European think tank advocates inclusion of “Muslim Democrats” in EU initiatives
By Nawab Khan, KUNA
Brussels : The European Union should not shun "Muslim Democratic" parties in the Mediterranean Arab states, but engage with them to promote good governance and development of civil society, recommends a prestigious Brussels-based think tank.
The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) makes the recommendation in a study titled "Political Islam and European Foreign Policy: Perspectives from Muslim Democrats of the Mediterranean," published recently.
Brussels : The European Union should not shun "Muslim Democratic" parties in the Mediterranean Arab states, but engage with them to promote good governance and development of civil society, recommends a prestigious Brussels-based think tank.
The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) makes the recommendation in a study titled "Political Islam and European Foreign Policy: Perspectives from Muslim Democrats of the Mediterranean," published recently.
Iran rejects EU’s banking sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : New European Union sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program are in violation of international law, an Iranian official said Tuesday.
The EU agreed Monday to impose new sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program, banning the country's major commercial bank, Bank Melli, from operating in Europe. The measures, which will stop the operations of the bank at its offices in London, Hamburg and Paris, were approved during a meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers in Luxembourg.
Iran vows to take measures over new UN sanctions
TEHRAN, February 24 (RIA Novosti) - Iran will act appropriately, if the UN Security Council passes a new sanctions resolution against the Islamic Republic, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said on Sunday.
The five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany agreed at talks in Berlin on January 22 on a draft for a third sanctions resolution against Iran calling for travel bans, asset freezes and vigilance on banks in the Islamic Republic.
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.
Six dead, 30 hurt in Pakistan accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed and 30 injured Friday when a bus they were travelling in fell into a ravine in Pakistan, a media report said.
Three American soldiers die in Northern Iraq
By SPA,
Baghdad : The U.S. military says three American soldiers have been killed in a small-arms fire attack in northern Iraq.
A brief statement from the military says the soldiers died Wednesday in Hawija, a restive Sunni Arab town, 240 kilometers (150 miles) north of Baghdad. It says they were assigned to Multi-National Division - North.
The soldiers' names are being withheld until their families are notified, the Associated Press reported.
Candidates assure “Kuwaitis can be trusted with homeland”s interests”
By KUNA,
Kuwait : National Assembly elections 2008 candidates in the second constituency asserted that the Kuwaiti people can be trusted with the state's best interest and that the people have the right to share power, noting "that is the source of people's solidity with the political authority." NA 2008 candidates Jamaan Al-Harbash and Duaij Al-Shimiri's statements came during their joint seminar, opening their campaign headquarters in Al-Faiha area Saturday night.
Yemen plays role towards Somali reconciliation
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Leader of the Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) Sheikh Sharif Ahmad has hailed the role played by Yemen for realising Somali reconciliation and backing security and stability in the war-torn country.
Prior to his departure from Sana'a, Sheikh Sharif told SABA that Yemen has vital roles with regards to Somali reconciliation. "The Yemeni role is always effective toward Somali issues," he said.
Britain sends up fighters as Pakistani plane diverted
By IANS,
London : Britain had to scramble fighter jets Friday for escorting a Pakistani International Airlines (PIA) plane after it was diverted from Manchester.
War on terror is war of Muslims: Jordan
Amman : Jordan on Tuesday declared that all Muslims should be engaged in the war against terrorist organisations, which seek to defame the Islamic...
Pakistani forces retake emerald mines from Taliban
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have retaken emerald mines from Taliban after heaving shelling in Swat valley, killing 35 militants, local media reported Wednesday.
Taliban had occupied extremely precious stone mines of ‘lapis lazuli’ near Mingora, main city in Swat, in February shortly after a peace deal was signed to end violence in the country.
Kuwait authorities arrest criminal gangs
By NNN-KUNA
Kuwait : The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested a gang of four Arabs who seal cars, cut them and ship them to an Arab state where they are put together and re-sold.
Interior Ministry Spokesman Colonel Mohammad Al-Saber told KUNA Saturday that the gang was arrested last Sunday after a period of surveillance by criminal investigators, who found that the gang members were sealing cars and selling them at Amghara Scrapyard for low prices without documents.
Putin calls for preserving territorial integrity of Iraq
By Xinhua
Moscow : Russia calls for preserving unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and restoring the country's sovereignty in full upon completion of the military presence, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday.
Arabs vs. Israeli Blockade, Terrorism
By Ulises Canales, Prensa Latina
Damascus : Arab nations urged Israel to immediately end the blockade and aggressions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and slammed terrorism, although vindicated the right to defend themselves.
"All countries must be united to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza," stated the Damascus declaration, summarizing the main issues of the 20th Arab League Summit that concluded today in this capital.
Iran facing the worst drought in 100 years
By NNN-IRNA,
Ahvaz, Khuzestan (Iran) : Iran's Energy Minister Parviz Fattah has said that the Islamic Republic is experiencing one of the worst drought this year over the past 100 years.
Addressing journalists in Khuzestan Tuesday, Fattah noted that that all the provinces are facing drought across the country.
"Currently the thermal power plants have increased their capacity by 25 to 27 per cent to compensate the 75 per cent decrease of the hydroelectric power plants."
Women in Saudi Arabia vote for first time
Riyadh : Municipal elections began on Saturday in Saudi Arabia in which women cast their votes for the first time.
Women also stood as candidates,...
Taliban storms jail, help over 350 inmates escape: Official
Kabul: Over 350 inmates escaped from a prison after an attack by Afghan Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday, an official said.
"Four...
