Gaza crossings to stay shut until Israeli soldier is freed
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel will not agree to open the crossing points into the Gaza Strip until an Israeli soldier held captive in the salient for two-and-a-half years has been released, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday night.
"We will not allow the opening of the crossings to Gaza, to the extent that it will bring life back to normal, certainly not before Gilad Shalit is home," he said.
Economic diplomacy new watchword for Pakistan foreign secretary
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's missions abroad need to concentrate more on "economic diplomacy" in developing country-to-country relationship, particularly with the neighbours, new Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Saturday.
Pakistan being a developing country has to work more aggressively in deepening economic ties with its friendly countries, he said.
Bashir, who served as ambassador to China, assumed his new responsibilities Saturday replacing Riaz Mohammad Khan.
Palestinian PM: EU should not upgrade ties with Israel
By SPA,
Ramallah, West Bank : The Palestinian prime minister is urging the European Union not to upgrade ties with Israel unless Israel halts settlement expansion and construction of the West Bank separation barrier.
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad spoke Wednesday in the village of Bilin. The barrier threatens to swallow almost 10 percent of West Bank land.
Fayyad has sent a letter to the EU asking it not to upgrade ties with Israel unless Israel freezes settlements, the Associated Press reported.
Zardari denies ISI hand in Kabul attack on Indian mission
By IANS,
New York : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari - his eyes set on the presidency - has denied the involvement of his country's intelligence agency in the bloody suicide bombing at the Indian embassy in Kabul.
Zardari also told Newsweek in an interview - conducted before the departure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from the ruling alliance - that his country could learn from India's coalition politics.
Sharif holds meet over violence in Islamabad
Islamabad : A high-level meeting presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was held here Sunday to discuss the current situation in the country,...
Israel rejects EU’s appeal for temporary ceasefire
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel Tuesday rejected a European Union (EU) request for a 48-hour ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, vowing to push ahead the offensive till security is restored to the south.
Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Tuesday told visiting EU foreign ministers that any ceasefire agreement must force Hamas to end its incessant rocket attacks on Israel.
The local media quoted him as saying that "we demand action that will bring security to the residents of Israel's south".
UAE seeks Unesco heritage status for falconry
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeking to get the sport of falconry included in the Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is organising a workshop on falconry Aug 17-18 in preparation for submitting a file for the registration with the Unesco, WAM news agency reported.
Countries participating in the workshop include the UAE, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Qatar, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Mongolia, South Korea, and Spain.
NATO asks Germany to send combat force for Afghanistan
By DPA
Berlin : NATO has formally asked Germany to provide combat troops for a quick reaction force in northern Afghanistan to replace a 350-strong Norwegian force that leaves in July, Germany's defence ministry said Tuesday.
The request, which had been expected, has raised fears in Germany of a significant change in the role of the German military in Afghanistan, from a largely reconstruction and training mission to a more combat-oriented one.
Afghan family law sparks angry demonstrations in Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul : More than 1,000 Afghans surrounded a group of 200 protesters who took to Kabul's streets Wednesday to protest a new family law that they said violates women's rights.
As police tried to keep the two groups apart, a man picked up a stone and threw it at a schoolgirl, shouting at her, "You dog of the Westerners, go from here".
University students protest detention of Pakistan”s disgraced scientist
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Dozens of university students Wednesday here held protest demonstration against the detention of country's nuclear scientist, Dr. A.Q. Khan, accused of transferring nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea.
Students of Urdu university carrying placards and chanting anti-government slogans demanded the end of Khan detention and also restoration to the titles he was honored after Pakistan went nuclear in 1990s.
Soldier dies in Pakistan ammunition depot blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : A soldier was killed and three others were injured in three massive explosions that ripped through an army ammunition depot near here.
Egyptian FM: establishment of Lebanese-Syrian diplomatic ties right step
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed AbulGheit on Thursday welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria and Lebanon.
"This is a step in the right direction," Abul Gheit said in a press release, expressing Egypt's satisfaction to the establishment of the Lebanese-Syrian diplomatic ties.
Now it's important for the two countries to take more steps, among which border demarcation is the most important one, to boost institutional relations based on mutual respect of sovereignty of each other, said Abul Gheit.
Al Jazeera bureau attacked in Gaza
Gaza : Two shots were fired at news channel Al Jazeera's bureau office in Gaza, a day after Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said...
Palestine says decision to join ICC ‘irreversible’
Ramallah: Palestine's decision to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) was irreversible, a top Palestinian official said Sunday.
"All powers on earth will never bring...
65 killed as crane falls on Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Riyadh: At least 65 people were killed after a crane collapsed on to the Grand Mosque in the Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah,...
Musharraf arrives in London
By NNN-APP
London : President Pervez Musharraf arrived here Friday on the last leg of his four-nation European tour. During his three-day stay in Britain, President Musharraf will call on Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street on January 28 and discuss ways to further boost ties between the two countries.
The two leaders are expected to exchange views on international situation in the wake of growing terrorism, Pakistan-India peace process and the democratic progression in Pakistan.
Pakistan PM wants civilian awards for December 16 victims
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has advised President Mamnoon Hussain to confer Sitara-e-Shujaat (Posthumous) and Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Posthumous) to the victims of the...
Suicide attack targets German military attache in Kabul
By KUNA,
Kabul : Two Afghan civilians were killed and three others were wounded in a suicide attack that targeted a vehicle boarding the German military attache in Kabul on Sunday, police said.
