Lebanon Negotiates Political Crisis
By Prensa Latina,
Doha : Lebanese parliamentarians signed an agreement that will allow electing a new president and put end to a political crisis that started last November and seems capable of sparking off a civil war.
After three days of talks they arrived to an agreement in Qatar capital by supporters of Saad Hariri deputy from the Future Movement and representatives of the opposition represented by God's Party (Hizbala).
Australian FM says to renew aid offer to Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Canberra : Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said on Monday his country will renew its offer of counter-terrorism assistance to Pakistan after the suicide truck bombing of an Islamabad hotel which killed at least 53 people.
Smith told ABC Radio while in New York for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly that he would hold formal bilateral talks with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi this week.
Pakistan”s ruling coalition protests disqualification of its leader
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), partner of Pakistan People Party (PPP) at the center, Tuesday was holding protests to condemn its leader's disqualification to contest by-elections and also PPP's U-turn over controversial judges' reinstatement issue.
Nawaz Sharif, Chief of PML-N, was Monday disqualified by the Lahore High Court (LHC) from contesting by-elections. The decision sparked protests in eastern Punjab province, his party stronghold. There were reports of violence by PML-N activists in several small Punjab cities on Monday night.
Hamas lifts ban on pro-Fatah newspaper
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas court on Thursday allowed a Palestinian newspaper to resume distribution in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip after nearly three months of banning.
Following the decision, the Ramallah-based al-Ayyam daily will appear in the newsstands in Gaza Strip after 78 days of absence.
On Feb. 12, Hamas' first instance court ruled that the newspaper, loyal to rival Fatah party, is not allowed to be distributed in Gaza for the newspaper published a cartoon that Hamas considered harming the parliament it leads.
AL chief calls on Arab countries to help resolve Lebanese crisis
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa on Saturday called on Arab countries to work to help settle the Lebanese crisis, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
The AL chief underscored the importance of a proposed Arab foreign ministers meeting to discuss the situation in Lebanon, where fierce clashes between the opposition and ruling coalition left at least 18 people dead and 40 others injured.
Britain, Dubai sign deal on policing
By IANS,
Dubai : The Dubai Police and a British law enforcement agency have signed an agreement to collaborate on policing best practices in the two countries.
Syria confirms four-way summit during Sarkozy’s visit
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria confirmed on Tuesday that a four-way summit would be held during the two-day official visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
A quartet summit among Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be held in Damascus, the official SANA news agency reported.
Pakistan: death toll could be as high as 190, fears Nazim
By NNN-APP,
Quetta/Ziarat : Death toll caused by earthquake in Ziarat valley can cross a figure of 190 as rescue teams have rushed volunteers to some villages where dozens of people are buried under debris collapsed houses, District Naib Nazim Ziarat Momin Khan Dummar told APP on telephone.
“I personally visited Waam, Kann and other areas where 28 people of only two families had perished under debris” he said adding that reports coming from Killi Sra Kheizai “are dreadful where scores of inhabitants are still under debris”.
Iran rejects reports on replacement of economy minister
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham on Saturday rejected media reports that Iran's economy minister will soon be replaced, the state-owned Press TV satellite channel reported.
"There has been no talk of changes in the Iranian government. Circulation of such news is aimed at influencing the government's economic planning," Elham was quoted as saying at his weekly press conference.
He added that the government and all ministries would continue with their work seriously in order to materialize the country's economic objectives.
After India, Pakistan withdraws from Moscow hockey tournament
By IANS,
Karachi: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has withdrawn its team from next month's four-nation tournament in Moscow because India pulled out of the event.
Shahid Ali Khan, Pakistan team's head coach said that his team will not be competing in the Moscow quadrangular next month because India's withdrawal from it will leave the field without any worthwhile competition, the News reported.
"We will not be going to Moscow as it will be useless to play against teams who are quite low in international rankings," said Shahid, a former Olympian.
India should play a role in Middle East peace process, says President of Palestinian...
By NNN-PTI,
Ramallah : Describing Indian democracy a "role model" for the Palestinian people, President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has said the country can play an important role in the Middle East peace process.
"India, the second largest populated nation in the world and the biggest democracy with a booming economy, including hi-tech, could play an important role in the Middle East peace process", Abbas told PTI in an interview a day before leaving for New Delhi.
Pakistan ‘created, nurtured’ terrorism: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : In the first candid admission of its kind by any Pakistani ruler, President Asif Ali Zardari has conceded that terrorist elements were "created and nurtured as a policy to achieve some short-term tactical objectives" by Islamabad.
"The terrorists of today were the heroes of yesteryear until 9/11 (terrorist attack on America) brought things into a new light," Zardari said in what he called "a candid admission of the realities" in an interactive meeting with former bureaucrats Tuesday night at the presidency.
India shares Afghanistan’s pain over terror: Modi
New Delhi : India shares Afghanistan's "pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.
The terrorist violence has destroyed...
Hundreds of Palestinians protest in West Bank
By DPA,
Ramallah : Several hundred Palestinians marched in the West Bank city of Ramallah Thursday, demanding an end to the divisions between the two major political parties, Fatah and Hamas.
Ban, Bush to discuss how to put an end to Gaza crisis
By KUNA,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said he will discuss with President Bush over a lunch in Washington on Tuesday the situation in Gaza and how to put an immediate end to the crisis.
