Qatar, China sign several economic agreements
By NNN-KUNA,
Doha : Qatar and China have signed here several economic agreements to boost cooperation in the oil and investment sectors as well relating to the employment of Chinese workers in Qatar.
The deals were signed by visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Qatar Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Monday.
China and Qatar agreed on the construction of a new oil refinery and plant to manufacture petrochemical products in China.
Iran rejects EU’s banking sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : New European Union sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program are in violation of international law, an Iranian official said Tuesday.
The EU agreed Monday to impose new sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program, banning the country's major commercial bank, Bank Melli, from operating in Europe. The measures, which will stop the operations of the bank at its offices in London, Hamburg and Paris, were approved during a meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers in Luxembourg.
Japan, Middle East agree to implement economic project in West Bank
By NNN-KUNA,
Tokyo : Ministers from Japan, Palestine, Jordan and Israel have agreed to begin construction of basic infrastructure early 2009 involving the Japan-led economic development project in the West Bank.
At a four-way ministerial-level talks in Tokyo Wednesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, Palestinian Minister of Planning Samir Abdullah, Jordanian Foreign Minister Salah Bashir and Israeli Environment Minister Gideon Ezra also agreed to hold a working-level meeting in the autumn to discuss details on the initiative.
Indonesia seeks Delhi Metro help for similar venture
By IANS,
New Delhi : Indonesia wants Delhi Metro to help set up a similar cost-effective mass transit system in Jakarta, a Metro official said Friday.
A delegation led by Indonesia's Assistant Deputy Minister for Transportation Mesra Eza Friday made the request to the Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC).
“The delegation indicated they would approach DMRC soon for signing a memorandum of understanding in areas including economic operational viability studies since Delhi Metro is one of the few metros making an operational profit from day one,” DMRC spokesman Anuj Dayal said.
Israeli army arrests 8 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli forces arrested eight wanted Palestinians in West Bank early on Monday, Israeli and Palestinian security sources said.
According to the Palestinian sources, two of the detainees were seized in Nablus city during an Israeli army incursion in which the soldiers used sonic bombs and fire.
The two Palestinians were taken from their houses when the soldiers broke into several buildings and conducted searching operations.
Moussa heads to Sudan after meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers Saturday
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa has announced that he will heading to Sudan next Sunday to have talks with officials there regarding the strained relations between that country and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
At a joint conference here Wednesday with Sudanese Foreign Minister Al-Samani Al-Waseela, Moussa said that his trip to Sudan would take place after the conclusion of the emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers scheduled for Saturday.
US forces kill son and nephew of Iraqi governor by mistake in operation
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : US soldiers killed the son and nephew of an Iraqi governor during an operation in Tikrit, an official said.
Deputy Governor of Salahiddin, Abdullah Jebara told KUNA US forces broke into the home of the sister of Governor Hamad Al-Kashti and killed the two teenagers Sunday.
He added that the two boys, who died of direct gunfire, did not have any weapons on them.
The name of the owner of the house was similar to the name of a wanted person, he pointed out.
Shalit’s captors says not to scale down release demands
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Captors of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who has been held hostage for two years said on Tuesday they will never give up or scale down their demands over freeing the captive.
"There are no choices before Israel but to accept the swap according to the conditions set by the factions that hold the soldier," Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoom told reporters in Gaza.
Indo-Pak talks dominated by Kabul suicide attack & cross-border terrorism
By IRNA,
New Delhi : India on Monday raised the issue of involvement of some elements in Pakistan in the suicide bomb attack at its Embassy in Kabul.
The issue was raised at the meeting of the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries to launch the fifth round of composite dialogue in New Delhi.
Briefing media on the meeting, the Foreign Secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon said the talks were held at a difficult time in the relations between the two sides. He said that there have been incidents over Line of Control and incidents of cross border terrorism.
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.
Hamas launches crackdown against Fatah following Gaza blasts
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas forces launched a crackdown on supporters and charities linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in Gaza Strip early Saturday following a mysterious blast that killed a number of Hamas people.
Among the detainees was a colonel working in the pro-Abbas intelligence service and a cameraman works for the German ARD television.
Musharraf to attend Beijing Olympics opening ceremony: spokesman
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will be visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on August 8, the Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Briefing newsmen in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said the President will visit China at the invitation from the Chinese Government.
The President will also hold meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Hu Jintao, the spokesman said.
Merkel, Medvedev to discuss ME peace, Afghanistan next month
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at Sotchi on the Black Sea on August 15 for political talks, government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
The meeting is expected to dwell on the situation in Afghanistan and the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, the Merkel spokesperson added.
