Two-way fight likely in Malaysian Indian Congress poll
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The rivalry in the Malaysian Indian Congress has become sharper with both party chief S. Samy Vellu and his arch rival S. Subramaniam releasing separate 'official' lists of candidates for 23 central working committee seats, elections to which will be held next week.
Defying Vellu, who released an 'official' list of 23 candidates last month, Subramaniam, contesting one of the deputy presidents' posts, has come up with his own list of candidates for the central working committee seats.
Senior officials suspended in Karzai”s attack case
By KUNA,
Kabul : Police chief of Afghanistan's central capital Kabul is among the seven senior officials suspended on the recommendation of the inquirty commission formed to investigate the April 27 attack on a military parade attended by President Hamid Karzai along with other senior officials and diplomats.
The suspension orders of the seven officials were issued by office of the Attorney General Abdul Jabbar Sabit on Monday.
At least 15 killed, 24 injured in Egypt train crash
By DPA,
Cairo : At least 15 people were killed and 24 others injured Saturday when two trains collided in southern Egypt, police told DPA.
Police said rescue workers were still working to pull people from the site of the crash, near al-Ayat, and that the number of those confirmed dead and wounded in the accident was likely to rise.
The Ministry of Health had dispatched 80 ambulances to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, Egyptian cabinet spokesman Magdy Radi told DPA.
‘Headscarf instils positive body image in British Muslim women’
London : British Muslim women who wear a hijab (headscarf) generally have a more positive body image, are less reliant on media messages about...
Pakistani president takes his fingers off nuclear button
Islamabad, Nov 28 (DPA) Pakistan's beleaguered President Asif Ali Zardari has amended a key law to relinquish the executive control over the country's nuclear weapons to the prime minister.
The change in the structure of the National Command Authority (NCA) came late Friday as part of 28 ordinances that Zardari had to reissue which otherwise would have lapsed after midnight Saturday under a Supreme Court ruling.
World’s 500 ‘Most Influential Muslims’ for 2016-17: Despite facing flak in India Zakir Naik...
By A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
There is no change in the listing of 500 ‘Most Influential Muslims’ of the world as far as Indian Muslims...
Gulzar Ahmed Wani, who lost 16 years to false terror charges, now wants to...
By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that a man charged with penal offence is innocent until proved guilty...
Deadly Attacks Hit Pakistan
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed, including three children, and 23 others were wounded today in two attacks against military personnel in this capital in the northwestern province, close to Afghanistan.
In the first incident, eight people were wounded when a suicide bomber launched his vehicle full of explosives against the anti terrorist squad of Islamabad’s police, according to Pakistan’s Press Agency (APP).
Pakistan’s foreign policy is successful: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the country's foreign policy was successful and cited India's vote to Pakistan in the UN Security Council as an example.
Delegations of municipalities from GGC States praise UAE achievements
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : Members of delegation from municipalities of GCC member states have praised the UAE for achieving comprehensive development, particularly in the areas of building and construction, agriculture and beautification of cities, which placed the country among the world's highly developed countries.
Some 11 PKK rebels killed in eastern Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish troops killed 11 rebels of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in a clash in eastern Turkey, the private Dogan news agency reported on Thursday.
The clash occurred near the city of Tunceli, said the report, adding that Turkish army has been hunting PKK rebels around Tunceli since a roadside bomb attack targeted a military convoy in the area on Wednesday.
Nearly 3,000 Turkish soldiers participated in the ongoing operation on Thursday, with attack helicopters bombing suspected PKK positions in rural areas of Tunceli.
US soldier freed by Taliban in Afghanistan
Washington: A US soldier held by the Taliban in their custody for nearly five years in Afghanistan was released Saturday in a deal which...
Clinton says diplomacy with Iran not infinite
By IANS,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the time for diplomacy with Iran over its disputed nuclear programme is not "infinite".
Musharraf eyes more nuclear power plants with Chinese help
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf, who embarked on a 6-day state visit to China on Thursday, said he would seek Chinese help to build more nuclear power plants in the country.
Currently China is building second nuclear power plant at Chashma, 280 kilometers south-west of Islamabad, in the eastern Punjab province.
Pakistan: govt. striving for women’s empowerment, says MNA Farahnaz Isphahani
By NNN-APP,
Washington : The elected Pakistani government is firmly committed to women’s empowerment and taking a number of steps to realize their full participation in national development, Member National Assembly Farahnaz Isphahani said.
Speaking at a reception she hosted at Pakistani Ambassador’s residence in honor of women ambassadors and wives of Washington-based diplomats from various countries, the parliamentarian said the government is particularly focused on realizing women’s access to education all over the country.
UAE to reduce prices of 115 pharmaceutical drugs
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE health ministry will on Sunday announce reduced prices of 115 pharmaceutical drugs.
Rising violence fuels debate on German mission in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Berlin : The rising violence against German troops in Afghanistan has erupted a debate on Germany's mission there.
Negotiations should be conducted with Taliban's moderate members in hopes of establishing peace and avoiding further Taliban attacks which have been on the rise lately, the German government's media department quoted former Defense Minister Peter Struck as saying.
Struck noted that he visited Afghanistan's northern Kundus region and talked with Taliban members, stressing negotiations should include all sides especially moderate Taliban members.
UAE charity delivers aid to Yemenis
By IANS,
Sana'a: UAE charity Red Crescent Authority (RCA) Tuesday delivered food aid to the needy people here as part of its "Sanadhum" campaign to provide humanitarian support to Yemen.
Pakistan-born Chaudry named deputy speaker in Norway
By DPA,
Oslo: Pakistan-born Akhtar Chaudry broke political ground Wednesday after being named deputy speaker and member of the Norwegian parliament's presidium.