Iran threatens legal action over oil embargo
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran has called the Western sanctions "unproductive" and threatened to take legal action against the European oil embargo.
Final report on Israel-Hezbollah conflict to be released on Jan. 30
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Winograd Commission probing the conduct of the Second Lebanon War announced on Sunday that it would present its final report on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Local news website Ynet quoted sources close to the commission as saying that the report "will be harsh and will be presented to the public, so it may decide for itself who should be held responsible for the war's failures."
Israel targets Hamas bases in S Gaza, civilian wounded
By Xinhua
Gaza : A Palestinian old man was moderately wounded when Israeli gunboats opened fire at a position for Hamas naval police in southern Gaza Strip Tuesday noon, security source said.
The shelling caused severe damage to the site which is one of several others alongside the coast in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
The gunboats approached the land following the bombardment and Palestinian Hamas militants exchanged fire with the Israeli marine forces.
Gunmen kidnap policeman, injure 10 in Iraq
By Xinhua
Fallujah (Iraq) : A police personnel was kidnapped and 10 others were injured when gunmen attacked a checkpoint near the Fallujah city, 50 km west of Baghdad early Friday, an official said.
"Dozens of gunmen stormed a checkpoint outside the town of Saglawiyah, five km northeast of Fallujah, and clashed with policemen manning the post," the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attackers, believed to be affiliated with the Al Qaeda terror network, kidnapped a policeman and wounded 10, before fleeing from the scene, the official said.
Iran inaugurates its first space terminal for satellite launching
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has inagurated here Iran's first space terminal for launching satellite.
Speaking at the ceremony, he urged the people to make ultimate use of all the existing scientific potentials and capabilities to achieve the zenith of progress and development.
The country's first space terminal comprises of the Omid satellite, Iran's first locally developed research satellite which has been designed and constructed by Iranian experts.
The Omid satellite will be launched in the near future.
League of Arab States hold meeting with U.N. Chief on Gaza
By SPA
United Nations : The league of Arab states on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA) obtained an exclusive copy of the Arab States’ talking points for the meeting which reflected the Arab group’s appreciation for Moon’s commitment to the ongoing Middle East peace process, but gave specific mention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Yemeni authorities bust Al Qaeda cell, arrest 11 members
By DPA,
Sanaa : Authorities in Yemen arrested 11 suspected members of the Al Qeada terrorist network in the capital, security sources said Thursday.
The suspects, detained in the past days, gave information during questioning about acts of terror carried out by the network.
Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister for Defence and Security Affairs Rashad al-Alimi is expected to hold a press conference to give more information about the arrests.
US looks for Afghan supply routes even in Iran: Report
By DPA,
Washington : US military officials are exploring alternative supply routes for NATO and Afghan troops in Afghanistan that include Iran, the New York Times reported Thursday.
The newspaper also reported that the question of the US base in Kyrgyzstan at the Manas base could be revived in the coming days when US negotiators travel there. The Kyrgyz government had cancelled US access to the base.
Palestinian president due to meet his Israeli counterpart — radio
By KUNA,
Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to meet his Israeli counterpart Shimon Perez in Jerusalem Tuesday to discuss means to push the peace process ahead.
The meeting, according to local Israeli radio, will take place in the Israeli presidential HQ in Jerusalem, which is to be Abbas' first time ever at the HQ.
The meeting, the radio said, will be attended by senior Palestinian officials and chief Palestinian negotiator Dr. Saeb Ereikat will be among the officials attending.
Bangladesh, India cooperate on exchange of militants, criminals
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has killed 10 suspected Indian militants and extradited 11 between June and August this year and is processing several more cases as part of mutual confidence building between the South Asian neighbours, an official has said.
"We have handed over 11 suspected insurgents between June 12 and Aug 22 this year as part of our policy to fight cross-border terrorism and crimes despite the absence of any extradition treaty between the two neighbours," a senior security official said on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan Issues Cyberterrorism Law
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : Pakistan issued a law to severely punish anyone who commits a crime against national security using a computer or any other electronic gadget.
According to the government's law, quoted by the state news agency APP, anyone who commits an act of cyberterrorism resulting in the loss of human lives will be sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
Four cops gunned down in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Four Pakistani policemen were gunned down by unidentified assailants in Punjab province Tuesday, a media report said.
Palestinian rocket damages Israeli greenhouses in Sderot
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian rocket exploded near the Israeli settlement of Sderot, damaging several greenhouses without causing injuries, spokesman of the Israeli Army said Saturday.
The rocket was among several fired by Palestinians from north Gaza at southern Israel Friday evening and Saturday morning, he told Israel Radio.
The other rockets landed in open areas near Gaza Strip, he added.
In Gaza, Fatah's military wing, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, claimed responsibility for launching two rockets towards south Israeli Friday evening.
Secretary General of the OIC declares support to the Kosovo Independence
By SPA
Jeddah : With regard to the declaration of independence by Kosovo yesterday, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (oic) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu made the following statement yesterday, February 18, 2008, in Dakar at the opening session of the OIC's Senior Officials preparatory meeting:
80 percent of Mohmand cleared of militants: Pakistan Army
By IANS,
Islamabad : About 80 percent of Mohmand agency in Pakistan's northwest has been cleared of militants, a senior army officer has claimed.
Won’t give up nuclear rights: Iran
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has said it will attend the planned nuclear talks in Istanbul later this week but will not compromise on its right to atomic energy.
Hamas to keep prisoner swap case top secret
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Saturday that it has decided to keep the case of the prisoner swap with Israel top secret, prohibiting talking about the case in the mass media, Hamas official said.
