Iran summons Danish envoy as cartoon row resurfaces
Tehran (ANTARA News) - Iran summoned Denmark's ambassador to protest the reprinting on Wednesday of a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed that caused bloody riots in the Islamic world two years ago, the state run IRNA news agency reported.
The cartoon, one of a series of 12 cartoons first published in September 2005 that sparked protests in early 2006, was reprinted in at least 17 Danish newspapers a day after Danish police foiled a murder plot against the cartoonist.
Palestinian brigades attack Israel”s Soufa Crossing
By KUNA
Gaza : The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel's Soufa Crossing Saturday morning.
In a statement, the brigades said one of its units launched an "advanced" locally-made missile at the crossing, located close to Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas invites France FM to visit in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : A spokesman for Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza invited France Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on Sunday to visit in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Kouchner, who is visiting in Israel, had earlier said that France is willing to mediate between Israel and Hamas to release captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and stop firing rockets at Israel "if France is asked to."
Delay in Iran-US talks nothing to do with Ahmadinejad’s visit to Iraq
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Postponement of the next round of Iran-US talks on Iraq is not related to an upcoming visit to Baghdad of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
"We saw no relationship between the two issues," Mohammad-Ali Hosseini told reporters at his weekly press briefing Sunday.
Earlier in the day, he said that the fourth round of the Iran-US talks on the situation in Iraq was postponed for "technical reasons." The two sides have so far held three rounds of talks on the Iraqi situation, on May 28, July 24 and Aug 6, 2007.
British soldier killed in Afghanistan blast
By KUNA
London : A British soldier has been killed and a second injured in an attack in Afghanistan, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Monday.
The soldiers were on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan when they were caught in an explosion yesterday.
An MoD spokesman said "Yesterday evening the soldiers were taking part in a foot patrol near Kajaki, Helmand Province, when they were caught in an explosion".
Radio officials in the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold their second meeting
By KUNA
Riyadh : Officials in charge of radio broadcast in the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hold their 12th meeting here on Wednesday. The officials are expected to discuss a number of topics aimed at the transfer of broadcasting cooperation to broader vistas through mere modern technology, especially in the area of digital radio.
They are also expected to review proposals submitted by the Secretariat and member states on the development of coordination between the radio authorities in the GCC States and the development of broadcast caders.
Hamas delegation heads for talks in Cairo over border issues
By Xinhua
Gaza : A delegation from Hamas movement headed for Cairo for talks with the Egyptian officials on reopening a crossing point between the Hamas-ruled Gaza and Egypt, a Hamas website reported on Tuesday.
Reopening Rafah crossing, which was closed last June when Hamas took over Gaza by force, was the main purpose of the visit, according to Palmedia.net news website.
Iran, Iraq emphasize on need to restore brder posts
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The deputy foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a border agreement to restore the posts at the two countries' shared land and water international borders, including those in Arvand River.
According to IRNA Political Desk reporter, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister (Arab World and African Affairs) Mohammad-Reza Baqeri said at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Wednesday to sign the agreement in the presence of Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister (Legal Affairs) Muhammad al-Haaj Hammoud that bilateral ties are friendly.
Islamic Jihad rejects NATO deployment in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Islamic Jihad movement on Thursday rejected any NATO deployment in the West Bank as part of a planning Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
The radical Islamic group voiced the rejection in a statement in response to Israeli media reports that the U.S. was considering deploying NATO forces in the West Bank after pushing Israel to end the occupation of the territory.
"The Palestinian people don't need a new occupation under the U.S. command," said the Jihad statement.
Turk Army Bombs Iraqi Kurdistan
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The Turkish army bombed Thursday alleged positions of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) in the northern Iraqi mountainous zone, security force sources reported.
Turkey has deployed thousands of soldiers along the border with this Arab country, where the PKK has bases and refuges.
The troops sent by Ankara have attacked those targets through small-scale operations in the country's interior zone, and also with air actions.
UN Security Council fails again to address Gaza situation
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : The Security Council once again failed to issue a press statement on the deteriorating situation in Gaza because of US objection.
Council president Ricardo Alberto Arias of Panama spoke to reporters in his national capacity following a council discussion of the matter late Thursday, saying he is "profoundly concerned about the increased violence in the Middle East region."
He added that "we are concerned about the effect it has on the civil population and with the effect it has on the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Two Israeli soldiers killed in wide-scale armed clashes with Palestinians
By KUNA
Gaza : An Israeli incursion into the eastern fringes of Gaza city and Jabaliya on Saturday resulted in the death of at least 15 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers, medical sources and Israel Radio said.
The medical sources said Israeli warplanes fired missiles in the direction of a group of civilians on Al-Qarm Street east of Jabaliya inflicting a number of deaths and injuries.
More than 15 Palestinians were killed and 35 others were hospitalized as a result of Israeli attacks and Israeli-Palestinian clashes in the northern part of Gaza, they said.
Two Israeli soldiers killed in N Gaza operation
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : A spokeswoman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed to Xinhua on Saturday that two IDF soldiers were killed during a military operation in northern Gaza Strip.
The spokeswoman also confirmed that an officer and six other soldiers were injured in the same incident. The injured have been airlifted to the Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba.
The two were killed during a fire exchange with gunmen, who apparently used an explosive device during the fighting, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth said.
Israeli ground troops pull out of northern Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pulled out the ground troops from the northern Gaza Strip early Monday morning, completing the first stage of the activity dubbed Operation Hot Winter.
An IDF spokeswoman told Xinhua that counter-terror operations were expected to continue.
Jerusalem : Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pulled out the ground troops from the northern Gaza Strip early Monday morning, completing the first stage of the activity dubbed Operation Hot Winter.
An IDF spokeswoman told Xinhua that counter-terror operations were expected to continue.
ADB to get feedback on safeguard policy update
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Representatives from Government, civil society, academy, development agencies and the private sector are taking part in consultations in Hanoi, Vietnam this week to give feedback on a proposed update of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) environmental and social safeguard policies.
Lebanese PM says willing to go to Damascus if “convenient”
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has said that he is willing to visit Damascus and participate in the upcoming Arab summit "if all circumstances were convenient," local As-Safir daily reported Saturday.
"The visit, (however) does not mean any change in our convictions," Seniora was quoted as noting on Friday.
Hamdan, al Beshir confer on latest Arab, world issues
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : Deputy Prime Minister HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Sunday night visiting Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bestir.
Sheikh Hamdan and Sudanese head of state explored ways of enhancing bilateral ties and exchanged views on wide-range current issues at Arab, regional and international levels.