The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who was on foot. The bomber hurled himself at the vehicle carrying in western part of the city.
Officials at the German embassy were not available for comment.
Taliban militants kill five policemen in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Taliban militants stormed a police post in western Afghanistan and killed five policemen, officials said Sunday.
Dozens of militants driving several vehicles overpowered the policemen, who were manning a checkpoint in Karez Shaikha area of western Farah province, said deputy provincial governor Mohammad Younus Rasouli.
"Tens of enemy forces attacked one of our police posts in an area some 20 km from Farah city last night and killed five policemen," Rasouli said.
Talk of Balochistan ‘too much’ for Pakistani envoy
By IANS,
New Delhi: "It is too much!" remarked Pakistani High Commissioner Shahid Malik after an Indian speaker blasted Islamabad over the crisis in Balochistan.
And much to the diplomat's discomfort, another speaker, this time from Pakistan, compared Islamabad with Kabul in terms of security concerns and terror threats.
An exasperated Malik was prompted to say: "It is too much."
UN chief condemns attack on mosque in Iraq
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned in the strongest terms the attack on a mosque in eastern Iraq Friday that killed up...
Senior Islamic Party official assassinated in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : A senior figure of Iraq's Islamic Party was shot in an apparent assassination in the northern province of Mosul, a party spokesman said Thursday
Unknown gunmen killed Mahmoud Younis and one of his companions.
Younis had been on his way to work in the province some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital, Mohammed Shakir al-Ghannam told the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency.
The Islamic Party is part of Iraqi's Sunni parliamentary bloc.
Palestinian killed in Israeli air strike — witnesses
By KUNA,
Gaza : One Palestinian lost his life and two others suffered injuries in an Israeli air strike on Gaza early on Saturday, witnesses said.
They said Israeli aircraft fired a lone missile in the direction of a group of Palestinians in Al-Shujiah district east of Gaza city killing one and wounding two others. Body of 21-year-old Ihab Al-Mughni was badly disfigured in the air strike.
The air attack coincided with land action by Israeli forces in the same region, with involvement of heavy armor and tanks.
Gaddafi’s exit from Libya a global aim: Cameron
By IANS,
London : British Prime Minister David Cameron has claimed that "virtually every country around the world" wants Muammar Gaddafi to step down as Libya's leader.
UN Sec-Gen urges Palestinians to unite, asks Obama to give issue utmost priority
By NNN-KUNA,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged all Palestinian factions to unite for peace and vowed to urge the new US Administration to give the Palestinian issue "utmost priority."
"At this crucial time in their quest for freedom and statehood, the people of Palestine deserve their leaders to put nation above faction, and the pursuit of peace above all other considerations," Ban told the annual ceremony Monday commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that falls on Nov 29.
Iran to claim damages for losses in world wars
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran plans to seek reparations from countries like the US and Britain for inflicting damage on it during the two world wars.
The Iranian parliament has called for setting up of a committee which will ask the warring nations to pay a compensation for causing destructions and extensive casualties in the country during first and second world war, IRNA news agency reported.
Saleh receives a phone call from Abbas
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Friday a phone call from the President of Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas in which Abbas acquainted President Saleh with the latest developments in the Palestinian territory in light of Israel's ongoing escalation against the Palestinian people.
President Saleh and President Abbas also discussed the outcomes of the 20th Arab summit, which was held in the Syrian capital Damascus, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue.
British schoolgirls flee to Syria to join IS
London: British schoolgirls as young as 15-16 years are believed to have fled to Syria via Turkey to join the Islamic State (IS) jihadi...
ICB Islamic Bank launches data centre
By Ferdous Ahmad Bhuiyan, NAK,
Dhaka : ICB Islamic Bank Ltd launched data center on Thursday at Dhaka, Capital city of Bangladesh.
Chairman of ICB Islamic Bank inaugurated the data centre at a function which was attended by senior officials the bank and stake holders.
The ICB Islamic Bank Ltd is a subsidiary of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG which is committed to provide international standard electronic banking services to its clients in all areas of banking.
Syrian president in Tehran for nuclear talks
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad started his two-day visit here on Saturday for nuclear talks with Iranian leaders, local satellite Press TV reported.
Assad arrived in Tehran with a high ranking delegation including his Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.
According to the report, the Syrian president is scheduled to talk with his Iranian counterpart President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other high ranking officials on nuclear issue as well as regional and international issues.
Iran Bristles at US Intrusion
By Prensa Latina
Teheran : The Iranian foreign ministry denounced on Tuesday the US government intends to perpetuate its interfering policy in the Middle East.
The US government has always meddled in the zone by stirring up imaginary fear among regional countries, spokesman Seyyed Mohammad Ali Hoseini affirmed.
Hoseini thus replied to denunciations against the Persian country by US President George W. Bush during his current tour of the Levant, according to IRNA news agency.
I am prepared to work with new government: Musharraf
By Muhammad Najeeb
Islamabad, March 23 (IANS) Two days before he swears in a new prime minister whose party is not too well disposed towards him, President Pervez Musharraf said Sunday that the period of real democracy has begun in Pakistan and he is fully prepared to work with the new government.
Addressing a parade here on the occasion of Pakistan Day, Musharraf paid rich tributes to caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, the Election Commission and the law enforcement agencies on holding a free, fair and transparent election on Feb 18.
New Taliban chief is ‘look alike brother’ of Hakimullah Mehsud
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani intelligence agencies believe the new Taliban chief named by the militant group Saturday is a "look alike brother" of Hakimullah Mehsud and not the real one, the Online news agency reported.