Chaudry, 48, became the first foreign-born member of the six-member presidium that oversees the 169-seat legislature's affairs, including the order of business.
He was nominated by the Socialist Left Party, one of the three parties in the ruling red-green coalition that won a second four-year term after last month's general elections.
Syrian Tourism Minister discusses tourism cooperation with Iraqi counterpart
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Minister of Tourism Dr Saadalla Agha Al-Qala'a has held discussions with Iraqi State Minister for Tourism and Antiquities Mohammad Abbas Al-Oraibi on the future of tourism cooperation between the two countries and means to increase tourism attraction and exchange tourist groups and expertise.
Dr Al-Qala'a affirmed that his ministry's dedication to bolstering relations in tourism between the two countries and offering expertise and assistance to the Iraqi brethren, pointing out to the cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in 2002.
INS Arihant a ‘destabilising step’ by India, says Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Monday called the launching of India's first nuclear-powered submarine a "destabilising step" that could trigger an arms race in the region, a media report said.
The induction of INS Arihant is "a destabilising step which will jeopardise the security paradigm of the entire Indian Ocean region", Pakistani Navy spokesman Captain Asif Majeed Butt was quoted as saying by Dawn News.
"It could trigger a nuclear arms race and all littoral states, including Pakistan, will take safeguarding steps," he said.
20 die in Bangladesh boat capsize
By IANS,
Dhaka : Twenty people died and a number of passengers went missing after a boat capsized in the river Meghna in Bangladesh early Thursday.
PNA warns settlement activities undermine two-state solution
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian National Authority (PNA)warned on Saturday the construction of Israeli settlements undermines the two-state solution, his warning came on the eve of the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's arrival to the region.
"The continuation of settlements, land confiscation and keeping on expansions and annexations undermines the principle of two" Israeli and Palestinian statehoods, said negotiator Saeb Erekat.
Simplex Infrastructure bags Rs.6.3 bn order in Dubai
By IANS,
Kolkata : Infrastructure solutions provider Simplex Infrastructures Ltd has bagged an order worth Rs.6.3 billion ($137 million) in Dubai to build a tower in the city of Arabia.
The company will build the second tower of a twin-tower complex, 'G-Emporium', in Arabia, Simplex said in a statement here Wednesday.
The project will be executed over next 30 months.
Mass wedding for people with special needs to be held in Dubai
By IANS,
Dubai : A national mass wedding involving 100 couples in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be held here for people with special needs.
For this, Abdulrahman Al Saleh, executive director of financial and administrative affairs division of Dubai Customs, has signed a sponsorship contract with Iman Faris, head of the marketing committee of the wedding.
Under the contract, Dubai Customs will contribute 500,000 dirhams ($136,135) to the event. The wedding will be organised by Dubai Special Sports Club and Arab Family Organisation.
Five cops injured in Peshawar suicide blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : A suicide bomber Thursday attacked a security patrol vehicle in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city, blowing himself up and wounding at least five policemen, two critically.
Turkish military chief: terrorism biggest threat for peace
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Chief of Turkish General Staff Yasar Buyukanit said on Tuesday that terrorism was the biggest threat for global peace and security in the age of globalization.
Speaking at the "Silk Road 2008 General/Admiral Seminar" held in Mediterranean province of Antalya, Buyukanit said it was impossible to counter terrorism in national level with national policies.
"International cooperation has become the sine qua non for the fight against terrorism," Buyukanit was quoted as saying by the semi-official Anatolia news agency.
Pakistani minister wants more people-to-people contacts
By IANS,
Amritsar: Pakistani Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, who came here Thursday on a personal visit, says more visas should be issued to people on both sides of the border.
Iran calls on West to pursue talks in nuclear row
By DPA,
Tehran:Iran called on the West Tuesday to pursue talks in the row over the Islamic state's nuclear programmes.
"The logical option would be holding negotiations, and if there is any criticism, raising this within the framework of talks," parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said at a press conference in Tehran.
The speaker said making threats, issuing ultimatums and raising issues like sanctions would not lead to any constructive results.
Over four mn visited Sheikh Zayed mosque in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi received over 4.6 million visitors in 2012.
Dubai to host 10th global press meet
By IANS,
Dubai : Dubai will host the 10th Annual General Assembly of the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC), which is expected to be participated by 22 press clubs from 10 countries.
In Bihar, NGO initiative for Muslim unity through Ramadan calendar
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net,
Ramadan is the most holy month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness for sins and salvation. Unfortunately, for many Muslims, it is also a month of confusion and conflict – from the beginning to the end of the month – to how long should be taraveeh or the night prayers, and when to begin and end fasting each day.
Libya court rules parliament as illegal
Tripoli : Libya's constitutional court Thursday invalidated the country's internationally recognised parliament.
The court declared the June 25 vote, which elected the House of Representatives,...
RSS chief asks India to ‘liberate’ Pakistani Kashmir
By IANS,
Nagpur : Virtually advocating a war with Pakistan, the RSS Wednesday urged the government to "liberate" parts of Kashmir held by Islamabad to arrest the growth of terrorism.
Earthquake hits northwestern Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted northwstern Pakistan Friday, The News daily reported.
Tremors were also felt in the capital Islamabad, Muzzafarabad, Abbotabad, Chitral, Lahore, Malakand and Mingora, said the report.
The meteorology department believes the epicentre was in the Hindukush mountain range of Afghanistan.
There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Rocket attack on Ashura ceremony kills 7 in N Iraq
By Xinhua
Mosul, Iraq : A rocket hit a Shiite religious ceremony in a town in the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh on Saturday, killing seven people and wounding 17 others, a senior local police officer said.
