Palestinians to announce unity government line-up Thursday
Gaza/Ramallah: The Palestinians will announce the line-up of an interim unity government Thursday, Hamas and Fatah officials said Wednesday.
"On Thursday, Ismail Haneya (Hamas deputy...
Wagah attack aimed at derailing Indo-Pak, SAARC processes
By Saroj Mohanty,
The retreat ceremony at the Wagah land crossing, the main immigration and trade point between India and Pakistan, has been taking place daily since 1959. Soldiers on both sides stomp around in a synchronized drill that climaxes in a shutting of the double gates, while crowds gather on either side to watch the show. Their increasing numbers signify the curiosity to see each other in person and connect as travel and trade between the two neighbours remain highly restricted, despite some opening in recent years.
US drone attack kills 10 in North Waziristan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ten people, including two women and two children, were killed when drones operated by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) fired missiles at a target in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal district.
The strike took place in Boya sub-district, some 25 km west of Miranshah, the main city of the district bordering Afghanistan. The Taliban and Al Qaida are known to use the area for staging hit-and-run raids against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Modi offers Ramadan greetings to world Muslims
Herat (Afghanistan) : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warmest Ramadan greetings to the world's 1.7 billion Muslims as the month of...
Pakistan dismisses India’s call to secure nuke assets
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistan today dismissed India's call to effectively secure its nuclear assets as "self serving," and said New Delhi should instead work with it on establishing a "regional strategic restraint regime".
Following a suicide attack yesterday outside the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra, considered a base for some of the country's strategic weapons, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao had said that India hoped the Pakistan government would "continue to take steps to effectively secure their nuclear assets".
Manipulation of religion should be prevented: Religion Congress
By Vishnu Makhijani, IANS,
Astana : Politicians and civil society around the world were Wednesday urged to "counteract" the manipulation of religions or religious differences for political ends to preserve the unity of society at an international conference on religion organised by the Kazakhstan government.
ISI chief can come to India later, says Zardari
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has not ruled out sending the ISI chief to New Delhi and assured India that if any evidence was found linking any individual or group in Pakistan with the Mumbai terrorist attacks he would take "strictest action" against them.
He underlined that his country would offer full cooperation to India in investigating the terror attacks that killed at least 183 people.
Israel, US test new missile defence system
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel and the US have carried out the first successful test of the Arrow 3 missile defence interceptor, the Israeli defence ministry said.
Toxic brew of militancy in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is "under a great deal of international pressure" in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks because of the "toxic brew of militancy" in the country but dealing with the myriad groups would not be easy for the government, an editorial in a leading English newspaper said Friday.
"If Pakistan is under a great deal of international pressure then it is because of the toxic brew of militancy present in the country for a long time," Dawn said in an editorial.
18 abducted deminers rescued in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : All 18 deminers who were abducted in Afghanistan's Khost province have been rescued a day after their kidnapping, a top official has said.
Nawaz Sharif a liar, says Musharraf
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf has termed ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif a "compulsive liar", a media report said.
Bahrain busts terror cell linked to groups in Iraq, Iran
Manama : Bahrain's interior ministry said on Sunday that it has busted a major terrorist cell with links to outlawed groups in Iran and...
Two civilians die in attack on NATO troops
By KUNA
Kabul : Two civilians were killed and four more people suffered injuries as a result of a car bomb attack on foreign forces' convoy in southeastern Afghanistan on Saturday.
The attack was carried out outside the Khost City, capital of the province having the same name. The dead included an Afghan child and an elderly man while one NATO soldier and three more civilians sustained injuries.
Algeria suicide bomb attack kills 43
By DPA,
Algiers/Paris : At least 43 people were killed Tuesday in a suicide bomb attack at a police academy in eastern Algeria, officials in Algiers said.
Nearly 40 people were also wounded in the attack, which took place in the town of Issers, some 60 km east of the capital.
The attacker drove a bomb-laden car into the main entrance of the school where police academy candidates had gathered.
The attack was the worst since a double car bombing in mid-December in which 41 people were killed, including 17 UN workers.
President: Iran not to retreat “one iota” in maintaining nuclear rights
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday that his country will not retreat "one iota" in maintaining its nuclear rights, while world powers are mulling over a proposed third UN Security Council resolution to punish Tehran's defiance over its nuclear program.
Ahmadinejad made the remarks in his live interview with state television late on Saturday, one day after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mohamed ElBaradei circulated his latest report on Iran's nuclear program to the IAEA Board of Governors.
Israel to Build Border Wall with Egypt
By Prensa Latina
Tel Aviv : The Israeli government decided Wednesday to build a 149 mile wall at a cost of a billion dollars along the mutual border with Egypt, official sources reported.
The wall will be built across the entrance to the Sinai Peninsula to avoid attacks from Egyptian territory.
The construction of the wall will be started in two sections, one from Eilat, southern Israel on the shore of the Red Sea, and the other near Nitzana, southern Gaza Strip.
Tel Aviv : The Israeli government decided Wednesday to build a 149 mile wall at a cost of a billion dollars along the mutual border with Egypt, official sources reported.
The wall will be built across the entrance to the Sinai Peninsula to avoid attacks from Egyptian territory.
The construction of the wall will be started in two sections, one from Eilat, southern Israel on the shore of the Red Sea, and the other near Nitzana, southern Gaza Strip.
Meet Shams Alam, the fastest paraplegic swimmer of India
By Musheera Ashraf, TwoCircles.net
Bihar: Shams Alam is a 34-year-old fastest paraplegic swimmer who holds two Limca book records, 50 plus gold medals, many international...
Russia urges Iran to comply with new UN resolution
By Xinhua
Moscow : Russia urged Iran on Tuesday to comply with the demands of international nuclear energy watchdog and a new resolution from the United Nations Security Council.