Swap will not begin unless Israel gets report on missing pilot — radio
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel will not give green light to the prisoners-swap with Hezbollah until it receives a satisfying report on a missing Israeli pilot,a spokesman of the Israeli government said Wednesday.
The announcement came after an Israeli official signed the swap agreement in Germany.
Arab leaders hold close-door session
KUWAIT, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- Arab leaders convened Monday for a closed-door session of the Arab Economic Summit at Bayan Palace's Liberation Hall.
The agenda of the summit, dubbed "In Solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza," includes four topics: the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip, its repercussions, and means to achieve inter-Palestiniann reconciliation; Kuwait Declaration; the final communique; and resolutions.
The summit had been inaugurated this morning by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (
Three Palestinian militants killed, 8 injured in Gaza Strip
By KUNA,
Gaza : Three Palestinian militants were killed and eight others were injured on Wednesday in Israeli shelling targeting a residential area located in the Gazan city of Jabaliyah.
Israeli tanks fired several shells towards the eastern sector of Jabaliyah town killing Khudor Salamah, 16, and Ibrahim, in his 20s, as well as injuring three other people, a Palestinian medical source said.
The source said that Salamah was on his way to school when he was killed with an Israeli shell.
Uncertainties may delay Bangladesh poll schedule announcement
By IANS,
Dhaka : Political, procedural and legal uncertainties may delay the announcement of a timetable for the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, but the Election Commission insists the polling date, Dec 18, shall remain unchanged.
"The announcement of the poll schedule will be delayed, but the polling date will remain unchanged. The schedule cannot be announced until the legal wrangle over the fresh demarcation of electoral constituencies is resolved," Chief Election Commissioner A.T.M. Shamsul Huda was quoted as saying in the New Age newspaper Friday.
Remembering Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin who listed scientific contributions of Muslim scholars
By Mukhtar Ahmad
Fuat Sezgin, founder of Historical Arab-Islamic Institute of Science at Johann Wolfgang
Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany died in Istanbul on June 30 ,2018 at...
EU bans seafood from Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The European Union has banned the import of seafood from Pakistan for its failure to maintain food safety regulations, a media report said.
Syria and Tunisia sign 13 agreements to help boost Arab solidarity
By NNN-SANA,
Tunis : Syria and Tunisia on Tuesday underlined the importance of the outcomes of Damascus Summit, held late March, on boosting the Arab solidarity and enhancing the Arab joint action in the interests of the Arab just causes.
Meetings of the Syrian-Tunisian Higher Committee were concluded Tuesday, headed by Syrian Premier Mohammad Naji Ottri and his Tunisian counterpart Mohammad al-Ghannouchi, by signing the minutes of the meetings and 13 agreements and memos of understanding.
10 policemen killed in suspected Al Qaeda attacks in Yemen
Sana'a: At least ten police officers were killed in coordinated attacks carried out by suspected Al Qaeda militants on government and police buildings in...
NATO defense ministers’ meeting fails to procure troops for Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Vilnius : No NATO ally has come forward to pledge additional troops to southern Afghanistan at a meeting of NATO defense ministers, a NATO official said Thursday.
On the first day of their informal meeting, the NATO defense ministers focused their attention on NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Asked whether any NATO ally has answered Washington's call for combat troops in Afghanistan's volatile south, NATO spokesman James Appathurai said the meeting was not aimed at generating forces.
Bangladesh condemns Sri Lankan minister’s assassination
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh Monday condemned the assassination of Sri Lankan Senior Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle by suspected terrorists.
"It was a cowardly act of terrorism that we strongly condemn. Our prayers are with the families of Fernandopulle and others who lost their lives in the incident," Bangladeshi caretaker government Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a message.
He also expressed his sympathies to the Sri Lankan government and the families of those killed in the attack.
No official communication yet on Pakistan probe into 26/11 – Indian Foreign Minister
By NNN-PTI,
Kolkata (India) : India Saturday said it is yet to receive any official communication from Pakistani authorities on its dossier on the Mumbai attacks, a day after Islamabad said its probe into the terror strikes will be made by public by Monday or Tuesday.
"I have not received any official communication from the Pakistan authorities till now," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after flagging off the Murshidabad Express from the Kolkata terminus here.
ICC takes away 2011 World Cup from Pakistan
By IANS,
Dubai : Pakistan were dropped as co-hosts of the 2011 cricket World Cup due to the "uncertain security" situation there, International Cricket Council (ICC) announced after its board meeting here Friday.
"It is a regrettable decision (but) our number one priority is to create certainty and deliver a safe, secure and successful event," ICC president David Morgan said in a statement.
Pakistan were due to host 14 matches of the event, along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan: Federal Govt moves appeal to Supreme Court against LHC decision barring Nawaz Sharif...
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Government on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Lahore High Court (LHC) decision disqualifying Mian Nawaz Sharif from contesting the June 26 by-election, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Raja Abdul Rehman said.
The DAG told reporters the federation has filed the appeal following an approval from the competent authority.
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.
Dubai-based Indian painter honours UAE martyrs
Abu Dhabi: A Dubai-based Indian painter who gifted Prime Minister Narendra Modi a series of paintings during his recent visit here has begun painting...