Sheikh Hamdan hoped al Beshir's visit would contribute to further bolstering UAE-Sudan cooperation in sectors of economy, trade and investment.
Ban appoints registrar for special tribunal for Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Robin Vincent of Britain as the Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute the suspects in the assassination of Lebanese former premier Rafik Hariri and others, it was announced here.
Vincent will commence his duties on a date to be determined, Ban's office said in a statement late Monday.
Japan voices concern over Israeli settlement expansion
By KUNA
Tokyo : Japan voiced concern Thursday over Israel's plans to resume construction of some 750 housing units at the settlement in the vicinity of Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to immediately reverse the decision.
"Such measure in the controversial settlements might further undermine the momentum for peace and might have negative impacts on the current peace process between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kazuo Kodama said in a statement.
11 suspected militants detained from Afghanistan’s Khost
By NNN-Xinhua
Kabul : Eleven suspected militants have been detained from eastern Afghan province of Khost during a Afghan and Coalition forces joint operation, according to a Coalition statement issued here early Friday morning.
Afghan National Security Force and the U.S.-led Coalition forces on March 12 searched compounds in Tanai district "targeting militants linked to foreign fighter, improvised explosive device and weapons facilitation operations," and detained 11 individuals, it said.
The statement said the detained individuals will be questioned.
UAE’s Royal Jet named world’s leading private jet charter
By IANS
London : The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based flight services company Royal Jet has been named the world's leading private jet charter by the World Travel Awards (WTA), WAM news agency reported Saturday.
The award was presented to Royal Jet's President and CEO Shane O'Hare by the WTA's Executive Director Manon Han at a function here.
U.N. Chief: Annapolis Target for Two-State Solution Achievable
By SPA
United Nations : United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Tuesday said the “ambitious goal” of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel by the end of 2008 is achievable.
Israeli DM considers approving US plan to transfer weapons to W. Bank
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is considering approving a US plan to allow the transfer of weapons, protective gear, and night-vision goggles for Palestinian security forces in the West Bank, The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.
UAE appoints the country’s first female judge
By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Wednesday appointed the country's first female judge, making it the second Gulf country to have a female judge after Bahrain, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
Sarkozy pledges troops to Afghanistan
By SPA
London : French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged Wednesday to send more troops to Afghanistan, as he traveled to Britain for a two-day state visit aimed at creating a new era of trust between the neighboring nations.
Sarkozy said in an interview in advance of his arrival that France and Britain must trust each other more and work together on immigration, defense and the economy.
Pakistan considers UN role in probing Bhutto’s killing
By Xinhua
United Nations : Pakistan's new prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the country may ask the United Nations to investigate Benazir Bhutto's assassination, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.
Michele Montas told reporters that UN chief Ban Ki-moon had called the prime minister Wednesday morning to congratulate him.
At that point, the prime minister informed the secretary-general that the Pakistani Parliament intended to take up the issue of a potential UN investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
Iraqi parliament speaker calls for extraordinary session to end clashes
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoudal-Mashhadani on Friday called for an extraordinary session to discuss the ongoing clashes between the government troops and Shiite militiamen.
Israeli soldiers kill Hamas militant in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : A militant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) was shot dead early on Friday by Israeli troops' gunfire southeast of the Gaza Strip, Hamas sources and medics said. Hamas said in a leaflet sent to reporters that one of the movement's militants was killed in an exchange of fire with an Israeli army force east of al-Garara village in southern Gaza Strip.
Kashmiris’ wishes paramount while resolving issue: Pakistan PM
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said Saturday that his government wants the Kashmir issue to be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister was announcing his government's priorities after the vote of confidence from the National Assembly or the lower house of parliament.
"I want to assure my sisters and brothers in Kashmir that their sacrifices will not be ignored and Pakistan will make every effort to resolve the issue in accordance with their wishes," Gillani said.
New Pakistani PM says government will reinstate judges
By SPA
Islamabad, Pakistan : Pakistan will fight terrorism as its top priority but will also negotiate with groups willing to lay down their arms, the country's new prime minister said Saturday.
Yousaf Raza Gilani said in his first policy speech that the government also will seek to reinstate judges sacked last year.
We are confronting many challenges, but we are not afraid of these challenges, and we will face them, Gilani told lawmakers.
Parliament elected Gilani on Monday, six weeks after opposition parties triumphed in elections that have restored democracy.
Chinese delegation call on PPP leaders
By APP
Islamabad : China and Pakistan agreed on mutual consensus over exchange of trade, youth and cultural delegations to strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries and formulation of strategy particularly to counter terrorism.
It was proposed in the meeting held between the Chinese delegate headed by Liu Hung Cai of Communist Party of China and leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) comprising Jhangir Badar, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Raza Rabani, Nafeesa Shah and Ibn- Muhammad Rizvi here in People’s Secretariat.
Chinese Vice Minister calls on President Musharraf
By APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf highlighting Pak-China relations said Pakistan cherishes its long-standing friendship with China and confident that it would continue to gain strength in future to serve the best interests of the two countries and the region.
He was talking Friday to Liu Hongcai, Vice Minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China who is leading a five-member delegation for the 9th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) being held in Islamabad from Friday to Sunday.
UN Chiefs “offensively anti-Islamic” video, appeals for calm
By APP
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday strongly condemned the Internet broadcast of a video made by the Dutch politician Geert Wilders, describing it as “offensively anti-Islamic,” while calling on those upset by the film to remain calm.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson after Thursday night’s airing of the film, Ban said “there is no justification for hate speech or incitement to violence. The right of free expression is not at stake here”.
Israeli government continuing West Bank construction
By SPA
Tel Aviv : A dovish Israeli group says construction in West Bank settlements has continued despite Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
'Peace Now' group says in a new report Monday that more than 500 buildings are under construction in settlements. The group says Israel's Defense Ministry has approved nearly 1,000
new housing units in the West Bank.
Hezbollah may strike Israel via third party — Haaretz
By KUNA
Gaza : Hezbollah may try to carry out an attack in northern Israel with the help of another paramilitary organization, which can provide it with deniability, intelligence officers told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee on Tuesday.
Mubarak meets Abbas on Palestinian-Israeli talks, regional developments
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Wednesday morning with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the latest development in the Middle East, particularly the future of the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
At a press conference following the talks, Abbas said he briefed Mubarak on the outcome of the 20th Arab Summit ended Sunday in Damascus and his short visit in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Israel removes 50 West Bank barriers easing Palestinian travel
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Israel has notified the U.S. and the Palestinian National Authority that it has removed 50 roadblocks to ease the movement for Palestinians in the West Bank, the Haaretz newspaper reported Thursday.
