Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib takes 100 Test wickets at home
Fatullah (Bangladesh): Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan captured his 100th Test wicket at home on the third day of the one-off Test match against...
Gilani hopes Pakistan-India dialogue will resume soon
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday reciprocated the good wishes conveyed to him by senior Indian leaders and hoped that the stalled sub-continental dialogue would soon resume.
Gilani made the remarks during a meeting with Population Welfare Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, who has just returned from India after attending the Shoaib Akhtar-Sania Mirza wedding.
Awan also apprised the prime minister of her meetings with Indian leaders, including Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Online news agency reported.
Iran, Turkey foreign ministers discuss issues in Jeddah
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davuto?lu discussed issues of mutual interest in Jeddah Sunday night.
During the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the extraordinary foreign ministerial meeting of the executive committee member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the two men reviewed the latest developments relating to the signing of a tripartite declaration in Tehran by Iran, Brazil and Turkey on Iran’s nuclear fuel swap.
Israel prepares to transfer Fattah Gaza refugees to West Bank
By SPA,
Tel Aviv : Israeli is preparing to transfer to the West Bank Palestinian Fattah activists who fled internecine fighting in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Ministry said Monday.
Some 180 Fattah men, 22 of whom were injured, sought refugee in Israel on Saturday night, according to a report of DPA.
US Secret Service fired gun near Iranian leader in 2006: Book
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Italy to extradite mafia linked suspect from Lebanon
Rome: Italy is seeking to extradite ex-senator Marcello Dell'Utri, a mafia linked suspect and Silvio Berlusconi's former political ally, who was arrested in Lebanon,...
35 dead, 10 missing in Bangladesh boat capsize
By IANS,
Dhaka: At least 35 people were killed and about 10 others were missing when their boat capsized in northeastern Bangladesh Saturday, Xinhua reports.
Turkey, Syria begin first joint military exercise
By DPA,
Ankara : Turkey Monday started its first joint military training exercise with neighbouring Syria, the Turkish general staff said.
The small-scale training exercises focussed on border protection and will last until Wednesday, said a spokesman for the general staff.
Turkey almost went to war with Syria in 1998 when Damascus sheltered Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan, but ties between the two countries have improved in the past few years as Turkey has embraced a greater willingness to engage with all of its neighbours.
First human-to-human bird flu transmission in Pakistan
By DPA
Islamabad : A man in northern Pakistan passed the deadly bird flu virus to two of his brothers, and the virus killed one of them, in the first known human-to-human transmission in Pakistan, a health official said Friday.
"It was definitely person-to-person. That is confirmed," said Maqbool Jan Abbasi, joint secretary of the ministry of health.
He said the World Health Organization confirmed by serological testing from a family in Peshawar, northwest of the capital Islamabad, three brothers had H5N1, the strain of avian influenza that can be deadly in humans.
Zardari vows to root out terror
By IINA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them. Addressing the National Assembly today, the newly elected president vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads". This was his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August. Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.
Dhaka plans sweeping constitutional changes
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government is planning sweeping changes in the country's 1972 constitution to restore some of the original provisions removed or replaced by successive military and civilian regimes.
The changes through the 15th amendment, meant to "let democracy strike deeper roots", would be done through "popular consensus", Law Minister Shafiq Ahmed announced Thursday.
A draft letter has been sent to the Law Commission that would study the statute book to recommend how it can be "updated" and remove some of the "distortions".
Muslim women advise on extremism in UK
LONDON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- Leading Muslim women in the UK were being brought together Wednesday to advise ministers in a new tactic to root out extremism, it was announced here.
The Muslim Women's Advisory Group is to be launched after the British Government came under pressure to help women in the Muslim community gain a greater say, the BBC said.
The group of 19 women assembled by Britain's Communities Secretary Mrs Hazel Blears is to work as part of a grassroots counter-terrorism strategy.
However, some warn they face a tough time winning community trust.
Drone strike kills five in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five suspected militants were killed Friday in a drone strike in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, media reports said.
Pakistani trooper injured in crossfire with NATO forces
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least one Pakistani security personnel was injured in an exchange of fire with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces across the border Wednesday, TV channel Dawn News reported.
The exchange of fire took place between Pakistani security forces in Bajaur tribal agency along the border with Afghanistan and NATO forces, said the report.
There was no official confirmation of the incident.
Bajaur is one of the seven tribal areas in Pakistan considered havens for pro-Taliban elements.
Singapore Armed Forces sends engineers to Afghanistan to help in reconstruction effort
By Xinhua,
Singapore : The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has sent two six-man teams to Bamiyan Province in central Afghanistan, to help with the country's reconstruction effort, said the Defense Ministry in a statement on Monday.
Each construction engineering team will be there for about three months -- between May 3 and October 31, said the statement.
This deployment is part of Singapore's overall contribution to the international humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
OIC adopts Jeddah declaration, seeks increased Islamic solidarity
Jeddah: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Thursday welcomed the Jeddah declaration, which seeks to strengthen economic and political solidarity among member states, the...
US continues push for Middle East direct talks
By IANS,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called key regional leaders, continuing the America's push to start Middle East direct talks, the State Department said Friday.
"Secretary Clinton discussed with Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu on issues to be resolved for direct negotiations to begin," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said in his Twitter messages.
"Secretary Clinton also talked with Jordanian Foreign Minister Judeh and Egyptian Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit about negotiation details," Crowley was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
Pakistan confirms receiving letter from Mumbai attacker
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan on Monday confirmed that its envoy has received a letter from the Mumbai attacker in Indian custody seeking legal help, but demanded enough evidence for his identity.
