Syria rules out military solution to conflict with Israel
By SPA
Damascus : Syria's foreign minister said his country was not seeking a military solution to its conflict with Israel and was prepared for negotiations, the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV reported Wednesday, according to dpa.
Walid al-Moallem told al-Arabiya TV that Syria was prepared to hold talks with the Israelis in line with its drive for peace.
"Syria is not looking for a military solution," he said.
Many feared dead in Pakistan blast
By IANS
Lahore : Several people were feared killed and injured in this Pakistani city in a powerful blast outside the Supreme Court building, officials said.
Initial reports said that some policemen and lawyers were among the dead.
The police immediately blocked all roads leading to the building, situated in a crowded area near Mall Road.
Muslims going through most perilous Islamic era – Fazlallah
By IRNA
Beirut : A Lebanese Shi'a Alim said here Wednesday Islamic Ummah is today going through its most perilous historic era, as global oppression and all corrupt powers have aimed at uprooting Muslims' culture, security, economy and political systems.
According to IRNA office in Beirut, source of jurisprudence Allameh Muhammad-Hussain Fazlallah made the comment in his message to the Islamic and Arab world Muslims on the occasion of the beginning of the new lunar year, 1429.
German Defense Ministry doubts report on ISAF Afghan mandate violation
By IRNA
Berlin : A German Defense Ministry spokesperson voiced serious questions over a report in the weekly Stern news magazine report which alleged that German soldiers have operated outside of the mandated area of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2002.
Speaking at a routine government press briefing in Berlin on Wednesday, Christian Dienst expressed strong doubts over claims made by a former German ISAF soldier who said that several troops had knowingly violated the ISAF zone.
Iran reaffirms validity of Iran-Iraq 1975 Accord
By IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to good neighborly relations with Iraq, national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in line with Accord signed by the two parties in Algiers in 1975.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that according to the statement issued in Algiers on March 6, 1975, the two nations signed the Accord in Baghdad on June 13, 1975 which dealt with border issues and good neighborly relations and three protocols were annexed to it.
UK drops charges against leaks of secret Iraq warnings
By IRNA
London : A Foreign Office official accused of leaking confidential documents to the British media, warning that the Iraq war was fuelling Muslim extremism, was cleared Wednesday after charges against him were suddenly dropped.
Derek Pasquill was alleged to have breached the Official Secrets Act, by leaking details about the government's attitude to secret CIA rendition flights and contacts with Muslim groups that led to articles in the Observer weekly and New Statesman magazine.
Diversification to boost Pakistan-Sri Lanka trade
By NNN-APP
Colombo : Vibrancy and excellence seem to be the key words as Colombo prepares for its Pakistan single-country exhibition, probably the largest Pakistan exhibition to be held in Colombo, opens on Friday, January 11.
Aiming to diversify the existing patterns of bilateral trade the exhibition will feature “one hundred Pakistani companies, representing twenty five trade sectors,” said Pakistan High Commissioner, Shahzad A. Chaudhry at the media launch recently held in Colombo.
Syrian President meets French parliamentary delegation on mideast
By NNN-Xinhua-SANA
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met a French parliamentary delegation on Wednesday over the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, the official SANA news agency reported.
Assad and the delegation, headed by Chairman of the French-Syrian Friendship Association at the French National Assembly Geread Bapt, also discussed bilateral ties between the two countries and underlined the importance of installing a mechanism to activate the ties in all domains.
Syrian President call for focussing on infrastructure products
By NNN-SANA
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad called on Wednesday for focusing on projects that renew the infrastructure of the city and improve its appearance, in addition to spreading environmental and traffic awareness among citizens in order to show the civilized face of Damascus, especially since it is the Arab Cultural Capital for 2008.
Chinese Oil Company to start exploration in Yemen’s block 69
By NNN-SABA
Shabwa : Deputy Director General of the Chinese Snow Peak Oil Company in Yemen said it expected to start oil exploration in block 69 in Shabwa governorate in February.
He said that this step comes as a result of two-dimensional quake survey findings the company carried out on 420 square km which is expected to end next week.
In a meeting with governor of Shabwa Mohammed al-Rowaishan, he noted that there are positive indicators about the availability of big quantities of oil and gas in the block.
Yemeni, Cuba health cooperation discuuued
By NNN-SABA
Abyan : Abyan governor Mohammed Shamlan and Charge' d'affaires at the Cuban embassy in Sana'a Arial John talked on Wednesday over developing joint programmes in a number of fields, especially health.
The governor hailed cooperation relations level between the two countries and peoples in various aspects and evaluated humanitarian activities and medical services offered by the Cuban medical mission in Zunjubar.
Dhaka’s international film festival goes competitive
By IANS
Dhaka : The 10th edition of Dhaka International Film Festival - Bangladesh's biggest film event - began Thursday with a competition section, which will feature over 100 full-length films and documentaries from 40 countries.
The competition entries will be judged by a five-member international jury comprising Petrus Van Bueren from the Netherlands, Alexis Krasilovosky from USA, Nenad Dukic from Serbia and Shamim Akhtar and Rahat Khan from the host country.
151,000 Iraqis killed in 3 years since U.S.-led invasion
By Xinhua
Geneva : Around 151,000 Iraqis died violently in the three years following the U.S.-led invasion of their country in 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday.
The estimate, which covers the period between March 2003 and June 2006, is based on a large-scale national household survey conducted jointly by the WHO and the Iraqi government, the WHO said in a statement.
Researchers interviewed 9,345 households in nearly 1,000 neighborhoods and villages across Iraq.
Two Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrike on N Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Two Palestinian civilians were killed and six wounded on Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun, medics and witnesses said.
The witnesses said that an Israeli reconnaissance drone fired one rocket at Palestinian militants, who were launching homemade rockets from the area at southern Israel.
They added that the militants survived the attack, but the rocket hit a building in the town, killing two people and wounding six others.
Olmert: Israel committed to peace talks with PNA
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Wednesday that Israel is committed to negotiations with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and to talks on core issues.
Olmert made the remarks during a joint press conference with visiting U.S. President George W. Bush after their talks in the afternoon.
"Israel is committed to negotiations with PNA, and to talks on core issues," the prime minister said.
U.S. military says offensive against extremists in northern Iraq sees minor resistance
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The U.S. military said Wednesday that a new round of offensive against al-Qaida and other extremists in northern Iraq has encountered little resistance.
The U.S.-Iraqi joint forces Tuesday unveiled a new military operation dubbed "Phantom Phoenix," which is designed to make the current security gains sustainable.
Syrian president meets French parliamentary delegation on Mideast, ties
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met a French parliamentary delegation on Wednesday over the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, the official SANA news agency reported.
Assad and the delegation, headed by Chairman of the French-Syrian Friendship Association at the French National Assembly Geread Bapt, also discussed bilateral ties between the two countries and underlined the importance of installing a mechanism to activate the ties in all domains.
Bush underlines two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday that he believed a two-state solution to the chronic Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the best interest of the world, which needs concession on both Israeli and Palestinian sides.
Bush made the remarks in Jerusalem, where he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, after his arrival on Wednesday noon to start visiting Israel, the first leg of his eight-day Middle East trip.
U.S. dismisses Iran’s claim on fabricated video
By Xinhua
Washington : The United States flatly dismissed on Wednesday the claim by Iran that the video and audio released by the Pentagon showing Iranian boats confronting U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf were fabricated.
"That's just ridiculous. I completely dismiss that," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a briefing.