The removal of the barriers was part of a package of measures agreed Sunday at a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Israeli defense minister, Ehud Barak, and Palestinian prime minister, Salam Fayyad.
Turkish PM plays down European court verdict on PKK
By KUNA
Ankara : Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan played down Friday the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Communities to cancel the Turkish-outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) from the blacklist of terrorist organizations.
The position of the European countries against the PKK did not change despite the court verdict, Erdogan told reporters here following an official visit to Sweden.
Leaders of the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, and the European Parliament, assured that the PKK would remain blacklisted, he disclosed.
Palestinians to have say in any settlement with Israel – Abbas
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stressed that a peaceful settlement with Israel will not be "at any cost", pledging at the same time that Palestinians will have their say in any settlement reached.
Abbas made the remarks during his reception of a number of Fatah leaders in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, who recently won elections.
The Palestinian president urged them to hold Fatah's sixth general conference despite all obstacles, the Palestinian Radio said Sunday.
Tehran, Washington may soon hold new talks on Iraqi security
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Iran is studying a U.S. proposal to hold a fourth round of talks on Iraqi security in the near future, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
The new round was originally scheduled for mid-February, but has been postponed twice for "technical reasons."
"We have received an official request from the United States to hold a new round of talks on Iraq and we are studying this proposal," Mohammad Ali Hosseini told a news conference in Tehran.
Iran receives US official note to hold talks on Iraq: FM
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran has received an official note from US officials to hold the fourth round of talks on Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said.
"We are studying the US officials' repeated request which was sent to us as an official note to hold new round of talks on Iraq," Hosseini told his weekly press conference here Monday.
The fourth round of talks between Iranian and US officials on Iraq's security situation was expected to be held on March 6, but was cancelled at the last minute.
Al-Assad meets Berri, renews Syria’s support for dialogue among Lebanese
By NNN-SANA
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has held discussions with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri the results of the recently held Damascus Arab Summit, and the Lebanese issues in particular.
Al-Assad reiterated Syria's support for dialogue among the Lebanese and national consensus as the only means to resolve the Lebanese crisis.
He expressed Syria's readiness to present all possible assistance requested by the Lebanese to achieve security and stability in Lebanon.
Indonesian Internet companies block Web sites
By SPA
Jakarta, Indonesia : At least three Internet companies say they have blocked access to YouTube and MySpace because of an anti-Islam film by a Dutch lawmaker.
The move Tuesday was in response to an order by the Indonesian government.
IndosatM2, a popular Internet Service Provider, and two other companies said they had temporarily blocked YouTube, MySpace and three other video-sharing Web sites.
It was not immediately clear if the country's other seven or so providers were following suit, the Associated Press reported.
Iraq violence casts pall on key US Congress report
By AFP
Washington : US lawmakers Tuesday grilled the top US general in Iraq amid fierce fighting on the ground as Shiite radical leader Moqtada al-Sadr threatened to end a truce which had helped staunch the bloodshed.
Sadr's threat hung over the key hearing in the US Congress, as General David Petraeus urged troop withdrawals to be frozen for at least 45 days after July to allow military commanders to review security.
Saudi Financial support for demining operation in South Lebanon
By SPA
Beirut : Under the directives of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, the Saudi Embassy in Beirut handed over a sum of $500,000 to UN Mine Action Coordination Center, Southern Lebanon (MACC SL).
The check for the amount was handed over to MACC SL's Chief Operation Officer Tekimiti Gilbert.
Saudi Charge D'Affairs Fayez Talat Wafa said the support of demining project demonstrates the permanent positions of the Kingdom beside Lebanon and in support of the safety of its citizens and protection of its territory.
Yemeni University announces AIDS remedy
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Chairman of the Iman University Abdul Majeed al-Zindani has announced his university readiness to treat HIV-affected people.
The announcement was made at a press conference on the sidelines of the first international health conference that coincided with the sixth medical forum held recently in Yemen.
Al-Zindani said that after twenty years of search he and a medical team could produce a medication that will help cure the HIV- affected people.
He added the medication was produced under the supervision of the University of Abdul Aziz Bin Saud.
Palestinian official urges Israel to open commercial crossing with Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official said Saturday that the flow of goods into Gaza will remain weak unless Israel opens a key commercial crossing point into the besieged territory.
"The promises to increase the amount and sorts of products that Israel sends to Gaza can not be met unless al-Muntar (Karni) crossing is opened," said independent lawmaker Jamal al-Khodary, who leads a campaign against the sanctions that Israel imposed on Gaza last year.
Dhaka, Malaysia to sign money laundering pact
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is to seal a pact with Malaysia on sharing information over money laundering, a newspaper report here said.
The Bangladesh Bank and Bank Negara Malaysia, the central banks of the two countries, will sign the agreement Monday, the the New Age newspaper reported.
Bangladesh also wants similar agreements with several countries including India.
The central bank is also trying to join the Egmont Group, an organisation of financial intelligence units, to share information on and combat money laundering and terror financing.
Save me, Musharraf urges Saudi Arabia
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Disappointed by his American friends, President Pervez Musharraf, who faces impeachment by the ruling coalition, has sent an "SOS message" to the Saudi authorities, a source said Monday.
"The message was sent through a senior Saudi diplomat based in Islamabad," the source told IANS, adding the president has received a response that is "not very positive".
The source said the Saudi authorities, however, are sending a senior government official to gain a first hand view of the situation arising out of the impeachment move.
Eight civilians among 33 killed in Afghanistan air strike
By KUNA,
Kabul : Eight Afghan civilians were among the 33 people killed in a coalition forces' air strike in southern Afghanistan, the military said on Monday.
A statement from the coalition forces' Bagram base said the civilians were taken hostage by the militants at a compound where they (militants) retreated after exchange of fire with the soldiers.
US spent $85 bn on contracts in Iraq
By DPA,
Washington : The US government has spent $85 billion paying contractors for work in Iraq since the war began more than five years ago, according to a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
The amount spent, which does not include figures for 2008, accounts for 20 percent of all spending - including military operations - by the US government in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion, CBO said.
Seventy percent of the contracts were for work done in Iraq, and abut 40 percent of the paid contractor personnel were Iraqi citizens, it said.
Iran manufactures radar-evading vessels, UUVs
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Experts of Iran's defence industries have successfully manufactured radar-evading vessels and unmanned undersea vehicles, Minister of Defence Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said.
The minister said Tuesday that the strategic products were designed and produced in the current Iranian year designated by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the "Year of Innovation and Progress".
The minister said that mass production of UUVs and the radar-evading vessels would remarkably promote combat power of the Iranian Navy.