Rallies outside Danish, Dutch embassies against insulting cartoons
By NNN-Bernama
Jakarta : Hundreds of people rallied outside the Danish and Dutch embassies here Wednesday to protest against the recent publication of cartoon images of Prophet Muhammad by newspapers in the two European countries.
"We heard they have reprinted the cartoons to defend the freedom of speech while in fact they have thereby clearly and seriously insulted the Prophet Muhammad and Islam, and this has happened several times," Antara news agency quoted a spokesman of Muslim organisation 'Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI),Muhammad Ismail Yanto, as saying.
Iran announces new Islamic internet
By IANS/AKI,
Tehran : Iran has announced it would launch an Islamic internet to counter the influence of the US-dominated world wide web.
Iran sends letter to UN over three Persian Gulf islands
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran has sent a letter to the United Nations over its ownership of the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf region, a senior Foreign Ministry official said.
Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference Monday, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, announced the above while commenting on a recent claim of the United Arab Emirates officials over the three islands of the Greater Tunb, the Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa.
Five soldiers killed in terrorist attack in Yemen
Aden: At least five soldiers were killed Tuesday in a terrorist attack at the military checkpoint in Yemen's southeastern province of Hadramout, a provincial...
At least 13 killed in blast in Lahore
By IANS
Lahore : At least 13 people were killed and many injured here Thursday in a powerful blast outside the high court building, the second major terror attack to rock Pakistan in less than two weeks.
Television channels reported that the toll could go up. Mangled cars and blood lay spattered around the blast site near the busy Mall Road area.
Initial reports said that several policemen and lawyers were among the dead. The police immediately blocked all roads leading to the building.
Taliban cleric vows to impose sharia across Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taliban-linked radical cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammed Sunday said existing judicial system of Pakistan was un-Islamic and vowed to impose sharia all across the country.
Sufi Mohammed, chief of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), termed judges, lawyers and pro-democracy clerics of Pakistan as "rebels".
Pakistan united against terror: Nawaz Sharif
Peshawar : Pakistan is united in the fight against terror, said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday, a day after 132 children were killed in...
Sarkozy promises to intensify air strikes in Libya
By IANS,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has promised to intensify raids against forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and to back rebels and protect civilians.
Indian woman jailed in Oman for husband’s murder to be freed, deported
Muscat : An Indian woman, who was jailed last year for killing her drunk husband, will be released from jail on compassionate grounds and...
Security forces break Iraq town’s siege
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces Sunday broke through to the town of Amerli which had remained under siege for more than two months by...
Muslims should shun victim mentality: Professor Moosa of Notre Dame University
By Manzar Imam for Twocircles.net
New Delhi: During a heated Q & A session following a talk on “Islam par Maghrib Ke E’tirazat” or ‘The...
Saudi Arabia detains over 500 terror suspects
By DPA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has arrested 520 terror suspects of different nationalities in security sweeps launched since the beginning of the year, an official from the Saudi interior ministry said Wednesday.
A total of 701 people of different nationalities were arrested so far this year but 181 of them were later released and the rest is still in detention, an unnamed official was quoted as saying by the state press agency SPA.
Pakistan accuses India of backing Baloch terror group
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday accused India of backing a Baloch terror group that it says is a remnant of the Soviet-Afghan war.
India was backing the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for fueling insurgency in the province and creating unrest, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said in the Senate, the upper house of parliament.
Iran: FM says President’s visit to Iraq brings more cooperation
By NNN-IRNA
Gorgan, Golestan Province (Iran) : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said President Ahmadinejad's visit to Iraq will provide ground for new cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking to IRNA here Monday, Mottaki added, "Of course, we have already had good ties and cooperation with Iraq."
He underlined the main aim of the trip is to discuss issues of mutual interest with senior Iraqi officials who have officially invited president Ahmadinejad to visit their country.
Kuwait”s Amir leaves Syria for Turkey
By KUNA
Damascus : His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the accompanying delegation left here on Sunday for Turkey on an official visit after attending the 20th Arab summit.
HH the Amir was seen off by President of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah, head of the accompanying mission of honor, Syrian Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Abdelkareem, Kuwaiti ambassador here Fahd Al-Awadhi, Kuwaiti ambassador to Egypt Dr Rasheed Al-Hamad and Kuwait's permanent representativethe Arab League Abdullah Al-Mansour.
Emirates cuts fares in some sectors after oil price fall
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national carrier Emirates airline has announced reduction in fares to 20 cities in the Middle East, Gulf, Far East and Europe.
Lower fares are being implemented on more than 30 flights to destinations in Europe, Far East and the Middle East including Manila, Dhaka, Jakarta, London Gatwick, and China, according to an Emirates statement.
The airline's move comes in the wake of recent softening of oil prices.
Free Sarabjit to bring India, Pakistan closer: Pakistani lawyer
By IANS,
New Delhi : If Pakistan gives clemency to Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh, it could prove to be a turning point in bilateral ties, the prisoner's Pakistani lawyer says.
Israeli police reportedly dismiss call from abducted teenagers
Jerusalem : One of the three teenagers who were allegedly abducted last Thursday from the West Bank had called the police emergency line and...
Pakistan PM pledges result-oriented talks on Kashmir
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani said Wednesday his government is committed to result-oriented talks with India for resolution of the Kashmir issue.
While addressing a meeting in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Gillani said his country has always stood for peace, as it is the guarantee of stability in the region and the world at large.