The movement's spokesman in Gaza Ayman Taha told reporters that "this case (prisoner exchange) has been closed by Hamas movement and there is a decision not to speak about it in the mass media."
Palestinian leadership slams new Israeli settlement projects
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian leadership on Sunday condemned an Israeli government decision to build hundreds of houses into settlements in east Jerusalem.
The decision to build over 850 houses in east Jerusalem settlements "was dangerous and is considered a flagrant attack on the occupied Palestinian territories," a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement faxed to the media.
Zillur Rahman is new Bangladesh president
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Zillur Rahman was declared the president of Bangladesh Wednesday.
Bangladesh's Election Commission declared the senior leader of ruling Awami League Zillur Rahman to be the country's new president as he was the only presidential candidate. He was declared elected unopposed.
Pakistan celebrates nuclear tests anniversary
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday celebrated the 10th anniversary of its nuclear tests, describing the day as "historic in the nation's quest for security".
"Pakistan has taken its responsibilities as a nuclear weapon state seriously. We have not relented in our pursuit of creating a peaceful global and regional environment," a foreign ministry statement said.
The statement titled "A Decade of Responsibility and Restraint", said: "At all levels bilaterally and multilaterally, we have endeavoured to promote the cause of peace, disarmament and non-proliferation."
Iran ready to resume the talks with Europe
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here on Sunday that Iran will back the talks with Europe if they are carefully planned and are of practical results, the official IRNA news agency reported.
He told the reporters on the sidelines of an international conference on Iran's peaceful nuclear program that "From now on Iran is ready to cooperate with all sides over the global major issues."
Pakistan’s coalition decides to impeach Musharraf: Report
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition has decided to impeach President Pervez Musharraf and a session of the lower house of parliament is likely to be convened Aug 11, Dawn News channel reported Thursday.
More than 60 judges sacked by the retired army general will also be restored through an executive order, it added quoting a cabinet member, who spoke to the channel on condition of anonymity.
A formal announcement was expected later in the day.
Yemen, Palestine sign agricultural memo
By SPA,
Sana'a : Yemeni Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry and Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture and Social Affairs signed on Thursday memo of understanding between Yemen and Palestine in agricultural field,Saba reported.
The memo included cooperation between the two countries in agricultural activities, especially land reclamation and agricultural marketing in addition to cooperation in field of exchanging research, information, data and studies expertise in agricultural field.
US in secret talks with Syria over peace deal with Israel
By DPA,
Kuwait City: The US has been in secret contact with Syrian officials in the hopes of realising a comprehensive Israel-Syrian peace treaty, the Kuwaiti al-Rai newspaper reported Saturday.
Seven Hamas militants killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Seven Palestinians were killed during overnight and predawn Israeli air strikes on northern Gaza Strip and on southeast Gaza city, hospital officials said Sunday. The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas)'s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement that seven militants were killed in three separate Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip during Saturday and Sunday predawn.
Israel isn’t working for peace – Arab League Chief
By NNN-KUNA
Rome : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa has blamed Israel for the "explosive situation" in the Palestinian territories because the Jewish state was not working seriously for the peace process.
"Israel has never worked for peace before and after the Arab peace initiative, even after the Annapolis conference," Moussa said at a joint news conference with Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema here Thursday.
Bangladesh not recognising problem of migration – Indian FM
By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Expressing concern over the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants coming into India, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday charged the Bangladesh Government with refusing to recognise the problem.
"The problem is genuine. Unfortunately, Bangladesh Government refuses to recognise the problem. If we do not recognise the problem, how will we solve it," he told reporters here.
Mukherjee, who was interacting with journalists at an orientation programme on Parliamentary reporting, said there are many reasons behind Bangladeshis migrating to India.
Amnesty claims widespread rights violations in Iran
By IANS,
Washington : Global human rights monitor Amnesty International has said there have been "widespread and persistent human rights violations in Iran", CNN reported Tuesday.
Another contraband haul from train from Pakistan, authorities worried
By IANS,
Attari (Punjab) : Fake currency of face value Rs.9.5 lakh and one kg of heroin were recovered from a goods train coming from Pakistan, causing worry to the authorities who say these trains are increasingly becoming a smuggling medium.
Israeli man divorces 11th wife – begins search for number 12
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Setting a new record for Israeli Jews, an Israeli man has divorced for the 11th time, the Jerusalem Post daily reported Tuesday.
The 50-year-old from the Jerusalem area said his custom is to divorce his wives every two years and look for a new bride immediately thereafter.
"I throw out a hook and the fish come on their own," he is reported to have said.
The man has been re-setting his own record for the past several years. The previous Jewish Israeli record for divorces by a single person was six.
Telangana, Andhra schools pay tribute to Peshawar victims
Hyderabad : Schools across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Wednesday paid tribute to the children killed in the terrorist attack in Pakistan's Peshawar city.
Students in...
Suicide bombing at Pakistan army base injures three
By DPA
Islamabad : A suicide bomber attacked the entrance to a Pakistani army base camp Monday in the restive Swat valley in the northwest of the country, killing himself and injuring three soldiers, a military spokesman said.
The bomber blew himself up after being stopped at a security checkpoint in Kabal sub-district, site of the army's largest base camp in the Swat valley, around 11:30 a.m., said Major-General Waheed Arshad, the chief army spokesman.
"Three soldiers received minor injuries," he said.
Etisalat launches unlimited push-to-talk package
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates based communications services provider Etisalat has announced a new package for its Push-to-Talk (PTT) service customers, providing unlimited use of the service.
