Bangladesh war crime convict’s hearing in April
Dhaka : The hearing of a review petition filed against the death penalty awarded to Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader and war crimes convict Mohammad...
Pakistan violates LoC ceasefire again
Srinagar : Pakistani troops Monday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, army officials said. No...
Inquiry finds US raid killed 30 Afghan civilians
By IRNA,
New York : A US inquiry has concluded that American air strikes on August 22 in a village in western Afghanistan killed far more civilians than American commanders there have acknowledged.
The military investigator's report found that more than 30 civilians - not 5 to 7 as the military has long insisted - died in the air strikes against a suspected Taliban compound in Azizabad.
Over 40 dead in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad : A wave of coordinated bombings and shootings in Iraq Thursday left more than 40 people dead, police said.
Iran nuclear talks end in Vienna
By DPA,
Vienna : Talks on processing Iran's nuclear fuel abroad concluded in Vienna Wednesday with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei saying that capitals involved should respond to his draft proposal by Friday.
Details of the agreement were not immediately known, but ElBaradei made clear that all parties of the talks - Iran, Russia, France and the US - were part of his proposal.
Palestinian girl, militant killed by Israeli shelling in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : After a nine-year-old Palestinian girl was killed in an Israeli shelling in southern Gaza Strip, a Hamas militant was also killed early Wednesday in hospital, sources and witnesses said.
The witnesses said that three other people from the same family of the girl were injured when a tank shell landed on their house in al-Qarara village in the east of Khan Younis city.
According to local residents, Israeli tanks, which rolled in the area, fired a shell that landed on the house and caused great damage, leading to the death of the girl.
UN Security Council agrees on immediate Gaza ceasefire
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council voted 14-0 late Thursday calling on Israel and Hamas to "immediately" cease fire in the Gaza conflict.
The statement said the ceasefire must be "immediate, durable and fully respected ... leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza."
The United States abstained from voting.
25 Libyan tanks destroyed Sunday: NATO commander
By IANS,
Brussels : A total of 25 Libyan tanks were destroyed in NATO airstrikes Sunday, the officer commanding the alliance's operation said.
Women lawmakers may be directly elected in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Women lawmakers in Bangladesh would be directly elected following an amendment to its Constitution, the Sheikh Hasina Government has announced.
The change would facilitate holding of direct elections to seats reserved for women in the Jatiya Sangsad (national assembly) in the next parliamentary polls, Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said Saturday.
"We shall amend the constitution to allow women to come to the house through direct elections from the next parliamentary polls," The Daily Star quoted the minister as saying.
Abbas concludes visit to United States
By SPA,
Washington : Asked for comment, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said: President Bush is helping to push the process forward. This wasn't a meeting in which major breakthroughs were expected.
Ultimately, this is for the Israelis and the Palestinians to come to an agreement. Each party has more to do - and given the serious commitment of the leaders, the president remains confident that defining a state by the end of the year is still possible,» he said.
France urges Iran to scrap nuclear program to avoid new sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : France hopes that Iran will abandon its nuclear program and that further sanctions against it can be avoided, the French foreign minister said on Thursday.
In an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio, Bernard Kouchner said he had met with Iranian representatives last week and his impression was that "the Iranians are reluctant to discuss the nuclear issue" and that they could be pursuing a military program.
Nevertheless, he said "we hope to avoid sanctions against Iran."
IAEA probes Arab complaint about Israel weapons
By DPA,
Vienna : Arabic states have filed charges with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the weapons Israel used in its recent offensive in the Gaza Strip contained partially-enriched uranium, an official said Tuesday evening.
A letter containing the complaint was received by the IAEA Monday, an official of the UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna said.
The complaint letter was delivered to IAEA director Mohamed ElBaradei by the Saudi Arabian ambassador. Partially enriched uranium is often used in munitions because it is especially hard.
Iran rejects Israeli accusations over Bulgaria blast
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran Thursday rejected Israeli claims of Tehran's involvement in Wednesday's bus blast in Bulgaria which killed six Israelis.
India to address all issues with Pakistan: Pranab
By IANS,
Tehran : Underlining the serious threat posed by terrorism to global peace, India Sunday said it wanted to address all issues that have affected ties with Pakistan and stressed on enhancing economic and transport links between the two countries.
“In recent years, India has pursued a policy of positive and substantial engagement with Pakistan. We wish to address issues that have affected our ties over the last several years,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said at a seminar in the Iranian capital.
Tehran, Manila to expand air transportation cooperation
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Philippines have inked an agreement to develop air transportation cooperation.
Announcing this Tuesday, the spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO), Reza jafarzadeh, said that as per the agreement, the first Tehran-Manila direct flight will begin in the near future.
"The Tehran-Manila direct flight is a good opportunity for transport of the two countries' passengers," Jafarzadeh said.
Referring to the number of Tehran-Manila directs flights, he said the number depends on the response of passengers.
Laura Bush arrives on visit to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : US First Lady Laura Bush arrived for one-day-visit in Afghanistan Sunday and was scheduled to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other senior officials, a government official said.
She was also scheduled to visit the central province of Bamian, where two giant Buddha statues are located, said the official, who requested anonymity.
The two statues were destroyed in March 2001 by Taliban militants who deemed them as un-Islamic. Bamian is also the only province in the country that is led by a female governor.