"We want friendly relations with all countries, including India, " the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Gillani as saying.
Pakistan wants peace, but will not compromise: Kayani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Army Chief General Ashfaque Parvaiz Kayani Saturday said his country wanted to defuse tensions with India following the Mumbai terror attacks but without any compromise or under pressure.
Kayani made this statement while meeting visiting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband here, Geo TV reported, citing sources.
"Pakistan desired dilution of tension and peace in the region," Kayani reportedly told Miliband, but made it clear that no compromise would be made on the security of the country.
Ban Ki-Moon appraises efforts of the Kingdom
By SPA,
Geneva : UN's secretary general Ban Ki-Moon has appraised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as regards the meeting g due to be held at the UN's general assembly on dialogue among the followers of religions and cultures on Nov 12-13, 2008 at the initiative of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Ki-Moon described the convening of the meeting as a very important event.
Security forces kill five Taliban in Lower Dir
By IANS,
Islamabad : Five Taliban militants were killed in a clash with security forces in Lower Dir in Pakistan's troubled northwest as the military operation against the rebels entered its 35th day Friday.
Quoting sources, Geo TV said a clash erupted between security forces and militants in Kambar area of Lower Dir during ongoing operations in the Malakand division of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Security forces overnight pounded militant hideouts in different areas of Maidan sub-district, destroying several of them.
Protect intellectual property rights of inventors, artists – UN official
By IRNA,
Tehran : Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Kamil Idris in his message on World Intellectual Property Day, April 26, 2008 while paying tribute to the inventors and artists called for protection of their intellectual property rights, said a press release issued by the United Nations Information Center here on Saturday.
The full text of his message reads: "World Intellectual Property Day is rapidly growing in popularity.
Saudi Air force to participate in military Exercise in US
By SPA
Riyadh : In line with the approval of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, the participation of the Royal Saudi Air force in the exercise of the Red Flag-3, 2008, due to take place at Niles base in the United States, the Royal Saudi Air Force Planes which will participate in the Exercise arrived on Friday at the Base.
The planes were received by commander of the group of the Royal Saudi Air Force for the mission of the Red Flag-3, 2008, Colonel Ahmad Assiri and other officers.
Israel premier questioned for sixth time in corruption probe
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israeli police were questioning Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for a sixth time Friday on his alleged involvement in corruption affairs currently under investigation.
It was unclear which of the affairs would form the focus of the latest round of questioning, but Israeli media said the investigators would quiz the premier on suspicions he double - and even triple - billed sponsors for overseas visits, and used the extra money to pay for trips for his family.
UN staffers, NATO soldier among 10 killed in Kabul blast
By DPA,
Kabul : A suicide bomber rammed his explosives-filled car into an international military convoy Tuesday in Kabul, killing seven civilians, two Afghan UN staffers and one NATO soldier.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which also left wounded 53 Afghan civilians, and two NATO soldiers, as another bomber Tuesday attacked an army checkpoint in the southern province of Uruzgan, killing five people.
Pentagon reports sharp drop in violence in Iraq
By DPA,
Washington : The Pentagon reported Monday that violence in Iraq has dropped by 40 to 80 percent under the increased presence of US troops and better coordination with the Iraqi military.
The quarterly report, required by Congress, showed the decrease in violence across all major indicators - including measures such as civilian deaths, military casualties and roadside attacks - but also warned that Iraq remains fragile and that the trend is reversible.
Pakistani President leaves for Rome after hectic 6-day visit to N.Y.
By NNN-APP,
New York : President Asif Ali Zardari left Sunday night for Rome for a three-day visit to Italy after a hectic six-day stay in New York as the head of Pakistan’s delegation to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The commercial flight, with the Pakistani leader on board, took off from New York’s John F. Kennedy airport at 10:45 P.M. (local time) (08:30 A.M. PST Monday).
Blast at polling centre in Afghanistan
Kabul: At least three people were injured Saturday in a blast at a polling centre in Afghanistan's Logar province, the district governor said.
"An improvised...
Eight militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Eight militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed during a security operation launched by the Pakistan Army Sunday in the tribal Orakzai Agency, Xinhua reported.
US Caused Lebanon Crisis, Hezbollah
Beirut, (Prensa Latina) The Party of God, Hezbollah, blamed the United States for the Lebanese political crisis and called the president of the North American country a devil.
The Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, told press today that the Lebanese political forces have not been able to reach an agreement due to Washington ó s pressures.
In his speech on Sunday night, Nasrala called US President George W. Bush a big Satan, and said he was proud of being considered by Bush an enemy.
India among ‘Group of Friends Against Terrorism’ at UN
New York : India and Pakistan are among the 30 countries named in the 'Group of Friends Against Terrorism' created at the UN at...
Israel appeals world to oversee Gaza rehabilitation
Jerusalem : Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called upon the international community to establish a body to oversee rehabilitation in the Gaza Strip.
"I call on...
UAE bank ropes in British business school to educate staff
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) Wednesday signed a key partnership agreement with Britain's ifs School of Finance to deliver diploma courses in banking and finance for its employees, WAM news agency reported.
The partnership with the ifs School of Finance, one of the world's leading providers of professional banking and financial services qualifications, will enable NBAD's employees to benefit from an excellent foundation in banking and from which to progress their careers, said Michael Tomalin, the chief executive of the UAE bank.
