Yemen’s new PM resigns
Sanaa : Yemen's new Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak Thursday resigned amid threats of mass protests.
President Abd-Rabbu Manour Hadi has agreed to accept...
Boat carrying over 100 people sinks offshore Malaysia
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : A boat carrying more than 100 people sank off the coast of a port near Kuala Lumpur early Tuesday morning and at least six people were killed, local media reported.
The vessel, believed to be a barter trade boat, sank off the coast near Klang, a sea port southwest of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the website of English-language newspaper The Star said.
Rescuers had so far pulled out 107 survivors and six bodies, and were trying to ascertain the actual number of passengers and crewmen on board before the mishap, it said.
Tehran, Moscow, determined to expand comprehensive cooperation – President’s advisor
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's advisor and Secretary General of Iran's Anti-Narcotic Drugs Campaign Headquarters said here Monday Tehran and Moscow are determined to further expand comprehensive ties, including in campaign against narcotic drugs trafficking.
Afghanistan, Nepal quakes shake India: Experts
Kolkata : A chain of tremors felt across east and north India on Tuesday was due to the ongoing adjustment or "relaxation process" in...
Terrorist attack on German site in Afghanistan thwarted – ministry
By KUNA,
Berlin : Afghan security forces thwarted a terrorist attack targeting a German military site in Mazar-e-Sharif in the northern part of the country, German Defense Ministry said Thursday.
In a press statement, a ministry spokesman said that Afghan security forces stopped a truck that was rigged with 300-kilograms of explosives, noting that security personnel managed to arrest some terrorism suspects.
Police mull bodyguard for threatened Danish cartoonist
By DPA,
Copenhagen : A Danish cartoonist at the centre of the 2005 controversy over cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed may need round-the-clock protection after he escaped an attack on his life, Danish security police said Sunday.
A Somali-born man, armed with an axe and knife, was arrested late Friday after breaking into Kurt Westergaard's home near Arhus, western Denmark.
The 28-year-old was remanded in custody Saturday until the end of January on suspicion of attempted murder of Westergaard and a police officer alerted to the scene.
Hezbollah: Israel preparing for new war
By ANTARA News
Beirut : Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naeem Kassem said Sunday that new Israeli military exercises near the Lebanese border are intended to prepare for a new war on Lebanon.
"Our fighters are fully ready to defend Lebanon if Israel attacks," he was quoted by DPA as saying.
Kassem's remarks came as Israel began a five-day home front security drill near the Lebanese border.
Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas fought a 33-day war in July-August 2006. More than 1,200 people were killed, mostly in Lebanon.
5.3-magnitude quake shakes Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck central and northern Pakistan Friday, meteorological officials in Islamabad reported.
The quake, which was also felt in the capital Islamabad and the eastern city of Lahore, occurred at 1149 GMT, the US Geological Survey said. It had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range along the Afghan border, some 240 km from Kabul.
There were no reports yet of casualties.
In 2005 nearly 80,000 people died in Pakistan and India, when a 7.6-magnitude quake hit Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Three gunned down in Pakistani city
By IANS,
Islamabad: Two policemen were among three people gunned down in Pakistan's Quetta city Monday.
Toll in suicide bombing targeting anti-al-Qaida group in Iraq rises to 25
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : The death toll from Sunday's suicide car bomb attack targeting an Awakening Council group in Salahudin province in central Iraq, had risen to 25 with 45 other people injured, a local police source said Monday.
"Our latest report said that at least 25 people were killed and 45 others injured when a suicide car bomb struck a checkpoint manned by an Awakening Council group outside the village of Mazarie near the town of Yathrib, 70 km north of Baghdad, on Sunday afternoon" the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Israel closes all Gaza gateways — radio
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli authorities closed on Friday all checkpoints around Gaza and declared the procedure would last only for a few days.
"The crossings' closure came in implementation of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak's orders who vowed that he would allow people and goods transportation from and into the strip only in emergency cases," a spokesman of the Israeli Army said in a statement.
Outcry against campus violence in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : The killing of a student and the severing of tendons of four students making them unfit to stand or walk at a university in western Bangladesh have sparked an outcry against campus violence.
The student was killed and 100 injured by those belonging to the Islami Chatra Shibir in Rajshahi University in western Bangladesh.
The cutting of tendons has caused revulsion in the media.
Jailed Hindraf legislator cannot be released
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader M. Manoharan who is being detained under the Internal Security Act cannot be released although he won the Kota Alam Shah assembly seat in the general election held March 8, Malaysian Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has said.
"We cannot simply react to political parties' calls. We have to give priority to public safety and peace and will give due consideration (to the issue of his release) only if there is no threat to national security," he was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper Saturday.
UN security council mission arrives in Kabul
By KUNA,
Kabul : A UN Security Council delegation arrived in Kabul on Monday to assess Afghanistan's progress in peace and rebuilding, and to underscore the importance of regional cooperation for governance, security, and development.
The delegation is led by Ambassador Giulio Terzi of Italy. Other members included UN ambassadors and representatives from fourteen other countries.
Over the next three days, the delegation will meet President Karzai and government officials as well as civil society and other representatives, UN officials here said.
Militants escape from Libyan jails
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tripoli : A group of convicted militants have escaped Libyan jails after rebels seized power in most of the country, Algeria-based El Khabar paper reported Friday.
19 killed in Pakistan violence
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least 19 people died in Pakistan Tuesday in attacks motivated by political and sectarian rivalry.
Tamil woman identified as Malaysian after 11 months’ detention
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A Tamil woman has been identified as a Malaysian national by the country's human rights body after 11 months in detention, when she fell seriously ill.