Syria-Lebanese summit talks very fruitful, successful – FMs
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem has said that talks between President Bashar al-Assad and President Michel Suleiman of Lebanon have laid the ground for excellent relations between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters in a joint news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Fawzi Salloukh, Moallem said that "the Lebanese brothers will be informed of any developments on the Syrian-Israeli indirect talks."
He said that "demarcating Sheba'a farms cannot be made under the Israeli occupation ... this occupation should be ended."
Draft charge sheet finalized: Pakistani Minister Sherry Rehman
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Friday said the special committee has finalized the draft charge-sheet against President and presented the document to Minister for Law and Justice.
Talking to journalists after a meeting of the special committee tasked to prepare a draft charge-sheet to impeach President Pervez Musharraf, she said the charge-sheet is a technical document and Law Minister will look into so that it could be presented to the coalition leadership.
Afghan army set to assume more duty in Kabul: German minister
By IRNA,
Berlin : The Afghan army is expected to assume more security responsibilities in Kabul over the next six to nine months, German Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung told the daily Rheinischen Post newspaper on Saturday.
"Afghan (security) forces have to ensure Kabul's security over the next six to nine months," Jung said.
The German army will also step up the training of the Afghan army to 7,500 soldiers, he added.
The annual cost of the Afghan deployment of the German military is estimated to increase from 466.9 to 500 million euros, according to Jung.
Many in Pakistan opposed to safe passage for Musharraf
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : A large number of politicians, lawyers and civil rights leaders are opposed to the idea of Pervez Musharraf being given safe passage out of the country after his resignation as president, though there are reports his bete noire Nawaz Sharif has agreed to it after a meeting with an envoy from Saudi Arabia.
US-Pakistan cooperation will continue: Rice
By Xinhua,
Washington : The US will continue to work with the Pakistani government, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation Monday.
Rice thanked Musharraf, a key US counter-terrorism ally, for his help in the fight against Al Qaeda.
Musharraf, who took power in 1999 in a military coup, announced his decision to step down in a televised speech to the nation earlier in the day.
Suicide bombing in Pakistani hospital kills 23
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 23 people, including two policemen, were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a hospital in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP), officials said.
Pro-Taliban militants accepted responsibility for the attack in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, some 300 km south of the provincial capital Peshawar.
The blast occurred outside the emergency ward of the hospital where a crowd of mostly Shia Muslims had gathered to protest the assassination of their leader, Asif Shah, by unknown gunmen riding a motorbike earlier in the day.
Taliban claims responsibility for twin blasts in E Pakistan, warns of more attacks
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)spokesman Maulvi Umar Thursday claimed responsibility for two blasts in eastern Pakistan, private TV channel Ary One World reported.
Maulvi Umar also asked the security forces to stop their operations in the northwestern part and tribal areas, said the report.
He warned that more attacks would be conducted in other places if the operations were not terminated.
Up to 45 people were killed and 60 others injured in two suicide blasts in Wah Cantt in Punjab province on Thursday, the state-run PTV reported.
Militants can’t challenge writ of the govt: Gilani
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday stressed the need to know the root causes of terrorism and said the parliament should form a strategy to deal with the issue.
Speaking in the National Assembly during debate on law and order situation, the Prime Minister said the house is sovereign and can debate for as many days as it wants and then comes up with a strategy to deal with the issue.
Gunmen shoot dead local politician, four other in northwest Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead a local leader of the ruling party and three of his colleagues with him in Pakistan's northwest, police said Thursday.
Mouhammad Amin, a leader of the ruling nationalist party in North West Frontier Province, and his three friends were shot dead late last night in the restive Swat valley.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack but suspected militants have in the past targeted politicians belonging to ruling parties.
Police said that armed men ambushed their car at Deolai area, killing them at the scene.
Iran to develop independent missile headquarters: commander
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran is planning to establish an independent headquarters of missiles, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported Wednesday, quoting a top military commander.
The agency quoted Brigadier General Mohammad-Ali Jafari, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), as saying that forming of an independent commandership of missiles aimed at strengthening the structure of the missile section.
"We should not allow the basic spirit of success and victory to be diminished in Revolution Guards", Jafari said.
German army admits civilian shootings in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Berlin : German soldiers rained gunfire on a carload of innocent civilians in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late Thursday evening, killing a woman and two children, the German army announced on its website on Friday.
"Based on what we know now, evidence has been obtained at the scene suggesting that the shots fired at the vehicle came from German guns," the army was quoted saying.
"Whether shots were fired at the vehicle from the other side has yet to be conclusively clarified," the military added.
NATO artillery kills three children in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : At least three children were killed and seven wounded Monday when artillery fire by NATO-led security forces accidentally hit a civilian compound in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktika, officials said.
The incident occurred when the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) called for return fire after insurgents attacked one of its convoy in Gayan district of the province, the ISAF said in a statement.
The artillery shell “accidentally” landed close to a civilian compound, killing at least three children and wounding seven, it said.
Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia to plead not guilty to murder charges in US court...
By APP,
New York : Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist, would plead not guilty at her arraignment in a federal court Thursday on an indictment alleging attempted murder and assault of U.S. agents during a interrogation session in Afghanistan in July, her lawyer said Tuesday.
The indictment of Dr. Siddiqui, 36, who is being held without bail at a high security federal detention center in Brooklyn, was announced on Tuesday afternoon. It contains no charges of terrorism.
Six killed, 32 injured in suicide car bombing in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : At least six people were killed and up to 32 others injured in a suicide car bomb attack at a popular marketplace in a town in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh on Saturday, a local police source said.
A suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into a market in the town of Tal Afar, 80 km west of the provincial capital of Mosul, and blew it up, killing six people and wounding 32 others, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
UAE Urges UN To Tackle Obstacles Hindering War Against Terrorism
By Bernama,
New York : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has urged the United Nations (UN) to boost joint efforts, so as to tackle strongly the obstacles hindering the total eradication of terror.
The country also called for systematic, objective, balanced and transparent review of the definition of terrorism to facilitate international consensus on the definition of the phenomenon, Emirates news agency (WAM) quoted Acting Charge d'Affairs at the UAE Mission at the UN Headquarters Anwar Othman Barout Saleem Al-Barout as saying on Sunday.
DPRK to boost relations with Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Pyongyang : The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan, the official KCNA news agency quoted a top DPRK legislator as saying Tuesday.
Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a congratulatory message to Asif Ali Zardari, who was elected Pakistani president on Saturday.
The two countries maintained a traditional relationship and have cooperated in various fields.
Three civilians among 28 killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Al least 28 people, including three civilians, were killed as security forces pounded militants' hideouts in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region Wednesday, the Dawn News reported.