"We expect the Iranian leadership to thoroughly analyze the statement of the six foreign ministers together with the contents of the adopted resolution, and make a decision to comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UN Security Council's demands," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Libya mulls international intervention to stop violence
Tripoli: Libya is considering international intervention to curb the ongoing violence in the country, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
"The government has sought international forces...
Nation united to stop dictatorship, adventurism: Pakistan PM
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday said "confrontationalism" of the past had done much damage to the nation but now the democratic forces have united to stop dictatorship and adventurism.
Gilani's remarks came hours after President Pervez Musharraf called for shunning "a confrontational approach," as the ruling coalition expedited its efforts to impeach the embattled leader, if he did not resign.
Both dignitaries made their comments in separate state functions held to mark Pakistan's 61st Independence Day.
Makkah, Madinah to get Islamic heritage, Qur’an museums
By IINA,
Jeddah : Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT), announced recently plans to establish an Islamic heritage museum in Makkah and a Qur’an museum in Madinah. He said the two museums would be established in cooperation with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The project is significant as it targets nearly 10 million foreign pilgrims who visit the Kingdom every year to perform Haj and Umrah. “We’ll establish six new museums in different regions this year and renovate 12 others,” the SCT chief said.
US to end Afghan combat operations in 2013
By IANS,
Washington : The US hopes to end its combat mission in Afghanistan by the middle of next year, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday.
Blast kills Afghan child, coalition forces kill several militants
By DPA,
Kabul : A blast in southern Afghanistan killed a child and wounded four people, while coalition forces claimed they had killed "several extremists" and arrested 10 in two separate operations in the east of the country, officials said Saturday.
The blast was triggered by explosives attached to a parked bicycle in the western part of Kandahar city, the provincial capital of the same name, on Saturday morning as a police vehicle was passing by, said Mohammad Iqbal, a police official at the scene of the incident.
Iranian nation interested in dialogue – FM
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told the UN high representative for Alliance of Civilizations Jorge Sampaio that the Iranian nation is interested in dialogue.
Sampaio is currently in Tehran to attend the two-day international conference on 'Religion in the Modern World' which kicked off on Monday.
On the critical situation in the Palestinian occupied lands, he expressed regret that all plans presented by the international community for settlement of the Palestinian problems lacked fair approach toward the Palestinian people.
Delhi school students to pay tribute to Pakistan terror victims
New Delhi : Over 1500 students from different government schools will Thursday pay tribute to the Pakistan terror attack victims, an official said Wednesday.
The...
French FM firmly condemns deadly blast in Kabul
By KUNA
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner late Monday strongly condemned the blast at the Hotel Serena in central Kabul, where at least seven people were killed and several more wounded, including a Norwegian journalist and a diplomat.
A suicide bomber apparently exploded a device close to the entrance to the hotel and gunmen followed this act by firing on people in the vicinity. The Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Storre, who was at the hotel, was whisked away to safety in the lower levels of the building. He was not injured.
Iraqi parliament approves electoral law for provincial councils
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi parliament has approved by voting the electoral law for the provincial councils, resolving a protracted issue of local dissension.
Bahaa Al-A'raji, the head of the electoral committee of the parliament, told a news conference Wednesday that all the political trends reached a consensus regarding the law, on the basis of proposals presented by Iraq and the UN.
All the parliamentary coalitions ceded concessions to secure the consensus, he added.
Electioneering in Pakistan likely to pick up
By IANS
Islamabad : Campaigning for the general election later this month that had virtually come to a grinding halt after the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto is likely to pick up in the coming days with the major stakeholders finalising plans for rallies and public meetings.
Quoting sources in the opposition and pro-President Pervez Musharraf parties, The News said Sunday, "Within a week or so, there would be a significant surge in election-related activities."
British PM slams Pakistan, demands it ‘take out’ Osama
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Sunday attacked the Pakistani leadership in exasperated tones, demanding that it "take out" Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman Zawahiri.
"The Pakistan government has started to take on the Taliban and to take on Al Qaeda in South Waziristan, but we have got to ask ourselves why, eight years after September 11, nobody has been able to spot or detain or get close to Osama bin Laden, nobody has been able to get close to Zawahiri, the number two of Al Qaeda," Brown told BBC television.
Pakistan and Oman hold joint naval exercise
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (NNN-KUNA) -- Pakistan and Oman have kicked off a six-day joint naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, said the Pakistan navy.
It said Wednesday in a statement that the exercise, "Thamar Al-Tayyib," is a biennial event aimed to enhance inter-operability between the two naval forces and improve security in the maritime domain.
The exercise is divided to harbour and sea phases, it said.
The last such exercise was held in the Gulf of Oman in September 2006.
Israel awaits Hezbollah”s response to new prisoners exchange deal
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel announced Monday that it was waiting for a response from Hezbollah on the new prisoners' exchange deal which was proposed a few weeks ago through a German meditation.
According to the Israeli media, the new proposal deal aimed at freeing two Israel soldiers, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, who were captured by Hezbollah, adding that the new deal would allow the release of four Lebanese prisoners, the handing of Israeli spy Nassim Nasser, and the return of body remains of 10 Hezbollah members.
Jaswant Singh is not wrong on Jinnah
By Firoz Bakht Ahmed, IANS,
The ghost of partition is haunting us even today. I am no admirer of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, but Jaswant Singh is right in trying to peel off years and years of falsification of the truth behind India's partition. His "Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence" is a path-breaking book.
Wasim Akram’s wife dies in Chennai
By IANS,
Chennai : Huma Akram, wife of former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram, died at the Apollo Hospital here Sunday morning after battling for life for the past five days.
According to hospital officials, Huma breathed her last around 9.45 a.m.
Huma was suffering from sepsis (an inflammation of several tissues, including blood leading to kidney failure) and was admitted to Apollo Hospital Tuesday after developing complications mid-air while on her way to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore from Pakistan.
