UN declines to set up probe into Bhutto killing
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : The UN cannot assist in investigating Benazir Bhutto's assassination unless a request is made by the Pakistan government, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said, rejecting a suggestion that the world body should act on the basis of a demand by her family.
Answering questions at his first press conference in the New Year at the UN headquarters here Monday, the secretary general said the UN has not yet received any request from the Pakistani government for help in the case and Britain's Scotland Yard was already helping with the probe.
PPP will lobby for UN probe into Bhutto killing
By Xinhua
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has said that it would not give up its demand for a UN probe into the assassination of its former leader Benazir Bhutto, and that the party would continue to agitate at all available forums.
In a statement Tuesday, party spokesman and former senator Farhatullah Babar said if the present regime did not approach the UN, the future PPP government would formally urge the UN for probing Bhutto's assassination.
Earlier, the UN had probed the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
Sheikh Hasina refuses to go abroad for treatment
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh's detained former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Tuesday refused to go abroad for treatment on government conditions.
Hasina, suffering from several health complications, said she would not go abroad for treatment by accepting the conditions. She fell sick in court on Dec 31 last year.
Personal physicians of Hasina Sunday formally requested Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed to send her to the US for treatment.
Iran denies threatening US navy vessels
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran Tuesday denied its Revolutionary Guards boats had threatened to blow up US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying what happened between the two sides was just a "routine" action to identify each other.
"No threatening message was transmitted," the state television quoted an unidentified Guards official as saying.
Pakistan wants to live in peace with India: Bilawal
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS
London : Declaring he has brought "hope to a new generation of Pakistanis", the man who could become Pakistan's youngest ever prime minister said Tuesday he wants his country to live peacefully with India.
"I believe Pakistan should be able to live in peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours," Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of slain former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto, said at a packed press conference in London.
Brown not satisfied over the pace of national reconciliation in Iraq
LONDON, Jan 8 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Tuesday that the process of national reconciliation in Iraq is not fast enough and should be speeded up this year.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question during his monthly news conference at 10 Downing Street, the first in the New Year.
He also stressed the need for the Iraqi Government to approve the necessary laws required on the oil sector and other areas in the country.
On the economy of Basra, Brown said that the long term future of the province depends on jobs and improved economy.
Etihad Airways Targets Six Million Passengers In 2008
ABU DHABI, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Etihad Airways is targeting six million passengers this year against the five million passengers it recorded in 2007, the Emirates news agency (WAM) reported Tuesday.
Eithad's CEO, James Hogan, said the UAE national airline is set to hit the ultimate in providing the best services and performance to its growing number of passengers and clients in the new year.
In spite of being relatively very young, he added that the airline had made its mark at the local, regional and international levels as one of the most reputable airlines in the world.
Iran: Strait Incident Common
Tehran, (Prensa Latina) The Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry considered on Monday that the weekend events in the Strait of Hormuz between Iranian motorboats and US Navy ships were something normal and ordinary.
The narrow (21-miles-at its narrowest) strait is a strategically important oil waterway between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, and is between Iran and the United Arab Emirates and an enclave of Oman.
British boxer Amir Khan banned from driving
LONDON, Jan 07 (APP)-The British and Commonwealth lightweight boxing champion Amir Khan has been banned from driving for 42 days and fined one thousand pounds for speeding at 140 mph on a motorway, reports local media. A court in Rochdale, central England, heard how the 21-year-old Commonwealth lightweight title-holder hit twice the legal speed limit while behind the wheel of his BMW convertible on the M62 near Greater Manchester, on New Year’s Eve 2006.
A police officer told the Court that his speedometer was “off the clock” at 155mph as he pursued him on the M62.
Bhutto”s son seeks media privacy
By KUNA
London : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Tuesday urged the media to leave him alone, a week after he was named joint leader of her opposition Pakistan People's Party.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, 19, told a packed press conference in central London he hoped his privacy would be respected while he studied at Oxford University, in southern England.
He said his father would be in charge of the party while he was a student.
Massive deployment of Palestinian police to ensure security for Bush
By KUNA
Ramallah : Thousands of Palestinian security-men were deployed to Ramallah ahead of the forthcoming visit to this West Bank capital by the US President George Bush next Thursday, Palestinian security officials said.
Authorities arrest Al-Qaeda linked armyman in Pakistan, 6 militants
By KUNA
Islamabad : The Law-Enforcement Agencies (LEA) in a joint operation have arrested an Al-Qaeda linked ex-armyman along with six other militants for masterminding bombing in eastern Pakistani province of Punjab, said sources.
The Al-Qaeda suspect, being identified as Ehsan-ul-Haq, was arrested in an overnight raid in Lahore, about 370 kilometers southeast of Islamabad, LEA sources told KUNA Tuesday.
Sources said that the arrest was made on lead being provided by six militants, rounded up in last two days in Lahore and Faislabad cities.
Musharraf reaffirms commitment to bring Benazir killers to justice
By KUNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said reiterated his commitment to find out the facts and bring to justice those responsible for the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto, by unearthing the evidence.
In a meeting with the team of Scotland Yard detectives, helping Pakistan investigate Benazir assassination, he assured them of full cooperation by all the investigation agencies, said a press statement.
Report: Iran denies threat to U.S. navy vessels
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran on Tuesday denied its Revolutionary guards boats had threatened to blow up U.S. navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying what happened between the two sides was just a "routine" action to identify each other.
"No threatening message was transmitted," the state television quoted an unidentified Guards official as saying.
Olmert holds meeting with Abbas ahead of Bush visit
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in Jerusalem Tuesday, ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the region.
The two leaders will discuss Israel's settlement building and the Palestinians' demand that the Israeli army refrain from carrying out any extensive military operations in the West Bank.
UN vehicle hit by roadside bomb south of Beirut
By Xinhua
Beirut : A UN peacekeeping vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb south of Beirut on Tuesday, the Doha-based...
PNA official: Bush visit important to build statehood
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A senior official of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Tuesday praised imminent U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the region as important to build the Palestinian statehood and make peace.
"Bush visit is actually important," negotiator Saeb Erekat told Voice of Palestine radio one day before Bush arrives to Israel and the Palestinian territories to encourage peace talks between the two sides.
Wave of Attacks Shakes Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : At least 13 people died and more than 20 were injured Monday in several dynamite attacks in Iraq, said police sources.
The biggest attack was produced against the host of an organization managing religious goods in Iraq, where 7 people died and nearly 20 were injured, press media said Monday.
Commander Riad al Samarrai was killed, and the rest were employees or collaborators of this Iraqi cultural institution, said an Iraqi high official.
Pakistani Peace Delegates Killed
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : At least eight delegates of the peace committees involved in the negotiation process of a cease of fire between religious rebels and the Pakistani army died in the tribal region of South Waziristan on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Defense in Islamabad, the incident occurred when alleged anti government groups opened fire at those tribal leaders in Wana and Shikai localities.
US, Iraq forces launch operation against Al Qaida
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The US and Iraqi forces have launched a new offensive Tuesday against Al Qaida militants in Iraq, the US military said.
The offensive, dubbed "Phantom Phoenix", is a series of operations aimed at pursuing and neutralising Al Qaida and other extremist insurgents, a military statement quoted Lieutenant General Ray Odierno of the US forces in Iraq as saying.