"Etisalat constantly strives to enhance services and improve the customer's overall telephony experience. Push-to-talk is an all encompassing service that fulfils the need of a wide range of our customers," WAM news agency reported, quoting Khalifa Al Shamsi, senior vice president, Consumer Marketing, Etisalat.
Neutralise modules linked to JMB outfit: Rajnath
New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked security agencies to take urgent steps for neutralising modules linked to militant outfit Jamaaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB), which...
Israel, Palestine Fighting in Gaza
By Prensa Latina,
Gaza : Israeli soldiers and Hamas militants are fiercely fighting in the outskirts of Gaza after Israel launched a ground offensive into the Palestinian territory last night.
At least 30 Israeli soldiers have been wounded so far, according to the invading forces.
Israeli troops entered the strip through the Beit Hanoun crossing, and then crossed the border near Al-Qubbah heading to the surroundings of the Al-Jabaliya refugee camp (north), where heavy fighting has been reported.
Livni vows to end Hamas rule if elected PM
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Sunday that she would lead the government to topple the Hamas' regime in the Gaza Strip if elected prime minister in the February election, local media reported.
"The people of Israel are threatened, missiles are falling," she was quoted by the website of Jerusalem Post as saying to Kadima members. "I won't say what moves should be made. There is no calm in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Israel, and a government under my leadership, would topple Hamas in Gaza with military, economic and diplomatic means."
Iranian President asks UN, FAO to speed up efforts for poverty elimination
By NNN-IRNA,
Rome : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said here that the FAO and the UN should play a more active role in the elimination of poverty.
"All plans offered by FAO for poverty eradication only serve as a `tranquilizer.' We believe the UN and FAO should play a more active role in tackling the crises, otherwise the domineering powers will take the role and turn global conditions in their own favour to the extent that the `tranquilizers' too will have no effect," he said in a meeting with UN Chief Ban Ki-Moon on the sidelines of the UN food summit here.
‘Taliban in talks about talks’
By IANS,
London : US President Barack Obama's recent call for a "reconciliation process" in Afghanistan has led to spurt in informal contacts between Taliban militants and other stakeholders in a series of capitals, including New Delhi, a newspaper reported Sunday.
Key players in the move include Abdullah Anas, an Algerian who was once close to Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden but now preaches moderation to young Muslims in British mosques, Saudi intelligence chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz and Qayum Karzai, the Afghan president's brother and his representative in the talks.
French and Israeli defence ministers to meet January 23
By KUNA
Paris : French Defence Minister Herve Morin will meet here January 23 with his Israeli counterpart, Ehud Barak, to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region, sources said late Thursday.
The Defence Ministry announced the meeting on the agenda for next Thursday and the talks are expected to address cooperation between the two countries on a number of projects.
41 bus passengers killed in Pakistan road accident
Islamabad: At least 41 people were killed and many others were injured when a passenger bus hit a truck-trailer in Pakistan's south Sukkur district.
The...
Hasina’s son arrives from US, Zia’s sons face arrest
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who formally joined the ruling Awami League (AL) four days ago, Monday arrived home from the US with his American wife.
Joy, who stays in the US, had his education up to graduation in India during the years the family lived in exile in India after his maternal grandfather and president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of the family members were slain in a coup in August 1975.
US backs Scotland Yard findings on Bhutto death
By IRNA
New York : The United States backed British Scotland Yard assertion that Pakistan's former premier Benazir Bhutto was killed by shrapnel of the bomb and not by gun shot.
The US state department spokesman said that the Scotland Yard findings are "credible".
"In terms of the investigation itself by Scotland Yard, we view this as a credible investigation by independent, outside experts. We don't have any reason why we would question the validity of their assessment,"Tom Casey said.
UN and AU Urge End to Kenya Violence
By Prensa Latina
Addis Ababa : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and African Union Commission Chair Alpha Oumar Konare urged Kenya's political rivals on Thursday to end violence in that country.
During the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the 53 AU members in Addis Ababa, Ban said the leaders of Kenya are responsible for solving the crisis peacefully, after the second opposition parliament member was shot to death on Thursday.
He said he would meet later with President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Bangladesh for boosting bilateral trade with Ghana
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladesh President Prof. Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Wednesday underscored the need for frequent exchange of business and official delegations and holding trade fairs to boost bilateral trade and economic relations between Bangladesh and Ghana.
He made the suggestion when newly appointed non-residential Ambassador of Ghana to Bangladesh John Bentum-Williams presented his credentials to him here, private news agency UNB reported.
No impunity for Al-Assad : France
By IANS,
Paris : France has said despite the Arab League making proposal of safe exit for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, it would not earn him an impunity, Xinhua reported.
32 ‘criminals’ killed in Egypt operation
By IANS,
Cairo: A total of 32 "criminal elements" were killed in Egypt's "lawless" Sinai peninsula in a military operation held in coordination with Israel, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan’s admission gets guarded welcome in India
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan's admission that part of the Mumbai conspiracy was hatched in its territory got a guarded welcome in India Thursday and was seen as a vindication of its stand and the success of international pressure.
Diplomats and experts point out that New Delhi should now ensure that Islamabad does not get away by simply fixing some minor players in what could a larger conspiracy that could still unravel.
"It's a vindication of our stand. This requires a sober and measured response," Lalit Mansingh, former foreign secretary, told IANS.
Malaysian parties prepare for snap polls
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian political parties, including those that represent ethnic Indians, have begun preparing for likely snap polls.