She was accompanied by Wasim Akram.
Comprehensive solution to Palestinian problem achievable: India
By NNN-PTI,
Tehran : Voicing optimism over a "just and comprehensive solution" to the vexed west-Asia crisis, India said it extends full support to the Palestinian people in realising their aspirations for a "sovereign, independent" state.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, on a visit here, articulated India's "abiding concern" over the fact that the rights of the Palestinian people remain to be achieved and said "this situation requires to be resolved at the earliest".
Hamas: European sides also mediating in prisoners swap
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas said on Sunday that European parties were also mediating in the efforts to exchange an Israeli hostage for a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said the European sides were not the solo mediators, adding that "we deal with all efforts and mediations because they serve the Egyptian efforts to achieve the swap."
Radwan did not reveal which countries the European mediators are.
Bangladesh celebrates Victory Day, vows to try 1971 war criminals
Dhaka, Dec 16 (DPA) Tens of thousands of people Tuesday thronged the National Mausoleum to pay tribute to Bangladesh's liberation war heroes on the occasion of Victory Day, while activists called for the country's war criminals of 1971 to be brought to justice.
Celebrating the nation's 38th Victory Day, the activists also urged voters to refrain from voting for war criminals, some of whom are running for national elections Dec 29.
Suicide bomber kills Pakistani army general, six others
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Seven people, including a Pakistani army general, were killed and at least 30 injured in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in a renewed terror attack after the last week's general elections, police and hospital sources said.
Surgeon General Lt Gen Mushtaq Baig of Army's medical corps was killed along with his driver and five others when a car loaded with explosives rammed into his car outside the military hospital, the police said.
Scotland Yard takes to London Bhutto murder evidences
By Muhammad Najeeb
Islamabad : Six of the ten-member Scotland Yard team probing into the assassination of Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto left for London Monday with forensic samples and pieces of evidence collected during the investigation.
"Six of the investigators have gone to their head office but four of their colleagues will stay back," a senior official of interior ministry told IANS.
‘Doctor who helped in Osama mission needs US help’
By IANS,
Washington : The US needs to make renewed attempts to help the jailed Pakistani doctor who led the US to Osama bin Laden, a Congressman has said.
Bush and Mubarak discuss Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts
By RIA Novosti,
Sharm El-Sheik : U.S. President George Bush and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak discussed the situation in the Middle East and efforts to boost faltering peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik on Saturday.
Bush arrived in the resort on May 17 for two days of talks with Arab leaders including Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan's King Abdullah II. He is expected to meet Abbas and Abdullah plus a number of Iraqi officials on Sunday.
Military courts in Pakistan unconstitutional: Former CJ
Islamabad : Former Pakistan chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry Tuesday said establishing military courts in the country to try terror suspects is unconstitutional.
The former...
Palestinian mortar shell hits Israel after cease-fire
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : A mortar shell fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip hit Israel's western Negev region early Tuesday morning, the first breach of an Egyptian-brokered truce that went into effect last week.
No injuries or damage were reported.
Also in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed two Palestinian militants in the West Bank city of Nablus, local media reported.
Love in the age of intolerance: A story from Dubai that restores faith in...
In the age of intolerance where humanity seems to be divided by border and religion, a number Muslim professionals of India went out...
10 killed in Pakistan as teen bomber blows himself
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed and several injured Thursday when a 14-year-old boy with bombs tied to his body detonated himself in a seminary in Pakistan's Bara town, near Peshawar, police said.
About 300 people were present at the time in Bara, in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, listening to a sermon on jéhad when the suicide blast took place.
"A religious sermon was going on when a 14-year-old boy blew himself killing 10 people and injuring many," police official Amir Khan told IANS from Bara.
UAE mobilises aid for Pakistan drought victims
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates Pakistan Assistance Programme (UAE PAP) has mobilised 1500 tonnes of basic food aid including infant formula to...
Qurani Khawani held at Benazir Bhutto’s mazar on her 1st death anniversary
By NNN-APP,
Naudero : Quran Khawani was held at the mazar of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Ghari Khuda Bux on Saturday morning on the occasion of her first death anniversary. The Quran Khawani started at about 10 a.m. and later Fateha was also offered.
A large number of people, visibly moved, some were crying and chanting slogans of ‘Zinda hay Bibi Zinda hay’ gathered at the mazar despite cold weather and heavy fog to pay homage to the great leader.
Banners were all around reading “ Bibi’s blood would not go waste”.
Power cut in Sindh chief minister’s house
By IANS,
Islamabad : The chief minister's house in Pakistan's Sindh province went dark Sunday night although it is exempt from power cuts.
Nawaz Sharif acquitted of wrongdoing in acquiring chopper
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : A division bench of Lahore High Court Friday acquitted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of wrongdoing in acquiring a helicopter in the mid-1990s, saying he had taken it on rent for an election campaign.
A two-member bench of judges Tariq Shamim and Saeed Ijaz declared as null and void an accountability court's verdict holding Sharif guilty of acquiring the Russian-made Mi-8 helicopter.
The court also condoned Sharif's delay in filing his appeal.
Sedki Sobhi sworn in as new Egypt defence minister
Cairo : Egyptian military chief of staff Gen. Sedki Sobhi took oath of office Thursday as the country's new defence minister to succeed his...
Suspected US drone strike kills four in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suspected US missile strike killed four Taliban militants Wednesday in Pakistan's tribal region near the Afghan border, an intelligence official said.
Two back-to-back missiles fired by a pilotless drone aircraft hit a vehicle in Ganjikhel area of South Waziristan tribal district, a stronghold of Taliban and Al Qaeda militants launching cross-border attacks on US-led international forces in Afghanistan.