The security forces pounded militants' hideouts with jets in Bajaur tribal agency in North-West Frontier Province, killing 28 people, including three civilians, said the report.
Backed by gunship helicopters, the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Frontier Corps Tuesday launched a joint major and first-ever ground operation against militants in the tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.
PPP aims to oust Punjab government
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which is in power at the centre and in three of the four provinces is eyeing the fourth and the largest province of Punjab to form its own government there to consolidate its power.
"Our party leaderships considers it important to form the government in Punjab otherwise it would be difficult for the central government to function smoothly," a PPP leader told IANS.
Palestinians call on Arab League to stop Israeli settlement activities
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mussa has received a memo signed by 16,000 Palestinians calling on the Arab League, the UN Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to stop the Israeli settlement activities.
U.S. helicopter hard landing kills 7 in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A U.S. transport helicopter went down Thursday in southern Iraq, killing seven people on board, the U.S. military said.
The military said the seven died when a CH-47 Chinook experienced a hard landing at approximately 12:01 a.m.(2101 GMT Wednesday) about 100 km west of Basra.
The helicopter was on a transport mission from Kuwait to the Balad base in northern Iraq.
It said the incident was under investigation.
In November 2003, a CH-47 helicopter was shot down some 60 km west of Baghdad, killing 15 soldiers and leaving 21 injured.
Russia opposes new UN sanctions on Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia is opposed to any new UN measures against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme for now, the foreign ministry said Saturday.
The statement came after six world powers met Friday to discuss a fourth round of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic suspected of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
The meeting in Washington brought no agreement.
Tehran insists it pursues nuclear research to generate electricity.
"We spoke out against extra measures by the UN Security Council at the current stage," the ministry said.
Afghan ambassador-designate kidnapped in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Afghan ambassador-designate to Pakistan Abdul Khaliq Farahi was kidnapped in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar Monday.
The vehicle carrying Farahi was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the Hayatabad area of the capital city of North-West Frontier Province, News Network International (NNI) news agency said, adding that his driver was killed in the attack.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
More than 250,000 Afghan refugees repatriated this year: UN
By Xinhua,
Kabul : More than a quarter million Afghan refugees, mostly from Pakistan, have returned to their country so far this year with the support of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a statement of the body released here Tuesday said.
"Since January this year, UNHCR has assisted a total of 251,880 registered Afghans to repatriate from the neighbouring Pakistan and Iran," the statement said.
It noted that 248,951 refugees have returned from Pakistan and another 2,929, from Iran.
The UNHCR would provide a cash of $100 to each person returning to Afghanistan.
Over 3,400 Indians use Kuwait amnesty scheme
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : With just a week left for the expiry of an amnesty scheme in Kuwait for illegal expatriates to regularize their status, over 3,400 Indians have put in their applications.
"Over 3,400 Indians have applied for emergency outpasses till now," Dinesh Bhatia, charge d'affaires in the Indian embassy in Kuwait, told IANS over telephone Wednesday.
"We are processing the same and will get to arrive at the final figure in consultation with Kuwaiti authorities after the scheme gets over," he added.
Alleged coup plotters go on trial in Turkey
By DPA,
Ankara : The trial of 86 people accused of plotting to prepare the ground for a military coup got under way in Istanbul Monday.
The long-awaited trial of the so-called Ergenekon gang began some 17 months after police discovered hand grenades in an Istanbul house belonging to a former non-commissioned officer.
An investigation found that the grenades were from the same batch that was used in an attack on the Istanbul offices of Cumhuriyet newspaper in 2006.
Roadside bombing kills 3 U.S. soldiers in W Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A roadside bombing on Wednesday killed three soldiers with the U.S.-led Coalition forces and wounded another in western Afghanistan, said a Coalition statement received here on Thursday.
"The incident took place at about 8 p.m. local time (1530 GMT) when a Coalition vehicle struck an IED (improvised explosive device) killing three Coalition service members and wounding one in western Afghanistan," the statement said.
It added that Coalition personnel secured the scene, and the incident was under investigation.
90 dead, 20,000 displaced in Yemeni floods
By SPA,
Sana, Yemen : Flooding caused by a tropical storm has killed 90 people and displaced 20,000 others in southern Yemen, police and the World Food Program said Monday.
The WFP, which said 20,000 people were displaced, said it has been difficult to get aid to hard-hit Hadramut province because many roads were destroyed by floodwaters after Thursday's storm.
A police official said 90 people died and 24 farms were wrecked, foreign news agencies reported.
Pakistan summons US envoy over airstrikes
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan summoned US Ambassador Anne Patterson Wednesday to lodge a protest over recent missile strikes by US drones in the country's tribal region along the border with Afghanistan.
"It was underscored to the ambassador that the government of Pakistan strongly condemns the missile attacks which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property," a statement from the country's foreign ministry said.
"It was emphasised that such attacks were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and should be stopped immediately," it added.
Explosion in Gaza kills policeman, injures three others
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian policeman was killed while three others were injured last night due to an explosion near a police headquarters in the Gaza Strip, a local radio reported on Friday.
The radio station in Gaza said the policeman and his mates at the bombs squad were trying to dismantle an explosive device at the headquarters.
The dismantling was a failure and the bomb detonated ending Alaa Al-Ajala's life.
Malaysian Indian wins award for educating poor kids
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Indian Dhanveer Singh has won the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year award for his work to educate poor children in Southeast Asian nations' He says being with children inspires him.
Singh's non-profit organisation SOLS247 is working among the disadvantaged youth in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and Timor Leste, who are not in the league of the region's "tiger economies".
He was conferred the award at the Fourth Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) Dream Malaysia Awards ceremony here Sunday.
Pakistan: no plan to censor private TV, FM channels, says Minister Sherry
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman told the National Assembly on Wednesday that PPP government has no plans to censor private television and FM channels programmes.
Replying to a question by Surriya Asghar, MNA during Question Hour she said that the PPP believes in freedom of expression and it abolished black laws of the former dictatorial regime.
Banned outfit planning fresh bombings in poll-bound Bangladesh: report
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's banned Islamist militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has begun stockpiling explosives and is planning a fresh round of attacks across the country in the run up to the Dec 18 general elections, officials said.
The military-backed caretaker government has failed to follow up its drive against Islamist militancy, media reports Tuesday said quoting security officials.
At least four dead in Kabul explosion
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : At least four people were killed and over 10 injured when an explosive device went off near the U.S. embassy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, a source in the country's interior ministry said on Thursday.
The official dismissed media reports that the explosion had occurred just outside the U.S. embassy, saying that the bomb had been detonated outside a state-run printing firm at least 200 meters away from the entrance to the U.S. compound.
