Jordan and Morocco sign 19 agreements
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : Jordan and Morocco have signed here 19 agreements, protocols, executive programmes and memorandums of understanding to regulate cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
The agreements were signed Monday at the conclusion of meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Moroccan Higher Committee which were co-chaired by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and his Moroccan counterpart, Abbas Al Fasi.
Indians get new passport, visa centres in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: Outsourcing agency VFS Global will open three new centres in Saudi Arabia to facilitate better passport, visa and consular services for Indians, a...
Fight for Basra a defining moment for Iraq: Bush
By DPA
Washington : The Iraqi offensive against Shia militias in the southern city of Basra is a "defining moment" in the country's future, US President George W. Bush said Friday.
"Any government that presumes to represent a majority of people must confront criminal elements or people who think they can live outside the law," Bush said after meeting with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
"This is a defining moment in the history of a free Iraq," he said. "There have been other defining moments up to now, but this is a defining moment, as well."
11 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 11 militants were killed and 12 injured Friday in clashes with security forces in northwest Pakistan, media reports said.
Three militants were killed and two others injured when security forces raided a militant hideout in Matta area of Swat Valley, Xinhua news agency said citing TV reports. Automatic weapons, heavy arms and explosives were recovered from the hideout.
In Upper Orakzai area, eight militants were killed and 10 injured in clashes with security forces. Sources said two army personnel were also injured in the fighting.
25 Pakistani protesters arrested for attacking PTV
Islamabad: Police have arrested 25 people from different parts of Punjab province, including Lahore, for attacking the Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters in Islamabad Sep...
Australia warns citizens against Pakistan travel
Islamabad : Australia Wednesday issued a travel advisory for its citizens against travelling to Pakistan, asking them to reconsider their travel plans in the...
New president for French Muslim council
By KUNA,
Paris : The French Council for the Muslim Faith (CFCM) announced late Sunday that elections it had organized had chosen Mohammed Mussaoui as its next President to replace outgoing President Dalil Boubaker, who boycotted the vote.
Mussaoui is part of the Muslim Grouping of France (RMF), which is considered close to Morocco.
Boubaker, who had two terms as President of the CFCM, was largely supported by the French authorities over the past years, but he withdrew from this years election because he objected to the voting system.
Pakistan arrests 74 Indian fishermen
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Seventy four Indian fishermen were arrested after they strayed into Pakistani territory, authorities said Wednesday.
Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency arrested 74 Indian fishermen in the southern port city of Karachi and confiscated 13 boats for violating sea territorial limits, Dawn TV channel quoted a MSA spokesman as saying.
Pakistan and India, which have fought three wars since 1947, share the waters in the Arabian Sea, and there has been controversy over the maritime boundary between the two countries.
British army corporal jailed for spying for Iran
By DPA,
London : An Iranian-born army interpreter who worked for Britain's top general in Afghanistan was Friday sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by a criminal court here for spying for Iran.
Daniel James, 45, was working for General David Richards, the then head of NATO forces in Afghanistan, when he was arrested in December 2006.
A jury at London's Old Bailey Criminal Court had found him guilty of "communicating information to an enemy", the most serious of three charges he faced under Britain's Official Secrets Act.
Turkey, Iran agree to boost security cooperation
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkish and Iranian officials signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing cooperation in security issues, the Turkish interior ministry said in a statement Thursday.
The document came after a series of meetings earlier this week held by high-level officials of the two countries to boost cooperation against terrorist activities and on intelligence sharing, said the statement.
The two-day talks, which started Tuesday, mainly focused on the fight against terrorism and drug, arms and human trafficking, the ministry said in a Wednesday statement.
TV: 17 killed in bomb blast in E Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : As many as 17 people were killed and 30 others injured in a bomb blast in eastern Pakistan on Monday, according to private Geo TV channel.
The blast took place in the house of a member of national assembly Rasheed Akber Khan Nawani in Bhakkar district of Punjab province, Geo reported.
Some 150 people gathered at Nawani's house to extend Eid greetings when the suicide blast occurred.
Nawani who belonged to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was also injured, according to Geo.
Iran, a good neighbor, a brother country – Amr Mussa
By IRNA,
Tehran : Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa advised Arab countries Saturday in a TV interview never to consider Iran as an enemy, but rather regard it as a good neighbor and a brother country in the region.
Mussa added in his interview with the Arabic channel of Al-Jazeera satellite TV, "There are of course certain differences of opinion between Iran and some Arab countries, despite which we need to maintain dialogue with Iran."
Over 13 Pakistani troops killed in coalition troops attack
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 13 soldiers were killed in an overnight Allied Forces bombardment inside Pakistani territory along the Afghan border, said officials and reports on Wednesday.
Security officials told KUNA that Tuesday night, after being denied entry into Pakistani Mohmand tribal agency, Afghan troops attacked the Frontier Core (FC) Choparra checkpost.
There was heavy exchange of fire between the Afghan and Pakistani forces that continued for over two hours but no deaths were reported.
