8th Int’l Petrochemical Confab to be held in Tehran
By IRNA,
Tehran : The Eighth International Petrochemical Conference will be held in the IRIB International Conference Center from May 17-18.
A group of high ranking officials and representatives of domestic and foreign companies will take part in the event.
The conference aims to prepare the ground for getting familiar with Iranian petrochemical industry and to provide investment opportunities in this respect.
ElBaradei: Iran’s decision for cooperation with IAEA a milestone
By IRNA,
Vienna : Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said Wednesday that Iran's decision to have more cooperation with the IAEA is a milestone.
ElBaradei said that he hoped his agency will make progress in its investigation into Tehran's alleged nuclear weapons programs.
The top IAEA official made the comment in Sarajevo on Wednesday shortly after his Agency announced that Iran had agreed to cooperate with IAEA in its investigation.
Alleged studies is a clause of the last IAEA report on cooperation with Iran.
Two Turkish soldier killed in clash with PKK rebels
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Two Turkish soldiers were killed in an operation staged against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party(PKK) in southeastern Turkey on Friday, the General Staff said in a statement.
Two soldiers were killed in a clash with PKK rebels in Mount Cudi region in southeastern province of Sirnak on Friday, said the statement.
UN chief urges more efforts to help Iraq overcome divisions
By Xinhua,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday that more needs to be done to help Iraqi communities resolve the fundamental issues that divide them.
In his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Iraq, Ban noted that some initial steps towards national reconciliation in Iraq have begun.
He said that the Iraqi government "continues to face formidable challenges to reaching a national consensus on how to share power and resources."
Halt in Gaza aid unacceptable – Russia FM
By NNN-KUNA,
Moscow : The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized on Friday the suspension of food supplies to Palestinian refugees, saying it may lead to famine and more tension.
"The termination of supplies threatens spread of hunger and a sharp rise in internal tension. Moscow believes that such actions, which may be regarded as collective punishment of the civilian population, must be avoided," Boris Malakhov, deputy spokesman for the ministry, told the press.
Elections run-off begins
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The 8th Majlis run-off elections started here at 54 constituencies at 08:00 am Tehran times on Friday.
Some 164 candidates run the race in 100 cities in 21 provinces to win 82 parliamentary seats.
The run-off elections will be held for 10 hours based on the law and the time would be extended if necessary.
One Palestinian killed, seven hurt in clashes
By SPA,
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen are exchanging heavy fire in northern Gaza. Medics say one Palestinian has been killed.
The clashes began before dawn Saturday when an Israeli undercover force entered a border area. Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters fired at the force. They used machine guns, mortars and homemade bombs, according to a report of the Associated Press.
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.
UN condemns Taliban attack on Afghanistan’s victory parade
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council issued a condemnation Monday of the Taliban-led attack against a victory parade in Kabul attended by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who escaped unhurt.
One person was killed and 11 others injured when Taliban forces opened fire on a parade marking the end of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in February 1989, by Afghan freedom fighters known as mujahideen.
Israeli Army Kills Gaza Family
By Prensa Latina,
Ramallah : Israeli tanks attacked a locality in Gaza Strip, killing seven Palestinians, four children among them, and wounding about 20 others, medical sources informed.
The incursion was against Beit Hanun, one of communities most attacked by the Israeli army in northern Gaza.
The sources added the four children were brothers ranging from 1to 7 years of ages, and their mother also died when a projectile struck the house.
Iran to counter Dutch anti-Islam video with two documentaries
By ANTARA News,
Tehran : Iran is to counter the anti-Islamic video Fitna (Discord) made by Dutch legislator Geert Wilders with two documentary films, Fars news agency reported Monday.
The Iranian films are titled Reply to Fitna and Beyond Fitna and aimed at what the filmmakers call neutralizing the "plot" by the Dutch against Islam.
The two Iranian filmmakers have also declared their readiness to have a debate with Wilders over his film.
WIEF reaffirms importance Kuwait attaches to OIC — state minister
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) comes to affirm the importance that Kuwait attached to the Organization of the Islamic Conference and its support for all its affiliate institutions and activities, said Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Hajji on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the WIEF, Al-Hajji, who is Chairman of the Forum's Higher Organizing Committee, welcomed the participants in Kuwait and hoped that the meetings would serve the best interests of the Muslim countries and people.
Palestinian factions fire rockets into Israel after seven killed
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian militants fired tens of home-made rockets and mortar shells into Israeli targets around Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
The armed factions said the rocket attacks were in response to the killing of seven Palestinians, including a woman and her four children, during an Israeli army operation in northern Gaza Strip Monday.
The armed wing of Islamic Hamas movement, which ruled Gaza Strip, claimed responsibility for launching nine Qassam rockets into Sderot city in Western Negev.
NATO critically short of troops in Afghanistan, says UK briefing
By IRNA,
London : The Nato mission in Afghanistan is "critically" short of key troops and equipment, according to a leaked British Foreign Office briefing.
The three-page document, which summarizes the British view of Afghanistan, was drawn up at the request of Prime Minister Gordon Brown to be distributed to western allies, according to the Daily Telegraph, which published extracts of the report Tuesday.
"Critical military gaps remain to be filled," the paper said, listing that Nato still needed more helicopters, more aircraft and more training teams to help the Afghan army.
Iraq opens trial on former regime officials
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi High Tribunal opened trial Tuesday on Saddam's former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and his seven codefendants over their alleged roles in the execution of 42 merchants in 1992.
It was the first time that Aziz, 72, who also served as foreign minister in Saddam's regime, appeared in court as a defendant since he turned himself in to U.S. forces two weeks after the invasion in 2003. He has appeared as a witness in earlier trials on former Saddam era officials.
Hindraf leader to take oath in jail
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : His plea for freedom not heeded, M. Manoharan, the detained Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader, is expected to take oath as a legislator at the Kamuntin Detention Camp May 8.
Manoharan was elected to the Selangor state legislature from Kota Alam Shah in the March general elections while in prison.
He is serving a two-year term under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA) along with four others of the Hindraf for organising a protest rally of Tamil Hindus in November.
300 killed in Iraqi Shia bastion in April
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll in clashes between the Shia militia and the US-backed Iraqi forces in the capital's Sadr City area climbed to more than 300 in April, sources said Wednesday.
Women and children were among the victims of the clashes in the stronghold of Mahdi army militia, loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the sources told Xinhua.
Up to 321 people were killed and some 834 wounded in the clashes in the slum of Sadr City in April, according to the ministry database.
Czech Republic to send special forces unit to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Prague : The lower house of Czech parliament Wednesday agreed to deploy a special-forces unit to Afghanistan for the rest of 2008.
The deployment was already cleared in the Senate, upper houser of parliament, and it does not require a presidential approval.