"A terrorist attacked a NATO convoy," the source said, adding that the blast had occurred during rush hour.
India, Pakistan agree on visa liberalization
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and India have agreed on the need for visa liberalization and decided to discuss ways to cooperate in curbing cross border crime, according to Online news agency.
A joint statement, issued at end of the home secretary level talks, said the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India will meet soon to discuss cooperation in addressing issues like human trafficking, illegal immigration, and counterfeit currency.
Pakistan’s refusal to handover terrorists expected: BJP
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday said Pakistan's refusal to handover 20 "most wanted" individuals to India was on expected lines and demanded that the government build international pressure on Pakistan through the United Nations to secure the suspects.
Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan to strengthen anti-terrorism co-op
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Presidents of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday stressed their determination to strengthen tripartite cooperation to fight against terrorism, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
At the joint press conference held by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari following the Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan tripartite summit in Istanbul on Friday, Gul said that the three parties confirmed that counter terrorism is the priority they have attached to.
Saudi Arabia Watchful with Hajj
By Prensa Latina,
Riyadh : Some 100,000 Saudi troops are patrolling the Islamic Holy City Mecca, to provide security to over three million Muslims at the Hajj or annual pilgrimage beginning Saturday.
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz said pilgrims from all over the world would flood every sacred place every Muslim must visit at least one in his lifetime.
The crowd virtually paralyzes the Islamic world as prelude to four days of Eid Al-Adha, main feast of the Muslim calendar 70 after Ramadan.
Saudi Arabian Airlines to fly 500,000 pilgrims
By SPA,
Jeddah : Saudi Arabian Airlines will fly about 500,000 pilgrims back home, Khaled Al-Mulhim, Director General of the national carrier, has said.
Sami Badr, Director of the Hajj Terminal at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz Airport, told the Jeddah-based Arabic newspaper "OKAZ" that there was coordination between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Hajj Ministry to bring pilgrims to the airport seven hours prior to the departure time of their flights.
He added that offices have been set up at Makkah entry points to organize the departure process.
Israel’s expulsion of human rights envoy is dangerous: UN
By DPA,
New York : Israel's decision to expel a US expert on human rights was a "dangerous" move that contravened mandates given to rights advocates working for the UN, president of the UN General Assembly said Monday.
Richard Falk was detained at Jerusalem's airport Sunday and then deported back to the US. Falk's mandate given by the 192-nation UN assembly is to assess the situation in Palestinian-occupied territories.
The Israeli foreign ministry Monday said Falk was "unwelcome in Israel".
Poll: Palestinians, Israelis seek more active U.S. role in moderating conflict
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Most Palestinians and half of Israelis hope the United States to play a more active role in moderating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a latest poll published Tuesday.
The poll was conducted by the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah.
Death toll rises to 18 in Baghdad twin bombing
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll of a double explosions outside a traffic police headquarters in central Baghdad on Wednesday rose to 18 and 52 people injured, an Interior Ministry source said.
"The toll of the car bomb and a roadside bomb attacks in Nahdhaarea rose to 18 killed and 52 injured," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack took place when a booby-trapped car detonated outside the headquarters near the al-Nahdha parking lot in central Baghdad on the east side of Tigris River, the source said.
US Senator Kerry urges India, Pakistan to pursue diplomacy
By DPA,
Islamabad : US Senator John Kerry urged India and Pakistan to keep the diplomatic channels open to counter terrorism and remove misunderstandings that could threaten regional peace, media reports said Wednesday.
Kerry, the next chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the remarks Tuesday in Islamabad, where he arrived from New Delhi as part of Washington's efforts to defuse tensions stemming from last month's Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Pakistan has all right to defense if war is thrust: FM
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Minister Mahmood Quraishi said Sunday that Pakistan does not want war and desires peace, 'but if war is thrust on us, then we have all the right to defend'.
Talking to media at Multan Airport, Quraishi said, "We are prepared to fully cooperate with India, but India should provide concrete evidences."
The foreign minister said, "We possess all the potentiality for defense and the Pakistan Armed Forces are absolutely prepared for defense."
Pakistan’s steps against terror ‘not nearly enough’: Rice
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Insisting that the steps taken by Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai attacks are 'not nearly enough', the US has advised it to keep on working to 'really deal' with terrorism to help ease the 'crisis' with India.
Neither India nor Pakistan wanted to escalate tensions and "no one was speaking in belligerent language," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said at a function in Washington.
Dhaka steps up vigilance along border with India as bombs, explosives seized
By NNN-APP,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Monday put all border outposts of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on high alert with neighbouring India as police retrieved a powerful bomb on a timer and two hand bombs in southwestern bordering district of Jessore on Monday.
Explosive experts were called in immediately to defuse them, police guarding the spot said.
Israel must end ‘unlawful’ attacks, says Amnesty International
London, Dec 29, IRNA ,Amnesty International Monday expressed its horror at Israel's ongoing slaughter of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, calling for an end to the massacre and for Gaza's emergency needs to be met.
"The horrific death toll risks growing due to the unavailability of adequate medical care for the hundreds of injured," the London-based human rights group said three days after Israeli air attacks killed over 300 Palestinians.
Arab League “strongly” condemns ground incursion on Gaza
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League on Saturday "strongly" condemned the wide-scale ground incursion to the Gaza Strip, lashing at the same time at the international community's "slackening" to bear its responsibility in curbing the Israeli aggression.
"Israel, through conducting the incursion, do not want a ceasefire, as it is carrying on with its 'heinous' crime against the besieged Palestinian people," Assistant Secretary General for Palestine and Arab Occupied Territories Affairs Ambassador Mohammad Subeeh told KUNA.
Security, peace will prevail due to ground operations on Gaza, says Barak
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : Security and peace will prevail in the region with the beginning of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Saturday.
He affirmed during a press conference that the army has increased security with the borders with Lebanon, adding that the army would safeguard peace and security of Israeli citizens.
Barak indicated that the mini-cabinet meeting stressed that ground operations aim at destroying the infrastructure of Hamas.
42 killed in Israeli army strike on Gaza school: officials
By DPA,
Gaza City : An Israeli strike on a UN-school in northern Gaza killed at least 42 Palestinian civilians in the deadliest single incident since Israel launched its offensive in the Strip 11 days ago, health officials said.
Gaza emergency services chief Mo'aweya Hassanein told reporters that dozens more were injured in the strike Tuesday afternoon on the al-Fakhoura school in the Jabaliya refugee camp, north of Gaza City.