Fair, free elections to ensure stability of Pakistan: PPP chairman Bilawal
By NNN-APP
London : Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said only fair and free parliamentary elections in Pakistan would ensure stability and integrity of the country.
Addressing his maiden press conference in Central London on Tuesday, the teenager confidently fielded questions from a large posse of British and international media and called for respecting his privacy to enable him to continue his studies at Christ Church college in Oxford University.
Israel hit by rockets from Lebanon
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Two rockets were fired into northern Israel across the border from Lebanon overnight, police said on Tuesday.
Military officials said initially the blast was apparently caused by ordnance left over from the 2006 Lebanon war, but later they also confirmed it was fired overnight.
"A 122mm Katyusha was fired overnight into northern Israel,'' said Avi Edri, a spokesman for the Israeli northern district police.
Iranian police kill six drug smugglers
By SPA
Tehran : A policeman and six drug smugglers were killed in a shootout in central Iran, a few days after five drug traffickers were killed in another part of the country, official media said on Tuesday.
Police seized 4 tonnes of opium and heroin after the clash near the town of Abarkouh in Yazd province, the official IRNA news agency said, without specifying when the incident occurred.
Afghan authorities arrest 77 in connection with bomb plots
By SPA
Kabul : Afghan authorities arrested 77 people involved in suicide bomb plots last year, including
27 people from foreign countries, Afghanistan's anti-terrorism chief said Tuesday.
Gen. Abdul Manan Farahi, the anti-terrorism chief of the Afghan Interior Ministry, said the 77 included would-be suicide bombers and their accomplices. Militants set off roughly 140 suicide bomb attacks in Afghanistan last year, the Associated Press reported.
Iran-Pakistan gas agreement to be signed next week
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran will sign a gas sales and purchase agreement (GSPA) for their cross-border pipeline project next week, following a clearance by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Tuesday, the caretaker minister for petroleum and natural resources, Ahsanullah Khan, said at a news conference on Monday.
Iraq’s largest oil refinery resumes production
By SPA
Baghdad : Iraq's largest oil refinery resumed production Tuesday, a day after a technical fault sparked two fires in a production unit, a spokesman for the Oil Ministry said.
Production resumed at a capacity of nearly 200,000 barrels per day at the refinery in Beiji, 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad on Tuesday, said spokesman Assem Jihad.
Israeli, Palestinian leaders meeting before Bush arrival
By SPA
Tel Aviv : Israeli and Palestinian leaders meet on Tuesday, a day ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's arrival in the region, to try to wring some sort of progress from talks that have barely advanced since a U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will discuss procedural matters, including which negotiators will be assigned to thrash out the various issues that divide the two sides, an Israeli official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Bomb kills 2 US-led coalition members in Afghanistan
By SPA
Kabul, Afghanistan : A roadside bomb killed two U.S.-led coalition soldiers in eastern Afghanistan, while a suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked a border police patrol in the south, killing a policeman, officials said.
Clashes and another roadside bomb left nine people dead elsewhere in the country, the Associated Press reported.
Musharraf highlights Pakistan’s incessant anti-terror efforts
By SPA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf, citing Pakistan's sustained anti-terror efforts over the years, has said it has done more than any other country in combating terrorism.
In an interview with CBS channel, Musharraf vigorously defended Pakistan's efforts against terrorists on the Afghan border. "Pakistan is confronting the challenges of extremism and terrorism."
Pakistan has deployed more than 100,000 troops along its Afghan border to check movement of militants and curb terrorism.
Demonstrators hold symbolic funeral for victims of Gaza siege
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinian demonstrators held a symbolic funeral for 60 late patients who died due to an Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip since June 2007.
Carrying 60 empty coffins with the names of the deceased patients on it, demonstrators walked through the Gaza streets to protest against Israeli siege on Gaza during which the patients including children and youths lost their lives for not being allowed to go outside for medical care.
Arab League Chief due in Beirut Wednesday to press for implementing Arab plan
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa is due to start a diplomatic mission in Lebanon on Wednesday to try push for implementation of an Arab conciliation plan to end the political crisis.
The special envoy of the secretary-general in Lebanon, Ambassador Hisham Yousef, said in a statement to KUNA on Tuesday that Moussa would conduct immediate and intensive contacts with leaders of the warring parties upon his forecast arrival in the Lebanese capital.
Iranian FM says act taken in connection with US ship is normal
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry has said that the act taken in connection with an American navy ship is something normal.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said: "That's something normal taking place every now and then for each party and it (the problem) is settled after identification of the two parties."
He recalled that the case had happened in the past too and finalised as the two parties identified each other.
Iran’s gas to be exported to Syria by 2009
By NNN-IRNA
Damascus : Iran's Deputy Oil Minister Hossein Noqrekar Shirazi and managing director of the Syrian Gas company Ali Abbas have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for export of Iran's gas o Syria by the end of 2009, it was announced here.
The MoU Tuesday is a follow-up of an agreement signed by Iran's Oil Minister Gholam Hossein Nozari and his Syrian counterpart, Sufian Allaw, in September-October for export of Iran's gas to Syria via Turkey.
Four more advisers of Bangladesh caretaker government quit
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Four more advisers of the Bangladeshi caretaker government resigned Tuesday, bringing the total number of resignations to five since Dec 26 last year.
Information Adviser Mainul Hosein, Energy Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, and Industry Adviser Geetiara Safiya Chowdhury have sent their letters of resignation Tuesday.
Meanwhile, private news agency UNB has announced the resignation of Health Adviser Matiur Rahman. President Iajuddin Ahmed is yet to accept Rahman's resignation.
Israel takes security precautions ahead of Bush’s visit
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel has put police on high alert in preparation for the upcoming visit of US President George W. Bush expected on Wednesday.
Police spokesman told Israel Radio Tuesday that troops would be stationed around residence of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and King David Hotel in Jerusalem later Tuesday till the end of Bush's visit.
Police will also intensify presence in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the holy city.
UK daily reporter was not expelled, Iran says
By IRNA
London : Iran has criticised a leading British newspaper for claiming that its correspondent was expelled from the country without explanation.
"Robert Tait's case was not expulsion," the press section of the Iranian Embassy in London emphaisized in a letter to the Guardian newspaper.
Pakistani opposition leader for national unity govt
By IRNA
Lahorer : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has demanded resignation of President Pervez Musharraf and establishment of a government of national unity to organize fair and transparent elections.
"Mr Musharraf has become highly controversial and under him the elections would not be fee and fair," Sharif told a news conference.
Sharif earlier chaired a high level of his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) to chalk out strategy for the February 18 parliamentary elections.
Bangladesh postpones BIMSTEC ministerial meet at last minute
By IRNA
New Delhi : Bangladesh has postponed the ministerial meeting of seven-nation group BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) on poverty alleviation citing "poor response from the member nations" as the reason.
Dhaka was forced to postpone the two-day meeting scheduled to be held on 9th and 10th January "because of poor response from the members" due to political turmoil in most countries of the bloc, Indian national TV news portal reported here quoting Bangladesh's foreign office spokesman.
Musharraf plans to visit Benazir hometown for condolence
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf intends to visit the hometown of assassinated Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to offer condolences over her death with the family, a cabinet minister said on Monday.
Benazir was killed in firing and suicide attack on November 27 after she addressed a big public meeting in the city of Rawalpindi.