Rajeswary Murugiah, 22, was detained in October last year after she was found without an identity card and said she did not remember her ID number. She was lying unwell in detention till human rights watchdog Sukham took up her case and resolved it in a single day, The Star newspaper said Thursday.
IRI FM spokesman reacts to Turkish counterpart’s remarks on Israel
By IRNA
Tehran : IRI Foreign Ministry spokesman here Wednesday reacted to his Turkish counterpart's regret expressed over Iranian officials' stands about the Zionist regime.
Counting begins in Pakistan as voting closes
By KUNA
Islamabad : Voting for the provincial and national assemblies seats has closed and counting has begun in Pakistan. Initial reports received from several presiding officers of polling stations showed candidates of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and Benazir Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), securing more votes than pro-Musharraf Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q).
Lebanese to overcome obstacles to “tranquility”: Maronite Patriarch
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir has voiced hope that Lebanon would overcomeall the obstacles it is witnessing for the sake of the country, The Daily Star reported on Thursday.
"All Lebanese should cooperate in favor of their country, whichis going through a very tough period," Sfeir was quoted as saying before a delegation of Lebanese Forces students on Wednesday.
"We are doing our best to help Lebanon return to normalcy whereall of its residents live in tranquility," he added.
Palestinian fisherman injured in Israeli gunboat attack
By KUNA,
GAZA : A Palestinian fisherman was injured Friday morning when Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats to the north and south of Gaza Strip.
A fisherman was slightly injured when Israeli armed ships opened fire at three Palestinian fishing boats in the Sudaniya area, northern Gaza, said Chief of the Palestinian Emergency Department Muawiya Hassanein, adding that the boats were sustained damage.
Lebanese Shia cleric dies
By IANS,
Beirut : Lebanese Shia cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah died Sunday at the age of 75.
Fadlallah died at Beirut's Bahman Hospital, where he was being treated for internal bleeding since Friday, Xinhua reported.
He was a supporter of Iran's Islamic Revolution and the spiritual leader and mentor of Lebanon's Shia armed group Hezbollah.
He was also known for his moderate views on social affairs, especially on women. Shia Muslims account for about 30 percent of the Lebanese population.
Jamaat urges world leaders to intervene to end massacre of Palestinians
By TwoCircles.net news desk
New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza Strip that left more than 300 people including women and children dead and hundreds injured.
Italy may freeze 3.6 bn euros of Libyan assets
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : Italy may follow the lead of its allies and freeze billions of euros of Libyan assets, according to Italian news reports.
Report: Operations against PKK continue in southeastern Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Operations launched by the Turkish security forces in southeastern Turkey to neutralize the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) are continuing, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
Reinforcement units have been dispatched to the region to join the operations that are underway in Bestler-Dereler region, Gabar, Kato and Kupeli mountains, according to the report.
It added that operations, backed by Sikorsky helicopters, particularly intensified along the Turkish-Iraqi border.
Martial arts star to become first Muslim female to fight in Islamic country
Dubai : Malaysia’s first female mixed martial arts (MMA) professional Ann Osman is due to make history in Dubai this month by becoming the...
Saudi Arabia executes two Pakistanis for drug smuggling
By DPA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia Thursday executed two Pakistani nationals for smuggling drugs, a statement by the interior ministry said.
The ministry had ordered the men be executed by sword after they were caught smuggling heroin in the eastern city of Damman.
Drug smuggling carries the death penalty in the Islamic state, where 63 people have been executed since the beginning of the year.
‘UAE committed to Iraqi peace process’
By IANS,
Kuwait : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tuesday said it is committed to taking forward the Iraqi political process for peace and stability in the war-ravaged country, WAM reported.
Peace in Iraq is essential for enduring stability and prosperity of the Gulf region, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan told the opening session of the third expanded conference of foreign ministers the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Olmert: Israel to continue building homes in east Jerusalem neighborhood
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel would continue to build homes in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Homa, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday.
During a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Olmert called Har Homa an "inseparable" part of Jerusalem, saying that construction would proceed, local daily Jerusalem Post reported.
Abducted Catholic archbishop found dead in Iraq
By RIA Novosti
Rome : The body of an Iraqi Catholic archbishop who was kidnapped in late February was found near Mosul in north Iraq on Thursday, the bishop of Baghdad told journalists.
Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of the Chaldean Catholic Church disappeared soon after Mass in Mosul on February 29. His driver and two bodyguards were killed in the attack on his car.
Militants destroy NATO trucks in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Suspected Islamist militants torched an oil tanker and six lorries carrying US and NATO supplies in Pakistan's restive north-west early Friday, police said.
The pre-dawn assault took place at a petrol station and a truckers' inn on the outskirts of Peshawar city, a key transit point for supplies meant for the Western forces battling the Taliban insurgency in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Turkish warplanes bomb PKK camps in N Iraq
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish warplanes bombed the camps of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq on Monday, local NTV reported.
The report said that Turkish warplanes hit the PKK positions and camps early Monday morning, but no more details were available.
A statement issued by the Turkish army on its website said on Sunday that the Turkish security forces killed 10 PKK militants in clashes in eastern Turkey on Sunday.
Taliban Commander arrested at Pakistan-Afghan border
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Taliban Commander Mula Mansoor Dadullah was arrested while trying to cross the border at Gaddal Post (Qilla Saifullah) after an exchange of fire with Frontier Corps Balochistan.
According to ISPR, five of his accomplices have also been arrested.
Initial information revealed that Mulla Mansoor Dadullah is injured and has been arrested while trying to enter into Pakistan.
In another incident, three Jawans who had inadvertently crossed the border in Suchet Garh Sector (Sialkot) have returned.
Iraq under cold front bringing snow and below zero temperatures
BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- Snow fell on large areas of Iraq following two days of low temperature.