UN Spokesman Chris Gunness said he was unable to immediately give details as was unable to reach his own staff in Gaza.
China calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Beijing : Israel and Hamas should cease fire immediately and mitigate the humanitarian crisis, Sun Bigan, China's special envoy to the Middle East Region, told the press Thursday afternoon.
Voicing deep concern over the ongoing turbulence in the region, Sun said immediate ceasefire is urgent. Israel should stop military operations in Gaza immediately and Hamas should stop firing rockets at Israel.
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.
Pakistani PM: National Security Advisor sacked in national interest
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza GilaniFriday said the National Security Advisor Mahmud Ali Durrani was sacked in the country's best interest and for good governance.
He made the remarks when talking to reporters after attending a seminar on "Democracy in Pakistan."
Gilani dismissed Durrani on Wednesday after Durrani told media that a preliminary investigation by Pakistan had established that Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone attacker captured by India for the Mumbai attacks, was a Pakistani national.
Militant violence leaves 30 people dead in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 30 people were killed Tuesday in militant violence in Pakistan's restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan as the country's military asked external powers to stop demanding it to do more against Islamic militancy.
Pakistani military jet aircraft attacked militant positions in Kandharo village of Mohmand tribal region before ground troops moved in to clear the area.
Pakistani security forces kill 60 in tribal region
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan security forces, backed by fighter planes and gunship helicopters, killed about 60 militants in a tribal region, security officials said Tuesday.
In the ongoing operation in Mohmand Agency, the forces from 'Frontier Corps' advanced and secured a main road in the region, a statement said.
"The Security Forces have killed 60 militants during the last 24 hours operation in Mohmand Agency," the statement said.
In the process, militants' strongholds in areas called Habibzai and Mulakhel were destroyed.
UN official outlines Gaza situation
By IRNA,
Tehran : A top UN official in Gaza said on Monday that so many families have been destroyed in so many ways.
Gaza Director of Operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) John Ging reported from ground zero, noting that at his last briefing on Friday he had hoped they would not have a further death toll.
Pakistan willing to amend anti-terror laws: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is willing to amend its laws to enable it prosecute its nationals responsible for terror acts outside the country and is also prepared to share intelligence with India to prevent the recurrence of Mumbai-style attacks, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Since the present statute doesn't apply to people who have committed offences outside Pakistan, "if somebody is out of country and is guilty, then certainly we have to look in to our own laws as well", Gilani told the Financial Times in an interview published Saturday.
US embassy in Yemen receives threat, security stepped up
By DPA,
Sanaa : The US embassy in Sanaa said Monday it had received a threat of "possible attack" and asked US citizens in Yemen to exercise caution.
"The US embassy has received a threat against the embassy compound regarding a possible attack which could take place in the foreseeable future," the embassy said in a message posted on its web site.
"US citizens in Yemen are advised to exercise caution and take prudent security measures in all areas frequented by Westerners," the message read.
Iraq’s provincial elections: A test of fragile calm
By DPA,
Baghdad : As voters prepare to go to the polls Jan 31, Iraq stands balanced on a knife-edge as the streets are safer now than they have been at any time since the country slid into civil war in 2005.
When Iraqis vote in 14 of the country's 18 provinces to choose the provincial councils that will govern them, the country could make a great step forward in drawing a line under the recent years of bloodshed. Or, many Iraqis say, if the polls are viewed as unfair, the country could tip back into carnage and chaos.
Former Iranian president hopes Obama to be fair, rational
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran expects new US President Barack Obama to adopt a fair and rational approach toward the Islamic state, former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani said here at a Friday prayer ceremony.
"Repeating the policies by [former US president George W.] Bush would not solve anything, but the new administration should adopt a fair and rational approach towards Iran," said Rafsanjani, who still plays an influential role in Iran's political scene as head of the Experts Assembly, the country's highest clerical body.
Palestinian killed near N Gaza border
By Xinhua,
GAZA : Palestinian medical workers said on Monday Israeli troops killed a Palestinian man in northern Gaza Strip.
The workers said they picked up the body of Khaled al-Kafarana, 22, from an area near the border between Israel and Beit Hanoun town in the north of the Strip.
Al-Kafarana was hit by a missile from an Israeli helicopter around midnight as he apparently was trying to infiltrate into the Israeli territories, they added.
U.S. soldier dies in Iraq
By Xinhua,
BAGHDAD : A U.S. soldier has died as a result of a non-combat related incident in Iraq, the U.S. military said on Monday.
A military statement said a soldier assigned to Multi National Division - Baghdad (MND-Baghdad) was killed on Sunday without saying how or where exactly the incident occurred.
MND-Baghdad is also known as Task Force Baghdad, whose major area of responsibility is the city of Baghdad.
The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, the statement said, adding that the incident is under investigation.
Iran’s reformist Khatami to run for presidency
By Xinhua,
TEHRAN : Iran's former reformist president Seyed Mohammad Khatami announced his decision on Sunday to run in the upcoming presidential elections, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
"Here, I earnestly announce my candidacy in the elections," said Khatami at a press conference, adding that "I announce that, from the beginning until now, in spite of whatever had been said, I never hesitated (in my decision)."
It was rumored in the past months that Khatami was hesitated to run for the upcoming presidential elections which will be held on June 12, 2009.
Dhaka, Delhi sign trade, transit pacts, move closer on terrorism
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh and India Monday rejuvenated their political and economic ties, renewing a trade pact that envisages transit facility to India, and moved closer on their resolve to combat terrorism.
A 12-hour hectic visit here of Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee saw confluence of views on bilateral and regional issues between the South Asian neighbours, made possible by the emergence in Bangladesh of a new political dispensation last month under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Pakistan seeks more information on 26/11, India terms it insincere
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Monday it needed more information on the Mumbai terror attacks and New Delhi expectedly reacted in anger, accusing Islamabad of insincerity in prosecuting the perpetrators of the carnage.
A statement issued here after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired a meeting of the cabinet Defence Coordination Committee said the evidence India has furnished, pointing to involvement of elements from Pakistan in the Mumbai mayhem, was insufficient.
Pakistan serious about Mumbai probe: Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Thursday it was "serious" about prosecuting the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks and that the actions taken so far would prove its "sincerity".
"We are serious (about the probe) and all the action taken so far will prove our sincerity," Interior Minister Rehman Malik said at a press conference here.
"We want to bring to justice the culprits and we thus need evidence. This evidence should stand the test of the court. The evidence should speak for itself," Malik maintained.
Five militants killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least five militants were killed and six others were injured in an exchange of fire with security forces Friday in northwestern Pakistan, a military statement said.
