India to Pakistan: Speedy 26/11 trial can be biggest CBM
By IANS,
Islamabad: Airing its concerns over cross-border terror, India Thursday told Pakistan that the speedy trial of the 26/11 accused and unraveling of the larger Mumbai attack conspiracy can be the "biggest confidence-building measure (CBM)" that could help normalise strained ties between the two countries.
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.
Four jailed for abducting Indian in Bahrain
Manama : Four people, including two Pakistanis and a Bangladeshi, were sentenced to five years in jail in Bahrain for abducting and assaulting an...
Talabani: Turkish PM to visit Iraq soon
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a visit to Iraq soon to enhance bilateral ties.
During a meeting in his office with heads of Iraqi media organizations on Thursday, Talabani reviewed security, economic and political issues in Iraq in addition to his country's relations with neighboring countries, Talabani's office said in a statement obtained by Xinhua on Friday.
Pakistan won’t accept extension of US strikes: Foreign Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday said that Pakistan would neither accept foreign boots on its soil nor extension of the US drone attacks.
Speaking at the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Qureshi said Pakistan strongly believed that the US drone attacks were counterproductive and unhelpful in joint efforts towards winning hearts and minds, which was essential to succeed against violent extremism, Xinhua reported.
Supreme Court urges government to prevent Bangladeshi influx
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the government to "take all possible steps to prevent the illegal immigration and infiltration" of Bangladeshis into India.
A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan issued direction to the government while largely approving various steps, like fencing off the India-Bangladesh border, to prevent the illegal immigration from the eastern neighbour of the country.
Stay away from terrorism, says Pakistani-origin rock star
By IANS,
London : Long-haired Salman Ahmad, a Pakistani-origin rock star whose band Junoon has sold over 30 million albums, is Britain's latest effort to combat terrorism -- as he wants to counter radicalisation among students "and if that comes from the power of a guitar" then so be it.
Ahmad, who cites Led Zeppelin among his influences, will urge Muslim students to choose an electric guitar over extremism, Times Online reported Sunday.
Zardari says Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are safe
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has claimed that his country's nuclear weapons are safe, rejecting US concerns that some of these weapons are at risk of being acquired by members of the Taliban.
"They are in safe hands," Zardari told CNN in an interview Tuesday.
The comments come two days after the New York Times reported senior American officials are increasingly worried Taliban militants could acquire unsecured weapons in Pakistan's arsenal.
Eight held as Spanish cops break up Islamist recruitment cell
Madrid : At least eight people were arrested in Spain Monday during a police operation against Jihadist recruitment cell's plans to send fighters to...
Pakistani son gives new life to mother on his birthday
By IANS,
New Delhi : A Pakistani son's donation of his liver to his mother has left the woman cured of cirrhosis, doctors at Sir Gangaram Hospital here said Sunday.
Libya army chief survives assassination attempt
Tripoli: Libya's army chief Major General Abdulaslam Jadallah Obeidi Monday survived an assassination attempt in the capital Tripoli, an army spokesperson said.
Obeidi was subjected...
Pakistan steps up offensive against Taliban in Buner
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces Wednesday stepped up the offensive against the Taliban fighters in the restive North West Frontier Province's Buner district with helicopters being used to reach mountainous areas.
"Security forces' troops dropped down by helicopters on mountains as operation continued in Buner and remote areas," the News International reported.
Security forces, backed by artillery, gunship choppers and jet fighters, are targeting the militants in Buner.
Pakistani military Wednesday took control of a key town in Buner district, a media report said.
Kuwaiti Interior Minister cables counterpart as he ends visit
By KUNA,
Damascus : The Kuwaiti Minister of Interior, Sheikh Jaber Khalid Al-Sabah, Tuesday sent a cable of thanks upon concluding his visit to Syria to his counterpart Bassam Abdulmajeed.
The minister expressed gratitude for the hospitality with which he was received and efforts to create an environment conducive to productive security talks, which he held with officials of the host country.
UAE launches armoured vehicle facility
By IANS/WAM,
Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) : The world's largest privately-owned armoured vehicle facility was launched Wednesday in the UAE emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Germany received 450,000 refugees so far this year
Berlin: Germany has received 450,000 refugees so far this year, out of 800,000 expected to arrive in 2015, German Vice Chancellor and Minister of...
Death toll in Islamabad blast rises to 21
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The death toll in a deadly blast in Pakistani capital Islamabad has risen to 21, including 16 policemen, a local private TV reported on Monday.
The explosion occurred on Sunday in front of a police station near the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, in downtown Islamabad. The blast, apparently targeted at police, has also left more than 40 injured, the private Geo TV said.
Five die in roof collapse in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A man and his four sons were killed when the roof of their home collapsed in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said Thursday.
Pakistan: Sherpao announces support to Asif Zardari in Presidential Election
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan People’s Party (Sherpao) chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao announced to support coalition candidate Asif Ali Zardari for election to the office of the President.
“Our party will vote for Asif Ali Zardari on September 6,” Aftab Sherpao announced in a press conference; along with PPP MNA Faryal Talpur, here at his house here Saturday evening.
He said as per democratic conventions it was right of the PPP to field its presidential candidate because it has secured heavy public mandate in the February 18 general elections.
No decision yet on minimum wages for Indian workers in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : India has not taken any decision on fixing a minimum wage limit for its workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Indian Consul General in Dubai Venu Rajamony.