"You know, maybe they're embarrassed by what these individuals do ... I can't account for it, but it's a ridiculous claim," McCormack said.
Bush prods Israel, Palestinians for final peace
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : During his first leg of the eight-day Middle East trip on Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush asked both Israelis and Palestinians to make concessions to nurture a peace deal by the end of his presidency.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Bush underlined that a two-state solution to the chronic Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the best interest of the world.
Outpost had "to go"
US mulls sending reinforcements to Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Washington : The US is considering the possibility of sending some 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan to make up a force shortage in case of a Taliban spring offensive, the Pentagon said.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrel said Wednesday that Defence Secretary Roberts Gates had the plan on his table but a decision would not be made this week.
He said the commanders on ground had requested additional troops. The commanders said to fend off a possible Taliban offensive this spring they probably need 7,500 troops.
Murmurs of discontent over Zardari appointment
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Murmurs of dissent have begun over the appointment of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari as her successor to head the country's largest political party, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), after her assassination last month.
"I doubt that Bhutto in her will has nominated Zardari to head the party," says a senior PPP leader. "Even the members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) were not shown the will, just the selected portions were read," he told IANS while requesting anonymity.
Bangladesh government reshuffles team of advisers
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's caretaker government, which completed one year in office Thursday, has dropped four of its advisors for poor performance and inducted five new advisers, while vowing to continue with the roadmap that envisages elections at the end of 2008.
About 151,000 Iraqis killed by war since 2003: WHO
By DPA
New York : The World Health Organisation said a large-scale household survey showed an estimated 151,000 Iraqis were violently killed since the US-led invasion of their country in March 2003 to the middle of 2006.
WHO said the findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, were the result of a wider family health survey to provide the Iraqi government with the basis to develop and update its health policies and services.
Arab League envoy sees chance of settlement in Lebanon
By DPA
Beirut : Arab League chief Amr Mussa said a solution to Lebanon's ongoing presidential crisis could be reached "in a couple of days" and described his initial talks in the country as "encouraging".
Mussa flew to Beirut Wednesday to facilitate the implementation of an Arab initiative calling for the election of Army Commander General Michel Suleiman as a consensus president and the formation of a new government.
Speaking after his first meeting with Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Mussa said the talks were "useful, very positive and encouraging too".
Bush warns Iran against attacking US ships
By DPA
Washington/Jerusalem : US President George W. Bush has sternly warned Iran of "serious consequences" if it attacks US warships in the Gulf.
"We have made it clear publicly and they know our position, and that is, there will be serious consequences if they attack our ships, pure and simple. And my advice to them is don't do it," Bush said Wednesday at a press conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
UN seeks $261 million to help 4 million displaced Iraqis
By TwoCircles.net news desk
The United Nations refugee agency is seeking $261 million this year to help some of the 4 million people uprooted by the conflict in Iraq, covering many of the 2.2 million Iraqis displaced within the country and the 2 million who have fled beyond its borders.
Bush Takes Anti-Iran Drive to Mideast
Washington, Jan 8 (Prensa Latina) US President George W. Bush begins a Middle East leverage tour Tuesday, trying to curry support for pressure against the Iranian nuclear program, which Teheran affirms has civil goals.
According to Bush, he will take a message of peace for Israelis and Palestinians, but will also promote the creation of a so called common front against Iran's nuclear activities, which he labelled as threatening.
Iran reaffirms validity of Iran-Iraq 1975 Accord
Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA ,Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to good neighborly relations with Iraq, national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in line with Accord signed by the two parties in Algiers in 1975.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that according to the statement issued in Algiers on March 6, 1975, the two nations signed the Accord in Baghdad on June 13, 1975 which dealt with border issues and good neighborly relations and three protocols were annexed to it.
Steinmeier, ElBaradei confer by phone ahead of Iran visit
Berlin, Jan 9, IRNA ,German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the head of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohammad ElBaradei discussed Iran's nuclear program on the phone on Wednesday, a German government source told IRNA.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not provide details of the phone conversation, coming ahead of ElBaradei's upcoming visit to Iran.
ElBaradei's trip to Tehran is aimed at clarifying all outstanding questions over Iran's nuclear program.
Bush visits the good and bad guys in the Middle East
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Maria Appakova) - President George W. Bush is going to visit the Holy Land - Israel and the territory controlled by the Palestinian National Authority - for the first time since becoming president.
Iran says U.S. video recording of Gulf ship incident a fake
MOSCOW, January 9 (RIA Novosti) - A senior official in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards has said the U.S. video recording of Sunday's alleged confrontation between Iranian and U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf was a fake.
The video, released by the U.S. Department of Defense on Tuesday, shows three motorboats approaching U.S. warships in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The video released by the U.S. Navy has been compiled of archive video files, and the sound has been fabricated," the Iranian Press TV quoted the unnamed Revolution Guards official as saying.
Iraq seeks good neighborly relations with Kuwait – official
By IRNA
Kuwait City : The Iraqi government seeks to establish good neighborly relations with Kuwait based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and independence of the country, Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said here on Tuesday after visiting the Big Mosque in the country's capital.
The Iraqi politician is in Kuwait on a visit.
"Our relations should be built on the basis of abandonment of the mistakes and absurdity committed by the overthrown regime of Saddam Hussein that brought trouble and suffering to both peoples," Hashemi said.
Iran reaffirms validity of Iran-Iraq 1975 Accord
By IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to good neighborly relations with Iraq, national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in line with Accord signed by the two parties in Algiers in 1975.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that according to the statement issued in Algiers on March 6, 1975, the two nations signed the Accord in Baghdad on June 13, 1975 which dealt with border issues and good neighborly relations and three protocols were annexed to it.
UK drops charges against leaks of secret Iraq warnings
By IRNA
London : A Foreign Office official accused of leaking confidential documents to the British media, warning that the Iraq war was fuelling Muslim extremism, was cleared Wednesday after charges against him were suddenly dropped.
Derek Pasquill was alleged to have breached the Official Secrets Act, by leaking details about the government's attitude to secret CIA rendition flights and contacts with Muslim groups that led to articles in the Observer weekly and New Statesman magazine.
LAS head to hold talks with Lebanese leaders
By IRNA
Beirut : Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS) Amr Moussa on Wednesday will hold talks with political leaders of Lebanon within the framework of a mediator mission.
The Egyptian diplomat will discuss with them a three-stage plan aimed at the Lebanese crisis settlement that was approved on Sunday, January 7, at an urgent meeting of the LAS foreign ministers in Cairo.
Iraq seeks good neighborly relations with Kuwait – official
By IRNA
Kuwait City : The Iraqi government seeks to establish good neighborly relations with Kuwait based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and independence of the country, Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said here on Tuesday after visiting the Big Mosque in the country's capital.
The Iraqi politician is in Kuwait on a visit.
"Our relations should be built on the basis of abandonment of the mistakes and absurdity committed by the overthrown regime of Saddam Hussein that brought trouble and suffering to both peoples," Hashemi said.
More British detectives join Bhutto’s murder probe
By IRNA
Islamabad : Another group of Scotland Yard investigators arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to assist in the inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The 3-member team would join their seven colleagues who have been in Pakistan since January 4.
The British police are providing technical assistance to Pakistani investigators to hold inquiry into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, who was killed on December 27 after she addressed a big public meeting in the city of Rawalpindi.
Pakistan denies U.S troops, intelligence agents operating in tribal areas
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan has said that U.S troops and intelligence agencies are not operating inside its tribal areas and described American media reports as baseless.