Israel destroys second largest residential tower in Gaza
Gaza: A series of powerful explosions wrecked the northern part of Gaza City after Israeli war jets struck a 14-floor residential tower with four...
Geneva talks find no path to full Iran negotiations
By DPA,
Geneva : Iran and world powers, including the US for the first time, failed to find a way towards full negotiations in Geneva Saturday, as Tehran's representatives did not agree to the precondition of suspending uranium enrichment.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with Iranian negotiator Saeid Jalili, EU chief diplomat Solana said that "the most important question" in the dispute with Iran remained unanswered.
32 peacocks dead in Pakistan district in past week
Islamabad : At least 32 peacocks have died in Pakistan's Sindh province over the past week due to the deadly viral Newcastle disease, media...
NA hopefuls discuss agendas, point out main issues
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The candidates in the 2008 parliament elections continued, Monday night, opening headquarters, holding seminars, and stating their main concerns and agendas, in the hope of rallying enough supporter to make it into parliament.
In the first constituency, hopefuls Saleh Ashour, Khali Al-Saleh and Anwar Bukhamseen stressed democracy already proved to be the solution for many problems the state suffered so far, and should be preserved in realization that it is the lone fool-proof guarantee of the state's stability in the future.
Palestinian militants battle advancing Israeli troops
By KUNA
Gaza : Palestinian militants resisted Israeli military troops that advanced toward the town of Qabatiya in the north of the West Bank.
Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, said in a statement released on Saturday that its fighters, late on Friday, resisted the occupation forces that advanced into the town.
The Israeli troops moved via several axes and engaged in fierce fighting with the fighters who fought with automatic guns and hand-grenades, the faction said.
Tunisian beach attack gunman trained in Libya: Report
Tunis: The Tunisian gunman who allegedly shot dead 38 tourists at the resort town of Sousse crossed into Libya earlier this year to receive...
USAF Helicopter Bombs Iraqi Family
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : The US helicopter attack to Tamra small village in Salahadin Iraqi Northern Province has killed five members of a family, reported the police.
According to Tikrit agents the settlement was bombed early in Wednesday morning and a couple and its three children also died in the operation.
No US sources referred to the attack against that civil area.
Three other people living close to the house destroyed by the helicopter were wounded, emphasized the police..
UAE to host world triathlon event in 2010
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host world triathlon competition here in March next year, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
Some 1,000 triathletes, including the world's top 40, will participate in the competition, a 223-km power course, on March 13.
The route has been specially designed to include a number of Abu Dhabi city landmarks.
Hundreds of Iraqis protest corruption, poor services
By DPA,
Baghdad: Hundreds of Iraqis protested Tuesday against corruption, poor services and arbitrary arrests.
Unilateral sanctions against Iran counterproductive – Lavrov
By IRNA,
Moscow : Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov here Wednesday considered unilateral sanctions imposed by certain countries against Iran as "counterproductive."
According to IRNA from Moscow, Lavrov made the comment in a meeting with the visiting head of the International Affairs Committee of US Congress Howard Berman, adding, "Iran's nuclear issue needs to be solved diplomatically."
End Kashmir row for peace: Pakistan envoy
New Delhi : The Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved to ensure "viable peace and stability in the region", Pakistan's High Commissioner to India...
11 militants killed in new Pakistan offensive
By IANS,
Wana (Pakistan): Pakistani fighter jets have pounded the militants' hideouts in South Waziristan, killing at least 11 insurgents, as the security forces began a fresh offensive against the Taliban in the area, a media report said.
Sources said the latest offensive that began Saturday has left two soldiers dead and five injured.
One of the soldiers was killed when militants detonated a bomb through a remote control device near a security vehicle in Karkunray area of South Waziristan, Geo TV reported.
Confident Pakistan eye Asia Cup
By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Karachi: Just three weeks after crashing to a morale-shattering fourth position finish in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan flew back to Malaysia Monday hoping to lift their fortunes in the Asia Cup hockey tournament starting in Kuantan May 9.
Pakistan are desperate to win the Asia Cup - an event that they last won in 1989 - and confirm a spot for next year's World Cup in India.
For that reason, the national hockey bosses have recalled four senior players including short corner specialist Sohail Abbas.
Truck bomb attack kills 25 in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 25 people were killed when a truck packed with explosives detonated outside a mosque near the disputed northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk Saturday, the police said.
At least 110 others were wounded in the blast outside the Shia Rasul mosque in Taza, some 30 km south of Kirkuk, police in Kirkuk told DPA.
Police added that the explosion caused "severe damage" to the mosque and nearby buildings, and that casualties were still arriving at hospitals in Kirkuk.
Taza is predominantly populated by members of Iraq's Turkoman minority.
Five Pakistanis die in feud over goat
By IANS,
Islamabad : Five people, including four members of a family, were gunned down in a feud over a stolen goat in Pakistan's northwest, police said.
Tackle climate change before too late: UN chief
Abu Dhabi : From the tropics to the poles, from small islands to large continents, and from the poorest countries to the richest, climate...
Hamas: Pro-Abbas security forces arrest 9 Hamas men in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Tuesday said the security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrested nine members of the movement in the West Bank.
Hamas said in a statement that the detentions took place in the West Bank cities of Nablus, Salfeet and Qalqilia, slamming the detentions as part of a crackdown against Hamas members in the West Bank controlled by its rival Fatah movement.