"We are still discussing the issue but no decision has been taken as yet," Rajamony told reporters on the sidelines of a conference on labour management in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries here Wednesday.
11 killed in Bangladesh bus accident
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Eleven people were killed and 41 injured in a collision between two buses in Bangladesh's northwestern Bogra district, about 170 km northwest of capital Dhaka, the police said Tuesday.
The police were quoted by private news agency UNB as saying the fatal accident occurred at about 2 a.m. local time, when a bus from northwestern Dinajpur district to southeastern Chittagong city collided head-on with a bus from northern Gaibandha district to capital Dhaka.
Eight passengers were killed on the spot and 44 were injured.
BBC targeted in Muslim-Jewish women protest against Israeli slaughter
London, Jan 20, IRNA -- Muslim and Jewish women joined forces outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London Monday in a ‘Vigil & Speakout’ against Israel’s massacre of more than 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza.
“We have come together to spell out the truth about occupied Palestine that the media, beginning with the BBC, refuses to report,” they said in a joint statement.
Afghan violence kills 2 NATO soldiers, 14 insurgents
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : Officials say violence in Afghanistan has left 18 dead, including two NATO soldiers and 14 insurgents.
A NATO statement Wednesday said an explosion killed a soldier and civilian interpreter on patrol in eastern Ghazni province. Two NATO soldiers were wounded, one of whom later died at a military hospital.
The statement gave no details on the victims' nationalities or the nature of the explosion, the Associated Press reported.
Pakistani court extends remand of American shooter
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A court in Pakistan on Thursday extended till February 11 physical police remand of an American national, detained in Pakistan on double murder charges, court officials said.
UAE Prsident offers AED 200 million for Afghanisan’s reconstruction
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has donated AED 200 million to Afghanistan as part of his effort to ease the suffering of the Afghani people.
The grant will be used to build infrastructure so as to assist the Afghani people tap their energy and resources for reconstruction on one hand and contribute to ongoing efforts for restoring security and stability on the other.
Yemen on brink of economic collapse: UN
United Nations: Yemen, reeling from political instability and insecurity from jihadist attacks, is "on the brink of an economic collapse," a UN humanitarian official...
Iranian forces kill 12 militants near Iraqi border
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian security forces have killed at least 12 militants in the northwestern city of Piranshahr near the Iraqi border, Iran's English-language Press TV satellite channel reported on Thursday.
Four Iranian border guards were killed in the clash that took place after some 40 insurgents infiltrated into Iranian territory from the Iraqi border, the report quoted Colonel Shahnam Rezaei, head of the West Azerbaijan's provincial police information center, as saying.
Eid spirit prevails in Egypt
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Millions of Egyptian crammed the country's mosques early on Monday performing Eid Al-Adha prayers and congratulating each others on the happy occasion.
Religious scholars called for Muslims' unity on the annual occasion.
Meanwhile, managers of cinema theatres braced for hosting movies' fans with planned show of a host of newly-produced films, while thousands living abroad flocked back home by air for the occasion.
Authorities have decided to release 649 prisoners for the eid.
Explosion outside PPP election office in Parachinar
ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): An explosion occurred outside the election office of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Eidgah market, Parachinar.After the explosion, electric supply to the area was disconnected, private television channels reported.Causalities are feared in the blast, while further details are awaited
Speak up for Sikhs in Pakistan, says Modi to Manmohan
By IANS,
Ambala : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Sunday slammed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for "doing nothing" for Sikhs, who are being targeted by Taliban militants in Pakistan's troubled tribal areas.
"What have you done for the Sikh community (in Pakistan)?" Modi asked while addressing an election rally here in Haryana.
"You are a Sikh yourself... come and rescue your people there," Modi said.
Minorities living in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were forced to flee as Taliban have imposed tax on non-Muslims.
India, US discuss spurt in militancy in Afghanistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India and the US Thursday discussed ways to boost cooperation on a range of global issues like counter-terrorism, climate change, and escalation of violence in Afghanistan and its implications on regional stability.
US Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky, who arrived here Tuesday night, met Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and other senior officials.
400,000 blind people live in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul: Some 400,000 blind people live in Afghanistan, the health ministry said Sunday.
It also said some 25,000 Afghans lose sight of at least one of their eyes annually.
Iran Won’t Negotiate Its Lawful Atomic Energy Rights
By Bernama,
Tehran : Iran will not negotiate its lawful atomic energy rights, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as saying on Tuesday.
"We should not make any premature forecasts. Let them present the initiatives first, and Iran will not stop uranium enrichment research in exchange for economic incentives," he said.
He made these remarks when asked on whether Iran would consider the updated set of the sextex proposals containing the demand to suspend uranium enrichment research.
US-UAE trade reaches record high of $18 bn
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Trade between the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached a record high of $18.34 billion in 2011, according to latest data.
UAE to host camel festival
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates capital will a host a camel festival from Jan 30 to Feb 8, WAM news agency reported.
The Mazayina Dhafra Camel Festival will be organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH). It will be held in Zayed city in Al Gharbia (western region).
Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, director general of ADACH, said the festival will include many events, including competitions on poetry and photography.
Five killed, 34 injured in Peshawar blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five people were killed and 34 others were injured Monday night in a bomb blast at a market in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city.
60 years on, Palestinians still long for lost villages
By Ofira Koopmans, DPA,
Balata (West Bank) : Perhaps a week, not much longer, until the fighting died down, that was how long 14-year-old Ahmed Aswed thought he would stay away from his village in 1948.