Female suicide bomber kills 16 in Iraq
By AFP,
Baquba, Iraq : At least 23 people were killed in Iraq on Sunday, including 16 by a woman suicide bomber who blew herself up in the central city of Baquba, security officials said. The bomber detonated her explosive vest beside a police patrol near the gate of the Diyala provincial governor's headquarters and a courthouse, a security official said.
Doctor Ahmed Fuad from Baquba hospital said 16 bodies had been received by the hospital's mortuary. Among those killed were eight policemen, two women and a child, he told AFP.
India, Qatar to enhance economic, energy ties
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Doha : India and Qatar signed two deals on defence and security cooperation and discussed means to enhance economic and energy ties following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's arrival here, the first by an Indian prime minister to this Gulf nation.
Manmohan Singh, who arrived here Sunday evening from Oman on the last leg of his three-day Gulf tour, held extensive discussions with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani to enhance existing ties of cooperation in the fields of energy, economy and trade.
Pakistan: effective steps afoot to end terrorism, says Rehman Malik
By NNN-APP,
Lahore, Pakistan : Prime Minister’s Advisor on Interior, Rehman Malik said that government has put in place effective measures to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.
He stated this while addressing a seminar on “The prevailing situation of country: Role and responsabilities of our educational institutions” held under the aegis of Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society at a local hotel on Saturday.
Taliban set ablaze Afghan school
By IANS,
Kabul : Suspected Taliban militants have set a school on fire in Afghanistan, Xinhua reported Saturday.
Cheney says U.S. endeavor in Iraq successful
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday said the United States has made a "successful endeavor" in Iraq on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion.
Cheney, who arrived in Baghdad in the morning on an unannounced visit, met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other Iraqi political figures.
He said there was a significant progress compared with 10 month ago when he was traveling here, adding security has improved dramatically and the Iraqi leaders have made progress in governing.
Israel temporarily holds back Gaza military operation
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli security cabinet on Wednesday held back for the time being a possible broad military operation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, giving more time to the Egyptian-brokered truce efforts.
Government spokesman Mark Regev announced the decision after a five-hour-long security cabinet meeting. He also warned that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue its preparations in case the ceasefire talks fail.
30 militants killed in Afghanistan
Kabul : At least 30 Taliban militants have been killed in Afghanistan since Saturday, authorities said Sunday.
"Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) carried out operations...
Indian-American Muslims condemn silence of Muslim organisations on burning alive of Farkhanda in Kabul
By TCN News,
Washington (USA): Even as it condemned the killing of Farkhanda by a mob in Afghanistan, the Association of Indian Muslims of...
Germany boosts assistance, relief measures for Iraq
Berlin: Germany announced Wednesday to increase its humanitarian aid for Iraq and signalled willingness to take further measures to improve the situation in the...
Militants attack NATO supplies in NW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Suspected militants early Sunday attacked trucks and tankers supplying fuel and food to foreign forces in Afghanistan, destroying 30 tankers and killing a guard.
All trucks and oil tankers caught fire and fire fighters were called but most of the vehicles and supplies were destroyed when militants attacked them at a terminal in Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province, the News Network International (NNI)news agency reported.
Pakistan not in favour of arms race: Foreign Minister
By NNN-APP,
Multan (Pakistan) : Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan does not want to indulge in arms race in the region but is fully alive to its defence.
Talking to the newsmen at the local airport on Saturday, he said that we have confidence in our defence capabilities adding there exists nuclear balance in the region.
Foreign Minister said that country enjoys complete national cohesion and consensus.
Kuwait pledges aid worth $5 million for Myanmar cyclone victims
By IINA,
New York : Kuwait has earmarked $5 million worth of urgent humanitarian aid for victims of the recent devastating cyclone in Myanmar. The disclosure about the Kuwaiti financial assistance for the cyclone victims was made by Ziad Munir, the representative of the State of Kuwait at a meeting of the UN bureau for urgent humanitarian aid for states afflicted with natural catastrophes, held yesterday.
Karzai urges Muslims to jointly fight terrorism
By KUNA
Kabul : The 10th of Ashura was observed with religious fervour in Afghanistan on Saturday as President Hamid Karzai urged upon his countrymen to strengthen the hands of his government to bring peace and stability to the war battered country. The day is being observed across the Muslim world to remember the illustrious sacrifice of the grand son of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who laid his life to uphold the cause of justice and truth. Special ceremonies are organized by Shiite Muslims on the ninth and 10th of the Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Singapore, Kuwait discuss boosting cooperation
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuala Lumpur : The Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works, in the remarks to KUNA, indicated that he had held talks with the minister of transport, Raymond Lim Siang Keat, on cooperation of transport and public transportation, indicating at the need for expertise for the planned metro project.
Al-Sarraf added that in a separate meeting with the minister of environment, Lim Swee S., the talks dealt with cooperation in the sector of waste treatment, hinting at a plan by Kuwait Municipality to float a tender for launching two ventures for the water treatment.
Six injured in clash for arms control in Yemen
By DPA,
Sanaa : Four military police officers and two civilians were injured in a clash between security forces and unidentified armed men in a southern Yemeni city Monday, police sources said.
According to the sources, the gunbattle broke out after police forces tried to disarm the men armed with AK-47 rifles in a marketplace in Ja'ar in the southern province of Abyan.
Police forces were acting as part of a campaign to enforce a ban on carrying weapons in main cities.
Moderate quake hits Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale jolted the northern Pakistani town of Chitral and its adjacent areas early Saturday.