Musharraf vows to improve Pakistan’s image in Europe visit
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf said on Sunday that his four-nation European visit is aimed at improving Pakistan's image and removing certain misperception about happenings in the country and the region.
President Musharraf embarked on 8-day visit to Belgium, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the state-run television reported.
Iraqis begin voting for parliament
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraqis headed to the polls amid heavy security Sunday morning to cast their votes in the second parliamentary election since the US overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.
Three people were killed by a car bomb Saturday in Najaf, the interior ministry said. More than 50 other people, including 37 Iranians, were injured in the attack near the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed's cousin Ali.
Nearly 6,300 candidates are competing for 325 seats in parliament, making it the largest parliamentary election in Iraq's history.
Saudi Arabia captures ‘Israeli spy’ vulture
By IANS,
London : A vulture tagged by Israeli scientists was "arrested" on suspicion of being a Mossad spy after the bird strayed into Saudi Arabian territory, a media report said Wednesday.
Abbas reiterates PNA’s demand to take over Gaza crossings
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday reiterated Palestinian National Authority's (PNA) demands for takeover of the crossing points into the Gaza Strip.
"We are ready to take up the crossings to ease the suffering of our people," Abbas said during a national ceremony in Ramallah, referring to the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip which came after Hamas violently seized control of the poor coastal enclave in last June.
12 killed in storm in two districts of Bangladesh
Dhaka: At least 12 people have died in two districts of Bangladesh in a storm that swept across the region.
A "Kalbaishakhi" or nor’wester hit...
Iranian experts produce airplane fule from kerosene
By NNN-IRNA
Shahr-E-Ray : Managing director of Tehran Oil Refinery Company said here Wednesday the company's experts succeeded for the first time to design a system to de-mercaptan kerosene.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Shahabeddin Motaji said, "The design is considered as a universal innovation, adding, "This system can turn kerosene into airplane fuel."
Four killed in bomb blast in Balochistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and three injured in a bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province Wednesday, according to state television.
The blast occurred at a shop in Sibbi city, about 320 km east of provincial capital Quetta, PTV reported.
The injured were taken to the nearest hospital and the police cordoned off the blast site.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
UAE provides $544 mn for needy West Bank families
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provided two million Dirham (544 million dollars) in aid to more than 4,400 needy families in...
5.8-quake hits Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: A 5.8-magnitude quake struck Pakistan Saturday night but there was no immediate report of damage or casualty, the Met officials said.
Fresh U.S. troops will focus on Kabul: report
By NNN-APP,
New York : Most of the additional U.S. troops heading to Afghanistan early next year will be deployed near Kabul, reflecting worries about the capital’s vulnerability, a leading American newspaper reported Sunday.
Citing U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan, The New York Times said the plans for incoming brigades would result in fewer or no reinforcements being available, at least for the time being, for areas of Afghanistan where the insurgency is most acute.
Egyptian court postpones trial of Morsi, 130 others
Cairo: A criminal court in Egypt Saturday postponed the trial of ousted president Mohamad Morsi and 130 other defendants in a jailbreak case till...
Egyptian cleric issues fatwa forbidding Muslims from Facebook
By IANS/AKI,
Cairo : A top Egyptian cleric has issued a fatwa forbidding the use of the popular social networking site Facebook, saying Muslims using such sites must be considered "sinners".
Statistics show that divorce rates have rise since the advent of Facebook and it has sharply increased marital infidelity, Sheikh Abdel Hamid al-Atras said.
"It's an instrument that destroys the family because it encourages spouses to have relations with other people which break Islamic sharia law," said al-Atrash, quoted by pan-Arab daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat.
Bangladesh parliament elects new presiding officers
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's ninth Jatiya Sangsad or parliament had a formal start Sunday as it unanimousloy elected a lawyer and a former soldier as its presiding officers.
Advocate Abdul Hamid is speaker and Col (retd) Shawkat Ali is deputy speaker for the house that has to transact massive lawmaking business, the UNB news agency reported.
Chief whip Abdus Shahid proposed Hamid's name for the post of speaker, which was seconded by Segupta Yasmin.
The deputy speaker's candidature was proposed by S.M. Firoz and seconded by Mojibul Huq.
Kurdish leader calls for independence referendum
Baghdad: The leader of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region Thursday asked the regional parliament to prepare for a referendum on the independence of the region...
Indian election elicits keen interest in Pakistan
By Nivedita,
Lahore : Will Narendra Modi win? Will India get a stable government? What are Arvind Kejriwal's prospects? Is the Congress finished? The questions...
Arab League Plans Damascus Agenda
By Prensa Latina
Damascus : Experts from the 22 Arab League member countries started to draw up the political agenda for the 20th summit of this group to be held on March 29 and 30 in this capital, while they analyze economic and social issues of that community.
The debate of the so-called Arab Peace Initiative and the cause of the Palestinian people will focus part of the meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as topics on youth and the defense of the Arab culture and language.
Bangladesh lashed by cyclone Reshmi
Dhaka, Oct 27 (IANS) Bangladesh's southern and southwestern areas were lashed by Cyclone Reshmi early Monday that brought in its wake gales at 80 kmph and heavy rains, disrupting shipping and fishing activities.