He had fled with his small sister and brother on his bicycle when the fighting in his village erupted. His parents had packed some basic items on their donkey. They did not contemplate taking more; they would camp out in the field for a few days, they thought.
Egypt blocks YouTube over anti-Islam film
By IANS,
Cairo: A court in Cairo has ordered popular video sharing website YouTube to be blocked for hosting the controversial film "Innocence of Muslims", state media reported.
Arab League condemns Israeli verdict to imprison Palestinian lawmaker
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League has condemned here the Israeli military court's three-year prison sentence against Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr Abdelaziz Duwaik and several of his colleagues.
The League stated that the court's verdict last Tuesday was not based on any legal documents or evidence that convicted the Speaker of any acts of terrorism against Israel.
Israeli DM confirms military operation in Gaza
By Xinhua,
JERUSALEM : The Israel Air Force (IAF) is currently "operating" in the Gaza Strip, Defense Minister Ehud Barak confirmed on Tuesday.
According to army sources, Barak made the remarks during the Herzliya Conference.
Meanwhile, during a tour of the Northern Command of the army, Barak also warned of a response to the attack in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier, Palestinian sources reported that residents of Rafah received a phone message warning them of an IDF operation in the area.
Two Palestinians killed in Israeli raid in Gaza – witnesses
By KUNA
Gaza : Two palestinians were killed and six were injured in an Israeli air raid in the town of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip, eyewitnesses said.
They added in press remarks that Israeli warplanes unleashed a rocket at an apartment building killing the two and injuring the six others.
Khedra Wahdan, 30, and Mohammad Kafarneh, 22, were killed in the air strike, they added.
Iran looms huge for Obama amidst tension with Berlin
By Laszlo Trankovits, IANS,
Washington : US election euphoria, the financial crisis and the Middle East crisis have upstaged the issue of Iran's nuclear activities which are viewed as a growing threat in 2009 to world security.
Concern about the threat prompted a coalition of top think tanks - the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings Institution - to warn in December that Iran poses the biggest challenge for president-elect Barack Obama when he takes office Jan 20.
Pakistani Army headquarters attack accused to be executed
Islamabad : Preparations to execute Aqeel alias Doctor Usman for attacking the Pakistan Army's headquarters in 2009 have been completed and the execution is...
11 sacked Pakistani judges reinstated: Report
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 11 sacked Pakistani judges have been reinstated Tuesday, a media report said.
All the deposed judges except Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry assumed office with immediate effect, TV channel Dawn News reported.
Chaudhry will assume office March 21 when the sitting chief justice retires.
The reinstated judges include five Supreme Court judges with the remaining being high court judges, according to the report.
Pakistani President Asif Zardari signed the summary of reinstatement of the deposed judges Tuesday.
Iran, South Africa discuss shipping cooperation
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran and South Africa Tuesday opened here their second meeting to find ways to enhance shipping and port cooperation, IRNA news agency reported.
During the two-day meeting, experts from the two countries will study shipping and technical cooperation, ship-building, launching ports and sea structures.
"It is necessary to hold such meetings to increase the shipping activities in Iran's sea lanes," said Gholam-Reza Sasani, director of the Ports and Shipping Company of Iran, while briefing to reporters about the meeting.
Arab leaders endorse draft resolutions, Damascus declaration
By KUNA
Damascus : Arab leaders and heads of delegations endorsed during their closed session here on Sunday the draft resolutions listed on the agenda of the 20th Arab Summit, as well as the Damascus Declaration.
The summit is set to wrap up later today with the official announcing of the final communique and the Damascus Declaration in a joint press conference for Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and Syrian Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Muallem.
Gaza’s sole power plant down after Israel attack
Gaza City : The only power plant supplying electricity to the Gaza Strip was knocked out of commission by Israeli shelling, deputy director of...
French Oil Co. Stays in Venezuela, Iran
By Prensa Latina
Paris : The fourth most important oil company in the world's western countries, Total SA (TOTF.PA France), said Wednesday it will continue doing business with Venezuela and Iran and highlighted its good relations with Caracas.
Total's CEO Christophe de Margerie told press that despite geopolitical and political difficulties existing in the countries where they work, the enterprise finds reasonable solutions and leads its competitors in increased production, with net income last year of 12.2 billion euros making it France's number one oil company.
Anti-corruption drive causes fall in investment in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : The interim government's drive against corruption has been cited by a report as one of the three main reasons for the slide in Bangladesh's domestic and foreign investment.
The other two reasons, as per the report of the planning ministry, are poor implementation of the annual development programme (ADP) and inflation.
The caretaker government headed by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has jailed over 200,000 people since January last year on charges of misuse of office and corruption.
Five Palestinians hurt in Israeli shelling of Gaza
By KUNA,
Gaza : Five Palestinian were reported injured in an Israeli shelling of homes near the town of Beit Lahya north of the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Mouawiya Hassanain, head of ambulances and emergencies, told KUNA that the injured, who were of the same family, were rushed to the Martyr Kamal Adwan Hospital. He said that injuries were slight to moderate.
Three Palestinians were hurt in an Israeli shelling and armed clashes with army troops in Gaza yesterday.
Pakistani woman climbs world’s seven highest peaks
Islamabad : Samina Baig became the first Pakistani woman to climb seven highest peaks in seven continents in under eight months, media reported Sunday.
