Sarkozy arrives in Saudi Arabia, starting 1st Gulf tour
By Xinhua
Riyadh : French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in the Saudi capital on Sunday to start his first tour to the Gulf region since coming into office, which will also take himto Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Sarkozy was greeted at the airport by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz. The two leaders will later discuss bilateral ties and regional issues, including the Iranian nuclear issue and the Middle East peace process.
Pakistan’s rebel group claims responsibility for blast in southwest
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A separatist group on Sunday claimed responsibility for the bomb blast in northwestern Pakistan' s Balochistan province, which killed at least three people and injured six.
The Baloch Republic Army (BRA), a separatist rebel group, has claimed responsibility for the blast, local Dawn News TV said.
The blast occurred in a bazar of Dera Bugti district of Balochistan Sunday morning, and the remote-controlled bomb was planted in a motorcycle, official sources said.
Lebanon to boycott Damascus summit
By DPA
Beirut : The Lebanese cabinet decided late Tuesday not to attend the March 29-30 Arab summit being hosted by Syria, a ministerial source said.
"We have decided not to attend the Syrian summit," the source said, without elaborating.
Lebanon's parliament Monday postponed for the 17th time a session to elect a new president, because the ruling coalition and opposition were unable to agree on the makeup of the next government.
The session was put back to April 22 to allow further negotiations.
Arson suspect confesses to 13 attacks on Muslim sites in Berlin
Berlin, Jan 23, IRNA -- A 30-year-old arson suspect has confessed to his involvement in 13 attacks on Muslim sites in Berlin, the daily Bild reported Sunday.
Bush visits the good and bad guys in the Middle East
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Maria Appakova) - President George W. Bush is going to visit the Holy Land - Israel and the territory controlled by the Palestinian National Authority - for the first time since becoming president.
Pakistan: Eid Milad-Un-Nabi celebrated with reverence
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Nation on Saturday celebrated Eid Milad-un-Nabi with religious reverence, fervor and commitment to tread lives in light of the principles laid down by Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The day began with special prayers for development, safety and peace in the country and for unity and brotherhood amongst the followers of Holy Prophet (PBUH).
It was public holiday and special security arrangements had been made to maintain law and order across the country.
Fatah armed wing warns Hamas to stop Gaza arrests
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : The armed wing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement Al-Aqsa Brigades called on Hamas movement to halt arrests of its members in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Abu Mahmoud, the group's spokesman in the West Bank, told reporters that Fatah movement would carry out serious actions against Hamas members in the West Bank, if Hamas forces do not stop cracking down on Fatah movement and its institutions in the Gaza Strip.
Iranian military commanders killed in suicide attack
By IANS,
Tehran : At least two senior commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in a suicide attack in southeastern Iran, Xinhua reported.
The assassinated officers were identified by the semi-official Fars news agency as Gen. Noor Ali Shooshtari, the deputy commander of the Guard's ground force, and Rajabali Mohammadzadeh, the Guard's chief provincial commander.
Fars said the attack, which occurred early Sunday in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan near Iran's border with Pakistan, killed 20 and injured dozens of others.
Settlement built on private Palestinian land: Israeli Official
By SPA
Tel Aviv : A top Israeli official has reportedly said a large Jewish settlement in the West Bank was built on private Palestinian land.
The Haaretz daily says the comments by Vice Premier Haim Ramon confirm that construction of the Ofra settlement violated a 1979 Supreme Court order.
Haaretz said in its report Tuesday that Ramon got his information about the settlement from Israel's defense ministry. It says this information could have legal implications for Palestinians seeking compensation for land claims.
US not considering extending Iran n-talks
Washington : The US said that it is not contemplating an extension of Iran nuclear talks beyond the June 30 deadline.
The P5+1 countries --...
Al-Qaeda leader criticizes Iran
By IRNA,
Dubai : Al-Qaeda released a video Monday accusing Iran of collaborating with the United States.
Ayman Zawahiri, the terrorist network's second in command, claimed that Tehran was "cooperating with the Americans in occupying Iraq and Afghanistan," and denounced Iran for recognizing the two governments.
Al Qaeda, often criticizes Iran, which has good ties with the Afghan anti-Taliban leaders and the Iraqi democratically elected government.
Oman national held in Hyderabad for marrying minor girl
Hyderabad:A 61-year-old Omani national was Saturday arrested for allegedly marrying two minor girls in the old city of Hyderabad within a week by paying...
Curfew imposed on all vehicles in Baghdad
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Baghdad Operations Command has imposed a curfew on all vehicles in the capital Baghdad as of Tuesday morning in the wake of the explosions that targeted the Shiites pilgrims.
Spokesman for the Baghdad Operations Command Major General Qasim Atta said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) here Monday that a curfew on all vehicles and motorcycles will be in force as of 5 am on Tuesday in all areas of the capital.
Senior CIA official, Pakistan PM discuss terror war
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani underlined the need for having a common strategy by Pakistan, US, Allied Forces and Afghanistan to fight the menace of terrorism.
Indian missions in UAE announce special Ramadan timings
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The Indian missions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Friday announced they will observe revised timings during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Fair, free elections to ensure stability of Pakistan: PPP chairman Bilawal
By NNN-APP
London : Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said only fair and free parliamentary elections in Pakistan would ensure stability and integrity of the country.
Addressing his maiden press conference in Central London on Tuesday, the teenager confidently fielded questions from a large posse of British and international media and called for respecting his privacy to enable him to continue his studies at Christ Church college in Oxford University.
