Turkey to open Islamic Center in America
By IINA,
Ankara : Turkey's Religious Affairs Authority plans to establish a Turkish-Islamic cultural center that would work as a think tank organization, according to Ali Bardakoglu, head of Turkish Religious Affairs Department. He said that the center would bring together Turkish students, businessmen and academics living in United States and help to the promotion of Turkey in this country.
11 killed in Afghan coal mine accident
By IANS,
Kabul : Eleven miners were killed when a coal mine collapsed in northern Afghanistan Saturday, Xinhua reported.
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.
Insurgents kill 11 policemen in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kandahar, Afghanistan : NATO's International Security Assistance Force says two of its soldiers have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
The alliance says two other soldiers were wounded in the blast on Sunday, according to reports of foreign news agencies.
NATO announced the deaths on Monday, the same day Taliban insurgents attacked a checkpoint in Kandahar, killing 11 policemen.
Pakistan will continue to raise Kashmir issue: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international fora till its resolution, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
20 killed, 125 wounded in Iraq car bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 20 people were killed and 125 others wounded Monday in a suicide car bombing here in the Iraqi capital, Xinhua reported.
Fatah al-Islam threatens fighting against “humiliation” in Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Fundamentalist Sunni group Fatah al-Islam, defined by Lebanese government as a terrorist group, has vowed to confront those "bowing the heads of the Sunni in Beirut" with "bloodshed," pan-Arab Al-Hayat daily reported Thursday.
In an indirect reference to Shiite Hezbollah group, Fatah al-Islam said in a statement what happened in Beirut, "the killing, burning and humiliation to our Sunni people is not justified or accepted."
UAE: World oil demand to reach 118 mln bpd by 2030
By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : A senior energy official of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Monday that the world's oil demand will reach 118 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2030, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
The forecast was made by the UAE Energy Minister Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamli in his keynote speech at the World Future Energy Summit 2008, which was held from Monday to Wednesday.
Hamli assured the audience that the world's oil resources are sufficient to meet the heavy forecast increases in demand for decades to come.
UN refugee body conducts voluntary repatriation of Iraqi refugees
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Visiting UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Antonio Guterres said here Saturday UNHCR was seeking to carry out a voluntary repatriation of Iraqi refugees.
Guterres was speaking during a joint news conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. Guterres is here as part of a regional tour aiming to get acquainted with the conditions of Iraqi refugees.
He added that the next core task of the commissioner would be here in Iraq in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and within the framework of the UN.
UAE tax-free system rated best in world
By IANS
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been rated as the country with the best tax-free system in the world and the least corrupt society in the Arab region. The assessment was done by the United States Heritage Foundation (USHF).
In its Economic Freedom Index for 2008, the USHF gave the UAE 99.9 points in its Fiscal Freedom category within its overall index, according to a report in the Emirates Business 24-7 newspaper.
Iraq: booby-trapped oil truck kills four soldiers, causes total backout
By KUNA
Baghdad : A heavy explosion of a booby-trapped oil truck killed four soldiers and caused a total blackout to the country's northern areas on Monday.
Aziz Sultan, the official spokesman of the Ministry of Electricity, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that an explosion of a booby-trapped truck near Al-Mosul power plant killed four soldiers and caused interruption of high-voltage energy plant.
He explained that the Mosul station located in the province of Nineveh feeds the network 400 MW of electric power where its stopped had caused a total blackout.
Dubai signs power project deals worth over $3 bn
By IANS
Dubai : Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed contracts worth 12 billion United Arab Emirates dirhams ($3.26 billion) with various global firms to boost power generation and water desalination in the emirate.
The contracts were signed between DEWA's managing director and chief executive officer Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer and the CEOs of various firms on the sidelines of the Wetex exhibition in Dubai, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The projects will support the city's rapid economic growth and population increase, Al Tayer said.
West seeks Iran regime change: Putin
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The West is using a nonproliferation campaign as a blind for bringing about regime change in Iran, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said.
Dozens of Taliban fighters killed in Afghanistan: Police
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan police official said Monday their forces backed by international troops killed and wounded dozens of militants after Taliban fighters attacked police posts in western Afghanistan.
Around 200 Taliban fighters attacked police posts in Bala Murghab district in Badghis province Sunday night, Abdul Raouf Ahmadi, spokesman for the police force in the western region, said.
UNRWA: Gaza food aid halt would not last for long
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees said on Saturday suspension of food aid deliveries to refugees in the Gaza Strip will not last for long.
"From our experience, I don't think this issue will last for long because there are urgent intensive communications with the Israeli side on all levels," UNRWA spokesman Adnan Abu Hassna told Voice of Palestine radio.
"There are promises that this problem would be resolved very soon," he said.
Zardari to brief US on Pakistan’s views on terrorism
By IANS,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari is to brief the US leadership next month on Pakistan's views on militancy and extremism, and on what Islamabad needs for this.
The president was speaking at a meeting of parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, APP reported.
According to Zardari, the government possessed the will to fight militancy, but there were some areas where capabilities needed to be strengthened, an area in which the international community could play a major role.
Rajapaksa visits Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Pakistan Friday on a three-day state visit.
Rs.1 tr invested in Pakistan’s power sector
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over Rs.1 trillion have been invested in Pakistan's power sector in the past three years, the federal cabinet was informed.
UN Iraqi refugee programme facing crisis
By Xinhua,
Geneva : The UN refugee agency has said that its programme to help Iraqi refugees is at risk due to a grave funding crisis.
The Geneva-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Friday said it would be short of $127 million by the end of the year for programmes to help some 4.7 million displaced Iraqi refugees.
"We will not be able to help hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees and internally displaced if we do not receive funding for the remainder of 2008," Antonio Guterres said.