Baig,...
Israeli chopper targets metal workshop in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : An Israeli military chopper attacked on Friday evening a metal workshop in Khan Younis city in southern Gaza with two missiles.
Eyewitnesses in the city said the Chopper fired two missiles at the workshop near western camp destroying it completely and also damaged nearby houses.
According to eyewitnesses, the workshop, which was the target of another Israeli air raid two years ago, belonged to Maher Al-Jabri.
Musharraf to set date for 1st National Assembly session’s by Thursday: minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf is likely to announce date for the 1st session of the National Assembly by Thursday, the Law Minister said Monday.
Victors of the February 18 parliamentary elections are demanding early summoning of the National Assembly session to elect the new Prime Minister.
The elections were mostly won by opposition parties Pakistan Peoples Party of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Israeli crimes condemned during London’s Qods Day rally
By IRNA,
London : Hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslims gathered at London's Marble Arch for the annual Qods Day march to Trafalgar Square Sunday to highlight the plight of the Palestinians, living under 60 years of Israeli military occupation.
Demonstrators, carrying banners and flags, called for the 'End to Child Killing,' 'End to Oppression' and 'End to Israeli Apartheid'.
They also castigated the silence of western governments over Israel's endless war crimes.
Egyptian uprising inspired by Tunisia’s upheaval
By IANS,
Cairo: The month-long revolution in Tunisia, which led to the change of a 23-year military regime, was the inspiration for the uprising by Egyptians against Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.
Israel kills 19 in deadliest Gaza incursion
By SPA
Gaza City : Israeli troops rolled into northern Gaza Tuesday, sparking the deadliest fighting with local militants in more than a year and killing at least 19 Palestinians, including two killed in the evening in an airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip, DPA reported.
Another 45 people were injured, 12 of them seriously, hospital officials said.
Explosion in SW Pakistan kills four people
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Four people were killed and five others were wounded in a bomb explosion in southwestern province of Baluchistan on Sunday, police said.
A remote-controlled bomb exploded with a huge bang in the Bazaar of Dera Bugti town, over 350 kilometers from Quetta, the provincial capital, police sources told KUNA.
They said the explosion killed four persons and wounded five others. The wounded, one in critical condition, had been whisked to hospitals.
Security was put on red alert and police cordoned off the scene.
Over 1,100 killed in Iraq violence in September
Baghdad: A total of 1,119 Iraqis were killed and 1,946 injured in terror attacks and violence in September in Iraq, the UN Assistance Mission...
Afghanistan: mine clerance making good progress
By NNN-IRIN,
Kabul : Mine clearance agencies have made “unprecedented progress” in clearing the country of mines, according to the head of the UN Mine Action Center for Afghanistan (UNMACA).
The agencies had demolished 38,294 anti-personnel landmines, 419 anti-tank mines and over 957,000 explosive remnants of war over the past six months, Haider Reza, the director of UNMACA, told reporters in Kabul on 21 July.
He noted that 389,000 anti-personnel landmines had been neutralised in the 18 years since mine clearance work began.
Modi will be ‘tougher customer’ than Manmohan: Pakistan activist
Islamabad : Saying Narendra Modi will be a "tougher customer" than Manmohan Singh, a leading Pakistani rights activist has urged Islamabad to address New...
US House of Representatives passes troop withdrawl bill
By DPA,
Washington : The US House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by the end of 2009, while rejecting a spending measure of $163 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many of the minority Republicans, protesting Democratic tactics to push through a bill that President George W. Bush has already threatened to veto, refused to vote on the war-spending measure, leading to its 149-141 defeat.
Iran digging 320,000 graves for invaders: mily official
By ANTARA News,
Tehran : A senior Iranian military official said on Sunday the Islamic republic is digging some 320,000 graves in its border provinces for future slain invaders, Iran`s English-language satellite channel Press TV reported.
Iran`s Armed Forces headquarters has approved the plan to dig graves for enemy forces in case of any attack on its territory, said Brigadier General Mir-Faisal Baqerzadeh, head of the Foundation for the Remembrance of the Holy Defense.
Suspect in Bhutto’s rally bombing handed over to police
By IRNA
Islamabad : An Anti-Terrorism court on Saturday handed over a suspect of twin suicide bombing in the rally of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto to police for questioning till March 27, court officials said.
Over 140 people were killed and around 250 injured in suicide attacks in welcoming procession of Benazir Bhutto when she returned Karachi on October 12 when at the end of her eight-year exile.
Qari Saifullah Akhtar was produced in the court under tight security after he was brought to Karachi from Lahore by plane.
MERS toll surges to 282 in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: The death toll from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus in Saudi Arabia has surged to 282 after recalculations, the health ministry...
Pakistan, Afghan intelligence sign landmark deal
Islamabad : Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Afghan intelligence outfit National Directorate of Security (NDS) have signed a landmark deal...
Malaysia: government may scrap penang monorail project for lack of state cooperation
By NNN-Bernama,
Penang, Malaysia : The federal government will not proceed with the monorail project in Penang if the state authority does not give its cooperation, Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.
"So far, we have not received any approvals from the state government. If the state government has other plans with regard to the monorail, we are not doing it. The project is scrapped," he told reporters here on Saturday.
Pakistan provided information on Osama courier, claims governor
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan had provided information about Osama bin Laden's courier through whom the US got the Al Qaeda leader, Punjab Governor Latif Khosa has claimed.