"A Katyusha rocket struck a rally of Shiite pilgrims commemorating the Ashura ceremony in the afternoon in the town of Tal Afar, 420 km northwest of Baghdad, killing seven people and wounding 17 others," Brigadier Najim Abdullah, who is also the mayor of the town, told Xinhua by telephone.
Lahore incident, a suicide blast: Interior Ministry spokesman
By APP
Islamabad : Interior Ministry spokesman, Brig ® Javed Iqbal Cheema said that the Lahore incident was a suicide attack and orders for investigations into the incident have been issued. He said that the country this time was facing challenges like terrorism and extremism and a united struggle against that was needed, a private TV channel (Geo) reported.
Javed Iqbal said the under training Naval officers remained safe in the incident.
He said the agencies and the law enforcers didn’t fail and they were fully active.
835 await execution in Iraqi prisons
By IANS/AKI,
Baghdad : More than 800 people in Iraq are on death row awaiting execution, said Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani.
US Air Force Bombs Somalia
By Prensa Latina
Nairobi : US Air Force bombed on Monday an alleged guerrillas' base of the Islamic Courts Union in a Somali area near Kenya's border.
The military operation was executed on Sunday morning at about 03:00 local hour when a US plane targeted three bombs over three objectives of Dhole locality, two of them houses, said a tribal leader.
According to Dhole's tribal chief Abdullahi Sheikh four civilians died during the attack.
A guerrilla's sources also confirmed the incursion.
Etihad launches flights to Shanghai
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has launched five weekly direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
Israel won’t ‘reconcile’ with nuclear Iran: Olmert
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday Israel could not and would not reconcile with an Iran that had nuclear weapons.
"From our point of view, we are talking about an intolerable situation, one with which we cannot reconcile ourselves," Olmert told the Israeli parliament, ahead of an address by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He added however that Iran was not just a menace for Israel, but a "global threat."
UK military chief hints at boosting troops in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
London : Britain's chief of defence staff has hinted for the first time that more troops could be sent to Afghanistan by reversing previous reports that ruled out redeploying the UK's remaining 4,000 service personnel in Iraq.
But speaking at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup insisted that any additional force sent to Afghanistan must be smaller than the 4,000 troops that will soon leave Iraq.
Seven killed in Iraq bomb blasts
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least seven people were killed and 15 injured as two roadside bomb blasts rattled an Iraqi city Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
Seven killed in Iraq suicide bombing
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least seven people were killed and 22 injured in a suicide bombing in south of Baghdad Saturday, an interior ministry source said.
A suicide bomber blew up his explosive-vest among a gathering of Awakening Council fighters in Iskandiyah, a town some 50 km south of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The Awakening Council groups are mostly the Sunni insurgent groups who turned their rifles against the Al Qaeda militants and are now providing security to their areas.
Iran to invest $571 mn in Armenia
By IANS,
Tehran : An Iranian private sector consortium will invest $571 million in two hydro-power projects in neighbouring Armenia, Xinhua reported Monday.
Blair expresses regret for Iraq war victims
By IANS,
London : Britain's former prime minister Tony Blair Friday expressed his regret for the death of soldiers and civilians in Iraq during the US-led invasion of that country.
Pakistan cabinet members resign
By IANS,
Islamabad : The members of Pakistan's federal cabinet Wednesday tendered their resignations to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in a move to rightsize it.
Pakistani mountaineer honoured in US
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Legendry Pakistani climber Nazir Sabir was honoured with the honorary membership of American Alpine Club as a token for his outstanding achievements in Himalayan climbing and his services in the field of environmental protection.
According to message received here, Nazir is one of the few selected climbers outside America holding the honour.
He was invited to attend and deliver a lecture at the annual dinner of the AAC in Golden, a mountain outpost in Colorado.
Musharraf hails launching of new frigate and Sino-Pakistani ties
By SPA
Islamabad : Launching of the frigate "PNS- Zulfikar" in collaboration with China will greatly enhance Navy's capability to safeguard Pakistan's territorial waters and help its modernization, President Pervez Musharraf said.
In a press statement, he welcomed the launching of the frigate in Shanghai, China.
Applauding the launch, the President said that the development of the frigate project was another landmark achievement testifying close Pakistan-China friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
Pakistan government, TTP finalise venue for talks
Islamabad: The Pakistan government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), at a meeting Saturday, decided on a venue to hold the peace talks.
The two-hour meeting...
Don’t execute alleged child offender, Pakistan told
New York : The Pakistan government should immediately halt the apparent pending execution of an alleged child offender and commute his sentence, Human Rights...
Eight Rohingya migrants killed in Bangladesh boat capsize
Dhaka, (IANS): A boat carrying Rohingya migrants capsized off the coast of Bangladesh, leaving eight dead and over 40 missing, a police official said on...
Four killed in bomb blast in SW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed in a bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province on Wednesday, according to state television.
The blast occurred at a shop in Sibbi city, about 320 kilometers east of capital of Balochistan province Quetta, killing at least four and injuring other three, PTV reported.
The injured were taken to the nearest hospital and the police cordoned off the site after the blast.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
Pakistani establishment had hand in father’s, uncle’s killing: Fatima Bhutto
By IANS,
New Delhi : Fatima Bhutto, the niece of slain former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, firmly believes the country's establishment had a hand in the killing of her father Murtaza and uncle Shahnawaz.
She also blames Benazir for creating a rift in the Bhutto family by opening negotiations with then military dictator Gen. Zia-ul Haq for sharing political power.
10 killed, 41 injured in Kashmir road accident
By APP
Islamabad : In occupied Kashmir, ten persons died and 41 others injured in a road accident in Kuthua district. The incident occurred when a passenger bus, which was on its way to Bani from Basoli, fell into a deep gorge near Basoli in the district, KMS reported. The injured passengers were shifted to the Kathua district hospital, while 14 of the injured were shifted to the Jammu hospital.