Nawaz Sharif most corrupt in Pakistan: Imran
Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is the most corrupt person in Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan said in remarks published on Friday.
“Nawaz Sharif is...
Spokesman: Iran to continue talks with West
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi Tuesday said Iran intends to continue nuclear talks with the West in a "constructive" atmosphere, the Press TV satellite channel reported.
Both Iran and the West are interested in continuing their negotiations, Qashqavi told a press conference in Tehran.
Arab leaders hope Obama will solve Palestinian problem
By DPA,
Cairo : Arab leaders have sent congratulatory cables to newly sworn-in US President Barack Obama expressing their hope for a new era and asking him to work for achieving peace in the Middle East and solving the Palestinian problem.
Tunisian President Zain al-Abidine Ben Ali expressed hope that the new US president would bring peace in the Middle East.
What happened to Bush in Iraq was loud cry against occupiers – Lebanese Hezbollah
By IRNA,
Beirut : Lebanese Hezbollah here Monday night issued communique announcing that Iraqi reporter Montazer al-Zeidi's move against (US President) George Bush before the eyes of world nations was loud cry of Iraqi nation against occupiers.
According to IRNA correspondent in Beirut, we read in a part of the communique, "The brave move of al-Zeidi, the best title for which can be the good bye kiss, was the loud cry of the Iraqi nation and the entire oppressed nations against occupation, oppression, and injustice."
‘India has attacked Pakistan!’
Islamabad, Dec 22 (IANS) “India has attacked Pakistan!” So flew rumours thick and fast after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) planes flew over Lahore and Rawalpindi amid rising tensions with India.
Television channels quickly went on the air to quash the rumours, quoting officials as saying that the air force was only on high alert in the wake of Indian warnings over the Mumbai terror attacks.
But the flights over Lahore and Rawalpindi did trigger panic, forcing many people to come out of their homes.
Saudi Arabia ready to look into easing debts owed by Iraq
By NNN-KUNA,
Stockholm : Saudi Arabia has expressed here its readiness to consider easing its official debt owed by Iraq.
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Madani said in a speech to the annual meetings of the International Covenant on Iraq (ICI) Thursday that Saudi Arabia "expressed willingness to consider easing its official debt owed by Iraq."
He stated in this regard that "Saudi Arabia has provided all information available to it to the Iraqi side and is awaiting response of the Iraqi brothers in order to find a proper settlement of this matter."
Turkish FM says there’s a long way to go before Israeli-Syrian peace
By SPA,
Ankara, Turkey : Turkey's foreign minister says there's still a lot to achieve before any peace agreement between Israel and Syria.
Ali Babacan told reporters Monday that an agreement between the two countries requires strong political determination from both sides.
Turkey, which has close ties to both Israel and Syria, has disclosed that it is trying to restart low-level talks between the two countries as a prelude to bringing the leaders of Syria and Israel together, the Associated Press reported.
China’s crackdown continues on Xinjiang Muslims; bans fasting in Ramadan
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Battling the continued terrorist acts in the country purported from Uighur Muslims, China has adopted a controversial move of banning millions of Muslims from compulsory fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is obligatory on every Muslim to observe for the whole month in the day time (from sun rise to sun set).
26 killed, 80 injured in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad: As many as 26 people were killed and 80 injured due to bombings and clashes in different parts of Iraq Wednesday.
Malaysian edict against yoga kicks up controversy
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A fatwa (edict) banning the practise of yoga by Malaysian Muslims has kicked up a controversy in the country, with some saying that it had nothing to do with religion and was practised because of its “known health benefits”. Two states have put on hold implementation of the fatwa.
The National Fatwa Council last week issued the edict, deeming as 'haram' (prohibited) the practice of the ancient Indian fitness regime that aims at mental and physical well-being. The Council said that yoga contained chanting and worshipping also.
Will not send US troops back to Iraq: Obama
Washington: US President Barack Obama said Friday he will not send US troops back to Iraq to help fight Islamist militants.
"We will not be...
Pakistani American who fought for ‘minority within minority’
By Ashok Easwaran, IANS,
EU welcomes Israel-Hezbollah prisoner exchange
By DPA,
Brussels : Wednesday's prisoner exchange between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement was "first and foremost a positive step taken by both sides," which contributed towards regional stability, European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said.
Israeli President asks Netanyahu to form new government
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel's President Shimon Peres tasked Benjamin Netanyahu Friday with forming a new government, ending speculation which had persisted since Israel's inconclusive general election last week.
Although Netanyahu's hardline Likud Party had won only 27 of the 120 Knesset seats (Israeli parliament) at stake in the election, one fewer than won by the centrist Kadima party of Tzipi Livni, he is seen as having the best chances of forming a governing coalition.
No difference in present government and dictatorship: Sharif
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has criticised the present government, saying it was not different from the dictatorship under Pervez Musharraf, media reports said.
"If the current government is not supportive of a dictatorial regime, than why it did not eradicate the repressive measures introduced by former president Pervez Musharraf," Nawaz, who is also the head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N), said here at a press conference.
Indians now number around 420,000 in Qatar
By IANS,
Dubai : The population of expatriate Indians in Qatar stood at 419,096 as of July 31, more than double that of the local Qatari population, a minister said.