Malaysian PM assures govt will not ignore issues faced by non-Muslims
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has assured that the government will not ignore issues faced by non-Muslims in the country, especially problems pertaining to religion and faith.
The government is concerned about issues raised by non-Muslims, through organizations like the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), and has promised that these problems will be attended to by the relevant authorities.
Israeli PM urges to advance Palestinian talks under current U.S. gov’t
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday that his country should take advantage of the friendly current U.S. government to prod the staggering peace talks with the Palestinians.
"One thing is certain: this administration is especially friendly," Olmert told the weekly cabinet meeting, referring to U.S. President George W. Bush's administration.
"We cannot miss taking advantage of this opportunity," local daily The Jerusalem Post quoted him as saying. "Therefore, the element of time holds special importance. We must not lose this."
Kashmiri separatist leaders to go on to meet Pakistan envoy
Srinagar : Kashmiri separatist leaders Monday said they would go on to meet the Pakistan high commissioner despite India calling off foreign secretary-level talks...
50 injured in students’ clashes in Dhaka
By IANS,
Dhaka : Over 50 students of rival bodies were injured in a clash at a cultural function at a university campus, adding to the tension as Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary elections in December.
Leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir, student front of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest islamist party, Saturday attacked a cultural function of Udichi Shilpi Goshthi on the Jagannath University campus.
Afghan bomb kills 8 bus passengers
By IINA,
Kabul : A roadside bomb has hit a bus in western Afghanistan, killing eight passengers and wounding another. The explosion took place as the vehicle was traveling to Nimroz province, Younus Rasuli, deputy governor of Farah province, said.
Afghanistan's western provinces, which border Iran, are frequently attacked. Although militants mostly target military convoys, civilians are often killed.
India should not talk of surgical strikes: Musharraf
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : India should not talk of "surgical strikes" on Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attack, as forces were ready to "retaliate to any aggression", former president Pervez Musharraf said Saturday.
"India should not talk rubbish like surgical strikes. Our forces are not sitting idle and have full capacity to retaliate to any level of aggression," the former military dictator told reporters before leaving for the US where he is scheduled to deliver lectures at various institutes.
US Troops Killed in Iraq at 3,975
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The number of US soldiers killed in Iraq amounted to 3,975 after reports of another death in the western province of Diyala in a counter-insurgency operation, the Central Command reported Saturday.
During the action, a load detonated when a patrol passed by, and another US military soldier was injured.
Less than two weeks before the fifth anniversary of the beginning of US invasion against this Arab country, soldiers continue to die and Washington is losing control in the scenes where they operate, even in Baghdad.
Egypt, Jordan leaders hold talks on sidelines of WEF
By NNN-KUNA,
Sharm El-Sheikh : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullah II of Jordan held talks here Sunday on regional issues, on the sidelines of the upcoming World Economic Forum.
The two leaders discussed the Middle East peace process, the situation in Iraq and Darfur, and the security of the Gulf region, in addition to the latest Lebanese developments and the negotiations of different Lebanese groups held in Qatar.
UN chief condemns attack on mosque in Iraq
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned in the strongest terms the attack on a mosque in eastern Iraq Friday that killed up...
Egyptian Court convicts Three for forging Hajj visas
By SPA,
Cairo : An Egyptian court convicted yesterday Three culprits for their role in forging Hajj visas, and sentenced them for a period of three years with labour. The Fourth culprit was acquitted.
The four culprits were arrested during last year's Hajj season after being accused of forging Hajj visas and selling them to a group of citizens.
The citizens were detained while they were making the procedures of their travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj.
Zardari steps in to save ruling coalition
By IRNA;,
Islamabad: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has involved himself in a process to save the ruling coalition after two allies have quit federal cabinet.
Four injured as Pakistani militants, police exchange fire in northwest
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Suspected Pakistani Taliban and police exchanged firing in a Pakistani northwestern city on Thursday, injuring a police man and at least three civilians, police and witnesses said.
Firing started after the militants took shelter inside a mosque near the city of Nowshehra, some 40 kilometers northwest of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province.
Police said that a group of militants were coming from Peshawar and when police, on suspicion, signaled the car to stop the armed militants did not stop and started firing at police.
Palestine-Israel Clashes Leave 7 Dead
By Prensa Latina,
Gaza : Armed clashes between the Israeli forces and the Palestinian resistance in Gaza Strip on Wednesday left five militants and two soldiers dead.
According to eyewitnesses, Tel Aviv Army tanks and armored vehicles, backed by helicopters, stormed into Gaza and the east of Shejaella early Wednesday.
Huge explosions and shootings were heard all night until the Israel troops withdrew from the area at dawn, said Gaza citizens.
2 NATO soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : NATO says two of its soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
A statement from the alliance says two other soldiers were wounded in Wednesday's blast.
NATO did not disclose the nationalities of the dead and wounded soldiers, the Associated Press reported.
Basra bombed by coalition jets after Shia militia attacks
By NNN-KUNA
London : Coalition jets dropped bombs on Basra overnight for the first time in four days of fierce fighting, the British military authorities confirmed Friday.
British and US jets have been patrolling the skies over the second city since last Tuesday as Iraqi forces launched a major offensive against Shia militias.
The action, being overseen personally by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, is the first major military operation in the city since it was handed over to full Iraqi control last December.