Dr. Daoud Shaker, head of the Iraqi weather bureau told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) snow fell in Baghdad during two hours in the morning on Friday after coming under the effect of two pressure systems, one cold originating from Siberia and the other warm coming from the sea.
Armed men attack hotel in Tunisia, several hurt
Tunis : A group of armed men attacked the Marhaba Palace hotel in the coastal city of Sousse on Friday, injuring several hotel...
Abu Dhabi to start profiling of tourists
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Tourism authorities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will start profiling visitors to get an insight into the variety of factors that drive tourism here.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) will launch a year-long campaign next month in which over 5,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi will be interviewed by a professional research company commissioned to carry out the survey, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Iran’s action on UAE island flayed by Arab parliament
By IANS,
Dubai : The Arab Interim Parliament (AIP) has asked Iran to end its occupation of the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a resolution adopted at the end of the second session of AIP committee meeting Monday, the AIP strongly criticised the recent Iranian action of constructing two offices on the Abu Musa Island, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported from Cairo.
Pakistan to retain nuclear deterrence: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Dismissing apprehensions about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear assets, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday said they formed the cornerstone of the country's deterrence strategy and would be retained at all costs.
"No amount of coercion, direct or indirect, will ever force Pakistan to compromise on its core security interest", APP quoted Gilani as saying during a meeting of the central executive committee and the federal council of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party.
Afghanistan war may be lost in Pakistan: US think tank
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The Afghanistan war may be lost in a home-grown insurgency hit Pakistan unless US takes some "game-changing steps" including talks on an India like civil nuclear deal, suggests a US think tank.
"The Afghanistan war may be lost on the battlefields of Pakistan, where a vicious conflict is now being fought by Pakistan against a home-grown insurgency spawned by the war across its Western frontier," said the Atlantic Council of the United States in a report released Monday.
UN Sec-Gen Ban thanks Pakistan, other troops contributors to UN’s peacekeeping
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has thanked UN member states, especially Pakistan, for contributing troops for the world body’s peacekeeping missions around the globe that have helped keep peace in conflict-torn countries.
“Our special thanks go to the top contributors: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Nigeria.
Together, these nations of the South contribute nearly half of the United Nations peacekeepers,” he said in a message marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers being observed today.
Pakistani teenager kills eight family members
By IANS,
Islamabad : Fed up with unending domestic bickering, a Pakistani teenager shot dead his parents, four brothers and two sisters in Punjab's Guaranwal town, Geo News reported Sunday.
Iranian official calls for enhancing Islamic solidarity fund
By SPA
Tehran : Governor of Iranian Central Bank Tahmaseb Mazahiri, the Governor of Iran's Central Bank, has called for enhancing the Islamic Solidarity Fund for meeting the financial requirements of the Muslim countries.
Addressing the 250 th conference of the Islamic development bank (IDB), which began here today its deliberations, Mazahiri said enhancing the Islamic Solidarity Fund requires transparency of the financial systems of the OIC's member states as well as establishment of a framework for the utilization of the financial resources of these countries.
Arab commission addresses regional nuclear issue
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : A special Arab commission tasked with following up on Israel's nuclear programme has commenced a three-day meeting here.
37 killed, 92 injured in Pakistan terror strikes
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 37 people have been killed and over 90 others injured in Pakistan since Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
Mubarak’s aide jailed for seven years
By IANS,
Cairo : The Cairo criminal court Wednesday sentenced a close aide of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to seven years in jail and slapped a fine of four billion US dollars.
Qatar sovereign wealth fund to buy shares of country’s banks
By IANS,
Dubai : With Gulf bourses rebounding Monday after a week of mayhem triggered by the global credit crunch, Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has announced that it would buy up to 20 percent of Qatari banks' shares.
Khalid Bin Rashid Al Khater, director of the Economic Policies Department at Qatar Central Bank (QCB), said that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) was buying up to 20 percent shares of Qatari banks to support the banks' capitals and improve their financial situation.
Ahmadinejad says his trip to Iraq not against any country
By IRNA
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his upcoming visit to Iraq is not against any third country rather it can benefit all.
Speaking in an interview with Iranian television, the president said, "If there is peace and brotherhood but not occupation in Iraq, and all respect the territorial integrity of that country, then, this (my trip) will benefit everybody."
President Ahmadinejad will start an official visit to Iraq on Sunday.
Is Hakimullah Mehsud dead?
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces believe that new Taliban commander Hakimullah Mehsud is dead, a media report said Wednesday.
A Pakistani TV news channel quoted intelligence sources as saying that the man died some time back and it was Hakimullah's look-alike brother who spoke to news channels recently.
The brother was summoned from Afghanistan to temporarily head the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Online news agency reported.
QE2 to be relaunched as floating hotel
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: Luxury ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2, popularly known as QE2, will be renovated and converted into a floating hotel in Dubai.
Over 1,300 militants killed in Pakistan operation, says official
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have killed 1,305 militants, including 40 suicide bombers, since the operation began against the Taliban in the country's northwest, the Online news agency said Sunday.
In addition, 120 militants have been captured since the Operation Rahe-e-Rast was launched in April, Athar Abbas, director general Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
He added that 40 suicide bombers have been killed, and 306 army officials have been wounded in the fighting.
Flydubai posts $41 mn profit
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: Flydubai, a low-cost carrier, made a net profit of 151.9 million dirhams (around $41 million) in 2012.
ISI chief can come to India later, says Zardari
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has not ruled out sending the ISI chief to New Delhi and assured India that if any evidence was found linking any individual or group in Pakistan with the Mumbai terrorist attacks he would take "strictest action" against them.
He underlined that his country would offer full cooperation to India in investigating the terror attacks that killed at least 183 people.