President Musharraf in his televised address on November 27 conveyed condolences with Benazir's widower Asif Ali Zardari and his children.
Suicide bomber injures 8 Pakistani soldiers: army
By IRNA
Islamabad : A suicide bomber on Monday struck an army check post in Pakistan's restive Swat valley, injuring eight soldiers, the army said.
Security forces are targeted in the valley, where thousands of soldiers have launched a fresh major offensive against the militants.
The army says that more than 300 militants have been killed over the last two months.
"At 11:15 hours today, a suicide bomber in a single cabin pickup exploded himself on the gate of Technical College near Kabbal Golf Course," the statement said.
MSE will showcase Malaysia’s heavyweight companies in UAE
By NNN-Bernama
Dubai : The Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE), to be held in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will showcase Malaysian companies which had good track records, Trade Commissioner Noraslan Hadi Abdul Hadi said.
He said that the 170 companies taking part were invited and selected by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as it wanted to show what Malaysia could offer.
Iraq to ask UN Security Council to reduce compensation paid to Kuwait to 1...
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iraq will ask the UN Security Council to reduce from 5 to 1 per cent the amount of compensaton paid by the Iraqi government, from oil revenues, to the Kuwait for damages caused by the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion of the North Gulf state.
Finance Minister Baqer Al-Zubaidi, addressing a special parliamentary session Monday, said this issue had been discussed by Iraqi and Kuwaiti officials.
"This issue was discussed with attendance of President of the Republic (of Iraq) Jalal Talabani with officials in Kuwait," he said.
El-Baradei’s visit to Iran to answer questions on Tehran’s necular file
By NNN-KUNA
Vienna : IAEA Director-General Mohammed El-Baradei's visit to Iran at the end of this week will focus on issues regarding the Iranian nuclear file.
Spokeswoman of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Melissa Fleming said in a statement Monday that El-Baradei would visit Tehran on Jan 11-12, where he would focus on several points regarding Tehran's nuclear programme.
El-Baradei had affirmed that Iran would not pose a threat to the international community due to the continuation of its nuclear programme.
Ban encouraged by Arab League’s Lebanon plan, urges non-interference of neighbours
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that he was "encouraged" by the Arab League efforts to end the constitutional crisis in Lebanon and urged the "neighbouring" countries not to interfere in Lebanese affairs so that the Lebanese people could find a solution on their own.
Bhutto’s assassin identified, says report
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistani detectives have identified former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassin, a private television channel reported Tuesday, even as the Scotland Yard team probing last month's assassination met President Pervez Musharraf.
"The identity of the gunman who fired shots on Bhutto has been traced by the Pakistani detectives with the help of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)," ARY television said in its news bulletin quoting unnamed sources.
U.S.-Iraqi forces wage offensive against al-Qaida
By Xinhua
Baghdad : U.S. and Iraqi forces had launched a new offensive against al-Qaida militants and other insurgents in Iraq on Tuesday, the U.S. military said.
The offensive, dubbed "Phantom Phoenix," is a series of operations aimed at pursuing and neutralizing al-Qaida and other extremist insurgents, a military statement quoted Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, the number two commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq, as saying.
Israel targets Hamas bases in S Gaza, civilian wounded
By Xinhua
Gaza : A Palestinian old man was moderately wounded when Israeli gunboats opened fire at a position for Hamas naval police in southern Gaza Strip Tuesday noon, security source said.
The shelling caused severe damage to the site which is one of several others alongside the coast in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
The gunboats approached the land following the bombardment and Palestinian Hamas militants exchanged fire with the Israeli marine forces.
Palestinian Authority urges Bush to help stop Israeli settlement
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian Authority (PA) on Tuesday urged U.S. President George W. Bush, who will start a Mideast tour on Wednesday, to ask Israel to stop expanding settlements in the West Bank.
"We expect that President Bush will press Israel to freeze settlement activities and stress to end the occupation of the Palestinian land as perpetration for the two-sate solution," said Nabil Abu Rdineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Fatah militants in Nablus stop fighting against Israel
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A number of Palestinian fighters of Fatah in the West Bank city Nablus Tuesday laid down arms and stopped their fighting against Israel, Palestinian security sources said.
They said that those militants affiliated with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement will stay at a Nablus prison for three months until Israel grants them amnesty.
Suspect of deadly bombing in SE Turkey captured
By Xinhua
Ankara : A suspect of last Thursday's deadly bomb attack that took place in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir was captured on Tuesday, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The suspect had received training in camps of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in the north of Iraq for a long time, Turkish officials were quoted as saying.
Hamas rejects Bush’s visit to the region
By Xinhua
Gaza : Mahmoud al-Zahar, senior Hamas leader and foreign minister in the former Hamas-led Palestinian cabinet, on Tuesday rejected the expected visit by U.S. President George W. Bush to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Bush will arrive in Israel on Wednesday, where he is expected to meet with Israeli leaders, and will also visit the West Bank and meet President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Bush will also visit in Bethlehem.
Death toll rises to 6 in Diyarbakir blast in Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Another student died on Tuesday of injuries from a bombing in Diyarbakir province in southeastern Turkey last Wednesday, raising the death toll to six in the incident, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday.
Engin Taskaya, who was injured along with 67 others during the attack, died at a hospital on Tuesday, the authorities concerned were quoted as saying.
Some injured people are still under medical care at Dicle University Hospital, according to the report.
Interpellation not a tool for creating political crises — MP Al-Shuraya”e
By KUNA
Kuwait : Interpellation is a constitutional tool guaranteed by the constitution and is not one that should be used for creating a political crisis, said MP Dr. Saad Al-Shuraya'e on Tuesday.
Katusha rocket fired from Lebanon hits Israel — spokesman
By KUNA
Gaza : An explosion, suspected to have been caused with a rocket fired from southern Lebanon, damaged a house in northern Israel on Tuesday.
A spokesman of the Israeli Army said a rocket crashed into the town of Shlomi, causing some damage to a residence, without inflicting casualties.
The Israeli media said part of the rocket blew up in the sky ahead of impact.
The spokesman added that the 122-mm Katyusha hit the north early today, indicating at other reports that suggested that an explosion was caused by old ordnance.
Israel takes security precautions ahead of Bush”s visit
By KUNA
Gaza : Israel put police on high alert on Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming visit of US President George W Bush expected on Wednesday.
Police spokesman told Israel Radio that troops would be stationed around residence of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and King David Hotel in Jerusalem later today till end of Bush's visit.
Police will also intensify presence in vicinity of Al-Aqsa mosque in the holy city.
Coalition soldier killed in roadside bomb blast
By KUNA
Kabul : A soldier of the US-led coalition troops was killed in a roadside bomb attack in eastern Afghanistan, the military said on Tuesday.
A statement from coalition's Bagram base said two soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in Bhati Kot district of the eastern Nangarhar province on Monday.
"The troops were responding to a call from the local police who had discovered another explosive device nearby, when the second bomb exploded," the statement said.
One of the soldiers later died of his injuries.
Iran, peace process dominate Bush”s agenda in the Middle East
By Joe Macaron, KUNA
Washington : President George W. Bush leaves Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday embarking on an eight-day stay in the Middle East dominated by solidifying the outcome of Annapolis conference and containing the influence of Iran in the region.