Taliban storms jail, help over 350 inmates escape: Official
Kabul: Over 350 inmates escaped from a prison after an attack by Afghan Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday, an official said.
"Four...
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."
Kashmiri protestors march on Indian embassy
By DPA
Islamabad : More than 200 Kashmiri protestors demanding self-determination for their homeland marched on the Indian embassy here Tuesday as Pakistan observed a national holiday highlighting the region's plight.
The men holding placards demanding freedom and chanting pro-democracy slogans marched into the capital's heavily guarded diplomatic quarter and held a brief protest outside the Indian mission.
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.
Germany urges Iran to stop ‘sabre rattling’
By DPA,
Berlin : The German government called on Iran Wednesday to stop "all forms of sabre rattling" following its testing of nine missiles over the Gulf.
German government spokesman Thomas Steg said the tests had been noted "with concern" and drew attention to the possibility that the missiles were suitable for carrying nuclear warheads.
"The German government calls on Iran to halt all forms of sabre rattling," Steg said.
Pakistan for peaceful coexistence: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence in the region, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
US condemns attacks on Maldivian journalists
By IANS,
Colombo : The US Sunday condemned the attacks on Maldivian journalists after three of them were attacked in capital Male.
Latvia to ship supplies to US forces in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Riga : The US was set to open a new 4,000 km-long supply line to its forces in Afghanistan Wednesday with the planned departure of a freight train carrying US military supplies from the Latvian capital, Riga.
The precise departure date has not been made public, but the first trainload will leave within hours or days rather than weeks, according to unofficial sources and local media speculation.
Two Kidnapped Pakistan Policemen Murdered
By SPA
Islamabad : Two of the Four kidnapped policemen have been found murdered in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), police said.
Police have recovered the bodies of the cops from Janikhel area. Some blunt tool was used to kill the two constables.
The four policemen were kidnapped from the security forces check-post at Mazanga by unidentified armed men. No group or individual claimed the responsibility.
Dhaka sleuths learn what it takes to be recruited into JMB
By IANS,
Dhaka : Learning to blow up or be blown up and to pull a cycle rickshaw -- these are among the tests a recruit must pass before being inducted into the militant group Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
With the trainer holding the trigger, he must walk with live bombs and explosives tied to his body.
The cycle rickshaw bit has a dual purpose: It helps shed any conceit and also allows the youth to move around incognito and listen to what others say.
12,000 tents distributed in Pakistan province
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over 12,000 tents have been distributed in Pakistan's flood-hit Sindh province, authorities said.
Dhaka to start parliament TV channel
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will this year-end join select democracies worldwide to have a separate television channel to telecast parliament proceedings.
The dry run would start next month for the new satellite TV channel, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said.
Called "Sangsad Bangladesh", it would begin digital terrestrial test transmission in December in Dhaka, the national capital, and Chittagong and Khulna in the south, The Daily Star said Sunday.
The new channel will also broadcast different programmes on development.
Suicide blast in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A suicide blast took place Thursday in Pakistan's northwestern tribal area. Casualties were feared.
The explosion occurred near an army camp in troubled Khyber tribal agency, Dawn News reported.
Detailed information about the attack is not immediately available.
Hamas expects Egypt to brief Israel on ceasefire Monday
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday expected that Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman will arrive in Israel on Monday to present Egypt's ceasefire offer which Palestinian armed groups accepted.
"Most probably, Mr. Suleiman will arrive on Monday to hand the lull deal after the Palestinians unanimously agreed on during last week talks in Cairo, said Ayman Taha, a spokesman for Hamas.
According to the Egyptian vision, the ceasefire will take place in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas rules, before being expanded to cover the Fatah-dominated West Bank.
30 militants killed in W Afghan clash
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The Afghan National Army and the U.S.-led Coalition forces Friday killed 30 militants as their combined patrol was ambushed in Sindand district of western Afghan province Herat, the U.S.-led military said.
The patrol was en route to a Taliban commander's compound as insurgents engaged the soldiers from multiple points within the compound using small-arms and RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) fire, the Coalition forces said in a statement.
Bangladesh not to allow terror activity on its soil
By IANS,
New Delhi : Bangladesh has assured India that it will not allow even "an inch of its territory" to be used by an Indian insurgent group or any other terrorist outfit.
"We will not let an inch of our territories to be used by anyone, either an Indian insurgent group or any other terrorist group," Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told CNN-IBN in an interview in Dhaka.
Dhaka also underlined that it will do all it can to combat terrorism and expressed support for New Delhi's proposal of a South Asian task force to combat terrorism.
Five civilians killed by US airstrikes in Syria
Damascus: At least five civilians were killed Saturday during airstrikes carried out by US forces against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, Xinhua reported.
Three...
Israel allows Gazans to pray in Jerusalem
Jerusalem : Some 500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip travelled Sunday to pray at a Jerusalem mosque, marking the first occasion since 2007 that...
Pakistan observes Muharram amid high security
Islamabad : Pakistan Tuesday observed Muharram to pay homage to Imam Husain and other martyrs of Karbala amid strict security, a media report said.