Sharjah Islamic Bank to host 6th National Carnival
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah: The Sharjah Islamic Bank has announced to organise the 6th Sharjah Islamic Bank National Carnival this week.
Pakistan govt to purchase equipment to detect suiciders: Interior Minister
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Interior Minister Lt. Gen Hamid Nawaz Khan Tuesday said the government would purchase technical equippment to detect suiciders.
“The government will purchase technical equippment like scanners to detect suiciders with explosive material. We are negotiating with Chinese and some other international firms for purchase of such equippments.”
In an exclusive interview to this agency, he said the equippment would be installed at entry and exist points in all major cities.
Paper: Egypt presses Israel for opening Rafah crossing
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Egyptian officials started to put pressure on Israel to open Rafah crossing into Gaza, the only travelers' gate into the enclave, a Palestinian newspaper reported on Wednesday.
"This problem needs to be resolved before the situation worsens due to continuation of the closure of this vital crossing for Gaza residents," Jerusalem-based al-Manar newspaper quoted Egyptian sources as saying.
Israeli settlement activities illegal: UN chief
By IANS,
Sirte (Libya): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Saturday Israeli settlement activities in East Jerusalem are illegal and against the international law, Xinhua reported.
In a speech at the opening session of the 22nd Arab Summit, the UN chief said the significance of Jerusalem should be respected as a capital for both Israel and the future Palestinian state.
"Whatever our concerns, there is no alternative to negotiations for a two-state solution," Ban said.
Exit polls see big win for Livni as Olmert’s successor
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is found by three exit polls to be the winner of the primary of the ruling Kadima party on Wednesday.
Livni gains 47 percent of the votes, and her main rival, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz secures 37 percent, according to an exit poll conducted by local TV Channel 1 and released shortly after the polls closed at 10:30 p.m. (1930 GMT).
Free India would have fragmented without Gandhi: British historian
By Vikas Datta, IANS,
Quake shakes southwest Iran
By DPA,
Tehran : An earthquake rattled the province of Khuzestan Saturday night in south-western Iran, the website of state television reported.
The quake with a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale shook areas near the city of Andimeshk, the report said.
There was no immediate information on casualties or damage.
Pakistani leaders condemn suicide blast in capital
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday strongly condemned a suicide attack happened earlier the day in the capital.
Musharraf asked the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough inquiry into the blast to bring the culprits to justice and reiterated the government's commitment to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Musharraf also directed the local administration to provide every possible medical care to the injured.
Turkish leader warns of “globalization of terrorism”
By IRNA
Berlin : Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned of the "globalization of terrorism."
Addressing the Munich security conference in Munich, he urged the international community to intensify efforts to combat global terrorism, among them the PKK terrorist group.
Erdogan made clear that the North Iraqi-based PKK was an "open security threat" for Turkey.
He stressed that Turkey's anti-PKK military campaign would continue until "the terror ends."
Plea against ‘black warrants’ dismissed in Pakistan
Islamabad : An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan on Friday dismissed a petition against the "black warrants" of two convicts who had been sentenced...
Hamas criticizes Egyptian statements over Palestinian reconciliation
By Xinhua
Gaza : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Sunday rejected Egyptian statements which did not encourage the participation of Hamas in a Palestinian unity government.
NATO supply tanker attacked in northwest Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A NATO supply tanker was attacked by militants in northwest Pakistan, a media report said Saturday.
This is the latest attack on a NATO supply route in Pakistan. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the report said without giving any further details.
Nearly 75 percent of the supplies for US and NATO troops in Afghanistan currently travel through Pakistan. The supply route has been under increasing attacks of late.
FBI, Scotland Yard help probe into Dhaka mutiny
By IANS,
Dhaka : A second team of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from US is here even as a British Scotland Yard team is working to help Bangladesh investigate last month's mutiny by troopers of the border guards.
The FBI's second team, comprising eight members, joined the probe after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government sought assistance earlier this month to probe "local and foreign links" to the Feb 25-26 massacre at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in the capital.
Pakistani PM vows to meet people’s basic needs
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday said that price hikes and other crises were inherited, however, his government would provide relief to the masses.
He was speaking at a seminar organized on the performance of the new Pakistani government during its first 100 days.
Gilani said that wheat, rice, sugar and other food commodities were not available in the market when he assumed the office. However, necessary measures have been taken to overcome the crisis since then, he said
Corruption is like cancer, cut it out: Pakistani daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Corruption is like cancer that has to be cut out from the society, a Pakistani daily said Friday after the Supreme Court stated that corrupt officials should be sacked.
Pilgrims leave Madinah for their countries
By SPA
Madinah : According to report released by the Hajj committee in Madinah, 624320 pilgrims arrived in Madinah up to Thursday, Jan 10, 2008. The number of the pilgrims who left the city amounted to 345526 while the number of the remaining pilgrims amounted to 278686.
The pilgrims in Madinah included 68433 Indonesians and 34938 Pakistanis.
On Thursday, 15201 pilgrims left Madinah via Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport aboard 47 international flights.
Pakistan government likely to include militarily in peace talk team
Islamabad : A top security service member is most likely to be included in the Pakistan government's new peace team to engage the Tehreek-Taliban...
China’s crackdown continues on Xinjiang Muslims; bans fasting in Ramadan
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Battling the continued terrorist acts in the country purported from Uighur Muslims, China has adopted a controversial move of banning millions of Muslims from compulsory fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is obligatory on every Muslim to observe for the whole month in the day time (from sun rise to sun set).
US to provide $100 million of humanitarian aid to Pakistan
By IANS,
Washington: The US plans to provide $100 million of humanitarian aid to Pakistan as part of the Obama administration's new strategy for countering the appeal of Taliban militants, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Tuesday.