Israeli minister calls for deportation of Palestinians from Jerusalem
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Minister of Internal Security Avraham Dichter said Friday the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem who are involved in armed acts against Israel should be deported to the West Bank.
He made the remarks while mourning the Israelis who were killed last night attack against a Jewish seminary in West Jerusalem, Israeli Radio reported.
PLO Central Council calls on Hamas to resume dialogue
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian Central Council (PCC) of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Monday called on Islamic Hamas movement to resume inter-Palestinian dialogue.
The PCC made the call at the end of a two-day-long meeting which kicked off on Sunday evening at President Mahmoud Abbas' headquarters in Ramallah.
Chaired by Abbas, the meeting discussed the current situation in the Palestinian territories and developments in the peace negotiations with Israel on permanent status issues.
Iranian general talks tough against aggression
By DPA,
Tehran : An Iranian general warned Wednesday that any aggressor of Iran would return home with artificial legs, Fars news agency reported.
"If you dare to come towards Iran, you will bring artificial legs and sticks with you because you will definitely have no legs when you return home," said General Mohammad Hejazi, deputy commander of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards.
ECP congratulated on conducting fair, peaceful elections
By APP
Islamabad : Human Rights Society of Pakistan issued a congratulatory message to the Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad for conducting fair, free, transparent and peaceful elections.In their message, the Chairman Society S.M. Zafar, Senior Vice Chairperson Ms. Mehnaz Rafi, Vice Chairman Hamayon Ehsan and Secretary General A.M. Shakoori said the society congratulates the nation and all concerned being able to hold peaceful election in very difficult circumstances.
Taliban avenging Lal Masjid assault: cleric
By IANS,
Islamabad : The resurgence of the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest is to avenge the assault on the Lal Masjid here two years ago, says the chief cleric of the the mosque.
Most of the students of the madrassa attached to the Lal Masjid belonged to Swat, Buner and Dir areas of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and were now extracting their revenge, Dawn Monday quoted Maulana Abdul Aziz, who was released last month after spending almost two years in jail, as saying.
Pakistan’s former PM threatens to quit coalition
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has threatened to pull his party out of Pakistan's ruling coalition if it does not decide by Friday to reinstate judges deposed last November by former president Pervez Musharraf, according to local press reports Thursday.
The private Geo TV reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader told a U.S. newspaper that his party would quit the ruling alliance if judges were not restored. However, he said that PML-N would not pose any threat to the government while sitting on opposition benches.
UAE, Morocco discuss parliamentary cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE and Morocco pledge to boost parliamentary cooperation.
Pakistan vows to protect Sikhs from Taliban; Canada announces aid
By Gurmukh Singh, IANS,
Toronto : A visiting Pakistan minister vowed to protect Sikhs from the Taliban even as Canada announced $5 million for Pakistan's Sikh families who have fled the Swat Valley after the imposition of 'jaziya' (tax on non-Muslims) by the Taliban.
71 percent New Yorkers oppose mosque near Ground Zero
By DPA,
New York : Despite their support for freedom of religion, 71 percent of New Yorkers believe the planned mosque and Islamic community centre near Ground Zero should be built "somewhere else" and not two blocks from the terrorist-destroyed World Trade Centre, a poll said Tuesday.
The Quinnipiac University poll said that 54 percent of those interviewed recognised that "because of American freedom of religion, Muslims have the right to build the mosque near Ground Zero".
Al-Maliki ends security operations against Shia militia
By DPA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered an end to security operations against the Shia militia loyal to radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr Friday to allow militants to lay down arms.
In a statement issued by the prime minister's office, al-Maliki said the move was aimed at the restoration of security across Iraq. It would also allow a chance for all militants to lay down arms and hand over their weapons, the statement said.
Iraqi families, who had left their houses during the attacks, would be able to get back to their homes.
Enemies disappointed by Iranians’ massive turnout in elections
By IRNA
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Friday that massive turnout of Iranians in the ongoing parliamentary elections disappointed foreign media that tried to discourage people from taking part in the process.
Speaking to reporters after casting his ballots for the 8th Majlis elections and the by-elections for the Expert Assembly, the president said, "Measures of those media will no loner affect neither Iranians nor other people of the world."
White House says beheading video authentic
Washington: The Barack Obama administration Wednesday confirmed the authenticity of a video showing the decapitation of a US journalist who was abducted in November...
Use of contraceptives up in Pakistan’s tribal region
By IANS,
Islamabad: The use of contraceptives has gone up in Pakistan's tribal regions while it has dipped in urban areas, including the capital city, reveal official statistics.
Clashes between rival militant groups kill over 50 in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 50 people have been killed in clashes between two rival militant groups in a Pakistani tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan, despite a ceasefire brokered by two senior Afghan Taliban commanders.
Two rival militant groups, one Baitullah Mehsud-led Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the other Taliban Commander Shah Khalid-led militant group, have been fighting for the past three days for the control of the Mohmand tribal agency.
Education is now compulsory for Pakistani children
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan has made education free and compulsory for children aged between five and 16.
Russian Islamic Encyclopedia launched in Moscow
By IINA,
Moscow : The Russian language encyclopedia "Modern Islam in Russia" compiled by Roman Silantyev, an expert on religious issues, is now available in Moscow. It has published this volume in terms of the Russian Education and Science Ministry's program for training specialists on Islamic culture and history in 2007-2010, Interfax reported quoting Algoritm publishing house. This program has been implemented by the Moscow State Linguistic University.
30,000 kids provided healthcare by UAE charity
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: A global healthcare initiative launched by a charity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has treated over 30,000 poor children in nine countries across the world.
20 killed in Nigeria explosion
Abuja: At least 20 people were killed in a bomb explosion that rocked Zaria city in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna on Tuesday, provincial...
Powerful quake rocks northwest Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted parts of Punjab and North West Frontier Province in Pakistan Thursday night, a TV report said.