Wilhelm did not provide any further details on the content of the planned talks.
Medvedev visited Berlin last month for his first official European trip since taking office in May.
Iran, EU discuss major powers’ nuclear talks offer
By SPA,
Brussels : Iran's nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana discussed an offer from major powers on Tehran's nuclear programme on Monday, a European Union official said.
"During the (phone) conversation, the freeze-for-freeze issue will not be discussed. Like the last talks (in Geneva), they will only discuss the common points of the two packages," the senior Iranian official told Reuters.
IAEA official due in Tehran Thursday – spokesman
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : The United Nations nuclear watchdog's deputy director general, Olli Heinonen, is to visit Iran on Thursday, an IAEA spokesman said.
Talking to IRNA Wednesday, the spokesman did not say how long Heinonen would stay in Iran.
Heinonen is the International Atomic Energy Agency's deputy director-general for regional department of safeguards operation.
He visited Iran in May.
Malaysian parties prepare for snap polls
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian political parties, including those that represent ethnic Indians, have begun preparing for likely snap polls.
Cairo running out of petrol, food items
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: A fuel-shortage has led to long queues at petrol vends in Cairo as anti-presidential protests continued for the ninth day on trot.
I won’t accept diktats: Mubarak
By IANS,
Cairo : Embattled Egyptian President Thursday night said that he would not take instructions from others.
Obama expects more protests in Iran
By IANS,
Washington/Tehran : US President Barack Obama hopes to see more anti-government protests in Iran, Iran's Press TV reported from the American capital.
EU okays sanctions against Libya
By IRNA,
Berlin : The European Union agreed Monday to slap sanctions on Libya over the deadly suppression of peaceful protests in that country, the bloc's presidency said in Brussels.
Concern over violence in Libya weighs down US stocks
By DPA,
New York : Higher oil prices and continued concern about violence in Libya pushed down major US stock indices Wednesday.
Sweden offers fighter jets for Libya no-fly zone
By DPA,
Stockholm : Sweden is prepared to deploy up to eight fighter jets to help patrol the UN-authorised no-fly zone over Libya, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said Tuesday.
Pakistan among slowest growing South Asian countries: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is now among the slowest growing South Asian countries, said a leading daily as it noted that "India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are forging ahead".
Taliban kidnap British soldier in Afghanistan
By IANS,
London : Hundreds of soldiers were Monday engaged in a search for a British soldier who has been kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Daily Mail reported.
Rs.1 tr invested in Pakistan’s power sector
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over Rs.1 trillion have been invested in Pakistan's power sector in the past three years, the federal cabinet was informed.
Hasina seventh top world woman leader
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named the seventh among 12 top world women leaders by Time magazine.
Dengue fever outbreak grips Pakistani eastern city, hundreds infected
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The outbreak of dengue fever has gripped Pakistan's eastern Lahore city as hundreds of infected patients have been admitted in several city hospitals.
South Asia should now launch war on poverty: Pakistani minister
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Iran radars can detect drones: Commander
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's national defence system has been equipped with advanced radars capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles, a senior military commander said has said.
US discounts Pakistan coup rumours
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US has discounted rumours of a "silent coup" against Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari after reports that he had gone to Dubai following a heart attack.
Iran to set up space launch base
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran plans to establish a national satellite launch base in the southeast of the country, adjacent to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean, Press TV reported.
Pakistan Army treats 2,000 patients in medical camps
By IANS,
Islamabad : Doctors from the Pakistan Army have treated over 2,000 patients for free in medical camps set up in the flood-hit Sindh province.
Bangladesh to earn $44 mn from goods transit
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh can earn about $44 million a year by providing goods transit facilities to India and other neighbouring countries, an expert said.
Bangladeshi journalists go on hour-long strike
By IANS,
Dhaka : Journalists across Bangladesh observed an hour-long pen-down strike Monday to demand the arrest of the killers of a journalist couple, slain two weeks ago.
Six Shias shot dead in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six Shia Muslims were shot dead in southwest Pakistan Monday night in a sectarian attack, police said.
ISI helping Taliban against international forces in Afghanistan: NYT
By IANS,
Washington : The Taliban's widening campaign in southern Afghanistan is made possible in part by direct support from operatives in Pakistan's military intelligence agency ISI, according to the New York Times. This was so "despite Pakistani government promises to sever ties to militant groups fighting in Afghanistan, according to American government officials", the influential US daily said.