Blast kills six in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A roadside bomb tore through a military convoy in Pakistan's restive northwestern region Wednesday, killing at least six people, including three foreigners, police said.
More than 30 people were wounded in the blast outside a school for girls in the Koto area of the Lower Dir district.
"So far we have six people dead, three of them foreigners," district police chief Mumtaz Zareen said.
The identities of the foreigners were not immediately known, but they were believed to be associated with some aid agencies.
Blackwater back to Iraq
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Guards for the security company, Blackwater, were involved in a shooting in September that left at least 17 Iraqis dead at a Baghdad intersection.
Outrage over the killings prompted the Iraqi government to demand Blackwater's ouster from the country.
But after an intense public and private lobbying campaign, Blackwater appears to be back to business as usual.
The State Department has just renewed its contract to provide security for US diplomats in Iraq for at least another year.
Indian expatriate beaten to death in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: An expatriate Indian in Saudi Arabia was beaten to death by a fellow countryman, a police officer said.
Abbas Moideen died after a fight...
Pakistani MP resigns over cheating in exam
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : An opposition lawmaker in Pakistan Wednesday resigned after he was found guilty of sending his cousin to take an exam for him.
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) chief and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif told a news conference here that a party committee, after days of investigations, found Haji Pervez Khan guilty of cheating and asked him to quit his parliamentary seat.
The police arrested the man who appeared on behalf of the lawmaker from the examination hall in the city of Rawalpindi, some 30 km south of Islamabad, but he was later given bail by a court.
Saudi schoolgirl to get 90 lashes for carrying cell phone
By IANS,
Dubai : A 13-year-old schoolgirl in Saudi Arabia has been sentenced to 90 lashes and two months in prison for carrying to her classroom a mobile phone equipped with a camera.
The girl, who has not been named, was sentenced to 90 lashes in front of her classmates followed by two months in detention.
A Saudi court pronounced the judgement after she was caught with a cell phone equipped with a camera. The gadget is banned in girls' schools in the country, Press TV reported Thursday.
Osama was hale and hearty, says wife
By IANS,
Islamabad : Osama bin Laden, who was shot dead by US forces May 2, was hale and hearty and was "not on dialysis", the Al Qaeda leader's wife has told investigators.
Suicide blast in Lahore kills over 10
By KUNA
Islamabad : At least ten persons including seven policemen were killed and over a dozen critically wounded in a suicide blast in an eastern Pakistani city on Thursday, said police.
Five militants killed in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least five miltants were killed and eight arrested in a shootout in Pakistan's Balochistan province Saturday, a security official said.
The shootout took...
Tortured in Pakistan, Hindu migrants want to stay in India
By Anil Sharma, IANS,
Jodhpur : "We Hindus in Pakistan are being discriminated against, tortured and harassed," complains Ram Lal, a 45-year-old migrant from Pakistan, one of the estimated 10,000 migrants from that country settled in and around here in the desert state of Rajasthan.
He came to Jodhpur with his family of five over six months ago when, he says, things started to worsen.
"I do not want to go back....being a Hindu, there are so many problems for you in Pakistan," Ram Lala told IANS, adding that only one member of his family, his brother, now lives in Pakistan.
Muslim Presidents agree on importance of World Islamic Economic Forum
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Jordan's King Abdullah II has said that the Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) was one that would discuss important issues that affected the Muslim world.
Speaking at the inauguration of the forum Tuesday, he said that this was not an ordinary international meeting, and that the efforts that were exerted were aimed at achieving economic goals, including development, growth, and creating opportunities for the youth.
Benazir killing: Police officer changes stance
By IANS,
Islamabad : In a curious twist to the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a police officer assigned to her security detail who had claimed he was at the spot Thursday said his senior had sent him away elsewhere.
Rana Shahid Pervez, who was the superintendent of police in the Criminal Investigation Agency at the time, had told a UN commission probing Bhutto's killing Dec 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi that he was present at the spot.
Mali tribesmen join pro-Gaddafi forces
By IANS,
Tripoli : Tribesmen from the Tuareg community of Africa's northwestern country of Mali have joined the forces supporting embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, a media report said.
Three Bangladeshi militants sent to police custody
By IANS,
Kolkata: Three suspected Bangladeshi militants, arrested for having alleged links with terror outfits Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were Wednesday remanded in police custody till Dec 2, police said.
Abdullah Baki, Abdul Rahman alias Nafeez and Md Tahsidul were presented before assistant Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bankshal Court, Rabi Ranjan Chakraborty Wednesday.
The three were arrested from Kolkata's Esplanade area Tuesday evening by a team of city police's Special Task Force (STF).
Palestinian Cabinet warns Israel may escalate Gaza incursion
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : The Palestinian cabinet warned Monday that Israel may carry out its threat of an escalation in Gaza Strip, which would pull the region back into violence and thwart peace efforts.
In its weekly session, the cabinet noted that these threats coincided with an escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, where settlements and the separating wall were continuing to be built, alongside political assassination and arrests.
Pakistanis injured in border shelling get aid
Islamabad : Cheques worth Pakistani Rs.75,000 ($729) have been distributed among 23 people injured in villages in Sialkot by the shelling across the frontier...
11 killed, 44 injured in Yemen mosque bombing
By DPA,
Sanaa : Eleven people were killed and 44 injured in a powerful explosion outside a mosque in the volatile northwestern Yemeni province of Saada Friday, police officials said.