Even the interiors, right up to capital Dhaka and beyond were hit by the inclement weather caused by the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal grew into Cyclone Reshmi Sunday, according to the Met office.
Syrian opposition leader calls for delegation formation
By IANS,
Moscow : The Syrian domestic opposition should urgently form its own delegation which will participate in the third round of Geneva II talks,...
Abdullah Calls For Regional Education Policies In Asean
By Bernama
Kuala Lumpur : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called for the formulation of dynamic regional education policies that could continuously spearhead holistic developments in Asean.
He said education remained the foremost key that would ensure the region continue to stay competitive and relevant in facing growing challenges in the globalised world.
Pakistani held for aircraft hijack threat
By IANS,
Islamabad : Police Friday detained a passenger who threatened to hijack an aircraft on a domestic flight, a media report said.
Suicide bomber kills 15 in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 15 people were killed and 29 wounded when a suicide bomber attacked a checkpoint manned by anti-Al Qaeda fighters here, an interior ministry source said Monday.
The bomber who was on a bicycle blew himself up Sunday night at a checkpoint near a mosque in the Sunni neighbourhood of Adhamiyah, the source said.
Six of the killed and many among the injured were members of the anti-Al Qaeda awakening council, it added.
Sporadic attacks have continued in Baghdad despite the US and Iraqi officials reporting a relative lull in violence during the past months.
‘Middle East’s current problems started from the 1967 war’
By Vikas Datta,
New Delhi : Wracked by insurrection and terrorism, the Middle East is going through a traumatic time but most of its problems...
PNA minister: Limited land exchange for Gaza-W. Bank passage can be accepted
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A Palestinian minister said on Wednesday that a limited exchange of land with Israel in return of "a safe corridor" linking the West Bank and the Gaza Strip could be accepted.
Mahmoud al-Habbash, minister of agriculture, told a news conference in Ramallah that the Palestinian National Authorities (PNA) is "ready to negotiate the possibility of limited, simple exchange of land for the safe passage which will link the Gaza Strip with the West Bank."
Pakistan arrests 46 Indian fishermen
Islamabad: Pakistani authorities have arrested 46 Indian fishermen and seized their boats for allegedly violating the country's territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, officials...
Ahmadinejad faces obstacles in winning re-election
By DPA,
Tehran: Supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, known abroad mainly for provoking tension with the West, are confident he could reach his goal of winning another four-year term, but economic trouble at home might prove a major hurdle for the incumbent.
Ahmadinejad, one of four candidates in Friday's presidential elections, was widely unknown before he unexpectedly became Iran's president in June 2005. Since then, his ongoing provocation of the West have brought Iran to the brink of international isolation.
Court upholds three-year sentence for Hosni Mubarak
Cairo : An Egypt court on Saturday upheld a three-year jail sentence for former president Hosni Mubarak on graft charges.
The court reduced the sentence...
Fahim vows to work for strengthening Peoples Party in any capacity
By APP
Islamabad : Senior Vice President Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Makhdoom Amin Fahim Monday expressed his firm resolve to put his energies together for strengthening the party in any capacity.
Amin Fahim said he would extend full cooperation to the party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in maintaining unity in party ranks and moving it forward.
Majority of the people of Pakistan want him to become the prime minister: “But I will not say even a single word until my party takes a decision.”I am however greatful to the people of Pakistan”.
Indian-origin spy’s bust to be unveiled in London
By IANS,
London: A bust of Noor Inayat Khan, the Second World War secret agent of Indian origin, will be unveiled here next week by Britain's Princess Anne.
Turkish troops to return to bases after incursion into Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
Ankara : Turkish General Army Staff on Friday said its troops will return to bases as soon as they achieve their targets against PKK in northern Iraq.
The ground attack was executed by some 10,000 troopers that made a 10-kilometer incursion into Iraqi soil and will return after ending the mission, Turkish news Agency Cehan said.
On his part, Iraq's Ambassador in Ankara told Turkish News Agency Anatoli that his country did not send an objection letter to Ankara regarding the attack, saying that such reports were "baseless."
‘Good news’ on judges’ issue soon: Pakistan PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said his government will reinstate sacked judges soon even as lawyers set Aug 14 as the deadline to restore the judiciary to its pre-Nov 3 status.
In his first address to the nation on radio and television after becoming the prime minister, Gilani Saturday said the new government has inherited the problem of terrorism, extremism and law and order.
He said it was becoming difficult to run the affairs of the country particularly to deliver in terms of protecting the lives and the property of the people.
Malaysian sultan commutes caning sentence against Muslim woman
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur: A Muslim woman who was sentenced to be caned for drinking beer has instead been ordered to perform community service after a state sultan decided to commute the sentence, her father said Thursday.
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, 33, was found guilty of drinking beer at a club two years ago. In September, the Islamic sharia court of appeals in her home state of Pahang upheld her sentence of a 5,000-ringgit ($1,351) fine and six strokes of the cane.
Hamas reveals details over Haneya’s assassination attempt
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday revealed more details over an assassination attempt on Ismail Haneya, the movement's leader and prime minister of Hamas-run government in Gaza.
Said Siam, Hamas' former interior minister, said the assassination was designated to be a suicide bombing targeting Haneya when he leaves a mosque in one of Friday prayers.