The quake occurred at 11.45 p.m.
The tremor was felt in Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Swat and Dera Ghazi Khan, among others areas, Geo TV reported.
No further details were immediately available.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques meets Palestinian Premier
By SPA
Janadriya, Riyadh : The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz held a meeting at his ranch here today with Palestinian Premier Dr. Salam Khalid Fayyadh.
At the outset of the audience, Dr. Fayyadh conveyed to the Monarch the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestinian National Authority and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization.
We’ll make Mediterranean cleanest sea in the world: Berlusconi
By DPA,
Rome : Italy and Egypt will work together to clear the Mediterranean of pollution and make it the "cleanest sea in the world", Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday.
The Italian premier made the pledge at a joint news conference with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak, after the two leaders held talks in Rome.
Berlusconi who was elected prime minister for a third time in April, jokingly said he would "go to school" to learn from Mubarak how to stay in power for "30 years".
Uzbekistan condemns anti-Quran film
By IINA
Tashkent : The Central Asian Muslim country of Uzbekistan strongly denounced the controversial Dutch film that is offensive to the Holy Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). "The public of Uzbekistan resolutely condemns the fact of making the documentary film “Fitna” by the Dutch politician Geert Wilders which insults the religious feelings of Muslims," according to a statement carried by Uzbekistan's Information Agency Jahon.
UAE foreign ministry launches Twitter account
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE foreign affairs ministry has launched a Twitter account as part of its efforts to improve communication with the public.
18 killed in car bombings in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 18 people were killed and 62 others wounded in six car bomb explosions in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad...
German missing for two weeks in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Berlin : The German Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that a citizen went missing in the Afghanistan two weeks ago, adding that a crisis council had been formed to follow up on the issue.
The ministry spokesperson was speaking to reporters after the daily "Die Welt" reported today that a German national of Afghan origin was missing and that his family had informed the embassy in Kabul of this.
Russia worried by Iran urging peace with Afghanistan Talibs
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Russia is worried by tendencies among some political forces in Iran to have Talibs engaged in peace efforts in Afghanistan, a Russian deputy foreign minister said on Monday.
Speaking after talks in Iran on Sunday with the country's top security and Foreign Ministry officials, Sergei Ryabkov said: "We expressed concerns about recent tendencies toward reconciliation with Talibs demonstrated by certain circles [in Iran]."
Pakistan condemns firing on U.S. consulate vehicle
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan on Tuesday condemned the firing on a U.S. Consulate vehicle in northwestern Pakistan's Peshawar, saying that the government would enhance security for the diplomatic community.
A U.S. woman diplomat escaped unhurt in the firing in Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, on Tuesday.
The assailants opened fire at the car of U.S. Consulate Peshawar Principal Officer Lynne Tracy, who was on the way to her office, reports said.
Malaysia keen to partner with Andhra for various projects
Hyderabad : Malaysia has evinced interest in partnering with Andhra Pradesh for various projects.
A delegation from Malaysia called on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N....
N-deal possible in a month: Iranian president
Tehran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that a final nuclear deal between Tehran and the six world powers may be possible within a...
Israel maintains siege on West Bank
By KUNA
Gaza : Israel has decided to extend a tight siege on the West Bank, imposed since last Thursday, for an indefinite period of time.
Israel Radio, in a broadcast early on Sunday, quoted security sources as saying that the blockade on the West Bank would be reviewed during the course of the week and the relevant authorities would ponder prospects of lifting it in light of reports about the general security conditions.
India funding Taliban: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is now accusing India of funding the Taliban militants, Online news agency reported Monday.
Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, when asked during an TV interview about who was backing the Taliban, said: "There are certain hostile elements against Pakistan and
there are certain hostile agencies which do not want Pakistan to be (stabilized)."
In response to a question on whether India was among the hostile agencies, Malik said, "Yes, of course, I am convinced. I have no doubt about it. I was very open. I have given the full details.
200 killed in parts of Afghanistan because of severe winter weather
By KUNA
Geneva : The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said Friday that the harsh winter weather in the Western and Central Highlands Regions of Afghanistan over the past weeks led so far to 200 deaths. UN OCHA spokesperson Elizabeth Byrs told reporters that the provinces of Herat, Farah, Badghis, Ghor in Western Region and Dai Kundi were severely affected, with the majority of roads closed and the price of what food and fuel are available, rising steeply. Herat Airport, the main airport in the West, closed for a number of days.
Israel re-opens three border crossings
By IINA,
Jerusalem : At least three border crossings between Israel and Gaza were re-opened yesterday, after Palestinians halted cross-border attacks that threatened an Egypt-brokered peace deal, officials said. The Sufa commercials crossing, the Nahal OZ fuel transfer deport and the Erez border terminal for travelers began functioning at 8 am, with few restrictions still in force, Israel said.
Iraq opens trial on former regime officials
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi High Tribunal opened trial Tuesday on Saddam's former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and his seven codefendants over their alleged roles in the execution of 42 merchants in 1992.
It was the first time that Aziz, 72, who also served as foreign minister in Saddam's regime, appeared in court as a defendant since he turned himself in to U.S. forces two weeks after the invasion in 2003. He has appeared as a witness in earlier trials on former Saddam era officials.
UAE bans milk having fat-removing substance
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the production and circulation of milk that contains a fat-removing substance called conjugated linoleic acid.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) inhibits the functioning of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that helps in removal of fat from blood. Once the fat is removed and broken down, it is stored in other parts of the body.
By suppressing this enzyme, CLA helps reduce the amount of fat that is broken down and, therefore, the amount of fat that is deposited and stored.
Hamas rejects Bush’s upcoming Mideast visit
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday rejected U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the region which will start on January 10.
"Bush's visit widens the internal Palestinian splitting by supporting one Palestinian side (Fatah) to fight another side (Hamas) and to incite against ending the internal political differences," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters.