The officials told DPA that a booby-trapped motorcycle blew up outside the Bin Salman mosque shortly after the weekly prayers in the provincial city of Saada.
Witnesses said the bomb went off as worshippers were leaving the mosque.
Abdul Basit appointed new Pakistan envoy to India
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan has appointed Abdul Basit, a career diplomat, as its High Commissioner to India.
Basit, who joined the Foreign Service in 1982 and...
UAE company gives UNICEF $1 mn for polio eradication in Afghanistan
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: An Emirati company has donated $1 million to UNICEF for polio eradication in Afghanistan.
US Democrats urge Bush to shift anti-terror focus
By Xinhua
Washington : US Senate Democrats have sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to shift anti-terror efforts from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In the letter Sunday, Harry Reid, the majority leader, and other Democratic senators, said the White House has committed too much of US resources to Iraq while neglecting "terror-havens" of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"While violence and the drug trade have surged in Afghanistan and Pakistan's security remains fragile, we are distracted by an endless civil war in Iraq," the letter said.
I am not prime ministerial candidate: Zardari
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Wednesday said he would not become prime minister of Pakistan, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.
Addressing a news conference here, Zardari said the PPP held a central executive committee meeting Wednesday which decided he would not be the prime ministerial candidate.
Zardari also demanded the release of judges and lawyers who were deposed after President Pervez Musharraf imposed a state of emergency Nov 3.
Sikhs beacon of light in unremitting gloom: Pakistani paper
By IANS,
Islamabad : The "tiny" Sikh community in Pakistan provides a beacon of light in the "seemingly unremitting gloom" that engulfs the country daily, an editorial in a leading English newspaper said Wednesday. It also posed a question: If Pakistan can welcome Sikh pilgrims from India as guests, why can it not live in peace with the three or four million Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists who live in this country?
Lebanese speaker “stunned” by French FM remarks
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was "stunned" by the comment of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner who accused him of closing down the parliament and of "lacking freedom to move," Al-Akhbar daily reported on Wednesday.
Berri, a main leader of Lebanese opposition bloc, is carrying out Arab and international contacts to assure a new round of dialogue among Lebanese rival groups.
Japan freezes $4.4 bn worth of Gaddafi regime assets
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The Japanese government has frozen $4.4 billion in financial accounts of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his supporters, Japan Today said Saturday.
Israeli forces open fire at farmers, journalists
By KUNA,
GAZA : Israeli Army forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers and foreign journalists and supporters in the southern parts of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
The attack, which took place in the small town of Absan near Khan Younis, did not cause casualties, head of the Ambulance and Emergency Department in the Palestinian Health Ministry Moawiya Hasanain told KUNA.
Foreign supporters had accompanied Palestinian farmers to their farms to harvest their crops.
Arab Ministers mull proposal to boost Arab immigrants’ role in Arab development
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : An Arab ministerial meeting on international immigration here has discussed a proposal to set up a regional centre aiming to boost the role of Arab immigrants in Arab development.
Such a proposal is to be presented to a planned Arab economic and social development summit due to be held in Kuwait in January 2009, especially as the outflow of Arab capital, minds and efficient people is a key challenge facing the Arab world.
Only security forces authorised to carry weapons in Iraq – US army
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : US military spokesman Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll has said here that only the security forces were authorised to carry and use weapons.
Others would be considered as criminals and would be brought to justice, he said.
Driscoll said controlling the Iraq-Iran borders was tough, and noted that weapons and money were smuggled across the borders, but the most serious was the infiltration of people to attack security forces and civilians.
Yemeni, Russian military cooperation discussed
By NNN-SABA,
Moscow : Yemeni Minister of Defence Mohammed Nasser Ahmed met on Tuesday in Moscow the Russian Defence Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov.
During the meeting, military cooperation ties between the two countries and means of boosting and improving them between armed forces of the two countries were discussed.
Ahmed pointed out the importance of Russian support to Yemen in all fields including modernizing and developing armed forces within the framework of historical relations linking the two countries and peoples.
Security, terrorism to dominate Indo-Pak talks
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : India will take up wide range of security related issues, including terrorism and extradition of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, in crucial talks with Pakistan here on Tuesday.
Terrorism, drug trafficking and circulation of fake currency notes would be high on the agenda of the Home Secretary-level dialogue between India and Pakistan in the capital.
Indian Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, who is leading the delegation, crossed over from the Attari-Wagah border on Monday for talks with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Kamal Shah.
Pakistan needs to destroy terror safe havens: US
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The United States has said Pakistan as a "nuclear state" was well aware of its "enormous responsibilities" that included working in "close partnership" with Washington to dislodge, dismantle and destroy terrorist "safe havens" in the country.
"Obviously as a nuclear state Pakistan has enormous responsibilities within the community of nations that have nuclear weapons," President Barack Obama's National Security Adviser General James Jones told reporters Friday.
Three kids die in Pakistan roof collapse
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three children were killed and two injured when the roof of their house collapsed in Pakistan's Peshawar city.
18,000 take part in Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Around 18,000 people took part in the annual Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi. The event raised over 300,000 dirhams ($82,000) for cancer research.
French warplanes destroy Gaddafi’s command centre
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Paris : French military planes have destroyed the command centre of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, spokesman for the French Armed forces Thierry Burkhard said Monday.
Egypt rejects criticism of mass death sentences
Cairo: Egypt has voiced rejection of the criticism of recent court verdicts of mass death sentences to the Muslim Brotherhood supporters, terming it "unacceptable...