18 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : At least 18 Taliban militants were killed and 23 arrested in a countrywide operation in Afghanistan, the interior ministry said Sunday.
10 killed in boat capsize off Istanbul coast
Ankara : At least 10 people were killed and 20 went missing Monday after a boat carrying migrants capsized off Istanbul’s northern coast.
Most of...
Turkey to lift Twitter ban
Ankara : Turkey’s president said Sunday the government would soon lift its ban on Twitter, which has sparked criticism at home and abroad.
“It is...
Dhaka to develop two ports as regional trade hubs
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will offer Chittagong and Mongla ports for use to its South Asian neighbours, developing them as regional trade hubs, a minister has said.
"There is no reason why cotton from Pakistan could not be directly brought or trucks laden with goods from Nepal could not directly be imported to Bangladesh or why north east Indian states will remain landlocked when we have the Chittagong port," Commerce Minister, Col. (retd.) Faruk Khan said Tuesday.
Lebanon denounces Israeli threats in letters to UN
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has sent two letters to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, denouncing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, a statement from his office said Saturday.
The statement said that one of the letters was "in relation to Israeli threats and violations," while the other was "in relation to cluster bombs".
UN Official Criticizes Israel Bans
By Prensa Latina
United Nations : UN Special Secretary for Religious Freedom Asma Jahangir condemned Israel on Monday for imposing "discriminatory and arbitrary" restrictions on Muslim and Christian access to sacred places.
The expert in human rights affairs spoke on the matter after concluding a visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Militant network in Bangladesh has collapsed: Dhaka police
By IANS,
Dhaka : Islamist militant activities in Bangladesh have "collapsed" following a series of arrests of suspected Indian militants, a police official here has claimed.
The Detective Branch of Dhaka Police said that with Wednesday's arrest of 28-year-old Emdadullah alias Mahbub, a suspected member of the Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group's network had broken down, The News Today reported Saturday.
Pakistani political, military leadership meet to discuss tension with India
By KUNA,
Islamabad : A day after assurances of no war and positive developments between India and Pakistan, the political and military leadership in Islamabad was meeting to discuss Indo-Pak relations.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani held a meeting with military chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi after the military chief met with President Asif Ali Zardari, official sources told KUNA.
Bangladesh: Army to be deployed across the country from Dec 20, says Moeen
By NNN-BSS,
Chittagong, Bangladesh : Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General Moeen U Ahmed said said army would be deployed across the country from December 20 as per the government decision on the occasion of parliamentary election.
General Moeen U Ahmed said this on Saturday while talking to journalists after inauguration of redesigned Bhatiyari Golf Course at the picturesque Bhatiary valley near Chittagong Cantonment this afternoon.
Decline of armed presence in Beirut allows army to take control
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : The decline of armed presence in Beirut Saturday led the army to heavily deploy its troops in the Lebanese capital after two days of heavy clashes the worst since the 1975-1990 civil war.
A security source confirmed to KUNA that the opposition's step to pull off its gunmen from the street Beirut.
Earlier on, opposition MP Hassan Khalil affirmed that the opposition would continued civil disobedience but would cease all forms of armed protest.
Iraqi judge, police officer survive bomb attacks in N province
By Xinhua,
Tikrit, Iraq : An Iraqi judge and a police officer survived bomb explosions in a town of the northern province of Salahudin on Monday, a local police source said.
"Abdul Amir al-Baiyati, a judge in the court of the town of TuzKhurmatu, escaped unhurt when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy while traveling in central the town before midday," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast also wounded five of Baiyati's bodyguards and damaged two vehicles of his convoy, the source said.
The fight for Basra is about oil and power
By Anne-Beatrice Clasmann, DPA
Cairo : US forces in Iraq are in danger of being drawn deeper into the power struggle between the country's Shia factions.
During the most recent clashes between Iraqi troops and the militia of Shia preacher Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army, the US army may not have been in the teeth of the fighting, but does take action in case of emergencies, when Iraqi troops risk defeat.
Two killed, 17 injured in suicide bombing targeting Iraqi politician
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A suicide bomber killed two people and injured 17 others in Baghdad on Friday in an attempt on the life of a senior Iraqi politician, said an Interior Ministry source.
The attacker rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convey of former deputy prime minister Ahmed al-Chalabi at about 9:50 p.m.(1850 GMT) in the Mansour district, killing two people, the source said.
The killed included one of the bodyguards of Chalabi who was not in the convey at the time, the source added.
Bangladesh ex-president Ershad critically ill
By IANS,
Dhaka: Former Bangladesh president Hussain Muhammed Ershad is critically ill with multiple ailments and has been moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a city hospital, websites reported Tuesday evening.
Physicians at the hospital said Ershad's condition was critical.
Ershad, 80, remains the country's longest serving head of the state who ruled between December 1983 and December 1990.
Commissioned in the Pakistan Army, he was interned as a prisoner of war during the freedom movement and was repatriated after independence.
3, 500 US troops set to leave Iraq
By SPA,
Baghdad : About 3,500 American soldiers who were part of last summer's troop «surge» are scheduled to leave Iraq in the coming weeks, the U.S. military was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
The soldiers, part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, will redeploy to Fort Benning, Georgia, said a statement released late Monday. The U.S. sent some 30,000 additional troops into Iraq last summer to help stem growing violence.
Pakistan will bounce back for ODIs, T20: Afridi
By IANS,
Hobart: Pakistan's one-day vice captain Shahid Afridi is hoping that the team will bounce back in their limited-overs series against Australia after losing the Test series.
The flamboyant allrounder said Pakistan has the firepower to give the hosts a run for their money in the five-match ODI contest as well as the tour-ending Twenty20 International in Melbourne on Feb 5. The one-day series will begin from Jan 22 in Brisbane.