"Providing this assistance is not only the right thing to do but we believe it's essential to global security and the security of the United States," she said at a news conference at the White House. "And we are prepared to do more as the situation demands."
Abu Dhabi to have new commercial district
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : This fast growing capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon have a mixed-use commercial development that will be part of a wider high-profile residential district launched recently.
A joint venture agreement to this effect has been signed between Mubadala Development Company, the investment vehicle of the government of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Dubai-based real estate major Majid Al Futtaim Group, according to a statement issued by Mubadala.
Mumbai remembers heroes, victims of 26/11 terror attacks
Mumbai : The heroes and victims of the 26/11 terror attacks that left 166 people, including 28 foreigners, dead were solemnly remembered at various...
20 blasts rocks Afghanistan, 16 injured
By IANS,
Kabul : Twenty blasts, including two suicide bombings, Saturday rocked Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, leaving at least 16 injured, Xinhua reported.
Turkish police continues search for leads on Istanbul bombings
By KUNA,
Istanbul : The Turkish police continues search for leads regarding the Istanbul attacks plotters which killed 17 people and injured some 154.
Turkish media quoted security sources as saying it is highly probable the Kurdish Labor Party is responsible for the attacks, as the (RBX) explosives are the usual mark of a party operation.
The sources added the same explosives were used by the party in the bombing of a commercial center in Ankara in May 2007.
Twelve dead as Turkish troops and Kurd militants clash
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : Nine Kurdish militants and three Turkish soldiers have been killed during clashes in Turkey's south-east, the Turkish General Staff said on Tuesday.
It said the deaths occurred on Monday in the province of Sirnak, which borders Iraq. Large amounts of arms, ammunition and other supplies belonging to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were seized by Turkish troops during the ongoing military operation. Five Turkish soldiers were also reported to have been injured.
More Turkish soldiers have since been sent to the area and F-16 aircraft have also been deployed.
Qatar’s success in solving Lebanese crisis achievement for GCC
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al- Khalifah said Qatar's success in solving the Lebanese crisis constituted a great political achievement for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
In an interview published Sunday by the local daily newspapaer, "As-Seyassah," Al Khalifad said Qatar succeeded in solving a thorny crisis that great countries had failed to resolve.
Qatar's success was praised by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and all other Gulf states, he highlighted.
5,000-year-old cemetery found in Egypt
By Xinhua,
Cairo : A 5,000-year-old royal burial ground has been discovered by an Egyptian archaeological mission in southern Egypt, the official MENA news agency has reported.
The ancient cemetery was found in Umm el-Ga'ab area, south of the historical city of Abydos in Sohag governorate, about 400 km south of Cairo, the report said Saturday.
The burial ground, which contains 13 tombs, is believed to be of senior royal employees or people who contributed to the construction of the cemetery.
Polish soldiers charged with faking Afghan patrols
By DPA,
Warsaw : Military prosecutors have brought charges against six Polish officers for claiming they had gone on patrols in Afghanistan when in reality they did not leave their base, the daily Rzeczpospolita reported Monday.
The soldiers would report in army documents that they had gone on patrols and were each able to get additional payments of up to 5,000 zloty ($1,735).
An officer reported the practice to military police when he found his colleagues - without his knowledge - had written him in for seven fictitious patrols.
Peshawar attack victim’s family leads protest
Islamabad : An army man's family of a student killed in Peshawar school attack led an anti-terrorism rally in Pakistan's Punjab province, media reported...
Overseas Pakistanis Forum to be established
By IANS,
Islamabad : In an effort to reach out to the Pakistani community abroad, the government has decided to establish an Overseas Pakistanis Forum under the chairmanship of Minister for Overseasn Pakistanis Farooq Sattar.
Noted overseas Pakistani and Ambassador-at-Large Javed Malik has been named the secretary general and vice chair of the forum.
"My efforts would focus on reaching out to the community and connecting them to the decision makers in Pakistan," Online news agency Sunday quoted Malik as saying.
Hamas Calls to Protest Israel Crimes
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) called for protests after Friday prayers to denounce Israeli crimes against Palestinians, 32 of whom were reported dead in the last two days.
Hamas issued a release convening massive marches today "to condemn the crimes against our people," and called for Arabs and Muslims all over the world to express solidarity with their cause.
Israel has intensified attacks against the occupied Palestinian territories in the last 48 hours, after an Israeli residing in Sderot was killed Wednesday by a rebel missile.
Israeli nominee for Peace Nobel wants to be removed from list
By DPA,
Oslo : Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu has again asked to be removed from a list of Nobel Peace Prize nominees, the head of the Oslo-based Norwegian Nobel Institute said Wednesday.
"He has written letters to us this year and last year also, where he stated explicitly that he did not want to be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize," Nobel Institute Director Geir Lundestad told DPA.
Pakistani government not probing army HQ siege
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty-one years ago, a probe into a devastating blast at an ammunition depot had led to the collapse of then prime minister Muhammad Khan Junejo's government. Taking a leaf from this, the present dispensation has refrained from ordering an enquiry into the audacious attack on the Pakistani Army HQ last week, a media report said Wednesday.
Israeli PM asks Abbas to help find missing teenagers
Jerusalem : Israel Monday asked Palestine to help in finding the three teenagers allegedly kidnapped last week, a statement the Israel prime minister's office...
Afghanistan making progress in security: British official
By IANS,
United Nations : Britain's permanent representative to the UN has praised steps taken towards making Afghanistan more secure, a media report said.
Pakistan condemns Delhi blast
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan Wednesday condemned the bombing outside the Delhi High Court and expressed the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Islamic Jihad says it has developed long-range rocket
By DPA
Tel Aviv : The radical Islamic Jihad organisation threatened to intensify its rocket attacks against Israel, saying in a leaflet Sunday that it has developed a new, longer-range rocket which can strike further into the Jewish state.