NATO, Iran hold first talks in 30 years
By Xinhua,
Brussels : Diplomats from the NATO and Iran held their first talks in 30 years here, focusing on possible cooperation on Afghanistan, an official said here.
An Iranian diplomat met NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Martin Erdmann, the alliance's spokesman James Appathurai told reporters.
Appathurai said that it was "a first informal contact" and the Iranian side is interested in cooperation on Afghanistan. The spokesman refused to identify the Iranian diplomat.
Yemen extradites five men wanted by Saudi
By ANTARA,
Sanaa : Yemen has handed over to Saudi Arabia five men whose names it says appear on a list of 85 militants wanted by the kingdom for involvement in attacks, a Yemeni security official said on Sunday.
Riyadh, however, said only one of the suspects was on its most-wanted list.
The suspects, all Saudi nationals, were extradited on Saturday and are wanted in connection with "terrorist and sabotage" acts, the Yemeni official told AFP.
Dhaka prepares bailout package for industries
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government will unveil a cash subsidy package ranging between Taka 25 billion and 30 billion ($357-427 million) to export-oriented industries hit by the global meltdown, a minister said.
"Only the affected exporters will be given bailout assistance from the package, and it may be Tk 2,500 crore to Tk 3,000 crore," Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told media Wednesday.
Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith said the recession package would be announced before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves for Saudi Arabia on an official visit April 22.
‘Pakistan’s pants are on fire’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Several US lawmakers have questioned President Asif Ali Zardari's ability to control Pakistan with one of them comparing the country to a man whose pants are on fire but who does not realise the danger.
When one's pants are on fire one has to do two things to survive, said Democrat Gary Ackerman as a House panel Tuesday questioned Richard Holbrooke, US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan on America 's strategy for the troubled ally.
Pakistan’s military recovers kidnapped cadets
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces early Tuesday recovered dozens of cadets and staff of a military-run college who had been kidnapped by Islamist insurgents in the volatile tribal region near Afghanistan the previous day, the military said.
The hostages were rescued after "a fierce fight" in the Garyum area, located some 20 km east of the Razmak town in North Waziristan district, a hotbed of Al Qaeda and Taliban militants.
"Seventy-one cadets and nine staff members of the Razmak Cadet College have been recovered," a military spokesman said.
Mehsud masterminded Benazir’s murder, says former aide
By IANS,
Islamabad : A militant leader who broke away with Pakistan's Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud has accused him of killing former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a media report said Friday.
Haji Turkistan Baetani, former right-hand man of Mehsud, claimed that Mehsud had planned the assassination of Bhutto.
Baetani told Geo TV that he heard Mehsud say, "I have moved two of my associates to Rawalpindi (for) slaying Mohtarma B.B. (Benazir Bhutto)."
US drones kill over 50 Taliban in Pakistan
By DPA,
Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan) : Two suspected US drone strikes killed at least 52 militants in Pakistan's tribal district of South Waziristan, where the Pakistani military plans to launch offensive against the chief of local Taliban, intelligence officials said.
The attacks came hours after a militant leader who had defected from Pakistani Taliban head Baitullah Mehsud was assassinated by an "infiltrator" in the adjoining district of North West Frontier Province.
Is Zardari more India-friendly than others in Pakistan?
By Amulya Ganguli, IANS,
Asif Ali Zardari's acknowledgement of the links between the terrorists and the Pakistani establishment is not exactly a state secret. Nor is this is the first time someone in authority has made such a confession.
Mideast peace a ‘top priority’ for Obama, says US envoy
By DPA,
Cairo/Jerusalem : US special Middle East envoy George Mitchell Monday called on Israel, the Palestinians and Arab states to take steps to promote a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, calling it one of President Barack Obama's "top priorities".
"We believe that a full, comprehensive peace presents the best way for all the people of the region to achieve the security, peace and prosperity all its citizens deserve," he told reporters in Cairo after meeting Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak and Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.
Swine flu threat: Saudi Arabia may bar young and old from Haj
By IANS,
Dhaka : Saudi Arabia may bar Haj pilgrims below six years and above 65 years due to swine flu fears, a media report said Wednesday.
Jeddah was yet to convey its decision to the governments across the globe that coordinate the Haj by their Muslim citizens every year, New Age newspaper said.
In Bangladesh's case, the number of pilgrims this year may be slashed by half.
Jaswant Singh to promote his book in Pakistan this week
By IANS,
Islamabad : Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh will visit Pakistan later this week to promote his book on Pakistan's founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the Online news agency reported.
Although Singh's visit to Pakistan has not yet been made public, he may arrive here Friday, the report said.