Roadside bomb injures seven soldiers in Yemen
Aden: At least seven soldiers were injured Monday when a roadside bomb hit a military vehicle in Yemen's Abyan province, a government official said.
The...
LeT replaces Al Qaeda as biggest threat to US: security experts
By IANS,
Islamabad : Indicative of the growing clout of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) despite an apparent crackdown by the Pakistani authorities, US security experts believe that the terror group and not Al Qaeda has emerged as the main threat and could well stage the next major attack on the American mainland.
"We are and should be concerned about the threat LeT poses, given its global network," Juan Zarate, deputy national security adviser for counter-terrorism in the Bush administration, told the Chicago Tribune in an interview published Sunday.
Industrial workers protest closures in Dhaka
By IANS,
Dhaka: More than 30 people were injured in continuing clashes in Ashulia Industrial Area in suburban Dhaka Tuesday morning as workers protested the closure of factories by employers.
The workers are protesting against the decision of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to close all apparel units in Ashulia for an indefinite period.
In violent clashes with police, the workers set fire to five vehicles, Star Online reported.
Google, other sites suspended in Iran
By IANS/AKI,
Tehran : Iran suspended access to internet sites including Gmail, the Google email service, as thousands of people took to the streets Thursday to mark the anniversary of the Iranian revolution, according to reports.
Iran's telecommunications agency announced the suspension of access to Gmail in the country, according to the Wall Street Journal website.
Many online and text messaging services Wednesday were blocked while internet speeds slowed rendering Facebook, Yahoo Messenger and Twitter unusable.
PML-N threatens to quit cabinet over judges
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-Nawaz) has again threatened to quit the cabinet if judges of the higher courts sacked by President Pervez Musharraf are not given back their jobs by Monday.
A PML-N leader stated this to IANS as talks between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in London over the judges remained inconclusive.
N-programme will continue: Ahmadinejad
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran will continue to produce 20-percent enriched uranium, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday.
Abbas says latest peace talks brought nothing
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday the latest round of peace talks with Israel brought nothing.
"The negotiations are still in their beginning," Abbas told reporters in Ramallah.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiation crews met on Monday in Jerusalem to discuss the obstacles which delay the progress of the peace talks.
The two sides agreed to launch the talks last month after years of halt. The building of Israeli settlements in West Bank was one of the main obstacles.
Eight suspected militants held in Bangladesh
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's security forces Sunday captured eight members of a banned Islamist outfit, three of whom are believed to be members of its suicide squad, from Dhaka's Khilkhet area, officials said.
The members of the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion also seized a large quantity of bomb-making materials, leaflets, books on jihad, religious CDs, audio cassettes from their possessions.
The capture and seizures came barely two days ahead of the celebration of Bangli New Year Tuesday.
20 killed in Yemen sectarian clashes
Sanna : At least 20 people were killed in sectarian clashes in Yemen, officials said Wednesday.
The clashes between Shia Houthi rebels and Sunni tribal...
Hamas to decide on ceasefire Thursday
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas will settle the debate on acease fire with Israel on Thursday when it gives its final decision to Egyptian mediators, a Hamas spokesman said on Tuesday." The end of the debate on calmness will be on Thursday when Hamas hands over its final answers to the Egyptian side," said Salah al-Bardaweel, a spokesman for Hamas' parliamentary bloc.
Last breach in Gaza-Egypt border fence closed
By Xinhua
Gaza : The last breach in Gaza-Egypt Rafah border fence was closed Sunday morning, ending an almost two-week-long border tumult during which the Palestinians in Gaza Strip crossed into Egypt freely for purchase of daily necessities, witnesses said.
They said that Egyptian soldiers were deployed in positions to close the border and monitor the movement of people at the border crossing.
As of Sunday morning, any cross-border movement was not allowed unless the return of the people who are on the wrong side, they added.
NAM rejects Israel’s accusation its members support terrorism
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Cuba, chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has rejected Israel's accusation last week in the Security Council monthly meeting on the situation in the Middle East that the movement supports terrorism and that its actions are motivated by political aversion towards the Jewish state.
Lebanon clashes leave 3 dead, over 30 injured
By RIA Novosti,
Beirut : Three people have been killed and around 35 wounded in sectarian clashes in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, ending a two-week ceasefire, local media said on Wednesday.
The fighting began in the country's second largest city overnight, when grenades exploded along a main road separating the neighboring pro-government Sunni Muslims and Alawite supporters from the Hezbollah opposition.
Police and military units, who are at the scene, have failed to stop the fighting between crowds armed with small arms and grenade launchers.
Pakistan says Mumbai attackers could be Pakistanis
By IANS,
New Delhi : After weeks of denial, Pakistan Tuesday said for the first time that the perpetrators of the Mumbai mayhem could be Pakistani nationals.
"Could be... could be - that's all I will say as of now, while the investigations are still being completed," Pakistan's National Security Adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani told the CNN-IBN news channel in an interview from Islamabad.
Lebanon Adjourns Parliament Again
By Prensa Latina
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament session to elect the president was adjourned for 14th time because of the persistent differences between the opposition and parliamentarian majority, despite Arab League mediation.
The meeting that was foreseen for Monday was postponed because both parts disagree with creating a national unity government and portfolios distribution, referred the official communique.
Gaza crisis ‘political’ says former Irish president
By IRNA,
London : Former Irish president and UN High commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson has castigated Israel as well as the international community over the continuing siege of Gaza.
Prasthutha Readers to organise a literary and cultural festival
By TCN News,
Dammam: Prasthutha Reader’s Forum, Eastern Province has announced a Literary and Cultural Festival for Kannadiga’s named “KALA SINCHANA” to be held on 21st February, 2014 at Hadeed Beach Camp, Jubail.