Turkish parliament gives nod to divisive headscarf reform
ANKARA (AFP) - The Turkish parliament early Thursday adopted a constitutional amendment allowing women to wear Islamic headscarves in universities, a move that is strongly opposed by secularists and still has to be ratified.
More than 720000 pilgrims arrive in Madinah
By SPA,
Madinah : 720564 pilgrims arrived in Madinah up to yesterday, while 569108 pilgrims left the city. This will make the number of the remaining pilgrims amount to 151319 pilgrims.
The pilgrims included 37920 Pakistanis, 35168 Indians and 30939 Indonesians.
Meanwhile, 24 flights were operated today from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport carrying 7916 pilgrims.
Telangana, Andhra schools pay tribute to Peshawar victims
Hyderabad : Schools across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Wednesday paid tribute to the children killed in the terrorist attack in Pakistan's Peshawar city.
Students in...
Kosovo officially announces its independence
PRISTINA, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- Kosovo's parliament declared on Sunday the enclave's independence from Serbia, giving Europe a new nation and marking a historic turning point in the volatile Balkans.
"From this moment, the political position of Kosovo has changed," announced the speaker of parliament, Jakup Krasniqi, after a declaration of independence was adopted by lawmakers through a show of hands.
"We are now an independent, free, sovereign and democratic country," Krasniqi added.
Merkel, Obama discuss Middle East issue
By KUNA,
Berling : German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a long phone call Monday evening with US President Barack Obama on issues including the conflict in the Middle East, an official statement said.
A spokesman of the German government said Tuesday in a press release that Merkel and Obama also discussed the world financial and economic crises and stressed on the importance of international cooperation to overcome them.
Int’l press organisation condemns killings of reuters cameraman in Gaza
By NNN-KUNA,
Paris : An international press freedom organisation has condemned here the killing of a Palestinian cameraman in Gaza, considering the Strip one of the dangerous places for journalists.
Fadel Shanaa, a cameraman working for Reuters, was killed Wednesday by a rocket fired during an Israeli military incursion into the Gaza Strip, while his assistant, Wafa Barbakh, was seriously injured.
Iraqi lawmakers demand reparations for 1981 Israeli attack
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraqi parliamentarians are demanding Israel pay billions of dollars in reparations for a 1981 attack on a nuclear reactor in the country, a media report said Thursday.
Mohammed Naji Mohammed, a member of parliament with the United Iraqi Alliance coalition, is leading a campaign for a parliamentary resolution obliging the Iraqi foreign ministry and courts to seek billions of dollars in reparations for an Israeli air strike on the Osiraq nuclear reactor, the al-Sabbah newspaper reported.
Arab FMs hold talks prior to Sunday conference
By KUNA
Cairo : Arab foreign ministers are to meet and deliberate later Saturday, at the Arab League headquarters, on their upcoming formal conference tomorrow focusing on the issues of the political instability in Lebanon and Palestinian territories.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who had flown to the Egyptian capital Friday, is to take part in both meetings. He called for Arab action in both areas.
Pak-US ties cover wide-range of beneficial domains
By SPA
Islamabad : Pak-US relations are not confined to war on terror as they cover many areas in the mutual interests of both the countries, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Muhammad Sadiq said.
"The bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in anti-terrorism campaign holds domestic, regional and international significance for both the countries, he told the state-run Pakistan Television.
The spokesman said that this cooperation is very important for their domestic security as well as for the security of the region and the world.
Relatives of Uyghurs seek proof-of-life videos from China
Beijing, Feb 13 (IANS) Ethnic Uyghurs living in exile have launched their version of the #MeToo social media campaign, demanding information on relatives detained...
How ISI engineers Pakistan elections
By K. Subrahmanyam, IANS
A 38-page dossier prepared by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on a detailed plan by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) which was to have been released by Benazir Bhutto Dec 27, 2007, the day she was killed has been leaked by her followers in London. The objective of the plan was to cripple the opponent by slow and gradual measures, in a manner that was not connected plausibly with the subsequent elections.
Pakistan: Scotland Yard to submit Bhutto probe report this week
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : A team from Britain's Scotland Yard probing the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto will submit its report to the Pakistani authorities this week.
The three-member team of British detectives arrived at the airport here on a British Airways flight Thursday morning. They were received by officials of the British High Commission and whisked away amidst tight security.
A strong police contingent escorted the British team, which refused to talk to waiting journalists.
13 killed in air force bus bombing in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 13 people, mostly security personnel, were killed and around two dozen injured Tuesday when a bomb targeted a Pakistan Air Force bus in the country's northwestern city of Peshawar, officials said.
The bomb exploded when the vehicle was passing over a bridge on the outskirts of the city.
"It was a remote-controlled explosive device which was planted under the bridge," said Inspector General of Police Malik Naveed.
Bangladesh experts debate Dhaka-Delhi effort for connectivity
By IANS,
Dhaka : A cross-section of opinion makers in Bangladesh have welcomed a Dhaka-Delhi resolve to improve connectivity among the South Asian neighbours, but have expressed reservations on many counts.
They see the development as a window of opportunity to improve economic ties with landlocked Bhutan and Nepal, but also lament the loss of a prospective market in India's north-eastern region.
Although the proposed connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan is nothing new, this time it has come from India as a formal proposal, a trade expert said.
Egypt’s Al-Azhar to set up first ever branch campus in Malaysia
By NNN-Bernama,
Rembau, Malaysia : The opening of its first ever branch campus in Malaysia by Egypt's famed Al-Azhar University will attract thousands of Muslim students from the South East Asian and enhance Malaysia's image in the world, says an Al-Azhar representative, Dr Umar Abdullah Kamil.