Taliban in order to save their image are giving the impression that Hakimullah Mehsud is alive, while the truth is the man, also called by the same name, who has been selected as the new chief of Teherik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is his look alike brother, the report said citing intelligence sources.
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.
Pakistan asks India to send ‘positive signals’
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Putting the onus on India to "reduce" regional tensions, Pakistan said New Delhi must "deactivate" its forward airbases and relocate to peace time locations troops deployed in forward posts to send a "positive signal" for creating a "good atmosphere."
On Tuesday Pakistan however said there had been certain developments in the past 48 hours that it thinks "augur well for the situation". It also renewed its offer to cooperate with India in bringing perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to justice.
Ministry of Labour organizes Saudis Recruitment Workshop
By SPA,
Riyadh : The Labor Ministry has organized a workshop on the recruitment of the Saudis.
Dr Mufrij Al-Haqbani, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Labor for planning and development, briefed the participants on the recruitment strategy prepared by the Ministry and underlined the importance of recruitment of the Saudis at the private sector.
He also shed light on the problems facing the labor market, and said these problems require integrated solutions and not partial ones.
Saudi Religious Commission Chief calls Cinema an evil
By IINA,
Riyadh : Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdullah Al Ghaith, chairman of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said that cinema is an evil. He was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of “The Best Ummah,” a 4-day annual forum held at King Fahd Cultural Center here. This year’s theme of the forum is “One Ummah.” Sheikh Al Ghaith's remarks came one day after a long awaited and much celebrated cinema festival ended in Jeddah and Taif.
Ahmadinejad attends Russia summit despite election protests
By DPA,
Moscow : Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Russia for a summit Tuesday despite protests over alleged election fraud in the Islamic republic's presidential polls last week.
Ahmadinejad will attend a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Yekaterinburg, central Russia, and later meet with journalists, Russia's Itar-Tass and Interfax news agencies said.
On Sunday, Ahmadinejad declared victory in the Iran's presidential election, despite opposition protests claiming election fraud.
30 wounded in Iraq bombings
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 30 people were wounded in a series of bomb attacks in Iraq's Baquba city, Xinhua reported.
Gaza toll 1,363 as Israel calls up more reservists
Gaza/Jerusalem : The toll in the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has escalated to 1,363, the Palestinian health ministry said Thursday even...
Sadr’s followers to support candidates outside movement in upcoming provincial elections
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The followers of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr will not field candidates under their own political movement but will support any qualified and independent candidate, a Sadr aide said on Sunday.
Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, Sadr's spokesman in the holy Shiite city of Najaf said "the Sadr political movement is not boycotting the (provincial) elections but we call on our followers to vote for independent candidates even if they are from other party lists."
Book traced Pakistan link in 2008 Indian embassy attack
New Delhi : The attack on the Indian consulate in Afghanistan's Herat Friday brings into sharp focus a book, written by an American journalist...
Palestinian security forces arrest eight Hamas members in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian security forces arrested eight Hamas members in West Bank last night, the Islamic movement said Tuesday in a statement.
The Hamas members were arrested after the security forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah movement sent them summons ordering them to visit the nearest security center, said the statement.
UAE’s insurance company offers circumcision coverage
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A United Arab Emirates (UAE) health insurance company has announced inclusion of male circumcision costs in its comprehensive enhanced insurance plans.
Qatar plans law to deter expatriates from juggling jobs
By IANS,
Dubai : Qatar is planning a new law that will deter expatriate workers from quitting their current job, leaving the country and then re-entering to take up a better paying job.
Qatar's Advisory Council has recommended that expatriate workers leaving the country should not be allowed to return for five years from the date of their departure, the Gulf Times reported.
The Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura is a consultative body and its recommendations will have to be approved by Qatar's ruler to become a law.
Iraqi army launches offensive to recapture town
Baghdad: Iraqi security forces Saturday launched a major offensive to recapture the city of Tikrit which was seized by militants earlier this month, a...
Lakhvi saga shows Pakistan’s hypocrisy, says daily
Islamabad : Hours before Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi walked free on Friday, a leading Pakistani newspaper pulled up Islamabad for its failure to convict the...
Taliban aided by ISI widen Afghan attacks from base in Pakistan
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Taliban leaders, aided by Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are using their sanctuary in Pakistan to stoke a widening campaign of violence in northern and western Afghanistan, the New York Times reported.
Sources: Abbas intends to reshuffle Palestinian gov’t
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas intends to reshuffle acting government of Salam Fayyad by adding more members from his Fatah movement, sources said on Tuesday.
The sources, quoted by local Palestinian news agency Sama, reported that Abbas ordered lawmakers from Fatah to hold discussions over reshuffling Fayyad's government by replacing some ministers and adding more ministers from Fatah.
Religious minorities vulnerable amid IS violence: UN chief
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Friday that religious minorities remain highly vulnerable since the Islamic State (IS) affiliated groups are targeting...
Berlin steps up pressure on PA to hold direct talks with Israel
By IRNA,
Berlin : The German government on Wednesday has stepped up pressure on the western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA) to start direct talks with Israel.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told reporters in Berlin it was time for both sides "to enter into direct peace talks."
Westerwelle stressed the need to convince both camps to return to direct negotiations.
The PA has so far insisted on seeing some "progress" from the Israeli side before moving to direct talks.
Thalassemic teenager ‘joins’ Pakistan Army
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : A 15-year-old boy suffering from thalassemia made history on the 64th independence day of Pakistan by joining the armed forces for one day, media reports said.