The...
Iraq takes over security control of Anbar province from U.S. troops
By Xinhua,
Ramadi, Iraq : Iraq on Monday took over security control of the western province of Anbar from U.S. troops, a provincial security source said.
In a ceremony held in the provincial government building in the provincial capital city Ramadi under tough security measures, the U.S. military transferred the security file of the Sunni province to Iraqi security forces.
Iraqi Civilian killed in Baghdad car bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : An Iraqi civilian was killed and four others were injured on Monday when a car bomb went off in a neighborhood in the Shiite-dominated Sadr City in eastern Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A car bomb parked in the al-Habibbiya neighborhood detonated in the afternoon, killing a civilian and wounding four others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast resulted also in the damage of several nearby shops and civilian cars, the source said.
12 Afghans killed inside Iran, say Afghan police
By DPA
Kabul : Twelve Afghan nationals were killed in an ambush while entering Iran from Afghanistan, an Afghan police border commander in western region said Wednesday.
It happened Monday night after a group of Afghan nationals were ambushed by unknown attackers some 25 km inside Iran, Colonel Rahmatullah Safi said.
"We don't know who killed these people," Safi said, adding: "There are two possibilities - that they were either killed by Iranian border police or by enemies of both our countries."
Arab literature takes centre stage in London
By Susannah Tarbush,
When Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz became in 1988 the first (and so far only) Arab writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, it was hoped that this would lead to a major breakthrough for Arab literature in the West, including Britain. But for years such a breakthrough remained elusive.
European Union condemns Jerusalem attack
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner have condemned the armed attack in Jerusalem in which eight Israeli students were killed.
Solana said in a statement Friday that he spoke late Thursday with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to "condemn the terrorist attack in Jerusalem."
On her part, Ferrero-Waldner said Friday she "condemns in the strongest terms this ruthless terrorist attack on Israeli youth at the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem."
Another aide of radical cleric Sufi Muhammad held
By IANS,
Peshawar: Another aide of radical cleric Sufi Muhammad, who had brokered a controversial peace deal with the Taliban in Pakistan's troubled northwest and whose violation prompted the military to launch a major offensive against the militants, has been arrested but there is no word about the cleric's whereabouts.
The aide, Iqbal Khan, headed Sufi Muhammad's Tahreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi(TNSM) in Swat, one of the three districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) where the military operations entered their 45th day Tuesday.
Hamas attacks Nahel Oz military post
By KUNA,
Gaza : Eziddin Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility Thursday for firing several missiles at the Israeli military post of Nahel Oz, eastern Gaza Strip.
The brigades said they fired two "Qassam" missiles, targeting the Israeli military site of Nahel Oz.
The attack was in retaliation for the Israeli massacre of Palestinians in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, it said, adding that it would continue to resist until all Palestinian territories were liberated.
Palestine seeks international intervention against Israel
Ramallah: The Palestinian government has demanded international intervention to stop the Israeli violence "escalation" in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, a...
One killed in sticky bomb attack in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : A civilian was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car blew up in eastern Iraq, officials said.
Deploy army in Karachi, demands MQM chief
By IANS,
Islamabad : Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has demanded that the army should be deployed in violence-hit Karachi.
Nobel Laureate Yunus to appear in ‘The Simpsons’
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has lent his voice for a special episode of "The Simpsons" to popularise Grameen Bank's micro-credit schemes.
The special episode of "The Simpsons" will be aired Oct 3 this year in the US. It will focus on Grameen Bank's micro-credit schemes, The Daily Star newspaper said Monday.
The Simpson family is one of the best-selling animated TV series which is popular all over the world and recognised as one of the world's most enduring cultural icons.
Bill Gates launches `partners in learning’ plan in UAE
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has announced a number of partnerships with educational institutions and governments in the Middle East as part of Microsoft's 'Partners in Learning' programme, WAM news agency reported Monday.
Gates made the announcement Sunday at the Government Leaders' Forum-Arabia in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In his keynote address, he said the transforming power of education and the critical role public-private partnerships could play in creating vibrant economies across the region.
India concerned over escalation in Israel-Palestine violence
By Arvind Padmanabhan
Jerusalem : Amid global concerns over recent escalation in conflict in Israel and Palestine, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said India...
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.
US to enhance trade with Pakistan: envoy
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US is firmly committed to building strong commercial relations with Pakistan, says US Ambassador Cameron Munter.
20 killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : A roadside bomb ripped through a bus in Pakistan Thursday, killing at least 20 Shia passengers and wounding 25 others, local media reported.
Ahmadinejad ends “historic” visit, hails Iraq ties
·Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday wrapped up his two-day "historic" visit to Iraq.
·Ahmadinejad was given a red-carpet welcome by his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani.
·Talabani, for his part, offered to expel Iranian rebels based in Iraq.
Dubai to set up hydrogen based power plant
By IANS
Dubai : The emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to set up a hydrogen based power generation plant, WAM news agency reported Monday.