The establishment of the branch campus outside the Middle East also marks the changing of the mindset of Al-Azhar, which has a history of more than 1,000 years since the beginning of its foundation during the reign of the Fatimiyyah Dynasty, he said.
UAE,UK discuss criminal security cooperation
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : The UAE Interior Ministry and UK Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) explored on Tuesday mechanisms for boosting the already existing bilateral cooperation on criminal security.
The talks were held between Brigadier Abdullah Al Bedaiwi, Deputy Director of the Ministry's Criminal Security Department and the visiting SOCA delegation.
Pakistan faces direct threat from extremism, not India: Clinton
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Warning Pakistan that the direct threat from violent extremism it faces could destabilise the entire region, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has voiced the hope that the India and Pakistan will resume their stalled dialogue.
"But what we see as the direct threat to Pakistan right now comes from the violent extremism," she said.
Pakistan says US drone strikes affect terror war
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Thursday that strikes by US drones aircraft in the country’s tribal regions are ‘not helpful in the context of winning hearts and minds’, which is important for defeating terrorism.
The US regularly fires missiles from pilot-less aircraft to hit hideouts of suspected militants in the Pakistani tribal regions despite Pakistan’s public opposition to the strikes.
Syria confirms indirect peace talks with Israel
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria on Wednesday confirmed indirect peace talks with Israel through Turkey, the official SANA news agency reported.
"Syria has started indirect peace talks with Israel under the auspices of Turkey," a Syrian foreign ministry source was quoted as saying.
"The two sides expressed their desire to conduct the talks in good faith and decided to pursue a dialogue with seriousness to achieve the goal of a comprehensive peace in conformity with the Madrid conference for Peace," the source added.
India, Iran to join hands to stop terror inflow from Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : When Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki holds talks with Indian officials here Monday, the stalled tri-nation gas pipeline project will be discussed, but the focus will be on the flow of terror from Pakistan-based militants of which Tehran was a recent victim.
In the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the re-election of the Manmohan Singh government and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mottaki will hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna.
Turkey mine disaster toll touches 282
Istanbul: The toll in Turkey's coal mine disaster near Soma town has reached 282, making it the country's worst industrial disaster in history, Energy...
About 1,000 kg drugs seized in Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : About 1,000 kg of drugs were seized in Iran in a series of operations across the country, the police said.
An announcement by the Information and Media Communication Center of Iran's Police Saturday said that the police forces "seized 918 kg of drugs...and detained 14 smugglers."
In November, Iran's Drug Control Headquarters (DCH) announced that Iran would seal the borders of the country within two years to control drugs smuggling.
High civilian casualties tarnish U.S.-imposed democracy in Iraq
By Yu Zhixiao, Xinhua
Beijing : High Iraqi civilian casualties over the past five years after the U.S.-led coalition forces toppled the Saddam Hussein regime have tarnished the U.S.-imposed democracy in the volatile country, analysts say.
The coalition troops started an invasion into Iraq by bombarding the Iraqi capital Baghdad on March 20, 2003, and swiftly brought down the administration of Saddam Hussein, who was earmarked as a cruel dictator by the United States and some other Western countries.
Liberal Indian visa a good thing, says daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : A liberal visa policy is a welcome step for Pakistanis wanting to visit India as "the current process is incredibly Byzantine", a leading Pakistani daily said Saturday.
Brown not satisfied over pace of national reconcialition in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that the process of national reconciliation in Iraq is not fast enough and should be speeded up this year.
The prime minister was speaking at his monthly news conference at 10 Downing Street, the first in the New Year.
He also stressed the need for the Iraqi government to approve the necessary laws required on the oil sector and other areas in the country.
On the economy of Basra, Brown said that the long-term future of the province depends on jobs and improved economy.
OIC Chief slams Israeli brutality in Gaza
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu condemned the Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Referring to the barbaric killing of a mother and her four children on Monday in the safety of their home, the Secretary General said: “This has demonstrated once again Israel’s disdain for international law and its insistence on committing war crimes and violating the Fourth Geneva Convention."
Tehran says no confrontation between US Iranian Navies in Gulf
By NNN-KUNA
Tehran : Iranian gunboats patrolling the Gulf had no "confrontation" with a US Navy ship, an Iranian official said on Saturday.
According to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), a military source said "Yesterday, Iranian vessels during a routine patrol mission asked questions to the crew of a US Fifth Fleet ship which is a common procedure between our coast guards and the transiting vessels."
CNN television reported a "confrontation" between Iranian gunboats with the USS Typhoon in the Gulf waters on Thursday.
U.S. to announce new aid plan for West Bank, Gaza
By Xinhua
Washington : The United States will announce a new aid plan for the West Bank and Gaza next week to ease the humanitarian crisis there, U.S. officials said on Friday.
The aid will be channeled through the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, which handles U.S. and other assistance for food, health, education and other areas, according to U.S. officials.
The Bush administration has asked the Congress to approve 400 million dollars in economic aid for the Palestinians in the 2007-2008 budget which began on Oct. 1 last year.
150 killed in Nigeria attacks
Abuja: At least 150 people were killed during the weekend in separate attacks in northwest and northeast regions of Nigeria, Africa's most populous country,...
Great Iranian poet’s book available in Greek
By IRNA,
Tehran : The masterpiece of world literature Masnavi Molavi by the Persian mystic and poet Molana Jalal ad-Din Molavi has been translated into Greek.
The valuable volume was translated into Greek by Lina Mystakidou and was published by the Greece's Sidres Publications.
The 788-page book is sponsored by Iran’s cultural office in Greece.