The organisation also confirmed in the leaflet that three of its militants killed in an Israeli air strike late Saturday were on their way to launch rockets at southern Israel.
The Jihad added that it would continue to fire rockets from the Gaza Strip as a response to Israeli attacks in the West Bank.
Israel buys four German warships
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Thursday that Israel had purchased four warships from Germany reportedly to help secure its off-shore gas fields.
"I...
Militants kidnap 2 dozen Pakistani officials after clashes with security forces
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least two civilians were killed and seven others were wounded in fierce clashes between security forces and militants in a northern Pakistani district.
Clashes erupted between militants and security forces Tuesday morning in Kabal district of Sawat valley, said Sawat Media Center Incharge, Major Faroque, while talking to newsmen. He said the two sides used heavy weapons but could not confirm any casualty. However, security sources told KUNA that a mortar shell hit a house that killed two persons and wounded seven others.
25 killed in Iraq attacks
Baghdad: Twenty five people were killed and 33 wounded in violence across Iraq, mainly in the western province of Anbar Saturday, police said.
In Anbar...
Mohammad (PBUH) as liberator
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
This month we celebrated the birth day of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated by Muslims with great devotion and reverence. But often it has been seen that devotees do not reflect on the message of the person whom they so venerate. It just becomes a tradition rather than occasion for deep reflection. Muslims also refer to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Muhsin-e-Insaniyyat i.e. the benefactor of humanity but hardly care to know in what respect he became benefactor?
Turkey’s aerial and ground operations hit rebel positions
By SPA,
Ankara, Turkey : Turkey's military says warplanes and artillery have hit Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq.
The military says targets in Saturday's raids included an area just across the border where rebels have allegedly gathered after attacking a military outpost in Turkey. Six soldiers and 19 rebels were killed in the fighting that followed that attack.
The military says the raids were «intense and effective and care was taken not to harm the local Iraqi Kurdish population, the Associated Press reported.
Jordanian is new UN human rights chief
United Nations : The UN General Assembly has approved the nomination of Jordan's UN ambassador, Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein, as the new UN...
Suicide bombing kills 12 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suicide bomber detonated explosives near a military checkpoint in Pakistan's Bajaur tribal region Saturday, killing at least 12 people, officials said.
More than 25 people were wounded in the blast, which tore through a market in Khar, the main town of the district bordering Afghanistan.
"So far we can confirm 12 deaths but the casualty count could rise because several victims are in a critical condition," an official of the local administration said.
Seven killed in Afghan quake
By DPA,
Kabul : At least seven people were killed and more than 30 injured Monday when a magnitude-5.3 earthquake hit a mountainous province in northern Afghanistan, officials said.
The quake hit the Dara-e-soof and Doaab districts of Samangan province shortly after midnight Monday, destroying and damaging more than 200 houses, said Haji Gholam Sakhi, the deputy provincial governor.
Woman and children were among the dead, Sakhi said.
The tremor was also felt in Kabul, other northern provinces and the neighbouring countries of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Obama vows no US troops on the ground in Pakistan
By ANTARA,
Washington : President Barack Obama said US forces would launch strikes on militant targets inside Pakistan if necessary, but said US troops on the ground would not go in hot pursuit over the Afghan border.
"I haven`t changed my approach," Obama said in an interview broadcast Sunday on CBS program "Face the Nation," referring to US missile strikes on militants.
"If we have a high-value target within our sights, after consulting with Pakistan, we`re going after them," the president said.
Israeli arms company successfully tests anti-Qassam missile
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli authority for development of weapons and military technology Rafael has successfully completed a series of test in the short-range missile defense system it is currently developing as part of the project code-named "Iron Dome", local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website on Monday.
The tests, which were carried out at a test ground in southern Israel, were successful, said the report, citing Israeli security sources.
London protesters urge expulsion of Israeli envoy
By IRNA,
London : Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in central London calling for the closure of the Israeli Embassy and the expulsion of its ambassador after Israeli forces killed peace activists on board a flotilla heading to Gaza.
Protestors demonstrated outside the British Prime Minister’s Office in Downing Street before marching towards the Israeli Embassy in denunciation of the Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla.
22 people missing as trawler capsizes in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : At least 22 people were missing as a trawler capsized early Monday in a river in Bangladesh's southeastern Chandpur district, police said.
Chief of Police in the district Krishna Pada Roy told Xinhua by phone that the earth-laden trawler capsized with about 50 labourers on board in Meghna river, one of the country's three biggest rivers, after being hit by an empty cargo vessel at about 3 a.m. local time (2100 GMT).
He said some 25 labourers swam ashore, while 22 to 25 others are still missing. Chandpur district is about 115 km from capital Dhaka.
Bangladesh crackdown on bloggers escalates
By IANS,
New York : Bangladesh should immediately drop charges against and release four bloggers and a newspaper editor arrested this month, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.
Hindus, Muslims pray together to keep floods away
By IANS,
Islamabad : In times of adversity, religious differences are forgotten. In a rare demonstration of communal harmony, Muslims recited the Quran while the minority Hindus gathered for special prayers on the banks of river Indus near Shahdad Kot town of Pakistan's Sindh province amid the misery of the country's worst disastrous floods, reports reaching here said.
Iran denies ‘US-Israeli’ attack on ship
By IANS,
Tehran : The report about a missile attack by the US or Israel against an Iranian navy ship is false, an official said Tuesday.
"The report published in certain section of the media was part of a psychological warfare against Iran and is completely baseless," IRNA reported citing an unnamed Iranian defence official.
Media reports said earlier that an Iranian navy vessel sank in the Red Sea near Sudan after it was allegedly targeted by "Israeli or American missiles".