An Indian trooper died under mysterious circumstances at Bhandrali in Jammu.
Bangladesh language movement hero passes away
Dhaka: Bengali language movement hero Abdul Matin died Wednesday at a hospital in Dhaka after a long illness.
He was undergoing treatment at the Bangabandhu...
UN fears Pakistan’s flood victims moving toward Iran
By DPA,
Islamabad : The United Nations expressed fears Thursday that flood-affected people in Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan could move toward Iran, sparking illegal cross-border movements.
Baluchistan, which July 22 became the first of Pakistan's provinces hit by flash floods that have since submerged one-fifth of the country, borders Iran's restive Baluchistan-Sistan province, where the anti-Iran Jundollah militant organisation has been active.
Britain may move high commission sections from Islamabad
By IANS
Islamabad : Britain could relocate some sections of its high commission here to other countries in the neighbourhood due to security concerns.
Many other countries could follow suit as the diplomatic community here is increasingly worried over the rise in terrorist attacks in the capital and elsewhere in Pakistan, a media report Friday said.
Iran, EU discuss nuclear issue
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran/Brussels : Iran's top nuclear negotiator and the European Union's (EU) foreign policy chief Monday discussed over telephone about the country's controversial nuclear programme.
A senior Iranian foreign ministry official said ahead of the conversation between Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) head Saeed Jalili and EU's Javier Solana that Tehran would not yield to international demands and back down on its right to pursue civilian nuclear technology.
AU chief urges Africa to help Zimbabwe overcome crisis
By Xinhua,
Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) : African Union (AU) Commission chief Jean Ping Monday called on African countries to help Zimbabwe overcome its political crisis in the wake of the controversial presidential election.
"Africa must fully shoulder its responsibilities and do everything in its power to help the Zimbabwean parties to work together to help them overcome their country's problems," he said at the opening session of the 11th AU summit in the Red Sea resort.
Pakistan begins production of drone planes
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan has commenced production of drone planes in the country in collaboration with an Italian company, TV reports said Thursday.
The pilotless aircraft, called Falco UAV, is being produced at the country's Kamra aeronautical complex in collaboration with the Italian firm Selex Galileo, GEO TV said.
Chief Air Marshal Farhat Hussain, head of the complex, said the Falco UAV is important for the country's defence and the planes will add to the professional capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Hezbollah says US ship is threat
By IRNA
Beirut : A Hezbollah MP has condemned the deployment of the USS Cole warship off the coast of Lebanon as a threat to Lebanese sovereignty and independence.
MP Hassan Fadlallah said the Lebanese resistance movement would not give in to threats.
He told reporters: "It is clear this threat and intimidation will not affect us."
China renames hospital Pakistan-China friendship hospital
By NNN-APP,
Beijing : China has renamed a hospital as Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital in recognition of the services of Pakistan medical mission looking after Chinese earthquake victims.
The Charge d’Affairs at Pakistan Mission Abdul Salik Khan Thursday said that in recognization of outstanding services provided by the Pakistani medical mission to the affected people of May 12 devastated earthquake, the Chinese government has named the hospital as “Pakistani-China Friendship Hospital”.
‘Rival Taliban leaders unite as US widens Pakistan attacks’
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's top three Taliban commanders have set aside their rivalries and decided to cooperate as the US expands its covert drone attacks against militants on Pakistani soil, a media report said Saturday.
Baitullah Mehsud, the head of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella organisation of more than a dozen militant groups in Pakistan's ungoverned tribal region and neighbouring North West Frontier Province, held a meeting with his rival commanders Maulvi Nazir and Hafiz Gul Bahader last week, it has emerged.
Nearly 48,000 Indians register for UAE Modi reception
Abu Dhabi: Nearly 48,000 Indians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have so far registered for the public reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,...
Slain TV reporter Musa Khan Khel had 32 bullet wounds
By IANS,
Islamabad : Thirty two bullets were pumped into TV reporter Musa Khan Khel in Pakistan's Swat Valley two days after Islamabad allowed the Taliban to impose Shariat (Islamic law) in the area, said Geo News executive editor Hamid Mir, adding a lot of radicals were unhappy with his coverage but "truth has to be reported".
Mir told a meeting of journalists: "They (the assailants) are mistaken, they cannot escape."
He said that Musa Khan Khel's statements were recorded "2-3 times before his death".
"Truth has to be reported," he said.
Egyptians vote in presidential poll
Cairo : Egyptian voters started casting their ballots Monday across the country in the first presidential election following the ouster of former Islamist president...
Bangladesh’s political rivals woo China
By IANS,
Dhaka : Setting aside their political rivalry, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia have urged the visiting Chinese vice president to forge stronger economic ties and military cooperation with Dhaka.
Meeting Xi Jinping separately Tuesday, they covered similar issues, seeking a bridging of trade gap that is several times in favour of China and Beijing's entry in strategic areas like space and port building.
Pakistan army kills 23 in Bajaur tribal agency
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's security forces on Thursday continued their military operation in northwestern Bajaurtribal agency, and killed 23 militants since Wednesday night.
Gunship helicopters started shelling in Charming, Cheenar, Kohiand Babarha areas of Nawagai Tehsil of Bajaur agency, destroying various underground hideouts and bunkers of militants, local Geo TV reported.
The security forces in their latest crackdown killed five militants while 18 militants were killed in Wednesday night operation in Mamund Tehsil.
Iraq: Nine killed in roadside bomb attacks
By SPA,
Baghdad : Two separate roadside bomb attacks targeting Iraqi security forces killed nine people on Monday, including four civilians, the police said.
