Blast at Iran mosque kills 15, suspects arrested
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian security forces arrested suspects behind a bomb explosion at a mosque in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan Thursday that left 15 people dead, state-run television IRIB reported.
"A bomb explosion at the 'Amir Al-Momenin' mosque in Zahedan left 15 people killed and 80 others wounded," Governor Ali-Mohammad Azad was quoted as saying by IRIB in its website.
"Security forces arrested suspects behind the bombing," said the governor without elaborating.
Blast in Pakistan’s northwest kills three
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least three people were killed and seven injured in a blast Monday in Kohat town in Pakistan's restive northwest where the military is currently engaged in a major anti-Taliban operation.
The blast, the second in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) in a week, occurred at a bus stand in Kohat's Teera Bazar area, APP news agency reported.
Earlier reports had placed the casualties at four.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast.
Anti-Taliban cleric among 12 killed in Pakistan blasts
By DPA,
Islamabad : A prominent cleric who supported the military offensive against the Taliban in Pakistan's northwestern Swat valley was killed Friday along with 11 other people in two separate mosque bombings in the militancy-plagued country, officials said.
The explosions came a day after security forces repulsed a militant raid on the residence of a regional army commander in the northwestern region, killing two attackers and arresting five after a shoot-out.
Lebanon accuses Israel of violating its border
By DPA,
Beirut : The Lebanese Army Friday accused Israel of violating the Lebanese border by establishing an observation post in a restricted area on the outskirts of the Kfarshouba hills.
"In clear violation of a restricted area of Lebanese territory, and in an attempt to impose a new reality on the ground, the Israeli enemy Wednesday set up an observation post at the edge of Kfarshouba and a military position overlooking Baathaeel pond," a Lebanese army statement said.
24 kids die after taking paracetamol in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : A private pharmaceutical firm in Bangladesh was ordered to be sealed after 24 children died on consuming paracetamol suspension, an official said.
The drug administration ordered the firm to suspend manufacturing and marketing of their products including vitamin and paracetamol suspension, New Age said Thursday.
The government ordered a seven-member committee to probe the cause of deaths.
Pakistan checking reports on Baitullah Mehsud’s death
By DPA,
Islamabad : A Pakistani security official said late Wednesday the intelligence agencies were trying to confirm reports that Taliban head Baitullah Mehsud had died in a suspected US missile strike that killed his wife in tribal region near Afghan border.
"We have been busy for hours to check the information coming from the area that Baitullah also died with his wife," a local intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity.
"Whether confirmation or disconfirmation will definitely be available in next couple of hours," he added.
Two rockets fired into Afghan capital, no casualties
By DPA,
Kabul : Two rockets believed to have been fired by Taliban militants landed near the presidential palace Tuesday, but caused no casualties, police said.
The rockets were fired from Bagrami, in the southern part of Kabul city, a police official in Kabul told DPA.
"Both rockets hit areas around the presidential palace, but fortunately there were no casualties," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud is alive, says rebel commander
By IANS,
Wana (Pakistan) : A commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Monday said his organisation will select a new chief in the next five days according to the instruction of their leader Baitullah Mehsud, a media report said.
Waliur Rehman, commander of the group in South Waziristan, said: "We have thousands of suicide attackers, who can destroy their (government) targets anywhere." He added that Baitullah Mehsud is alive, but seriously ill.
"Baitullah Mehsud has entrusted the organisation's affairs to me two months back," he said.
Afghan poll review panel completes probe in fraud charges
By DPA,
Kabul: A UN-backed Election Complaints Commission announced Monday its verdict on contested ballots from the Aug 20 Afghan presidential election, but it was not known if the rulings would push the country to a runoff vote.
"The ECC has finalised all of its decisions with respect to polling and counting for the presidential elections and has officially communicated them to the IEC," the election panel said in a statement.
Blast in Peshawar
By IANS,
Peshawar : Five people were injured in a blast in Pakistan's Peshawar city Friday.
Geo TV reported that the explosion took place in a restaurant in Phase 2 of Hyatabad area of Peshawar, capital of the North West Frontier Province.
Chinese envoy calls on Pakistani interior minister
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Luo Zhaohui Wednesday called on Minister for Interior Rehman Malik and discussed bilateral matters of mutual interests.
During the meeting, the Minister said Pakistan gives utmost importance to its relations with China, being a reliable and close friendly state.
He said both the states enjoy time tested friendship and brotherly cooperation between Pakistan and China would bring stability and prosperity in the region.
The Ambassador Luo Zhaohui said that China gives special significance to its ties with Pakistan.
Pakistani PM assures free media, package for Balochistan province
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday categorically opposed any curbs on media and assured the National Assembly that media would not be gagged through any draconian law.
“I direct the Information Minister not to accept any amendments that curb media and to ensure that media performs freely,” he said in a statement on floor of the House.
“I feel it imperative to take the House into confidence on the government policy that no such amendments be introduce that bar the media from freely functioning,” he added.
Pakistani court seeks report on US agency Black Water
By IANS,
Lahore : The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed reply from the government on an application alleging that US security agency Black Water was indulging in illegal activities in Pakistan and had a hand in the recent bomb blasts in Peshawar.
Holding there was possibility that Black Water was behind the Peshawar terror acts, the petition, filed by advocate Zafarullah, has asked that it be banned, Online news agency reported Friday.
Indian Haj delegation interacts with pilgrims in Jeddah
By IANS,
Jeddah : A 25-member Indian Haj goodwill delegation visited this port city of Saudi Arabia and interacted with Haj pilgrims there, expressing their satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Indian Haj mission.
The delegation, which was led by senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz, reached the Jeddah Haj terminal Sunday. On Monday the delegates visited various accommodations for pilgrims in Mecca and Aziziya.