The former Indian external affairs minister was expelled from the BJP last week for praising Jinnah in his book "Jinnah: India, Partition, Independence", abruptly ending his three-decade-long membership with the party.
UN refocuses humanitarian services in Pakistan
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The United Nations is shifting focus of its humanitarian services in northwest Pakistan from hosting communities to areas of return so needs of returning displaced persons can be better met, a UN spokesperson said Friday.
Of over two million people who fled the Swat region in the wake of anti-Taliban military operations, 1.64 million returned to their homes as of Sept. 1.
Spokesperson Marie Okabe said the rate of displaced persons' return to their homes from camps and host communities slowed significantly in the past few weeks, however.
Arrest those who felled 30,000 trees: Bangladesh PM
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed officials to nab those people who were allegedly involved in the felling of 30,000 trees along the coast of Cox's Bazaar, even if they are from her party.
"Whoever the plunderers, even if they are from my party, find them out and take stern action against them," she told the third meeting of the national environment committee here Wednesday, The Daily Star reported.
Karzai accepts runoff vote to be held on Nov 7
By DPA,
Kabul: Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced Tuesday that he failed to win an outright election victory in the first round of voting and accepted the results requiring a second round that will be held on Nov 7.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC), an Afghan election body that conducted the August election, said that Karzai's share of the vote was below the 50 percent needed for a first-round victory and set Nov 7 as a date for the second round of the election.
Al Qaeda group claims rocket fire on Israel
By DPA,
Beirut : A group linked to Al Qaeda claimed Thursday to have fired a Katusha rocket from southern Lebanon into northern Israel without causing any damage.
The Brigades of Abdullah Azzam, Ziad Jarrah's Battalion, said it was responsible for Tuesday's attack, according to a statement released by a site close to al Qaeda called al-Fajr.
The group said it had prepared to launch five rockets but only fired one.
It said the attack was in protest of a Sunday raid by Israeli police on Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque.
Defence invokes poet Iqbal in Tahawwur Rana’s favour
By Mayank Chhaya, IANS,
Chicago : Pakistan's poet laureate Allama Iqbal was invoked in a Chicago court to establish the "non-violent and decent" character of Tahawwur Hassan Rana, who is under detention pending indictment for aiding a conspiracy to "murder and maim" outside the US.
Quality improvement in education is a must for prosperous Bangladesh
By NNN-BSS,
Rajshahi, Bangladesh : Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication Ministry Omar Faruque Chowdhury has underscored the need for quality improvement in education to take the nation ahead successfully.
He said there is no alternative to qualitative and quantitative education to transform the huge population into skilled human resources to take the nation towards the cherished goal of success in every spheres of life.
Toll in Iraq bombing rises to 27
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 27 people were killed and 111 injured in a series of explosions that hit the southern Iraqi city of Najaf, medics said Friday as they updated the death toll.
Three homemade bomb blasts rocked Najaf, home to some of Shiite Islam's highest educational institutions and shrines, within minutes of each other Thursday.
Two of the blasts targeted a market located in a street leading to Imam Ali shrine, an important Shiite Muslim shrine.
The third was a car bomb nearby that detonated after a while when more people gathered on the scene, sources said.
UAE to host global humanitarian aid conference
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the seventh edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) in April, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
The three-day event will start April 4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, organisers said.
The event will attract doctors, researchers and industry professionals from sectors like medicine, pharmacology, logistics and transport.
Should India talk to Pakistan? Why not, say experts
By Sarwar Kashani, IANS,
New Delhi: It is necessary for India to talk to Pakistan and raise its concerns with the civilian government there because that very move can help isolate the forces that spread hatred and terror, former diplomats and experts here opine.
Dismissing the notion that diplomatic engagement with the neighbour can take place only after Islamabad takes concrete action against anti-India terrorism, the experts who spoke to IANS appeared united in the belief that dialogue was the only way to solve all problems, including terror.
UAE President’s brother missing after plane crash
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed's younger brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was missing after his plane crashed in Morocco.
A sailplane carrying Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, has crashed into a lake in Morocco Friday night, WAM news agency reported.
The pilot was rescued but search is still on for Sheikh Ahmed, it said.
Human chain in Bangladesh to demand dredging of Padma river
By IANS,
Dhaka : Villagers backed by several non-government organisations and environmentalists formed a human chain to demand early dredging of the silted Padma river, one of Bangladesh's main river systems.
Residents of Godagari sub-district in Rajshahi, bordering India's West Bengal, formed a human chain and held a rally demanding that the river should be dredged immediately to restore the normal flow of its water, New Age newspaper reported Wednesday.