The first roadside bomb struck a police patrol vehicle in Mahaweel, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) south of Baghdad, killing four policemen and three civilian bystanders, the police said.
Earlier Monday, an improvised explosive device struck an army patrol in east Baghdad's Palestine Street and killed one Iraqi soldier and one civilian, the police said. The
Palestinian arrested for murder of Israeli teens
Tel Aviv : Israeli security agencies have arrested a Palestinian suspected of organising the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in Hebron in...
Mosul operation will be swift, says Iraqi Minister of Interior
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi Minister of Interior Jawwad Al-Bolani said Friday evening the planned military operation targeting Al-Qaeda organization in the northern city of Mosul would be very swift.
"President Jalal Talabani asserted that the country was passing through a critical period in its efforts to assert its stature," Al-Bolani told reporters following his meeting with Talabani.
The meeting was also attended by leaders of the security agencies.
Israeli troops steals millions of shekels from money changers in West Bank
By NNN-WAFA
Ramallah, Palestine : Israeli troops raided Palestinian money changers across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, seizing cash worth more than $800,000, security sources confirmed.
The sources said Israeli troops entered the homes and offices of a total of 14 money changers.
They also added that the troops arrested five money changers and confiscated three million shekels ($840,000) in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin and Tulkarm.
Tripartite coordination centre opened on Pak-Afghan border
By KUNA
Kabul : Afghanistan, Pakistan and ISAF troops celebrated opening of newly-constructed Khyber Border Coordination Centre during a ceremony on the border connecting Afghanistan's Nangarhar province with the tribal areas of Landi Kotal on the Pakistan side.
Israeli foreign minister’s party to boycott next government
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced on Monday that his party will not join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, which he...
Hamas warns Israel against harming its leaders
By Xinhua
Gaza : Hamas on Saturday warned Israel against assassinating any leader of the Islamic movement as part of a fierce wave of mutual violence that left 54 Palestinians and one Israeli dead.
"The Israeli threats will not terrify the movement," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told a news conference in Gaza.
The Israeli offensive against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip was "a massacre and a conspiracy by Israel, the international and regional sides to topple Hamas."
Suicide attack kills 10 policemen in Islamabad
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 10 policemen were killed Sunday in a suicide bombing that targeted a security check-post in the Pakistani capital, officials said.
"It was a targeted attack at security forces, carried out by a suicide bomber," Islamabad's deputy administrator Rana Abdul Jabbar said. At least a dozen people were injured, he added.
The blast occurred shortly after thousands of Islamists concluded a rally that commemorated the first anniversary of military operation against the extremists who were holed up in the city's famous Red Mosque.
Bangladesh, India to renew river transit protocol
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh and India began talks here Monday to renew the inland water transit and trade protocol that is aimed at boosting river-borne trade between the two countries.
Foreign and shipping ministry officials said they hoped to renew the deal, scheduled to expire March 31, when talks end Tuesday.
Bangladesh shipping secretary Masud Elahi and additional secretary of India's road, transport and highways ministry Vijay Chhibber carried out the negotiations.
Palestine: security of Israel is linked to our independence – Pres Abbas
By NNN-WAFA,
Ramallah : President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the security of Israel is linked to Palestine independence and security, adding that the continuity of occupation and al-Nakba could not bring security for each and ending the occupation could only bring security.
Benazir Bhutto’s BlackBerry phones found
By IANS,
Islamabad : Investigators probing the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto said they have found two BlackBerry mobile phones belonging to the slain leader.
Eight policemen killed, arms smugglers held in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : At least eight policemen were killed in a Taliban insurgent attack on a check post in southern Afghanistan, while three suspected rebels were held for weapons smuggling in the southwest, officials said Friday.
The militants attacked the police check post in Panjwayi district in the southern province of Kandahar late Thursday night killing at least eight officers and injuring another, provincial police chief Mateuallah Khan said.
Turkey hosts trilateral summit meeting to help bringing Afghnistan,Pakistan closer
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkey on Friday hosted a trilateral summit meeting with Afghanistan and Pakistan in a bid to bring the two troubled neighboring countries closer.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul chaired the meeting with his counterparts, Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, in the Turkish largest city of Istanbul, which was also attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the semi-official Anatolia news agency.
Middle East water industry set to witness massive growth
By IANS
Dubai : Water supply industry across the Middle East would attract investment of some $100 billion over the next 10 years, according to industry experts, news agency WAM reported Friday.
"Alongside power generation, water is the top priority for governments and the Middle East has one of the world's highest demands for clean water due to high population growth rates and economic diversification," said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director at the Institute of International Research (IIR), Middle East.
US ship didn’t warn Indian fishermen: Dubai police chief
By IANS,
Dubai : The US ship that fired at Indian fishermen off the Dubai coast, killing one and injuring three, did not warn them, Dubai Police commander-in-chief was quoted as saying Thursday.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad under pressure from all sides
By Farshid Motahari, DPA,
Tehran : His political opponents accuse him of electoral fraud and refuse to recognise his re-election as president. People on the streets signal their resentment towards him with calls of "Death to the dictator". Abroad, the Iranian leader is persona non grata.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's only hope lies with his allies in parliament and in particular, the Islamic republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But even they are now no longer one hundred percent behind him.
UNHCR: Afghan returnees from Pakistan cross 200,000 mark
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The United Nations refugee agency-assisted voluntary return of registered Afghans from Pakistan crossed the 200,000 mark for the current year over the weekend, with the majority of Afghans going home from Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
This year's total of 202,774 returns include 173,910 from NWFP, around 12,000 from southwestern Balochistan, 3,729 from southern Sindh and some 13,200 from eastern Punjab, according to a statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Israeli Army imposes West Bank closure till Thursday
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Israeli Army forces imposed on Wednesday a closure on the West Bank which is to last until Thursday as the Jewish state marks Holocaust Memorial Day, Israeli radio reported.