Foreign Office Spokesman, Muhammad Sadiq said the media functions freely in Pakistan as well as in United States and such unfounded news stories are published in both the countries.
Sadiq rejected a report in the New York Times that the United States is considering options to operate in Pakistan's tribal regions.
‘Hopeful’ Bush to push Israeli-Palestinian peace
By Ofira Koopmans and Jeff Abramowitz, DPA
Jerusalem : US President George W. Bush Wednesday said he was "optimistic" as he opened a three-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories aimed at advancing difficult, ambitious efforts to reach a peace deal by the end of his term.
"I come with high hopes," Bush told Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, adding that while his role was to "foster a vision of peace," the "role of the Israeli and the Palestinian leadership is to do the hard work necessary to define that vision."
Pakistan’s nukes safe, Musharraf tells US delegation
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf expressed his annoyance at the US presidential hopefuls having reservations over the safety of nuclear assets in the country and said the nuclear weapons are safe, Online news agency reported Wednesday.
Musharraf met a US delegation led by Senator Joe Lieberman Wednesday and said the presidential hopefuls were expressing their views without being aware of the ground realties in Pakistan.
Five more Scotland Yard sleuths arrive in Pakistan
By IANS
Islamabad : A team of three explosives experts and two detectives from the Scotland Yard Wednesday arrived in Pakistan to assist in the probe into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
The investigators flew in amid strict security measures and media was not allowed to talk with the officials, Online news agency reported.
With their arrival, the total strength of the Scotland Yard team investigating the Dec 27 Liaquat Bagh tragedy rose to 10.
Pakistan refutes El Baradei, asserts n-weapons secure
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday termed as irresponsible a statement of Mohamed El Baradei, director general of the UN's nuclear watchdog, who said Pakistani nuclear assets were likely to go into wrong hands, the Online news agency reported.
Responding to a question, foreign office spokesman M. Sadiq said in his weekly press briefing here that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was a UN agency, and El Baradei being head of this body has to be careful in his statements.
Hindu to advise Pakistan PM on madrassas
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro has appointed Amar Lal, a Hindu, as his special advisor to monitor the process of registration and reforms of Deeni Madaris, Online news agency reported.
Lal will enjoy the status of a federal minister. Soomro ordered his appointment Dec 16.
New opportunity for peace in Mideast: Bush
By DPA
Tel Aviv : US President George W. Bush arrived in Israel Wednesday at the start of a three-day visit and said that he saw a "new opportunity" for peace in the in the Middle East.
"The US and Israel are strong allies. The source of that strength is a shared belief in the power of human freedom. Our people built two great democracies under difficult circumstances," he told dignitaries at the welcoming ceremony Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
"The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," he said.
Palestinian doctor sues Libya for violating rights
By DPA
Amsterdam (The Netherlands) : The Palestinian doctor sentenced to death by the Lybian authorities for deliberately infecting over 400 children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in July 2007 has filed a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee, his attorney said Wednesday.
Attorney Liesbeth Zegveld said in a statement published Wednesday she had filed the complaint on behalf of her client Ashraf El-Haggog Gomma Tuesday to protest serious human rights violations committed against himself and the five other Bulgarian medics in the Benghazi hospital case.
Bush urged to help stop Israel’s settlement expansion
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in Gaza Strip Wednesday called on US President George W. Bush to help in stopping expansion of Israeli settlement in the West Bank and lifting siege on the Gaza Strip.
The US president, who arrived in Israel Wednesday starting an eight-day visit to the region, is scheduled to meet Abbas Thursday in the West Bank city of Ramallah in efforts to push the stalled peace process forward.
Arab League chief Mussa in Beirut
By DPA
Beirut : Arab League chief Amr Mussa arrived in Beirut Wednesday to provide guarantees regarding a proposed Arab plan to assist rival Lebanese factions in resolving the country's political crisis.
"I hope we will achieve progress," Mussa said upon arrival at Beirut International Airport, where he was greeted by Lebanese Foreign Ministry officials.
With Western and Arab support, Mussa's main task in Beirut will be to gain the approval of all sides for the three-stage Arab League proposal to hold a vote to fill the Lebanese presidency, vacant since Nov 24.
Cold, avalanches kill up to 24 in Afghanistan
By DPA
Kabul : More than 24 people were killed in avalanches and cold weather in Afghanistan while heavy snowfalls blocked several roads in the country, leaving hundreds stranded and making food deliveries difficult, officials said.
In Herat province in western Afghanistan, eight members of a family were killed when their mud-brick house collapsed due to heavy snowfalls, said Noor-ul-din Ahmadi, head of Afghan Red Crescent in the province.
Philippines to push for Islamic state in troubled south
By DPA
Manila : The Philippines government will push for the creation of a federal Islamic state in the country's troubled south as part of efforts to forge a peace agreement with Muslim separatist rebels, an official said Wednesday.
Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser on peace talks with insurgent groups in the Philippines, said the government will seek amendments to the country's constitution to allow the establishment of "a federal Bangsamoro (Muslim nation) governance unit."
US Troops Storm Iraq Nursery School
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : US troops stormed a nursery school in the Iraqi capital on Tuesday, destroying windows, doors, toys, and arresting the security guards of the facility, the Iraqi government confirmed.
Local authorities were surprised at the American troop ó s incursion into Al Kanari nursery school, in the Baghdad neighbourhood of Sader City, searching for resistance fighters and weapons.
According to the government release, the American troops destroyed part of the facility and several toys, as well as detained three security guards.
Iran: Bush Visit Won’t Isolate Tehran
By Prensa Latina
Tehran : Iran has ruled out that the visit by US President George W. Bush to the Middle East beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, will isolate Tehran from the regional context.
The president of Iran's Majles (unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly), Gholamali Haddad Adel, asserted that the Islamic Republic's influence is not its wealth, power or politics, but prestige earned by demanding its rights to justice and honesty.
Afghan Bomb Kills Two NATO Troops
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : At least two soldiers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization died and one other was wounded when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, military sources reported.
According to the NATO release, the troops were responding to a call from the local police who had discovered another explosive device in an area of Kot district, when the second bomb exploded.
The nationalities of the dead soldiers were not released, but most of the troops in that area are American.
Pakistani army raids militant leader’s hideout
By RIA Novosti
Islamabad : The Pakistani army raided the suspected hideout of an influential Islamist leader in the country's Swat Valley on Wednesday morning, but has yet to release details on the outcome of the operation.
Pakistani television, citing military sources, reported that troops had used artillery in strikes on militant forces led by Maulana Fazlullah, a radical cleric in his late twenties.
Iran to resume natural gas exports to Turkey ‘in a few days’
By RIA Novosti
Ankara/Athens : Turkish television said on Wednesday that Iran would resume natural gas deliveries to Turkey within a few days following a halt in supplies earlier this week.
On Monday, Turkey's NTV television station quoted the country's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Guler as saying that Iran had suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which had brought a sharp fall in temperatures, as well as rain and snow, to the region.
Printing of ballot papers completed, says Election Commission of Pakistan
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : The printing of over 180 million ballot papers for the upcoming general elections has been completed.
The polling for 272 general seats of national assembly and 577 seats of the four provincial assemblies will be held on February 18, in which 82 million voters would use their right to vote, Geo reported.
The printing of ballot papers was completed under monitoring of the military, at Security Printing Press at Malir Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Printing Corporation of Pakistan in Karachi.