Pakistan's envoy has received a letter written by Mohammed Ajmal Amir Iman Kasab, the lone Mumbai attacker in the custody of Mumbai police, in which he claims he is a Pakistani, private Dawn News TV channel quoted foreign ministry sources as saying.
But Pakistan foreign ministry said the letter itself is not ample proof that Kasab is a Pakistani.
Nuclear secrets or nuclear pride? – Iranian Soltanieh
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : There are no secrets in Iranian nuclear program, Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Ali Asghar Soltanieh said in Vienna.
"Iran is proud of its nuclear program and doesn't try to hide anything."
Soltanieh sat down earlier this month for an extensive interview with the Los Angeles Times, some of which appeared in Today’s paper.
1,400-year-old wine press found in Israel
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Archaeologists in Israel claimed to have found an antique device which was used to prepare wine during sixth and seventh century.
The 1,400-year-old machine, which was found near Kibbutz Hafetz-Haim, south of Tel-Aviv, is believed to be one of the largest wine presses ever discovered in the country, said Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) Monday.
"The size of the wine press attests to the fact that the quantity of wine that was produced in it was exceptionally large, and was not meant for local consumption," said excavation director Uzi Ad.
EU foreign policy chief to visit Pakistan
By IANS,
Brussels: European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana will visit Pakistan Monday for talks with the country's leadership, the EuAsiaNews reported Sunday.
He will make a two-day stop in the country on his way to attend the Association of South-East Asian Nations' (ASEAN) regional forum meetings Wednesday and Thursday in Phuket in Thailand, EU officials said here.
Solana is expected to discuss EU-Pakistan ties and other regional issues with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and other government officials.
Contempt case: SC to decide Gilani’s fate Thursday
By IANS,
Islamabad : It was judgment day for Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday with the Supreme Court expected to give its verdict in a contempt of court against him.
Afghan teacher killed for preaching against suicide bombing
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan teacher who preached against suicide bombings was killed by unknown armed men in the northern part of the country, officials said Wednesday.
The school teacher was killed by gunfire in Archi district of the northern province of Kunduz Tuesday night, said Juma Khan, the administrative chief of the district.
He said the teacher had recently condemned the wave of suicide bombings in the country and termed them as "un-Islamic" during a speech at a gathering in the district.
Sikhs in Pakistan pay Rs.20 mn to Taliban
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Sikh community has been forced to pay Rs.20 million as "jizia" (tax) to the Taliban so as to return to their homes and resume business, a newspaper said Thursday.
The minority Sikh community Wednesday met the Taliban demand in return for "protection" in Orakzai Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the Daily Times reported.
The Taliban then released Sikh leader Sardar Saiwang Singh and vacated the community's houses. The militia announced that the Sikhs were now free to live anywhere in the area.
Bangladesh orders diplomat caught with gold bars to leave
Dhaka: The North Korean diplomat, who was caught with 27 kg of gold at Bangladesh's Shahjalal International Airport, was on Monday asked to leave...
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.
Pakistani tribesmen warn U.S against any border violation
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A jirga or council of Pakistani tribesmen Wednesday warned of severe action against the American troops if they tried to attack the tribal regions, tribal elders said.
"The eight million tribal people are ever ready to offer any sacrifice for safeguarding their motherland against foreign forces", tribal elders told a gathering of around 4,000 tribesmen from major Ahmedzai Wazir tribe.
Indonesia, Malaysia call for ban of Dutch ‘anti-Koran’ film
By RIA Novosti
Jakarta : Indonesian and Malaysian officials have demanded the banning of a film that juxtaposes verses from Islam's holy book, the Koran, with graphic images of violence.
The 16-minute film, entitled 'Fitna' - an Arabic word meaning 'strife' or 'division among people' - was posted on the U.K.-based video website Liveleak on Thursday evening. It was made by Dutch MP Geert Wilders, who had earlier announced that his film would show that the Koran is "a fascist book" that justifies murder.
Malaysian Parliament dissolved, paving way for generel election
By NNN-Bernama
Putrajaya : Malaysia Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Wednesday announced the dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the 12th general election.
The announcement was made at a media conference at his office here and telecast live on national television, RTM1, at noon.
The prime minister also advised all the state governments, except Sarawak, to dissolve their state assemblies to enable the state elections to be held simultaneously.
Military aircraft crashes in Pakistan, no casualties
By KUNA,
Islamabad : A training aircraft of Pakistan military on Tuesday crashed in eastern Punjab province but the pilot and the instructor ejected to safety.
The aircraft crashed near Gujranwala city, about 300 kilometers south of Islamabad, while on routine training flight, said a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press statement.
The pilot and the instructor safely ejected from the aircraft, it said. The cause of crash was not immediately known.
Vision of Palestinian state, Arab support for that vision, Iranian threat
By KUNA
Washington : Just hours before departing for a wide-ranging trip to the Middle East, President George W. Bush on Tuesday said he will stress the vision of a Palestinian state, the importance of Arab allies helping that vision become reality, and the U.S. commitment to security in the region, particularly in regards to the Iranian threat.
"We are going to go over and stress three themes," Bush told reporters at the White House as he prepared to fly to Israel for the first stop of his trip.
Pakistan to retain nuclear deterrence: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Dismissing apprehensions about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear assets, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday said they formed the cornerstone of the country's deterrence strategy and would be retained at all costs.
"No amount of coercion, direct or indirect, will ever force Pakistan to compromise on its core security interest", APP quoted Gilani as saying during a meeting of the central executive committee and the federal council of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party.
U.S. military says offensive against extremists in northern Iraq sees minor resistance
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The U.S. military said Wednesday that a new round of offensive against al-Qaida and other extremists in northern Iraq has encountered little resistance.
The U.S.-Iraqi joint forces Tuesday unveiled a new military operation dubbed "Phantom Phoenix," which is designed to make the current security gains sustainable.