Egypt asks Israel to reopen border crossings with the Gaza Strip
By SPA,
Al-Quds city : Egypt has asked Israel to reopen border crossings with the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported.
The border crossings were closed after Palestinians violated a 3-week-old truce, the Associated Press quoted Israeli defense officials as saying Tuesday.
Israel agreed to the request, which appeared to be an attempt to prod forward the cease-fire, which was designed in part to ease Israel's crushing blockade of the coastal strip. In so doing, it suggested it might stop automatically closing the crossings in response to every truce violation.
Amnesty International cites ‘shocking’ beating of Iran protesters
By DPA,
London/Washington : The human rights organisation Amnesty International Sunday condemned reports of excessive violence by Iranian security forces against people protesting the results of Friday elections and called for an investigation.
"The shocking scenes of violence meted out by the security forces need to be urgently investigated and those responsible for human rights violations must be brought to justice," said Hassiba Hadj, an AI official, in a statement e-mailed to DPA in Washington.
Musharraf denies he misappropriated US anti-terror funds
By DPA,
Islamabad : A spokesman for President Pervez Musharraf has denied that the embattled leader had "misappropriated" millions of dollars of military aid provided to Pakistan by the United States since the September 11, 2001 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks.
"The allegations are absurd and baseless. Every penny that we got in aid since 2001 has been accounted for," presidential spokesman Rashid Qureshi Sunday told DPA.
UN finds human rights violations by Syria opposition
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : A UN commission has found serious human rights violations committed by Syria's opposition movement, a Russian minister has said.
Moderate earthquake jolts southern Iran
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iranian state radio says a medium-size earthquake has damaged old rural buildings in a sparsely populated area in southern Iran.
The report says the magnitude 5.3 quake did not cause any casualties when it hit six villages early Tuesday in Zarrin Dasht, some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Tehran.
Iran is located on several seismic fault lines and is prone to earthquakes, experiencing at least one slight quake every day on average.
Malaysian PM: ASEAN Charter to bring improvements to ASEAN
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : The ASEAN Charter will bring many welcome improvements to ASEAN which will be much more institutionalized as a result, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said here on Tuesday.
"For instance, leaders will meet twice a year instead of once. The Secretary General will have four deputies instead of two. Each ASEAN country will have a permanent representative to ASEAN to ensure that ASEAN work is accorded due attention," Badawi said in his keynote address to the 22nd Asia-Pacific Roundtable.
U.S. lawmakers condemn UN report on war crimes in Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The U.S. House of Representatives has adopted a non-binding resolution condemning a controversial report on Israeli and Palestinian war crimes in Gaza, the Jerusalem Post said on Wednesday.
The resolution, which describes the findings of a UN mission as "irredeemably biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy," was adopted by 334 "yes" votes against 36 "no" votes.
Israeli troops kill 2 Jihad gunmen in West Bank raid
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Invading Israeli troops killed two Islamic Jihad gunmen and seriously wounded a third one on early Monday during a raid on the West Bank town Jenin, local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website.
The Israeli special forces killed the gunmen in an exchange of fire which developed during an arrest operation for wanted militants in the town. Israeli troops found rifles and ammunition on the bodies of the militants, according to the report.
Indian-origin spy’s bust to be unveiled in London
By IANS,
London: A bust of Noor Inayat Khan, the Second World War secret agent of Indian origin, will be unveiled here next week by Britain's Princess Anne.
Mubarak sentenced to three years in jail
Cairo : An Egyptian court Wednesday sentenced former president Hosni Mubarak to three years in jail for embezzlement of public funds designated for presidential...
Somali pirates release 4 Pakistani, 18 other hostages
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Somali pirates Monday released four Pakistani and 18 other hostages after ransom was paid to them, a Pakistani who runs a prisoners aid society said.
Pakistan: eight dead, three injured in missile attack
By NNN-APP
South Waziristan (Pakistan) : At least eight suspected extremists were killed and three others injured when a missile hit a house in Azam Warsak area in troubled South Waziristan Agency here early Thursday.
Local tribesmen said that the missile, which was fired from undisclosed location, struck a house where the extremists had gathered. As a result of severe explosion, at least eight persons were killed and three others injured.
Iran increasing lethal aid to Syria: US daily
By IANS,
Washington : Iran is increasing its aid, especially lethal assistance, to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his crackdown on opposition forces, a US daily has said.
Abbas hopes for final agreement with Israel to be reached by year-end
By NNN-WAFA,
Bethlehem : Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed hope that a final peace agreement on major permanent status issues will be reached with Israel by the end of this year as envisaged by US President George W. Bush.
Abbas was speaking at a joint news conference with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is currently on a two-day tour of the Palestinian territories and Israel, his first visit to the region since he took office in June 2007.
Impossible! 49 stations had more than 100 percent voting
By IANS,
Islamabad : Forty-nine polling stations in Pakistan achieved the impossible -- the votes polled were more than the total number of voters.
Researchers stumble on algae that detoxifies arsenic
By IANS,
Washington : Researchers have stumbled on an algae that detoxifies arsenic, potentially opening the way for cleaning up underground water reservoirs in West Bengal and Bangladesh contaminated with the poison.
The simple, single-celled algae called Cyanidioschyzon thrives in extremely toxic conditions and chemically modifies arsenic that occurs naturally, said Tim McDermott, professor of environmental sciences at Montana State University (MSU) who led the study.
Anti-IS coalition carries out 18 air raids in Iraq, Syria
Washington : The US-led coalition has carried out nine air raids in Iraq and nine in Syria against Islamic State targets over the past...