At least 35 killed, 80 injured in Baghdad blasts
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 35 people were killed and 80 injured in a series of blasts targeting mosques in the Iraqi capital Baghdad Friday, according to security sources and witnesses.
Two car bombs detonated in the al-Horriya and al-Rahmaniya areas, another bomb targeted people praying in al-Sadr city, eastern Baghdad and yet another went off targeting Hussayneyet al-Sadrein mosque in al-Zaafaraneya.
An explosive device went off inside a shopping mall in the al-Dora area, while a a suicide bombing occured near a mosque in the al-Amin area.
Gilani invites Manmohan to visit Pakistan
By IANS,
Thimphu: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan.
"Prime Minister Gilani invited him (Singh) to visit Pakistan. He said he would love to visit Pakistan," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters here, after a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit here.
Dialogue with India essential for regional peace: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday emphasised the need for resolving outstanding issues with India, saying that dialogue is indispensable for durable peace and stability in the region.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in Thimphu, Bhutan, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "also agreed with our stance and expressed willingness to resolve all bilateral issues through talks", Gilani said in his monthly radio address.
He also described the Thimpu meeting as "meaningful and useful".
Victims’ kins protest mosque plan at 9/11 site
By IANS,
New York : A community board has approved the construction of a mosque at the site of New York's World Trade Centre, which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attack, triggering protests by the victims' relatives in the city.
Relatives of 9/11 victims clashed with supporters of the proposed mosque near "Ground Zero", soon after members of Manhattan Community Board 1 approved the project with 29-1 votes. Nine members abstained the voting which concluded after four hours of debate.
Afghan interior minister, spy chief quit in wake of attacks
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghanistan's Interior Minister and its intelligence chief have resigned over their failure to prevent Taliban attacks on last week's peace assembly in Kabul, the presidential palace announced Sunday.
President Hamid Karzai summoned Interior Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar and intelligence chief Amrullah Salah so they could explain the Taliban attacks, aimed at stopping the so-called peace jirga attended by Karzai and more than 1,600 delegates from across the country, the palace said in a statement.
Gilani hopes India-Pakistan talks to be fruitful
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday expressed confidence that the forthcoming meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India would be fruitful and would pave the way for further dialogue.
Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will travel to Islamabad July 15.
UAE to develop programmes to curb child abuse
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates will develop comprehensive, professional and academic programmes for fighting sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
A committee for protection of children under the ministry of interior will look into the matter.
There is a need for educational and awareness programmes targeting children and be infused into the school syllabus given the nature of each level, Major General Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the office of deputy prime minister and minister of interior.
India, Iran inching closer on Afghanistan
By IANS,
New Delhi: Against the backdrop of leaked US military documents showing Pakistan's ISI's support for the Taliban, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali Fathollahi comes to India on a three-day visit starting Wednesday that will focus on coordinated efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.
This is the second ministerial visit from Iran to India in less than a month and follows the July 9 joint commission meeting at which Tehran had relented to expedite India-aided Chabahar port that could deepen India's outreach in both Afghanistan and Central Asia.
2,000-year-old gold coin found in Israel
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Archaeologists working in Israel have uncovered a rare 2,200-year-old gold coin, the heaviest and with the highest contemporary value of any found in excavations in the country, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Thursday.
The coin, uncovered in the northern area of Tel Kedesh on the border with Lebanon, was minted in Alexandria in 191 BC and bears the name of Arsinoe II Philadephus, the wife of Ptolemy II Philadephus.
Backing right to build mosque not endorsement: Obama
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : President Barack Obama has clarified that his defence of Muslims' right to build an Islamic complex near New York's Ground Zero site of 9/11 attack, was not an endorsement of the controversial proposal.
Speaking to reporters during a family vacation visit to Panama City, Florida, Obama reiterated the stand he took Friday night at a White House iftar dinner observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
UAE troops distribute aid in Afghanistan
By IANS/WAM,
Kabul : The UAE military Monday distributed 30 tonnes of relief material in the flood-affected areas of Afghanistan.
The material was distributed in coordination with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).
ARCS president Fatima Gailani commended the role of the UAE military in delivering and securing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
Three injured in Lahore blast
By IANS,
Lahore : At least three people were injured in a bomb blast near a shrine in Lahore Thursday night, reports said.
An unidentified man allegedly threw a hand grenade near the Khaki Shah shrine in Green Town area, causing panic among the people who had gathered to pray inside the shrine, Xinhua reported citing Geo News.