UAE, Pakistani presidents voice keenness to boost bilateral ties
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan voiced here Monday their keenness to boost their bilateral ties, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his visiting Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari expressed the desire during their meeting.
Iran test-fires Shahab missiles
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran has successfully test-fired a series of indigenously built Shahab missiles that have a maximum range of about 2,000 km, a media report said Monday.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has test-fired Shahab-1, Shahab-2 and Shahab-3 missiles as part of a military exercise called "The Great Prophet IV" that started Sunday, the Press TV said.
The Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 missiles have a range of about 300 and 700 km respectively, while the Shahab-3 missile has a maximum range of about 2,000 km, the report said.
Syria’s Assad denies meddling in Lebanon at boycotted summit
By AFP
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied on Saturday meddling in Lebanon as he hosted an Arab summit boycotted by half of the region's leaders, many of whom blame Damascus for the political crisis in Beirut.
"I would like to make a point with regards to Syrian interference in Lebanon.
It is the contrary which is true because pressure has been exerted on Syria for over a year to interfere in Lebanon's affairs" but we have refused to do so, Assad said.
Hamas Spokesman defends “Dimona” operation
By SPA
Gaza : Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said today that "Dimona" operation is a natural reaction to Israeli crimes and the continued Israeli siege.
Abu Zuhri said in a statement today that this operation affirms the adherence of the Palestinian people to resistance option in all possible forms including martyrdom operations, noting the failure of plots (by Israel) to end the resistance.
Gender discrimination in Pakistan state units: Study
By IANS,
Islamabad : There is gender discrimination in Pakistan's public sector organisations, a study has revealed.
Pakistani Taliban kill 7 ‘U.S. spies’ in tribal region
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban militants have killed seven men in the country’s North Waziristan tribal regon, accusing them of spying for the United States, locals sources said Sunday.
The bullet-ridden bodies of the men were found on Sunday in three different areas in North Waziristan, said the sources.
They added that a note in native Pashto language was placed on the bodies, saying that they were working for the United States and spying on “Mujahideen”.
Iraq’s provincial elections: A test of fragile calm
By DPA,
Baghdad : As voters prepare to go to the polls Jan 31, Iraq stands balanced on a knife-edge as the streets are safer now than they have been at any time since the country slid into civil war in 2005.
When Iraqis vote in 14 of the country's 18 provinces to choose the provincial councils that will govern them, the country could make a great step forward in drawing a line under the recent years of bloodshed. Or, many Iraqis say, if the polls are viewed as unfair, the country could tip back into carnage and chaos.
Malaysia: 12th Parliament convenes Monday, MPs to take oath
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : The 12th Parliament convenes tomorrow following the general election on March 8.
The first meeting of the first session will see the 222 MPs being sworn in. Just before that, Pandikar Amin Mulia is scheduled to take his oath of office as the new Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House)
A vote will be taken to fill the two posts of deputy speaker. The Barisan Nasional (BN) has nominated Santubong MP Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee while the DAP has nominated Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw.
US to pull out 8,000 troops from Iraq by February
By Xinhua,
Washington : US President George W. Bush said Tuesday that he plans to withdraw about 8,000 US troops from Iraq by February 2009 and send some 4,500 troops to Afghanistan by January.
In a speech at the National Defense University, Bush said that improving conditions in Iraq would allow a "quiet surge" of American troops to Afghanistan, where there has been a resurgence of the Taliban and a growth in violence.
The troop cut is smaller than many had expected.
Ex-ACP’s son arrested for trying to abduct Afghan woman
New Delhi: A 28-year-old man, the son of a former senior Delhi police official, was arrested here for trying to abduct a married Afghan...
US Navy chopper crashes near Oman
By IANS,
Washington : A US Navy helicopter crashed near Oman Thursday with five crew members on board.
New Iran site raises question about other secret locations: IAEA
By DPA,
Vienna: Iran's late declaration of a new nuclear site raises the question whether there are other still secret facilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Monday in its latest report on the Islamic state.
Iran informed the Vienna-based IAEA in September that it has been constructing an additional uranium enrichment plant in Fordu, 20 km north of the city of Qom. The plant is set to become operational in 2011.
The restricted report said that "Iran's delay in submitting such information to the Agency does not contribute to the building of confidence".
Opposition party says to form national reconciliation government
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has emerged the single largest party in parliamentary elections, will form a government of national consensus with like minded parties, the party co-chairman said Tuesday.
Asif Ali Zardari told a news conference that he had talked to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed the future plan.
The PPP has secured 85 National Assembly seats of 268 general seats on which elections were held on Monday.
Sharif's Muslim League-N has secured 65 seats and placed second in the number game.
Australian PM asks India, Pakistan to maintain calm
By NNN-PTI,
Melbourne : Describing terrorism as an enemy of all civilised countries and people, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has asked both India and Pakistan to maintain calm in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Mumbai.
"The Government of Pakistan has made appropriate statements but I've got to say what is called for in the period ahead is calm between Islamabad and New Delhi for what could be a very difficult period ahead," Rudd was quoted as saying in an ABC report.
UN Security Council meets on Iran draft sanctions
By DPA,
New York : UN Security Council members were handed a new draft resolution Tuesday for fresh sanctions against Iran.
The council's 15 members held the closed-door session at UN headquarters in New York to take a first reading of the draft, within hours of US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's announcement in Washington that UN powers had agreed on the text.
The draft had not been made public. Washington said it expects a vote "within weeks".
Three killed in Pakistan roadside bomb explosion
Islamabad : At least three people, including a politician belonging to former cricketer Imran Khan's party, were killed Monday in a roadside bomb explosion...