They also visited the main office of the Indian Haj mission and a 50-bed hospital run by them.
US objects to Israeli construction in East Jerusalem
By DPA,
Washington : The US objected to Israeli plans announced Monday to build nearly 700 new homes in East Jerusalem, which is claimed by the Palestinians as their future capital.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the Israelis should not engage in policies that pre-empt negotiations on a final settlement and said both sides must resolve the issue.
"The United States opposes new Israeli construction in East Jerusalem," Gibbs said in a statement, adding the Israelis and Palestinians should return to negotiations "without preconditions as soon as possible".
Bangladesh opposition may get another front-row seat in parliament
By IANS,
Dhaka : The speaker of the Bangladesh parliament Tuesday mooted one more front row seat to main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to end the latter's year-long boycott over the seating arrangement.
"I can request the prime minister to allocate one more front row seat to the opposition if they raise the demand inside the parliament," Star Online quoted Speaker Abdul Hamid as saying.
Ethiopian plane crashes off Lebanon
By DPA,
Beirut : An Ethiopian airliner carrying 92 passengers and crew crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from Beirut airport early Monday, an airport official said.
The official said that around 50 Lebanese nationals were among the passengers. There were also seven crew members on board, he added.
The Boeing aircraft was en route to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when it disappeared off the radar screens shortly after take-off, the state-run Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Pakistan taxes petrol 39 percent
By IANS,
Karachi : The Pakistani government taxes petrol at a whopping 39 percent, earning Rs.19.82 for every litre sold. On Sunday, it jacked up the petrol price by Rs.6.10 to take it to Rs.71.21 per litre.
The ex-refinery price of petrol is Rs.42.72 per litre, to which is added Rs.4.42 as transportation charges, Rs.2.36 as dealers' commission and Rs.1.89 as profit for the oil marketing company, for a total of Rs.51.39 per litre.
Iran develops new system to distract missiles
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has developed a new system to distract ballistic missiles, a military official said.
The new system can prevent missiles from hitting their targets, said Deputy Commander of Iran's Air Force General Seyyed Mohammad Alavi.
Iran's Air Force has made great achievements in the production of smart ammunition and long-range weapons. The country will also start mass production of new weapons and ammunition to boost its deterrence, Press TV quoted him as saying.
Should India talk to Pakistan? Why not, say experts
By Sarwar Kashani, IANS,
New Delhi: It is necessary for India to talk to Pakistan and raise its concerns with the civilian government there because that very move can help isolate the forces that spread hatred and terror, former diplomats and experts here opine.
Dismissing the notion that diplomatic engagement with the neighbour can take place only after Islamabad takes concrete action against anti-India terrorism, the experts who spoke to IANS appeared united in the belief that dialogue was the only way to solve all problems, including terror.
Victims’ kins protest mosque plan at 9/11 site
By IANS,
New York : A community board has approved the construction of a mosque at the site of New York's World Trade Centre, which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attack, triggering protests by the victims' relatives in the city.
Relatives of 9/11 victims clashed with supporters of the proposed mosque near "Ground Zero", soon after members of Manhattan Community Board 1 approved the project with 29-1 votes. Nine members abstained the voting which concluded after four hours of debate.
Nobel laureate accusing Israel of ‘slow genocide’
By IRNA,
London : Nobel peace laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire has accused Israel of committing “slow genocide” against the Palestinian people after being forcefully prevented from delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Gaza has been cut off from the world for over three years. The people of Gaza don't have enough basic things for their needs,” 66-year old Maguire said after being deported by Israel with four other Irish activists aboard the MV Rachel Corrie.
Bangladesh’s political rivals woo China
By IANS,
Dhaka : Setting aside their political rivalry, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia have urged the visiting Chinese vice president to forge stronger economic ties and military cooperation with Dhaka.
Meeting Xi Jinping separately Tuesday, they covered similar issues, seeking a bridging of trade gap that is several times in favour of China and Beijing's entry in strategic areas like space and port building.
Pakistan flood causes crop loss worth $2.35 bn
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said the devastating floods in the country have affected 2.6 million acres of cultivated land, with the loss of crops worth $2.35 billion.
Zardari, while addressing a meeting of the country's banking sector Thursday, said Pakistan is facing a huge loss of human lives and infrastructure due to the floods and around 75 districts have been badly affected, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan welcomes additional assistance for flood victims
By DPA,
Islamabad: Pakistan Monday welcomed the additional 185 million dollars of flood aid announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
20 Palestinians killed in Syria attack
By IANS,
Damascus : At least 20 Palestinians died near Damascus Friday when government forces fired mortar rounds into a refugee camp near the capital, al-Arabiya news channel reported.
Man in Afghan army uniform kills three NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul : A man wearing a uniform of the Afghan National Army (ANA) shot dead three NATO soldiers in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the coalition confirmed Thursday.
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
LPG prices to drop in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Pakistan will decrease by about Rs.40 per kg after a new energy policy is implemented next month, an official said.
Jordan denies giving military training to Syrians
By IANS,
Amman : Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour has rejected reports that military training is being provided to Syrians in Jordan, the state-run Jordan Television reported.
18 killed, 44 injured in Iraq attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 18 people were killed and 44 wounded in separate attacks, including a suicide truck bombing, in central and northern Iraq Tuesday, police said.
Sharjah to host world’s greatest oratorio on history of Islam
By IINA,
Sharjah : Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to...
India dismisses Pakistan’s offer to Kashmiri students
New Delhi : India Friday dismissed Pakistan's offer to Kashmiri students, who had been booked in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut city for celebrating Pakistan's victory...
Myanmar reiterates commitment to peace in Rakhine state
Yangon: Myanmar President U Thein Sein has voiced his commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the country's western state of Rakhine and carrying...