Police cordoned off the area and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital. One of the injured was in critical condition, hospital sources said.
UAE launches free hospital for kids
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Over one million children from across the world will now be able to receive free health care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after the government established the first ever free hospital for children.
The hospital has been built under the UAE's "Giving" campaign and aspires to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children worldwide, officials said Tuesday.
The 120-bed hospital consists of specialised wards for paediatrics, gynaecology, emergency, surgery, intensive care units, where a team of 50 doctors, technicians and other staff are set to work.
US asks Bangladesh to help train Afghan police forces
By IRNA,
New Delhi : US has asked Bangladesh to send combat troops to Afghanistan to help the multinational forces bring stability in the war-torn nation.
50 hurt in Pakistan stampede
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 50 people were injured in a stampede during distribution of relief cards among flood affected people in Pakistan's Nowshera town Wednesday.
Two injured in Karachi blast near Chinese consulate
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two people were injured when a bomb exploded near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's upmarket Clifton area Monday.
The blast took place around 11.30 a.m.
Iraq executes five over terrorism
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq Wednesday executed five convicted prisoners over terrorism charges, including a Syrian and Saudi national, the justice ministry announced.
EU condemns attacks on German, British embassies
By IANS,
Brussels: The European Union (EU) Friday condemned the attacks against German and British embassies in Khartoum.
EU, Iran to hold n-talks
By IANS,
Istanbul: Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said here Wednesday that Tehran and the European Union (EU) have agreed to hold a new round of nuclear talks in near future.
US drone strike kills six in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six people were killed in Pakistan Monday night in a US drone strike.
Afghan presidential elections in 2014
By IANS,
Kabul : Afghanistan will hold presidential elections April 5, 2014, the election commission announced Wednesday.
Pakistan apex court resumes memo hearing
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Supreme Court Monday resumed hearing of the memo controversy involving President Asif Ali Zardari.
Tajikistan limits beard length
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: Authorities in Tajikistan have imposed restrictions on the maximum length of male facial hair.
Iran supplied Gaza with weapons: Hamas leader
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Iran supplied Gaza militants with weapons, Khaled Meshaal, the political leader of Islamist group Hamas, has said.
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.
Pakistani daily calls for national consensus
By IANS,
Islamabad : Amid the escalating political crisis, a Pakistani daily Wednesday called for "a genuine national consensus".
Eight killed, 22 injured in Pakistan blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed and over 22 injured in two separate blasts in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region Thursday, Xinhua reported.
Protect religious minorities: HRW asks Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan should take legal action against Islamists and those responsible for threats and violence against minorities and other groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said.
Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman is dead
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Wednesday died at a hospital in Singapore, said a media report. He was 83.
Abu Dhabi airport traffic grows by 13 percent
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Passenger traffic at the Abu Dhabi International Airport grew by 13.1 percent in February, with traffic from India showing a growth of 9.1 percent.
British MPs tour UAE’s Saadiyat island
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: A delegation of British MPs have paid a special visit to the Saadiyat island off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
Iran successfully test-fires ballistic missile
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran has successfully test-fired two missiles, including a surface-to-surface long-range ballistic missile, state media reported Monday.
The test-fired ballistic missile was a "new...
Funeral of Afghan vice president held
Kabul : The state funeral service for Afghanistan's first vice president Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, who died Sunday, was held amid tight security in...
Eight trucks of aid enter Syria from Turkey: UN
United Nations: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said eight trucks, out of a total of 79, have crossed the border...
India, Oman to better economic and defence engagement
New Delhi : Bilateral trade and defence cooperation will top the agenda when Oman Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah visits India June...
Pakistan-India content exchange will push connect: Veteran Pakistani actress
By Radhika Bhirani,
New Delhi : She grew up watching the films of Bollywood's late ethereal beauty Madhubala, has enjoyed new wave Indian gems like...
Iraqi parliament convenes to elect new president
Baghdad : The Iraqi parliament has convened to elect a president and two vice presidents in a bid to put together a new government.
Newly-elected...
UN body condemns shelling of school in Gaza
Gaza : The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Wednesday strongly condemned the shelling of one of its schools in the central area of...
Khar to attend OIC meeting
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will leave for Djibouti Wednesday to attend a ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Israel to test high-altitude missile interceptor
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israel will soon test its latest high-altitude missile interceptor called the Arrow III, an official said Wednesday.
Blast destroys three shops in Karachi
By IANS,
Islamabad: Three shops were destroyed in an explosion Saturday in Pakistan's port city of Karachi, media reports said. There were no casualties.