"The two themes of this trip are moving forward on Arab-Israeli peace and containing Iran", said the Director of Middle East Program in the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in a recent press conference about the trip.
El-Baradei visit to Iran to answer questions on Tehran nuclear file
By KUNA
Vienna : International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Director General Mohammed El-Baradei's visit to Iran at the end of this week will focus on issues regarding the Iranian nuclear file.
IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said in a statement Monday El-Baradei would visit Tehran on January 11-12, where he would focus on several points regarding Tehran's nuclear program.
El-Baradei had affirmed that Iran would not pose threat to the international community due to the continuation of its nuclear program.
UK for “free and fair” elections call to Pakistan
By KUNA
London : Britain Monday urged Pakistan to press ahead with "free and fair" elections in the wake of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Britains Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the House of Commons the delay in holding elections as a result of the assassination last month was "regrettable".
But the period between now and February 18 must be used to build confidence in the democratic process.
Deaths in attack against Baghdad”s awakening militias increase to 24
By KUNA
Baghdad : Death toll in the attack against Al-Sahwa (Awakening) militias in Baghdad increased to 24 with 47 injured, said an official Monday.
Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Sumaidee, the deputy chairman of the Sunni Waqf (endowments) in Iraq told KUNA that a suicide attacker wearing a belt laden with explosives blew himself up in a building housing Muslim Sunni Waqf Diwan in the Baghdad district of Al-Aadhamiah killing several people amongst them Colonel Riad Al-Sameraee, the chief of local "Al-Sahwa" militia.
Musharraf urges British team to hasten Bhutto probe
By DPA
Islamabad : Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf urged British investigators Tuesday to reach conclusions on the death of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto "as soon as possible," a presidential spokesman said.
A meeting Tuesday between Musharraf and the five-member team from London's Metropolitan Police Service Counter-terrorism Command was their first since the team's arrival Friday and was described as a courtesy call.
Former Taliban commander is new Afghan district chief
By Xinhua
Kabul : The Afghan government has appointed a former Taliban commander and provincial governor as district chief of Musa Qala, recently recaptured from the Taliban, in southern Afghanistan, an official confirmed Tuesday.
"It is a fact," presidential spokesman Hamayon Hamidzada said at a press briefing when asked if Afghan authorities had picked up former Taliban commander Mullah Salam as the chief of Musa Qala district.
IAEA head to visit Iran over uranium enrichment
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : The head of the UN nuclear watchdog will arrive in Tehran Friday on a two-day visit to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear programme, Iranian media said Tuesday.
Mohamed El Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will meet high-ranking Iranian officials in an attempt to push for further details on Iran's past and present nuclear activities, the media cited an IAEA spokesperson as saying.
Bangladesh to build 2,000 new cyclone centres
By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh will build 2,000 new cyclone centres in the 15 coastal districts this year following the deadly cyclone Sidr on Nov 15, 2007, local newspaper The Financial Express reported Tuesday.
Food and Disaster Management Secretary Mohammad Ayub Miah of the Bangladesh caretaker government said this while inaugurating a workshop on "Cyclone Sidr 2007: Early Recovery" here Monday.
He said the new cyclone centres would be built as part of the government's disaster preparedness.
PPP lashes out at Musharraf for blaming Benazir
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reacted sharply to President Pervez Musharraf's statement that she was to blame for her own murder as she had exposed herself to terrorists by looking out of her car's sunroof.
"It is strange that instead of admitting security failure the president is saying that she herself was responsible for her assassination," PPP information secretary Sherry Rehman told IANS from Noudero.
Eight tribal elders killed in Waziristan
By KUNA
Islamabad : Unknown armed-men shot dead eight pro-government tribal elders in South Waziristan tribal agency, along Afghan border, in two separate incidents, officials said on Monday.
Armed gunmen riding motorcycles sprayed bullets at the office of a local Taliban peace committee in Wana bazaar, security officials told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). They said three tribal elders were killed on the spot. In a separate incident, officials said further, gunmen killed five tribal elders in late night attacks on their homes.
Rockets hit home near Israel-Lebanon border
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Two Katyusha rockets fired from south Lebanon early Tuesday morning hit a house in an Israeli town near the Lebanese border, Xinhua has learnt.
Israel police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld confirmed that the fragments of two 122-mm Katyusha rockets were found in the western Galilee community of Shlomi. No injuries or damage were reported.
Sappers were sent to the area in search of more remains, Rosenfeld added.
Following the attack, Israeli army raised the level of alert along the northern border.
Twin suicide bomb kills 14, including Baghdad anti-Qaida leader
·Up to 14 people were killed, including an anti-Qaida leader, in a twin suicide bombing.
·Most of the victims were Awakening Council group members, the source said.
·There is some evidences indicate that Qaida in Iraq network is behind the attack.
By Xinhua
Israeli FM: Israel must keep fighting for security
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel should continue to act against terrorism during the negotiating period with the Palestinians, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said on Monday.
"We must simultaneously work to alter the situation in the field and persist in the struggle against terrorism, as well as the formation of effective institutions and security groups on the Palestinian side in order to create an effective Palestinian governing body to make agreements with," Livni was quoted by the website of local daily Ha'aretz as saying during a tour to the West Bank.
Palestinians divided over historic Bush visit
By Xinhua
Gaza : It is less than 48 hours before U.S. President George W. Bush pays a historic visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, which is aiming at moving forward the Mideast peace process and nurturing a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.
On Sunday, President Bush said in an interview with the Israeli Television that he wants to urge Israel and the Palestinians to reach a final agreement on establishing an independent Palestinian state to live side by side with Israel before the end of his political career.
Report: Bhutto attacker identified
·Pakistani police arrested several people in Swabi, where the attacker belonged.
·The attacker was killed in the suicide attack on Bhutto on Nov.27 in Rawalpindi.
·More than 20 other people were also killed and dozens were injured in the attack.
By Xinhua
Iran calls incident with U.S. naval ships “normal”
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini on Monday played down an incident between Iranian boats and U.S. naval ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, saying it was "something normal", the official IRNA news agency reported.
"It's something normal and takes place every now and then for each party, it has been resolved when the two parties identified each other," Hosseini was quoted as saying.
U.S. warns Iran over provocative actions
·The U.S. White House warned on Monday Iran to refrain from taking provocative actions.
·Pentagon alleged that 5 Iranian revolutionary guard boats "seriously provoked" 3 U.S. warships.
·Pentagon officials said Iranian boats made threatening moves in the Straits of Hormuz.
By Xinhua
Post-Benazir, Pakistan faces multiple challenges
By C. Uday Bhaskar, IANS
Tuesday, Jan 8, marks 12 days since the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto - the deeply flawed yet highly charismatic former prime minister of Pakistan. Her grief stricken country now faces multiple challenges even as Scotland Yard detectives from Britain sift through the carnage that accompanied her death in Rawalpindi on Dec 27.
US looks to Kayani for stability in Pakistan: NYT
By IANS
New York : As Pakistan's instability grows and President Pervez Musharraf faces intensifying political problems, the US is pinning hopes on the new army chief to emerge as a force for stability in the country.
Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who took command of the army in late November from Musharraf, has become an increasingly important figure to the Bush administration, but current and former US government officials are yet unsure if he can play a decisive role in the troubled country, The New York Times reported Monday.