Musharraf for thorough, comprehensive probe into Benazir Bhutto’s assassination
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
He was talking to US Senator Joseph Liebermann (Independent-Connecticut), a leading member of the U.S. Senate, who called on the President.
The President apprised the delegation that the Government was committed to hold free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.
Musharraf says election to be free, fair, transparent; rejects allegations of rigging
By NNN-APP
Rawalpindi : President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday reiterating a free, fair, transparent election strongly rejected the allegations of any “pre-poll rigging” and “ghost polling stations”.
Talking to a four-member European Union Election Observer delegation, headed by Michel Gahler, that called on him here at his Camp Office, the President said there will be no further delay in the February 18 election.
France for Arab nuclear rights
By NNN-Prensa Latina
Paris : France Tuesday defended the right of Arab nations to access nuclear energy with peaceful purposes, saying that alternatives in that sector are sought all over the world.
"My answer is totally yes," said the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, in a press conference at the Elysee palace on Tuesday.
Questioned by a German journalist, Sarkozy said that there is no solution other than helping developing countries and opening civil nuclear programs to them. “ And if it is French technology, better,” he commented.
Bush talks anti-Iran drive to mideast
By NNN-Prensa Latina
Washington : US President George W. Bush begins a Middle East leverage tour Tuesday, trying to curry support for pressure against the Iranian nuclear program, which Teheran affirms has civil goals.
According to Bush, he will take a message of peace for Israelis and Palestinians, but will also promote the creation of a so called common front against Iran's nuclear activities, which he labelled as threatening.
UNIFIL to continue its duties in Lebanon – commander
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Reacting to the roadside bomb attack against Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon earlier Tuesday, acting commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Brig-Genl Jai Prakash Nehra said the incident would not affect the role of UN peacekeepers in the country.
The UNIFIL will continue to discharge its duty in maintaining peace and security in south Lebanon, Nahra asserted.
Iraq seeks neighbourly relations with Kuwait – Iraqi VP
By NNN-KUNA
Kuwait : Visiting Iraqi Vice President Tareq Al-Hashemi has said that his country sought to establish neighbourly ties with Kuwait based on respect for the independence and sovereignty of Kuwait.
In statements to the press following his visit to the Grand Mosque here Tuesday, Al-Hashemi identified himself as "one of the Iraqi political leaders who aspire for close and distinguished ties with the state of Kuwait."
OIC Chief hails Arab initiative on Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeluddin Ihsan Oglo has hailed the initiative launched by the Arab League for solving the Lebanese presidential elections standoff.
The initiative, approved by the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo early this week, generated initial support by both sides of the Lebanese political divide, Oglo said in a press release here Tuesday.
The initiative calls for electing Lebanese army chief Michel Suleiman a new head of state.
EU urges Lebanese political parties to accept Arab League plan
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : The European Union has welcomed the unanimous conclusions on Lebanon by the extraordinary Arab League Foreign Ministers meeting in Cairo on Sunday.
The 27-member bloc said Tuesday it supports the plan calling for the election of the president, the formation of a national unity government and the adoption of a new electoral law.
Kuwait to host Iraq neighbour conference in April – Egyptian FM
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit has said that Kuwait would play host to the coming meeting of Iraq's neighbours in April.
The meeting will be attended by the G8, Egypt and Iraq's neighbouring countries.
Abul Gheit made the remarks at a joint news conference Tuesday following a meeting with visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari earlier in the day.
The coming meeting of Iraq's neighbours could largely ease out Iranian-US tensions, he said.
Musharraf for personal strong support for the Pak-US bilateral relationship
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday voiced strong support for the bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan, emphasizing on the need for continued efforts to further expand bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest. The President in a meeting with US Senator Joseph Liebermann (Independent-Connecticut), a leading member of the US Senate, underscored the importance of a broad-based and long-term strategic relationship between the two war allies, said a press release.
Pakistanis among 11 held on terror charges in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : Afghan officials claimed they had arrested 11 Taliban from different provinces who were allegedly planning to target Afghan police, army and the foreign troops in suicide attacks.
The 11 detainees, captured in the central capital Kabul and Kandahar, Helmand and Maidan Wardak province, also included three Pakistani citizens, said officials of the Afghan Interior Ministry on Wednesday.
Scotland Yard team in Lahore as two more detectives join them
By KUNA
Islamabad : The five-member team of Scotland Yard detectives Wednesday traveled to eastern Lahore city from here as a part of its efforts to help Pakistan probe Benazir Bhutto assassination.
Police sources told KUNA that the team will be meeting senior police officials and former Chief Minister, Pervaiz Elahi.
Meanwhile two more detectives arrived here early morning to join the forensic experts team.
Security was tight at the airport upon their arrival and the media was not allowed to talk to them.
Islamic Jihad says it fired missiles in retaliation for Bush”s tour
By KUNA
Gaza : Salvos of missiles roared anew in direction of southern Israel on Wednesday and Israeli aircraft went into action to hit a location in the north of Gaza Strip where the rockets were unleashed.
Spokesman of the Israeli Army told Israel Radio five missiles were fired from the north of Gaza Strip targeting southern Israel. Three of the rockets crashed near the town of Zekim and two others near Sderot. The rockets caused no losses.
Heavy snowfall kills 20 in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : At least 20 people were killed and scores of houses were damaged, while roads connecting remote districts and villages with cities were cut off due to heavy snowfall in many parts of Afghanistan.
According to officials in the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), eight members of a family were killed in the western province of Herat when the roof of their house collapsed under weight of the snow.
The majority of Afghans, living in areas other than big cities like Kabul, Mazar, Herat, Kandahar or Jalalabad, live in mud houses.
Israeli planes strike town in Gaza causing casualties
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli aircraft raided targets in the Gazan town of Beit Lahiya in the north of the strip on Wednesday killing and injuring several Palestinians, medical sources said.
The sources said the planes launched at least one missile at a group of civilians north of Beit Lahiya, causing the casualities.
Palestinian medics, boarding ambulances, arrived swiftly at the scene to evacuate the dead bodies and hospitalize the injuried, the sources added.
Vision of Palestinian state, Arab support for that vision, Iranian threat
By KUNA
Washington : Just hours before departing for a wide-ranging trip to the Middle East, President George W. Bush on Tuesday said he will stress the vision of a Palestinian state, the importance of Arab allies helping that vision become reality, and the U.S. commitment to security in the region, particularly in regards to the Iranian threat.
"We are going to go over and stress three themes," Bush told reporters at the White House as he prepared to fly to Israel for the first stop of his trip.
Pakistan has over-stretched its resources to fight terrorism PM
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistan has over-stretched its meager resources to curb the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism, said Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro Tuesday.
Terrorism is a common challenge for the entire world and Pakistan is determined to play its role in eliminating this menace, he said while talking to the US Senator Joe Lieberman, Member Foreign Relations Committee of US Senate.
Pentagon video fake, Iran guards say
By DPA
Tehran : A spokesman for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that a video released by the US Pentagon showing Iranian boats speeding around US naval warships in the Gulf was fake, the website of the news network Press TV reported.
The spokesman was referring to a video released Tuesday by the Pentagon showing small Iranian boats speeding around three US naval warships in the Gulf and a voice over a radio that warned the US sailors, "You will explode".
Turkey halts Azeri gas to Greece
By SPA
Ankara : Turkey has halted the flow of Azeri gas to Greece due to a suspension of gas supplies from Iran to Turkey, a senior Turkish Energy Ministry official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Iran, one of Ankara's main gas suppliers, stopped pumping to Turkey on Monday, Turkish officials have said, with Tehran blaming the disruption on cold weather and a cut in Turkmen gas supplies.