Egypt to hold Arab economic summit
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt will hold the second Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit in January next year, Xinhua reported Saturday.
Hisham Youssef, chief of cabinet for Arab League Secretary General, said preparations for Jan 19 summit have begun.
The first Arab economic summit was held in January 2009 in Kuwait.
The summit pledged to link Arab countries with a rail network, set up a $2-billion fund to help small and medium-sized firms and set up the Arab Custom Union by 2015.
Pakistan: apprehension palpable ahead of Feb 18 elections
By NNN-IRIN
Lahore : With just days to go before the general election, colourful flags and election banners flutter in the winter breeze across towns and cities in Pakistan.
But the sense of festivity that usually marks elections in Pakistan is largely absent. A deep sense of apprehension is palpable, and people remain reluctant to join in the rallies and corner meetings.
The months leading up to the polls scheduled for Feb 18 have been marred by a series of deadly suicide bombings.
Lahore attack a conspiracy against Pakistan: Musharraf
By IANS,
Islamabad : Strongly condemning the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, former president Pervez Musharraf Thursday termed it a conspiracy against Pakistan.
"Whatever happened was very bad. I condemn it in the strongest terms. It was a conspiracy against Pakistan, an attempt to destroy Pakistan's cricket," Musharraf told reporters here in his first public comments on Tuesday's attack on the Sri Lankan team bus that resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to six players and an assistant coach.
"Cricket is finished. This is very bad," he added.
Bangladeshis cast votes in parliamentary elections in festive atmosphere
By Wang Xuemei, Xinhua,
Dhaka : Tens of millions of Bangladesh voters on Monday crowded into polling stations across the country and queued to cast votes in the country's long-awaited ninth parliamentary elections.
As the Election Commission has declared the election day a public holiday and also imposed restriction on plying of vehicles. Streets here were empty and shops all closed, compared to huge crowds and long queues outside the polling centers.
Lakhvi saga shows Pakistan’s hypocrisy, says daily
Islamabad : Hours before Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi walked free on Friday, a leading Pakistani newspaper pulled up Islamabad for its failure to convict the...
N-talks not solution to Iran’s economic problems: Khamenei
Tehran : The remedy for Iran's economic problems cannot come out of the ongoing negotiations over the country's nuclear programme, but it requires domestic...
Taliban create special unit to avenge Osama killing
By IANS/AKI,
Kabul : The Taliban have created a special unit in Afghanistan to avenge the killing of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, an outfit commander in Afghanistan told Al Jazeera.
Iraq to rehabilitate former Saddam’s party members
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraq's parliament on Saturday passed a controversial law on reinstatement of former Saddam's Baath Party members to government jobs.
The parliament passed the Accountability and Justice bill to replace the de-Baathification law, which banned Saddam's supporters from participating in the public life in the country after the collapse of Saddam's regime by a U.S.-led coalition in 2003.
Israel continues Gaza strikes; France to hold discussion
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip entered its sixth day Thursday with the Israeli air force and navy hitting targets in the salient, as Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was set to fly to Paris for discussions on the crisis.
An Israeli military spokesman said Thursday morning that the air force and navy had carried out around 20 operations since midnight, hitting, among other targets, the Palestinian Legislative Council building, the Hamas-run ministry of justice, tunnels running under the Gaza-Egyptian border, and a Hamas arms depot.
Abu Dhabi hosts Ophthalmology meet
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The World Ophthalmology Congress 2012 opened here will help generate $21,880, the organisers said.
15 killed in violent clashes in Libya
Tripoli : Over 15 people were killed and 10 others injured in violent clashes on Saturday between forces of the General National Congress (GNC)...
Israeli, Palestinian forces engage in medium-scale hostilities
By Zakaria Al-Telimis, KUNA
Gaza : Armed hostilities between heavily-armed Israeli forces and ill-equipped Palestinian guerrillas resumed on medium scale in Gaza Strip on Monday.
Witnesses said Israeli gunship helicopters fired a rocket in the direction of a group of Palestinians in the town of Bait Hanoun in the north of the strip, wounding several of them.
Over the night, the multi-winged aircraft raided a carpentry store in the same town. The place was set alight and several people were wounded in the strike.
Iran To Continue Cooperation With IAEA: Jalili
BEIJING, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said here Thursday that Iran will continue its positive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"Countries which intended to impose sanctions against Iran and put the country under pressure have achieved no success yet," Jalili told IRNA upon his arrival in Beijing.
"International developments and Iran's rational attitude will not let any country to use various means including sanctions or pressures," he added.
Pakistan’s policy on extremists poses serious threat: Clinton
By DPA,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that Pakistan's policy of ceding territory to Islamic extremists poses a serious threat that cannot be overlooked.
During testimony before the foreign policy committee in the House of Representatives, Clinton called on Pakistanis "to speak out forcefully against a policy that is ceding more and more territory to the insurgents, to the Taliban, to Al Qaeda, to the allies that are in this terrorist syndicate".
Haven for Al Qaeda in Pakistan `very troubling’: Clinton
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Describing the "safe haven" that Al Qaeda has found in Pakistan as "very troubling", US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the terror group is engaged with the Pakistani Taliban in threatening the state of Pakistan.
The US was in Afghanistan "because we believe that we cannot permit the return of a safe haven or a staging platform for terrorists", she told German Der Spiegel newspaper in Berlin, according to a transcript of the interview released Tuesday by the State Department.
The other Pakistan – that is different, yet like us!
By Shilpa Raina,
For anyone living either in India or Pakistan, even the faint prospect of travelling to the other side is no less than a lifetime's opportunity. The strained sub-continental relations have however resulted in strict visa procedures, turning dreams into distant desires.