A contingent of up to 100 special-forces troops is to serve under US-led operation Enduring Freedom. The unit has already served in the mission in 2004 and 2006.
Initial approval for Oman’s Bank of Muscat to operate branch in Kuwait
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Kuwait's Central Bank Governor Sheikh Salem Abdul-aziz Al-Sabah has said that it initially agreed to grant a licence to Oman's Bank of Muscat to open a branch in Kuwait.
Sheikh Salem said in a press release Sunday the approval is the fifth by the Central Bank within cooperation with central banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The Governor also noted that there are already two branches of UAE and Qatar banks active in the country and listed in the Central Bank's record.
Malaysia to spend $778 million on food security
By IINA,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia will spend 2.49 billion ringgit ($778 million) this year to increase food production, a top minister said amid soaring costs globally for staple items like rice.
IAEA hopes to shed light on Syrian reactor soon
By DPA,
Brussels : The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said Wednesday he hoped his agency could soon shed light on an alleged nuclear reactor which the US claims was secretly built by Syria with North Korean help before being destroyed by Israel.
"We are now in dialogue with the Syrians ... I hope we will be able in the next few weeks to be in a position to shed some light on the nature of the facility that was destroyed," said Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during a visit to Brussels.
Fourth constituency candidate calls for motivating young people
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Fourth constituency candidate, Abdullah Al-Mutotah, urged the motivation of young people and placing emphasis on this important segment of the society, whom he called the true wealth of the country.
Speaking at the opening of his campaign headquarters in Jahara city, themed "simple dreams in a complicated reality," Al-Mutotah noted that there was a need for according more attention to the needs and issues of youth.
Motivating them and giving them the right background and education is the only means to guarantee a good future, he said.
Coalition soldier killed in central Afghanistan IED blast
By KUNA,
Kabul : A soldier of the US-led coalition troops was was killed in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in central Afghanistan, said a statement.
"One coalition service-member was killed today when a vehicle struck an IED in Tagab Valley, Kapisa province," said the military statement released late on Friday.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld until next-of-kin notification.
Lebanese Army deployed in Mount Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : The Lebanese army has been deployed to the area of Aitat and other towns in Aley, Mount Lebanon.
Security sources told KUNA that the army was deployed after the Mount Lebanon areas witnessed three hours of intense fighting which claimed Sunday the lives of six people.
Pro-government Druze leader Walid Jumblatt stated that the clashes would lead to more tension between the Druze and Shiite sects, adding that he had assigned head of the Democratic bloc Talal Arsulan to negotiate with the opposition's gunmen.
Voter is responsible for determining country”s future — candidate
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The fifth constituency candidate for the parliament elections Fatma Al-Nahham said the Kuwaiti citizens hold a great responsibility in determining a better future for the country.
She added in a symposium held in Al-Fintas area, late on Sunday, at the development center, the candidates' responsibility lies in choosing the efficient candidate who is capable of working for the best of the country.
Israel resumes fuel shipments to Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Israel on Monday resumed fuel shipments to Gaza Strip after about a week of halting, Palestinian officials said.
Four tank trucks of industrial diesel were seen entering the Strip and going to the only power station there which was shut down on Saturday due to fuel shortage.
Mujahed Salama, director of the Palestinian Petroleum Agency, said that Israel started to pipe fuel into Palestinian depots at Nahal Oz crossing in eastern Gaza city.
Haneya hopes Egypt to convince Israel accepting ceasefire
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Deposed Hamas Premier Ismail Haneya on Monday hoped Egypt would succeed in convincing Israel to accept a ceasefire deal designated to take place in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
In a statement sent to the press, Haneya called on the Israeli leaders to cope with Egypt's intelligence chief Omar Suleiman who is on a visit to Israel to present the ceasefire initiative.
Haneya also urged Israel to "end the aggression and lift the siege on the Palestinian people."
Prince Saud says Saudi Arabia deeply concerned over Lebanon situation
By NNN-SPA,
Riyadh : Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, has reiterated the deep concern of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about the armed confrontations and clashes in Lebanon and their spread in several Lebanese cities and regions.
He said the Kingdom declares its deep sorrow for directing Lebanese weapons at Lebanese fellow citizens, and against the homeland and its institutions.
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."
Dhaka court orders arrest of 12 former ministers
By IANS,
Dhaka : A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against a dozen former ministers, some of whom it declared absconding, in a corruption case filed against former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her associates.
Thursday's action, another first in Bangladesh's military-backed caretaker government's drive against corruption, prompted some of those charged to move a higher court for anticipatory bail.
Kuwaiti leadership receives cables of condolences from Turkey
By KUNA,
Kuwait : His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received a cable on Friday from Turkish President Abdullah Gul in which he expressed his sincere condolences on the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir sent a cable in response, in which he thanked the Russian president for his heartfelt sentiments.
Pakistan Political Problem Prevails
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : The leader of Pakistani People's Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari predicted a solution to the controversy over judges' restoration that has made the coalition government collapse.
Even when he called for reconciliation in a press conference Wednesday night, that position caused friction with the President of Pakistan Muslim League N (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif.
Both parties, the country's main political forces, want to solve the problem of judges removed by President Pervez Musharraf through an unpopular measure last November, but differ in the way to do so.
Moscow hails Lebanon peace deal
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia welcomes the deal reached between Lebanon's Western-backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition, and mediated by the Arab League, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
The sides agreed on Thursday to a new national dialogue to elect a president and form a unity government. Hezbollah agreed to end its blockade of Beirut airport and seaport and withdraw its gunmen from the streets.
ElBaradei to present Iran report in almost a week
By IRNA,
Vienna : International Atomic Energy Agency's Chief Mohammed ElBaradei will present his Iran report probably next weekend or earlier the week following it.
An informed source told IRNA in Vienna on Friday that the IAEA Head's report may be ready and put at the disposal of the IAEA Board of Governors' members between May 23-27.
The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the report is expected to be an ordinary one which would focus on latest developments, namely the alleged studies.
Iraqi forces detain 1,068 suspected insurgents in Mosul
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : Iraqi security forces detained 1,068 suspected insurgents in a major offensive targeting al-Qaida militants in Mosul in northern Iraq, a military source said on Saturday.
"A total of 1,068 suspected insurgents have been arrested so far," with large amount of weapons and ammunition confiscated, said Lieut. Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, head of the military operation.
Four Afghan soldiers injured in suicide blast
By KUNA,
Kabul : Four Afghan soldiers and a civilian translator with the coalition troops were injured in a suicide attack in southeastern Afghanistan on Monday, local officials said. The attack was carried out in Paktika province. Spokesman for the provincial government Ghamay Khan said all the injured were locals. Separately, a teenager was killed and six more people were injured in an attack by militants in the same province, said the spokesman. The injured included local officials and two road construction workers.