Pakistani lawyers’ ‘Long March’ nears Islamabad
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Thousands of lawyers from across Pakistan, participating in a 'Long March' to demand restoration of the judges President Musharraf had sacked after declaring emergency last November, were inching towards Parliament House here Friday.
The lawyers are set to stage a rally at Constitutional Avenue here and ousted Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif are expected to address. The rally venue, however, has been cordoned off by authorities.
Pakistan Peoples Party wants to advance Senate elections
By IANS,
Islamabad : The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party leadership has decided to hold the Senate elections in mid-February, the Dawn quoted a senior party member as saying.
‘Mubarak not terminally ill’
By IANS,
Cairo : Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's health is not stable, but he is not dying, a source close to the leader has said.
Israel’s arms manufacturer sues Georgia for $100mn debt
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : A leading defence electronics manufacturer of Israel has filed a lawsuit with a British court against the Georgian government over an alleged $100-million debt.
Eight held as Spanish cops break up Islamist recruitment cell
Madrid : At least eight people were arrested in Spain Monday during a police operation against Jihadist recruitment cell's plans to send fighters to...
Iran ready for nuclear talks ‘without conditions’ – official
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran is ready to hold talks with the West on its nuclear program without any preliminary conditions, a high-ranking Iranian official said on Tuesday.
"Iran's main position on talks regarding [the country's] nuclear program is that discussions should be held without any preliminary conditions," said Ali Ashgar Soltanieh, Iran's representative at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Pakistan continues firing at Indian posts on LoC
Jammu : The Pakistan Army Friday continued its unprovoked firing at Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch...
Pakistan govt draws flak for “delaying” visa to Indian scholars
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistan government has drawn flak from academicians in the country for adopting "delaying tactics" in issuing visas to Indian scholars which has prevented them from attending a seminar in the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Sixteen Indian scholars, who were invited for the seminar, will be unable to attend the event because of the Pakistan government's "lengthy process" for issuing visas, the organisers of the event have said.
12 killed in separate attacks across Iraq
Baghdad : A total of 12 people including four Iranian nationals were killed and 39 wounded in separate attacks across Iraq Saturday, police said.
In...
Iraqi Sunnis return to government
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government on Saturday endorsed a list of ministerial posts, including candidates from a leading Sunni party alliance which quitted the government a year ago.
The return of Sunnis marks a positive step towards achieving political reconciliation in the country plagued by sectarian feud.
Six portfolios went to the Sunni bloc Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF), including a deputy prime minister, ministers for higher education, culture and communication, and ministers of state for foreign affairs and women's affairs.
Yousuf reposes faith in struggling Akmal
By IANS,
Sydney: Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has ruled out the option of resting Kamran Akmal despite the wicketkeeper's lacklustre performance behind the stumps.
Akmal dropped Australia's middle order batsman Michael Hussey thrice on the third day of the second Test in Sydney Tuesday and also wasted a perfect opportunity to run out opener Shane Watson. Hussey went on to complete his 11th ton Wednesday after Watson gave Australia a perfect start with his 97 runs.
Pakistani investigators seeking clues on abducted UN official
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani investigators were examining evidence Tuesday connected to the kidnapping of a UN official in the southwestern province of Balochistan the previous day.
Gunmen abducted US citizen John Solecki, local head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in the provincial capital Quetta as his Pakistani chauffer drove him to work at around 8.45 a.m. (0345 GMT) without any escort.
The driver died at hospital of bullet wounds he suffered in the attack, which was described by the Pakistani government as an "unfortunate and dastardly terrorist act".
All political forces of Sindh to consulted on formation of government: Zardari
By APP
Islamabad : Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians has has enough strength in Sindh Assembly to form a government on its own, however, PPPP is eager to listen to views of other political forces, Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said.Addressing PPPP Sindh Parliamentary meeting at Zardari House, the PPPP co-chairman said the Party has decided to take all political forces in the country together and asked the members to make suggestions for reconciliation with them.
Pakistan needs $840 mn for rehabilitation: UN
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan needs around $840 million to meet the requirements of 7.2 million people affected by floods and insecurity, the UN said Sunday.
Dog was part of US team that attacked Osama
By IANS,
London : An explosive sniffing dog was part of the crack team of US commandos who shot dead Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Lebanese PM urges citizens to participate in Hariri’s assassination anniversary
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Prime Minister Fuad Siniora Wednesday called on all Lebanese people to participate in the 3rd anniversary of assassination of former Premier Rafiq Hariri, in order to press ahead with the election of president of the republic.
Hariri's 3rd commemoration is taking place with Lebanon still searching for peace, stability and co-existence, Siniora said in a televised address.
14 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul: Afghan police backed by the army have killed at least 14 Taliban militants and arrested five others, Xinhua reported.
Musharraf on verge of being flown out of Pakistan: report (Lead)
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is on the verge of quitting with a special aircraft being positioned to fly him out and Senate chair Muhammadmian Soomro being asked to cut short his foreign tour and return home, a newspaper report said Friday.
Soomro, who was the caretaker prime minister in the run up to general elections this year, will be sworn in as interim president when Musharraf steps down.
But Musharraf, on his part, dismissed reports about his resignation, terming them a malicious campaign to create unrest in the country.
Blame game on in Bangladesh’s BNP-led alliance
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former prime minister Khaleda Zia is blaming the Islamists for the poll debacle and media reports indicate that the alliance could be heading for a split.