As the first step towards building the plant, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed Sunday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of three global firms from US, Canada and China to conduct a study for setting up the plant.
Abu Dhabi starts building carbon-neutral city of the future
By NNN-WAM
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi has laid the first brick on Masdar City, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city. The global milestone event was marked by the laying of a virtual cornerstone by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and a visually stunning production depicting life in the city.
Two people killed in Iraq bomb attacks
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two civilians were killed and 13 injured in two bomb attacks targeting police patrols in the Iraqi capital Monday, an interior ministry source said.
"An explosion struck a police patrol near the Andulus square in Baghdad's central district of Karrada, killing two civilians and wounding six people, including two policemen," the source said.
A police vehicle was damaged by the blast.
Arab summit approves Yemeni initiative
By Xinhua
Damascus : A senior Palestinian official revealed on Sunday that the Syrian-hosted Arab summit approved the Yemeni initiative for reconciliation between rival Hamas and Fatahmovements.
Majdi el-Khalidi, a diplomatic advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas and member of the Palestinian delegation told reporters that Arab leaders accepted the Yemeni initiative and approved it.
Bomb last kills four in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A roadside bomb, detonated at a police commando recruitment centre in the western part of the Iraqi capital Sunday, killed four recruits and left 23 others wounded, an interior ministry source said.
The bomb detonated as dozens of police commando recruits were gathering at the entrance of a police commando base near the Nusour Square at about 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT), the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Earlier in the day, two roadside bomb explosions struck police patrols in Baghdad, wounding five policemen and four civilians, the police said.
Gulf economies remain sound, says GCC
By ANS,
Dubai : The economies of Gulf countries remain strong amid the global financial crisis, according to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
In a statement issued out of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Monday, GCC secretary general Abdurrahman Al-Atiyyah asserted that the economies of the Gulf states enjoy a remarkable economic growth, and added that the commercial Gulf banks have a high rate of liquidity and a distinguished financial status, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprise the GCC.
Five policemen among six killed in Peshawar blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six people, including five policemen, were killed and 28 others were injured Thursday in bomb attacks in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city, Xinhua reported.
Zia to send delegation to Hasina’s oath-taking ceremony
By IANS,
Dhaka : A five-member delegation of lawmakers-elect will represent former prime minister Khaleda Zia at Sheikh Hasina's oath-taking ceremony at the Bangabhavan Tuesday evening, a media report said.
The delegation will be led by Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, a top advisor of Zia, The Star Online said quoting Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sources.
Other members of the team are M.K. Anwar, Barkatullah Bulu, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie and Abul Khair Bhuiyan.
Zia, herself a two-term prime minister, would stay away.
235 in Syria join IS after Obama’s declared war
Damascus: A total of 235 fighters in Syria have joined the Islamic State (IS) militant group since US President Barack Obama declared war against...
Uncertainty over UK withdrawal as minister flies to Iraq
By IRNA
London : British Defence Secretary Des Browne flew to Basra Wednesday to meet commanders on the ground as uncertainty hung over a plan to withdraw up to 1,600 UK troops from southern Iraq by the spring amid claims of an increase in militia violence.
The Ministry of Defence in London confirmed Browne's sudden arrival after the Al Iraqiya station broadcast live footage of him attending a business conference, but would say no more than it was a "general visit."
India-Pakistan talks begin; Islamabad still hedging bets over Mumbai
By IANS,
New York : The Indian and Pakistan foreign ministers began crucial talks Sunday with India focusing on terror emanating from across the border and Islamabad still hedging its bets over action against the 26/11 Mumbai terror perpetrators.
Hours before External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the New York Palace hotel Sunday, Islamabad's top diplomat suggested that it was willing to take action, but could not take to court a "half-baked" case against alleged 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
177 terrorists killed in North Waziristan: Pakistan Army
Islamabad : Pakistan military Monday said that 177 "terrorists have been killed" in major military operation against the local and foreign militant groups in...
Pakistan President, PM condemn Rawalpindi suicide attack
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro Monday strongly condemned the suicide attack in Rawalpindi that killed the Surgeon General, Army Medical Corps, Lt. Gen. Mushtaq Ahmed Baig and several others and expressed the resolve to remain undeterred by such acts.
The President and the Prime Minister said such heinous acts of violence cannot deter the government from its resolve in continuing its fight against terrorism.
Afghan troops kill over 150 insurgents from Pakistan
By DPA,
Kabul : The Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan border police and US special forces have killed more than 150 fighters, mostly Pakistanis, in a military operation in south eastern Paktika province, a spokesman said Wednesday.
"Last night, more than 350 fighters, most of them Pakistanis, entered Afghanistan from Pakistan, and attacked in the Barmal district of south-eastern Paktika province," Ghamai Khan Mohammed Yari told DPA in a telephone interview.
Pakistani Taliban vows revenge for death of No.2 leader
By IANS,
Washington : The Pakistani Taliban will avenge the killing of the outfit's No.2 leader, who was slain in a drone strike Wednesday, a Taliban spokesman told CNN Thursday.