Abdul Basit had expressed his desire through an NGO to join the Pakistan Army as his life's dream.
Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, taking special interest in the boy's wish, allowed him to join armed forces for a day Aug 14.
Rice hails political progress in Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Tuesday hailed the political progress in Iraq during her surprise visit, citing the latest approval of a law that reinstates thousands of Saddam's former Baath party members to government jobs.
"I have seen a progress on the political front, particularly in the reconciliation that the Iraqi people themselves are carrying out at the grassroots front," Rice told reporters in a joint news conference with her Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari in Baghdad.
Israel’s election: A lot at stake in region and beyond
By Hardeep S.Puri and Omar El Okdah,
In contemporary politics, the flow of historical forces cannot be understood by glimpsing a mere snapshot. The unprecedented...
Syria’s refugee crisis becoming largest displacement: UN
United Nations : At close to three million, Syria's refugee crisis is becoming the world's largest displacement, a media report said Friday.
"Today, there are...
Fatah claims responsibility for Demona attack
By KUNA
Gaza : Fatah's Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for Monday's attack on a shopping mall in Demona, southern Israel, and said two suicide bombers executed the operation, their starting point being Ramallah.
In a preliminary statement, the Israeli premier threatened to hold the attackers accountable and warned of grave consequences of any attack on Israeli interests and security.
Israeli sources had earlier said it is highly probable the attack was carried out by two people.
Singapore’s religious Council condemns anti-Islam Dutch Movie
By SPA
Singapore : Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura "MUIS" (The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore), has condemned the production and release of the video called "Fitna".
The 15-minute video was produced by Geert Wilders, a Dutch right-wing Member of Parliament.
In a statement, 'MUIS' said "the film distorts verses of the Holy Quran. It also incites hatred of Muslim immigrants among Europeans, by including acts of violence that were committed by radicals."
UN chief discusses Syria, Iraq with Turkish foreign minister
United Nations : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, and discussed the situation in Iraq and Syria, including...
Lebanese majority leader denounces Hezbollah commander’s killing
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on Wednesday denounced the assassination of Hezbollah official Imad Moughniyah, local Naharnet news website reported.
The Moughniyah assassination adds to challenges confronted by Lebanon since the 2005 assassination of ex-premier Rafik Hariri, Saad Hariri was quoted as saying in a statement released by his press office.
Such challenges, Hariri noted, included the 2006 Israeli aggression against the Lebanese people and their state.
No direct access to A.Q. Khan, Pakistan tells US
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has rejected the demand of US lawmakers for direct access to nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, saying it alone can probe into allegations that he proliferated the country's nuclear secrets.
"We have made it clear, at every level, that no outside authority can interview Dr. Khan," a senior official of the foreign office told IANS.
He said the issue had been raging for almost four years and "we have been saying that only Pakistani officials can question (Khan) and no one else can be allowed".
New device to detect bacterial contamination in meat
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The local government in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has introduced a new device to test bacterial contamination in meat samples with the aim of enhancing quality control.
The new device, which is the first of its kind across the UAE, is characterised by the fast processing of lab tests, and yielding accurate results compared to the traditional techniques used in the past, according to Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Director of Public Health, Municipality of Abu Dhabi.
Mideast direct talks ‘only way’ to peace: UN
By DPA,
New York : United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Saturday endorsed next month's planned resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
A spokesman at UN headquarters in New York said that Ban believes that negotiations "are the only way for the parties to resolve all final status issues".
Two Palestinians killed, one wounded in Israeli raid on Maghazi Camp
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinian activists were killed and a third was wounded in an Israeli air raid early Friday on Maghazi Camp, central Gaza Strip.
Palestinian witnesses and medical sources said Israeli helicopters launched a missile at a number of Palestinian activists grouping near the border between eastern Maghazi Camp and Israel, killing two and wounding a third.
Ambulances rushed to the area and medics transported the three victims to a hospital in Der Al-Balah, central Gaza.
36 UAE diplomats sworn in
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A new batch of 36 United Arab Emirates (UAE) diplomats has taken oath of office and secrecy before Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Afghan president calls for early runoff results
Kabul : Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Tuesday called for early announcement of the result of the presidential runoff held June 14.
"I am hopeful that...
PPP MPs can’t move individual bills
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that leads the country's ruling coalition has barred its parliamentarians from individually moving constitutional amendments or other bills in either the National Assembly or the Senate.
"Before tabling a legislative bill or an amendment either in the National Assembly or the Senate, a member will have to get it approved from the party's legislative committee," The News Thursday quoted a PPP parliamentarian as saying.
Iran agrees with IAEA over taking ‘practical steps’
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has agreed to take seven "practical steps" as part of its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a...
UK launches education scholarships for Palestinians
London, March 2, IRNA -- The British government Tuesday launched a programme of Higher Education Scholarships for Palestine (HESPAL) that will see up 10 academics each year from Palestinian universities complete a year’s postgraduate study in the UK.
“Through training the next generation of academic leaders, HESPAL will make a real difference to local communities in Palestine, benefit the academic community and the wider society and re-energise the economy,” Higher Education Minister David Lammy said.
US techno-spy takes on Iranian black hole terror
By Madhusree Chatterjee, IANS,
Book: Dark Rising; Author: Grieg Beck; Publisher: Pan Macmillan; Price: Rs.350 (Indian Edition); Pages Rs 470; Genre: Adventure
Spokesman: Pakistani deposed judges to be restored
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The heads of Pakistan's ruling coalition parties on Tuesday renewed commitment to restore judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf in November, a coalition spokesman said.
Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif as well as other heads pledged to restore the deposed chief justice and 60 senior judges, Farhatullah Babar said.
Let India come to Chittagong port: Bangladesh official
By IANS,
Chittagong : A revamped and modernised Chittagong port, Bangladesh's largest, is ready for providing transit facilities to India and others, an official has said.
"Our port is more efficient now and has the capacity to handle the transit cargo of neighbouring countries," Chittagong Port Authority chairman Commodore R.U. Ahmed told media Saturday on the port's 122nd anniversary.
"If transit is allowed to neighbouring countries we will not face any difficulty in handling their cargo," he said.
Israeli nominee for Peace Nobel wants to be removed from list
By DPA,
Oslo : Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu has again asked to be removed from a list of Nobel Peace Prize nominees, the head of the Oslo-based Norwegian Nobel Institute said Wednesday.
"He has written letters to us this year and last year also, where he stated explicitly that he did not want to be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize," Nobel Institute Director Geir Lundestad told DPA.
‘West has no right to stop Iran-Pakistan pipeline’
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Monday said the West "has no right to obstruct" the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
Pakistan arrested over 3,000 terrorists in three years
By IANS,
Islamabad : As many as 3,143 terrorists were arrested during the past three years in Pakistan, a minister said.
US slaps new sanctions on Iran
By IANS,
Washington : The US senate Monday approved new sanctions against Iran's energy sector in an effort to further pressure Tehran on its disputed nuclear programme.
499 people arrested from Dubai streets
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : A total of 499 people, including street vendors, beggars and car-washers have been arrested in Dubai, an official said.
Pakistan to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr Saturday
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr Saturday, the Shawwal moon sighting committee announced.
Kholoud Al Dhahiri named first woman judge of UAE
By IINA
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates yesterday got its first woman judge, a job hitherto reserved for men. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, acting in his capacity as ruler of Abu Dhabi, named Kholoud Ahmad Jouan Al-Dhahiri as a judge in the emirate, the largest in the seven-member UAE federation, WAM reported. The move made the UAE the second Arab country in the Gulf after Bahrain to name a female judge.
Obama urges shift of focus from Iraq to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Washington : Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama Tuesday said the US must broaden its foreign policy focus beyond Iraq, as he pledged to end the war and focus on fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
In a speech on foreign policy ahead of a planned trip to Europe and the Middle East, Obama said the war in Iraq "distracts us from every threat that we face and so many opportunities we could seize".
Three militants, two policemen killed in Pakistan shootout
By DPA
Islamabad : Three Islamic militants and two policemen were killed Saturday in a gunfight that continued for several hours in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP, officials said.
The shootout was triggered when the police conducted a pre-dawn raid at a militant hideout in Mora village of Mardan district.
"As the police party approached the compound, the militants opened fire on it with assault rifles. One policeman was shot in the head and he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital," district police officer Yamin Khan said.
UN declares highest level humanitarian emergency for Iraq
United Nations: The United Nations has declared its highest level emergency for the crisis in Iraq as humanitarian needs for millions of displaced civilians...
‘No place for n-weapons in Iran’s defence doctrine’
By IANS
Tehran : Iran has said that there is no place for nuclear weapons in its defensive nuclear doctrine.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made this statement Saturday while speaking at a special meeting titled "Understanding Iran's foreign policy" organised on the sidelines of the 38th meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, official IRNA news agency reported Sunday.
Pakistan must exploit its mango export potential: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan, which is the fifth largest producer of mangoes in the world, needs to exploit its mango export potential, says Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Israeli Prime Minister in the Tightrope
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert found himself in the tightrope Wednesday, after Israeli Labor Party and Defense Minister Ehud Barak urged him to resign his post.
Barak said that in the interest of the nation, Olmert should leave his post as Prime Minister, in a press conference in Jerusalem.
"The Kadima Party should make a test of conscience, and choose a substitute. We will do what we can to fix a date for anticipated elections," he added.
Iran doubled capacity at nuclear site: IAEA
By IANS,
Vienna : Iran has doubled its capacity in an underground uranium enrichment facility, a new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report said.
Pakistan government-Taliban direct talks postponed
Islamabad: The direct talks between the Pakistan government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) shura, scheduled for Tuesday, have been postponed due to bad weather...
Indonesia not to follow Malaysian move on yoga
By IANS,
Jakarta : Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, will not follow the Malaysian move to ban Muslims from practicing yoga, the country's top clerics have said.
"It is okay if it's for sport but I do not know if it is proven that it can destroy our beliefs as Muslims or contains ideas of polytheism," Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman Umar Shehab was quoted as saying by The Jakarta Post Monday.
MUI edict commission deputy chairman Ali Mustafa Yakub said there was no need to ban yoga as no Muslims were found practising it in Indonesia.
US panel links tripled aid to Pakistan with action against terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : A US House panel has approved a bill to triple US economic assistance to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year, but with stiff conditions requiring Islamabad to demonstrate a sustained commitment and progress towards combating terrorist groups.
Called the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement or the PEACE Act of 2009, the bill authorises military assistance to help Pakistan disrupt and defeat Al Qaeda and insurgent elements.
Israeli FM: no future for Palestinians under Hamas
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister TzipiLivni said on Thursday the Palestinians had no future under Hamas' rule, vowing to continually struggle against it, local Ha'aretz reported.