Israel executes second raid on Beit Hanoun
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli fighter jets executed a second bombardment mission on Beit Hanoun town, northern Gaza Strip, said a media source Saturday.
According to a local radio station, the fighter jets launched two missiles at the same location which was attacked earlier today by the Israeli air force, adding that the morning attack resulted in the injury of two Palestinian activists.
The station quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the second attack targeted a missile launch-pad left by Palestinian activists.
Six killed in army action against Al Qaeda men in Yemen
Aden: A mortar shell fired by Yemeni armed forces fighting with dozens of suspected Al Qaeda gunmen killed six civilians and wounded two in...
People’s Forum lauds Modi stand on Pakistan school attack
Mumbai : The Pakistan-India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of standing by Pakistan in the...
Containing the Iranian ‘threat’
By Yamin Zakaria
Iran is the crosshairs. A cursory examination of the region shows, the US bases surround Iran from all directions. In addition, Israel armed with nuclear weapons is constantly urging the western powers to launch a pre-emptive strike using the same old somehow they being the victims or potential victims of Iranian aggression.
McCain opposes military action against Pakistan, wants hard evidence
By IANS,
New Delhi : US Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate who lost the presidential race to Barack Obama, Tuesday said he was hopeful of Pakistan's cooperation with India in the Mumbai terrorist attack probe and opposed a military strike against Islamabad.
Underlining solidarity with India in the wake of the Nov 26 terror attacks, he said the US would not allow terrorists to provoke a confrontation between India and Pakistan.
10 dead in Egypt car accident
By IANS,
Cairo: At least 10 people were killed when a truck collided with three cars on a desert road leading to Egypt's Alexandria city, Xinhua reported.
200 militants surrender, says Pakistani Interior Minister
By SPA
Islamabad : Interior Minister Lt Gen (retd) Hamid Nawaz Khan says nearly 200 militants have so far surrendered before the authorities in Swat (North West Frontier Province or NWFP of Pakistan).
Terrorists are on the run and about 422 people involved in terrorist activities have been arrested from Swat, including 60 to 70 most active and immediate facilitators of terrorists, he told the reporters.
Pakistan condemns firing on U.S. consulate vehicle
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan on Tuesday condemned the firing on a U.S. Consulate vehicle in northwestern Pakistan's Peshawar, saying that the government would enhance security for the diplomatic community.
A U.S. woman diplomat escaped unhurt in the firing in Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, on Tuesday.
The assailants opened fire at the car of U.S. Consulate Peshawar Principal Officer Lynne Tracy, who was on the way to her office, reports said.
Three people die in explosion near Denmark embassy
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Three people were killed and several others injured in an explosion rocked car park of the Denmark embassy in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Monday.
The explosion caused casualties, according to private television channels.
The embassy located at Islamabad's posh F-6 sector.
TV channels showed thin smoke rising in the air soon after the blast.
Ambulances rushed to the site and shifted the injured to hospitals.
ARY television reported that three people were killed in the blast.
The explosion also caused damage to the embassy building.
Free again, Pakistani media promises to be vigilant
By Zofeen T. Ebrahim, IANS,
Karachi : Veteran Pakistani journalists have welcomed moves to lift restrictions on the media imposed by President Pervez Musharraf but say they will be watchful of the new government as well.
"It's a very welcome step towards strengthening freedom of expression," Nusrat Javeed, a senior Islamabad journalist, referring to the introduction of a bill in parliament to ease the media clamp down, told IANS.
British musician joins Israel boycott
London, May 18, IRNA -- British singer and songwriter Elvis Costello has joined the international boycott of Israel by pulling out of two gigs at the Caesarea Amphitheatre.
The 55-year old English musician of Irish heritage said in a statement that he did not want his performance to be a “political act”.
“One lives in hope that music is more than mere noise, filling up idle time, whether intending to elate or lament,” Costello said in an announcement on his website.
Israeli FM says rigid time frame may undermine peace deal
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Monday that a rigid timetable for Israel and the Palestinians to forge a peace agreement may lead to negative results.
"The timeframe for reaching the agreements is important, but the content is even more so. Rigid timeframes may lead to unreal expectations, disappointments and violence," Livni told a U.S. congressional delegation led by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Rice meets Jordan’s King Abdullah, Abbas seperately
By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said here that the United States was committed to stabilize the Middle East and was working with Israel and the Palestinians towards this end.
The necessary means must be found to facilitate the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank and shore up the Palestinian economy, a statement issued by the Jordanian Royal Diwan quoted Rice as saying during her meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan Sunday.
Zardari reaches Manmohan Singh’s residence
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari reached Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 7, Race Course Road residence here a little after noon Sunday.
NATO air raid kills dozens of Taliban – governor
By SPA,
Khost, Afghanistan : NATO killed dozens of Taliban insurgents in an air strike on Sunday in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Khost, the provincial governor said.
Violence has escalated in Afghanistan over the past two years after the ousted Taliban regrouped and launched their insurgency against the government and the foreign troops backing it.
The pre-dawn raid was summoned to fend off an attack by the insurgents in Spera district, which lies near the border with Pakistan, Arsala Jamal said.
90 die in Bangladesh floods, landslides
By IANS,
Dhaka: Nearly 90 people have died in Bangladesh in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains, officials said Wednesday.
Dhaka seeks British help for border management, maritime security
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has sought British help for its land border management and maritime security as part of a string of joint working groups it seeks to set up within the South Asian region and outside with the US, Australia and Russia.