Two Kidnapped Pakistan Policemen Murdered
By SPA
Islamabad : Two of the Four kidnapped policemen have been found murdered in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), police said.
Police have recovered the bodies of the cops from Janikhel area. Some blunt tool was used to kill the two constables.
The four policemen were kidnapped from the security forces check-post at Mazanga by unidentified armed men. No group or individual claimed the responsibility.
Pak-US ties cover wide-range of beneficial domains
By SPA
Islamabad : Pak-US relations are not confined to war on terror as they cover many areas in the mutual interests of both the countries, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Muhammad Sadiq said.
"The bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in anti-terrorism campaign holds domestic, regional and international significance for both the countries, he told the state-run Pakistan Television.
The spokesman said that this cooperation is very important for their domestic security as well as for the security of the region and the world.
U.S. Delegation meets Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister
By SPA
Islamabad : A 7-member delegation from the United States has met Religious Affairs Minister Khawaja Attaullah Taunsa Sharif, said an official statement.
Congressman Harry E. Mitchall leads the delegation comprising 3 Congressman and four others.
Matters relating to the reforms in Deeni Madaris (religious schools), Zakat System and the role, functions of the Ministry of Religious Affairs came under discussion.
One dead, six wounded in Israeli strike
By SPA
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : Israeli forces shot a missile toward "Islamic Jihad" group members preparing to shoot a rocket in the northern Gaza Strip Wednesday, killing one and injuring six, medics were quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
The Islamic Jihad group said its men were launching a rocket when they were hit by a surface-to-surface missile. Medics confirmed one was killed and six were injured, two critically.
KFMC to organize International Pediatrics Conference
By SPA
Riyadh : The Riyadh-based King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) will host here on January 19, the 2nd International Conference of the advanced health care for diseases of babies and children, which is being held under the auspices of The Saudi Pediatrics Society in cooperation with Cincinnati Pediatrics Hospital in the United States.
Bush speaks on Mid-East Trip
By SPA
Washington : U.S. President George W. Bush said Tuesday he would try to lay out a vision for a Palestinian state during his upcoming trip to the Middle East.
Bush will head to the Middle East on Wednesday. His trip begins in Israel. From there, he will visit the West Bank, a number of Gulf States, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
At a brief press conference Tuesday, Bush said it would be important “to lay out a vision in order for there to be a Palestinian state once road map obligations are met.”
Al-Naimi meets with new Sec Gen of Intl Energy Forum
By IRNA-SPA
Riyadh : Engineer Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, met here Tuesday with the new Secretary General of the Riyadh-based International Energy Forum Noe Van Hulst.
During the meeting, they discussed the progress of work at the IEF, its secretariat general and ways of upgrading the pace of its activities.
Also discussed were matters relating to the Ministerial Conference for Oil Producing and Consuming Countries scheduled for Rome, Italy, soon.
Yemen, US agree on sending Yemeni lawyers to Guantanamo
By IRNA-Saba
Sana'a : The US ambassador to Yemen Stephen Seche said that the two countries had agreed on sending Yemeni lawyers team to the US-run Guantanamo Bay to meet the Yemeni detainees there. In his meeting with Yemeni journalists on Monday, Seche affirmed that the US supports the Yemeni forces through training and providing required equipments.
Seche confirmed that Yemen's stability is crucial to fight terrorism not only at the domestic level but also at the regional level.
LAS head to hold talks with Lebanese leaders
By IRNA-Itar-Tass
Beirut : Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS) Amr Moussa on Wednesday will hold talks with political leaders of Lebanon within the framework of a mediator mission.
The Egyptian diplomat will discuss with them a three-stage plan aimed at the Lebanese crisis settlement that was approved on Sunday, January 7, at an urgent meeting of the LAS foreign ministers in Cairo.
Iraq seeks good neighborly relations with Kuwait – official
By IRNA-Itar-Tass
Kuwait City : The Iraqi government seeks to establish good neighborly relations with Kuwait based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and independence of the country, Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said here on Tuesday after visiting the Big Mosque in the country's capital.
The Iraqi politician is in Kuwait on a visit.
"Our relations should be built on the basis of abandonment of the mistakes and absurdity committed by the overthrown regime of Saddam Hussein that brought trouble and suffering to both peoples," Hashemi said.
Pakistan denies U.S troops, agents operating in tribal areas
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan has said that U.S troops and intelligence agencies are not operating inside its tribal areas and described American media reports as baseless.
Foreign Office Spokesman, Muhammad Sadiq said the media functions freely in Pakistan as well as in the United States and such unfounded news stories are published in both the countries.
Sadiq rejected a report in the New York Times that the United States is considering options to operate in Pakistan's tribal regions.
Pakistan landslide kills three policemen
By IRNA
Islamabad : Heavy snowfall in northern Pakistan has killed three policemen after landslide hit their check post, police said on Tuesday.
Northern parts of Pakistan have been receiving heavy snow and rains, which has caused land sliding and road blocks.
The capital Islamabad and most parts of the country have been receiving rains for few days, making the weather much colder in these days.
At least three security personnel were killed when heavy snow caused landslide and hit their post at Chitral late Monday night.
Ex-German UN envoy says no Mideast stability without Iran
By IRNA
Berlin : Germany's former UN ambassador, Gunter Pleuger made clear that creating stability in the Middle East without including Iran was not possible.
"A stabilization of the Middle East is hardly possible without the regional power Iran," Pleuger wrote Tuesday in an analytical piece for the online site of the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.
He stressed any future Mideast security structure had to reflect "Iran's important role as a regional power."
Insurgents kill 3 U.S. soldiers in Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Three U.S. soldiers were killed and two others wounded during a clash in north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Wednesday.
Three soldiers died from fatal wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their unit with small arms fire during operations on Tuesday in Salahudin Province, a military statement said.
Two more soldiers were also wounded by the attack and were evacuated to a military medical facility, the statement said.
The names of the deceased soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, it added.
Bush sees new opportunity for Israel-Palestinian peace
By Xinhua
Tel Aviv : Visiting U.S. President George W. Bush said here Wednesday that he was seeking a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, which has had a new opportunity.
"We seek last peace. We see a new opportunity for peace here inthe holy land and for freedom across the region," Bush told a welcoming ceremony with Israeli leaders.
"The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," Bush added.
Fatah’s Gaza leadership urges Bush to help lift siege, freeze settlement
By Xinhua
Gaza : Leadership of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in Gaza Wednesday called on visiting U.S. President George W. Bush to help stop Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and lift siege on the Gaza Strip.
Bush arrived in Israel on Wednesday noon, starting an eight-day visit to the region. He is scheduled to meet Abbas on Thursday in the West Bank city of Ramallah in efforts to push the stalled peace process forward.
Iran’s IRGC officer: U.S. video of Hormuz ship incident fake
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that the United States has fabricated a footage claiming to show Iranian speedboats harassing U.S. warships in the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported.
A member of the marine forces of the IRGC said that footage released by the U.S. Navy are file pictures and the audio has been fabricated, Iran's state-run English language Press TV channel reported.
AL chief due in Beirut to promote Arab plan
By Xinhua
Beirut : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa will arrive in Beirut Wednesday to try to push Lebanon's rival political leaders to accept the Arab foreign ministers' plan aimed at ending the country's constitutional crisis.