Iran has dispatched navy vessels to the Red Sea region to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Malaysia to discuss with Inmarsat on release of ‘raw data’
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia would discuss with Inmarsat release of the "raw data" sought by the families of those on board the missing Malaysia...
Rice urges NATO members to share the burden in Afghanistan
By NNN-KUNA
London : United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterated call here Wednesday for members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deploy more troops to Afghanistan and "share the burden" of stabilizing the restive country.
The NATO members need to honour their long-term commitment towards the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan, she said in a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
She admitted that the NATO was facing a "real test" to defeat militants in the Central Asian country.
World press body calls for fresh start for press freedom in Pakistan
By EuAsiaNews
Brussels : The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)announced Monday a new fact-finding mission to Pakistan and urged the new government and media to work together for a "fresh start for press freedom."
"This mission will be an opportunity to put positive aims and realistic objectives on the table," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary who will visit the country this week.
"We expect and hope that the mood of change will reinforce the robust professionalism which is a hallmark of journalism in Pakistan,''
UAE charity campaign arrives in Egypt
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates' humanitarian campaign to offer free health care services to needy children worldwide has arrived in Egypt.
60 militants killed in US air raids in Iraq
By DPA
Baghdad : US troops have launched air raids on militant hideouts in the city of Hillah, some 100 km south of the Iraqi capital, killing 60 militants and damaging houses in the city, media reports said Thursday.
The Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said that the Wednesday attack on Hillah was based on an Iraqi request.
Abdul-Latif Rayan, media spokesman of multinational forces, told VOI that the airstrikes on Hillah came as Iraqi forces requested the help of the multinational forces to fight militants in the city.
Washington to host Israeli-Palestinian peace talks Wednesday
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is to travel to Washington Tuesday night for another round of peace negotiations with Palestinians under the auspices of US officials scheduled for Wednesday, the Israeli foreign ministry said.
Former Palestinian premier Ahmed Qureia would represent the Palestinian side in the three-way talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, US Vice-President Dick Cheney and national security advisor Stephen Hadley.
Cairo running out of petrol, food items
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: A fuel-shortage has led to long queues at petrol vends in Cairo as anti-presidential protests continued for the ninth day on trot.
Israel Rises Gaza Raids, UN to Return
By Prensa Latina,
Gaza : Israel air raids on Gaza and its vicinity mount along psychological warfare to intimidate the people but UN decision to resume relief operations brought some ease.
The aviation and artillery hit more than 40 targets in south and NE Gaza, being the bloodiest nine fatal victims from the same family, including two children and two women, shot by a tank while sitting in the garden in Jebaliyah refugee camp.
The Air Force raided a downtown building that housed Western and foreign Arab journalists wounding a tenant.
Nuclear deal within reach: Iranian president
Tehran : A nuclear deal with the world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is within reach and achievable, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on...
Pakistan army kills over 90 militants in tribal region: spokesman
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces on Friday killed over 90 militants in two incidents in the country's tribal region, an army statement said.
The army conducted operations in two different locations of South Waziristan after the militants fired rockets at security forces, the statement said.
"Today at 12:30 pm, a convoy of Security Forces moving on Jandola- Wana Road was fired upon from Chaghmalai with small arms and rockets.
Security Forces retaliated and engaged militants/miscreants with small arms and rockets".
Iran calls for bolstering ties with Egypt
By IANS
Cairo : Iran said Tuesday its ties with Egypt have been deepening as could be seen by the visits of top officials to each other's countries.
Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri, the advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, made this statement after arriving in Cairo Tuesday to attend the parliamentary session of the Islamic countries, official IRNA news agency reported.
Palestine groups accept truce plan
By IINA,
Cairo : Palestinian groups meeting in Cairo have accepted an Egyptian-mediated proposal for a truce with Israel. “All Palestinian factions, forces and parties have accepted Egypt’s proposal on a truce with Israel,” MENA quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying, referring to Hamas, Fatah and all other factions currently in Cairo. The 12 groups meeting in Cairo agreed to the plan, already backed by Hamas and Fatah, for a “comprehensive, simultaneous and reciprocal period of calm to be applied progressively, first in Gaza and then in the West Bank,” the official said.
Pakistan starts offensive against Taliban, Al Qaeda
By DPA,
Islamabad : A senior Pakistani official said Saturday government forces had started a much-awaited ground offensive against Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgents in the lawless South Waziristan tribal region along the Afghan border.
"Our ground troops have started action in various areas of South Waziristan. They are being supported by the air force," Sama television quoted Tariq Hayyat Khan, the security head of the tribal region of which South Waziristan is a district, as saying.
The offensive will continue until the terrorists are eliminated, he added.
Israel allows entry of water desalination gear to Gaza
By KUNA,
Gaza : The Israeli authorities allowed here on Monday the entry of two water desalination plants to Gaza after a ban that lasted for years.
The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility CMWU said in a statement that Israel allowed entrance of two water desalination plants to serve the residents of Gaza.
Since the start of Israeli blockade on Gaza in the summer of 2007, Israel refused to supply the strip with water desalination plants and the region suffers due to the high salt content and impurities in its water resources.
Pakistan: Sindh province CM sets up body to ascertain causes of fire eruptions
By NNN-APP
Karachi : Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Rtd) Abdul Qadir Halepota has, while taking notice of fire incidents in various parts of Karachi, particularly industrial areas, ordered immediate setting up of a committee, headed by DCO Karachi.
The committee will review the fire incidents in detail and prepare its report.
The Chief Minister directed all the concerned organisations to extend full support to the committee.
He also directed inspection of factories to ascertain whether effective steps had been taken or not to prevent fire eruptions.