The Israeli Army said the closure would be lifted after ceremonies marking the day, long as the situation permits.
The Israeli troops tightened security measures in the West Bank and the surrounding areas, and Palestinians were also banned from entering the occupied territories.
Grenade attack on Bangladesh ex-premier: 22 suspects to stand trial
By IANS,
Dhaka : Twenty two people including a former minister and an Islamist militant are to go on trial, over four years after a grenade attack on a political rally of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina killed 24 people. Hasina survived the attack, but suffered serious eye and ear damage.
A Dhaka court Wednesday framed charges against detained former lawmaker Abdus Salam Pintu, who belongs to Hasina's rival Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), chief of the banned Islamist outfit Harkatul Jihad (HuJI) Mufti Abdul Hannan and 20 others.
Pakistan PM: Cultural Ministry to ensure transfer of confiscated antiquities
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Culture to make necessary arrangements for the transfer of confiscated antiquities of Pakistan origin from Italy and United Kingdom.
He said the ministry should send a two-member technical delegation to make all the necessary arrangements for the transfer of the confiscated antiquities from the two countries.
The Italian Police has confiscated 96 antiquities of Pakistani origin and handed over to Pakistan embassy in Rome, Italy.
Afghanistan avalanches toll rises to 70
By IANS,
Kabul : The toll in avalanches in northern Afghanistan has risen to 70, Xinhua reported Wednesday.
"The bodies of 70 people, including women and children, have been retrieved so far, but our assessment shows some 30 more bodies are still under the snow," Parwan province governor Mohammad Basir Salangi said.
The avalanches occurred Monday in the province's Salang Pass that connects the Afghan capital with the northern areas.
Media reports said earlier 28 people were killed in the avalanches.
Pakistan government resumes peace dialogue with Taliban
Islamabad : The peace dialogue between the Pakistan government and the Pakistani Taliban resumed Wednesday after weeks of deadlock over terror attacks.
The talks were...
25 drowned, 40 missing in Bangladesh boat accident
By Xinhua
Dhaka : At least 25 people drowned when a passenger boat carrying 150 people capsized on the Buriganga river near the Bangladesh capital Thursday afternoon.
Rescuers have recovered 25 bodies from the river so far. Up to 40 passengers were missing, they said.
The police said the boat was sailing from Dhaka Sadarghat Terminal towards Munshiganj, some 30 km southeast of Dhaka at the time of the incident.
The boat capsized after it was hit by a cargo ship near Buriganga First Bridge at about 3 p.m.
Israel protests ‘inciting’ new Turkish drama
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel said Wednesday it would formally complain to Ankara about an "inciting" and "distorted" new Turkish television drama about a fictional Palestinian family in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it would summon the Turkish ambassador in Tel Aviv to its offices in Jerusalem for an explanation.
The new series aired for the first time this week on Turkish national television.
Arab Interim Parliament Chairman discisses with Pres. of Tunisia latest AIP developments
By NNN-KUNA
Tunis : Chairman of the Arab Interim Parliament (AIP) Mohammad Jassem Al-Saqer met with Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben-Ali, where they discussed the latest developments and activities of the parliament.
Al-Saqer told reporters after the meeting Friday that the Tunisia has been a main contributor to AIP's achievements, thanking the President for his support of the parliament.
Al-Saqer met Thursday with Speaker of the Tunisian Lower House Fouad Al-Mubze' with the event focusing on the latest AIP achievements and plans.
Over 20 rebels killed, many injured in Syria army attack
Damascus: At least 20 rebels were killed by the Syrian army in the northern part of the capital Damascus Monday, media reported.
Syrian troops eliminated...
Israel detained 1,266 Palestinian children in 2014: Official
Ramallah : Israeli forces detained 1,266 Palestinian children under the age of 15 in the occupied Palestinian territories in 2014.
The children were arrested in...
Gurudwara holds Iftar for Muslims in UAE
Dubai : A gurudwara in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held an Iftar party for Muslims fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, a...
Jordan to continue defending holy sites in east Jerusalem
Amman: Jordan would continue to defend Christian and Islamic holy sites in east Jerusalem, the country's foreign minister Nasser Judeh said Tuesday.
Judeh reiterated the...
Nawaz Sharif calls off ‘Long March’ protest
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif Monday called off the "long march" protest immediately after the government announced the restoration of deposed chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
280 killed in Pakistan rain, floods
Islamabad: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Saturday said that at least 280 people have been killed due to the heavy rain and floods...
Hurriyat to send peace mission to New Delhi, Islamabad
By IANS,
Srinagar : Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Tuesday said the group will soon send a team to New Delhi and Islamabad to defuse tensions between the two countries so that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved through dialogue.
"We would be sending a peace mission to Delhi and Islamabad so that tensions between the two countries are eased and the dialogue process is restarted in order to resolve the Kashmir problem," Mirwaiz Umer said at a press conference here.
MP: Gaza Strip on verge of biggest humanitarian catastrophe
By IRNA
Hamedan : Majlis deputy and member of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Hamid-Reza Haj Babaei said on Sunday that continuation of heinous crimes by the Zionist regime in Gaza Strip would create a humanitarian catastrophe for one and a half million people in that region.
Speaking to IRNA, he said the catastrophe is the result of President Bush's Middle East tour.
"Unfortunately, Arab and Muslim countries have not taken any concrete action to this end," he said.
Mubarak meets Seniora on Lebanese political crisis
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday held talks with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora on the latest developments in Lebanon, the official MENA news agency reported.