Blast in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A blast took place Monday in Pakistan's Shangla district, a media report said.
The explosion happened in Alpuri tehsil of Shangla in North West Frontier Province, Geo TV reported.
According to an eyewitness, a suicide bomber blew himself up near a security check post.
Further details were awaited.
US urges Israel, Palestine to halt violence, resume talks
By NNN-KUNA
Washington : The United States has urged Israel and Palestine to halt violence and resume peace talks.
This statement by the White House was issued Sunday shortly after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he would suspend peace talks with Israel over the latest Israeli military operations in Gaza.
"The violence needs to stop and the talks need to resume," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in the statement.
Kurdish parliament raises new Iraqi flag
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The Kurdistan National Assembly (KNA) raised on Sunday the new Iraqi flag for the first time on its building in a special ceremony.
Regional Kurdish president Massaud Barzani and representative of Iraq's President Jalal Talabani along with regional Kurdish ministers and high-ranking officials attended the ceremony.
On the occasion of the ceremony, KNA speaker Adnan al-Mufti said that "Raising the flag is a symbol of Kurdish people commitment to Iraq unity under democracy and federal system."
U.S. helicopter hard landing kills 7 in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A U.S. transport helicopter went down Thursday in southern Iraq, killing seven people on board, the U.S. military said.
The military said the seven died when a CH-47 Chinook experienced a hard landing at approximately 12:01 a.m.(2101 GMT Wednesday) about 100 km west of Basra.
The helicopter was on a transport mission from Kuwait to the Balad base in northern Iraq.
It said the incident was under investigation.
In November 2003, a CH-47 helicopter was shot down some 60 km west of Baghdad, killing 15 soldiers and leaving 21 injured.
Israeli president slams controversial Jewish Nation Bill proposal
Jerusalem : Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has harshly criticised the "Jewish State" nationality bill proposal which was adopted by the cabinet Sunday.
"Such a hierarchical...
Karachi airport reopens to passengers after terrorist attack
Islamabad: The Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan's Karachi reopened to passengers Monday afternoon following Sunday night's terrorist attack in which 19 people were killed...
Taliban kill five in Pakistan clashes: police
By BERNAMA,
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (ANTARA/AFP) - Taliban militants killed five people, including three policemen, in clashes with tribesmen and police after seizing control of a mountain top in northwest Pakistan, police said Tuesday.
"Five people, including three policemen, were killed during an exchange of fire overnight between a tribal force and the Taliban in Buner near Swat valley," local police official Sher Khan told AFP by telephone.
"We recovered five dead bodies from the area," he said adding that one civilian was wounded during the exchange of fire.
IMF asks Pakistan to raise revenue target
By IANS,
Islamabad : The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to raise its tax collection target of Rs.1,250 billion ($16 billion) during the current fiscal, but no figure has been specified.
"Due to depreciation of the rupee by 24 percent against the dollar and higher inflationary pressure in the range of 20 to 25 percent, (the IMF says) the tax collection target should be fixed on the higher side of earlier target of Rs.1,250 billion," The News Friday quoted official sources as saying.
President Zardari to attend trilateral, regional summits with Turkish, Afghan counterparts
By NNN-APP,
Istanbul : President Asif Ali Zardari arrives here on Sunday afternoon to attend a Trilateral Summit meeting with his Turkish and Afghan counterparts, aimed at steadily enhancing relations among the three countries and to continue efforts for bringing a lasting, durable peace to Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia to build 16 nuclear reactors by 2030
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Saudi Arabia is planning to build 16 nuclear reactors by 2030, Arab media reported Wednesday citing an official in the country's nuclear agency.
Two civilians hurt in firing from Pakistan
By IANS,
Jammu : Two civilians were injured Monday evening in unprovoked firing by Pakistani border guards in Samba sector of the border in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.
16 killed in Afghan traffic accident
Kabul: At least 16 people were killed and 20 others injured Tuesday when two buses collided in Afghanistan, sources said.
"The passenger buses collided head-on...
Turnout in 5th district at 24 pct by noon
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Approximate turnout in the fifth constituency by noon on Saturday, as surveyed by KUNA, stood at 23,311 votes, or 24 percent of the 101,294 eligible voters registered in the district.
The turnout was based on a survey of most of the 116 electoral committees in the 20 residential areas.
Shiite Hezbollah Chief opens up to Sunni in Lebanon, renews call for national dialogue
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Hezbollah Shiite Chief Hasan Nasrallah stressed on his openness to the Sunni al- Moustaqbal Movement and to all Sunni in Lebanon, renewing his call for national dialogue as soon as possible, local Daily Star reported Monday.
Nasrallah's remarks were made in a televised speech Sunday night during an Iftar banquet.
"Let us sit and talk without any preconditions," Nasrallah said.
He expressed his readiness to meet any leader who would represent the Sunni in order to end the tension.
Iran dismisses claims on developing atomic bomb
By IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi dismissed on Monday the recent claims made by Western media that Tehran was to produce atomic bomb.
Qashqavi termed any report in this regard as “baseless” and “untechnical.”
“We have repeatedly said that manufacturing atomic bombs has no place in our defensive doctrine,” Qashqavi told reporters at his weekly press conference.
Egypt’s vice president under Mubarak dies in US
By IANS,
Washington : Omar Suleiman, Egypt's vice president under Hosni Mubarak, who announced the president's resignation to the world, has died in a US hospital, CNN reported Thursday.
Palestinian negotiator says W Bank becomes prison like Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said here on Monday that Israel's "hermetic" blockade is turning the West Bank into a "big prison" like the Gaza Strip.
"The situation on the ground indicates that the (Israeli) siege and closure continue to be hermetic," Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Erekat as saying, "The West Bank is turning into one big prison, just like Gaza."