BRICS urged to help Syrian civilians
By IANS,
Johannesburg : The BRICS countries should call for an end to indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian areas in Syria, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.
Iraq reopens Russian arms deal probe
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Dubai : Iraq's central criminal court has resumed an investigation into officials suspected of corruption in a $4.2 billion deal to purchase Russian weapons.
26 killed, 80 injured in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad: As many as 26 people were killed and 80 injured due to bombings and clashes in different parts of Iraq Wednesday.
No hand in Islamabad court attack: Pakistani Taliban
Islamabad : The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has said that is had no hand in the attack on an Islamabad court Monday that claimed 11...
OIC calls for respecting rights of Muslims in Crimea
Jeddah : The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concern about the security and well-being of the Muslim Crimean Tatar community in view...
Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile
Islamabad: Pakistan Thursday conducted successful training launch of a short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, capable of delivering nuclear and conventional warheads, the military said.
The...
Pakistan condemns US drone strikes in North Waziristan
Islamabad : Pakistan has condemned two pre-dawn US drone strikes Thursday on militant hideouts in North Waziristan, a media report said.
"The government of Pakistan...
AGP wants Sushma Sawraj’s Bangladesh visit’s outcome to be made public
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati: Unhappy at the things done by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government so far at New Delhi, India’s northeastern state of Assam’s main regional political party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has urged the government to make public the details of the External Affairs Minister Sushma Sawraj’s Bangladesh visit suspecting it’s dual stand.
Top Boko Haram commander arrested in Nigeria
Abuja: Police in Nigeria have arrested Mohammed Zakari, a senior commander of the Boko Haram sect, blamed for killing hundreds of people since 2009,...
“Netanyahu you will see, you will see, Palestine will be free”
Thousands chant In London
By M Ghazali Khan,
London 27 July: At least 60,000 protestorsfrom amazingly and admiringly multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-ethnic backgroundsrallied yesterdayin front of Israeli Embassy and from where they marched to the British Parliament to demand lifting of siege of Gaza and freedom for Palestine. “You don’t have to be a Muslim to stand for Palestinians. Just be a human” read a placard raised by a marcher.
Seven killed in Pakistan over water dispute
Islamabad: At least seven people were killed Saturday in a clash between two groups in the area between Pakistan's Punjab and Balochistan provinces.
According to...
Iraq dismisses 1,300 security members after clashes in the south
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government decided to dismiss more than 1,300 soldiers and policemen because they refused to fight Shiite militiamen during recent clashes in southern Iraqi cities, a security source said on Sunday.
Up to 921 soldiers and policemen, including 37 senior officers, have been fired from their jobs in the Iraqi police and army units in the southern city of Basra, where the U.S.-backed Iraqi security forces fought Mahdi Army militia, loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Interior Ministry spokesman Major Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf said.
Olmert-Abbas meeting begins in Jerusalem
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have begun their meeting in the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem. The two are meeting privately, without the negotiation teams.
The meeting is being held ahead of Abbas' upcoming visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush and other U.S. officials who are interested in giving a boost to Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
EU Chief rejects linking Islam with terrorism
By IINA,
Doha : The European Parliament is highly critical of those who equate Islam with terrorism, its President said here yesterday. "I will not accept this and we in the European Parliament do not accept that Islam and terrorism are identified as the same thing. We don't believe in this idea and we reject this idea," Hans-Gert Pottering (pictured), who is here on an official visit to Qatar, told a news conference. He said the European Parliament rejected statements, pictures or descriptions that identify violence and terrorism with Muslim beliefs.
Pakistan begins to demolish 3-decade-old Afghan refugee camp
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces Tuesday began to demolish a three-decade-old Afghan refugee camp in the country's northwest, officials said.
The demolition operation was launched as the deadline of April 15 for vacation of the camp was expired Tuesday, Pakistani officials from the Afghan Commissionarate said.
UN agencies call on Israel to resume distribution of fuel to Gaza
By KUNA,
Geneva : Head of the Geneva office for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said Wednesday that United Nations humanitarian and development agencies called on Israel to immediately resume the distribution of sufficient fuel to Gaza Strip to allow Palestinians there to go about their normal daily lives.
He added that eight UN bodies found the current situation is a threat to the health and well-being of the population of Gaza Strip, 56 percent of whom are children.
Turkish military says it strikes PKK in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkish warplanes struck a group guerillas of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq on Tuesday as they attempted to sneak to Turkish territory, the General Staff said on Wednesday.
Pakistan seeks Saarc help in Bhutto killing probe
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday sought the cooperation of other South Asian governments in investigating the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto late last year.