Upon his arrival in Lebanon, Moussa will meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh, local As Safir newspaper reported, adding that the AL chief would then head to the Grand Serail for a meeting with Prime Minister Fouad Seniora.
Hamas lawmaker criticizes PA ceremonies to welcome Bush
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A jailed Hamas lawmaker on Wednesday criticized the Palestinian Authority's (PA) official ceremonies to receive U.S. President George W. Bush in his Middle East tour.
Mohammed Abu Tair, a Hamas legislator from Jerusalem, slashed Bush for refusing to place a crown of flowers before late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's grave in Ramallah.
PNA counts on Bush visit to drive peace talks
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Wednesday re-voiced expectations of a U.S. push to Israeli-Palestinian peace talks on the occasion of President George W. Bush's Middle East tour.
"The U.S. is the only international side that can affect Israel and make it committed to the requirements of peace," said Nemer Hammad, political advisor of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. "So, Bush visit to the region involves a historical value."
Bush arrives in Tel Aviv to start visiting Israel
By Xinhua
Tel Aviv : U.S. President George W. Bush arrived here on Wednesday noon to start visiting Israel, the first leg of his eight-day Middle East trip.
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Bush emerged from his special plane and was greeted on the scene by Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Iran: Ship incident U.S. “psychological, propaganda campaign”
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Parliament Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel has called U.S. accusations in the recent confrontation between U.S. and Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as a "psychological and propaganda campaign," local Tehran Times daily reported on Wednesday.
"We have always shown that we believe in peace and avoiding tension, and we presume that the U.S. media propaganda is part of its psychological and propaganda campaign, which it is continuously conducting against Iran," Adel was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Israeli artillery strike kills Gaza militant
By Xinhua
Gaza : A Palestinian militant was killed and five others wounded on Wednesday morning in an Israeli artillery strike on northern Gaza Strip, witnesses and hospital officials said.
The witnesses said the Israeli army artillery fired three surface-to-surface missiles at a group of militants who were trying to launch homemade rockets from the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia into Israel.
Heavy rain and snow kill at least 20 in Pakistan
By DPA
Islamabad : Heavy rain and snow Wednesday brought life to a standstill in several areas of Pakistan, particularly in the country's high-elevated northern region, and killed overnight at least 20 people, media reports and officials said.
The severe weather conditions that started over the weekend were expected to continue this week across the country, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.
Bohras brave bomb blasts to congregate in Colombo
By P.K. Balachandran, IANS
Colombo : Undeterred by the series of bomb blasts and terror attacks in and around the Sri Lankan capital over the past few days, over 30,000 Dawoodi Bohras from various parts of the world have congregated here for a 10-day religious ceremony.
Gracing the "Ashara Mubarak" ceremony in Colombo for the second successive year is the India-based religious leader of the Bohras, Syedna Muhammad Burhanuddin Saheb.
UAE, Albania sign military cooperation pact
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Albania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which the two countries will work to strengthen cooperation in military and defence fields, WAM reported Wednesday.
The MoU was signed by Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi and Albanian Defence Minister Fatmir Mediu, who is currently on a visit to the UAE.
Al Rumaithi welcomed Mediu's visit and praised the progress of cooperation between the two countries, specially in military fields.
Election activity stilled in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : It's all quiet on the election front in Pakistan. Frank scepticism of the people, the mourning month of Muharram and the winter chill have ensured that campaigning has not picked up after being abruptly halted with the Dec 27 assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
The polls had earlier been scheduled for Jan 8 but were postponed to Feb 18 by the Election Commission, which cited the tenuous law and order situation and the fact that its offices in more than 13 districts were destroyed after the former prime minister's killing.
Jordan’s King Abdullah, Blair discuss latest developments in mideast
By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah has received envoy of the Quartet Committee Tony Blair and discussed with him the latest development in the region as well as efforts exerted to push forward the peace process.
A statement issued by the Royal Court Tuesday said the King highlighted the importance of keeping the momentum provided by the Annapolis peace meeting, noting to the efforts exerted by Jordan to help Palestinians and Israelis reach a just and everlasting settlement for the Palestinian issue.
Brown not satisfied over pace of national reconcialition in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that the process of national reconciliation in Iraq is not fast enough and should be speeded up this year.
The prime minister was speaking at his monthly news conference at 10 Downing Street, the first in the New Year.
He also stressed the need for the Iraqi government to approve the necessary laws required on the oil sector and other areas in the country.
On the economy of Basra, Brown said that the long-term future of the province depends on jobs and improved economy.
Arab League launches “Arabs hand in hand with Iraqis” solidarity campaign
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Arab League has announced a wide-scale media campaign for solidarity with 4.5 displaced Iraqis, both at home and abroad.
The three-month campaign seeks to raise a minimum of USD 123 million.
Hisham Youssef, chief of Cabinet of the League's Secretary General held a joint press conference with Iraqi musician Naseer Shamma, who called for the campaign, and the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cairo Tuesday.
Sarkozy defends Arab countries on civilian nuclear technology
By Xinhua
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy defended the right of Arab countries to be guaranteed access to civilian nuclear technology, saying there was no alternative.
Responding to a question from a journalist Tuesday, who sought to know whether Sarkozy had confidence in the ability of Arab countries to manage nuclear waste and also protect civilian nuclear plants against attacks by extremists, the president said, "my answer is absolutely yes, and what is the alternative?
"We must help these developing countries and assist them to access civilian nuclear.
Canada under pressure to end Afghan combat mission
By Gurmukh Singh, IANS
Toronto : As the death toll and costs mount, Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan is coming under increasing attack from the opposition and the public.
Seventy-seven Canadians, including 76 troops and one diplomat, have been killed so far in the anti-Taliban mission.
Canada joined the NATO-led mission in 2002. Assigned to anti-insurgency operations around Kandahar, the country's 2,500 troops are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by February 2009.
Massive deployment of Palestinian police to ensure security for Bush
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Thousands of Palestinian security men were deployed to Ramallah ahead of the forthcoming visit to this West Bank capital by US President George W. Bush Thursday, Palestinian security officials said.
Lebanon’s Shiite calls for consensus among Lebanese to form new government
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Lebanon's Shiite Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan has called on the Lebanese people to come together and elect a new president of the republic as a prelude to forming a new government of national unity.
Qabalan, who was speaking during a ritual address to the Lebanese marking the start of the 10-day Ashura Observance Tuesday, said Lebanon would be able to cross the current political straits "through complying with the Arab peace initiative," which was launched at the latest conference of Arab foreign ministers, which was held in Cairo over the weekend.
OIC denounces Israeli attacks against Palestinians
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has strongly condemned the continuous Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip within the ongoing military campaign that claimed the lives of a large number of unarmed civilians.
Some 20 activists surrender to give peace process a chance – Nablus Governor
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Governor of the Palestinian city of Nablus Jamal Moheissen has said some 20 members of the pro-Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade have handed in their weapons and surrendered to Palestinian security forces.
Hoheissen said in a special interview with KUNA Tuesday that they made the move voluntarily in order to deny Israeli forces the excuse to continue their intrusion into Nablus to catch the activists.
He said the activists were willing to give the peace process a chance to succeed and have opted to give themselves up as a "national gesture."
Iraq considers Arab League’s initiative on Iraq the best – Iraqi FM
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has said that his government considers the Arab League initiative to achieve Iraqi reconciliation as one of the best initiatives that were put on the Iraqi arena.
Zebari denied, in a statement to reporters following his talks with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa Tuesday the existence of rejection of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of the League's efforts to achieve reconciliation in his country.