French FM to visit Palestinian territories, Israel later this week
By KUNA,
Paris : French Foreign Minister Beranrd Kouchner will be paying the Palestinian Territories and Israel a visit on the occasion of the international investors conference, which is due in Bethlehem on May 21, it was announced here Monday.
The three-day conference, of which the Palestinians are seeking about USD two billion in development projects, will be attended by a large number of potential investors in an aim to boost the Palestinian economy.
Lebanese rivals reach deal to end crisis
By DPA,
Beirut/Doha : Lebanese rivals have reached an agreement at dawn Wednesday to end the political crisis in Lebanon after five days of talks in Doha and a president is scheduled to be elected either Thursday or Friday, sources at the talks in Doha said.
Ali Hassan Khalil, a member of the opposition, confirmed to DPA "that a solution has been reached and it will be announced at a press conference in Doha Wednesday".
Khalil said that army commander Michel Suleiman will be elected at a parliament session by the end of this week.
Israeli official says talks with Syria not to derail Palestinian track
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Renewed peace talks between Israel and Syria will not come at the expense of the ongoing negotiations with the Palestinians, Israeli daily Ha'aretz quoted a senior official as saying on Wednesday.
"The government remains committed to pursuing both the Syrian and Palestinian tracks," said the Israeli official, shortly after the Jewish state confirmed that indirect Israeli-Syrian talks are underway with Turkish mediation.
Ban Ki-moon welcomes indirect peace talks between Syria, Israel
By APP,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed Wednesday’s announcement that Syria and Israel have started holding indirect talks aimed at resolving their long-running conflict.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban commended Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert “for taking this important step.” He also thanked Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his efforts.
Two journalists killed in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two Iraqi journalists were killed in separate incidents in Baghdad and Diyala province in northeast of the capital, police and media sources said on Thursday.
Wisam Ali Oudah, a cameraman working for private television station Afaq, was killed on Wednesday afternoon by a sniper while heading home in the Obeidi neighborhood in eastern Baghdad, an employee in the TV station told Xinhua.
Hamas delegation to brief Palestinians on Gaza ceasefire talks
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas delegation will return to Gaza on Thursday after talks with Egyptian officials about a proposal for a ceasefire with Israel.
Ismail Radwan, a spokesman for Hamas, said the delegation will hold internal talks with Hamas leaders after it returns from Cairo" before briefing the Palestinian people on the results of lull talks."
The delegation was intended to get Israel's response to the Egyptian-brokered truce which is expected to last for six months in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
U.S., Iraqi troops detain hundreds in Baghdad Shiite militia strongholds
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. and Iraqi troops swept Shiite neighborhoods in southwestern Baghdad on Friday, detaining hundreds of suspects, witnesses and police sources said on Saturday.
The troops surrounded and searched the neighborhoods of Baiyaa and al-Amil for several hours starting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.local time, a police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The source said that more than 200 suspected militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have been detained during the raids in the two adjacent neighborhoods.
$300mn UAE aid to Morocco to tackle rising energy prices
By IANS,
Casablanca (Morocco) : United Arab Emirates (UAE) will give Morocco $300 million in aid to help the northwest African kingdom tackle the impact of rising energy costs, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted the aid to help ease the impact of rising energy prices, Morocco's ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation said in a statement Saturday.
Israel and Egypt to resume talks on Gaza cease-fire
By NNN-WAFA,
Tel Aviv : Israeli and Egyptian officials will resume negotiations on Sunday regarding Cairo's proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported Sunday.
Major-General (res.) Amos Gilad, who heads the defense establishment's political-security branch, is slated to arrive in Egypt on Sunday for talks with Egyptian intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman.
Despite the efforts, Israel has learned in recent days that the Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have rejected the truce proposals put forth by Jerusalem.
U.S. soldier killed in bomb attack north of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : An American soldier was killed on Monday by a roadside bomb explosion in Salahudin province north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
The soldier died as a result of fatal wounds sustained from the blast in the province, the military said in a brief statement.
Two more soldiers were wounded by the blast and were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment, the statement said.
The name of the deceased soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, it added.
Iran conservatives support ex-nuclear chief for post of speaker
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's majority conservatives on Sunday elected Ali Larijani, former top nuclear negotiator, as the candidate for speaker in the new parliament.
The conservatives chose Larijani by 161 votes against 50 for the outgoing speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Larijani quit as top nuclear negotiator last year and was elected to parliament in March.
Conservatives secured a majority in the new parliament, winning69 percent of the 290 seats in elections in March.
British serviceman killed in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
London : A British serviceman has been killed and two others injured in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said Monday. The three had been returning from operations when their vehicle was caught in a blast north of Sangin, Helmand province. It brings to 97 the number of UK troops killed in operations in the country since 2001. More than 7,000 British troops are deployed in Afghanistan, mainly in the troubled Helmand province.
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.'"
Pakistan govt supports China in quake relief efforts: minister
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman Tuesday said that Pakistan government was supporting China in its efforts for provision of rescue and relief to the victims of earthquake in Chinese province Gansu.
She was talking with media persons on the occasion of seeing off a mobile surgical team comprising Pakistani doctors and paramedics, which left for China from PAF Chaklala Airbase. The mission also carried tons of medicines and foodstuff.
Iran hiding information about nuclear activities: US
By DPA,
Washington : A new UN report shows that Iran "willfully" withheld information about its effort to develop technology that could lead to the building to nuclear weapons, the US said Tuesday.
"The Iranians have been wilfully non-cooperative. And you can read that in the report," US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. "It's disturbing."
The UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report Monday saying Iran has failed to adequately answer questions based on intelligence that shows the Islamic state may have sought nuclear arms.
Ban lauds Iraq for progress achieved, vows continued UN support
By NNN-KUNA,
Stockholm : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has commended the Iraqi people and government for the "notable" progress made in the security, political and economic sectors since the launch of the International Compact with Iraq in Sharm El-Sheikh last year, and said the international community has an "obligation" to assist them.
Hamas warns of carrying out escalatory actions to break the sieget
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement threatened on Saturday to carry out new escalatory measures to break a blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip since the movement took control of Gaza last June.
"The threat to carry out measures to break the siege came after the Egyptian efforts to reach a truce with Israel had failed," said Hamas spokesman in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri.
German FM hails detainee exchange between Hezbollah, Israel
By Xinhua,
Beijing : German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was pleased with the "first step" in the exchange of detainees between Israel and Hezbollah.
His remarks were made in a press conference following his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora in Beirut Sunday.
"We are pleased that this exchange operation is a first step to a positive dynamic in secret talks aimed at achieving the final exchange operation," Steinmeier said.
Defence Minister aussie Iraq mission a success
By NNN-Bernama,
Melbourne : Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has paid tribute to Australia's combat troops in Iraq , saying they will leave a lasting legacy in the strife-torn nation.