The country's Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani revealed the figure in the course of a meeting with India's Ambassador to Qatar George Joseph, the Gulf Times newspaper reported.
The meeting was part of a series of farewell calls the ambassador is making prior to his departure from the Gulf nation.
Pakistan amends 150-year-old political regulation
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has amended a 150-year-old political regulation that allowed authorities to raze houses of criminals and their relatives in Pushtun-inhabited tribal areas.
600 shops gutted in Kabul market fire
By IANS,
Kabul: A huge fire razed two markets in Kabul Sunday and turned over 600 shops to ashes, police said.
Six killed as militants attack Pakistan checkposts
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least six security personnel were killed Tuesday and 28 injured in militant attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Agency.
UN hails UAE’s efforts to combat human trafficking
By IANS,
New York : The UN general assembly has hailed the steps taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), WAM news agency reported Thursday.
"Delegates to the UN general assembly debate on human trafficking have expressed their commendations to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan for his generous donation of $15 million to set up UN.GIFT,” said Anwar Mohammed Gargash, the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs and chairman of National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.
Indo-Pak prisoners’ list issued by Aaghaz-E-Dosti
By TCN News,
New Delhi: In view of building trust, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has released details of the Indian and Pakistani prisoners lodged in each other’s jail. This is probably the first time when any such detailed list will be made public. By this, we hope to facilitate transparency as well as to sensitize people on both sides about each other’s pain and towards the larger goal of peace and humanity.
Egypt orders retrial of 152 Muslim Brotherhood members
Cairo: An Egyptian court Saturday ordered a retrial of 152 Muslim Brotherhood defendants charged with violence following the ouster of Mohamed Morsi as president...
Pakistani students deamnd independence of higher judiciary
By NNN-APP
New York : A group of Pakistani students and their supporters Saturday staged a demonstration in front of the Pakistan Consulate General demanding the independence of the higher judiciary in Pakistan.
The protest was one of the three organized by the Student Action Committee-USA that drew from Columbia University, New York University, Central University of New York and University of Connecticut as well as doctors, lawyers and other members of the Pakistani community in New York.
The protestors raised slogans in favour of an independent judiciary in Pakistan.
Why Osama sought aid for Pakistani flood victims?
By IANS,
Washington : Why did Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden appeal for global assistance when Pakistan was ravaged by floods last year? Because he was living in Pakistan!
Bangladesh ‘almost free of global recession’
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh says it is "almost out of the impact of the global economic recession" with every economic index looking positive.
"In the outgoing year, our exports, imports of capital machineries were on the rise, foreign exchange reserves and remittance were also satisfactory. In fact, we are almost out of the impact of global economic recession," Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith said.
Maintaining that each economic index of the country is now positive, Muhith, however, admitted that there were some problems related to both domestic and foreign investment.
Bangladeshi man arrested in Ghaziabad
Ghaziabad: Police have arrested a Bangladeshi man who had obtained a voter identity card and a driving license in India, and was travelling frequently...
Iran thwarts US cyber attack: Report
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran Tuesday thwarted a "cyber attack originated from the US city of Dallas via switches in Malaysia and Vietnam on one of Iranian culture ministry institutes," Xinhua reported.
Pakistan’s Baloch ‘king’ fears for life, seeks British asylum
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : The head of the erstwhile royal family of Balochistan, a man many Balochis regard as their head of state, has sought political asylum in Britain, saying he feared for his life if forced to return to Pakistan where he is being allegedly persecuted by the military and intelligence services.
Suleman Khan Ahmedzai, who is a Baloch independence campaigner, told an asylum court in Newport, Wales, that he fled Balochistan because of persecution in Pakistan.
Gov’t officer shot dead in sectarian-related violence
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Two unknown motorcyclists gunned down a government officer in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday in sectarian- related violence, police said on Thursday.
District Account Officer Arif Shah was gunned down in the city of Dera Ismail Khan. The gunmen fled after the firing. No group claimed responsibility for the killing.
Khaleda Zia, Sheikh Hasina go on trial next week
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, who have been in jail for several months, go on trial next week for alleged corruption in awarding an oil contract to a Canadian firm.
Awami League's Hasina, 61, was prime minister 1996-2001, and Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Zia, 62, headed the government 2001-06. Both dealt with Niko Resources during their tenures, and have been charged by the Anti Corruption Commission of causing huge loses to the exchequer.
Iran ready to mediate Chad, Sudan: Speaker
By NNN-IRNA
Khartoum : Iran's Majlis Speaker, Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel here on Saturday evening voiced Tehran's readiness to make peace efforts to help establish tranquility between Chad and Sudan.
He made the remarks in a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart Ahmad Ebrahim al-Taher.
"Iran's strategic policy is aimed at bolstering ties with African states, including Sudan," he said referring to Sudan as a "major Islamic country".
20 die in Yemen suicide bombing
Sanaa : At least 20 people were killed Thursday in a suicide bombing in this Yemeni capital.
A suspected Al Qaeda member detonated explosives near...
PTI, MQM to observe mourning day
Islamabad : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have announced to observe a day of mourning Sunday following the clashes between protesters...
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.
Some 30 bodies unearthed in mass grave near Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : US troops have found a mass grave of 30 bodies near a town northeast of the Iraqi capital, the military said Monday.