Following talks with Mubarak, Seniora said it was natural to come to Egypt and consult with Mubarak when Lebanon is in a critical stage.
Seniora said Lebanon believes in the need to move forward with the presidential election process, voicing his hope to reach an agreement on a three-point Arab initiative to help resolve the Lebanese political crisis.
No threat of India-Pakistan war: Musharraf
Lahore, Dec 26 (IANS) Former president Pervez Musharraf said Friday that there were no chances of a Pakistan-India war, adding that both countries should work for peace.
"India should not dare attack Pakistan... our forces are fully capable of meeting any challenges," the former army chief told reporters at the wedding ceremony of former foreign minister Khushid Mahmood Kasuri's son.
Israeli troops kill at least one Palestinian militant in Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Israeli troops have killed at least one Palestinian militant in a military operation in northern Gaza, local medical officials said Tuesday.
The Israeli military reported however that two militants had been killed and that small arms and antitank grenade launchers had been found on them.
Israel Defense Forces said the operation was carried out to counter "standard terrorist threats - sniper and missile fire and attempts to break through the border by militant groups."
Holbrooke cancels Pakistan visit
By IANS,
Islamabad : US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has called off his planned visit Thursday to Pakistan as no top official will be here on that day due to prior commitments.
"Holbrooke's visit on Wednesday has been cancelled," Dawn.com quoted a senior official at Pakistan's foreign ministry as saying.
Pakistan President confers Nishan-e-Pakistan on Xi Jinping
Islamabad : Chinese President Xi Jinping was on Tuesday conferred with the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan's highest civilian honour, by President Mamnoon Hussain at a brief...
95 killed in Syria airstrikes
Beirut : At least 95 people have been killed and 120 others injured in airstrikes launched by the Syrian regime in the northeastern province...
Pakistani Muslim paints Sikh gurus, spreads their message
By Alkesh Sharma, IANS,
Chandigarh : He is Muslim, but 78-year-old Syed Aftab Ahmed Shah has come from Pakistan with an exhibition of his paintings and calligraphy aimed at spreading the spiritual teachings of Sikh gurus among youth.
Shah is an industrialist and painter based in Lahore and is in Chandigarh with a message of harmony. He is displaying 47 of his creations at the show titled "Ruhaniyat" that began last week.
Taliban chief denies talks with Afghan gov”t
By KUNA,
Kabul : Refuting reports about secret talks with the Afghan government, Taliban leadership on Tuesday said it was a planned propaganda by some elements.
Taliban fugitive chief Mullah Mohammad Omar, in a statement e-mailed to local media outlets, said the Taliban never held negotiations with the Afghan government.
"We have not talks with the Afghan government," said the statement released in the local Pashto language.
The Taliban leader said the group was not going to hold talks to stop the war against the United States.
Malaysian Indian Congress emerges younger after poll
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has emerged somewhat younger, but full of internal squabbles, from its 63rd general assembly.
The theme of the assembly was 'change'. This has come about in the form of a youthful team. S. Murugesan, 42, is secretary-general; Jaspal Singh, 47, is treasurer; and P. Kamalanathan, 42, is information chief.
Jaspal Singh, a second generation MIC activist, is a Sikh in a pre-dominantly Tamil party.
Military offensive not against tribals, says Pakistani minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : The military operation in northwest Pakistan is not against any tribal group but targets the Taliban led by Baitullah Mehsud, Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said, stressing that the government has not signed any peace deal with the militants.
He added that there is a need for cooperation between the federal and provincial governments to eliminate the menace of terrorism completely.
He said the militants could enter Punjab province from South Waziristan, a Taliban stronghold, where the security forces are making a final push against the group.
Two dead, nine hurt in four bomb attacks in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least two policemen were killed and nine civilians wounded in four bomb attacks in Iraq, police said.
Election activity stilled in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : It's all quiet on the election front in Pakistan. Frank scepticism of the people, the mourning month of Muharram and the winter chill have ensured that campaigning has not picked up after being abruptly halted with the Dec 27 assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
The polls had earlier been scheduled for Jan 8 but were postponed to Feb 18 by the Election Commission, which cited the tenuous law and order situation and the fact that its offices in more than 13 districts were destroyed after the former prime minister's killing.
Worries not over for Pakistanis fleeing Waziristan assault
By Nadeem Sarwar and Stefan Mentschel, DPA,
Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan) : Hazrat Gul dodged flying bullets, exploding rockets, landmines and most importantly thirst and hunger as he fled the military offensive in Pakistan's tribal district of South Waziristan with his family.
Gul covered half the distance to Dera Ismail Khan, the first major town outside lawless South Waziristan, on a truck and the rest on foot on muddy roads because traffic was not allowed to move along the road under an indefinite curfew imposed by troops.
Pakistan seeks full membership of Shanghai group
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan - which is an observer in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with India - would now seek full membership of the group, a top official said Monday.
Egypt-brokered talks with Israel frozen: Hamas official
Gaza: The Egyptian-brokered indirect talks between Hamas and Israel over enforcing a ceasefire deal are frozen, said a senior Islamic Hamas movement leader Saturday.
Musa...
Pakistan-Iran bus services to be launched on April 22nd
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan-Iran bus service will commence on April 22, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
The inaugural bus would leave Quetta for Mashhad carrying 40 delegates from Pakistan to Iran including media personnel and officials, the Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at the weekly press briefing.
Sadiq said special arrangement will be made for the security of passengers using the bus service.
Initially eight buses a week, four from each side, will operate between the two countries, the spokesman said.
Pakistani Hindus protest kidnapping of young girls
By IANS,
Islamabad : Some political parties and Hindu groups in Pakistan are furious over the kidnapping and alleged conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh province.