The 550-member Overwatch Battle Group-West (OBG-W), based at Camp Terendak within the sprawling Tallil base outside the city of Nasiriyah in Iraq's Dhi Qar province, has started its withdrawal, The Australian newspaper’s online edition says.
Hamas military court sentences 5 Fatah members to years in prison
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas military court sentenced a group of Palestinians to different years in prison "for forming illegal organization threatening the general interest," a statement by deposed Hamas interior ministry said on Monday.
The verdicts on the five Palestinians, who were members of President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement, varied between eight months and three years.
Nasser Muhana, one of the defendants, received a two-year sentence because he "formed a group comprising the rest of the accused persons to work against the Palestinian government."
Jordan anti-Denmark campaign condemns suicide blast near embassy
By DPA,
Amman : An anti-Denmark coalition of activists has condemned the explosion at the Danish embassy in Islamabad, but said the Danish authorities should bear the brunt of the responsibility.
"We categorically and strongly condemn the use of violence in responding to the systematic targeting of Islam and the Prophet," the campaign entitled "the Messenger Unites Us" said in a statement Monday.
At least eight people were killed after a suicide car bombing at the entrance to the Danish embassy in Pakistan's capital Monday.
Hamas claims responsibility for wounding Israeli soldier in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement on Tuesday claimed its responsibility for wounding an Israeli soldier in an exchange of fire during an Israeli incursion into central Gaza Strip.
Ezz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said their fighters opened fire on Israeli Special Forces which entered the eastern part of central Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
Witnesses said that an Israeli soldier was injured in the shooting, while Israeli press sources said the soldier was moderately wounded and evacuated to a hospital in Be'er Sheva.
Suicide attacks target Afghan towns, several rebels killed
By IANS,
Kabul : Two suicide attacks killed an Afghan child and wounded more than 20 others, while the US-led coalition troops killed more than a dozen Taliban insurgents in the southern region, officials said Wednesday.
A suicide attacker attacked a convoy of NATO forces in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province Wednesday morning, killing himself and a child and wounding four others, said Abdul Razaq, the border police commander in the region.
Israeli keen on holding serious talks with Palestines – Olmert
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that he is keen on holding serious peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
In a statement quoted by Radio Israel Thursday, Olmert said the issue of Jerusalem was not discussed in the recent talks.
The Israeli and Palestinian sides are holding semi-secret talks on the refugees, settlements, prisoners, and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Olmert, who is on a visit to the United States, hoped that a peace agreement with the Palestinians would be achieved by the end of 2008.
King: settlement policies threaten Palestinian rights to independent state
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah II warned in Britain on Thursday that continued Israeli settlement policies threaten Palestinian rights to an independent state, according to a statement by the Jordan's Royal Hashemite Court.
The King, who made the remarks during talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street, said that achieving peace and living in security and stability in the region would not be realized through settlement construction or by ignoring the historic rights of the Palestinian people.
Haneya calls on AL to host the Palestinian dialogue
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Deposed Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haneya Thursday called on the Arab League (AL) to host a comprehensive dialogue between his movement and Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Haneya said in a televised speech aired on several Arab satellite channels that he welcomes Abbas' initiative of reconciliation and the resumption of dialogue, calling on "AL to sponsor the dialogue anywhere based on the principle no winner andno looser until we reach an agreement."
He also urged the parties to launch the dialogue immediately.
Musharraf dismisses resignation reports
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Saturday dismissed as baseless rumours of his resignation and said that they have created panic among the people.
"I have not decided to resign. I will remain in Pakistan. I do not have any house outside Pakistan. Rumors about my resignations are rubbish," Musharraf told a group of senior reporters in a programme broadcast live on TV.
"Someone reported that a plane has landed in Islamabad to take me out of Pakistan. But where is the plane?" he asked.
Former Bangladeshi PM Released From Prison On Wednesday
By Bernama,
Dhaka : Detained former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina was released from a makeshift prison on Wednesday, after the interim government issued an executive order for her treatment abroad.
Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Zakir Hassan, quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI), said Hassina was released for eight weeks for treatment abroad on an executive order.
The Awami League leader immediately headed towards Sudha Sadan home under heavy security cover. Party workers gathered in strength outside the makeshift prison inside the parliament complex.
Several Pakistani troops die on border
By IINA,
Islamabad : At least 18 people are reported to have been killed in clashes on the Pakistan-Afghan border. Ten of the dead were reported to be Pakistani troops killed by an apparent missile strike by US or Nato-led forces, launched from Afghanistan. Eight Taleban militants were also killed in the fighting, a Taleban spokesman said. None of the Pakistani, Afghan or US militaries, or Nato, have yet officially commented on the incident.
Allied Forces airstrike kills 11 Pakistan soldiers Spokesman
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The military spokesman in a statement on Wednesday confirmed that at least 11 soldiers were killed in an overnight Allied Forces airstrike in the Pakistani bordering tribal region and said a strong protest has been lodged.
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.
Conference raises $21.4 bn for AfghanistanBy Siegfried Mortkowitz
By DPA,
Paris : Donors at a Paris conference pledged some $21.4 billion in aid to give a political and financial boost to the reconstruction of
Afghanistan, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said.
Of that total, the US pledged nearly half, or $10.2 billion, US First Lady Laura Bush said earlier Thursday.
"Afghanistan has reached a decisive moment for its future. We must not turn our back on this opportunity," Bush told the representatives of 67 nations and 17 international organisations gathered at the conference.
Two ISAF soldiers die, one wounded in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) died and another one wounded when they encountered insurgents while on patrol in southern Afghanistan, the ISAF said Friday.
The incident occurred Thursday, the NATO-led military said in a statement, but gave no details.
"These soldiers' lives were taken while trying to help bring peace and security to Afghanistan," Brigadier General Carlos Branco, ISAF spokesperson, was quoted as saying in the statement.
Three killed in fresh Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Three Islamic Hamas militants were killed and two wounded on Thursday night in an Israeli airstrike on a group of militants in northern Gaza Strip, medics and witnesses said.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency service in the Palestinian health ministry, told reporters that three dead Palestinians and two wounded were brought to a local hospital on Thursday night.
Arab fund cuts off Iraqi debt of $100 mln
By Xinhua,
Amman : The Abu-Dhabi-based Arab Monetary Fund has written off 100 million U.S. dollars out of Iraq's a total of 500 million dollars debt, a visiting Iraqi official revealed here Saturday.
Iraqi Finance Minister Bayan Jabr made the confirmation at a press conference after Iraq and the Arab fund signed an agreement in this regard.
Many Western nations have dropped Iraqi debt but Sunni Arab neighboring states, wary of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government and its ties with Iran, have been reluctant to follow suit.
Sadr’s followers to support candidates outside movement in upcoming provincial elections
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The followers of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr will not field candidates under their own political movement but will support any qualified and independent candidate, a Sadr aide said on Sunday.
Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, Sadr's spokesman in the holy Shiite city of Najaf said "the Sadr political movement is not boycotting the (provincial) elections but we call on our followers to vote for independent candidates even if they are from other party lists."
Israel approves east Jerusalem housing project
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel has decided to build tens of thousands of new apartments in Jerusalem, including a couple of thousand in Jewish neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city, the Jerusalem municipality said Sunday.
The building proposal, which won city approval earlier this year, has been authorized by Israeli Interior Ministry's building and planning committee, local daily the Jerusalem Post reported, citing Jerusalem Municipality spokesman Gidi Schmerling.
Britain to step up troop levels in Afghanistan: Brown
By DPA,
London : Britain is to send more troops to Afghanistan, increasing its presence in the country to its highest level so far, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday.
Speaking at a joint news conference in London with US President George W. Bush, Brown said security was on its way to being "transformed" in Afghanistan.
He said Britain and the US were working "side by side" both in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bangladesh to host Saarc ministers’ meeting on climate change
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) ministerial meeting on climate change will be held here July 3.
The meeting will be held in the backdrop of growing concern of adverse impact of climate change, particularly sea level rise in some countries of the region, the leading English-language newspaper The Daily Star reported Tuesday.
In view of growing concern for climate change, the 29th session of the Saarc council of ministers in New Delhi in December last year decided to hold the ministerial meeting.
US urges Afghans, Pakistanis to cooperate on border security
By DPA,
Washington : The US Tuesday urged the Afghan and Pakistani governments to work together to improve border security, after Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned he was willing to send troops into Pakistan to halt cross-border militant attacks.
Karzai has been increasingly frustrated by attacks carried out on Afghan soil by Taliban militants operating out of Pakistan, and on Sunday threatened to launch an assault across the border.
Jeddah meeting asserts need for oil production, refining investment
By NNN-KUNA,
Jeddah : The Jeddah Energy Meeting has stressed the importance of boosting investments in oil production and refining, as well as seeking other energy resources.
Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Nuaimi, reading a final communique at a news conference at the conclusion of the one-day meeting, said it was important to strengthen transparency in international stock markets as well as the development of legislation of investment funds.
19 killed in fresh violence in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 19 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in fresh clashes in militant-dominated north-west Pakistan, media reports said Tuesday.
Fierce fighting erupted between troops loyal to top Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud and pro-government tribesmen Monday when militants attacked the members of a peace committee in the town Jandola, the gateway to the restive South Waziristan tribal district.
Up to 12 people were killed and 10 wounded in ensuing gun battles that continued during the night, the English-language Dawn News television channel reported.
Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in West Bank
By SPA,
Nablus, West Bank : Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, including a commander of Islamic Jihad group in the West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday in the first fatal raid
since a ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip last week.
Tarek Juma Abu Ghali, who lost his life, is described as one of most senior commanders of Islamic Jihad group in the northern West Bank, Reuters reported.
A second Palestinian, affiliated with the Hamas group, was also killed in the overnight raid, Palestinian security sources said.
Hamas, Fatah to release hostages they hold
By Xinhua,
Gaza : In preparation for possible dialogue, rival Palestinian factions of Hamas and Fatah handed out lists of their prisoners to a leftist faction to get them freed, an official from the faction said on Tuesday.
Talal Abu Zarifa, a leader from the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), said the names were received Monday during separate meetings with delegation from Hamas and Fatah.
Gaza rockets hit Israeli Sderot area despite truce
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Three Qassam rockets fired Tuesday afternoon from the Gaza Strip landed in the Sderot area, five days after a ceasefire enacted between Israel and Palestinian militant groups last week.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert responded in a statement that the Qassam attack was "a clear violation of the ceasefire understandings."
The Prime Minister's office added that Olmert "warned that the truce may be short-lived. ...Israel has warned against such breaches and will now consider the counter measures at its disposal."
2 NATO troops killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Assistance Security Force (ISAF) were killed on Tuesday in two separate attacks by anti-government militants in eastern and southern Afghanistan, said the ISAF.
One ISAF serviceman died from wounds inflicted when the vehicle struck an explosive device planted on the roadside in eastern province of Nangarhar, said the ISAF in a statement.
Meanwhile, another ISAF soldier was killed during an engagement with insurgents in Sangin district of southern Helmand province.
Pakistan: Federal Govt moves appeal to Supreme Court against LHC decision barring Nawaz Sharif...
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Government on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Lahore High Court (LHC) decision disqualifying Mian Nawaz Sharif from contesting the June 26 by-election, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja Abdul Rehman said.
The DAG told reporters the federation has filed the appeal following an approval from the competent authority.
Erekat: Rice invites Palestinian negotiators to Washington
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has invited Palestinian negotiators to the United States to discuss and evaluate the staggering Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a senior Palestinian official said on Wednesday.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the invitation was sent to Ahmed Qurei, head of the Palestinian negotiation team. According to Rice's invitation, the visit is scheduled for next month.
Israel arrests seven Palestinian in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested seven Palestinians in West Bank cities early on Thursday, Palestinian security sources said.
The detentions took place in Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin and Jericho, the sources added.
At dawn, the Israeli army stormed Nablus and arrested three residents during raids and searching operations in houses, said the sources.
Israeli sources said the detainees were taken for interrogation because they were wanted by the security services.
New UAE fatwa bans smoking in public
By IANS,
Dubai : A new fatwa or Islamic edict has been issued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which states that smoking in public is forbidden under Islam as it causes harm to others.
The fatwa, issued by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GEA), states that 17 violations of Islamic law are committed when people smoke in public, The National newspaper reported.
The GEA is in charge of implementing the UAE's policy for Islamic affairs and endowments.
Taliban influence in Afghanistan growing: Russia
By RIA Novosti,
Brussels : The Taliban is steadily expanding its zone of influence in Afghanistan, the Russian ambassador to Kabul said Thursday.
The Taliban, ousted from power after a US-led military operation in 2001, have been stepping up their activities in recent months. The radical Islamic movement has vowed to increase attacks to undermine the present Afghan administration.
Kuwaiti parliament”s session adjourned to Oct 21
By KUNA,
Kuwait : National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi announced Thursday that the beginning of the second session of the parliament's 12th legislative term would be on October 21.
This came at the closing for the current session, and following speeches by the speaker and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Allam Al-Kanderi, the parliament's secretary, then read out the decree on adjourning the session as of today, June 26.
Iraqi PM stresses role of tribal chiefs in preserving national unity
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has stressed that national reconciliation is significant in preventing Iraq from sliding into civil war.
"We have sidestepped civil war, and you, as tribal chiefs, are instrumental in achieving that," he said when receiving a delegation of tribal chiefs here Sunday.
Iraq has always been a nation of disparate tribes with roots deep in its history, he said.