Passenger flight lands as windscreen cracks
By IANS,
Islamabad : A passenger aircraft had to land in Karachi after its windscreen developed cracks.
Pakistan seeks oil imports on deferred payment
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan is seeking to import oil from friendly Islamic countries on a deferred payment basis in the face of plummeting reserves and unpaid bills.
"A delegation would be visiting Saudi Arabia, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Kuwait in a couple of days to seek uninterrupted supplies on deferred payments and reduced rates," Dawn newspaper reported Wednesday, quoting sources.
Obama links Pakistan aid to fight against terror
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama has stated in his foreign policy agenda that the US "will increase nonmilitary aid to Pakistan and hold them accountable for security in the border region with Afghanistan".
President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will renew America’s security and standing in the world through "a new era of American leadership", stated the document released Tuesday soon after the new president went to the Oval Office following the swearing-in ceremony.
Blair presents to Egyptian Pres. report on support of Palestinian economy
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul-Gheit said Thursday that the representative envoy for the Middle East Quartet Tony Blair has presented to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak a comprehensive report on supporting the Palestinian economy.
He told reporters that Blair is exerting efforts in coordination with the Palestinian authority to rehabilitate the Palestinian economy along with ensuring stability and security for Palestinian towns and villages controlled by the Palestinian forces.
Gilani seeks more US aid for Pakistan
By IANS,
New York : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has urged the US to increase economic and defence aid to help strengthen his country's newly elected democratic government.
Gillani told the Wall Street Journal that he made his case for further aid during a recent meeting in Egypt with President George W. Bush. However, he did not specify how much more in assistance he asked for.
Gillani said further aid was needed to help provide political and economic stability as the nation seeks to fight terrorism after getting a democratically elected government.
Pakistan to release 101 Indian prisoners Wednesday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : One hundred and one Indian prisoners being released by Pakistan will cross the Wagah border Wednesday when Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be in New Delhi to discuss confidence building measures with his counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
Pakistan Sunday announced that that 99 Indian fishermen arrested for illegally entering into Pakistan's territory and two other prisoners who have completed their jail terms will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Wednesday.
Moderate earthquake injures 10 people in remote mountain area in Iran
By SPA
Tehran : A moderate earthquake overnight rattled a remote mountain area in Iran and injured 10 people, damaged 70 buildings, the official IRNA news agency reported Thursday.
The report said the quake registered 4.3 on the Richter scale, with an epicenter located in central Iran. Relief teams were dispatched with tents and blankets to the Nasirabad village in the Gandoman district, some 600 kilometers (375 miles) south of the capital, Tehran, according to AP.
Can Iran make a nuclear bomb? Not so fast, analysts say
By Albert Otti, DPA,
Vienna : It's an argument over one figure: With 1,010 kg of low-enriched uranium, does Iran have the capability to make a nuclear weapon? Or is the country still some technical steps away from the bomb, as some nuclear analysts say?
After the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued its latest report last week on Iran, several media suggested that the Vienna-based UN nuclear watchdog had determined that Tehran had enough fuel for a bomb.
Fresh U.S. troops will focus on Kabul: report
By NNN-APP,
New York : Most of the additional U.S. troops heading to Afghanistan early next year will be deployed near Kabul, reflecting worries about the capital’s vulnerability, a leading American newspaper reported Sunday.
Citing U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan, The New York Times said the plans for incoming brigades would result in fewer or no reinforcements being available, at least for the time being, for areas of Afghanistan where the insurgency is most acute.
Al-Qaida’s No. 2 calls for strike against Israel, U.S.
By Xinhua
Cairo : Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri has called for attacks on Israeli and American targets to avenge Israel's raids on the Gaza Strip.
Zawahri made the call in a four-minute audio recording produced by al-Qaida's media arm As-Sahab and posted on the Internet on Monday.
"O Muslims. Today is your day. Hit the interests of the Jews and the Americans and all those who participated in the aggression against Muslims," he said.
Two opposition leaders win in Bangladesh by-polls
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two stalwarts have joined the opposition ranks in Bangladesh parliament while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won three seats in Thursday's by-elections amid charges of malpractice.
Former speaker Jamiruddin Sircar and former law minister Moudud Ahmed won from two constituencies in Bogra on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) tickets.
The ruling Awami League (AL) candidates won in three seats, wresting one of them from its ally Jatiya Party (JP).
About 10 PKK rebels surrender in SE Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : About ten members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) surrendered to Turkish security forces in the southeastern province of Sirnak, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Friday.
The Turkish General Staff said in a statement posted on its website that ten PKK members escaped from their camps based in northern Iraq and surrendered to the Turkish military on Thursday, adding that the number of PKK members who surrendered in the past 30 days has reached 21.
India to support Pakistan efforts to overcome financial crisis: PM
By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : In what could be seen as a major confidence building measure, India has said it will support Pakistan government's efforts to tide over a serious financial crunch by backing Islamabad's plan to seek help from the IMF.
"I wish the new democratic government in Pakistan well. We would like them to succeed," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters on board his special aircraft while returning home from a two-nation trip to Japan and China Saturday evening.
Americans against war on Iran: Poll
By Press TV,
New York: A new survey has shown that most Americans would not support US-lead attack on Iran, even if the country "tested a nuclear bomb or attacked Israel."
Zardari stays execution of Christian woman
By Awais Saleem,IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday stayed the execution of a Christian woman who was sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy.
Concerns over Darfur escalation after war crime charges
By Michael Logan, DPA,
Nairobi/Khartoum : The official levelling of war crimes charges against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir has been welcomed in many quarters, but fears remain that the decision could cause an escalation of violence in Darfur and more misery for millions of long-suffering displaced Darfuris.