Livni held a meeting with her Romanian counterpart Adrian Cioroianu Thursday, after which she was quoted as saying that Israel would continue its struggle against the "terror" created by the Islamist group.
US presence fundamental problem for Iraq: Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's topmost leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Monday said Iraq's greatest problem is the presence of US-led forces in its territory.
"The most fundamental problem for Iraq is the presence of foreign forces in that country," state television quoted Khamenei as telling visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki during a meeting.
"Helping the Iraqi nation and the government is our religious duty," Khamenei said.
Afghanistan produces 93 percent of global opiates — INCB
By IRNA
Tehran : Afghanistan's illicit opium poppy cultivation has increased 17 percent in 2007 and the country now accounts for 93 percent of the global illicit market for opiates, practically all the heroin in Europe comes from Afghanistan, according to International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Annual Report, released in Vienna, Austria.
The Board warns of the availability of acetic anhydride, one of the main chemicals used in heroin manufacture, inside Afghanistan.
Three killed in Pakistan police station bombing
By IANS,
Peshawar : Three people were killed and 25 wounded Friday in a suicide attack at a police station in Bannu district in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province.
A suicide bomber rammed his car into Bakka Khel police station building at Rangsa Road in Bannu, Geo News reported.
The police station building was completely destroyed in the attack.
The wounded, including Station House Officer Riaz Khatak, were taken to district headquarter hospital Bannu.
Two million people affected by Libyan violence
United Nations: The UN humanitarian agency estimates that the deteriorating security situation in Libya has affected nearly two million people across the north African...
Attention-seeking behind Pakistan’s ceasefire violation: Parrikar
New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said Pakistan's intention behind firing may be to "get attention" as the neighbouring country continues to...
Danish paper republishes controversial cartoon
By DPA
Copenhagen : Denmark's leading newspaper Wednesday reprinted a controversial cartoon depicting Prophet Mohammed(SAW), a day after Danish police said they had averted a suspected plot to kill one of the cartoonists who sparked violent protests in 2006.
The cartoon by Kurt Westergaard was rerun in the newspaper's print edition as well as on its website after the arrests Tuesday of three men accused of he plotting to kill him.
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.
13 killed in two separate attacks in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least 13 people were killed and two injured Friday in two separate bomb blasts in Pakistan's North Waziristan region.
In the first attack,...
A dozen militants detained as weapons facilitators in S. Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces have arrested 12 suspected militants as Taliban weapons facilitators in an operation launched on April 12 in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, said a Coalition statement issued here on Wednesday.
Coalition forces searched in Garm Seer district of Helmand province targeting a known Taliban commander and weapons-smuggler, the statement said.
Ex-Somali lawmaker says he knew hotel suicide bomber
Mogadishu: Former Somali member of parliament Salat Ali Jelle said Saturday he personally knew the woman suicide bomber who attacked Central Hotel in Mogadishu...
Pakistan should be assured of long-term US commitment: advisers to presidential candidates
By NNN-APP
Washington : The United States must maintain a long-term commitment to Pakistan and Afghanistan and security and economic development efforts should go hand in hand, foreign policy advisers to prominent American presidential candidates said.
5 killed in gas pipeline explosion in Pakistan’s capital
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least five people were killed and eight people injured in a gas pipeline explosion in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Tuesday, local TV reported.
The gas explosion occurred in Sihala area in Islamabad, Dawn TV channel said. There is no further information available.
Pakistan exports to Sri Lanka at $283 mn in 2010
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's exports to Sri Lanka stood at $283 million in 2010, a minister said.
Iran, Iraq emphasize on need to restore brder posts
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The deputy foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed a border agreement to restore the posts at the two countries' shared land and water international borders, including those in Arvand River.
According to IRNA Political Desk reporter, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister (Arab World and African Affairs) Mohammad-Reza Baqeri said at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Wednesday to sign the agreement in the presence of Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister (Legal Affairs) Muhammad al-Haaj Hammoud that bilateral ties are friendly.
Obama sees opportunity for new relationship with Pakistan
By APP,
Washington : In a marked departure from his earlier campaign rhetoric, US presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama on Sunday saw the need for recognizing Pakistan’s interests for forging a better anti-terror cooperation between the two countries.
The Democratic senator, who is locked in a close presidential nomination race with Hillary Clinton, acknowledged that the inception of a new democratic government provides an opportunity for the United States to start a wide-ranging relationship with the key South Asian country.
End emergency before polls, say Bangladesh parties
By IANS,
Dhaka : Political parties in Bangladesh want curbs imposed under emergency rule to be lifted before the Dec 18 elections but business leaders feel this could lead to chaos on the streets.
Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed, who heads a military-backed caretaker government, announced the poll date Saturday, assuring Bangladeshis that the curbs would be partially removed to facilitate free and fair polls.
But no provision of the Emergency Powers Rules would hamper the election process, he said.
Bangladesh to start power snapping drive in shopping malls
By NNN-Xinhua,
Dhaka : In order to tighten its belt on load management program, Bangladesh power ministry is going to start disconnection drive in shopping malls from Monday, leading English newspaper The Independent reported.
"We requested the people, we signed a contract with the shopping mall owners to close shops by 8 p.m., but unfortunately they did not care to do so. From Monday we are going to start disconnection as everybody knows we have no other alternative except load management," an official was quoted as saying.
Iran’s leader says cooperation with Russia aimed at stability
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Iranian cooperation with Russia is aimed at ensuring regional stability and security, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday at a meeting with Russia's acting security chief.