Five Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Five Indians working in Saudi Arabia were killed in a road accident near the country's capital Riyadh after their van overturned following...
Sporadic violence in Karachi after MQM chief’s arrest
Islamabad: Unidentified persons torched four vehicles in the Pakistani commercial hub of Karachi Tuesday following the arrest of MQM leader Altaf Hussain in London...
Abbas, Kerry discuss ceasefire in Gaza
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to work jointly to ensure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,...
US working to stop Hamas attacks to defuse Mideast tension
Washington : The US has said it is working to end rocket fire from Hamas in an effort to defuse the current crisis in...
8 year old Bhatkal boy earns prestigious ‘Preacher of the Nation’ award in UAE
By TwoCircles.net Staff reporter,
New Delhi: A Karnataka coastal town of Bhatkal which continuously remain in mainstream media’s focus due to its being a “home town” of alleged Indian Mujahideen outfit’s absconding founders Reyaz and Iqbal Shabandri has unfortunately missed the Indian mainstream media’s spotlight when an 8 year little boy of its origin won the highest prestigious reward for a child in Dubai of being ‘Preacher of the Nation’.
JTA decries Israel’s offensive in Gaza
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Jamia Teachers’ Association (JTA) has strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities being perpetrated by Israel on helpless Palestinians in Gaza.
Quirks of History: How Jinnah forestalled Fazlul Haq’s gambit
By Prof. Refaqat Ali Khan,
Write Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh, an NGO, invited me to attend the SAARC Literary Festival in Dhaka on 27-28 February, 2014. Delegates from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives were participants. The seminar / festival proposed a discussion / review “Beyond Borders, Trust and Reconciliation”.
‘More than 150,000’ killed in Syrian conflict
Istanbul : More than 150,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights said in a new figure released Tuesday.
40 suicide jackets seized from Afghanistan border
Islamabad : At least 40 suicide jackets were seized by security forces at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, media report said Monday.
Official sources said the jackets...
Muslim Organizations in Mumbai send memorandum to Egypt’s Ambassador to India
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Expressing their concerns for the violation of Human Rights in Egypt, some Muslim organizations in Mumbai has sent a combined memorandum to the Egypt’s Ambassador to India. These organizations have also appealed Government of India to bring the matter before United Nations and help restore democracy in Egypt.
Of Pakistan’s Punjab and high levels of drug use
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: When it comes to drug use, Pakistan’s province of Punjab due to its large share of the population, has the highest number of people who use and inject drugs with 2.9 million people using illicit substances in the past year and approximately 260,000 people who currently inject drugs.
Pakistan’s SC orders formation of national council for protecting minorities’ rights
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the federal government to form a national council of minorities' rights for protection of minority rights and ensuring religious harmony.
Love Thy Neighbor: Nawaz Sharif’s Visit to India
By Ram Puniyani,
India Pakistan relations have always been mired with in various controversies, which have been preventing the friendly relations with our neighbor, who in ‘popular perception’ is seen as an enemy. It is due to this that while all the members of SAARC countries have been invited, the one to draw maximum popular attention has been the coming of Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. In a deft move India’s the then Prime Minister designate sent an invite to all the heads of SAARC countries for his swearing in ceremony, (16 May 2014)which was held with great pomp and show.
“We are all Palestinians” Chant tens of thousands in London
By M Ghazali Khan,
London: Thousands of protesters, estimated around 100,000, have demonstrated outside the Israeli Embassy against Israeli aggression on Gaza and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians.
Obama’s Eid greeting to Muslims backfires
Washington : A White House message on Twitter wishing “Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed and joyous celebration” of...
Pakistan lodges protest with India over firing across ‘working boundary’
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: The Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and lodged a protest over what it called...
Iran’s state TV station airs video of Hormuz ship incident
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's state television station on Thursday aired a video released by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of an incident of confrontation between U.S. and Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz four days ago.
The footage, which lasted for about four minutes, showed an Iranian commander in a speedboat contacting a U.S. sailor via radio, asking him to identify the U.S. vessels.
IAEA chief to hold ‘important’ meetings with IRI leaders
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said Friday ties between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have entered a new stage. He also said ElBaradei will hold "important" meetings with Iranian leaders Saturday.
Aqazadeh who was addressing a joint press conference with the IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei, assessed his talks with Elbaradei as "good and comprehensive."
Gunmen launch second attack on American school in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Gunmen broke into an American school building in Beit Lahya west of the Gaza Strip early on Saturday in the second such attack on it since Thursday.
Local radio stations quoted school director Rabhi Salem as saying that an unidentified armed group broke into the school building Saturday dawn, sabotaged parts of it, stole computers and other items and set fire at six buses that were completely destroyed.
Tunis worried about situation in occupied Palestinian territories
By Xinhua
Tunis : Tunis is deeply worried about the situation in occupied Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip, the Tunisian Foreign Ministry announced Monday.
A statement released by the ministry said that the deterioration of the situation in the occupied territories, especially the Gaza Strip, could trigger a humanitarian disaster.
Mubarak says he allows Gazans into Egypt to buy basic needs
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday said he ordered the Egyptian security forces at the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egyptian border to allow Palestinians to cross the terminal to buy their basic needs, the Egyptian Nile TV reported.
Spokesman: U.S. has not changed policy toward Iran
By Xinhua
Washington : The United States has not changed its policy toward Iran although its envoy was found sitting together with the Iranian foreign minister at an international panel, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Wednesday.
Referring to reports that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad sat beside Iranian Foreign Minister at a panel of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Saturday, McCormack said that Khalilzad's behavior was not authorized.