Hasina, Zia exchange barbs on ties with India
By IANS,
Dhaka : Ahead of her summit-level talks in India, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Saturday ridiculed opposition leader Khaleda Zia's threats of making her government's path "thorny" should it fail to protect national interests while signing agreements with New Delhi.
"Those who had made the people's lives thorny during their tenure are now out to make the government's path thorny as well," Hasina said at a function in the southern Chittagong port town.
‘Repairing damage of terror strikes on India challenge for Pakistan’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Repairing the "damage" caused by the terror strike on the Indian embassy in Kabul and by the frequent skirmishes along the Kashmir frontier pose a "challenge" for the new Pakistani government, an editorial in a leading English newspaper said Monday.
"Recent acts of terrorism in Kabul against the Indian embassy there and in Indian cities have led to a new trade of accusations. Islamabad has denied involvement. Skirmishes along the LoC (Line of Control in Kashmir) have added to mounting tensions," the editorial in The News said.
Foreign Secretaries’ meet move to normalise ties: Pakistani daily
Islamabad : That Indian and Pakistani foreign secretaries have agreed to meet Aug 25 despite recent clashes across the Line of Control (LoC) deserves...
Seven militants killed in Pakistan fighting
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Security forces have killed seven militants and arrested 17 in operations in northwest Pakistan, the army said Thursday.
Security forces continued search and clearance operations in Swat and Malakand in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) with the support of local tribal volunteers. Seven militants were killed in the exchange of fire and 17 were arrested in various areas of Swat, the daily update of Inter Services Public Relations said.
Petition to disqualify Pakistani PM rejected
Islamabad : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition seeking disqualification of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for graft.
The petition was dismissed...
Iraqi helicopter missing in northern Iraq
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : An Iraqi transport helicopter went missing in desert area at the northwestern edges of Salahudin province on Monday after being caught by dust storm, U.S. and Iraqi liaison office said on Tuesday.
"A Russian Mi-17 went missing at around 16:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) yesterday after conducting precautionary landing in a desert area located some 35 km northwest of Beiji town, some 200 km north of Baghdad," the source from the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Bangladesh introduces savings scheme for women
By IANS,
Dhaka: The Bangladesh government Wednesday introduced a Family Savings Certificate, allowing investment up to Taka three million, aimed at making women economically self-reliant.
Family Savings Certificate of Taka 10,000, Taka 20,000, Taka 50,000, Taka 100,000, Taka 200,000 and Taka 500,000 will be on sale at all bureaux of the National Savings Directorate.
$1 is equal to Taka 69.5.
IAEA chief for more cooperation by Iran
By NNN-KUNA,
Vienna : Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohammad El-Baradei has said here that Iran had to cooperate more effectively with the UN nuclear watchdog in order to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.
Iran disregarded the demands of the UN Security Council for freezing its nuclear enrichment activities, Al-Baradei said in a five-page report on the outcome of the recent negotiations and inspections conducted by senior IAEA officials in Iran.
The IAEA board of governors is scheduled to probe the report on June 2.
Saudi Arabia launches website for expatriate workers
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's labour ministry has launched a website to educate expatriate workers about their rights and ways to avail them, a media...
Maldives to enact death sentence with lethal injection
By IANS,
Male : The Maldives government has approved the death penalty for murderers and will soon enact regulations on the process of execution with...
Pakistan seeks long-term strategic ties with US
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan seeks a long-term strategic partnership with the US, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Thursday conceding that differences still exist between the two countries but it is now Washington's turn to "do more".
"Pakistan wants a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual trust, respect and shared values," he told reporters here ahead of the Pakistan-US strategic dialogue in Washington March 24.
"Unfortunately, past engagements were not successful but an entirely new framework is now in place in Pakistan.
Quds Brigades shells Israeli targets — statement
By KUNA
Gaza : Islamic Jihad's Quds Brigades claimed responsibility on Thursday for shelling Israeli cities and military targets close to Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian faction stated that its operatives launched at dawn about 25 rockets and mortar shells targeting the Israeli settlement of Sderot along with Nahel Oz and Zikim military positions, located in western Negev in southern Israel.
The attacks were intended to avenge the "Israeli crimes and the assassination of the brigade's senior leader Mohammed Shahada along with Saleh Karkoor," the faction said.
UK launches latest Hajj delegation
By IRNA,
London : Foreign Secretary David Miliband Wednesday launched the latest British delegation to support Muslim pilgrims performing this year's Hajj rituals.
The Hajj Delegation, the ninth to be launched since Britain became the first Christian country to offer special consular and medical arrangements for pilgrims in 2000, was an example of 'shared purpose and partnership between both the government and British Muslims', Miliband said.
Iraq plans to buy weapons from Russia
By RIA Novosti,
Baghdad : A military delegation from Iraq will visit Moscow soon to discuss the purchase of Russian weaponry, an Iraqi parliament member has said.
"A large delegation from the Iraqi defence ministry will travel soon to Moscow for talks on arms purchases (from Russia)," Abbas al-Bayati said in an interview with the Al Iraqiya television.
According to the Iraqi MP, Baghdad is seeking to sign arms contracts with Russia, Germany, France, Serbia and the US by the end of 2011 "to complete the creation of Iraqi Armed Forces and security forces".
Car bomb hits Iranian ambassador’s house in Yemen, envoy unhurt
Tehran : Iran's ambassador to Yemen was not hurt in Wednesday's car bomb explosion in capital Sanaa, the foreign ministry said.
"According to the latest...
Nawaz Sharif elected to Pakistan parliament
By IANS,
Islamabad: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was elected to the Pakistan parliament Saturday.
Anwar Ibrahim threatens to pull down government by Sep 16
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's controversial opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who has just won a parliamentary by-election, says he will bring down Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government by mid-September.
His opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would take over by Sep 16, The Star newspaper quoted the leader, who comes back to parliament after a decade, as saying.