"Multi-National Division-North Soldiers Sunday discovered between 20-30 bodies buried in a mass grave south of Muqdadiyah, some 100 km northeast of Baghdad," the US military said in a statement.
"All the bodies were badly decomposed and appear to have been at the site nearly eight months," said the statement.
Bangladesh’s Meghna to be model basin for flood forecasting
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is set to evolve a model for forecasting floods and rainfall starting with the Meghna river after which the other river basins of the country would also also be included in the proposed system.
The 10-year plan has been initiated with Meghna and the first model is set to be complete by 2011, the Daily Star reported Monday.
Flowing as the Ganga from the Himalayas in India, the river acquires the name Meghna once the Brahmaputra joins it in Bangladesh and is the major river system of the country.
Pakistan refutes Aghan claim on cross-border incursions
Islamabad : Pakistan Tuesday rejected as "baseless" the remarks by the Afghan foreign ministry that Pakistani troops have intruded into its territory and killed...
Iran denounces Bush’s new accusations against Tehran
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran on Tuesday brushed off the new warnings from U.S. President George W. Bush, saying his words were nothing new, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"The U.S. president's anti-Iran remarks lacked new points... unfortunately, Iranians have heard repetition of such baseless allegations over the past seven years and it is quite evident that the U.S. people and their representatives have got tired of listening to such allegations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini was quoted as saying in a statement.
Assailants kill 8 Pakistani family members
By SPA,
Multan, Pakistan : Police in Pakistan says assailants have killed a farmer and seven members of his family over a land dispute.
Officer Pervez Iqbal says the attackers used machetes and gunfire to kill the 45-year-old farmer, his wife, his son, Daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, who were between 4, and 10-years old, before dawn Saturday.
No one has been arrested for the slayings in eastern Punjab province, the Associated Press reported.
Iran defence chief vows firm response to aggression
Tehran: Iran's defence chief Hossein Dehqan said that the country will give a crushing response to any enemy aggression against its soil, a media...
UAE model Muslim country: President Bush.
ABU DHABI, (WAM) The UAE have shown the world a model of the Muslim state that is toolerant towards its people and other faiths, said US President George W. Bush.
The UAE founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has succeeded in building a country and a proseprous society out of the desert, said Bush in his speech at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi where he started Sunday his visit to the UAE.
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."
Pakistan says it has done most to counter Al Qaeda
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan said Wednesday that it has done more than any other country to counter the challenge of the Al Qaeda.
"We do not need to repeat that. Pakistan has given more sacrifices than any other country in this war," Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said in response to comments by US intelligence chief that Al Qaeda and the Taliban were present in Pakistan's tribal region.
Mike McConnell, US director of national intelligence, has said that the tribal areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan remain a sanctuary for Islamist terrorist activity.
Pakistan: Shakeri calls for immense cooperation between two nations on Iqbal day
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masha’allah Shakeri has greeted the Pakistani people on the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet and thinker who represents cultural and friendly cooperation between the two brotherly nations and also the entire Islamic world.
In a message on the Iqbal Day, the ambassador said Allama Iqbal enjoys great respect and popularity among people of both countries and his poetry has had immense influence on the thoughts of the thinkers of these two countries.
Lahore factory collapse toll reaches 22
By IANS,
Islamabad : The toll in a factory building collapse in Pakistan's Lahore city has risen to 22, among them 16 women.
Hasina seeks opposition help to present ‘new political culture’
By IANS,
Dhaka : Riding a massive poll victory, Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina Wednesday called upon the opposition, which is unhappy with the verdict, to cooperate to end "destructive politics" and jointly present the South Asian nation with "a new political culture".
She offered the deputy speaker's office and leadership of parliamentary committees to ensure an adequate role for the opposition, despite a steam-roller three-fourths majority she won in the polls held Monday.
Arab countries moving in the right direction to achieve strong Arab culture
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Ministers participating in the Arab Ministers of Culture Conference, which kicked off here Sunday, have affirmed the importance of holding the conference, coinciding with the "Damascus, Arab Capital of Culture 2008" festivities.
Kuwaiti finance minister departs to Kuwait following API meetings
By KUNA
Sharm El-Sheikh : Kuwaiti Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shimali lauded Tuesday the role of the Arab Planning Institute (API) in allowing greater cooperation and exchange of ideas and visions among Arab states.
Speaking to KUNA prior to departing from Egypt, where he participated in the API board of trustee's meeting which wrapped up yesterday, he noted the efforts for development exerted by the institute.
Fitna’ pulled from Web
By IINA
Amsterdam : The controversial anti-Muslim film by Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders has been removed from the Web by its British Internet provider, which said its employees have been seriously threatened. "Following threats to our staff of a very serious nature and some ill-informed reports from certain corners of the British media that could directly lead to the harm of some of our staff, LiveLeak.com has been left with no other choice but to remove 'Fitna' from our servers," the company said.
Dhaka court rejects Jamaat challenge to war tribunal judges
By IANS,
Dhaka : The High Court here Tuesday summarily rejected a writ petition challenging the appointment of two judges to Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal set up for trying the 1971 "war crimes".
The challenge came from a lawyer, who is a senior member of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) whose top brass has been arraigned before the tribunal that began its work Sunday.
Two NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Two NATO soldiers died in a blast in eastern Afghanistan, the military alliance said Monday.