Tajik officers seize 500 kg of drugs on Afghan border
By RIA Novosti
Dushanbe : Tajik special forces seized over 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of opium-related drugs on the Afghan border and arrested eight suspects, a source in the country's Security Committee said on Thursday.
An estimated 73 kg of heroin was seized in the special operation. The source said the suspects are believed to be part of a major international drug-smuggling ring.
Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia, is a major transit country for drugs from the world's largest heroin producer, Afghanistan.
Israel Embassy Shot in Mauritania
By Prensa Latina
Tel Aviv : A group of six armed men opened fire on the Israeli Embassy in Nouakchott, capital of Mauritania, on Friday, one of the north African countries that has relations with Tel Aviv.
The Israeli ambassador to Mauritania, Boaz Bismut, said no embassy employees were hurt in the early Friday morning attack.
Security guards at the embassy engaged in a battle with the armed men who were firing from a nearby disco, and who left the area in a car.
Mauritania, Egypt and Jordan are the only Arab States that have relations with Israel.
GCC support economic, political reforms in Yemen – Al-Attiya
By NNN-KUNA
Sanaa : GCC member states are determined to support efforts by the Yemeni government to implement a road map to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and follow reform guidelines called for by the conference of donor states, GCC Secretary-General Abdel-Rahman Al-Attiya said Friday.
Speaking to reporters on his arrival to Sanaa, he said the reforms called for are part of a batch of national measures included in the 2006-2010 five-year development plan.
Iranian test shows need for missile defence system: Pentagon
By DPA
Washington : Iran's test-launch of a research rocket could aid the country in developing ballistic missile technology, the Pentagon has said, insisting on the urgency to deploy the proposed missile-defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Iran tested a rocket Monday saying it would lay the groundwork for eventually launching its own satellites. US officials are concerned the programme could boost a missile capability and a potential to carry nuclear weapons.
Hamas: PNA uses Gaza humanitarian crisis for political aims
By Xinhua
Gaza : A spokesman for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said on Thursday that Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is using humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a tool to defeat Hamas movement.
"The crisis in Gaza was a humanitarian one resulted from the siege...it is unacceptable that the crisis be exploited in a way that builds pressure on Hamas movement," said Sami Abu Zuhri.
Pakistan on important journey to complete democracy: minister
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Nisar A. Memon said the nation was on important journey to complete democracy and all stakeholders must play their active role in the upcoming general elections and making it a successful.
Taking to PTV Thursday, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the electioneering that was getting momentum day by day across the country.
Arab, European FMs to discuss Middle East conflicts
By NNN-KUNA
Vienna : Foreign ministers of a number of Arab countries will discuss with European counterparts, in Malta Monday, cooperation and best means to address conflicts in the Middle East.
According to a press release issued by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the Arab and European ministers, in addition to Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa, will be given a review by Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plasnik on outcomes of her recent tour in the Middle East.
Israel arrests six Palestinians in West Bank raids
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli forces on Monday arrested six Palestinians in several parts of West Bank, Palestinian security sources said.
The detentions took place in the cities of Hebron, Tulkarem and Qalqilia, the sources added. Israel says the people were detained for being wanted by the Israeli security agencies.
Israel boosted up security measures in the West Bank since last week following a suicide attack into southern Israeli town Dimona on Jan. 4. The suicide-bombers were from West Bank city of Hebron.
Security high alert in Pakistan ahead of elections
By KUNA
Islamabad : Security has been given high alert across Pakistan as the election campaign ends Saturday midnight and the country prepares to embrace much-awaited general elections on Monday.
The Federal Interior Ministry has received reports that suicide bombers, trained in bordering tribal region, have entered in the major cities and could target leading elections candidates to sabotage February 18 elections, ministry sources told KUNA.
Pakistani PM greets nation on ‘successful’ completion of elections
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro on Monday congratulated the Nation on the successful completion of 'free, fair and transparent' elections.
In a statement the Prime Minister said these were historic elections held under most challenging times and the people of Pakistan have proved to the world that they are a responsible Nation, determined to protect their sovereignty and solidarity.
Turkey may launch major attack on Iraq Kurds in March
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : Turkey may carry out a military operation against Kurdish insurgents based in northern Iraq in the second half of March, a national daily reported on Thursday.
"The operation may only start when the snow begins to melt, which will be some time in late March," Sabah said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, indicated on Wednesday that weather conditions would be a key factor in a possible operation.
Afghan Blast Kills British Soldier
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : One British soldier died and another was wounded when their vehicle activated a roadside bomb in Helmand, north of Sangin, south Afghanistan.
Military sources said in Kabul the soldiers belonged to the International Security Assistance Forces led by NATO. The ISAF report omits details on another soldier dead and a second wounded.
This fatality raised to 89 the amount of itish killed since the beginning of the US-led invasion out of the 7,800 British soldiers deployed, mostly in Helmand.
Two Palestinians killed, one wounded in Israeli raid on Maghazi Camp
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinian activists were killed and a third was wounded in an Israeli air raid early Friday on Maghazi Camp, central Gaza Strip.
Palestinian witnesses and medical sources said Israeli helicopters launched a missile at a number of Palestinian activists grouping near the border between eastern Maghazi Camp and Israel, killing two and wounding a third.
Ambulances rushed to the area and medics transported the three victims to a hospital in Der Al-Balah, central Gaza.
Kuwaiti FM lauds relations with Tunisia
By NNN-KUNA
Tunis : Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah has lauded relations with Tunisia during his meeting here with President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali.
Speaking to the Tunisian media on Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammad said that the meeting was a chance to view means to bolsteral bilateral relations on different domains.
Journalist Bazlur Rahman dead
By IANS
Dhaka : Bazlur Rahman, former editor of the daily Sangbad and a freedom fighter, has died following a massive heart attack.
He was 67.