Shahzad was kidnapped, killed with government sanction: US admiral
By IANS,
Washington : The killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad was "sanctioned" by the Pakistan government, said a top US official.
Iraqi minister survives car blast
By IANS,
Baghdad : An Iraqi minister Wednesday escaped unhurt in a car bombing near his convoy in Baghdad but a civilian was killed and four others were injured, Xinhua reported.
India, Bangladesh to step up border patrolling
New Delhi : Border guards of India and Bangladesh have decided to increase joint security and patrolling along the border to curb smuggling and...
Pakistan challenges court decision on Kasab, Ansari
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistan government Monday challenged in the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court the rejection of its plea to declare 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Ajmal Kasab and Fahim Ansari as proclaimed offenders.
The government said the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi had requested to initiate proceedings under section 87/88 of criminal procedure code but the plea had been rejected, Online news agency reported.
The government petition contended that legal formalities had not been fulfilled by the court in its decision rejecting the application.
Toll in Syria civil war over 46,000: Opposition
By IANS,
Washington: More than 46,000 people have died in Syria in the conflict between the forces of President Bashar al-Assad and the rebels, said an opposition group Tuesday.
Sherry Rehman next on terror hit list?
By IANS,
London : With two of three Pakistani politicians who opposed the blasphemy law assassinated, friends of the third, the glamorous Sherry Rehman, now fear for her life.
700,000 people attend Istanbul protest rally on Gaza
By IINA,
Istanbul : Israel’s tank and troop assault on the Gaza Strip prompted widespread protest rallies across the Muslim world yesterday. The biggest rally of the day was held in Turkey where hundreds of thousands of people spilled into streets of Istabul to protest against Israeli action as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) began diplomatic effort to end the sufferings of Gazans. Organizers of Istanbul rally said there were as many as 700,000 people in the 180,000-square-meter venue.
Spanish sleuths mistook Pakistani leader’s kin for terrorists
By DPA
Madrid : The Spanish secret service CNI mistook relatives of a top Pakistani politician for terrorists, prompting the British police to detain them in London, Spanish press reports said Wednesday.
The CNI informed Scotland Yard that six members of a dangerous radical cell were flying from Barcelona to London Jan 22 to launch attacks, the daily El Mundo quoted police sources as saying.
The warning followed the detention of 12 Pakistanis and two Indians in Barcelona on suspicion of planning attacks against the local transport network.
Police fire tear gas at protestors in Iran
By DPA,
Tehran: Police fired tear gas against protestors near Tehran University in Iran Monday, trying to quell demonstrations against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, witnesses said.
The witnesses also reported clashes between supporters and opponents of the president.
The clashes occurred after the protestors shouted slogans against the president such as "Death to the Dictator" and not to surrender to oppression.
Iraqi PM and VP discuss unity government
By SPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's prime minister Nouri al-Maliki met Sunday with the Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi to discuss issues relating to unity government.
The meeting between al-Maliki and al-Hashemi came a day after the Sunni leader al-Hashemi described the return of his boycotting political bloc, the National Accordance Front, to the Cabinet as a priority.
The two men discussed the future of the political process and the rebuilding of a national and unified government, according to a statement from the presidency office.
14 bodies found in mass grave north of Baghdad
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : The U.S. troops found 14 bodies buried in a mass grave near the city of Samarra, some 120 km north of Baghdad, a source from U.S. and Iraqi liaison office said on Monday.
"The victims were men with their hands tied behind their backs and shot in the heads," the source from the Joint Coordination Center in the province told Xinhua.
The mass grave was found near a main road to the south of the city, an area which has long been under control of the al-Qaida militants, the source said.
Syria freezes ties with Iraq: reports
By DPA,
Dubai : Syria has frozen its ties with Iraq following a cross-border attack by US forces on a Syrian village, the Dubai-based al-Arabiya news network reported Friday.
It said the Iraqi charge d'affaires had been summoned to the Syrian foreign ministry in Damascus and told that economic cooperation was being frozen, as was cooperation between security services.
Syria says eight civilians were killed in Sunday's cross-border, helicopter-backed attack on the village of al-Sukkariya, while witnesses said seven people were killed and one man was abducted.
Egypt pushes for implementing Gaza ceasefire proposal
By Yu Zhongwen, Xinhua,
Cairo : Egypt has been in intensive contacts with parties concerned recently to push for the implementation of a ceasefire initiative in the Gaza Strip proposed by President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday.
On Saturday morning, Mubarak held talks with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the Egyptian proposal.
At a press conference following talks with Mubarak, Abbas urged Israel to accept the Egyptian plan in a bid to put an end to the conflict in the Palestinian enclave.
Bombing at video shop kills 3 people in Pakistan
By SPA,
Peshawar, Pakistan : A bomb explosion ripped through a video shop in a business center of northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, killing three people and wounding three, police said.
Local police chief Abdul Rauf said the attack happened in the town of Kohat, about 45 miles (75 kilometers) south of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan. He said the dead and injured were taken to a hospital, the Associated Press reported.
US suspends investment treaty talks with Pakistan till formation of govt.
By KUNA
Islamabad : The United States has suspended negotiations with Pakistan aimed at sorting out differences on remaining issues for finalizing the much-awaited bilateral investment treaty (BIT) till the formation of a stable elected government, said a report Sunday.
Lebanese Speaker calls Parliament for vote of confidence
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called Parliament to convene Friday to discuss the cabinet policy statement for the vote of confidence, local Daily Star reported Wednesday.
The Parliament vote of confidence on the cabinet statement allows the government to start functioning officially, the report said.
National unity government led by Prime Minister Fouad Seniora unanimously adopted Monday night a policy statement after three weeks of intensive debates.