Rain and cold kill at least 11 in Pakistan
By DPA
Islamabad : Heavy rain, snow and near-freezing temperatures during the weekend killed at least 11 people across Pakistan, a Pakistani media report said Monday.
Inclement weather, especially at higher elevations in the country's northern areas, was expected to continue this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said on its website.
The Urdu-language Express newspaper reported that six people died due to cold weather in the Sahiwal and Okara districts of Punjab province, where the temperature fell to 7 degrees in mountainous areas.
Sarkozy’s girlfriend not welcome in Saudi Arabia
By DPA
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has demanded that French President Nicolas Sarkozy's girlfriend, French-Italian singer Carla Bruni, does not accompany him to Saudi Arabia next week, a diplomatic source said Monday.
Sarkozy is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time since he took office Jan 13, according to reports. He is scheduled to discuss issues of regional concern with Saudi's King Abdullah Abdel-Aziz.
ElBaradei due in Tehran
Vienna, Jan 7, IRNA ,The UN nuclear watchdog chief Muhammad ElBaradei will visit Iran on January 11-12, said the International Atomic Energy Agency's spokeswoman Melissa Fleming here on Monday.
Fleming said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to IRNA, that the visit will be on Iran's invitation.
The statement said that during his stay in Iran, ElBaradei will meet a number of Iranian senior officials.
It said the IAEA Chief hopes the meeting would pave the ground to develop means for enforcement of the Safeguards in Iran and settlement of remaining issues.
Iran interrupts natural gas supplies to Turkey
ANKARA, January 7 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which brought a sharp fall in temperatures, rain and snow in the region, Turkish television reported on Monday.
Under a contract signed in 1996, Iran must ensure daily supplies of 28 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey via a 2,500-km pipeline connecting the two countries.
IAEA head to visit Iran over uranium enrichment
TEHRAN, January 7 (RIA Novosti) - The head of the UN nuclear watchdog will arrive Friday in Tehran on a two-day visit to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear program, Iranian media said on Monday.
Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will meet with high-ranking Iranian officials in an attempt to push for further details on Iran's past and present nuclear activities, the media cited an IAEA spokesperson as saying.
Bombs kill 14 including Baghdad volunteer leader
By SPA
Baghdad : Two suicide bombers struck in a district of Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 14
people including the leader of a U.S.-backed neighborhood security patrol, an Interior Ministry source said.
The strikes were the latest in an apparent stepped-up campaign of suicide bombings that has seen major attacks nearly every day for the past two weeks, even as overall levels of violence in Iraq have fallen, according to a report of Reuters.
Bombs kill 14 including Baghdad volunteer leader
By SPA
Baghdad : Two suicide bombers struck in a district of Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 14
people including the leader of a U.S.-backed neighborhood security patrol, an Interior Ministry source said.
The strikes were the latest in an apparent stepped-up campaign of suicide bombings that has seen major attacks nearly every day for the past two weeks, even as overall levels of violence in Iraq have fallen, according to a report of Reuters.
Muslim Parliamentarians hail Kingdom’s Rule&Shoura System
By SPA
Makkah : Parliamentarians in Muslim countries have left for home after performing Hajj as guests of the Muslim World League (MWL) within the framework of the program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
During their meetings with the MWL's secretary general Dr Abdullah al-Turki, they highlighted the Kingdom's existing Rule and Shoura (Consultation) Systems.
2 civilians killed in clash between NATO and Taliban
By SPA
Kabul, Afghanistan : A clash between NATO troops and Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan left two civilians dead and five others wounded, the alliance said in a statement Monday.
The troops battled militants after a roadside bomb attack on NATO's International Security Assistance Force soldiers on Friday near Tirin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan province, the statement said.
On Saturday, ISAF soldiers returned to the location of the clash and discovered two dead civilians and five others wounded.
Iran interrupts natural gas supplies to Turkey
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : Iran has suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which brought a sharp fall in temperatures, rain and snow in the region, Turkish television reported on Monday.
Under a contract signed in 1996, Iran must ensure daily supplies of 28 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey via a 2,500-km pipeline connecting the two countries.
Senior al-Qaeda operative arrested in Pakistan
By RIA Novosti
Islamabad : Amin al-Haq, described as security coordinator for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, has been arrested in Pakistan in a special police operation, an influential Pakistani newspaper reported on Monday.
The National newspaper cited an anonymous law enforcement source as saying that al-Haq, a leading al-Qaeda fugitive from Afghanistan and a close associate of late Afghani warlord Maulvi Younas Khalis, was arrested last week in Lahore, the capital of the Punjab province, and is being interrogated by the Pakistani police.
American helicopters hover in West Bank ahead of Bush’s visit
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Eight American helicopters hovered overhead in Palestinian West Bank territory on Monday, two days ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the region, Palestinian witnesses said.
The witnesses in Ramallah said that they saw two helicopters landed at the Palestinian presidential compound, where Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' office locates, and two others landed in a stadium in the city.
Suicide bombings kill 10 in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : At least 10 people were killed and 16 injured in twin suicide bomb attacks, which targeted the Sunni endowment office in northern Baghdad Monday morning, security sources and witnesses said.
"10 people were killed and 16 injured by the two suicide bomb attacks in Adhamiyah district," an interior ministry source said.
Iraqi engineer feared drowned in Australia
By NNN-Bernama
Melbourne : The search continues for an Iraqi man feared drowned after he was swept away in the Murray River Sunday near the rural town of Cobram, north of here.
Police said the 45-year-old and his 11-year-old son were swimming in the river when they got into difficulties about 12.15pm on Sunday.
The ``Herald Sun’’ newspaper named the missing man as Abdul Aljaleei (Aljaleei), who emigrated from Iraq 11 years ago, and his son as Baker.
“Rescuers were able to assist the boy but they were unable to reach the man,” a police spokesman said.
Three killed in Baghdad bombings
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Three Iraqis were killed and 19 others wounded in two bomb attacks in Baghdad on Monday, a well-informed police source said.
"An explosive-charge detonated in a stall in a crowded marketplace near the University of Technology in eastern Baghdad, killing three people and wounding 16 others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast damaged several nearby stalls and shops in the market, the source said.
Medics: Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in N Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinian medical sources said Monday that Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, apparently gunmen, during clashes at Erez crossing point in northern Gaza Strip.
"We were told by the Israeli side that there are bodies of two Palestinians at Erez," Mu'awia Hassanien, director of Gaza ambulance service, told reporters.
Residents in northern Gaza Strip said they heard sound of fire exchange a few hours earlier near the crossing point which links between Gaza and Israel.
The identity of the slain was not immediately disclosed.
Abbas, Olmert to meet Tuesday ahead of Bush’s visit
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's Mideast tour, a Ramallah-based al-Ayyam daily reported Monday.
Ahead of the Abbas-Olmert summit, another meeting is expected to be held later on Monday between Israeli and Palestinian negotiation teams, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was quoted as saying.
Minister: PNA presses to get control of Gaza crossings
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is close to get an Israeli approval to run Gaza crossing points after almost half year of closure due to Hamas takeover of the coastal enclave Gaza Strip, a senior PNA official said Monday.
"I think the PNA is very close to get the Israeli approval... the issue is subject to intensifying the pressure on the Israeli side," Riyadh al-Maliki, Information Minister at the acting Palestinian government based in the West Bank, told reporters in Ramallah.