US may keep its hands off China-Pakistan n-deal
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Two noted American experts want Washington to block the China-Pakistan nuclear deal even as the US indicated it will not come in the way if it adhered to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) rules.
"I don't know if this will come up during the secretary's meetings in China this week," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters Monday when asked if Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would take it up in Beijing.
Roadside bombing kills Coalition soldier, wounds the other in Afghan capital
By Xinhua,
Kabul : One soldier with the U.S.-led Coalition forces was killed and the other was wounded when their convoy stuck a roadside mine in Afghan capital Kabul Sunday morning, said a Coalition statement.
"No civilian casualties were reported so far," it said.
The name and nationality of the service members are being withheld until next of kin notification is complete.
The U.S. military has an major base known as "Egg Camp" in Baghram district some 80 kilometers north from Kabul city.
No one has yet to claim responsibility for the incident.
Egypt court suspends Morsi’s jailbreak trial
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt's Cairo criminal court decided Monday to suspend the trial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and some 130 others over charges...
Moscow hails Lebanon peace deal
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia welcomes the deal reached between Lebanon's Western-backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition, and mediated by the Arab League, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
The sides agreed on Thursday to a new national dialogue to elect a president and form a unity government. Hezbollah agreed to end its blockade of Beirut airport and seaport and withdraw its gunmen from the streets.
UAE, British varsities to set up joint research centre
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE's Khalifa University has signed an agreement with the University of Bristol to set up a joint research centre at its campus in Abu Dhabi, it was announced Tuesday.
Malaysian Muslim sues British store for misleading halal products
By SPA
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian man has filed a 5 million ringgit (1.47 million dollars) negligence suit against two local companies and a major British retailer after discovering the chickens he bought were not slaughtered according to Islamic ritual, despite being labeled and certified as halal, DPA quoted a news report as saying Wednesday.
Zainuddin Mohamad Zin, 55, a civil servant in Kuala Lumpur, made the discovery a day after the purchase on October 29 last year when he was about to cook the chicken.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visits Pakistan medical team in quake zone
By NNN-Xinhua,
Longnan, China : Chinese President Hu Jintao visited a Pakistani medical team in Longnan city in northwest China's Gansu Province Sunday afternoon.
Hu went to a tent and shook hands with several Pakistani medical workers at the First People's Hospital of Longnan City. "When the Chinese people suffered the devastating earthquake, the Pakistani people expressed concerns, offered relief materials and sent a medical team to us. The Chinese government and people feel deeply grateful," Hu said.
UAE, Belarus discuss parliamentary cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The UAE and Belarus have held talks on ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation.
Saudi held in Malaysia for insulting Islam
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A Saudi Arabian newspaper columnist who fled his country after being accused of insulting Islam has been arrested in Malaysia, said police sources Friday.
New Saudi mosque to hold 1.6 mn worshippers
By IANS,
London: Saudi Arabia will build a mosque so big that it can hold up to 1.6 million worshippers, The Independent reported Saturday.
Turkey deploys heavy weapons on border with Syria
Ankara: Turkey has deployed additional heavy weapons, including tanks, along the border with neighbouring Syria, a media report said.
Turkish army has increased security measures...
Mideast Quartet to meet in Berlin to talk peace efforts
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The "Quartet" of mediators in the Middle East conflict will meet in Berlin on Tuesday to discuss the latest peace efforts in the region, Russia's Foreign Ministry said.
The United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations will focus on peace talks underway between the Israelis and Palestinians, including a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and the radical Islamic group Hamas, which came into force on Thursday.
PML(N), PPP jointly muster majority in parliamentary polls in Pakistan
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Pakistan's two main opposition parties PML(N) and PPP today bagged a simple majority in the parliamentary elections.
The private Geo TV network said the two parties had so far won 139 seats, more than half of the 272-seat National Assembly.
Elections were held for 269 seats and with results out for 227, slain former premier Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's party had won 77.
Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, won 62
Over 15 insurgents killed in failed attack on coalition base in Southern Afghanistan
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : Over 15 insurgents have been killed in a failed attack on a military base of the U.S.-led Coalition forces in Uruzgan province of southern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led military said.
Militants attacked on Tuesday Afghan security forces at the base and the ensuing fighting between Afghan, Coalition forces and insurgents in nearby villages left several militants dead, said a statement on Friday issued from Bagram Air Field, a major Coalition base.
U.S. soldier killed in bomb attack south of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : An American soldier was killed by a roadside bomb attack in south of the Iraqi capital, the U.S. military said on Saturday.
The soldier, assigned to Multi-National Division-Center (MND-C)was killed on Thursday when the bomb detonated in an area, some 20km southwest of Baghdad, a military statement said without further details.
The name of the deceased soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, it added.
Obama’s South Asia policy: Pakistan will be the acid test
By IANS,
Washington : As President Barack Obama completes 100 days in office next week, experts have sat down to grade his foreign policy initiatives so far - and the report card is not too impressive, at least from the South Asian perspective.