Lebanese PM draws two alternatives for crisis solution
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has announced two alternatives of solving political crisis, namely electing a new president quickly or handing over the issue to the Arab League (AL), local Naharnet news website reported on Saturday.
We "either elect a president as soon as possible or (we) hand over the issue to the Arab League" to bring closer the views of bickering politicians, Seniora, who is preparing to kick off his second Arab tour, was quoted as saying.
Bloodshed continues in Iraq, Iran urges warring parties to sit at table
By IRNA
Baghdad : Bloodshed continued in Iraq on Sunday and Iran urged the warring parties to sit at the table to settle their dispute.
A strict curfew was extended indefinitely in the Iraqi capital Sunday as the death toll mounted from clashes between government troops and Shia Muslim militants.
Fighting sparked by a government-led push against militias in the southern city of Basra had left more than 280 people dead by Saturday, according to Iraqi authorities.
UAE strives to maintain healthy, clean sustainable environment
By NNN-WAM
Abu Dhabi : General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received Sunday a delegation from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) led by its director general Julia Marton-Lefevre. She was accompanied by top leaders and experts of groups and committees.
The meeting came ahead of the UAE hosting of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) in Al Ain from February 11 to 14.
Suicide bombing against Afghan troops wounds 4 soldiers
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Four Afghan soldiers were injured as a suicide blast targeted a military convoy in Afghan eastern...
Three foreign journalists killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Timergarah (Pakistan) : Three foreign journalists were killed and 16 students injured when militants detonated a bomb near a girls' school here in northwest Pakistan, media reports said Wednesday.
The blast took place near the Koto Girls School in Timergarah area in Lower Dir district.
Militants targeted the journalists' security convoy, police said.
At least 15 girls were trapped inside the school building after the blast, district police officer (DPO) Mumtaz Zarin told Dawn news.
"It was an IED (improvised explosive device) blast," he said.
Rice wants to reinforce Iraq’s Arab identity
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has called on Arab states neighbouring Iraq to reinforce the Arab identity of this embattled country.
"What Iraq now needs most and what I will push for in Kuwait is greater support from its neighbours," said Rice in a press briefing Thursday.
Rice travels to the region on Saturday to attend on April 21 in Bahrain the meeting of foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), plus Egypt and Jordan later and will stop in Kuwait to participate in an Expanded Neighbours of Iraq Ministerial Meeting on April 22.
IAEA chief calls on Iran to be more transparent over nuclear activities
By Xinhua
Tehran : Visiting UN atomic agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei on Friday urged Tehran to be more transparent over its disputed nuclear program, after talks with an Iranian senior nuclear official in Tehran.
"We made good progress in our negotiation...and in the talks with Mr. (Gholam Reza) Aqazadeh we requested for more transparency so we could give necessary guarantees to Iran," ElBaradei was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency at a press conference after his meeting with Aqazadeh, head of Iran's atomic energy organization.
Go for gas pipeline and now, Iran tells India
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has asked India to go for the proposed gas pipeline involving Tehran, New Delhi and Islamabad "as soon as possible".
The president made the observations while talking to India's National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan here Tuesday, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.
Ahmadinejad said: "Iran insists the gas pipeline be laid among the three countries as this will be to the benefit of (the) regional nations.
Pro-Taliban militant leader directs halt to attacks in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Top leader of pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan has directed his comrades "to immediately cease their activities" as the government inches toward signing a peace accord with the rebels, media reports said Thursday.
Baitullah Mehsud, the head of the country's umbrella militant group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), issued the orders Wednesday in pamphlets.
"He has warned that his directives should be complied with and those violating them will be publicly punished," read the order, which was published in several newspapers.
Dhaka sending serving officers to 1971 victory celebrations in India
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has for the first time sent three serving army officers, on an invitation from India, to participate in the Victory Day celebrations in Kolkata to mark the surrender of Pakistani forces in 1971.
Tuesday is Bangladesh's "Bijoy Diwas", the victory of the joint India-Bangladesh forces, before whom 93,000 officers and men of the Pakistan Army surrendered.
The delegation comprising three serving officers along with their spouses and 14 freedom fighters has been invited to attend the four-day programme in Kolkata.
Embassy calls for more efforts to release Iranian kidnapped diplomats
By IRNA,
Beirut : On the occasion of 26th anniversary of kidnapping Iranian diplomats in Beirut, Iran's embassy here issued a statement which underlined necessity of effort to release them.
The statement said, "26 years have passed since that bitter and sorrowful event, but there still exist many ambiguities concerning it."
It said, "The issue of releasing these diplomats is not a political issue but a human problem and international bodies should react to the issue upon their duties and commitments."
UAE, Tunisia discuss bilateral relations
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabhi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Tunisia Wednesday discussed their bilateral relations.
Musharraf wanted his photograph on currency notes
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former president and military dictator Pervez Musharraf was keen to have his photograph on Pakistan's currency notes, a former prime minister has disclosed.
Conference to promote religious harmony in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A peace conference will be organised in southwest Pakistan's Quetta city to promote religious harmony, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said.
Iran’s sole n-power plant becomes operational
By IANS,
Tehran : The Iranian government announced Wednesday that the country's sole nuclear power plant has become operational, Xinhua quoted Press TV as saying.
Only 9 percent Pakistanis see US as partner: Poll
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Concerned over a new public opinion poll in Pakistan showing that 64 percent Pakistanis see America as the enemy, Defence Secretary Robert Gates says the US must maintain relationships with Pakistan for the long term to build trust.
The poll saying only 9 percent of Pakistanis see the US as a partner is disturbing to defence leaders, but not surprising, he said during a Pentagon news conference Thursday.