Israel arrests over 20 Palestinians during crackdown in W Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli forces arrested more than20 Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus early Monday, including a Hamas woman lawmaker, businessmen and students, security sources said.
The detentions were part of a crackdown that Israel launched against civil institutions and charities alleged to be linked with Hamas.
The Israeli forces rolled into the city at 3:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), and broke into tens of houses and conducted search operations, according to the sources.
Quakes hits several Iran provinces
By NNN
Tehran : An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale jolted the outskirts of Deihouk in the central province of Yazd early Sunday morning.
According to the seismological base of the Geophysics Institute of Tehran University, the quake was registered at 01:11 hours local time (2141 GMT Saturday).
The epicenter of the quake was in an area located 57.35 degrees in longitude and 33.29 degrees in latitude, the report added.
There are no reports of any casualty or damage to property caused by the quake.
Car bomb explodes near Iranian Embassy in Iraqi capital
By SPA,
Baghdad : A police official says at least two civilians have been killed and five wounded when a car bomb exploded near the Iranian Embassy.
The official says Sunday's blast occurred during morning rush hour in a parking lot across the street from the embassy.
He says two civilians were killed and the wounded included three embassy guards, according to a report of the Associated Press.
U.S.-led Coalition kills several militants in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces have killed several "extremists" and detained six others during an anti-insurgent operation in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan, according to a Coalition statement issued here Saturday.
The U.S.-led military identified several "extremists" maneuvering against the force and responded with small arms fire and an air strike on May 23 during a search of compounds in Garmser district targeting "a extremist cell conducting financing, weapons and foreign fighter operations in the area," it said, giving no more information.
Pakistan tightens security ahead of elections
By Xinhua
Lahore, Pakistan : Police and security forces were obviously on high alert in Pakistan's major cities on Friday, the first day of the sensitive month of Muharram on Islamic calendar and just one day after a deadly suicide attack in the eastern city of Lahore.
Several police officers were guarding outside the fence on the Mall Road in front of the High Court, the site of Thursday's suicide attack in the downtown area that killed about 20, mostly police officers on duty maintaining order at the gathering of some judges in a protest.
China welcomes new Pakistan PM
By IANS,
Beijing : China Monday congratulated Pakistan's new Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and pledged a closer partnership with Islamabad.
Multinational rescue efforts launched for missing Malaysian airliner
Kuala Lumpur/Hanoi: Multinational rescue efforts have been launched to locate a Malaysia Airlines plane that lost contact with air traffic control early Saturday, two...
Australia to send military forces to Middle East
Canberra : The Australian government Sunday decided to send military forces to the Middle East as part of the international efforts to combat the...
Dhaka to upgrade highway link with Chittagong
By IANS,
Dhaka : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is poised to resume a project to upgrade the highway linking the national capital with Chittagong port city to speed up movement and curb accidents.
The four-lane highway is to eventually link to the Asian Super Highway, The Daily Star newspaper said Wednesday.
The government has decided to seek international invitation for pre-qualifying tender for it, due to cancellation of the immediate past bids.
Saudi Arabia deports 23,000 Indonesian migrant workers
By NNN-Antara,
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) : The Saudi government deported 23,644 Indonesian migrant workers (TKIs), most of which were women, in the January-December 2008 period, Indonesia`s Consul General here Abdullah Mansyur said on Tuesday.
Mansyur said that most of the deported TKIs had entered the country illegally. Some had used only `umroh` (minor hajj) visas and stayed until the hajj pilgrimage season came, thus overstaying their visas.
The Indonesian consul general said that most of the illegal TKIs had no official immigration documents such as passports and other identities.
Pakistani mountaineer honoured in US
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Legendry Pakistani climber Nazir Sabir was honoured with the honorary membership of American Alpine Club as a token for his outstanding achievements in Himalayan climbing and his services in the field of environmental protection.
According to message received here, Nazir is one of the few selected climbers outside America holding the honour.
He was invited to attend and deliver a lecture at the annual dinner of the AAC in Golden, a mountain outpost in Colorado.
UAE, Indonesia hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia have held discussions to enhance bilateral relations in various sectors that could benefit both the countries.
Dhaka seeks easier browsing in Bengali on the Internet
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has filed an application with the global internet body to facilitate easier browsing on the net in Bengali.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina filed the formal application to include Bengali in country code and Top Level Domain (ccTLD) for a greater recognition of the language in the world community.
It was moved Feb 21. The fight to have Bengali as an official language of Pakistan was started on this date in 1952, when Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan.
Jeddah energy meeting calls for greater transparency in oil market deals
By Xinhua,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia : An energy meeting focusing on rocketing oil prices concluded Sunday in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city of Jeddah, with a statement calling for "improved" transparency and regulation in oil production and financial markets dealing in crude oil.
The meeting, which came at a time when global oil prices hit a record near 140 U.S. dollars per barrel, got together the world's major oil producers and consumers, as well as leaders from big oil firms and international organizations.
Pakistani election commission declares Zardari as new president
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday evening announced the official result of the presidential election and declared People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari as the new president.
Zardari, widower of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, secured 481 votes from the total number of 702 votes of the electoral college consisting of two houses of the parliament and four provincial assemblies.
According to the constitution, the candidate who has simple majority of the 702 votes will be the next president of the country.
Khamenei aide: Iran to hit Tel Aviv and U.S. fleet in Gulf if attacked
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran would strike Tel Aviv and the U.S. fleet in the Gulf as a first response to any attack against the Islamic republic, an aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday.
"The Zionist regime (Israel) is pressuring White House officials to prepare a military attack against Iran," Iran's ISNA news agency quoted Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative in the Revolutionary Guards navy division, as saying.