New Bahrain Airways to launch flights to Kuwait on Feb 1
By NNN-KUNA
Kuwait : The new Bahrain Airways company will launch flights to Kuwait's International Airport as of Feb 1, the General Authority of Civil Aviation said.
The company will launch two daily flights, Bahrain-Kuwait-Bahrain, during this winter season, the Authority said in a statement here Tuesday.
The new flights to Kuwait is part of an open airspace policy the country adopts, it added.
UNHCR appeals for USD 261 million for Iraqis
By NNN-KUNA
Geneva : The UN refugee agency has appealed for USD 261 million this year for its operations covering the needs of some four million Iraqis.
According to UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond Tuesday, the UNHCR's Iraq Situation Supplementary Appeal covers programmes for many of the 2.2 million Iraqis displaced within Iraq, as well as the two million who have fled to other countries in the region, including Syria, Jordan, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and several of the Gulf States.
US military launches operation “Phantom Phoenix” against al-Qaeda
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The US military in Iraq has announced the beginning of "Operation Phantom Phoenix."
The operation is a series of joint Iraqi and coalition division, and brigade-level operations to pursue and neutralise remaining al-Qaeda and other extremist elements in Iraq, Lt-Gen Ray Odierno, commander of the Multi-National Corps, Iraq said in a statement Tuesday.
EU delegation arrives in Baidoa for talks with Somali officials
By NNN-ENA
Addis Ababa : A delegation from the European Union (EU) has visited Baidoa, Somalia, for talks with the top officials of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia to assure the government of international support, according to a SomaliNet report from Baidoa.
The delegation, which was in Boadoa on Saturday, was led by French Ambassador to Kenya Elizabeth Barber. The delegation members met the Somali Parliament Speaker, Acting President Sheikh Aden Madobe and Prime Minister Nor Adde, the report said.
Over 600,000 Bangladesh get overseas employment in 2007
By NNN-BSS
Mymensingh (Bangladesh) : Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said over 600,000 Bangladeshis received overseas employment in 2007 due to a pragmatic manpower policy of present government.
Dr Iftekhar, who is also in-charge of the Ministry of Overseas Employment and Expatriates' Welfare, said the country earned a US $ 6.5-billion remittance during the same period and received sanction for fresh employment of 820,000 people.
UN seeks $261 mn for Iraqi refugees
By Xinhua
Geneva : The UN refugee agency launched an appeal for $261 million to fund its operations this year on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis uprooted by conflict.
The appeal covers programmes for many of the 2.2 million Iraqis displaced within Iraq, as well as the two million who have fled to other countries in the region, Ron Redmond, chief spokesman of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told a news briefing in Geneva Tuesday.
Bush calls Iran’s naval confrontation with US provocative
By DPA
Washington : Iran's naval confrontation with US warships in the Gulf was a "provocative act" that should not have taken place, US President George W. Bush said.
"We viewed it as a provocative act. It is a dangerous situation. And they should not have done it, pure and simple," Bush said at a White House press conference Tuesday hours before he departs for the Middle East on a trip partly aimed at isolating the Islamic state.
Bangladesh: 2,000 new cyclone shelters to built in 2008
By NNN-BSS
Dhaka : Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah on Monday said 2,000 new cyclone shelters will be built in the coastal areas of the country's 15 districts as part of the government's disaster preparedness.
A sub-committee for setting up the cyclone centres has been formed which will submit a report within this month on how the cyclone centers could be make sustainable, he said this while
inaugurating a workshop on 'Cyclone Sidr 2007: Early Recovery' at BIAM auditorium here.
Maldives President uninjured in assassination attempt
By Xinhua
Male : Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom escaped an attack unharmed Tuesday morning while inspecting a remote island in the tiny India Ocean country, said the president's office in a statement.
"An unidentified man attempted to attack the president with a knife earlier today... upon his arrival at Hoarafushi. The president escaped this serious attack without any harm," said the statement.
Gayoom appeals to Maldivians to eschew violence
By IANS
Colombo : Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, has appealed to his countrymen to eschew violence and live in peace and harmony.
"We should never resort to violence," Gayoom said Tuesday after a knife attack at north Thiladhunmathi Atoll Hoarafushi from which he was saved by the timely intervention of a 15-year-old boy scout.
A statement issued by the Maldivian government said Gayoom called upon all members of society, irrespective of political and other differences, to live in peace and harmony.
Bush calls Iran-U.S. sea confrontation “provocative”
·Bush described Iran's act in Iran-U.S. sea confrontation in Strait of Hormuz as "provocative."
·It is the first direct response from Bush himself on the incident.
·Bush administration officials warned Iran to refrain from taking "provocative actions.
By Xinhua
Lebanese PM denounces bomb attack on UN peacekeepers
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Premier Fouad Seniora denounced a roadside bomb attack on UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon Tuesday, local Naharnet news website reported.
Seniora, on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, called UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon and relayed to him "the condemnation of the Lebanese government of the crime that targeted Irish peacekeepers of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL)," said the report.
The explosion occurred in the coastal town of Rmaileh near the southern city of Sidon, slightly wounding two Irish peacekeepers.
Iraqi FM calls for influential Arab efforts for Iraqi reconciliation
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Tuesday called for influential Arab efforts to help realize national reconciliation in Iraq.
Zebari made the remarks at a joint press conference after his meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
He noted that "it is high time for the Arab League to make an influential Arab move to help realize national reconciliation in Iraq and support efforts in this sphere, especially after the security and economic situations in Iraq were improved."
Moussa to promote Arab plan for Lebanese crisis in Beirut
By Xinhua
Cairo : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa was scheduled to leave for Beirut on Wednesday to promote an overall Arab plan to solve Lebanon's political crisis, Egypt's official MENA news agency reported on Tuesday.
The AL chief, during the visit, will seek to convince pro-government majority and the opposition in Lebanon to approve the three-point plan adopted by the Arab foreign ministers during their consultative meeting held in Cairo on Saturday evening.
Olmert, Abbas agree to start talks on core issues
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed on Tuesday to instruct their negotiating teams to start talking about core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict according to a "three-level" model.
"The two leaders decided to allow negotiating teams to conduct direct talks on all core issues," Olmert's spokesman Mark Regev said, adding, "We expect the process will begin shortly."
Erekat: Abbas, Olmert agree on launching permanent status talks
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed Tuesday to immediately launch the talks on permanent status issues, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
Erekat's declaration on launching the talks was made in a news conference held in Ramallah, following the end of Abbas-Olmert meeting held in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon.
Jail term for London man who planned terror attacks in Pakistan
By DPA
London : A 29-year-old man was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail by a court in London Tuesday after he admitted having planned to carry out acts of terrorism in Pakistan.
Sohail Qureshi, a qualified dentist, from east London, became the first person to be convicted under a new law covering those found to be "preparing for terrorism."
He was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport in October 2006 carrying thousands of pounds in cash, a night sight, medical supplies and computer material for alleged terrorist purposes.
Four Advisers Of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Resign
DHAKA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Four advisers of Bangladesh caretaker administration Tuesday tendered their resignation, officials said.
"The four have resigned on 'personal ground' and the chief adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed sent their resignation letters to President Iajuddin Ahmed," chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told Bangladesh news agency (BSS) here Tuesday night.
The four were Information and Law Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Industries Adviser Geeti Ara Safiya Chowdhury and Health Adviser (retd) Major General ASM Matiur Rahman.