The web edition of the renowned Foreign Policy journal asked some of the "best foreign-policy minds in Washington and beyond" to rate Obama's performance so far.
The result? 11 As, 16 Bs, 7 Cs, and a D.
Malaysian Indians urged to emulate Chinese diaspora in education
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Indian community must not depend solely on the Malaysian government in the field of education and should follow the Chinese diaspora's example, a Malaysian Indian community leader has said.
Ethnic Chinese leaders, parents and teachers sacrificed a lot by providing the much-needed assistance to ensure that there were more qualified citizens in the economic, medical, science, engineering and education sectors, said Malaysian Hindu Sangam president A. Vaithilingam.
Pakistan says India constructing bunkers close to border
Islamabad : Pakistan's foreign office Thursday said Indian forces under the cover of unprovoked firing were engaged in constructing bunkers in locations within five...
Islamabad lodges protest with Kabul after four killed
Islamabad : Islamabad on Sunday lodged a protest with Kabul after four Pakistani soldiers were killed when a rocket was fired at a check-post...
Arab League calls for maintenance of democracy in Mauritania
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League has voiced concern over the coup in Mauritania.
It called in a statement the maintenance of democracy in Mauritania, and to solve all problems via national dialogue and away from the use of force.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa is following with concern the developments in Mauritania and the arrest of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdullahi and other officials, said the statement Wednesday.
Moussa was quoted by the statement as saying that he was worried about this coup, and hoped democracy would remain the pillar of dialogue.
Pakistan condemns recent Israeli attack on Gaza
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Pakistan condemned the large-scale loss of life as result of Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Foreign Office Spokesman Muhammad Sadiq reacting to resent Israeli attacks said, “We believe that violence is point to further aggravate tension in the region.”
He said, “Pakistan urges that utmost restraint should be exercised and right of self-determination of Palestine people should be respected.”
Bahrain foreign minister meets Modi
New Delhi : Bahrain's Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his government's commitment...
President congratulates Pakistan’s Zardari
By IANS,
New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil Tuesday congratulated Asif Ali Zardari, the new president of Pakistan, saying his election was a "milestone" in that country's history.
In her message to Zardari, Patil said: "Your election is a milestone in Pakistan's history. It symbolizes the durability and strength of democratic forces in Pakistan."
Rice tries to revive Mideast talks
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks, saying she will work toward resumption of the negotiations of the two sides as soon as possible.
Rice made the remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit following talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Kuwait Embassy at Sydney granted a certificate of appreciation
By NNN-KUNA,
Sydney : Minister responsible for multicultural affairs, John Hargreaves on Tuesday presented to the embassy of Kuwait a certificate of appreciation for its productive efforts in the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.
The certificate, signed by Hargreaves, was granted to Kuwait for its participation in the festival, where its pavilion attracted considerable crowds, displaying publications and documentaries on Kuwait, in addition to photo's on the different stages of the country's history.
US House committee approves $400 mn for Pakistan counterinsurgency
By Arun Kumarm, IANS,
Washington : A House of Representatives committee has approved $400 million for a new Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund, but not before a key member expressed doubts about US strategies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The $400 million requested by the Obama administration for the fund to bolster efforts against the Taliban and extremist groups forms part of the 2009 Supplemental Bill funding ongoing US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting economic and other needs in Pakistan.
Palestinians under 60 barred from Al-Aqsa mosque
Jerusalem : Palestinian pilgrims under the age of 60 were Tuesday barred from entering the Al-Aqsa mosque in Old Jerusalem, a day after clashes...
89 Al-Shabaab terrorists held in Somalia
By IANS,
Mogadishu : Somali security forces have arrested 89 people suspected to be having links with Al Qaeda-affiliated terror outfit Al-Shabaab, Xinhua reported.
Dhaka separates poll body from government
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Election Commission, which was under the control of the Prime Minister's Office, now called the Chief Advisor's Office, is to be de-linked from the government.
The current caretaker government's council of advisers on Tuesday approved the Election Commission Secretariat Ordinance 2008, the New Age newspaper said Wednesday. The Election Commission is tasked to hold general elections later this year.
Hamas leader sets out conditions for truce with Israel
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, set out on Wednesday its conditions for a ceasefire with Israel, and said talks were underway with Egypt.
Ismail Haniyeh, the group's prime minister in Gaza, said in a speech delivered at Gaza's Islamic University: "Israelis must commit themselves to ending all acts of aggression against our people, lift the blockade and open the borders."
Pakistan parliament approves establishment of military courts
Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly Tuesday approved the 21st Constitutional Amendment to pave the way for the establishment of military courts whose foremost aim is...
Pakistan protesters break into PTV office
Islamabad : Protesters Monday took over the Pakistan Television (PTV) network office here, as a result of which transmission has disrupted in Islamabad.
The protesters,...
US diplomat fired upon in Pakistan, escapes unhurt
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A senior US diplomat escaped unhurt Tuesday when some unidentified gunmen opened fire on her car in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, media reports said.