UK troops put under US command in Helmand
By IRNA,
London : Around 8,000 British troops in Helmand are being put under US command in a major restructuring plan following the dispatch of some 20,000 American reinforcements to the volatile province in southern Afghanistan.
Under the arrangements announced by Britain’s Ministry of Defence, the existing Regional Command (South) will be split during the summer into two new headquarters based in Helmand and Kandahar.
Iran to increase uranium enrichment if Vienna talks fail
By DPA,
Tehran/Vienna : Iran will independently enrich uranium to levels beyond what is needed for basic power generation if talks in Vienna on a plan to process the country's nuclear fuel abroad fail, the spokesman of the Iranian Atomic Organisation stressed Monday.
Ali Shirzadian spoke in Tehran ahead of Monday's multilateral meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on a deal to export most of Iran's enriched uranium to Russia and France, in order to enrich it to a higher level so it can be used in a medical-purpose reactor in Tehran.
Six robbers lynched in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Six robbers were beaten to death in a Bangladesh village after their gang gunned down a villager.
The incident took place in Noakhali district early Wednesday.
Leading Fatah member urges reconciliation with Hamas
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A leading member of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement on Wednesday called for reconciliation with rival Hamas movement "to protect the Palestinian cause."
Qadoura Fares, a Fatah leader in the West Bank, said the internal political rift between Fatah and Hamas must be ended to maintain the Palestinian rights and face the Israeli offensive.
"We should together think how to resume the reconstruction process and bring safety to the Palestinian people and boost their living," Fares told reporters.
Commander: Iran’s naval forces ready to protect Gulf
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Commander of Iran's Navy Forces Habibollah Sattari said Wednesday that Iran's naval forces are fully ready to protect the entire Gulf, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Sattari told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to a naval base in Sirjan, a city in southern province of Kerman.
The forces will defend the territory of the country as well as the sea borders powerfully, the report quoted Sattari as saying.
He also said the country's naval forces are controlling and closely watching all movements in the region now.
Death toll in Pakistan bombings reaches 27
By DPA,
Islamabad : The death toll in a pair of car bombings in northwestern Pakistan rose to 27 Sunday, police and hospital authorities said.
Rescuers found two more bodies of policemen as they clawed through the rubble of a police station in the volatile Bannu district, where a suicide bomber blew up an explosives-laden pickup truck Saturday morning.
"The confirmed casualty count as of Sunday stands at 14 - nine policemen and five civilians," police officer Talha Khan said.
British doctors set to condemn Israel
London, June 28, IRNA – British doctors are set to condemn Israel for causing healthcare crisis in Gaza at their annual conference in Brighton, southern England.
Two identical motions to be debated at the British Medical Association (BMA) conference on Thursday deplore the “restricted access to healthcare and intimidation suffered by medical staff in the Palestinian territories occupied and controlled by Israel.”
Vote audit of Afghan presidential runoff suspended
Kabul : The vote audit of Afghan presidential runoff was suspended Sunday.
"The process of auditing the votes cast in presidential runoff was suspended due...
Israel rejects calls for truce, Gaza toll nears 370
By DPA,
Gaza/Tel Aviv : Israel Tuesday rejected calls by the UN and European Union (EU) for an immediate ceasefire and instead prepared for what could be "long weeks of combat", as a ferocious air offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip entered its fourth day.
Caretaker Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the air campaign, which has seen close to 400 airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza in just four days, was only the "first" of a "series" of phases of the offensive.
Ground troops have massed outside Gaza since Sunday.
International squash event postponed after Lahore attack
By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan's squash fraternity received a setback Thursday when a world ranking tournament which was to be played in Islamabad next month was postponed following an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore earlier this week.
"Following Tuesday's attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) has acted speedily to postpone the next major PSA Tour event to be staged in Pakistan," a PSA statement said.
“We know very less about each other,” says renowned B’desh Baul musician Mac Haque
By Abdul Gani, TwoCircles.net,
Guwahati: He is very popular and widely respected in Bangladesh. A household name in the world of Baul sangeet, Maqsoodul Haque – whose roots are from Assam – has also been able to leave a mark in this part of India with his mesmerizing performances.
Pope concerned for Christians, other minorities in Iraq
Vatican City/Baghdad : Pope Francis Thursday expressed concern over the violence in northern Iraq, following the exodus of thousands of Christian families in the...
Gaza toll reaches 800
Gaza : The toll in the coastal enclave of the Gaza Strip in the ongoing Israeli offensive has escalated to 800, with no signs...
This is not a credit crisis
By Mansoor Durrani,
Past:
When Mr Warren Buffet, the richest man in the world, called some financial instruments like the Derivates and Credit Default Swaps (CDS) ‘financial weapons of mass destruction’ over three years back, few of us took notice. The world economy was on the roll. European realty and financial markets were booming. US was winning ‘the war on terror’. And rest of the world was blindly aping this mirage called ‘American Dream’.
Soldier killed, four wounded in SW Pakistan explosion
By KUNA
Islamabad : A soldier was killed and four others were wounded Thursday in a roadside explosion in Southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan, said police.
A Frontier Core (FC) vehicle hit a roadside bomb near gas-rich Sui district, about 350 kilometers South of Quetta, the provincial capital, police sources told KUNA.
They said the explosion killed one soldier and wounded four others.
Two killed in Pakistan’s NWFP
By SPA
Islamabad : A woman and her son were killed in firing by unknown armed persons in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Saturday, police said.
The incident occurred at Lachi Bala area of Kohat district when some unknown gunmen barged into a house and opened indiscriminate firing on the mother and her son.
Meanwhile, a bomb explosion damaged the building of a girls middle school in Germany Qila area of Darra Adamkhel near Kohat.