From heartache to Afghanistan
By Beth Murphy, CGNews,
"Have you ever worn a burqa before?" asked the Amnesty International representative.
Pakistan court orders amputation of convicts
By DPA,
Islamabad : An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's eastern province of Punjab has ordered the amputation of a suitor and his cousin for chopping off the nose and ears of a teenage girl who rejected his proposal, media reports said on Tuesday.
Interpreting the Islamic punishment of "an eye for an eye", judge Khalid Naveed Dar ruled in the provincial capital Lahore Monday that noses and ears of the two men be cut off.
Dar sentenced Amanat Ali and Sher Mohammad to life imprisonment and imposed $3,550 fine on each of them, the English-language Dawn newspaper reported.
McCain vows to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by 2013 if elected president
By Xinhua,
Washington : U.S. presumptive Republican presidential candidate John McCain vowed on Thursday, for the first time, to bring home most troops to Iraq by 2013 after the U.S. wins the war by his watch.
"By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom," McCain said in a speech in Columbus, Ohio.
McCain noted that by 2013 the U.S. troops still in Iraq would not play a direct combat role.
Abbas arrives in Damascus for Arab summit
By Xinhua
Damascus : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Friday to attend the upcoming...
Militants gun down Afghan district chief, his guard
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Anti-government militants have shot dead a district chief and his guard in Afghanistan's southern Zabul province,...
One more killed in Yemen unrest
By IANS,
Sanaa : A teenager was killed and four people were wounded Monday when security forces attacked pro-democracy protesters in Yemen's southern port city of Aden, a media report said.
Syria condemns US anti-terror coalition
Damascus : Syria has criticised the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group, accused it of lacking the "true will" necessary to...
Iraqi lawmakers seek Egypt’s assistance over Foreign interference in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : A delegation of Iraqi lawmakers, meeting here with Foreign Minister Ahmad Abulgheit, has criticized the role some states in the region had taken in undermining the unity of the Iraqi people.
The lawmakers asked Egyptian authorities to assist Iraq in blocking out attempts by those who negatively interfere in the nation's affairs, said a spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, in statements to the press Wednesday.
Lebanon’s new PM confident to meet constitutional deadlines
By IANS,
Beirut: Lebanon's new Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Saturday that his newly-formed cabinet will be able to meet constitutional deadlines, media reported.
"The new...
Europeans walk out on Iran’s president at UN conference
By DPA,
Geneva : Delegates from the European Union (EU) walked out of the Durban Review Conference on racism in Geneva Monday during a speech by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in which he made derisive remarks about Israel.
The Iranian leader said that Palestinians had been "made homeless" following World War II "under the pretext of Jewish suffering".
There was a "racist regime in Palestine", he said, and added that Western powers have "given them a free hand to continue their crimes".
Hamas hands over ceasefire proposal to Egypt
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement Wednesday handed over to Egyptian mediators its response to a proposed ceasefire deal with Israel, a spokesman for the movement said.
Sami Abu Zuhri said Hamas' response to the proposed ceasefire was handed over to Egyptian officials Wednesday by Mahmoud Zahar, a Gaza-based Hamas leader who held a series of meetings with them.
Ban Ki-moon hopes for ‘amicable’ Kashmir resolution
United Nations: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif "will continue to engage with each other" to...
Sharif sends sari for Modi’s mother
New Delhi: In an overture to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistan's Premier Nawaz Sharif Thursday sent a sari for his mother.
Modi, who received the...
‘US-led air assault against IS to solve America’s economic problem’
New Delhi: The US-led air assault against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria is just to "serve the US' own interest" and "solve...
Sheikh Hasina starts work as Bangladesh PM
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's first democratically elected government in over two years got to work Wednesday, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended office after a landslide victory in the Dec 29 poll.
She was sworn in as the prime minister Tuesday evening, ending the tenure of a military-backed caretaker government that held office for a week short of two years.
Prior to taking charge at the Prime Minister's Office, she paid floral tributes at the portrait of her father and the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Rajasthan, Israel discuss steps to expand cooperation
Jaipur/New Delhi : Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Friday met Israel's Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon in New Delhi and held discussions on...
Musharraf to set date for 1st National Assembly session’s by Thursday: minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf is likely to announce date for the 1st session of the National Assembly by Thursday, the Law Minister said Monday.
Victors of the February 18 parliamentary elections are demanding early summoning of the National Assembly session to elect the new Prime Minister.
The elections were mostly won by opposition parties Pakistan Peoples Party of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Blast in bus kills 15 near Islamabad
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A blast in a passenger bus killed at least 15 persons Tuesday in Rawalpindi near Pakistani capital Islamabad, local media reported.
‘Pakistan was in the dark on Osama raid’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan was not told about the US raid that led to the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, a senior army officer has said.
Iran executes 22 prisoners
Tehran : A total of 22 prisoners have been hanged in the northern Iranian city of Karag since the weekend, the Iran Human Rights...
Iran hails NAM states’ support for its nuclear drive
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has praised the member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for backing its nuclear programme which is for "peaceful" purpose, the official IRNA news agency reported Thursday.
"The NAM's support for Tehran peaceful nuclear programme was a highly valuable step," Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Wednesday in his closing address to the 15th ministerial conference of the NAM here.
Al-Qaeda claims hand in Bangladeshi blogger’s death
Dhaka: "Ansar-Al-Islam", which declared it as the "Bangladesh branch" of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of secular...