Jordan’s first nuclear plant looms amid deals with Western powers
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan's first nuclear plant is looming in sight as it inked a preliminary nuclear cooperation deal with Britain on Sunday, the third one in a month with Western nuclear powers on pumping nuclear energy.
Under the latest deal, Britain and Jordan will jointly promote "the establishment of a reliable source of nuclear fuel for future civilian light water nuclear reactors" in the Arab kingdom, said Chairman of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Khalid Touqan.
Iraqi govt allcates USD 10 million to rebuild Sadr, Shula cities
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government has allocated USD 10 million to rebuild the cities of Al-Sadr and Al-Shula following the ejection of armed militia.
Tahseen Shaikhali, civilian spokesman of the Law Enforcement plan, said USD 10 million were allocated to rebuild different sectors in Al-Sadr city in Baghdad, which witnessed devastation caused by the Iraqi government's military operations against armed militia.
The USD 10 million will be used to rebuild schools, sports clubs, parks and electricity supply, Shaikhali told a news conference here Sunday.
Palestinian official: Israel not increases fuel supplies to Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Israel did not increase fuel shipments it allows into the Gaza Strip as an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire enters its 10th day, a Palestinian official said on Monday.
Mahmoud al-Khozendar, deputy director of the petrol stations owners union in Gaza, said the fuel shipments sent to Gaza Monday were even less than that before the ceasefire took hold.
Israel, Syria to begin third round of talks
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel and Syria are to resume their indirect peace negotiations and two senior Israeli officials are to leave for Turkey to conduct the talks, Israel Radio reported Monday.
An Israeli spokesman would not comment on the report, which said that Yoram Turbovitz, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bureau chief, and Shalom Turjeman, a senior aide to the premier, were to depart for Turkey Monday night for a third round of talks with Syria.
Israel reopens Gaza crossing points
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak ordered the reopening Wednesday of the crossing points into the Gaza Strip, after they had been shut for one day in response to the launching of a rocket from the salient into southern Israel.
For the first time in a year, construction materials will be allowed into the Strip, Israeli media reported.
The rocket launched late Monday caused neither injuries nor damage, and was the fifth rocket launched since a truce between Israel and the Gazan militant organisations went into effect from June 19.
Solana calls on Israel to halt settlement activities
By KUNA,
Brussels : European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana warned Wednesday that it will be extremely difficult to have negotiations on the final-status of Palestine if Israel does not stop its settlements in occupied Palestinian lands.
"Realities on the ground have to change. I want to say it very clearly that settlements have to stop. We cannot enter in a process which is part of the way to determine by the end of the year 2008 if there is no clear commitment on the settlements," Solana told a conference on Palestine in the European Parliament.
One more corruption case against Khaleda Zia, son
By IANS,
Dhaka : Continuing with its anti-graft drive, Bangladesh's caretaker government has sued former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman for allegedly drawing money for a non-existent orphanage.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Thursday filed another case against the two, now in jail, and five others for embezzling over 21 million takas ($350,000) by forming an eyewash establishment named Zia Orphanage Trust, named after Khaleda Zia's late husband, the assassinated former president Ziaur Rahman.
Larijani: Iran believes in fair, logical dialogue
By IRNA,
Tehran : "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes negotiations in principle and of course believes that any talks should be held within a fair framework and in a logical course," said Larijani in a meeting with Algerian ambassador to Tehran Mohammad al-Assin Waraqi here on Saturday.
Somewhere in his remarks, Larijani said Iran and Algeria share common interests in different domains especially in the political field and the grounds can be exploited in a good manner given close stances held by the two sides officials.
Pakistan: conflict disrupting life, displacing people in northern areas
By NNN-IRIN,
Peshawar : Ahsan Khan, 35, has lived in Peshawar almost all his life. He never imagined he would one day consider moving away - but that day has come.
Because of ongoing hostilities between militants and government forces, the young businessman, his wife and two small children are seriously considering leaving the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
“There is just too much uncertainty. We now really fear extremist militants may one day walk into Peshawar,” Ahsan told IRIN.
Yemen: 800,000 African refugees, mostly Somalis, by end 2007
By NNN-IRIN,
Sana'a : The Somali consul in the port city of Aden, southern Yemen, said hundreds of African migrants crossed the Gulf of Aden to Yemen in June in search of a better life in Saudi Arabia despite a high risk of death at sea or at the hands of ruthless smugglers.
"They made the perilous sea journey despite rough seas. The number of arrivals registered by the UN Refugee Agency [UNHCR] was over 700, while those who were not registered stood at about 350," Hussein Hajji, the Somali consul, told IRIN.
Al-Assad stresses necessity of intensifying efforts to realise Palestinian unity
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has stressed the necessity of intensifying efforts to realise Palestinian unity, saying that "national unity among Palestinians is the only way for them to regain rights and achieve aspirations in the establishment of a Palestinian independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."
Al-Assad held two meetings with President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas on the situation in Palestine and the peace process.
Car bomb kills 15, wounds 20 outside Indian Embassy in Kabul
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : A car bomb went off outside the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday killing 15 people and wounding over 20, a source in the country's interior ministry said.
Police say the blast was a suicide attack. No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility.
The Indian Embassy is located opposite the Interior Ministry, but the explosion went off to the side of the building, where people were queuing to receive Indian visas.
French FM sees continuing dialogue with Iran on nuclear issue
By John Keating, KUNA,
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said here Monday that he did not see the dialogue ending with Iran after reception of a letter from Iranian authorities which is expected in France later Monday afternoon.
The French Minister explained that he has not had the opportunity yet to read the Iranian letter which has been transmitted to Chief of the EU foreign policy Javier Solana and the other five members of the Six major nations addressing the Iranian issue.
Pak national visits motherland after 61-year wait
By IANS,
Chandigarh : After waiting 61 years, Pakistani national Mohammad Yusuf finally returned to his native village Kamalpur, near Rupnagar town, Friday. The 80-year-old Yusuf was accompanied by his son Arshad, an officer in the Pakistan police.
It was an emotional reunion for Yusuf meeting his childhood mates, Jaggu Ram and Ram Sarup, who had especially come from Kurukshetra town in Haryana to meet their old pal. Yusuf's family migrated to Pakistan in 1947 after India's partition.
Yusuf was honoured at a function held in the village gurdwara Sunday.
Pro-government Christian parties delay Lebanese cabinet formation
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanon has not yet formed a cabinet till now as the pro-government Christian parties have been unable to reach an agreement on the distribution of cabinet portfolios, Local Al-Akhbar daily reported Tuesday.
However, an agreement was reached between Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun and Lebanese Prime Minister-designated Fouad Seniora on the opposition's share in the new cabinet, the report said.