According to the statement, militants opened fire on a patrolling party of the Pakistan Army near Matta in the Swat district, forcing the security personnel to retaliate.
In the exchange of fire, three militants were killed and five others were injured, it said.
In another exchange of fire near Aligrama in Swat, two militants were killed and another was injured.
Pakistan rejects international concerns over Islamic laws
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday rejected international concerns over the introduction of an Islamic judicial system in parts of its North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) as "speculative".
"There are some reactions including in NATO. These are mostly speculative," Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at his weekly press briefing, when his attention was drawn to criticism from some Western nations.
Islamic courts will be set up in the Malakand division under an agreement between the NWFP government and the outlawed Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shariat-e- Muhammadi group.
Khaleda-led opposition returns to Bangladesh parliament
By IANS,
Dhaka : The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Monday joined the ninth parliament, ending its row of 17 working days with the speaker over seating arrangements in the house.
The party led by two-term former prime minister Khaleda Zia said it was joining the house following an assurance after prolonged negotiations from Speaker Abdul Hamid of "respectable seating arrangements in the House", Star Online reported.
Control, arrest and punish terrorists, Gordon Brown tells Pakistan
By IANS,
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for terrorists in Pakistan "to be brought under control, arrested and brought to trial".
Speaking after Tuesday's terrorist attack wounding six Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, Brown also revealed that the "vast majority" of Al Qaeda militants are now in Pakistan, not Afghanistan.
SAARC summit likely to be deferred: Report
By IANS,
Dhaka : The 16th SAARC summit is likely to be deferred to at least the first quarter of 2010 as the Maldives has expressed its inability to host the gathering this year after October, when its tourist season would be in full swing.
Economic recession is another reason that is deterring the Maldives, New Age newspaper said quoting diplomatic sources here.
20 Palestinians killed in Syria attack
By IANS,
Damascus : At least 20 Palestinians died near Damascus Friday when government forces fired mortar rounds into a refugee camp near the capital, al-Arabiya news channel reported.
Man in Afghan army uniform kills three NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul : A man wearing a uniform of the Afghan National Army (ANA) shot dead three NATO soldiers in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the coalition confirmed Thursday.
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
LPG prices to drop in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Pakistan will decrease by about Rs.40 per kg after a new energy policy is implemented next month, an official said.
Jordan denies giving military training to Syrians
By IANS,
Amman : Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour has rejected reports that military training is being provided to Syrians in Jordan, the state-run Jordan Television reported.
18 killed, 44 injured in Iraq attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 18 people were killed and 44 wounded in separate attacks, including a suicide truck bombing, in central and northern Iraq Tuesday, police said.
Sharjah to host world’s greatest oratorio on history of Islam
By IINA,
Sharjah : Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to...
India dismisses Pakistan’s offer to Kashmiri students
New Delhi : India Friday dismissed Pakistan's offer to Kashmiri students, who had been booked in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut city for celebrating Pakistan's victory...
Myanmar reiterates commitment to peace in Rakhine state
Yangon: Myanmar President U Thein Sein has voiced his commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the country's western state of Rakhine and carrying...
Five Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Five Indians working in Saudi Arabia were killed in a road accident near the country's capital Riyadh after their van overturned following...
Sporadic violence in Karachi after MQM chief’s arrest
Islamabad: Unidentified persons torched four vehicles in the Pakistani commercial hub of Karachi Tuesday following the arrest of MQM leader Altaf Hussain in London...
Abbas, Kerry discuss ceasefire in Gaza
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to work jointly to ensure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,...
US working to stop Hamas attacks to defuse Mideast tension
Washington : The US has said it is working to end rocket fire from Hamas in an effort to defuse the current crisis in...
8 year old Bhatkal boy earns prestigious ‘Preacher of the Nation’ award in UAE
By TwoCircles.net Staff reporter,
New Delhi: A Karnataka coastal town of Bhatkal which continuously remain in mainstream media’s focus due to its being a “home town” of alleged Indian Mujahideen outfit’s absconding founders Reyaz and Iqbal Shabandri has unfortunately missed the Indian mainstream media’s spotlight when an 8 year little boy of its origin won the highest prestigious reward for a child in Dubai of being ‘Preacher of the Nation’.
JTA decries Israel’s offensive in Gaza
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Jamia Teachers’ Association (JTA) has strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities being perpetrated by Israel on helpless Palestinians in Gaza.
Pakistan Supreme Court grants bail to Lal Masjid cleric
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court Wednesday granted bail to a radical cleric who incited a standoff with security forces at Islamabad's Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) and adjoining seminary nearly two years ago, his lawyer said.
"The court has observed that there was no evidence against Maulana Abdul Aziz in this case that could prevent his release on bail," attorney Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui told reporters.
Pakistan’s policy on extremists poses serious threat: Clinton
By DPA,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that Pakistan's policy of ceding territory to Islamic extremists poses a serious threat that cannot be overlooked.
During testimony before the foreign policy committee in the House of Representatives, Clinton called on Pakistanis "to speak out forcefully against a policy that is ceding more and more territory to the insurgents, to the Taliban, to Al Qaeda, to the allies that are in this terrorist syndicate".
US accountable for tensions in Pakistan, says Clinton
By IANS,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has acknowledged that the US too had a share in creating the problem that plagues Pakistan today, a media report said Saturday.
In an appearance before a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee Thursday, Clinton explained how the militancy in Pakistan was linked to the US-backed proxy war against the Soviets in Afghanistan, Geo TV reported.
Six killed in Pakistan suicide blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six people, including a paramilitary Frontier Corps official, were killed Monday in a suicide attack in northwestern Pakistan, the News reported.
Two security personnel were also injured in the attack which targeted a security check post in Darra Adam Khel in North West Frontier Province, the report said.
According to sources, a suicide bomber blew up himself at the check post, killing five passersby and a security official.
Security forces had cordoned off the area and an investigation was under way.
US ready to help Pakistan disrupt Taliban supply lines
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US says it is working closely with the intelligence services of Pakistan and other countries to disrupt the weapons supply lines of Taliban extremists posing a threat to other nations as well.
"Yes, we know that the extremists are being supplied," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday at her first briefing for the foreign media through what was billed as a global press conference.
Blast at Iran mosque kills 15, suspects arrested
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian security forces arrested suspects behind a bomb explosion at a mosque in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan Thursday that left 15 people dead, state-run television IRIB reported.
"A bomb explosion at the 'Amir Al-Momenin' mosque in Zahedan left 15 people killed and 80 others wounded," Governor Ali-Mohammad Azad was quoted as saying by IRIB in its website.
"Security forces arrested suspects behind the bombing," said the governor without elaborating.