"First of all, one of the reasons that the Pakistanis have concerns about us is that we walked away from them twice," he said.
Pakistan, US vow to strengthen strategic relationship
By NNN-APP,
Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) : Pakistan and United States Sunday vowed to enhance their bilateral economic cooperation and affirmed the resolve to transform existing relations into long-term strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and U.S. President George W. Bush who met here on the sidelines of World Economic Forum on Middle East, discussed ways and means to enhance economic cooperation between United States and Pakistan in diverse fields.
Osama bin Laden not hiding in Afghanistan: Minister
By IANS,
Kabul : Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden is not hiding inside Afghanistan, an Afghan cabinet minister has said.
ISI behind Afghanistan war, says Afghan vice president
Kabul : Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is behind the fighting across war-raged Afghanistan, says Afghan Vice-President Abdul Rashid Dostum, the media reported.
"The war not...
‘India has attacked Pakistan!’
Islamabad, Dec 22 (IANS) “India has attacked Pakistan!” So flew rumours thick and fast after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) planes flew over Lahore and Rawalpindi amid rising tensions with India.
Television channels quickly went on the air to quash the rumours, quoting officials as saying that the air force was only on high alert in the wake of Indian warnings over the Mumbai terror attacks.
But the flights over Lahore and Rawalpindi did trigger panic, forcing many people to come out of their homes.
Pakistan attaches great importance to relations with Yemen, says official
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan attaches a great importance to its relation with Yemen and wants to further extend cooperation in health sector, said Health Minister Ijaz Raheem while talking to Ambassador of Yemen Abdul-Elah Hajar, according to an official statement.
The ambassador discussed with the minister matters pertaining to cooperation in health sector.
During the meeting a working group was set up to discuss details of medical cooperation between the two countries.
Lebanese Hezbollah slams Obama’s remarks
By IANS,
Beirut : The Lebanese Hezbollah Friday criticised US President Barack Obama's "appeasement" speech in Israel, saying the remarks were meant to "satisfy" the Jewish state.
Islamic Declaration on Climate Change calls Muslims to support Paris meet in December 2015
By A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Istanbul/New Delhi: An ‘Islamic Climate Change Declaration’ has called on the world's Muslims to play an active role in combating...
Hamas activist killed in Gaza City
By SPA,
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : Health officials say an explosion in the house of a Hamas activist has killed the man and wounded 16 relatives and neighbors, the Associated Press reported.
The Palestinian Interior Ministry says it's investigating the cause of Saturday's blast at the home of Hamas activist Nader Abu Shaban.
Doctors say two of the 16 wounded are in critical condition.
Several militants killed, 12 arrested — US Military
By KUNA,
Kabul : Several extremist militants were killed and a dozen more were detained during joint operations by Afghan and coalition forces in Khost and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan, the US military said on Saturday. Separately, a roadside bomb blast killed an Afghan child and injured four more people in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Saturday.
Pakistani Army headquarters attack accused to be executed
Islamabad : Preparations to execute Aqeel alias Doctor Usman for attacking the Pakistan Army's headquarters in 2009 have been completed and the execution is...
Indian Americans express support for Journalist Rajeena, victimized for speaking up against child abuse
By TCN News,
Washington DC: The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC - www.iamc.com), a US based advocacy group, has expressed support for journalist...
Gaza militants fire makeshift rockets into Israel
By Xinhua
Gaza : Gaza-based Palestinian militants shelled southern Israel communities with makeshift missiles on Monday following a brief calmness, militant groups said.
The Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement said in a press release that its militants fired two home-made rockets into southern Israeli town Sderot. "The operation was in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and West Bank," said the statement.
In the West Bank city of Jenin, Israeli forces killed two Jihad gunmen and wounded a third earlier in the morning.
No plans for military base in Bangladesh: US
By IANS,
Dhaka : The US has expressed its willingness to assist Bangladesh in maritime patrol and secure its unprotected territorial sea lanes, but has said that it has no plan to set up a military base.
Richard Boucher, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, Sunday clarified this point while winding up his two day visit here.
Boucher told the media: "I think there are some interests in maritime patrol so you can protect your sea areas better. We can help their (border security agencies') activities but the modalities will depend on what Bangladesh wants."
UAE, Seychelles sign military cooperation pact
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Seychelles have signed an agreement for military cooperation, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
The agreement was signed here Monday by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Seychelles' Minister of Environment Joel Morgan.
Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visiting minister and praised the progressive ties of friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Seychelles.
The agreement provides for promotion and facilitation of military cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
PML to plays role for strengthening democracy: Shujaat
By APP
Islamabad : President Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Sunday that his party was united and would play its role for strengthening the democracy in the country. He was talking with media persons after addressing a meeting of newly elected MNAs of the party here.
To a question he said that PML had elected Pervez Musharraf as president for five years and it would continue to support him.
He said that the party would soon announce its parliamentary leader.
A peep into Pakistan, specially for Indians
By Rahul Dass, IANS,
Book: "Pakistan - Identity and Destiny"; Author: Javed Jabbar; Publisher: Har-Anand; Price: Rs.495; Pages: 191
Afghan forces put down Taliban attack killing 18 militants in South
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan National Army and police force Tuesday evening put down Taliban militants' another attack on Lashkar Gha, capital of Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 18 militants, Assadullah Shirzad, the provincial police chief told Xinhua Wednesday.
US seeks China’s help to quell militancy in Pakistan, says report
By IANS,
Washington : The US administration has urged China to provide training and military equipment to help Pakistan counter a growing threat of terrorism in the country, a media report said.
The proposal is part of a broad US push to enlist key allies of Pakistan in an effort to stabilise the country, the Boston Globe said Monday.
The US is seeking to persuade Pakistan to step up its efforts against militants, while supporting the fragile civilian government and its tottering economy.