As the blame game continues among the 'nationalists' and 'Islamists', The Daily Star, quoting officials within the alliance, said the formidable force that won a two-thirds parliamentary majority and shared power during 2001-06, lost badly this time as people, particularly the young, preferred moderation to religion-based politics.
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Worldwide protests against Israeli attacks on Gaza
By DPA,
Berlin : Tens of thousands took part Saturday in worldwide protests against Israel's 15-day bombardment and infantry deployment into the Gaza Strip.
In Germany, more than 35,000 people took to the streets in demonstrations organised mainly by ethnic Turks, Palestinians and other predominantly Islamic minorities.
The biggest demonstration in Germany was in the western industrial city of Duisburg, where 10,000 demonstrators attended a rally organised by the Milli Gorus Islamic community, a Turkish Islamist group.
Islamic Universities’ Federation supports inter-faith initiative
By IINA
Riyadh : The Executive Council for the Federation of the Islamic Universities has adopted the Inter-faith Initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz as regards enhancing the values of dialogue among the heavenly religions. "This development came at the end of the 13th session of the Executive Council of the Federation of the Islamic universities, hosted by Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic University last Thursday and Friday.
Rift between Bilawal, Zardari?
Islamabad : A website asking people to join 'Team Bilawal' has fuelled rumours about a rift between Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto...
New Arab poetry award in memory of Palestine’s Darwish
By IANS,
Dubai : A new Arabic poetry competition has been launched in the memory of departed Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.
The Sharjah Department of Culture and Information has launched the new competition as part of the annual Arab poetry forum it organizes, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Several poets from across the Arab world are expected to participate in the new competition.
Darwish, the towering Arab poet regarded as the voice of the bitter decades-old freedom struggle of Palestine, passed away Aug 9 at Houston in the US aged 67.
Pakistan gets US guided missile frigate for $65 mn
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Pakistan has signed a $65 million deal with the United States for the "hot transfer" of the refurbished guided missile frigate USS McInerney. Under the agreement, the Pakistan Navy will take over the vessel on Aug 31.
The contract for the "hot transfer" of the Perry-class guided missile frigate, was signed here Tuesday by senior officials of the Pakistan Navy and US Navy. A "hot transfer" refers to the transfer of an operational vessel as against a moth-balled ship.
Flydubai adds new Boeing to fleet
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : UAE's low cost airline Flydubai has acquired its ninth Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.
The plane arrived at the Dubai International Airport Wednesday. It will be put into service on the Dubai-Istanbul route.
The airline, which began its operation June 1, 2009, will acquire 13 new aircraft this year.
Olmert vows efforts for peace in Middle East
By Xinhua
Tokyo : Visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday his country will make utmost efforts for goals set during the Annapolis peace conference held last November.
Israel expects mutual understanding and coexistence with Palestine, Olmert said in a speech.
The Israeli prime minister, who started his four-day Japan tour from Monday, met with Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the evening and discussed issues including threat of nuclear and missile proliferation.
A role for Muslim Americans in preventing extremism?
By Parvez Ahmed
A recent report by researchers at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) states that the number of Muslim Americans vulnerable to radicalisation is small, but not negligible. Since 9/11, a total of 139 Muslim Americans have been arrested on terrorism charges, some have been convicted and some are still pending verdict. It is a small number relative to the nearly seven million Muslims who call America home, but the number is still distressing: one terrorist is one too many.
Three Libyan embassy employees resign in Sweden
By DPA,
Stockholm : Three employees at the Libyan embassy in Sweden resigned Monday from their jobs to protest the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the North African country.
Indian, Pakistan border guards exchange greetings
By IANS,
Attari (Punjab) : Pakistani border guards Wednesday greeted their Indian counterparts on the occasion of India's 66th Independence Day.
Top Al Qaeda leader killed in Algeria
By IANS,
Algiers: A senior leader of the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has been killed by Algerian forces in the southern province of Bejaia, Xinhua reported.
Jordan: schools creaking under burden of 24,000 Iraqi students
By NNN-IRIN
Amman : Government-funded schools are accommodating 24,000 Iraqi students, causing massive pressure on the education system, according to Jordan Minister of Education Taysir Nueimi.
Nueimi said the high number of Iraqi students had created financial and logistical difficulties for the education sector, and urged the international community to provide more assistance to Jordan.
Iranian Air Force to stage large-scale war games
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Iran's military will hold a major air exercise soon to demonstrate its capabilities, a top air force official said Tuesday.
The war games, dubbed Protectors of Velayat Air, "will demonstrate our strength and will send the message to our enemies that if they contemplate an attack, they will meet a powerful blow," Iran's Air Force commander Ahmad Mighani said.
He said the air force was operating at full combat readiness and added that Iran had developed aircraft that were capable of evading radar detection, which "would increase the country's air strength".
11 injured in Peshawar blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 11 people were injured, three critically, when a bomb exploded in a busy market in Pakistan's Peshawar city Thursday morning.
Palestinians clash with Israeli Special Forces in Rafah
By KUNA
Gaza : Members of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), engaged on wednesday in armed confrontations with Israeli Special Forces in Rafah, south of Gaza Strip.