Muslim D-8 Group urges quick resolution of Food Problem
By SPA,
Kuala Lumpur : The leaders of the Group of the eight Muslim developing countries (D-8) urged today the governments to work for solving the problem of food, and said failure to resolve this problem would have disastrous repercussions.
Addressing the summit's inaugural session, Malaysian Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi underscored the importance of regional and international cooperation for confronting the problems of oil and food.
The group is comprised of Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and Turkey.
FM: Italy willing to mediate Israel, Lebanon peace talks
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Italy is seeking to play mediator in peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, visiting Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told Israeli President Shimon Peres as the two met in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon.
"We stand before a rare window of opportunity and are obligated to make the most of it. There is no reason why Israel should not engage all of its neighbors in peace negotiations, including Lebanon," Frattini, who began his visit to Israel Tuesday, was quoted by local daily Yedioth Ahronoth as saying.
Deposed Palestinian gov”t says Israel banned Blair”s Gaza visit
By KUNA,
Gaza : The deposed Palestinian government cited Tuesday Israeli pressures that led to the canceling of the visit of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to Gaza Strip.
In a press release, the deposed government said that Israel banned Blair from entering Gaza, although he reached the borders, to prevent him from seeing and reporting the disaster cased by the "unjust" Israeli siege on the strip.
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.
Obama, McCain urge focus on Afghanistan
By DPA,
Washington : Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Tuesday said the US must broaden its foreign policy focus beyond Iraq, as he pledged to end the war and focus on fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, while Republican John McCain put forward his strategy for addressing ongoing violence there.
In a speech on foreign policy in Washington ahead of a planned trip to Europe and the Middle East, Obama said the war in Iraq "distracts us from every threat that we face and so many opportunities we could seize."
Hamas expresses satisfaction over talks on Yemeni initiative
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Hamas has praised the efforts of President Ali Abdullah Saleh towards Palestinian reconciliation.
Its Political Bureau head, Khaled Masha'al, said prior to his departure Tuesday that Saleh made contacts with a number of Arab leaders to determine steps to be taken to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.
He renewed Hamas' commitment to the Yemeni initiative towards reconciliation and Palestinian unity.
Nasrallah: prisoners swap closes chapter of 2006 war
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Wednesday evening that the prisoner swap conducted earlier this day with Israel "closed chapter of the 2006 war."
Nasrallah delivered the speech via large screens to the tens of thousands of his supporters who had gathered for the celebrations for released prisoners in southern Beirut.
He expressed warm welcome to all the five returning Lebanese prisoners, terming the prisoners swap as a victory.
China to participate in Geneva talks on Iran
By Xinhua,
Beijing : China Thursday announced that it would send a senior diplomat to Geneva to attend the international talks on Iranian nuclear standoff slated for Saturday.
Assistant Fforeign Minister Liu Jieyi will represent China in the talks which will primarily be between Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Thursday.
Diplomats from the US, Russia, Britain, France and Germany will also attend the talks as observors.
Israel increases fuels amounts into Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official said on Saturday that Israel has actually increased the amounts of diesel and gasoline allowed into the Gaza Strip, but kept the same limited amounts of cooking gas.
Mahmoud al-Shawa, chief of Gaza Stations Union said in a statement that Israel on Friday added 400 thousand liters of diesel to the previous amount of diesel which is 800 thousand liters.
EU’s Solana starts nuclear talks with Iranian nuclear negotiator
By Xinhua,
Geneva : Top EU diplomatic official Javier Solana started a nuclear talks with Iran's nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili here on Saturday at the presence of U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns.
Burns, the first U.S. diplomat to attend negotiations with Iran in 30 years, was here to witness the whole process of the talks.
Though Burns will not take an active role at the meeting, but his presence was widely seen as a major policy shift of Washington on Iran.
Arab League seeks compromises in Sudan-ICC crisis
By DPA,
Cairo : In an effort to avoid possible prosecution of the Sudanese president on genocide charges, an Arab League committee formed during an emergency meeting Saturday is trying to draw up a conciliatory statement to solve the crisis between Sudan and the International Criminal Court (ICC), diplomatic sources said.
The cirsis erupted when ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court Monday to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on suspicion of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Geneva talks find no path to full Iran negotiations
By DPA,
Geneva : Iran and world powers, including the US for the first time, failed to find a way towards full negotiations in Geneva Saturday, as Tehran's representatives did not agree to the precondition of suspending uranium enrichment.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with Iranian negotiator Saeid Jalili, EU chief diplomat Solana said that "the most important question" in the dispute with Iran remained unanswered.
Iran nuclear talks register “insufficient” progress
By Xinhua,
Geneva : The high-level talks between six countries and Iran over its controversial nuclear programs have yielded "insufficient" progress on Saturday and diplomats attending the one-day meeting have called for enhanced efforts so as to solve the issue peacefully.
Iran’s Security Official talks with top Chinese, Russian negotiators
By SPA,
Geneva : Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili in separate meetings with the top Chinese and Russian nuclear negotiators on Sunday called for final settlement of Iran's nuclear dossier which was discussed with representatives of Group 6+1 in Geneva.
Group 6+1, which included high ranking representatives from Britain, Germany, France, China, Russia and the US and EU top negotiator Javier Solana, met with the Iranian envoy on Saturday and discussed various issues such as Iran's modality plan for continued talks.
Attorney: Decision on whether to indict Olmert to be made soon
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli State Attorney Moshe Lador said Monday that a decision will be made soon on whether to indict Prime Minister Ehud Olmert over the ongoing "money envelopes" investigation, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported onits website.
The evidences the prosecutors have gathered against Olmert, whois suspected of taking illicit money from American businessman Morris Talansky, will soon be submitted to Attorney General Menahem Mazuz, who will then decide whether to take Olmert to court, said Lador.
Israel arrests 12 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested 12 Palestinians early Tuesday during raids in West Bank cities, security sources said.
The detainees seized in Nablus and Hebron cities were taken to interrogation, the sources said, adding that two of the detainees in Hebron were accused of throwing stones at Israeli vehicles.
Israel stages almost daily raids in the occupied territory and arrests Palestinians it accuses of planning or participating in attacks against Israeli targets.
Obama pledges to work for Mideast peace if elected
By DPA,
Amman : US presidential candidate Barack Obama pledged Tuesday to work relentlessly for peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on the "two-state" vision if elected president.
Addressing a press conference in Amman, the Democrat leader supported a "phased withdrawal" from Iraq, fielding more US troops in Afghanistan and putting pressure on Pakistan to play a more active role against terrorism.
Pakiatani govt not to pass on burden of increased fare to pilgrims
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that government will not pass on the burden of any increase in fares to pilgrims keeping in view increasing oil prices at the international market.
Talking to APP here on Wednesday, he said earlier PIA and the Religious Ministry had agreed on fare issue but now he feared PIA might increase fare for Hajj operation after unprecedented surge in petrol prices.