The first such Joint Working Group (JWG) was set up with Britain Sunday to enhance counter terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
France recalls illegal character of Israeli settlements
By KUNA,
Paris : France said Tuesday that it had regular contacts with it members of the international Quartet on the Middle East issue and recalled that the illegal Israeli settlement expansion was causing "deep concern" in the European Union, which participates in the Quartet alongside the United States, Russia and the UN.
France on Monday condemned an Israeli decision to build almost 900 housing units in two separate areas of Arab East Jerusalem and has consistently warned the Jewish state that settlements represent the "the biggest obstacle to peace" with the Palestinians.
Two arrested over Bhutto assassination plot
By Xinhua
Beijing : Pakistani authority arrested two people who were believed to have involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, media reported Sunday.
A 15-year-old and his militant "handler" were arrested in the northwestern town of Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday night.
The boy, identified as Aitezaz Shah, had confessed that he was trained as a suicide bomber to kill Bhutto if other militants had failed to kill her Dec. 27.
Interior Secretary Kamal Shah confirmed the arrest of the two persons.
Obama says Israel construction plans ‘unhelpful’
By DPA,
Jakarta: US President Barack Obama Tuesday said newly published Israeli plans to build over 1,300 homes on Palestinian land would not help efforts to reach peace in the Middle East.
Cameron, Abbas meet over Palestine-Israel peace talks
London:British Prime Minister David Cameron Wednesday met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas here to discuss the Palestine-Israel peace process.
"President Abbas outlined his plans for a...
13 policemen killed in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo : At least 13 policemen were killed and 10 others injured in an attack on a checkpoint in Egypt's North Sinai, medical and security sources said Sunday.
Zardari acquitted in corruption case
Islamabad : The accountability court Wednesday acquitted former Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari in the polo ground corruption case, a media report said.
The court...
Iran, Iraq to review issue of joint oil wells
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini announced on Sunday that Iran and Iraq are to review the issue of the two countries' joint oil wells, the official IRNA news agency reported.
He told reporters during his weekly press briefing that a joint committee, to be formed in the next two months, will discuss the joint oil wells issue.
On the activities of Mujahideen Khalq Organization (MKO) members in Iraq, he said that the MKO members should leave Iraq according to the decision made by the Iraqi government.
UAE charity educates 4 mn children in 20 countries
By IANS,
Dubai: A charitable trust in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides education to four million children in 20 countries as part of its endeavour to remove the obstacles to their progress and to secure their future, WAM news agency reported Saturday.
Dubai Cares, launched by UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, provides primary education to children in developing countries and is considered to be the largest NGO in the world dedicated to this cause.
Iraq replaces southern chiefs of state-owned oil companies
By SPA,
Basra, Iraq : The Iraqi government has replaced some of the top officials in state-owned oil companies in southern Iraq.
The Baghdad government has removed the heads of the South Oil Company, which is in charge of exports, the South Gas Company and the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company since mid-May, local officials and the Oil Ministry told Reuters.
The head of Basra airport has also been replaced by the Transport Ministry in the shakeup.
Hajj Ministry Official receives Albanian Hajj Mission
By SPA,
Makkah : Under Secretary of Hajj Ministry Hatim bin Hassan Kadi met here yesterday Azeem Abdi Shahi, who is heading the visiting Albanian Hajj mission.
Kadi reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom to provide the pilgrims with the best possible services and enabling them to perform their rituals in comfort and ease.
He underlined the importance of the awareness of the pilgrims prior to their arrival in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Shahi lauded the great attention given by the Saudi government to the pilgrims.
Zia went into hiding before border guard mutiny: Hasina
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hinted at a probe against opposition leader Khaleda Zia who she says was "hiding for three days" before the country's border guard troopers mutinied in February last year.
Repeating a charge that she had made on the floor of the National Assembly last year, Hasina told a meeting of her party leaders Monday: "Why she went out from her residence riding a black-tinted glass car just before the BDR mutiny? Did she know what will happen at Pilkhana?"
Police officer shot dead in Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad : A police officer was shot dead when he tried to protect a woman from her ex-husband in Islamabad, the Dawn newspaper reported Saturday.
Beirut clashes expand to Bekaa areas
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Clashed between pro- and anti-government camps in Lebanon spread to the Bekaa region, where two people were wounded, local Elnashra Website reported on Thursday.
The casualties took place in the Bekaa towns of Taalabaya and Saadnayel, where gunmen were deployed in the streets, with others manning automatic rifles on rooftops, according to the report.
Protesters blocked several roads in Western Bekaa, and the Marjroad leading to Massna on the Syrian-Lebanese northern borders.
Pakistan to deploy 81,000 troops for elections
By IANS
Rawalpindi : About 81,000 security personnel are to be deployed across Pakistan by Friday to maintain law and order during the Feb 18 elections, a military official said Thursday.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general Athar Abbas said that the army would be deployed at all the sensitive areas and the deployment would be completed by Friday, Online news agency reported.
He said the army would be deployed only outside the polling stations.
The troops would consist of about 34,000 army personnel and 47,000 paramilitary forces personnel.
Pakistan: President to launch Rs. 34 bln Benazir income support programme Thursday, says Minister...
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Benazir Income Support Programme initiated by federal government for the poor and vulnerable segments of society will be formally launched Thursday, said Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman.
Giving details about the programme at a press conference here on Wednesday, the Minister said President Asif Ali Zardari would inaugurate this historical programme for which the government had allocated Rs. 34 billion in the Budget 2008-09.