UAE launches $55 bn environment protection project
By IANS
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the $55 billion Mohammed bin Rashid gardens project, WAM news agency reported Saturday.
The project, which aims at preserving the environment and increasing greenery, was launched by UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Friday.
The gardens project would cover a land area of 880 million square feet and would be executed by Dubai Properties, a member company of Dubai Holding.
EU’s new anti-terror programme to focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan
By IANS,
Brussels : The European Commission Friday announced a new three-year programme to fight terrorism, drug trafficking and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Sahel region in Africa will be the priority areas for the European Union's (EU) 2009-2011 anti-terrorism programme, the EuAsiaNews reported.
16 militants killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 16 militants were killed in clashes with the security forces in Pakistan's Mohmand agency bordering Afghanistan, TV reports said Saturday.
The fighting started when the militants attacked a security checkpost in the Spinkai Tangai area, some 25 km from Ghalani, the headquarters of Muhmand Agency, the state-run PTV said.
The security forces launched a counter attack and 16 militants were killed, it said.
Three security personnel were injured and three others were missing after the attack, the report said citing unnamed sources.
Fatah official accuses Hamas of foiling Abbas” initiative on Rafah crossing
By KUNA
Gaza : Nimer Hammad, advisor to the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on Saturday accused Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, of foiling Abbas' initiative aimed at reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
Hammad said in statements carried by the Palestinian radio that Abbas made a proposal that the Presidential Guard, which used to run the Rafah crossing, be in charge of re-operating it within the framework of the the previous agreement signed with Israel in 2005.
France ready to recognise Syrian opposition as government
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Paris : French President Francois Hollande has called on the Syrian opposition to establish a provisional government and says that France is ready to recognise it.
Prince Harry reveals horror of war in Afghanistan
London : Britain's Prince Harry recounted for the first time the "horrendous" images he saw during the US-led coalition war in Afghanistan, a media...
Pakistan fully capable to handle its security matters – PM
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s stance, not to allow any foreign forces to operate within its territory under any circumstances.He said sovereignty of the state would not be compromised at any level as the government and people are fully capable to handle their security matters themselves.
The Prime Minister was talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador in United States, Mehmud Ali Durrani, who called on him here.
Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium negotiating Jordan’s Zarqaa railway details
By KUNA,
Amman : A Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium which is to build the Amman-Zarqaa light railway project in Jordan is still negotiating the contract details, said Jordan's Director General of The Public Transport Regulatory Commission Jamil Mojahed Sunday.
Ad-Dustour paper quoted Mojahed saying agreement was reached on several aspects of the contract and that the Jordanian government hopes to launch execution as planned next June.
The consortium was the second to bid for the project, and is to execute the project as BOT, with the government fully owning the railway in 30 years.
Iran summons Bahraini envoy over minister’s remarks
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran foreign ministry summoned Bahrain's charge d'affaires to protest what it called "unfounded anti-Iran allegations" by the foreign minister of the...
Syrian President Cheers Raul Castro, Fidel Castro
By Ulises Canales, Prensa Latina
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent a message of greetings to his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro and the Revolution"s historic leader Fidel Castro.
Al-Assad met Saturday for nearly 45 minutes with Cuba Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, who traveled to Syria to attend the 20th Arab League Summit on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
The statesman expressed gratitude for Cuba"s historic solidarity with Syria and the cause of the Arab peoples, while praised the Caribbean nation"s performance as the current NAM leader.
Israel moves to early election
Jerusalem, Oct 27 (DPA) Israel's ruling Kadima party submitted a bill Monday to dissolve parliament and hold elections within three months, a day after party leader Tzipi Livni announced she was giving up efforts to form a new government.
Livni was tasked on Sep 22 by President Shimon Peres with forming a new government to replace that of Ehud Olmert, who has resigned following allegations of corruption.
Two Turkish soldier killed in clash with PKK rebels
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Two Turkish soldiers were killed in an operation staged against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party(PKK) in southeastern Turkey on Friday, the General Staff said in a statement.
Two soldiers were killed in a clash with PKK rebels in Mount Cudi region in southeastern province of Sirnak on Friday, said the statement.
Peshawar bombing toll climbs to 105
By IANS,
Peshawar : The toll in Wednesday's bombing in a bustling market of this Pakistani city has climbed to 105, a media report said.
The car bomb blast toll has mounted to 105, The News International reported Thursday, adding 160 people were injured in the massive explosion. Earlier reports had said that over 200 people were wounded.
Rescuers fear that more people could still be buried under the debris.
Landmine blast kills 2 Pakistani security men
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A landmine blast killed two Pakistani security men in southwestern Balochistan province on Friday, officials said.
The landmine hit a vehicle of security personnel from the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary near the town of Dera Bugti.
The blast also injured another soldier, they said.
Officials said the security forces were on routine patrolling in the area when the mine was exploded planted by unknown men.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack and the police started search for the attackers in the area.
Delhi-Lahore bus fare hiked
New Delhi : The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has sharply hiked the cost of travelling on its Delhi-Lahore Bus service from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,400,...
Hindu devotees, tourists throng to Malaysian cave temple
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : Hundreds of thousands of devotees celebrated the Hindu festival of Thaipusam Saturday, climbing steep steps to seek divine blessings at a cave temple near Kuala Lumpur.
Worshippers and tourists gathered at Batu Caves in the early morning to celebrate the colourful festival, which marks the birth of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and son of the goddess Parvati.
Some 10,000 devotees demonstrated their vows to Lord Murugan by piercing skewers and hooks through their cheeks, tongues and brows, while chanting and dancing.
3,000 candidates approved for Iran polls
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's high legislative body, the Guardian Council, has approved more than 3,000 candidates for the parliament elections, Press TV reported.