Valentin Sobolev arrived in Tehran with a delegation of high-ranking Russian officials last Sunday. At a meeting on Wednesday, Ahmadinejad and Sobolev discussed international and regional issues, as well as bilateral economic cooperation and the Iranian nuclear program.
AL chief: Israel’s intransigence hinders talks with Palestinians
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa said the resumed Palestinian-Israeli talks have achieved no progress due to Israel's intransigence, the Egyptian state MENA news agency reported on Monday.
In an interview with the Qatari al-Sharq newspaper, Moussa saidthe Arab-Israeli conflict will not end unless the Palestinian issue reaches a solution.
But Israel refused to cooperate with the parties concerned, Moussa said, adding the construction of Jewish settlements in the disputed territory reveals Israel's bad intentions.
UN condemns using children as suicide bomber by Taliban
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The UN Sunday strongly denounced the reported use of children by Taliban insurgents as suicide bombers in Afghanistan.
"I strongly condemn the attack where a young boy was allegedly used as a suicide bomber against British forces in Sangin district of Helmand (province)," a statement quoted Kai Eide, special envoy of Secretary General Ban ki-Moon, as saying Sunday.
Pakistan briefs Turkey over ties with India
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sunday briefed Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan about relations with India following the terror attacks in Mumbai.
Babacan telephoned his Pakistani counterpart to discuss bilateral relations and to share views on regional and global situation, according to a statement by the Pakistani foreign ministry.
Pakistani leaders are contacting leaders of friendly countries and their ambassadors in Islamabad to apprise them of their position over the Mumbai mayhem that killed 183 people.
Qatar tops Middle East, North Africa in corruption rankings
By IANS,
Dubai : Qatar led the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2008 released by the Berlin-based NGO Transparency International (TI).
Qatar topped the region with a rank of 28th and scoring 6.5 on a scale ranging from zero (highly corrupt) to 10 (highly clean).
It shared the position with Spain, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other Gulf states to follow Qatar are the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 35th position (5.9 points), Oman at 41st (5.5) and Bahrain at 43rd (5.4).
Dubai launches major initiative to harness solar energy
By IANS,
Dubai : As part of its efforts to reduce pollution and create alternative sources of energy to meet growing demand, the city of Dubai has launched a major initiative to harness solar energy.
Chairman of the Dubai government's investment vehicle Dubai World Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has launched Solar Technologies, the Middle East's largest photovoltaic manufacturing facility, in the course of the Green Dubai World Forum-2008, currently underway here.
Yemen reaffirms continuousness of humanitarian efforts to Somali refugees
By NNN-SABA,
Shabwa : Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Muthanna Hassan pointed out on Friday that Yemen continues humanitarian efforts to provide aids to Somali refugees in the country.
Hassan said that his country's the Supreme National Commission for Refugees seeks to resolve any problems and difficulties which oppose the activities of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Yemen.
Historic Iran nuclear deal spells good for India too
By Arun Kumar,
Washington : In what promises to be a good deal for India and other major importers of Iran oil, six world powers...
21 killed in Iraq attacks
Baghdad: As many as 21 people were killed and seven injured in violent attacks that mainly targetted security force in different parts of Iraq...
Nuclear mediators meet to discuss incentives for Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Six countries mediating in the nuclear dispute with Iran will meet in Shanghai on Wednesday to discuss new incentives for Tehran to suspend its uranium enrichment program.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said deputy foreign ministers from the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany will discuss economic, security and technological steps to persuade the Islamic Republic to resume talks.
Israelis and Palestinians engaged in most intensive talks in 8 years – UN
By NNN-WAFA,
United Nations : Assistant-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Angela called Thursday on the Palestinians and the Israelis to bring about a progress in their talks so as to reach a peace treaty just ahead the end of 2008.
US polls: Gulf media veers towards change
By IANS,
Dubai : As the US goes to vote its 44th president, speculation among the Gulf media on the outcome of the US elections clearly veered to the ‘Change we need’ bandwagon.
In an editorial headlined ‘So which way America?’ in its Tuesday edition, The Khaleej Times of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) wrote: "The choice this time around is not merely between white and black or between a white, Anglo-Saxon and Protestant candidate and a young, biracial Harvard lawyer whose father was a Kenyan Muslim."
Iran says U.S. must grasp chance to improve ties
By RIA Novosti,
TEHRAN : U.S. President Barack Obama should seize the opportunity to improve ties with Iran, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
Hassan Qashqawi said that any talks between the two countries, which have had no direct diplomatic relations since 1980, "would have to be held with mutual respect and on an equal status."
"Of course we believe that Obama will use the possibility for cardinal changes," he said. "We don't want to make any predictions, but the U.S. president should take this chance."
Britain bans Lebanese Hezbollah’s military wing
By Xinhua,
London : The British government Wednesday said it was adding the military wing of the Lebanese movement Hezbollah to its list of banned terrorist organisations.
"Hezbollah's military wing is providing active support to militants in Iraq who are responsible for attacks both on coalition forces and on Iraqi civilians, including providing training in the use of deadly roadside bombs," the Home Office said in a statement.
Tests conducted on Iran’s n-plant turbines
By IANS,
Tehran : The turbines of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant were successfully tested, the country's atomic energy chief said Wednesday.
Confident Mamata will come along to Bangladesh, says Sushma
New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she is "confident" West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will travel to...