Rahman's wife Matia Chowdhury is a former minister and Awami League presidium member.
Rahman started his career as a reporter with the Sangbad in 1961. He also had a brief stint with the daily Ittefaq, The Daily Star newspaper said Wednesday.
He was once actively involved in politics as a member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and of the National Awami Party (Mozaffar).
US does not intervene in Palestinian damages lawsuit
By SPA
Washington : The Bush administration on Friday declined a request from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to intervene to stop compensation payments in legal cases won by the families of American victims of Palestinian violence, U.S. officials said.
“We are declining the statement of interest in this case,” said State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey.
Under the U.S. legal system, the president can decide in cases of national strategic importance “to declare an interest” in a court case and call for a lawsuit to be dropped.
Three explosions in Pakistani city, over 20 dead, scores wounded
By KUNA
Islamabad : More than 20 people were killed and scores wounded in three explosions that rocked an east Pakistani city Tuesday morning, a week after two suicide blasts in the city killed over 11 and wounded dozens others, said police and eyewitnesses.
The first explosion took place inside the six-storey Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building on the busiest Temple Road in Lahore, and the second occurred near a school and Bilawal House of slain Benazir Bhutto in Model Town area, police sources told KUNA.
Pakistani President summons National Assemblies to meet on March 17
By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has summoned the National and Provincial Assemblies to meet on March 17, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported on Tuesday.
Musharraf has signed the summary sent by caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro to convene the first session of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies after general elections, said the report.
Pakistan's two major parties, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), signed a joint declaration on the formation of new government on Sunday.
Malaysia’s Abdullah Urges OIC To Launch Defence Against Extremism, Islamophobia
By Abdul Muin Abdul Majid, Bernama
Dakar : Malaysia urged the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to mount a defence against extremism and Islamophobia and strive to grow through self-reliance as it handed over the chairmanship of the grouping to Senegal Thursday after four-and-a-half years at the helm.
Bad weather to hit UAE on Saturday and Sunday
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology of the Meteorological Department is strongly advising drivers to be cautious while driving on the highways on Saturday and Sunday.
It said visibility will be very poor as a result of bad weather caused by sandstorm, particularly in the western region.
The department also advised people who have allergy and asthma to remain indoor during this period.
Dhaka government to talk to parties on poll code
Dhaka, March 25 (IANS) Bangladesh's army-backed caretaker government wants to initiate talks with political parties to evolve a code of conduct for the elections it has promised for this yearend.
But it also wants the politicians' support to sustain political and electoral reforms and the anti-graft drive that politicians say is aimed against them.
French Defense Minister says NATO in control in Afghanistan
By SPA
Paris : The French Defense Minister says NATO forces have «overall control» of the military situation in Afghanistan.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Herve Morin said France is looking at ways of boosting its troop levels there. But he said no decision has been made, and an announcement won't come until next week's NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania.
Mubarak set for talks at Kremlin on nuclear and arms trade
By DPA
Moscow : Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak is expected strike a deal with Moscow during his visit on nuclear cooperation, the terms of which will depend on Russia's ambition to sell arms to Cairo, Russian newspapers said Tuesday.
In opening a two-day visit at the Kremlin, Mubarak expressed hope that "relations which have lasted over 50 years will further develop successfully."
The Egyptian leader, who trained as a pilot in the former Soviet Union, remembered: "I have been in this country many times, I know it well."
Three policemen killed, wounded by roadside attack in S. Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : One Afghan policeman was killed and two others wounded when their vehicle hit a mine planted by Taliban insurgents in southern Afghan province of Helmand on Wednesday, said an official.
Mohammad Hussein Andiwal, the provincial police chief told Xinhua that accident occurred at around 5 a.m.(GMT0030) when a group of police were patrolling in Gereshk district.
Meanwhile, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, the purported spokesman of Taliban took responsibility for this roadside attack adding around six policemen were killed and injured.
PPP led coalition agree to distribute Ministries
By IRNA
Islamabad : The coalition of PPP-PML-N, ANP and others has agreed to distribute the Ministries in an equitable way and decided to appoint five Federal Minister in the first phase to resolve the matter within a week.
Reliable sources said Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi of PPP will hold the office of Foreign Ministry and PML-N leader Ishaq Dar will be appointed as Finance Minister, Sherry Rehman as Information Minister and Syed Khurshid Shah as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs.
Former head of FIA Rehman Malik will be inducted as Advisor to Interior Ministry.
Iran dismisses Pres Bush’s ‘unjustified’ anti-Iran claims
By IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini on Friday dismissed the US President George W. Bush's "unjustified" anti-Iran claims.
"Such claims represent baseless, repeated and boring stances and are an effort to offlay responsibilities of an occupying state," Hosseini said on Friday.
He said the US President's claims should be interpreted as evasion of ongoing Iraq realities as the US statesmen have never been ready to accept them and have been willing to cause more insecurity and instability and add up to pains and sufferings of the Iraqi people.
Rice meets with Palestinian, Israeli officials
By KUNA
Jerusalem : A meeting was held on Monday among Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni and her American counterpart Condoleezza Rice, along with Head of Palestinian Final-Status Negotiations Team Ahmad Qurei, Israel Radio said.
The radio added that the meeting was held at Dawood Hotel in Jerusalem, addressing final-status issues.
Singapore’s religious Council condemns anti-Islam Dutch Movie
By SPA
Singapore : Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura "MUIS" (The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore), has condemned the production and release of the video called "Fitna".
The 15-minute video was produced by Geert Wilders, a Dutch right-wing Member of Parliament.
In a statement, 'MUIS' said "the film distorts verses of the Holy Quran. It also incites hatred of Muslim immigrants among Europeans, by including acts of violence that were committed by radicals."