Unknown miscreants had planted explosives in the building.
Taliban announces ceasefire for Pakistan polls
By Muhammad Najeeb
Islamabad, Feb 14 (IANS) The Taliban in Pakistan has announced a ceasefire ahead of the Feb 18 parliament polls, saying no attacks will be carried out on any election facility or rally.
"We announce ceasefire in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and tribal areas during elections," an organization named 'Taliban Ittehad' or Taliban Alliance said in a message released to the media.
The message signed by Maulvi Umer of the Taliban Alliance said that from South Waziristan to Swat in NWFP they will not attack any people or election facility.
Iraq, US in final phase over long-term cooperation treaty – FM
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has announced that negotiations with the Americans on a long-term cooperation treaty were "in the last phase."
Zebari, speaking at a news conference wednesday, indicated that if the two sides could not work out a security agreement, "alternatives could be sought such as a memorandum of understanding or a United Nations resolution to stipulate presence of the foreign forces for another mandate or another year."
Kuwait plans to develop media city
By IANS,
Dubai : Kuwait is planning to develop a media city as part of its five-year 50-billion Kuwaiti dinars ($186.6 billion) overall development plan.
Kuwait's Minister for Information Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah said that the media city would be where all cultural and media and information venues would be located, and interact to better represent and serve the state's advancement and accomplishments, the official Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
The minister added 95 percent of the land on which the city is to be developed is state property.
Saudi-led coalition launches airstrikes in Yemen ahead of truce
Sanaa : The Saudi Arabia-led military coalition launched airstrikes on Tuesday against several Houthi military positions in Sanaa, just hours before the five-day humanitarian...
Taliban softens on Sharia appeal courts as Pakistan, US toughen stand
By IANS,
Islamabad/Washington : The Taliban appeared to be backing down Thursday, saying it did not intend to create a state within a state following the imposition of Sharia laws in Pakistan's northwest and also indefinitely extended its deadline for setting up Islamic courts of appeal in Swat.
The developments came as Pakistan Thursday warned of action against the Taliban if it violates the controversial Swat peace agreement and the US accused Islamabad of "abdicating" to the militants.
Rs.12 bn Pakistani expressway inaugurated
By IANS,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has inaugurated the Rs.12 billion Islamabad-Murree Expressway.
Iran increasing lethal aid to Syria: US daily
By IANS,
Washington : Iran is increasing its aid, especially lethal assistance, to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his crackdown on opposition forces, a US daily has said.
Pakistan court grants 26/11 mastermind Lakhvi bail
Islamabad : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday ordered the conditional release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai...
Egyptian PM stresses good bilateral ties with Kuwait
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Nazif reiterated here on Tuesday that the Governments of Egypt and Kuwait have been strig for the development of relations between them in various areas.
Nazif said in a press statement at the conclusion of talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, "I take this opportunity to welcome the Guest and thank him for accepting this call and his presence with us today at the head of a high-level delegation."
Pakistan: PPP, PML(N) to form governments at provincial level
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (N) agreed to form governments at provincial level while modalities are being finalized to form government at the center.
This was stated by Nawaz Sharif PML- N Chief while addressing a joint press conference with Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday.
Pakistani artists, activists to participate in peace festival
By IANS,
Amritsar: Amritsar is all set to host the 10-day 'Peace Festival 2009' from Wednesday that will see the participation of around 90 artists and activists from neighbouring Pakistan.
This festival is being organised by the South Asia Foundation, a non-profit organisation that has eight autonomous chapters in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
21 militants killed in Afghanistan military operations
Kabul: At least 21 Taliban militants were killed in the past 24 hours during series of military operations in Afghanistan, the country's interior ministry...
Hamas-run court gives death penalty to Gazan for cooperating with Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian military court on Tuesday sentenced a Gaza Strip resident to hanging for alleged security cooperation with Israel.
The military court, run by Islamic Hamas movement, "ruled to hang Mohammed Ali Saidam, 34, after he was found guilty of committing treason, spying, plotting and cooperating with the Zionist enemy," said Ahmed Attalla, head of Hamas' military judicial system.
And the celebrations began – but uncertainty may continue
By Zofeen T. Ebrahim, IANS
Karachi : Bilawal House, Benzair Bhutto's residence in Karachi, that looked eerily quiet on election day Feb 18, suddenly came alive with the first scent of victory.
Ecstatic workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reached in droves from all over Karachi and began making merry amid blaring horns. Many broke into impromptu songs and dance and the rat-a-tat of rifle firing continued till the wee hours.
Abdullah Badawi urges imams to adopt soft approach
By IINA,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has urged imams to use a soft approach to attract young Muslims to mosques, adding that mosques should play a bigger social role, The Star daily reported yesterday. "Show love and tell them that Allah loves them and accept repentance," Abdullah told conference for imams at the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. "Don't start with anger." The third Mosque Imam Multaqa was held under the theme of "Community disunity threatens national security".
Khamenei says Iran is after the peaceful use of nuclear energy
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday his country will continue its peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Khamenei, who has final say in all matters in Iran, spoke at a ceremony Tuesday honoring the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Iran is after the peaceful use of nuclear energy and we will strongly pursue and reach it despite the envy of our enemies, he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
No wise nation is interested in making a nuclear weapon, since it is not logical and cannot be used, he added.
US drone strike kills 12 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suspected US unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at a militant hideout in Pakistan's ungoverned tribal region on the border with Afghanistan, killing at least 12 people, intelligence officials said Friday.
The attack took place Thursday just before midnight in Dandy Darpa Khel village near Mir Ali town of the North Waziristan tribal district, where Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters have havens.