Lynne Tracy, top official at US Consulate in Peshawar, the capital city of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, came under direct fire by unidentified assailants while she was on her way to office, the reports said.
But she escaped unhurt as she was inside a bulletproof car, the reports added.
A passerby was injured in the firing and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Egypt introduces new sexual harassment laws
London: Egypt has introduced new laws against sexual harassment in an effort to bring down the escalating menace.
In an order issued by outgoing interim...
Dhaka to amend law to restore property to minorities
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's parliament will amend the law for restoring property seized from minority groups, mainly Hindus, a minister said here Tuesday.
A bill, approved by the cabinet last November, will be passed during the ongoing session of parliament, Star Online quoted State Minister for Land Mustafizur Rahman as saying.
A five-member committee will be formed at district and upazila (sub-district) levels to settle the land related problems. The ministry will also set up a tribunal to settle the matters, he said.
Iran urges Pakistan to help free kidnapped policemen
By NNN-KUNA,
Tehran : Iran called on Pakistan on Monday to exert all possible efforts to release Iranian policemen who have been kidnapped on Pakistani territories.
The spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Hasan Qashqawi added in his weekly press briefing that he expected Pakistan would put all its efforts to release the hostages, saying that such action would help in fighting terrorism and boost stability in the two countries and the region as a whole.
He expressed hopes that the bids by Tehran and Islamabad on that issue would lead to release of the hostages soon.
12 gangs identified in Karachi bank heists
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 12 gangs of robbers involved in bank heists in Pakistan's port city Karachi have been identified, police said.
Shut seminaries to end terrorism: Pakistani media
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government must replace the bulk of the seminaries in the country with "mainstream schools" and address the issue of terrorism from a "much more holistic perspective" if it is to be defeated, an editorial in a leading English daily maintained Saturday.
Another lamented that suicide attacks were occurring "with such numbing regularity" that it was "difficult to pause and reflect" on the fate of the victims.
Take up atrocities against Hindus with Pakistan: BJP to government
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday urged the government to take up with Pakistan the alleged atrocities against Hindus in that country.
Iraq declares holiday amid 50 degree scorcher
By IANS,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government declared Monday as a holiday in central and southern parts of the country after temperatures crossed 50 degrees Celsius, Xinhua reported.
US seeks ties with Pakistan beyond nuclear, insurgency issues
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The United States has for the first time acknowledged Pakistan as a nuclear state that was very well aware of its enormous responsibilities, but said it would like to build ties with Islamabad beyond nuclear and insurgency issues.
"Obviously as a nuclear state Pakistan has enormous responsibilities within the community of nations that have nuclear weapons," President Barack Obama's National Security Adviser General James Jones told reporters Friday.
Zardari mandated to discuss coalition government
By APP
Islamabad : The newly elected PPPP members for Punjab Assembly Saturday reposed full confidence in Asif Ali Zardari, mandating the Party co-chairman to negotiate future coalition government with other political parties. Newly elected Punjab assembly members of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Saturday extended all cooperation to Mr Zardari, in case, he decides to enter into coalition with any party for the government formation.
US hegemony should end: Iran official
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The period of global domination of the US should come to an end, the head of Iran's Supreme National Council has said.
Former Bangladeshi army chief arrested on graft charges
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh army chief Gen (retd) Mustafizur Rahman was arrested Sunday in a corruption case involving purchase of Mig-29 warplanes.
The police arrested and detained Rahman at Apollo Hospital here, where he is undergoing heart treatment.
Then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Rahman and some other top defence officials were allegedly involved in the purchase of eight Russian-made Mig-29 fighter jets in February 1999. The deal is alleged to have caused a loss of 7 billion taka ($100 million) to the exchequer.
Sadr militia battle troops in four Iraqi cities
By AFP
Baghdad : Moqtada al-Sadr's militiamen battled troops in four Iraqi cities on Tuesday, including the capital, as the hardline Shiite cleric threatened a countrywide campaign of civil revolt.
Heavy clashes broke out between Sadr's Mahdi Army fighters in the southern oil city of Basra, killing at least seven people and wounding 48, and in Kut and Hilla, both south of Baghdad, officials said.
Iran receives more assets under interim n-deal
Tehran: Iran has received the fourth and fifth installments of previously frozen assets under an interim nuclear deal with world powers, the Central Bank...
No foreign troops in terror war: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Tuesday politely but firmly told the US it would not permit foreign troops on its territory to take on the Taliban and the Al Qaeda in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan, urging the creation of "mutual trust" in the struggle and a halt to the US drone attacks in the region.
Iran for Joint Action in N-Talks
By Prensa Latina,
Tehran : Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili stressed on Sunday the solution to the dispute with the West calls for an action plan suitable for the two parties, without affecting his country's sovereignty.
Jalili, who led the Iranian delegation to the 6-way talks Saturday in Geneva, pointed out that both Teheran and the European Union presented an action plan.
10 Arab states agree on joining forces against IS
Jeddah : Ten Arab countries, including six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, and the US have agreed to combine forces to destroy the...