US-led forces kill several militants in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The US-led coalition forces have killed several militants in an operation in the Afghan province of Kapisa, some 80 km away from capital here, said a coalition statement Saturday, without specifying the number of the dead.
During a search operation targeting a Taliban commander in a compound in Tag Ab district Friday, armed militants engaged coalition force, who responded with airstrikes and small-arms fire.
Several militants were killed in the operation, the statement said.
New IAF system to pinpoint missile targets in Israel
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : The Israel Air Force (IAF) is developing a computerized system to predict where a missile will land with considerable accuracy very shortly after it is launched, local daily Ha'aretz reported Thursday.
This would enable Israel's Home Front Command to order people into shelters only in a relatively small area, rather than in broad regions of the country, said the report.
Saudi government won’t bar anyone from performing the Haj
By Ahmad Kamil Tahir, NNN-Bernama,
Mecca : The Saudi Arabian government on Sunday assured that it will not bar anyone considered a high risk swine flu individual from performing the Haj this year, English daily The Arab News reported, quoting Minister of Health Abdullah Al-Rabeeah.
Al-Rabeeah was quoted as saying that it was the responsibility of individual countries to enforce recommendations that children, the elderly and pregnant women forgo this year's pilgrimage.
"Saudi Arabia does not prevent anyone because the Haj is a religious event," Al-Rabeeah said.
UAE, US complete negotiations on nuclear energy agreement
By IANS,
Washington : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US have completed negotiations for a bilateral cooperation agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, WAM reported Monday quoting a UAE foreign ministry source.
The '123 Agreement' would allow the transfer of nuclear energy technology and materials between the two countries.
Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954 requires an agreement for cooperation as a prerequisite for nuclear deals between the US and any other nation. Such an agreement is called a 123 Agreement.
Pakistan suffered $67 bn losses in war against terror
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's economy has suffered losses amounting to $67.93 billion due its operations against terrorists since 2001, said the Pakistan Economic Survey 2010-11.
Pakistan for cooperation between FIA, CBI over terrorism, 26/11
By IANS,
Islamabad : Singalling a step forward, Pakistan Saturday indicated its willingness to provide voice samples of the handlers of the Mumbai attacks and said that the investigating agencies of the two countries will work together to prevent any future 26/11-like attack.
Turning the spotlight firmly on its continuing concerns over cross-border terror, India conveyed to Pakistan that more people were behind the Mumabi terror spree and asked for "visible" action against those involved in 26/11 that led to the suspension of the composite dialogue between the two countries.
Pakistani minister Kaira welcomes Indian PM’s desire to resume dialogue
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Welcoming Indian Prime Minister Manmohan’s recent statement voicing a desire to restart dialogue with Pakistan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said Thursday that Islamabad has been consistently calling for settlement of disputes through negotiations.
It is a good omen that Indian PM wants to hold peaceful dialogue with Pakistan, he said while talking to PTV.
Being neighbours, India and Pakistan should resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue in order to pave the way for regional peace and prosperity, Kaira said.
No deal with CIA on drone campaign: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has rejected a US media report that it has struck a deal with the CIA over a secret drone campaign in the country's tribal regions.
Turkey blames Syrian warplanes of airspace violation
Ankara : The Turkish army said Sunday that it warned the Syrian warplanes four times of border violation before an F-16 fighter jet shot...
Israeli president warns against wane of peace chance
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli President Shimon Peres on Sunday warned that "the window of opportunity for peace is shrinking."
During a meeting with visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner at his office in Jerusalem, Peres said that "people are losing faith in peace," according to a statement issued by the president's office.
Lamenting that the policy in the Middle East is mostly one of paying lip service rather than that of implementation, Peres said that only substantial changes on the ground may usher in real peace.
India unsure if Zardari can deliver on anti-terror pledge
By Manish Chand, IANS,
On Board PM's Special Aircraft : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari may be keen on improving ties with India, but New Delhi is not sure whether he can deliver on his anti-terror pledge.
The joint statement at the end of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Zardari in New York Wednesday re-committed Pakistan to honour its Jan 6, 2004 pledge not to allow terror attacks against India from its soil.
Top NATO commander visits site of Afghan air strike
By DPA,
Kunduz (Afghanistan) : The top NATO commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, travelled to the northern province of Kunduz Saturday to visit the site of a deadly NATO airstrike, where villagers claimed that "scores" of civilians were killed.
Teams from the Afghan government, NATO military and the UN are investigating the incident, in which trucks hijacked by the Taliban were hit in a US jet strike ordered by the local German command of the NATO-led force.
Palestinian unity the only guarantee to regain rights – Syrian President
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has said that Syria considers the restoration of Palestinian national unity as the only guarantee through which the Palestinian people can regain their rights and boost the Palestinian stance at peace negotiations.
Taliban expand terror campaign in Pakistan’s Punjab
By Syed Saleem Shahzad, IANS/AKI,
Islamabad : Taliban militants have used a ceasefire agreement between the Pakistani security forces and North Waziristan Taliban leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur to remobilise and expand their operations.
As the military began its offensive against militants in South Waziristan in mid-October, those aligned with Pakistan's Tehrik-e-Taliban began launching terror attacks in Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province.
Iraq says hope slim for security deal with current U.S. gov’t
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government spokesman gave a dim outlook Monday of reaching a security agreement with the current U.S. administration.
"There is a large possibility of postponing the signing of the long-term agreement between Iraq and the U.S., until a new U.S. administration is elected," Ali al-Dabbagh was quoted as saying by the Voice of Iraq news agency.
Their disputes include a timetable for the pullout of foreign troops and how the U.S. forces would operate in Iraq, Dabbagh said, adding that both sides were trying to achieve the maximum gains.