Major corruption charges leveled against son of former Bangladesh PM Zia
By KUNA
New Delhi : In a major anti-graft move, Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally leveled charges against Tareque Rahman, detained son of former PM Khaleda Zia, for amassing illegal wealth and concealing information.
ACC submitted the charge sheet to the Court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Dhaka last night, Bangladesh's leading English daily 'The Daily Star' reported Tuesday.
Pakistan not to allow any intrusion into its territory: Foreign Minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan would not allow any country to take action inside its territory.
The American CIA chief said this week that the U.S can strike Pakistani territory if it receives information about the presence of al-Qaeda leaders there.
"We cannot allow any other country to take action within our territory. This is the matter of our sovereignty and we cannot compromise on it," Qureshi said in a private television interview.
He said the features of new government's policy vis a vis counter terrorism are very clear.
Pakistan hints to lift restrictions on detained nuclear scientist
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan's Foreign Minister hinted on Monday to lift restrictions on the country's nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who has been under detention since January 2004.
Khan was put under house arrest after he was produced on the state-run television to say that he exported nuclear technology outside Pakistan.
But Khan said in recent interviews that he had taken responsibility of nuclear transfer only to save the country.
Pentagon files charges again an Afghan detainee in Guantanamo
By KUNA
Washington : The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) declared on Monday charges against a Guantanamo detainee from Afghanistan.
"Mohammed Kamin provided material support to terrorism by joining the terrorist organization al Qaeda and receiving training at al Qaeda training camps on making remote detonators for improvised explosive devices (IEDs)", said the Pentagon in a statement.
Latest Israeli-Palestinian round of talks centers on basic issues — official
By KUNA
Gaza : A senior Palestinian official said on Wednesday that talks that were held between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams on Tuesday addressed a host of issues namely those related to the final status.
Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, told Voice of Palestine Radio that the discussions that involved him, along with the head of the Palestinian team, Ahmad Qurei, and the Israeli team, led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, centered on final-status issues.
The three-hour meeting, held in Jerusalem, was attended by experts from the two sides, he added.
Police: 10,000 workers protest in Bangladesh
By SPA
Dhaka, Bangladesh : An official says about 10,000 textile workers have clashed with police near Bangladesh's Capital during protests demanding better wages to meet higher food prices, the Associated Press reported.
Dozens of people including at least 20 police officials have been injured in violence Saturday, police station Official Angur Akhter said by telephone.
The protesters are demanding better wages so that they can face higher food prices, she said.
Israeli missile targets Palestinians in eastern Gaza — sources
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian was injured early on Sunday after a missile fired by Israeli ground forces targeted Shejaeya district in eastern Gaza.
Palestinian security sources said the Israeli forces stationed at Nahal Azor, eastern Gaza, launched a missile towards a number of Palestinian citizens on Al-Mantar Street in Shejaeya, where one of them was injured. The sources added that ambulances rushed to the site and medics transferred the injured Palestinian to the Al-Shefa Hospital in Gaza to receive treatment.
Israeli illegal settlements ‘highly provocative,’ says UK minister
By IRNA,
London : Foreign Office Minister Lord Howell has accused the Israeli regime of being “highly provocative” by continuing to build illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territories.
Zardari stays execution of Christian woman
By Awais Saleem,IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday stayed the execution of a Christian woman who was sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy.
Iran opposition vows protests until leaders are freed
By DPA,
Berlin : The Iranian opposition said Monday that its protests would continue until the release of two of its main leaders, according to messages on its websites.
Italian jailed in Dubai for molesting air passenger
By IANS,
Dubai : An Italian man was Tuesday sentenced to four months in jail by a Dubai court for molesting a woman traveller on a flight from Jakarta to Dubai.
NATO Libya mission to continue as long as necessary: Rasmussen
By IRNA,
Berlin : NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen vowed Thursday to keep up military pressure on the regime of Libyan dictator Moammar Qadhafi 'as long as necessary.'
Yemen may witness signing of power transition plan Saturday
By IANS,
Moscow : A power transition plan between Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the opposition could be signed Saturday in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Al Jazeera reported.
Stand by Pakistan’s security forces: Malik tells countrymen
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has urged the people not to criticise the military, and to stand by the country's security forces.
4,000 bottles of liquor seized in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : More than 4,000 bottles of foreign branded liquor valued at Rs.20 million (around $220,000) has been seized in the Pakistani city of Karachi.
Bomb in northern Lebanese city kills 18
By SPA,
Tripoli, Lebanon : Lebanese security officials say the toll from the morning rush hour bombing of a bus carrying civilians and members of the military in the northern city of Tripoli has now risen to 18 killed and 40 wounded.
The Associated Press quoted officials as saying that the dead included 10 off-duty soldiers.
The blast occurred Wednesday morning when a roadside bomb went off on a busy main street of Tripoli as a public bus drove by.
Over 3 dozen militants killed in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have eliminated more than three dozens of militants over two days of fierce fighting in southern Afghanistan, said a Coalition statement released here on Friday.
Several groups of militants engaged ANSF and Coalition forces reconnaissance patrol with machine guns, RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenade) and small arms, the statement said.
Saudi intelligence chief in Pakistan on Musharraf’s fate
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Saudi intelligence chief dashed to Islamabad to broker a deal between the embattled President Pervez Musharraf who is facing impeachment and possible trial, local media reported.
Muqrin ibn Abdul Aziz met President Musharraf and leaders of the ruling coalition to discuss a 'safe exit' for the President, TV channels reported.
There was no official word and also the Saudi embassy did not comment.
German army admits civilian shootings in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Berlin : German soldiers rained gunfire on a carload of innocent civilians in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late Thursday evening, killing a woman and two children, the German army announced on its website on Friday.