Israel to minimize military operations during Bush visit
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli troops will begin reducing activities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on Monday ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's visit this week, local daily Jerusalem Post reported.
According to a decision by Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the army would continue to hunt down Palestinian militants, but does not have plans for any large-scale operations which could lead to an escalation of violence, the report said.
Israeli army arrests 11 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli forces took away 11 Palestinians accused of being members of Islamic Hamas movement from the West Bank city of Nablus early on Monday, Palestinian security sources said.
The detentions came shortly after the Israeli forces withdrew from the city following a three-day military operation.
Two hours after midnight, more than 20 tanks and armored vehicles pushed into the city from the east and the west respectively.
Up to 10 killed in Baghdad’s twin suicide bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The death toll from the twin suicide bomb attacks, which targeted the Sunni endowment office in northern Baghdad on Monday morning, rose to 10 and 16 others wounded, security sources and witnesses said.
"The toll rose to 10 people killed and 16 others injured by the two suicide bomb attacks in Adhamiyah district," an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
US magazine gets flak for running Bhutto interview
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : Widely circulated Parade magazine has defended its decision to run an interview with Benazir Bhutto conducted before the former Pakistani premier was assassinated, but many readers and bloggers have lambasted the magazine.
The US magazine's publisher, Randy Siegel, said Sunday's cover story on Bhutto was important enough to publish.
Suicide bombing at Pakistan army base injures three
By DPA
Islamabad : A suicide bomber attacked the entrance to a Pakistani army base camp Monday in the restive Swat valley in the northwest of the country, killing himself and injuring three soldiers, a military spokesman said.
The bomber blew himself up after being stopped at a security checkpoint in Kabal sub-district, site of the army's largest base camp in the Swat valley, around 11:30 a.m., said Major-General Waheed Arshad, the chief army spokesman.
"Three soldiers received minor injuries," he said.
Eight tribal elders killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Suspected militants killed eight members of a tribal peace jirga (council) in Pakistan's South Waziristan region, the army said Monday.
The attacks were carried out Sunday at two different places on the jirga members who were scheduled to hold their peace council meeting in Tank, a city on the edge of South Waziristan.
"Miscreants fired at peace committee offices in Wana Bazar and Shikai, both in South Waziristan. Eight members of the committee, three in Wana Bazar and five in Shika, died," the army said in a statement.
Five paramilitary troops die in road accident in Pakistan
By SPA
Islamabad : At least five paramilitary troops were killed when the truck they were traveling in, turned upside and down in Pakistan's Punjab province, police said.
More than a dozen and a half personnel of the Pakistan Rangers were wounded in the accident near Makdi in Cholistan of Bahawalpur district.
The paramilitary troops were returning to their headquarters after performing duty on the border with India.
Health Minister chairs Saudi delegation in Cairo session
By SPA
Riyadh : Health Minister Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Manei will chair the delegation of Saudi Arabia at the 114th session of the executive bureau of Arab Health Ministerial Council scheduled to be held on Wednesday in Cairo.
“Istiska” prayers offered throughout Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Riyadh : In Makkah, "Istiska" prayers were led by Sheikh Salih bin Mohammed al-Talib, the Imam of the Haram.
He urged the worshippers to adhere to the teachings of Islam and to remain God-fearing people.
He pointed out to the phenomena of climate warming, floods , drought, diseases which inflict the human beings, animals and birds, desertification and environmental imbalance.
"These phenomena make us deeply believe in what we were told by the Prophet (Peace be upon him).
Lebanese PM happy with Arab resolution to end Presidential crisis
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora, in several phone calls with top Arab officials, said the Arab foreign ministers' statement that was issued Sunday was paving the way for the resolution of the Lebanese presidential crisis to ultimately establish "healthy and sound" relations with Syria.
Syria ready to host Arab summit according to schedule
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Syrian Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Muallem has said here that the upcoming Arab summit would be held in Damascus according to schedule.
Speaking to reporters after an urgent meeting of the Arab foreign ministers Sunday, Al-Muallem said he discussed with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa the preparations for the summit.
Speaking about Lebanon, the top diplomat said they have agreed to agree on whatever the Lebanese people agree upon. "Without the principle of partnership and consensus, there is no resolution in Lebanon," he said.
Israel must stop expansion of settlements – Arab League’s Foreign Ministers’ Council
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Arab League's Foreign Ministers' Council has said that Israel must halt the expansion of its settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling for an end to acts that would effect the future of peace in the region.
In a final communique Sunday, the council strongly condemned the Israeli acts which were against the notion of peace in the region especially after the Annapolis conference, adding that Jewish settlements were not contributing to stability in the region.
Dhaka puts off seven-nation ministerial meet
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh has postponed the ministerial level meeting of the seven-nation group Bimstec on poverty alleviation scheduled this week, citing lack of response from participants, and "political turmoil".
The meeting, which was postponed at "the last moment", was slated for Wednesday-Thursday, The New Age newspaper said Monday.
The decision was taken "because of poor response from the members due to political turmoil in most countries of the bloc", the newspaper said, but did not elaborate.
Larijani calls on Palestinians to get rid of internal rifts
By IRNA
Damascus : Iranian Supreme Leader's representative to Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani here on Sunday evening stressed the need for the Palestinians to put aside all internal differences.
In a meeting with the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas Movement, Khalid Mashal, Larijani underlined that the Palestinian forces should remain united in their efforts to thwart the plots of the occupying Zionist enemy.
He referred to the role played by certain foreign agents in stirring up disagreements among Palestinians.
Iranian, Omani chiefs of law enforcement forces meet
By IRNA
Muscat : Visiting Iranian Police Chief Ismail Ahmadi- Moghaddam heading a high ranking delegation in the first round of talks with his Omani counterpart on Sunday announced Iran's readiness to upgrade bilateral cooperation in law enforcement and security fields.
“Istiska” prayers offered throughout Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Riyadh : 'Istiska' (rain-seeking) prayers were performed Monday morning throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, (Peace be upon him), who had urged Muslims to perform 'Istiska' prayers in cases of drought or delay in rainfall.
Pakistan faces massive power shortages
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Severe electricity shortage in Pakistan to the tune of 2,000 MW to 3,500 MW has forced several industries to lower production while some have been asked to suspend work for 15 days, a top official said.
Authorities have also asked commercial establishments to down shutters earlier to conserve power, an official of the Ministry of Water and Power told IANS.
Pakistan's total electricity production is 17,500 MW against a demand estimated at 25,000 MW.
Pakistan beefs up security ahead of elections, Muharram
By Xinhua
Karachi : In and outside of the Forum shopping mall, the most luxurious one in Pakistan's Karachi city, more security deployment than in usual days can be seen.
A much higher number of police personnel and Pakistan Rangers are patrolling the streets of the biggest city of Pakistan to prevent anything unexpected from happening.
8 members of tribal peace committee killed in Pakistan attacks
By IRNA
Islamabad : Suspected militants have killed eight members of tribal peace jirga or council in the South Waziristan tribal region, the army said on Monday.
The attacks were carried last night hours before a peace jirga, the center of South Waziristan, scheduled to be held in Tank, a city at the edge of South Waziristan.
"Miscreants fired at Peace Committee offices in Wana Bazar, the center of South Waziristan and Shikai also in South Waziristan.