Suicide attack kills 6, injures 17 others in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide bomber exploded himself near the patrolling Afghan police vehicles Sunday evening in southern Afghan province of Kandahar leaving six people dead and 17 others wounded, a police official said.
Matiwullah Khan, provincial police chief told Xinhua that it occurred at around 06:00 p.m. local time (GMT 1230) when a suicide bomber came by a motorbike then exploded himself up near police vehicles patrolling in the center of Spin Boldak district killing three policemen and three civilians on the spot.
Conference On Islamic Thought In Yemen Next Month
By Bernama,
Sana'a : The Islamic University League in cooperation with the Sana'a and Iman universities is to organise next month an international conference on renovation of the Islamic theology, Yemen news agency, Saba, reported.
About 40 scholars from various Arab and Muslim universities along with Arab and Muslim intellectuals will take part in the conference which will be dedicated to discuss issues related to innovation in the Islamic creed.
The ministry of Guidance and Endowments along with other interested bodies will take part in the conference as well.
Iran to cooperate with Russia’s Philosophy Institute
By IRNA
Moscow : Head and professors of Russian Academy of Sciences' Philosophy Institute in a meeting here Friday with Iran's Cultural Attache surveyed ways to cooperate with Iranian
philosophers.
The meeting between the Iranian Cultural Attache,
Abuzar brahimi and the Russian philosophers took place at the Russian Philosophy institute.
Four killed in twin blasts in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least four people were killed and 15 injured in twin blasts that ripped through eastern Baghdad Sunday, officials said.
The blast occurred at Beirut square in Baghdad's eastern Falasteen street.
Two policemen were among the dead, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency reported, quoting police.
UAE moon sighting committee to meet Aug 29
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE Justice Minister Hadef Joan Al Dhahiri said the moon sighting committee will hold its meeting after the Maghreb (evening) prayer Aug 29, it was announced Tuesday.
“ISIS is not Islam”: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
By Shafeeq Hudawi, TwoCircles.net
Kozhikode: Saying the actions, being carried out by the terror outfit, went against the humanity and the...
India, Pakistan can jointly combat terror: PM
By Manish Chand, IANS,
On Board Air India One, Sep 24 (IANS) A day before he meets Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari here, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday he would will ask Zardari to address the issue of cross-border terror, but underlined that both countries could covert this "common challenge" into an opportunity to jointly combat terrorism.
"There are enormous challenges ahead for both India and Pakistan. We are to see how peace can be brought and how we can work together," Manmohan Singh told reporters aboard his special aircraft on his way to New York.
Court to hear Pakistani minister’s exemption plea March 1
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : Stating that it was yet to receive the complete documents, an anti-corruption court here Tuesday again put off a hearing on Interior Minister Rehman Malik's plea for exemption from personal appearance in two cases against him.
After Malik appeared in the Accountability Court and repeated his plea, judge Mohammad Tariq Abbasi ruled that the papers relating to the two cases were still with the Lahore High Court and that he would take up the issue March 1.
Afghani gov”t recaptures district from Taliban
By KUNA,
Kabul : A town overrun by Taliban militants was recaptured by Afghan troops last night, officials said on Saturday.
Afghan troops launched an operation last night and the militants reliquished control of the Rasheedan district and fled the scene, said a provincial police chief.
The Taliban had captured Rasheedan Thursday night.
Brigadier General Khan Mohammad, police chief of Ghazni province, said the Afghan government was in control of the district now.
The police chief would not say if there were casualties as a result of the clashes.
Bush warns against Syria, Iran’s fuelling violence in Iraq
By Xinhua
Kuwait City : U.S. President George W. Bush warned Saturday against Syria and Iran's fuelling violence in Iraq.
Bush made the warning while speaking to reporters after meetinghis top political and military commanders in Iraq at the U.S. military base of Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.
Bush urged that Syria "needs to further reduce the flow of terrorists" and Iran must stop supporting militias that attack U.S.and Iraqi forces.
Meanwhile, Bush promised that his goal of reducing troop numbers in Iraq by July was on track.
US, UN condemn fresh Gaza violence
London: The US and UN condemned the resumption of attacks between Gaza and Israel Friday, urging both sides to cease hostilities, media reported.
Israel renewed...
Over 30 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 31 militants were killed and 28 others, including a Taliban commander, were arrested in separate operations in northwestern Pakistan, according to a media report Monday.
According to the Pakistan Army's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), 11 militants were killed and 28 others, including the wanted commander identified as Kabir, were arrested during a search operation in Swat Valley in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Geo TV reported.
Kuwait Foreign Minister in Bahrain for higher committee meeting
By NNN-KUNA
Kuwait : Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah is in Bahrain to participate in the Kuwaiti-Bahraini higher committee meeting.
Speaking to reporters prior to his departure on Saturday, Sheikh Mohammad said the two countries were bound by "a strong relationship characterized by a distinctively special nature."
He added that bilateral relations were "historic and the peoples belong to a since family and one tribe that is divided only by the Gulf waters."
Iran, Pakistan review mutual cooperation, regional developments
By IRNA,
Tehran : Visiting Pakistani Parliament Speaker Ms. Fahmideh Mirza conferred on Thursday with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on expansion of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries as well as regional developments.
At the meeting, President Ahmadinajad said that enemies and ill-wishers seek to disrupt security of Pakistan and the entire region, adding that regional countries mainly Iran and Pakistan under current sensitive circumstances should draw up a joint security program to thwart all conspiracies hatched by the enemies.
Three US soldiers killed in Iraq’s Ninewah province
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Three US soldiers affiliated to the Multi-National Forces (MNF) were killed in a bomb explosion in Ninewah province, located in northern Iraq, the MNF said in a statement.