N-talks at ‘difficult’ stage as Iran insists on red lines
Tehran : Nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers to tackle the obstacles in the way of reaching a final deal are at...
German parliament okays expanding Afghan military operation
By IRNA,
Berlin: The German parliament here on Friday gave green light to sending 300 airmen as part of NATO's AWACS reconnaissance mission over Afghanistan.
Cuba Slams US-Israel Nuclear Bias
By Prensa Latina,
Geneva : Cuba is highly concerned with the US government double standard which supports a nuclear weapons program in Israel, while harassing certain countries safe nuclear energy programs.
Cuban delegate Camilo Garcia said the above Tuesday at Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) UN meeting in this city, adding that Washington's complicity is destructive for the stability in that zone.
Pakistan fires at Indian positions on LoC
Jammu : The Pakistan Army fired without any provocation at Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, an official...
Six killed in suicide attack in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : At least six people were killed and 13 injured Monday in a suicide attack in Pakistan's tribal area of North Waziristan, according to local press reports.
A bomber exploded his explosives-laden car in an attempt to kill nationalist Awami National Party (ANP) member Nisar Ali, who was talking with members of an anti-Taliban tribal "lashkar" or armed group, witnesses said.
Ali survived the attack, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. local (0930GMT).
The injured, some of them in critical condition, were taken to a local hospital.
Coalition soldiers dies in Afghanistan blast
By NNN-KUNA,
Kabul : A soldier of the US-led coalition troops was killed in western Afghanistan, the military said on Saturday.
A statement from the coalition forces' Bagram base said the soldier died when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device (IED).Coalition personnel have secured the scene.
The incident was being investigation, said the military, which did not reveal name and nationality of the soldier, nor the exact location of the blast.
Finally, Bangladesh poll process appears to be on schedule
By IANS,
Dhaka : With major political roadblocks - the poll date controversy and a meeting between two principal contenders for power, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia - removed from its path, Bangladesh appears to be well on its way to have its delayed ninth general election this year-end.
The new date of polling may well be Dec 28, after the date decided earlier, Dec 18, became a subject of bargaining between the military-backed caretaker government on one side and Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on the other.
Farooq Abdullah to attend Bangladesh president’s funeral
By IANS,
New Delhi : Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah will attend the state funeral of Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Friday, an official statement said.
Indonesian parliament passes Islamic banking bill into law
By DPA,
Jakarta : The Indonesian parliament Tuesday passed a Sharia or Islamic banking bill into law, paving the way for the government to ensure legal certainty in running the sharia banking industry in the world's most-populous Muslim country.
All but one of the 10-factions at the House of Representatives (DPR) favoured the passage of the bill into law, with only the Peace and Prosperity Party rejecting it, the state-run Antara news agency reported.
US unsure of Iran’s nuclear shift, still mulling sanctions
By DPA,
Washington: The US said Wednesday it was waiting for clearer signs from Iran that it was serious about taking up an offer by the international community to exchange nuclear fuel.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the US was looking at a "full range of options" and would consider additional sanctions if Iran pushed forward with a suspected nuclear weapons programme.
Distinguished Iranologist passes away
By IRNA,
London : Distinguished British scholar and eminent Iranologist Peter Avery, has died in the UK at the age of 86.
Professor Avery was honoured by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a literary figure in the First International Farabi Festival this year with a prestigious award for devotion to studying humanities including the Persian literature and history.
In a ceremony to honor the professor at the Iranian Embassy in London in May this year, he said his biggest happiness in life had been his experience of studying Iran and Persia.
Israeli citizen held in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo: The Egyptian authorities Sunday arrested an Israeli national for sneaking into South Sinai governorate, security sources said.
Ban proposes additional resources for UN coordinator on Kuwaiti issue
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to allow the transfer of USD 900,000 from the Iraq escrow account to pay for the future activities of the UN high-level coordinator for the issues of Kuwaiti detainees and stolen property.
In a letter Tuesday to council president Vitaly Churkin of Russia, Ban said the expenses undertaken by the former coordinator, the late Yuli Vorontsov, during the last eight years amounted to about USD 2 million transferred from the Iraq escrow account.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Indonesia presents credentials
By KUNA
Kuala Lumpur : Kuwait's Ambassador to Indonesia Faisel Sulaiman Al-Musaileem presented on Wednesday his credentials to the President of Indonesia Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Al-Musaileem told KUNA over the phone that he forwarded the greetings of the Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AL-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Indonesian president.
He said the officials discussed bilateral relations.
Indonesia's president also extended his greetings to the Amir of Kuwait and wished the Kuwaiti people further prosperity and development, he added.
Pakistan: PM calls coas, appreciates successful operation against terrorists
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday telephoned Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kiyani and expressed satisfaction over the successful completion of the operation against the terrorists, who had holed up in a check post near the GHQ.
He lauded the sacrifices of the ‘jawans’ and officers of the Pakistan Army who laid down their lives in the line of duty and foiled the attempt of the terrorists.
Arab states urged to honour aid pledges to Palestinians
By DPA,
London : A top-level meeting of representatives of the Middle East Quartet mediating in the peace process issued a call to Arab states Friday to honour aid pledges made to the Palestinian people.
The meeting, aimed at easing the effect of restrictions placed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, is chaired by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and attended by Foreign ministers from Quartet members, the European Union (EU), the US and Russia.