"Based on what we know now, evidence has been obtained at the scene suggesting that the shots fired at the vehicle came from German guns," the army was quoted saying.
"Whether shots were fired at the vehicle from the other side has yet to be conclusively clarified," the military added.
General petraeus submits preliminary Iraq report
By SPA,
Washington : General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has submitted to Defense Secretary Robert Gates his initial recommendation on when to resume a U.S. troop withdrawal and at what pace, a senior military officer said Friday.
The officer, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Petraeus was still analyzing the situation and had not yet submitted a final set of recommendations, which he is expected to do within the next week or so. The officer did not provide any specifics of Petraeus’ initial recommendations.
NATO artillery kills three children in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : At least three children were killed and seven wounded Monday when artillery fire by NATO-led security forces accidentally hit a civilian compound in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktika, officials said.
The incident occurred when the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) called for return fire after insurgents attacked one of its convoy in Gayan district of the province, the ISAF said in a statement.
The artillery shell “accidentally” landed close to a civilian compound, killing at least three children and wounding seven, it said.
Ahamadinejad’s presence at China Paralympics to affect Iranian champs’ results – Official
By IRNA,
Beijing : Head of National Paralympics Committee of Iran told IRNA here Monday President Mahmoud Ahamadinejad's presence at 2008 China 13th Paralympics Opening Ceremony would definitely positively affect performance of Iranian athletes.
Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa added, "The Iranian President's presence is proof for the extent of importance the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches to athletic sports.
Pakistan PM survives assassination attempt
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Wednesday escaped an assassination attempt after unknown gunmen opened fire on his convoy just outside Islamabad, officials said.
"The prime minister has safely reached his office in Islamabad," Information Minister Sherry Rehman said.
Gilani's motorcade was returning from the airport in the neighbouring garrison town of Rawalpindi when a volley hit his armoured Mercedes limousine and some other escort vehicles, a security official said.
Zardari prepares to be sworn in as Pakistan’s president
By DPA,
Islamabad : Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is set to take the oath of office Tuesday as president of Pakistan after his weekend election, officials said.
"Zardari will be sworn in at a ceremony to be held at the President House around 1 p.m. today," his party's spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Tuesday.
Abdul Hamid Dogar, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, is to administer the oath.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai and foreign diplomats based in Islamabad were expected to attend the ceremony.
100 militants killed in northwest Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At Least 100 Islamic militants have been killed in two separate clashes with security forces in northwest Pakistan, officials said.
Military troops, backed by gunship helicopters and artillery fire, targeted rebel positions Thursday in the Tangkhata area of Bajaur district in the country's lawless tribal region.
"Up to 90 insurgents, most of them foreign fighters, died," said a security official, requesting anonymity.
Australian FM says to renew aid offer to Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Canberra : Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said on Monday his country will renew its offer of counter-terrorism assistance to Pakistan after the suicide truck bombing of an Islamabad hotel which killed at least 53 people.
Smith told ABC Radio while in New York for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly that he would hold formal bilateral talks with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi this week.
Afghanistan: influx of Pakistani refugees could spark crisis – ministry official
By NNN-IRIN,
Kabul : Any increase in the flow of refugees from northwestern Pakistan into eastern parts of Afghanistan could lead to a humanitarian crisis unless international aid organisations deliver urgent assistance, a senior official at Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Returnees Affairs (MoRRA) has said.
"We are deeply concerned about insecurity in the Tribal Areas [of Pakistan] and the influx of Pakistani refugees into Afghanistan," Abdul Qader Ahadi, deputy minister in the MoRRA, told IRIN in Kabul.
India, Palestine hold talks on bilateral issues
By IRNA,
New Delhi : Visiting President of Palestinian, Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday held talks Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. West peace process and bilateral issues are understood to have been discussed at length during the talks.
Later an agreement on the construction and equipping of a school named after the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in Abu Dees in Palestine was signed.
Afghanistan security situation may worsen: US military chief
By DPA,
Washington : The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff in Afghanistan, Admiral Mike Mullen, has said the situation in the country will worsen, according to reports Friday.
In light of the poor economic situation and an intensifying Taliban insurgency, he told US media: "I would anticipate next year would be a tougher year."
"The overall development is not going in the right direction," he said, according to the New York Times.
Condoleezza Rice cancels plan to visit UAE, Oman
By SPA,
Washington : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday she cancelled plans to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman this week and instead will stay in Washington to help address the global finance crisis.
Rice said Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte will represent the United States at the fifth annual Forum for the Future in Abu Dhabi on October 17-19, adding she was “disappointed” she cannot attend the event.
Palestinian militants continue rocket attacks on Israel
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv/Gaza : Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have fired at least three rockets at southern Israel on the third day of renewed hostilities that threaten a fragile five-month truce, the Israeli military said Friday.
The rockets exploded in deserted areas, without inflicting casualties or damage. Islamic Jihad, Gaza's second-largest militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Militant commander among 7 killed in shelling in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A local militant commander and six others were killed in fresh shelling by the Pakistani security forces in Bajaur tribal region on Friday, TV channels reported.
Shah Khalid, a commander of local Taliban, was killed in Mamond area of Bajaur, ARY television reported.
There was no official confirmation of Khalid's death.
Dawn TV also reported bombing by early morning in Mamond and Chaharmang areas.
Fresh shelling came at a time when funeral of slain tribal chief Malik Rehmatullah, his son and guards held in Badan area.
Pakistan to release 101 Indian prisoners Wednesday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : One hundred and one Indian prisoners being released by Pakistan will cross the Wagah border Wednesday when Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be in New Delhi to discuss confidence building measures with his counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
Pakistan Sunday announced that that 99 Indian fishermen arrested for illegally entering into Pakistan's territory and two other prisoners who have completed their jail terms will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Wednesday.