IAEA head calls for more dialogue on Iran nuke issue
By Xinhua,
Berlin : UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohammed ElBaradei on Thursday called here for more dialogue between the international community and Iran on the country's nuclear issue.
ElBaradei, general secretary of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), made the call after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Thursday.
ElBaradei said Iran's progress in developing uranium enrichment is slow and recent additions to its nuclear fuel production complex have only been older-model centrifuges.
Air Arabia Q2 profit at $30 mn
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah: Air Arabia Sunday announced a net profit of 50 million dirhams (about $30 million) for the second quarter of 2010 ended June 30.
This is a 44 percent decline compared to 90 million dirhams in the corresponding period last year.
This decline was in line with global industry performance, which continues to be impacted by changing market dynamics, characterized by increase in fuel costs and pressure on yield margins, the airline said.
Rocket attack kills seven in Iraq
By Xinhua
Mosul (Iraq) : Seven people were killed and 17 injured when a rocket hit a Shia religious ceremony in a town in the...
First human infection of bird flu in Bangladesh
By IINA,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi health authorities have announced the detection of the first case of human infection by the H5N1 bird flu virus, officials said yesterday.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said a 16-month-old child in Dhaka was infected by the virus last January and suffered respiratory problems but she was cured by two weeks of treatment.
Five killed in suicide attack in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Bagdad : At least five people were killed and 54 others wounded in a suicide attack near an...
Israel’s ruling party primary set for Sept. 17
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's ruling Kadima party primary will be held on Sept. 17, with a possible run-off on Sept. 24, this year, the party announced Tuesday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, Public Security Minister Avi Dichter and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit are all expected to run and Olmert has not yet ruled himself out.
The party also announced that Aug. 24 would be the closing date to register as a candidate.
Iraq: five more US soldiers killed in Baghdad, Kirkuk
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Five US soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in Baghdad and Kirkuk, the Multi-National Force (MNF) said Saturday.
In a statement, the MNF said four soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while they were conducting a combat patrol northwest of Baghdad Friday.
Another statement said a soldier was also killed Friday as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion near his vehicle while conducting operations in Tamim Province.
Musharraf left as part of deal: Pakistani leader
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former president and military ruler Pervez Musharraf left the country as part of a "deal" and would not return in the near future, Pakistan Muslim League (Q) secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syyed said.
Talking to mediapersons Sunday after an Iftar-dinner organised by PML-Q in the Pakistani city of Hyderabad, he said Pakistan cannot afford the politics of reprisal at this point in time.
The Islamabad police had Aug 10 registered a criminal case against Musharraf following the orders of Islamabad Additional Sessions Judge Mohammad Akmal Khan.
OIC Chief condemns senseless suicide attacks in Iraq
By NNN-SPA,
Jeddah : Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attacks which took place in Iraq last Monday.
In a latest press statement issued here Sunday, he expressed grave concern that the recent wave of acts of violence of sectarian and ethnic character might exacerbate the already volatile security situation in Iraq and deepen the cycle of violence.
UAE charity approves $5 mn in foreign aid
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE charity Red Crescent Authority (RCA) will spend 20 million dirhams ($5.4 million) in foreign aid this year, it announced Sunday.
Pakistan: Sharif says no to presidential post
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has ruled himself out as a candidate for the post of president and said his party could become part of Pakistan's new government only if President Pervez Musharraf steps down.
Reacting to reports that he could be made president as part of efforts by the PML-N and Pakistan People's Party to form the new government after the Feb 18 polls, Sharif said he was not a candidate for the post.
The PML-N had assured the PPP of its complete support in forming government at the centre, the former premier said.
Iran’s n-talks at vital stage
Tehran : Iran's talks with six world powers on its nuclear programme are at a vital stage but no solution is yet in sight,...
Obama arrives in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : US Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama arrived in Baghdad on Monday, on the second stage of a major foreign tour.
Obama, who is visiting as part of a Congressional delegation, will meet senior Iraqi officials and US military leaders.
"Afghanistan had to be the central focus of the war on terror," Obama said during his visit to Afghanistan on Sunday.
NWFP Assembly demands UN probe into killing of Benazir Bhutto
By APP
Peshawar : The maiden session of the NWFP Assembly Friday passed a unanimous resolution urging the federal government to conduct probe into the killing of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto by United Nations.
Pakistani forces kill 23 militants
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces Tuesday killed at least 23 militants in the troubled northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, security officials said.
The violence occurred in the Maidan area of the Lower Dir district, where Pakistani forces launched a hunt for Islamist rebels responsible for twin suicide attacks Monday against a military camp in the area.
Senior police officer Mumtaz Zareen said the clashes erupted when the militants hiding in the area fired on troops.
"The soldiers retaliated with heavy fire and killed at least 23 militants," Zareen said.
Iraqi forces continue advance to free Salahudin province
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces on Thursday continued their advance to free key cities and towns in Iraq's northern central province of Salahudin from...
US thanks “friend” Musharraf, asks new regime to maintain war on terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Calling former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf "a friend to the US" and one of the world's "most committed partners in the war against terrorism", Washington Monday asked the new government in Islamabad to redouble its focus on stemming extremism.
"We strongly support the democratically elected civilian government in its desire to modernise Pakistan and build democratic institutions," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a statement on the resignation of the former military ruler who last year shed his army uniform at America's behest.
Kuwait Petro Corp posts $4.1-bn Q1 2008 profit
By IANS,
Dubai : Oil major Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Wednesday announced that it has posted a profit of 1.1 billion Kuwaiti Dinars ($4.1 billion) in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, which started April 1.
KPC managing director for financial affairs Ali Al-Hajri, while announcing the quarterly results, said the profits exceeded budget forecasts by KD700 million ($2.6 billion), according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).