Pakistan SC urged to revoke orders on military courts
Islamabad : The Pakistan government on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to withdraw its order putting on hold the execution of six men convicted...
Book on Goan diaspora readies for British launch
By Venkata Vemuri, IANS,
London : The British Goan Festival here Sunday will see the launch of a book on Goan diaspora experiences. And first-time author Selma Carvalho, who has lived in Dubai, the US and now Britain, insists she is simply "a Goan".
The 290-page "Into the Diaspora Wilderness" throws light, perhaps for the first time, on the ties between the Goans and Britons, right from the times of the British Empire to the modern day and in locations spanning East Africa, the Middle East and Britain itself.
Middle East equity derivatives market set to expand
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The Middle East equity derivatives market is likely to expand in 2010 compared to last year's levels.
Eighty-seven percent of fund managers and brokers polled by NASDAQ described equity derivatives as useful tools for managing risk, while 72 percent said their organisation was interested in learning more about the uses and benefits of equity derivatives.
The survey received responses from representatives of 40 fund managers and brokerage firms who attended the FOW Derivatives World Middle East conference in Dubai March 16.
Third UN resolution to exert pressure on Iran
Berlin, Jan 23 (DPA) The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany agreed on the contents of a third UN resolution to pressure Iran to abandon aspects of its nuclear programme at a meeting in Berlin.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier made the announcement at a press conference after the foreign ministers of the six countries met Tuesday.
"We agreed on the contents of the next Security Council resolution," Steinmeier said.
GCC denounces Danish newspapers for re-publication of anti-prophet caricature
By KUNA
Riyadh : The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdel Rahman Al-Attiyah denounced on Tuesday re-publication of caricature in Danish newspapers seen as abusive to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and described the action as "frivolous conduct". In a press statement, Al-Attiyah called on the authorities in Denmark to put an end to these provocative actions of the feelings of hundreds of millions of Muslims and the non-recurrence of such irresponsible conduct by holding accountable those responsible for the publication of the drawings.
Iran offers to bring and treat injured Palestinians from Gaza
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Mumbai: Masood Khaliqi, Consulate General of Iran has announced that Iran is ready to take the responsibility of wounded Palestinians and treat them in their hospital. He said, “Gaza is the largest Prison on this earth. Israel is committing a barbarism by killing innocents even bombarded the relief camps.”
Turkish parliament moves closer to lifting headscarf bans
By DPA
Ankara : The Turkish parliament Thursday morning approved changing the constitution in the first-stage of a two-round vote to lift a ban on wearing Islamic headscarves at universities.
After a sometimes raucous debate lasting more than 12 hours, 404 deputies in the 550-seat parliament voted in favour of an overall motion changing two articles of the constitution. The parliament had earlier voted on individual points of the proposed changes.
40 Afghan civilians killed as U.S.-led air strike hits wedding party
By Zhang Yunlong, Xinhua,
Kabul : At least 40 Afghan civilians have been killed and 28 more injured as an airstrike of the U.S.-led Coalition forces hit a wedding gathering in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, officials and local villagers said Wednesday.
Afghan minister escapes suicide bomb attack, 4 people killed
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : At least four people have been killed and another 17 injured in a suicide blast targeting Afghanistan's energy minister in western Afghanistan, a police spokesman said on Sunday.
Energy and Water Minister Mohammad Ismail Khan was not hurt after a suicide bomber blew himself up on the main road to the airport in Herat on Sunday, Raouf Ahmedi said.
The radical Islamic Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack on Khan, a key member of the Northern Alliance whose forces helped U.S. troops in overthrowing the Taliban regime in 2001.
Immigrant Muslim woman to be the first hijab-wearing senator in Australian parliament
Fatima Payman is an Afghan-Australian woman whose family fled Afghanistan in 1999 to settle in Australia.
Basil Islam | TwoCircles.net
NEW DELHI — Labor Party candidate...
Toy bomb explosion kills four children in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Four children were killed in a Pakistani northern valley when a toy bomb exploded on Monday, police said.
Children in Chitral valley were playing with a toy, they found in a field, when it exploded with a huge bang, local news channels quoted police sources as saying.
They said the explosion killed four children on the spot.
Police said that it has cordoned off the area and is conducting investigations.
Bangladesh Coast Guard in Kolkata for maritime cooperation
Kolkata : A delegation of Bangladesh Coast Guard is on a two-day visit to Kolkata as part of the ongoing cooperation between the coast...
Diplomat says civilians attacked in western Libya
By DPA,
New York : Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi has sent military forces to attacks civilians in the western part of the country, a Libyan diplomat said Tuesday.
100,000 people involved in illegal drug trade in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : About 100,000 people, including 30,000 women and children, are involved in illegal drug trade in Bangladesh, the country's Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) said Wednesday.
"It is unfortunate for us that we have failed to control the use of narcotics," DNC director general (DG) Humayun Kabir told reporters Wednesday, on the eve of the globally observed anti-drugs day on June 26.
Fatah calls on Arab forces to end Hamas rule in Gaza
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement on Sunday called for bringing Arab forces into Gaza Strip to sweep rival Hamas movement which took over the territory by force last June.
According to Jamal Nazzal, the Arab forces' task will be "paving the way to restore the legitimacy in Gaza and opening the horizon to enable the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) forces to open the crossings before the people and free them from Hamas' grip."