a three-month stay on all proceedings of a graft case against Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia and 15 others, court officials said.
The order came hours after a lower court ordered Khaleda - the chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which led the last elected government - to face a special court.
The High Court bench, comprising Justice Syed Muhammad Dastagir Husain and Justice Farid Ahmed, ordered the stay after holding a hearing upon a repeal petition filed by Khaleda's counsels.
‘Islamophobia’ a threat to global peace: OIC chief
By Sarwar Kashani,IANS,
Astana : Rising "Islamophobia" is a threat to peace and coexistence in a multi-cultural and diverse world, the chief of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) said here Friday as he extended support to the right to self-determination in Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolution to solve the 60-year-old dispute between India and Pakistan.
Five nations elected new members of UN Security Council
By Xinhua,
United Nations : Austria, Japan, Mexico, Uganda and Turkey were elected new non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council on Friday.
All 192 members of the United Nations General Assembly attended the secret ballot, with Japan beating Iran 158-32 to get the seat for Asia Group. Japan replaces Indonesia in the Security Council on Jan. 1, 2009.
Austria and Turkey defeated Iceland for the two open seats for the Western European and Others Group, garnering 133 and 151 votes respectively. They will replace Belgium and Italy.
Taliban beheads 30 Afghans
By IRNA,
Kabul : Taliban insurgents pulled some 50 passengers off a bus in southern Afghanistan and beheaded as many as 30 of them after accusing them of being soldiers traveling in civilian clothes, Afghan officials said.
The police chief of Kandahar Province, where the attack occurred, said that of six bodies retrieved so far, all had been beheaded, mutilated and dumped.
The police had received information that 24 others had been killed but had yet to find the bodies, the police chief, General Matiullah Qati, said.
How good is a gas cartel?
By Oleg Mityayev,
Moscow, Oct 27 (RIA Novosti) Russia, Iran and Qatar, the three nations accounting for over 60 percent of global natural gas reserves, have agreed to set up a gas cartel on the line of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).
The three largest gas exporters want prices up, given their recent dramatic decline after the summer peak.
Unfortunately, they have no power to change that now, as gas prices are regulated by the oil and petrochemicals markets since there is no such thing as an independent gas market.
Blast kills two in Pakistan
Islamabad, Oct 27 (Xinhua) At least two people were killed and four injured in a blast in southwestern Pakistan Monday, according to private TV channel Dawn News.
The blast took place near the district courts in Quetta, capital city of Balochistan province, which also damaged a number of vehicles, the TV reported.
The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment.
Security forces cordoned off the site after the blast.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.
Minister of Social Affairs approves registration of Heritage Foundation
By SPA,
Riyadh : Dr.Yousuf Ahmed al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs approved here today the registration of Al-Turath (heritage) Foundation headed by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary General of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Militants besiege school in Pakistan, children taken as hostages
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Local Taliban militants Wednesday besieged a school and took nearly a hundred students as hostages, security officials said.
Taliban militants barged into a school in a small village of Mohmand tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan, and took as hostages nearly one hundred students, they said.
Government forces have cordoned off the area and the two sides exchanged fire that killed one militant and wounded three others including a soldier.
It was not immediately clear why the militants have besieged the school.
Obama assures Pakistan help in terror war, may meet Zardari
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : US President-elect Barack Obama called Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday morning and assured him that his administration would take Islamabad along in all decisions regarding the war on terror. Zardari is likely to meet Obama during his trip to the US next week.
Obama called Zardari to thank him for the warm wishes from Pakistan on his election, a senior government official told IANS.
The call lasted for over 20 minutes during which Obama assured that the US would take Pakistan along in all decisions regarding the war on terror.
Egyptian FM calls on Obama push forward Mideast peace process
By Xinhua,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Saturday voiced his hope that U.S. president-elect Barack Obama will refresh efforts to help advance the Middle East peace.
The upcoming new U.S. administration should maintain the push to advance the stalled Mideast peace process, Abul Gheit told reporters at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on the eve of an international Quartet meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
Italy to continue full support for Turkey’s EU bid
By SPA,
Ankara : Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday night said his country would continue to support Turkey's bid to join the European Union stressing the strategic importance of Turkey in the region, according to dpa.
"Turkey should always be listened to and we defend this. Turkey has very important relations with all countries in the region," said Berlusconi in the Turkish Aegean city of Izmir following talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Olmert, Abbas meet in Jerusalem
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Monday in Jerusalem, media reported.
During the meeting, Abbas would urge Olmert to restore calm in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, an advisor to Abbas, said on Sunday, according to Ha'aretz daily.
Abu Rudeineh told reporters that Abbas would ask Olmert to maintain an Egyptian-brokered truce declared effective in June between Israel and Gaza militants.
Banned outfit planning fresh bombings in poll-bound Bangladesh: report
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's banned Islamist militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has begun stockpiling explosives and is planning a fresh round of attacks across the country in the run up to the Dec 18 general elections, officials said.
The military-backed caretaker government has failed to follow up its drive against Islamist militancy, media reports Tuesday said quoting security officials.
Malaysian court invites affidavits on case about use of ‘Allah’
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : All parties to the dispute over the use of the word "Allah" in a Christian publication should have their say, a judge has ordered, after a church official went to court against a home ministry ban on the publication using the word.
To enable all sides to have their say, the court which has been hearing the case since last December has now set Feb 27 as the next date of hearing.
The imborglio started after the use of the word "Allah" in the Herald-The Catholic Weekly, a Christian publication.
Six killed in explosion at Pakistan funeral
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed and about 25 injured Friday when an explosion ripped through a Shia Muslim funeral in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province, officials said.
An angry crowd took to the streets after the blast and some people fired guns into the air in Dera Ismail Khan city, 300 km south of the provincial capital Peshawar.
A small crowd also threw stones at police outside the hospital.
"Six bodies and 20 injured have been moved here," said Ashiq Saleem, head of the district headquarter's hospital.
Militant commander among 7 killed in shelling in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A local militant commander and six others were killed in fresh shelling by the Pakistani security forces in Bajaur tribal region on Friday, TV channels reported.
Shah Khalid, a commander of local Taliban, was killed in Mamond area of Bajaur, ARY television reported.
There was no official confirmation of Khalid's death.
Dawn TV also reported bombing by early morning in Mamond and Chaharmang areas.
Fresh shelling came at a time when funeral of slain tribal chief Malik Rehmatullah, his son and guards held in Badan area.
Pakistan: PM’s special plane brings back FM from India
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi returned home Saturday on Prime Minister’s special aircraft to attend the meeting of cabinet to discuss the Mumbai situation and allegations levelled by India.
The Foreign Minister was in India to discuss the Pakistan‑India peace process with his counterpart, when terrorists struck parts of Mumbai, killing over 190 and injuring hundreds.
Suicide bomb attack on Afghan police vehicle kills 10, injuries 27
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide bomb attack on a police vehicle in southern Afghan province of Helmand Monday noon killed eight civilians and two policemen, injuring 25 civilians and two more police, a provincial police chief said.
The powerful blast happened in a busy bazaar in Musa Qala, a known front-line town in Afghan fighting against Taliban insurgents, in southern Afghanistan, when a suicide attacker while approaching a passing-by police van on foot detonated the bomb attached to himself, Asadullah Sherzad, police chief in Helmand, told Xinhua.