Arab League Demands UN Intervention
By Prensa Latina
Cairo : The secretary general of the Arab League, Amr Mousa, called on the United Nations to intervene immediately to stop Israel's crimes in the Gaza Strip.
In a communiqué released at the AL headquarters, Mousa condemned international passivity and urged the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States - all members of the so-called Middle East Quartet - to intervene.
Cuba Reaffirms Solidarity with Saharan People
By Prensa Latina
Havana : Cuba expressed solidarity with the struggle of the people of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) for their right to self-determination and independence, the newspaper Granma reported on Saturday.
During the recently-held 12th National Congress of the POLISARIO Front, Cuba expressed its solidarity with the people of that North African country.
Two U.S. soldiers killed by roadside bombs in Iraq, military says
By SPA
Baghdad : Two U.S. soldiers were killed by roadside bombs in separate incidents in Iraq this weekend, the U.S. military said Sunday, according to AP.
One soldier was killed and another three were wounded on Sunday when a bomb exploded near their vehicle during an operation in southern Baghdad, the military said in a statement.
Units in that area are carrying out patrols along with the Iraqi army and police in order to disrupt terrorist and extremist elements operating in this section of the Iraqi capital, the statement said.
Pakistani military launches new operations in restive Swat valley
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistani army troops launched a new military operation Sunday to clear out armed Islamic militants that were spotted in remote areas of the strife-torn Swat valley, where
hundreds have died in two months of clashes, according to dpa.
An unidentified number of soldiers were involved in land and air operations between the towns of Matta and Chuprial after local residents reported that small bands of militants were looting and terrorizing villages. Swat lies in the country's north-west region, only a four-hour drive from the capital Islamabad.
Iran confirms expelling German diplomat
By SPA
Berlin : Iran Sunday confirmed that it had expelled a German diplomat for "undiplomatic activities", saying the decision was taken by the relevant authorities, according to dpa.
The confirmation by foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini did not detail either who the authorities were, or who the diplomat was.
It followed Saturday's statement by a German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman that a German diplomat had left Iran following the expulsion by Germany of an Iranian diplomat last summer.
Britain to increase number of diplomats in Middle East, South Asia
By SPA
London : Britain is to station more diplomats in the Middle East and South Asia as part of the fight against extremism, Foreign Secretary David Miliband wrote in a Sunday newspaper, according to dpa.
The number of diplomats in these areas will be increased by 32 per cent, Miliband wrote in The Sunday Times, while 107 million euros (158 million dollars) will be invested in Pakistan over the next three years to fight terrorism and extremism there.
The additional diplomats would in particular endeavour to build indigenous contacts.
Iraqis move to Kurdish north to escape Baghdad violence
By SPA
Arbil, Iraq : Iraqis living in and around Baghdad have increasingly been fleeing the violence to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish autonomous region in the relatively quieter north, Arbil's governor told the press on Sunday, according to dpa.
"The improvement of security in Baghdad has not prompted displaced people living in the Kurdish region to return to their hometowns in central Iraq," Governor Nozad Hady said.
"On the contrary, the numbers of settlers has increased lately
from 12,000 families to 16,000," he said.
Chaos in Tehran after heavy snowfalls, government closes offices
By SPA
Tehran : Heavy snowfalls and temperatures reaching more than ten degrees below zero caused chaos in Tehran on Sunday forcing the Iranian administration to close down all government offices for the next two days, according to dpa.
In a statement carried by the website of state television network IRIB the government said all schools and universities would also be closed on Monday and Tuesday as weather forecasts said the heavy snowfalls and minus temperatures were to continue.
Turkish authorities release 4 suspects in deadly Diyarbakir bombing
By SPA
Istanbul, Turkey : Authorities on Sunday released four suspects detained after a deadly bomb attack in a predominantly Kurdish city of southwest Turkey, a local official said, according to AP.
The bomb, which had been packed in a parked car, exploded Thursday in Diyarbakir as a military bus carrying soldiers passed by. Five people were killed, including four students who were studying at a nearby building for university entrance exams, and 68 people were wounded, including more than 30 soldiers.
Suicide bomber targeting an Iraqi Army Day celebration in Baghdad kills 11, wounds 17
By SPA
Baghdad : Three Iraqi soldiers threw themselves on a suicide attacker wearing an explosives vest at an Army Day celebration Sunday, and the U.S. military said their heroism likely prevented the death toll from rising much higher. Iraqi police said at least 11 people were killed in the blast, the deadliest in a series of bombings to hit Baghdad, according to AP.
Israeli right wing minister threatens to resign if talks with Palestinians begin
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Israeli right wing cabinet member Avigdor Libermann has threatened to resign from the ministerial pack if the Palestinians and Israelis embark on final status talks.
The threat, which was carried by Israeli radio quoting cabinet sources Sunday, indicate that final status negotiations between the two sides were imminent.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's cabinet, which includes several parties, could be forced to resign if some of its member parties pull out of the coalition.
Lebanese politicians welcome Arab formula to end crisis
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanon's ruling majority and opposition have welcomed the plan adopted by the Arab Foreign Ministers Council to end the country's political crisis.
According to reports, Arab foreign ministers adopted a three-point action plan Saturday to resolve the Lebanese crisis in Egypt's capital Cairo, calling for a swift consensus on Lebanese presidential election to pick out army chief General Michel Suleiman as president.
Lebanese parliament speaker supports Arab plan
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a main opposition leader, expressed support on Sunday towards a decision by Arab foreign ministers backing the election of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for the president of the country.
In a statement released Sunday, Berri praised "Arab unanimity on (safeguarding) Lebanon's supreme interest," adding that "We hope it would be carried out in reality."
Arab FMs urge Israel to halt settlement activities
By Xinhua
Cairo : Arab foreign ministers on Sunday urged the Israeli government to halt its settlement activities in a bid to help yield tangible results for the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
During an extraordinary session of the Arab foreign ministers held Sunday morning at the headquarters of the Cairo-based Arab League, the Arab top diplomats called on Israel to activate the monitoring mechanism that was agreed upon during the Annapolis conference in late November, 2007.
Zardari: the skeletons are coming to haunt him
By Zofeen T. Ebrahim, IANS
Karachi : Once viewed by many as a liability, Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of the slain Benazir Bhutto, has in a tragic turn of events taken control of her popular Pakistan People's Party (PPP). But despite his sudden rise in status, the skeletons in his closet have once again come to haunt him.
How ISI engineers Pakistan elections
By K. Subrahmanyam, IANS
A 38-page dossier prepared by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on a detailed plan by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) which was to have been released by Benazir Bhutto Dec 27, 2007, the day she was killed has been leaked by her followers in London. The objective of the plan was to cripple the opponent by slow and gradual measures, in a manner that was not connected plausibly with the subsequent elections.
Arab FMs urge Israel to halt settlement activities
By Xinhua
Cairo : Arab foreign ministers on Sunday urged the Israeli government to halt its settlement activities in a bid to help yield tangible results for the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
During an extraordinary session of the Arab foreign ministers held Sunday morning at the headquarters of the Cairo-based Arab League, the Arab top diplomats called on Israel to activate the monitoring mechanism that was agreed upon during the Annapolis conference in late November, 2007.
Arab FMs wrap up extraordinary session on Israeli settlements, Lebanese crisis
·Arab foreign ministers urged the Israeli government to halt its settlement activities.
·The Arab top diplomats called on Israel to activate the monitoring mechanism.