"Member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) are requested to share any information that can contribute to the probe," said Rehman Malik, the adviser to incumbent Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani.
Young Palestinian succumbs to injuries in Gaza
By KUNA,
Gaza : A young Palestinian died here Sunday from injuries he sustained in an incursion by Israeli forces into Hajar Al-Deek town in central Gaza, four days ago.
Medical sources said the boy, identified as Ahmad Abdulmajeed Al-Najjar, was seriously injured and taken to Al-Shefa Hospital in Gaza. He succumbed to his injuries this morning, they said.
Israeli forces had killed 19 Palestinians four days ago during the incursion into the town, which is near the Israeli border, and the victims included a journalist.
Two firsts for Malaysia – non-Malay speaker, woman deputy speaker
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia has got its first non-Malay speaker and its first woman deputy speaker in the opposition-ruled Selangor state.
Ethnic Chinese Teng Chang Khim was sworn in as the speaker of the Selangor legislative assembly, followed by Haniza Talha, who has become the first woman to be elected as deputy speaker since Malaysia became free in 1957.
Teng, who belongs to the Democratic Action Party (DAP), is a four-term lawmaker.
Talha, 45, is one of the 50 women lawmakers, from out of 130 women candidates, who won last month's general election.
Pakistan reduces F-16 order to 18 fighters
By IANS
Islamabad : Financial constraints have forced Pakistan to halve to 18 the number of F-16 combat jets it is buying from the US, a media report Wednesday said.
Pakistan had earlier sought to buy 36 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft for $5.1 billion, which included associated weapons, spares and upgrading of an earlier fleet purchased in the 1980s.
"The decision to reduce the order by half would also halve the cost of the aircraft and that of the weapons associated with them," Dawn reported Wednesday in a dispatch from Washington.
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.
Yemen: senior official denies closure of UN offices
By NNN-IRIN,
Sanaa : The UN in Yemen has raised the level of security in its buildings in a bid to mitigate any terrorist attacks against it but has not closed any of its offices, a senior UN official told IRIN.
Aboudou Karim Adjibade, acting UN Resident Coordinator, said that while some UN staff had had to relocate while security enhancements were made in their offices, their work continued as usual, contrary to reports by international news agencies saying some UN offices in Yemen had closed.
Iraqi Militia Rejects Govt Conditions
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A spokesman for cleric Muqtada al Sadr called Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki's conditions to end the military campaign against the Al Mahdi Army "illegitimate" on Monday.
Maliki's terms are to lay down arms, non-interference in government affairs, non-interference in Police and Army duties and the handing over of wanted militiamen.
The terms were announced on Saturday after several weeks of fierce
clashes between the Al Mahdi Army and joint US-Iraqi forces, which
left over 400 victims in Sadr City neighborhood in Baghdad.
Iraq police say female suicide bomber kills 1, wounds 5
By SPA,
Baghdad : Iraqi police say a female suicide bomber has killed one person and wounded five others in an attack North of Baghdad.
A security official says the attack occurred Tuesday morning at a bus station close to the village of al-Mukhesah, near the town of Muqdadiyah, about 90 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad.
There is no immediate claim of responsibility, the Associated Press reported.
Small Palestinian factions agree to cease-fire
By SPA,
Cairo, Egypt : A Palestinian official says 11 small Palestinian factions have agreed in principle to a cease-fire with Israel but have expressed reservations about details of an Egyptian-mediated deal, the Associated Press reported.
Egypt's proposed cease-fire agreement includes a six-month truce between Israel and the Gaza Strip, an exchange of prisoners and the opening of Gaza's border crossings.
Top Russian official says Iran’s nuclear program is strictly peaceful
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : A senior Russian government official said on Wednesday after talks with the Iranian leadership that the Islamic Republic was not developing nuclear weapons.
Valentin Sobolev, who serves as the acting head of Russia's Security Council, arrived in Tehran with a delegation of high-ranking Russian officials last Sunday to discuss with the Iranian leadership international and regional issues, as well as bilateral economic cooperation and the Iranian nuclear program.
Israeli-Palestinian peace to defrost Israeli-Arab ties
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Jordanian King Abdullah II believes that progress in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians would bring a warmer relationship between the Jewish state and the Arab nations, said Israeli lawmaker Yossi Beilin on Saturday.
Beilin, who met with Abdullah II in Jordan's coastal town of Aqaba Friday night, told Israel Radio that the king said advancement of the political process with the Palestinians, even prior to resolving most of the core issues, would result in a fuller partial implementation of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.