Bhutto’s party insists on UN probe
Islamabad, Jan 8, IRNA, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has said it would not give up its demand for a UN probe into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, saying the Party will continue to agitate at all available forums.
In a statement today a spokesman of the Party former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that if the present regime did not approach the UN then the future PPP government would formally urge the UN for probing the assassination a la inquiry the murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Maldivian President survives attack
Male –January 08, (IINA) – Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom survived an assassination attempt by a "young man" who tried to stab him with a knife wrapped in a national flag, according Presidential Spokesman Mohamed Shareef. He said Gayoom was unhurt. The assailant "aimed at the president from about 10 feet away, but another young boy - about 15 years old - maybe one feet away jumped to prevent him," Shareef said.
Palestinians pessimistic about peace
Ramallah – (IINA) January 08, 2008 – The vast majority of Palestinians expect the revived peace talks with Israelis to fail, according to a poll released yesterday ahead of US President George W Bush’s visit. A total of 69.5% of those polled said the peace talks re-launched at a US conference in Annapolis in November will “certainly fail” or “fail,” according to the survey by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PSR). Only 22.5% of respondents said the talks will “certainly succeed” or “succeed,” AFP reported quoting PSR sources.
Pakistan approves Iran gas sale and purchase agreement
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan cabinet committee on Tuesday approved the gas sale and purchase agreement of the
Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project, an official announcement said.
The gas sale and purchase agreement was initiated during talks on December 18, 2007, and to be signed by ISGC on the Pakistan side, a statement from the Prime Minister House said.
The approval was accorded in a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), chaired by Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro.
Islamic finance sector set to continue growth into 2008
London – (IINA) January 08, 2008 – The global Islamic finance sector is set to continue its impressive growth into 2008, although this growth...
UK renews call-up of reservists for Iraq
By IRNA
London : The British government has extended the call-up of reservists to support operations in Iraq despite plans to virtual half the number of deployed troops to just 2,500 by April this year.
"With the expiry of the call-out order made last January, I am reporting that a new order has been under Section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 so that reservists may continue to be called out into service," Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth.
Pakistani opposition leader for national unity govt
By IRNA
Lahore : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has demanded resignation of President Pervez Musharraf and establishment of a government of national unity to organize fair and transparent elections.
"Mr Musharraf has become highly controversial and under him the elections would not be fee and fair," Sharif told a news conference.
Sharif earlier chaired a high level of his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) to chalk out strategy for the February 18 parliamentary elections.
Pakistani opposition leader for national unity govt
By IRNA
Lahorer : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has demanded resignation of President Pervez Musharraf and establishment of a government of national unity to organize fair and transparent elections.
"Mr Musharraf has become highly controversial and under him the elections would not be fee and fair," Sharif told a news conference.
Sharif earlier chaired a high level of his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) to chalk out strategy for the February 18 parliamentary elections.
Bangladesh postpones BIMSTEC ministerial meet at last minute
By IRNA
New Delhi : Bangladesh has postponed the ministerial meeting of seven-nation group BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) on poverty alleviation citing "poor response from the member nations" as the reason.
Dhaka was forced to postpone the two-day meeting scheduled to be held on 9th and 10th January "because of poor response from the members" due to political turmoil in most countries of the bloc, Indian national TV news portal reported here quoting Bangladesh's foreign office spokesman.
Iran follows guidance of infallible Imams of Prophet Mohammad (SA) Household
By IRNA
Shiraz, Fars prov : Iran follows guidance of infallible Imams of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Household in governing the country, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday.
Addressing an inaugural ceremony road, health and energy projects in Shiraz, Fars province, he added that certain individuals prefer to substitute the Islamic models with patterns from either the Western or Eastern countries, which can not secure spirituality and faith of nations.
Bhutto’s son calls for UN probe into assassination
By Xinhua
London : The son of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto called on Tuesday for a UN-sponsored investigation into her slaying.
"The family's and party's request is for a UN-sponsored investigation, because we do not believe that an investigation under the authority of the Pakistan government has the necessary transparency," Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told a news conference here.
"Already so much forensic evidence has been destroyed," he said.
Four advisers of Bangladesh caretaker gov’t resign
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Four advisers of the Bangladeshi caretaker government resigned en mass Tuesday on the desire of the government.
Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Energy and Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Industry Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury and Health Adviser Matiur Rahman stood down Tuesday afternoon.
The four advisers told reporters separately that they tendered their resignations as the government desired.
They said they met with Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office and tendered their resignation letters.
New advisers of Bangladesh caretaker government likely to take oath Wednesday
By Xinhua
Dhaka : New advisers of Bangladesh military-backed caretaker government are likely to be sworn-in by President Iajuddin Ahmed Wednesday following the resignation of four advisors Tuesday.
Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim was quoted by private news agency UNB as saying that the chief advisor's office sent all the four resignation letters to the President's office Tuesday.
Iraqi FM calls for influential Arab efforts for Iraqi reconciliation
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Tuesday called for influential Arab efforts to help realize national reconciliation in Iraq.
Zebari made the remarks at a joint press conference after his meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
He noted that "it is high time for the Arab League to make an influential Arab move to help realize national reconciliation in Iraq and support efforts in this sphere, especially after the security and economic situations in Iraq were improved."
Lebanese Maronite Patriarch calls for presidential election prior to new gov’t
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Tuesday stressed the need to elect a president prior to the formation of a national unity government, local Naharnet news website reported.
Presidential elections should precede a new cabinet "since the president has a say in the formation of the government through parliamentary consultations," Sfeir was quoted as saying.
Arab foreign ministers held a special meeting in Cairo Sunday, approving an Arab plan to end the crisis in Lebanon.
Bangladesh: 2,000 new cyclone shelters to be built in 2008
By NNN-BSS
Dhaka : Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah on Monday said 2,000 new cyclone shelters will be built in the coastal areas of the country's 15 districts as part of the government's disaster preparedness.
A sub-committee for setting up the cyclone centres has been formed which will submit a report within this month on how the cyclone centers could be make sustainable, he said this while
inaugurating a workshop on 'Cyclone Sidr 2007: Early Recovery' at BIAM auditorium here.
UN declines to set up probe into Bhutto killing
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : The UN cannot assist in investigating Benazir Bhutto's assassination unless a request is made by the Pakistan government, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said, rejecting a suggestion that the world body should act on the basis of a demand by her family.
Answering questions at his first press conference in the New Year at the UN headquarters here Monday, the secretary general said the UN has not yet received any request from the Pakistani government for help in the case and Britain's Scotland Yard was already helping with the probe.
PPP will lobby for UN probe into Bhutto killing
By Xinhua
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has said that it would not give up its demand for a UN probe into the assassination of its former leader Benazir Bhutto, and that the party would continue to agitate at all available forums.
In a statement Tuesday, party spokesman and former senator Farhatullah Babar said if the present regime did not approach the UN, the future PPP government would formally urge the UN for probing Bhutto's assassination.
Earlier, the UN had probed the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
Sheikh Hasina refuses to go abroad for treatment
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh's detained former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Tuesday refused to go abroad for treatment on government conditions.
Hasina, suffering from several health complications, said she would not go abroad for treatment by accepting the conditions. She fell sick in court on Dec 31 last year.
Personal physicians of Hasina Sunday formally requested Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed to send her to the US for treatment.
Iran denies threatening US navy vessels
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran Tuesday denied its Revolutionary Guards boats had threatened to blow up US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying what happened between the two sides was just a "routine" action to identify each other.
"No threatening message was transmitted," the state television quoted an unidentified Guards official as saying.