Taliban rebels abduct 25 police recruits in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Taliban militants captured 25 police recruits in restive north-western Pakistan, officials said Thursday.
The trainees were abducted in the tribal North-Western Frontier Province late Wednesday when they were returning to the Police Training College after vacations in Hangu district, the provincial
police chief Naveed Malik said.
"The militants intercepted three vehicles carrying the police cadets somewhere between Orakzai and Khyber tribal districts and took them away," he added. The drivers were later freed.
Resurgent Anwar piles pressure on Malaysia PM
By ANTARA News,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's struggling leader faced a new and serious challenge Tuesday after opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim's dramatic claim that he is supported by enough government defectors to seize power.
Analysts said turmoil in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's ruling coalition could hasten an exodus of lawmakers and propel Anwar to power after last month's stunning general election gains by the opposition alliance.
Pakistan elects its first woman speaker
By DPA
Islamabad : Pakistan's National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, elected its first woman house speaker Wednesday, officials said.
Three-time parliamentarian Fahmida Mirza, who was greeted by members of all parties as she entered the house, sailed through the vote with 249 of the 327 members voting for her.
Mirza is a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Senior PPP leader and former house speaker Yousaf Raza Geelani welcomed the vote of a woman as speaker.
Turkish parliament moves closer to lifting headscarf bans
By DPA
Ankara : The Turkish parliament Thursday morning approved changing the constitution in the first-stage of a two-round vote to lift a ban on wearing Islamic headscarves at universities.
After a sometimes raucous debate lasting more than 12 hours, 404 deputies in the 550-seat parliament voted in favour of an overall motion changing two articles of the constitution. The parliament had earlier voted on individual points of the proposed changes.
Makkah Governor calls for improving services to Haj pilgrims
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Governor of Makkah Prince Khaled Al Faisal underlined the need for exerting great efforts to improve the services being offered to Haj pilgrims. Inaugurating a workshop on improving Haj services here yesterday evening, the governor also criticized the poor quality of services rendered to Haj pilgrims. "It is regrettable that we face every year the problem of serving Haj pilgrims as if we were encountering with it for the first time," he said.
US national arrested in Lahore
By IANS,
Lahore : The security agencies here have arrested a US national and two Pakistanis after they refused to allow their vehicle to be searched, Online news agency reported.
Police personnel and officials of the security agencies agencies, at a joint picket at the Sherpao bridge, stopped a vehicle bearing number ISG-761 and carrying a US national and two Pakistani and asked them to get their vehicle searched but they refused.
Police raids Adnan Sami’s father in Mumbai hospital
By Subhash K. Jha, IANS,
Mumbai: Pakistani singer Adnan Sami, currently attending to his critically-ill father at the Kokilabehn Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, was shocked Thursday when the criminal investigation department (CID) of the Mumbai Police raided the hospital to ascertain the authenticity of their medical documents.
The raid that took place late Thursday afternoon had Adnan and his parents stunned.
14 people killed in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Fourteen people, including 10 US citizens, were killed Monday in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan, one of which was believed to be a mid-air collision between two aircraft, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
Ten US citizens - seven soldiers and three civilians - were killed when a helicopter crashed in western Afghanistan, it said without specifying the location.
It said the cause of the accident was unknown but it was not believed to be the result of militant action.
Pakistan-India peace forum urges dialogue resumption
By IANS,
New Delhi : India and Pakistan have no alternative to serious dialogue to end the atmosphere of suspicion between them, said speakers at a public meet organised here by the Pakistan India People's Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) Saturday.
"Cessation of dialogue cannot ensure that there will be no future attacks," said human rights activist and PIPFPD general secretary Tapan K. Bose, adding that ever since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, terrorists have set the agenda for relationship between the two neighbours.
Pakistan to exchange prisoners with militants ahead of peace deal
By Amena Khokhar, KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Government will be swapping prisoners with local Taliban militants in South Waziristan tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan, later Wednesday ahead of a peace deal.
About 55 militants, arrested in several terrorist cases, were flown to Wana, the main headquarters of South Waziristan agency, Tuesday night by helicopter, security sources told KUNA.
40 killed in Afghan violence
By DPA,
Kabul : Four civilians, including two children, were killed in a bomb blast in southern Afghanistan, while four Afghan army soldiers and 31 Taliban militants were killed elsewhere in the country, officials said Sunday.
In the latest incident, an eight-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy and two adult civilians were killed in Gerishk district of southern Helmand province Sunday morning. The bomb that killed them was placed on a motorbike in the main market of the district, Daoud Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor said.
Israeli FM: Gaza operation does not hinder peace process
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister TzipiLivni on Wednesday defended Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, saying the operations targeting Hamas in the enclave didn't hinder the peace process.
Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem, Livni stressed that Israel will have no problem facing the international community's judgment, since "the limitations we've placed on ourselves are based on our moral values."
UN chief hails political accord reached by Lebanese parties
By APP,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed an agreement reached earlier in the day in Doha, Qatar, by Lebanon’s political leaders.
“He hopes this agreement will be the prelude to a lasting period of national reconciliation, political stability, peace and progress for all of Lebanon’s people and for the future of their country, as well as a stepping stone toward the full implementation of the provisions of the Taif Agreement and the relevant Security Council resolutions,” a statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson said Wednesday.
Nine tribesmen, four militants killed in Bajaur fighting
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Troops and tribesmen killed 13 militants in fighting on Monday in Bajaur, as the two sides teamed up to fight extremists in the Taliban and al Qaeda hub.
Hundreds of Salarzai tribesmen have sided with the government and raised an army to drive out militants from the region of Bajaur, where the government launched a major offensive in August to defeat the militants.