“The government and PIA will bear the burden of increased fares and we will not pass on the burden to pilgrims” , he said.
Bangladesh registers 80 mn voters for December polls
By IANS,
Dhaka : Registering 80 million voters in 11 months, Bangladesh's Election Commission has announced completion of a major, contentious task ahead of the December parliamentary polls.
It was achieved with the help of the military and international agencies during a period that saw floods, landslides and a cyclone.
The process faced several obstacles. One of them was cancellation of orders for laptops and other hardware, sought to be purchased from India, after a court detected procedural lapses by authorities placing the order.
Dhaka’s Best Air to fly to Colombo, Male
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi private airliner Best Air is adding Colombo and Male on its South Asia map. Emanating from Dhaka, the flights for these destinations begin Monday.
This is the first foray of a Dhaka-based airline to the Maldivian capital where 40,000 Bangladeshis work, Best Air chairman Haider Uz-Zaman was quoted as saying by the New Age newspaper.
At least 6 killed in missile attack in Pakistan’s tribal region
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed in a missile strike at a religious seminary in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region early Monday, TV channels reported.
The pre-dawn attack, which happened at about 3 a.m. local time (2100 GMT) along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region of Azam Warsak, also injured three others, according to the TV.
Local residents said that the missiles fired from unknown directions struck the seminary house belonging to a local cleric Maulana Jalail, who is considered to be linked with Taliban.
Emirates gets its first Airbus A380 giant airliner
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national carrier Emirates airline Monday took possession of the first of the 58 Airbus A380 jumbo aircraft it had placed orders for.
Emirates chairman and chief executive officer Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum attended the function to take possession of the aircraft at Airbus's Jurgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre in Hamburg, according to an Emirates statement here.
"We have stood firm on our commitment to the A380," Sheikh Ahmed said while accepting the aircraft.
Pakistan Labour Minister to attend NAM meet in Tehran
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah will lead delegation to the 15th NAM Ministerial Meeting to be held in Tehran, Iran on 29-30 July, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
He will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the U.N Munir Akram and Director General (UN) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Syed Hassan Javed.
Israeli commander sacked for shooting at arrested Palestinian
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Tuesday suspended the commanding officer of the soldier who was captured on film shooting a blindfolded, handcuffed Palestinian protester in the foot with a rubber-coated metal bullet earlier this month.
An IDF spokesman said its Northern Command Chief, Major General Gadi Eisenkot, had ordered the officer to take a 10-day leave of absence after a hearing Tuesday and pending further investigation.
Eisenkot described the incident as "severe" and said it amounted to a "moral failure" on the part of the commander, the spokesman said.
Pakistani Taliban step up activities, occupy booster of state TV, kidnap policemen
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban have stepped their activities in parts of the country and have taken over the control of the booster of the state-run television and kidnapped police men from a police station, witnesses and police said Tuesday.
Armed Taliban occupied booster of PTV in the restive Bajaur tribal region and spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Umar said the booster is still in their control.
The authorities had formed a jirga or council of tribal elders to negotiate with the Taliban to end occupation of the booster but failed to convince Taliban.
Pakistan experts same US-India nuclear deal: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Washington : Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said Pakistan expects from United States the similar kind of nuclear deal it made with India.
“There should be no discrimination. If they want to give such nuclear status to India, we expect the same for Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said in a conversation with Richard N. Haass, President of Council on Foreign Relations at a meeting jointly organized with the Middle East Institute here.
OIC expresses concern over military takeover in Mauritania
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has expressed concern over the military takeover staged against the democratically-elected goverrnment in Mauritania Wednesday and detention of the president and prime minister by the army officers.
He said in a statement that he was particularly dismayed by this development as Mauritania had been exhibiting exemplary development towards the entrenchment of democracy and rule of law in the country with the visible positive role and support of its armed forces.
Afghan intelligence agents free German hostage
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan-German businessman kidnapped in Kabul was freed by Afghan agents, a spokesman of the country's intelligence service said Thursday.
"Our agency was informed of the case yesterday and our forces conducted an operation last night, freeing the hostage and arresting three of the kidnappers," Sayed Ansari, a spokesman for the National Directorate of Security, told DPA.
Another source from the same spy agency, who did not want to be named, said that the man was freed from a house in Bagram district in northern Parwan province, 50 km from Kabul.
In Palestine, the mobile phone is the placement agency
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : A chance meeting between an unemployed Palestinian youth and a Canadian aid worker in 2005 has resulted in a service that is today helping hundreds of unemployed Palestinian youths find jobs on their mobile phone screens.
Souktel, a cell phone-based company that uses SMS technology to link young people with jobs and aid agencies with people who need help, this week unveiled its new customized SMS JobMatch service for students, in partnership with Harvard University and Palestine's Birzeit University.
Save me, Musharraf urges Saudi Arabia
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Disappointed by his American friends, President Pervez Musharraf, who faces impeachment by the ruling coalition, has sent an "SOS message" to the Saudi authorities, a source said Monday.
"The message was sent through a senior Saudi diplomat based in Islamabad," the source told IANS, adding the president has received a response that is "not very positive".
The source said the Saudi authorities, however, are sending a senior government official to gain a first hand view of the situation arising out of the impeachment move.
Iran, EU agree to continue nuclear talks
By SPA,
Tehran : Iran's chief atomic negotiator Saeed Jalili and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana agreed to continue nuclear talks in a telephone conversation on Monday, Iran's state television reported.
"Jalili ... and Solana agreed that the two sides' negotiations continue in a constructive atmosphere," the television report said. "The two sides insisted on the
continuation of talks."
Taliban leader held in Afghanistan: ISAF
By IANS,
Kabul : A senior Taliban leader has been captured in Afghanistan's Zabul province, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Wednesday.
Man in Afghan army uniform kills three NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul : A man wearing a uniform of the Afghan National Army (ANA) shot dead three NATO soldiers in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the coalition confirmed Thursday.
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
India, Afghanistan sign four cooperation pacts
By IANS,
New Delhi : India and Afghanistan Monday signed four agreements to cooperate in areas of social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and youth affairs, an official here said.
Tajikistan limits beard length
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: Authorities in Tajikistan have imposed restrictions on the maximum length of male facial hair.
LPG prices to drop in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Pakistan will decrease by about Rs.40 per kg after a new energy policy is implemented next month, an official said.
Ehud Barak to quit Israeli politics
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv: Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak announced Monday that he was leaving politics and would not run in January general elections.
250 held in Dubai for breaking the law
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The Dubai municipality in cooperation with Dubai police has apprehended 250 street vendors, beggars and car-washers for violating the law.
Syrian rebels demand $700,000 for hostages
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: Syrian abductors of two Russian citizens and an Italian national have demanded a ransom of over $700,000 for their release, the Kommersant daily said.