Israel settlement offer ‘unprecedented’: Clinton
By DPA,
Jerusalem : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Saturday called Israeli concessions on construction of settlements in the West Bank "unprecedented".
The remarks came after the top US diplomat held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Clinton also insisted that a total freeze on settlement was not a precondition for peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
Hamas accepts 18-month Gaza truce
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Hamas has accepted an 18-month truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported Friday.
"We agreed to the truce with the Israeli side for one year and a half," Hamas politburo deputy chief Moussa Abu-Marzouk said in a statement, adding that Gaza's six border crossings should be re-opened and the Jewish country must "stop military actions and aggressions in all forms".
Marzouk also said Egypt will announce the result of the truce talks "within two days", after contacting Israel and other Palestinian factions.
ElBaradei: Iran’s decision for cooperation with IAEA a milestone
By IRNA,
Vienna : Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said Wednesday that Iran's decision to have more cooperation with the IAEA is a milestone.
ElBaradei said that he hoped his agency will make progress in its investigation into Tehran's alleged nuclear weapons programs.
The top IAEA official made the comment in Sarajevo on Wednesday shortly after his Agency announced that Iran had agreed to cooperate with IAEA in its investigation.
Alleged studies is a clause of the last IAEA report on cooperation with Iran.
Qatar’s Islamic financial firm posts record profit
By IINA,
Doha : Islamic Financial Securities Company of Qatar (IFSC) reported a record first quarter net profits of QR5.38 million compared to a net loss of QR 890,000 for the same period in 2007 reflecting a quantum increase of 704 percent. Abdul Basit Al Sheibi , the Managing Director of IFSC announced the results. Gross income has risen to QR7.7 million while it stood at QR1.7 million as of March 31, 2007 showing a 352 percent growth . Earnings per share reached 26.9 as compared to a negative EPS last year.
Strasbourg court bans Russian extradition of Israeli to Colombia
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia cannot extradite to Columbia an Israeli national accused by Bogota of conspiracy in terrorism, the defendant's lawyer said on Wednesday.
The Strasbourg court "has prohibited Russia from extraditing Yair Klein to Colombia pending the court's further instructions," Dmitry Yampolsky said.
Egypt’s vital tourism still dried up amid unrest
By Gregor Mayer, DPA,
Giza (Egypt) : Forlorn are the caravansaries and bazaars at the Pyramids of Giza.
Pakistan issues travel advisory for Syria
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani mission in Syria has issued a travel advisory for the middle-eastern country, Geo News reported.
Iran’s parliament demands interior minister’s impeachment
Tehran, Oct 26 (DPA) The Iranian parliament Sunday demanded that Interior Minister Ali Kordan be impeached for having presented it with a fake honorary doctorate from Oxford University, a media report said.
Parliament will debate Nov 4 whether the impeachment would be accepted or not, ISNA news agency reported.
In a letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last month, Kordan admitted that the certificate from the prestigious British university which he presented to parliament was a fake.
Zeeshan to lead Pakistan men’s hockey team in CWG
By IANS,
Karachi: Experienced defender Zeeshan Ashraf has passed a fitness test and will lead Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games hockey tournament in Delhi next month.
Pilot killed as Pakistan Air Force fighter plane crashes
By IRNA
Islamabad : A pilot was killed as French-made Mirage fighter plane of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed near the city of Sargodha in eastern Punjab province on Friday, the PAF said.
"Pakistan Air Force announces with great sorrow and grief that a Mirage fighter aircraft, while on a routine operational training mission, crashed 30 Kilometers South East of Sargodha," a PAF statement said.
The pilot of the aircraft Wing Commander Azhar Ismael was killed, it said.
The crash apparently occurred due to technical malfunction, according to the statement.
30,000 Syrian refugees cross into Lebanon: UN
By IANS/AKI,
Geneva : Up to 30,000 Syrian refugees may have fled the conflict in their country and crossed into Lebanon, the UN agency for refugees said Friday.
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
Israel not to free Palestinians
Ramallah : Israel has told the Palestinians it will not free the final batch of prisoners they had been expecting alongside US-brokered peace talks, a senior Palestinian official said on Friday.
Malaysian state bans rock, reggae and pop concerts
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's opposition-ruled northern state of Kedah has imposed a ban on rock, reggae, pop and Indonesian 'dangdut' music concerts, saying such shows would negatively influence youth, a news report said Friday.
"We do not condone any (gyrating movements) on stage," state councillor Ismail Salleh was quoted as telling the Star daily.
"We are currently formulating a comprehensive guideline for concerts.
"Until then, concerts of such nature are banned," he said.
Taliban claims responsibility for Kabul attack that killed 3
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing in Afghanistan's capital Kabul early on Thursday, which claimed the lives of three civilians.
Along with the fatalities, at least five other people were injured in the explosion, which occurred at about 8 a.m. local time (03:30 GMT), Afghan police said adding the attack was aimed at a U.S. military SUV carrying coalition soldiers.
A Taliban member phoned reporters to claim responsibility for the attack.