Seven militants killed in northwestern Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least seven militants were killed and several injured in the overnight military operation in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, media reports said Tuesday.
Security forces pounded the militants' hideouts in Damadola, Badaan, Safray and Kaga areas of Mamond in Bajaur tribal agency where Pakistani troops have been engaged in fierce clashes with Taliban and Al Qaeda militants since last August, the News Network International news agency reported.
Pakistani President Zardari asks India to ‘resist striking out at his government’
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Warning that militants have the power to precipitate a war in the region, President Asif Ali Zardari has asked India to "resist striking out at his government" should investigations show that "Pakistani militant groups" were responsible for the attacks in Mumbai.
The Pakistani President said his country should not be punished for the three-day terrorist rampage in Mumbai that killed around 200 people including foreigners.
Saudi embassies and conculates have issued some 1,750,000 Hajj visas
By NNN-SAP,
Riyadh : Saudi embassies and consulates have concluded issuing visas to pilgrims of various nationalities for this year's Hajj.
This was stated by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Alsalloom Tuesday.
He added that by Tuesday, more than 1,750,000 visas have been issued.
Afghanistan signs Anti-Cluster bomb Treaty
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghanistan has inked the Anti-Cluster Bomb Treaty in Norwegian capital Oslo, according to a statement released by Afghan presidential Palace on Thursday.
"Afghan ambassador to Norway Jawed Ludin signed the Treaty on behalf of his government at a two-day conference in Oslo on Wednesday," the statement said.
So far, 92 countries have joint the international treaty to ban the product and use of the cluster munitions.
Zardari does not deny Mumbai attacks directed from Pakistan
By ANTARA News/DPA,
Ankara : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday refused to deny reports that the attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai were carried out by people operating from Pakistan.
"Pakistan has always discouraged, and our position that we are the victims of terrorism. Pakistan is currently doing its own internal investigation and it is waiting for concrete proof," Zardari said.
Asked whether Pakistan would change its own approach to combatting terrorism in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, Zardari said his government`s focus would remain on fighting terrorists.
Israeli spokesman: Six Palestinian missiles launched at S. Israel today
By KUNA,
Gaza : A spokesman of the Israeli Army Thursday said Palestinians fired six local-make missiles from Gaza Strip on different areas of southern Israel, as the ceasefire seems to be taking its last breath.
A spokesman told Radio Israel the missiles were fired at different intervals, the last of which fired after noon today on the Western Negev region.
He added the missiles came hours after raids by Israeli jet planes on Palestinian targets in Gaza and the killing of a Palestinian in an attack on his home in Beit Lahya.
Obama receives briefing on India-Pak troop build-up
By NNN-PTI,
Washington : US President-elect Barack Obama, who is keeping a close tab on India-Pakistan ties in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror strikes, has received security briefings on the reported build up of troops on the Indo-Pak borders.
Obama, who is spending Christmas vacation in Hawaii, received the briefing on the latest situation in South Asia on Saturday from White House officials.
Hasina government moves to quell campus violence
By IANS,
Chittagong (Bangladesh) : The newly installed Sheikh Hasina government has deployed the police to quell campus violence after Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists snapped telephone lines of the Chittagong University vice-chancellor's office and drove out the deputy registrar, a media report said Wednesday.
Four assistant proctors of the university submitted their resignation letters Tuesday to Vice-Chancellor (VC) Badiul Alam who accepted the resignations of three of them, The Daily Star said.
Merkel, Obama discuss Middle East issue
By KUNA,
Berling : German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a long phone call Monday evening with US President Barack Obama on issues including the conflict in the Middle East, an official statement said.
A spokesman of the German government said Tuesday in a press release that Merkel and Obama also discussed the world financial and economic crises and stressed on the importance of international cooperation to overcome them.
Dhaka slams Islamabad for linking Bangladesh to Mumbai attacks
By IANS,
Dhaka : Dhaka has strongly condemned a Pakistani investigation agency's claim of a Bangladesh-based terror outfit's involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks.
"Militants and terrorists do not belong to any territory, country and nation. I am shocked at such a claim," The Daily Star Saturday quoted Home Minister Sahara Khatun as saying.
"We need your cooperation and suggestion. I can promise that I would try to root out terrorism, militancy and extortion even if I have to put my life on the line if you cooperate with us," the minister said at a college sports gathering.
Obama plans to push forward on Middle East peace
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama intends to work toward Middle East peace regardless of who forms Israel's new government, the White House said Wednesday.
"President Obama looks forward to working with whoever makes up that next Israeli government in a search for lasting and durable peace in the region," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Obama telephoned President Shimon Peres to congratulate Israel for its successful elections and praised him for his steadfast support for a two-state solution with the Palestinians, the White House said.
Bomb blast kills eight in northwest Pakistan
By IANS,
Peshawar : At least eight people were killed and 16 others injured Tuesday in a bomb blast in this northwestern city of Pakistan, Geo TV reported.
The blast took place in a vehicle that was parked outside the house of a local official, the report said.
Officials said two suspects who tried to escape the scene after the blast were gunned down by security forces.
The injured were shifted to Lady Reading hospital. The police have cordoned off the area and started the rescue work.
The police said the blast damaged several nearby houses.
Terrorist safe havens in Pakistan most worrisome: US
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The havens carved out by the Taliban and other insurgents in Pakistan have become the "most worrisome" part of the US-led war in Afghanistan, says US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.
Washington had a similar perch in Pakistan when US and Pakistani officials supported Afghanistan's mujahideen rebels against the Soviet Union in the 1980s - "and let me tell you, it made a big difference", he said Sunday.
"I think as long as they have a safe haven to operate there, it's going to be a problem for us in Afghanistan," he told NBC's "Meet the Press".