The brigades said in a statement that the clashes caused causalities among Israeli special units, while Palestinian fighters were hospitalized in a Rafah hospital for slight injuries.
Malaysia says no to race relations law
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government has shot down a proposal for a race relations law after a study revealed that the people do not favour enforcing better racial ties through law, a media report said Wednesday.
Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Mohammed Shafie Apdal Tuesday said the decision came after exhaustive discussions within the cabinet and with representatives of all communities.
Katusha rocket fired from Lebanon hits Israel — spokesman
By KUNA
Gaza : An explosion, suspected to have been caused with a rocket fired from southern Lebanon, damaged a house in northern Israel on Tuesday.
A spokesman of the Israeli Army said a rocket crashed into the town of Shlomi, causing some damage to a residence, without inflicting casualties.
The Israeli media said part of the rocket blew up in the sky ahead of impact.
The spokesman added that the 122-mm Katyusha hit the north early today, indicating at other reports that suggested that an explosion was caused by old ordnance.
Egypt looks forward for further Kuwaiti aid to develop power – Al-Ahram
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has contributed in the construction of up to eight mega power stations in Egypt, the daily "Al-Ahram" said in a report published on Saturday.
This Kuwaiti contribution is estimated at KD 184 million, some 3.7 Egyptian pounds, a substantial portion of the foreign support for the country's vital sector.
Four Advisers Of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Resign
DHAKA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Four advisers of Bangladesh caretaker administration Tuesday tendered their resignation, officials said.
"The four have resigned on 'personal ground' and the chief adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed sent their resignation letters to President Iajuddin Ahmed," chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told Bangladesh news agency (BSS) here Tuesday night.
The four were Information and Law Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury, Industries Adviser Geeti Ara Safiya Chowdhury and Health Adviser (retd) Major General ASM Matiur Rahman.
Pakistani court dismisses case against FBI agent
Islamabad : A Pakistani court Monday dismissed a case against an FBI agent, who was arrested for allegedly carrying ammunition and three knives onto...
US open to increase troops in Afghanistan: Pentagon
By Xinhua,
Washington : The US is open to the possibility of sending more troops to the Afghanistan war, where President Barack Obama's government has "limited time" to show improvement, top defence officials said Thursday.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates told a press conference at Pentagon that he has received the assessment report on the Afghanistan strategy by Army General Stanley A. McChrystal, US top commander in the country, and informally forwarded a copy to President Obama.
3G, 4G spectrum license auction begins in Pakistan
Islamabad : The auction process for 3G and 4G spectrum licenses in Pakistan began Wednesday and is expected to revolutionise the telecom sector and...
French aid worker released in Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : A French aid worker who was kidnapped by suspected Al Qaeda gunmen three months ago in Yemen has been released, Xinhua reported.
India to Pakistan: More people should be prosecuted for 26/11
By IANS,
Islamabad: Hoping for a "positive outcome" from his talks here, Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram Saturday said he has conveyed to Pakistan that more people were behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and "more people" should be prosecuted.
"We think more people lay behind the Mumbai attack and more people should be prosecuted," Chidambaram told reporters here after Friday night's talks with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik.
"That point has been made to the Pakistan government," he stressed.
Emergency Arab League meet on Syria
By IANS,
Cairo : The Arab League will hold a ministerial-level emergency meeting Nov 12 to discuss the continued violence in Syria, the Egypt's official MENA news agency reported Sunday.
Cash strapped PCB on a spending spree in Dubai
By IANS,
Karachi : The Pakistani media Friday questioned a lavish spending spree by top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and their guests, who are in Dubai to watch their one-day series against Australia.
Several Pakistani dailies reported that the PCB, which has been complaining of severe financial problems in recent times, will be spending over 20 million Pakistani rupees on the stay of its senior officials and guests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the April 22-May 7 series.
Six killed in suicide bombing on Iraqi ex-deputy premier
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll of late Friday's suicide bombing on a convoy of Iraqi ex-deputy premier in western Baghdad rose to six, an interior ministry source said on Saturday.
"Our latest reports said that six people were killed and 17 others injured by the suicide bombing that struck the convoy of former Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed al-Chalabi in the Mansour district," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Four of Chalabi's bodyguards were among the killed while five others were among the wounded, the source said.
UK hypocritical over Israeli war criminals, say Muslims
London, Dec 24, IRNA – Britain’s mainstream Muslim organisation has accused Foreign Secretary David Miliband of employing double standards by not pursuing alleged Israeli war criminals.
In a letter to Miliband, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also warned that the UK government was jeopardising its international reputation by interfering in the law to prevent Israeli leaders being arrested under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
Pakistan stands at 103 out of 124 states
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan stands at 103 out of 124 states on Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, underlining a frail travel and tourism regulatory framework, low prioritization of the industry, low marketing effectiveness and a constricted tourism perception.
Explosives from Britain found at Bahrain airport
By IANS,
Manama : A package that came from Britain and contained explosives has been detected at the Bahrain International Airport, Xinhua reported.
Here Pakistan figures high in poll campaign and rhetoric
By Jaideep Sarin,
Amritsar : In Punjab's Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency, which is seeing a high-pitched electoral battle between two stalwart leaders of the BJP...
Parliamentary elections will be free and fair, says Pakistan’s Chief Election
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq says Monday s parliamentary election will be free, fair and transparent.