·"if (Israeli) settlement activities continued, we all will lose confidence..."
By Xinhua
Two U.S. soldiers killed in bomb attacks in Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Two U.S. soldiers were killed in separate bomb attacks in Iraq this weekend, the U.S. military said on Sunday.
One soldier was killed on Sunday when his vehicle was hit by a bomb explosion in southern Baghdad, the military said in a statement. Three others were wounded in the attack.
The U.S. soldiers were on patrols along with the Iraqi army and police "in order to disrupt terrorist and extremist elements operating in this section of the Iraqi capital," the statement said.
Lebanese majority, opposition welcome Arab FMs’ resolution
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese ruling majority and opposition made statements here on Sunday to express their welcome over the resolution to end Lebanese crisis reached at the meeting of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council.
According to reports, Arab foreign ministers adopted a three-point action plan on Saturday to solve the Lebanese crisis in Egypt's capital of Cairo, calling for a swift consensus on Lebanese president election to pick out army chief General Michel Suleiman as president.
Iran says trying to help Lebanese reach consensus
By Xinhua
Damascus : A visiting Iranian senior official said here on Sunday that his country makes all efforts to help the Lebanese groups reach a consensus.
Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani made the remarks at a press conference while responding to a question on Iran's stance on an Arab League (AL) plan to elect Lebanese Army Chief Michel Suleiman as president, form a national unity government and approve a new election law in Lebanon.
Lebanese parliament speaker supports Arab plan
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a main opposition leader, expressed support on Sunday towards a decision by Arab foreign ministers backing the election of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for the president of the country.
In a statement released Sunday, Berri praised "Arab unanimity on (safeguarding) Lebanon's supreme interest," adding that "We hope it would be carried out in reality."
Syrian president meets Iran’s Larijani on regional issues
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met on Sunday the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani on regional issues and bilateral relations, the official SANA news agency reported.
The two sides discussed the main issues and the recent developments in the region in addition to the importance of achieving security and stability in the Middle East, SANA said, without revealing more details.
Bomb attacks target four churches in N Iraq
By Xinhua
Mosul, Iraq : Insurgent groups attacked on Sunday four churches for Iraqi Christian minority in the city of Mosul, the capital of Nineveh province, a provincial police source said.
A car bomb parked near the Maryam al-Adhra' Church northeastern of Mosul detonated, wounding four people and damaging parts of the building, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Report: U.S. soldiers killed by Iraqi beat pregnant woman
By Xinhua
Beijing : The Iraqi soldier who shot dead two U.S. soldiers opened fire because their unit refused to stop beating a pregnant woman, a hardline Sunni group said in its website Saturday night.
The U.S. military said Saturday that an Iraqi soldier killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded three others during a combined operation in Nineveh province on Dec. 26. Iraqi General Mutaa al-Khazraji has said the soldier proved to be an "insurgent infiltrator."
Outlines of Palestinian state by end of year: Bush
By DPA
Washington/Jerusalem : Even if Israeli and Palestinian leaders do not reach a peace deal by the end of 2008, there could be "an agreement on what a Palestinian state will look like", US President George W. Bush told Israeli television.
"I'm optimistic that we can have the outlines of a state defined," he told Channel 2 News in an interview broadcast Sunday night. "I'm optimistic because I believe (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ehud) Olmert and (Palestinian) President (Mahmoud) Abbas want to achieve this objective."
Pervez Musharraf is destroying Pakistan
By Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
There is no law and certainly no order in my country. What happened this past week has shaken every Pakistani. Ms. Benazir Bhutto was no ordinary person. She served as Prime Minister twice and had returned to Pakistan in an effort to restore our country to the path of democracy. With her assassination I have lost a friend and a partner in democracy.
It is too early to blame anybody for her death. One thing, however, is beyond any doubt: The country is paying a very heavy price for the many unpardonable actions of only one tyrant – Pervez Musharraf.
Former presidential contender says Bush lies to US people
By IRNA
New York : Former US senator and presidential contender in 1972, George McGovern, criticized the Bush administration for driving the United States to war with the entire Arab and Muslim world -- more than a billion people.
He said in an article titled 'Why I believe Bush must go', published in Washington Post on Sunday that although the president was advised by the intelligence agencies last August that Iran had no program to develop nuclear weapons, Bush continued to lie to the country and the world.
US State Department statement, psychological war against Iran
By IRNA
Tehran : A recent statement by the US State Department advising US-based Iranians and foreign nationals not to travel to Iran was in line with US psychological war, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Sunday.
"The statement was issued in compliance with Washington's poisonous propaganda against Tehran," Mohammad-Ali Hosseini told reporters at his weekly press conference.
He added that all Iranian and non-Iranian nationals who have visited the country so far found a different impression about Iran and left the country with a pleasant memory.
Pakistan rejects US media report on covert tribal area operation
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan on Sunday rejected American media report that President Bush's senior national security advisers are debating whether to expand the authority of the Central Intelligence Agency and the military to conduct far more aggressive covert operations in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
The New York Times reported on Sunday the debate is a response to intelligence reports that Al Qaeda and the Taliban are intensifying efforts there to destabilize the Pakistani government.
UN launches emergency operation to feed over 1m displaced Iraqis
By IRNA
Tehran : The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) launched $126-million year-long emergency operation to feed more than 1 million displaced Iraqis.
According to a press release issued by the UN Information Center (UNIC) here on Sunday, the displaced Iraqis are unable to meet their basic needs due to the violence wracking the country.
Scotland Yard team visits Liaquat Bagh for assassination probe
By IRNA
Islamabad : Scotland Yard investigators started a probe into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto by visiting Liaquat Bagh here Saturday.
The six-member team examined the place where the former prime minister came under attack on December 27 while leave Liaquat Bagh in her vehicle after addressing an election rally.
The team, which arrived in the area under tight security arrangements, inspected the venue of the public rally.
UAE set to have women federal court judges
By NNN-Bernama
Dubai : Women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be allowed to become federal court judges when the country's judiciary law is amended.
Justice Minister Mohammad Nakhira Al Daheri told English daily "Gulf News" that the Ministry of Justice is amending the law to allow women to take up positions as judges and prosecutors at the federal level.
"At present, the law states that only a Muslim man is entitled to assume the position of a judge," the newspaper quoted him as saying.
Musharraf admits Bhutto may been shot
By NNN-PTI
Washington : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has conceded for the first time that a gunman may have shot former Premier Benazir Bhutto.
However, Musharraf insisted that she was responsible for her death as she exposed herself to danger despite being given "more security than any other person".
The Pakistan President, whose comments came days after the government claimed Bhutto died of a skull fracture and not from a gun shot wound, is facing intense criticism over the administration's explanation of the killing of the opposition leader.
Pakistan denies media report on covert US operation
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan Sunday dismissed a US media report about US covert operations in the tribal areas of Pakistan as "baseless".
The report carried by The New York Times Sunday edition said US President George W. Bush's senior national security advisers were debating whether to expand the authority of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the military to conduct more aggressive covert operations in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
Israel to negotiate core issues with Palestine
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel and the Palestinians will form a special committee for talks over the core issues of their conflict, local media reported Sunday.
The committee, led by Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and former Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qurei, will allow the two sides to engage in a real dialogue, an Israeli senior political source was quoted by local daily Ha'aretz as saying.