Uncertainties over Gaza truce proposals
By DPA,
Cairo/Tel Aviv : Uncertainties remain over a proposed truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas after the Israeli government refused Wednesday to confirm or deny Egyptian statements that it had accepted in principle Cairo's proposals.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's spokesman Mark Regev said the truce had not yet been finalized.
"The process is still ongoing. It is still work in progress," he told DPA. "We are continuing our dialogue with Egypt."
Doha conference urges more efforts to achieve MDGs
By DPA,
Doha : Participants at the Doha Review Conference for Development Finance have called for the international community to redouble its efforts to achieve the UN millennium development goals (MDGs).
"In a world that has witnessed fast technological advances, poverty, hunger and easily preventable diseases continue to threaten our future generations and we are far from our millennium (development) pledge to provide universal primary education for those who do survive," read part of the statement issued at the end of the four-day conference.
UAE pledges support for global anti-corruption drive
By IANS
Amman : United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged it will spare no effort to back sustained regional and international initiatives for fighting crimes and entrenching justice.
"The UAE will continue its close cooperation with all international specialised organisations in this regard," UAE Minister of Justice Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhahiri said Tuesday while addressing a regional conference dedicated to discuss the UN anti-corruption convention in the Dead Sea resort of Jordan, WAM news agency reported.
Gunmen kidnap policeman, wound 10 in Iraq
By Xinhua
Fallujah, Iraq : A policeman was kidnapped and 10 others were wounded when gunmen attacked their checkpoint early on Friday near the city of Fallujah, 50 km west of Baghdad, a local police source said.
"Dozens of gunmen stormed a checkpoint outside the town of Saglawiyah, 5 km northeast of Fallujah, and clashed with policemen manning the checkpoint," the source old Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
14 journalists killed in Iraq in 2014: report
Baghdad: A total of 14 journalists were killed in the violence-ridden Iraq last year, an Iraqi journalists' body said Tuesday.
The latest body count brings...
Palestine Mourns over Israeli Massacre
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : The Palestinian National Authority declared on Wednesday three days of mourning and a general strike to protest the killing of 19 people by the Israeli army in Gaza, called a massacre by national leaders.
The incursion, which left over 50 wounded people, started at dawn, when several excavators destroyed agricultural areas outside Gaza, while the infantry, supported by armored vehicles and helicopters, burst into the Zaitun neighborhood and shot people at close range.
Khalifa orders releasing 103 Egyptian prisoners
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered to release 103 Egyptian prisoners, who were sentenced in different cases.
UN: Afghan children continue to suffer from conflicts
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Children in Afghanistan would continue to suffer from the war and instability in the war-torn country, UN Special Envoy for Children and Armed Conflict Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy said Thursday.
The children in Afghanistan, she added, are the forgotten victims of the conflicts as many of them have been used as combatants and porters of munitions.
Jordan buys back $2.4 bn of debts
By DPA
Amman : The Jordanian government Sunday signed agreements with 10 member states of the Paris Club for creditor countries under which it bought back $2.4 billion of its debts at a discount rate of 11 percent.
The accords were signed with Canada, Italy, Belgium, the US, Germany, Britain, France, Spain, Switzerland and Austria.
Jordan did not sign a similar agreement with Japan because its constitution prohibits the selling of debts.
Afghan elections will be challenging: British envoy
By DPA,
London : The presidential elections in Afghanistan later this month will be "very challenging" but measures are in place to "mitigate" threatened disruption from Taliban forces, Britain's ambassador to Kabul said Wednesday.
Mark Sedwill, speaking via videolink to a briefing at the Foreign Office in London, said the recent increased fighting in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan had guaranteed that about 70 percent of the people there would be able to vote.
GCC Finance Ministers to remove obstacles facing custom union
By NNN-KUNA,
Doha : Ministers of Finance and Economy agreed here to remove all obstacles facing GCC custom union, Kuwait's Minister of Finance Mostafa Al-Shimali said.
Al-Shimali, speaking to KUNA after the meeting on Saturday, said removal of obstacles would take place through special committees tasked with following up the implementation of the custom union of the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
UAE emirate launches Quran website
By IANS/WAM,
Ajman (UAE) : Muslims can easily browse and download the Holy Quran in Arabic and English thanks to a new website launched by the UAE emirate of Ajman.
Two Hamas members killed in Gaza explosion
By Xinhua,
Gaza : At least two Palestinians were killed on Tuesday morning in an explosion in a training camp for Hamas armed wing in southern Gaza Strip, security and medical sources said.
"The paramedics evacuated two dead bodies and two wounded persons and we expect more casualties because the blast destroyed the whole facility," said Muawia Hassanien of the Health Ministry ambulance department.
Russian tourist dies in Turkey
By IANS,
Ankara : One Russian man was killed and 17 others wounded when a bus carrying Russian tourists overturned in Turkey, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Abu Dhabi and Libya signs two agreements
By WAM
Tripoli : The Libyan Social & Economic Development Fund (SEDF) and the Abu Dhabi-based Al Mibar International for Investments Saturday signed a joint venture agreement for a USD 500 million.
The agreement which was signed in presence of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs, provides for setting up a joint company with a capital of USD 500 million, to be shared equally by the two sides, to create development projects in Libya, covering real estate and tourism fields.
Pilgrims arriving Madinah exceed 842,000
By SPA,
Madinah : According to a report released by the secretariat of the Hajj committee in Madinah, the number of pilgrims who arrived in Madianh up to yesterday amounted to 842035, while the number of the pilgrims who left the City up to yesterday amounted to 703053. This will make the remaining pilgrims in Madinah up to yesterday 138854.
The pilgrims included 19903 Indians, 17595 Pakistanis and 12411 Egyptians.
The number of the flights arriving at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport yesterday amounted to 33.