The attack killed three Multi-National Division - North Soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Ninewah Province, the statement said Wednesday.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending next of kin notification and release by the Department of Defence.
Estonians ready for battle in Afghanistan’s ‘Hell Land’
By Nick Allen, DPA,
Helmand (Afghanistan) : The desert landscape shudders to explosions of mortar and rocket shells, small arms fire and grenade blasts as the Estonian troops stage final battle rehearsals before the real thing.
By mid-morning the mercury rises to 40 degrees Celsius and the men are caked with dust and sweat as they manoeuvre and shoot, again and again.
Bangladesh opposition leader denied bail
Dhaka: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the acting secretary general of Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was Thursday denied bail in two...
Pak-Iran-Turkey railway line to connect Pakistan with Europe
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Thursday said that Pakistan-Iran-Turkey Railway line would connect Pakistan with Europe.
Qureshi told reporters in the city of Multan that the railway line is an important project, which will promote trade activities in the region.
The President of Turkey is expected to visit Pakistan soon to discuss the project, he said, and expressed the hope that talks on this project would move ahead. He said the project promises maximum benefits for all stakeholders.
MPs, businessmen say late BOT projects better than nothing
By KUNA
Kuwait : A number of National Assembly MPs and businessmen underscored here on Sunday that having the B.O.T law come late is better than not coming at all.
At the two-day seventh conference on the role of the private sector in development according to the BOT system, they agreed that despite the negatives, which were included in articles of the law that was approved by the National Assembly and published in the official gazette late last month, however, its endorsement forms a positive point that stresses cooperation of the legislature and executive branches.
In familiar reprise, Pakistanis celebrate as Musharraf quits
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : This is not for the first time that Pakistanis have celebrated a ruler's ouster by distributing sweets and congratulating each other - and even resorting to firing in the air in jubilation.
Monday was one such day in Pakistan's history when citizens took to streets after Pervez Musharraf's announcement on resigning as the country's 12th president. Queues immediately formed up outside sweetmeat shops in the federal capital.
13 militants killed in Pakistan air raids
Islamabad: Pakistani fighter jets killed 13 militants and destroyed seven hideouts during air strikes in Mirali area of the North Waziristan tribal region Saturday,...
Bangladesh Army chief denies reports of military takeover
By DPA
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Army chief General Moeen U. Ahmed has said the prevailing situation in the country has not reached a stage that the military needs to take over and run the government, a private television channel reported Thursday.
General Moeen also told Channel-I television in an exclusive interview that he harboured no ambition of becoming the president of the country or the executive head of government.
French EU Presidency condemns Afghan attacks
By KUNA,
Paris : The French Presidency of the European Union on Thursday condemned in the strongest possible manner the suicide attack that killed a number of people earlier in the day in the Afghan province of Nangarhar.
"This attack, which comes after the deaths of four Spanish and British soldiers from the International Assistance and Security Force, caused the death of an American solider who belonged to the targeted military convoy and also caused ten deaths and wounded seventy-seven among the Afghan civilian population present at the site," a statement from the Presidency said.
Jamia Millia to celebrate Jerusalem as cultural capital of Arab World
By TwoCircles.net Staff Correspondent,
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia is going to celebrate the cultural centrality of the city of rusalem in the Arab World in the first week of October.
The Outreach Programme, JMI in collaboration with India Arab Culture Centre of the same university is celebrating “Jerusalem: Cultural Capital of the Arab World 2009” from 5-7 October in M.A. Ansari Auditorium located in its campus. The programme shall be inaugurated by Mr. Najeeb Jung, Vice Chancellor of the university, on 5th October..
Israel kills 10 people on fourth day air raids
By IRNA,
Gaza City : Israel on Tuesday bombarded Gaza for a fourth day by unmanned Israeli drones and fighter jets killing at least 10 people and wounding 40 in the morning.
The death toll reached at least 320 including 62 women and children, according to United Nations officials, with at least 1,400 more wounded.
Israel flattened the Palestinian Interior Ministry building and hit centers of Hamas's social and political network, including a refugee camp on the northern outskirts of Gaza City and a five-story science building at the women's campus at Gaza's Islamic University.
Solana to visit Egypt to discuss Gaza situation
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : European Union (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana has said that he will visit Egypt soon to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza following the tight Israeli blockade over the 1.5 million Gazans.
Solana told a press conference after a meeting of EU Council of Foreign Ministers Monday that he is in contact with the Arab League on the issue and urged the Palestinian Authority to take control of the Rafah border crossing.
Abbas, Hamas Mission in Egypt
By Prensa Latina,
Cairo : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said his priority is to stop Israel"s aggression against Gaza and called for an agreement to end this "extremely horrible situation".
After meeting with Egyptian peer Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, the head of the Palestinian National Authority deplored that neither Hamas nor Israel respect the Security Council resolution approved Thursday.
Palestinian killed as Israeli army storms West Bank refugee camp
Ramallah : A Palestinian was shot dead early Wednesday when an Israeli army force stormed a Palestinian refugee camp near Ramallah in the West...
Iran may resume nuclear talks with EU
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said his country might resume nuclear talks with the EU, although President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ruled out such talks following the adoption of a new UN Security Council resolution over Tehran's nuclear programmes.
"We are still in favour of talks which would have tangible and effective results and contain constructive proposals," Mottaki said Sunday at an international nuclear conference in Tehran.
Iran, Russia determined to complete Bushehr power plant
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi has said that Iran and Russia are seriously determined to complete and put into operation the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Talking to reporters Monday, he said the Bushehr power plant has nothing to do with the current nuclear talks with the Group 5 1.
He said that negotiations between Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana continue in a positive and constructive atmosphere.