Canada preens itself on UN resolution, Iran bristles
By IANS,
Toronto : Though Teheran has denounced it for sponsoring a UN resolution highlighting its human rights record, Canada says the move sends a strong message of support to the victims of state-sponsored brutalities in Iran.
Sponsored by Canada and backed by 41 other nations, the resolution was passed Friday by 70 votes to 51, with 60 countries abstaining.
Afghan, NATO forces say eight insurgents killed in combat
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan and NATO forces killed eight insurgents and captured four in combat operations in the south-eastern region of the country, officials said Sunday.
In Zurmat district of south-eastern province of Paktia, five militants were killed and three wounded in an Afghan army operation backed by NATO troops Saturday, Niaz Mohammad Khalil, district administrative chief, said.
He said the operation began in the area after police found the dead bodies of two Afghan security forces in the area.
UAE financial markets to remain closed during Eid holidays
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The financial markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain closed from Saturday, the 29th day of Ramzan until the 3rd of the month of Shawwal to observe Eid holidays, WAM news agency reported.
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has decided to close the financial markets after consultation with the representatives of the markets and financial institutions in the country, according to the report Wednesday.
Israel completes list of prisoners to be released
By NNN-QNA,
Occupied Jerusalem : A special ministerial task force has completed drafting a list of Palestinian prisoners whom Israel would be willing to release in exchange for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported.
The newspaper said Tuesday that the list which includes the names of 450 Palestinian prisoners has been submitted to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before sending it to Hamas through Egypt.
Israel is threatening to take "various active measures" should Hamas continue to delay talks over the captive soldier.
Pakistan aims to build peaceful neighbourhood, says Sharif
Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that Islamabad is keen to build a "peaceful neighbourhood" with a policy of constructive engagement.
The prime...
Expat students in UAE may be allowed to take up employment
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : In a bid to reduce reliance on foreign labour, a new system has been recommended by a special panel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will allow expatriate students to put in work hours even as they pursue their studies.
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a number of recommendations by the Demographic Structure Committee, which is tasked with finding ways to handle the country's demographic imbalance, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
US, major powers to hold talks on Iran’s nuclear programme
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany will meet Wednesday to discuss taking action against Iran, the US State Department.
WHO team to assess how Pakistan is tackling Ebola
Islamabad : A World Health Organization (WHO) mission arrived in Pakistan to assess arrangements made by the government to keep Ebola virus out of...
Lebanese Maronite Patriarch calls for presidential election prior to new gov’t
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Tuesday stressed the need to elect a president prior to the formation of a national unity government, local Naharnet news website reported.
Presidential elections should precede a new cabinet "since the president has a say in the formation of the government through parliamentary consultations," Sfeir was quoted as saying.
Arab foreign ministers held a special meeting in Cairo Sunday, approving an Arab plan to end the crisis in Lebanon.
Australia mulls more aid for Syrian refugees
Amman : Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said here Monday that his country is looking into increasing aid to Syrian refugees in Jordan, local...
Obama’s South Asia policy: Pakistan will be the acid test
By IANS,
Washington : As President Barack Obama completes 100 days in office next week, experts have sat down to grade his foreign policy initiatives so far - and the report card is not too impressive, at least from the South Asian perspective.
The web edition of the renowned Foreign Policy journal asked some of the "best foreign-policy minds in Washington and beyond" to rate Obama's performance so far.
The result? 11 As, 16 Bs, 7 Cs, and a D.
Iran injects fuel into nuclear reactor
By DPA,
Tehran : The delayed loading of fuel into the core of Iran's first nuclear power plant took place Tuesday in the southern port city of Bushehr, the Fars news agency said.
Progress made during talks between Pakistani government, PTI
Islamabad: The Pakistan government and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has made progress in their resumed dialogue process, a media report said...
Chinese engineer abducted, released in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A Chinese engineer, who was abducted by the Taliban in August last year, has been released, officials said Sunday.
The engineer arrived at the Chinese embassy here Sunday after he was released Saturday by the Pakistani Taliban insurgents in the northwestern part of the country.
China's envoy to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui met Long Xiaowei and offered him greetings. Luo also thanked the Pakistani authorities for securing Long's release.
UK in wrangle with Iraq over immunity of troops
By IRNA,
London : British officials were reported Saturday to be locked in last-minute talks with the Iraqi government aimed at securing immunity for the UK troops before the UN mandate expires before the end of the year.
Defence Secretary John Hutton was said to be even threatening to immediately withdraw the 4,100 troops unless they were given protection from prosecution under a Status of Forces Agreement similar for US forces.
Pakistan seeks friendship with India: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan wants friendly ties with India and seeks to resolve all issues through dialogue, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said Saturday.
Iran, 5+1 extract modalities’ commonalties – Iranian Mottaki proposes
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Minister said here both Iran and members of 5 1 group should in future talks extract common points within presented modalities, and to move towards compromise in process of constructive talks.
Manouchehr Mottaki who was speaking on latest developments regarding Iran's nuclear program further elaborated at the closing ceremony of the 15th NAM Foreign Ministers Conference Wednesday evening, "Both Iran and the so called 5 1 group have presented modalities on the matter."
Wounded Israeli soldier dies — spokesman
By KUNA
Gaza : An Israeli soldier passed away on Sunday in South Israel Hospital after succumbing to wounds he sustained in a bomb blast on the Palestinian-Israeli border last Thursday, the Israeli Army said.
The army spokesman told a local radio that the soldier was seriously injured as Palestinian militants detonated an Improvised explosive Device (IED) near an Israeli military vehicle in a nearby area to Deir Al-Balah town, central Gaza Strip.