The tribesmen had gone into Darra and were setting on fire the hideouts used by militants when they were attacked, a security official told IRNA.
Nobel laureate accusing Israel of ‘slow genocide’
By IRNA,
London : Nobel peace laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire has accused Israel of committing “slow genocide” against the Palestinian people after being forcefully prevented from delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Gaza has been cut off from the world for over three years. The people of Gaza don't have enough basic things for their needs,” 66-year old Maguire said after being deported by Israel with four other Irish activists aboard the MV Rachel Corrie.
Plane rental company to open in Bahrain
By NNN-BNA,
Manama : A Bahraini businessman and a group of Bahraini and gulf investors plan to set up a plane rental company, considered the first of its kind in the kingdom of Bahrain, with a capital of USD50 million.
Army is subordinate to executive, says Pakistan bar association
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association president Yasin Azad said the army was subordinate to the executive.
Pakistan’s abducted diplomat freed
By SPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan Tariq Azizudin has been freed three months after he was abducted in the Pakistan's tribal region while traveling to the Afghan capital of Kabul, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.
No other details were available about Azizudin's release, CNN reported.
Azizudin was last seen a month ago when video was released of him pleading for the Pakistan government to negotiate for his release.
Israel lifts age restrictions for Muslim prayers in Temple Mount
Jerusalem : Israeli police have lifted age restrictions in force for weeks prohibiting younger Muslims from accessing the Temple Mount compound and the al...
Gulf naval commanders’ conference in July
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : A maritime security conference of the navies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will be held next month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, WAM news agency reported Monday.
The Gulf Naval Commanders' Conference (GNC) July 2 will be organised by the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA).
The theme of the conference will be maritime security of the Arabian Gulf.
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
Iran pledges to support Iraq’s anti-terror efforts
Tehran : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged on Wednesday to help Iraq in fighting terrorism, and support "real" truce in the conflict-torn country of...
Qatar reliable source of energy for India: Mukherjee
New Delhi : President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said India deeply values Qatar "as a reliable source of energy" and it was time that...
National seminar held on Indo-Iran Cultural relations
By TCN News,
Aligarh: The first newspaper, ‘Mirat-ul-Akhbar’ published in Calcutta (Kolkatta), India in 1822, edited by great social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was in Persian, pointed out Professor Mohd Tahir Ali, former Head, Department of Arabic, Persian and Islamic Studies, Vishwabharti Shanti Niketan (West Bengal) as he eulogized shared socio-economic-political and cultural ideals between India and Iran.
Afghan car bombing toll down to 42 from 89
Kabul : The Afghan defence ministry Wednesday lowered the toll in Tuesday's suicide car bomb attack on a crowded market in southeastern Afghanistan from...
Israeli insistence on settlement plan incites Palestinian repercussion
By Xinhua
Gaza/Ramallah : The statements by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert saying that Israel would continue the settlements construction in east Jerusalem incited vehement repercussion among the Palestinians.
Prior to a scheduled meeting between Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams on Monday, Olmert said at a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Israel would not stop building homes in East Jerusalem’s neighborhood of Har Homa, calling Har Homa an "inseparable" part of Jerusalem.
Malaysia against US interference in Anwar Ibrahim case
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has said the US "should not interfere" in the investigations into charges of sodomy levelled against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
"America should not interfere with a legal exercise in our jurisdiction. This matter (of Ibrahim's sodomy case) is still under investigation and we have not yet come to a conclusion," Albar, who was the country's foreign minister till March, said in parliament Wednesday.
Despite dangers, Rafah’s smuggling tunnels resume work
By DPA,
Rafah (Gaza Strip) : Two men are loading up the back of a truck with generators, the front of the vehicle peering out of light green tenting covering a hole about one metre wide, which drops deep into the ground, just a few hundred metres from the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt.
"We only bring in food, generators for when the power goes out, things like this, never weapons or illegal stuff," said Abu Salim, a man in his mid 20s who works in one of the Gaza Strip's tunnels running under the border in the southern towns and refugee camps of Rafah.
Imran Khan to address Karachi rally Sunday
Islamabad : The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has decided that party leader Imran Khan should go to Karachi and address protesters Sunday, media reported Thursday.
"After...
Israeli parliament pushes forward bill compelling resignation of indicted PM
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday passed in the first reading a bill which requires a prime minister to resign if indicted, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Should an incumbent prime minister be indicted for a felony, he or she will have to step down within 30 days since the indictment is filed, and the Knesset will consider the government to have resigned as well, according to the bill.
Pakistanis protest India’s ‘occupation’ in Kashmir
Islamabad: Pakistanis across the world held demonstrations to mark the anniversary of what they termed as India's invasion and occupation of Kashmir Oct 27,...
Dhaka plans 10 years’ jail for cyber crime
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government plans to prescribe 10 years' rigorous imprisonment for those involved in cyber crime.
A bill approved by the cabinet will be introduced during parliament's session likely to begin in June to ensure legitimacy and security of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
This was one of the poll promises made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League along with a vision of a "Digital Bangladesh 2020".
Turkish troops continue Iraq offensive
By DPA
Ankara : Turkish troops operating in northern Iraq cut off routes to the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) main camp in the Qandil mountains, stopping PKK fighters from other regions from reaching the main camp, Turkish newspapers reported Tuesday.
Commandos parachuted into the Qandil region near Iraq's border with Iran and took control of roads and passes in the region, Hurriyet newspaper reported. Other troops had reached around 25 km inside mountainous northern Iraq.