We have taken every step to obliterate any chance of rigging at any phase of the electoral process, the CEC said in his address to the nation Sunday night.
The CEC said police and paramilitary forces backed by Pakistan Army have been deployed at the polling stations and the voters would be provided a congenial environment to exercise their right to vote.
U.N. Chief Chairs Mideast Quartet Meeting Friday, Gaza Fuel Low
By SPA,
United Nations : United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will chair the Middle East Quartet meeting in London on Friday, his spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
Ban will also partake in an “expanded meeting” with Arab foreign ministers followed by a meeting with the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Palestinian Authority, Ban’s spokeswoman Marie Okabe said.
Kerala explores healthcare pact with UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : A visiting delegation from Kerala is discussing a proposed agreement on healthcare manpower with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government here.
The delegation, led by state Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi, was received by UAE Health Minister Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami here late Thursday.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two sides discussed ways of having a memorandum of understanding for training medical, nursing cadres and exchange of expertise in the first aid care and preventive medical sectors.
Netanyahu inks coalition with ultra-Orthodox Shas party
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Monday signed a coalition agreement with the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, passing another hurdle on...
Dhaka parties asked to disclose fund sources
By IANS,
Dhaka : Introducing the first such measure aimed at ensuring transparency in politics in Bangladesh, the caretaker government has asked political parties keen to contest the parliamentary polls to disclose the sources of their funds.
The disclosure has to be done at the time of newly-mandated registration with the Election Commission (EC).
No talks held in Geneva on suspending n-programme, says Iran
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Sunday rejected reports that it was pressurised to suspend its controversial nuclear programme during the international meeting in Geneva last week, official IRNA news agency reported.
"There was no word of suspending uranium enrichment in the recent nuclear talks" in Geneva July 19 foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi told a press meet here Sunday.
He made the remarks commenting on the recent propaganda fuss made after the last Saturday meeting between Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.
60 NATO vehicles set on fire by militants in Peshawar: report
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pro-Taliban militants struck at a terminal in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, used by trucks ferrying supplying to US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, setting on fire up to 60 vehicles and container trucks today.
The heavily armed militants stormed Bilal Terminal in the early hours after opening fire at watchmen. They then lobbed grenades and torched container trucks and other cars, including Humvee armoured vehicles, TV channels reported.
Seven senior Brotherhood members asked to leave Qatar
Cairo: Seven senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the group from which ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi hails, have been asked to leave Qatar,...
Violence not affecting Afghan transition: NATO chief
By IANS,
Washington: NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says violence in Afghanistan would not affect the planned transition of security responsibility to the country's forces.
Afghanistan calls for support to strengthen its forces
By Xinhua
Kabul : Afghanistan Thursday called on the international community to help it strengthen it security forces to take over the country's security.
"We are asking the international community and everybody to accelerate the growth of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) both in quality and quantity," Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak told reporters at a videoconference arranged by Brussels ahead of NATO summit.
"We believe the only way to secure Afghanistan is to enable the Afghans themselves," Wardak emphasized.
At least 40 killed in Karachi slum fire
By IANS,
Karachi : At least 40 people, including children and women, were killed as a massive fire broke out in a slum here, Geo TV reported Friday.
People were asleep when the fire broke out in the sector five locality in north Karachi, resulting in the death of so many people, the report said.
"Sleeping residents were reportedly engulfed by fire, which spread so rapidly that many victims were unable to even flee the shacks in which they live. Some of the dead were burned beyond recognition," the report said.
UAE, Syria sign air services agreement
By IANS,
Damascus : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syria have initialled an air services agreement here, WAM news agency reported Friday.
The agreement was signed Thursday by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and Hazem Al Khadraa, director general of Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
The two sides agreed to designate all UAE national airlines for unrestricted passenger flights to Syrian cities, with the exception of Damascus and meet again in 2009 to discuss potentials for an 'open sky' agreement between the two countries.
Abu Dhabi airport Middle East’s second best: Survey
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Abu Dhabi International Airport has been ranked the second best service provider in the Middle East by the Annual Airports Council International (ACI).
U.S. officials: Iran’s response to int’l offer unacceptable
By Xinhua,
Washington : U.S. officials said on Tuesday Iran's response to an incentives offer by world major powers to halt its nuclear program is unacceptable.
Israel seals off West Bank town to prevent anti-wall demonstration
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli forces extended a curfew on the central West Bank town of Ni'lin for the fourth day on Monday in response to Palestinian demonstrations against the construction of a West Bank barrier.
Local Palestinians said that they have been trapped in their homes for four days, unable to go to work as Israeli soldiers throw sonic bombs near civilian houses, in order "to scare children and to provoke the residents," as put by one villager.
India, Pakistan were close to an agreement: PM
By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday said he was close to clinching "an agreement" on all bilateral issues with then Pakistan military president Pervez Musharraf two years ago but the judiciary in that country halted that process.
"I and General (retd) Musharraf had reached an agreement in non-territorial solution to all problems but then General Musharraf got into difficulties with the chief justice (Iftikhar Chowdhary)... He said we cannot operate on all fronts and therefore the whole process came to a halt...," Manmohan Singh told CNN-IBN in an interview.
Obama, Karzai talk on Afghan situation
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama Thursday held a videoconference with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai and discussed security issues in Afghanistan, the White House said.