Palestinian flag to be raised at UN’s Geneva headquarters
Geneva : The Palestinian flag will be raised at the Office of the UN at Geneva (UNOG) during a ceremony to be held on...
Hezbollah chief calls for defense strategy, elections on time
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called for swift settling of a national defense strategy and holding the parliamentary elections on time, local Daily Star reported Wednesday.
"Equipping the Lebanese army is a priority, and discussion of a national defense strategy should be completed," Nasrallah said in a speech Tuesday night on the occasion of his party's martyr's day.
Lebanese leaders are engaged in national dialogue sessions to reach an agreement on a national defense strategy that would tackle Hezbollah's arsenal.
Chinese firm to drill oil fields in Persian Gulf
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran and China have signed a $143 million-deal which will allow a Chinese firm to drill oil and natural gas fields in the Persian Gulf.
A contract has been signed by Iran's North Drilling Company (NDCO) and China Petroleum Technology Development Corporation (CPTDC) to set up a drilling rig in the Persian Gulf, NDCO chief Hedayatollah Khademi said.
U.S.-Iranian security talk on Iraq postponed
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iran has informed Iraq of itsdecision to postpone its next round of meeting with the UnitedStates over security in Iraq, an Iraqi Foreign Ministry sourcetold Xinhua on Thursday.
"We have learned that Iran told the Iraqi government that ithas again asked to delay the meeting with the Americans aboutsecurity in Iraq," the source told Xinhua on condition ofanonymity.
He said that Iran neither gave reason for the delay norspecified a date for the coming meeting.
Iran goes into space
MOSCOW. (Andrei Kislyakov for RIA Novosti) - On February 3, Iran fulfilled its promise to launch its first satellite, Omid (Hope), into orbit by its own carrier rocket before the end of the Iranian year (which ends in March).
The world media reported that it has already transmitted a message from the Iranian leader to the effect that the successful launch "officially seals Iran's presence in space."
Two killed in Turkey blast
By IANS,
Ankara : Two people were killed Tuesday in a blast in a central area of Ankara, the Turkish capital, a media report said.
Jordan returns 2,466 stolen artefacts to Iraq
By DPA,
Amman : The Jordanian government Sunday handed back to Iraq 2,446 artefacts which Amman said were seized from smugglers after the US-led invasion of the neighbouring country.
The treasures were handed over by Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Maha Khatib to her Iraqi counterpart Mohammad al-Oraibi during a press conference.
The antiquities were seized by the Jordanian customs authorities during 22 anti-smuggling operations, Khatib said.
With trust in Zardari waning, US wooing Sharif: NYT
By IANS,
New York : As American confidence in the Pakistani government wanes, the Obama administration is reaching out more directly than before to Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari's chief rival Nawaz Sharif, the New York Times said in a report.
American officials have long held Sharif at arm's length because of his close ties to Islamists in Pakistan, but some Obama administration officials now say those ties could be useful in helping Zardari's government to confront the stiffening challenge by Taliban insurgents, the influential newspaper said Saturday.
Eight members of a family killed in Iraq
By IINA,
Baghdad : Eight members of the same family have been killed in a gun attack at their home in the northern Iraqi province of Diyala. Six women were among those killed in the raid at the house in Maamil, a village near Balad Ruz, 90km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Lieutenant Abdul Jabbar Raheem of Balad Ruz police said. Two people, a man and a woman, were also abducted during the attack at 11.30 pm (2030 GMT) on Thursday, Raheem said.
Pakistan summons US envoy over coalition bombing
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday summoned the US envoy and lodged a protest over air raids by coalition forces Tuesday night in the country's tribal region, killing at least 11 soldiers, according to media reports.
Senate leader Raza Rabbani was quoted as saying that US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson was told that such unprovoked attacks are unacceptable and could harm Pakistan's cooperation with the US-led coalition in Afghanistan.
She was told that the attack was unprovoked and a gross violation of rules of the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan awaiting ‘concrete proof’ on Mumbai attack: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is awaiting "concrete proof" of charges that a militant group based in the country was behind the Mumbai terror attack, President Asif Ali Zardari has said.
"Pakistan is currently doing its own internal investigation and is waiting for concrete proof to be handed over to us," Zardari told reporters in Istanbul Friday after a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Turkey and Afghanistan.
"Our position is that we have always been and still are the victims of terrorism," The News Saturday quoted him as saying.
Lahore mosque blast suspect held in Balochistan
By IANS,
Lahore : A man suspected to be involved in the bombing of a mosque here in which a prominent cleric who supported the military's ongoing anti-Taliban operations was killed has been arrested from Balochistan, a media report said.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Ilyas, was held from the Nasirabad area of Balochistan's Loralai district, some 100 km east of capital Quetta, Geo TV said.
The cleric, Sarfraz Ahmad Naeemi, was in his office adjacent to a mosque here when a teenage suicide bomber entered the building and blew himself up Friday.
Israel resumes power fuel supplies to Gaza Strip — radio
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel will resume supplying Gaza Strip with the necessarily fuel to operate the electric power plant in addition to cooking gas, local Israeli radio reported Wednesday.
The week-long procedure came after closing the Nahel Oz Crossing which suffered attacks by Palestinian activists, which left two Israeli guards dead, the radio added.
The Israeli radio also quoted Israeli official sources as saying Gaza Strip will be provided with the minimum amount required of diesel and cooking gas, but not transport and car fuel.
Pakistan offers help to quake-hit Iran
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has offered help to Iran after powerful earthquakes there killed 250 people and injured about 1,800 others, Geo News reported Sunday.