Four killed in bomb blast in Balochistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and three injured in a bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province Wednesday, according to state television.
The blast occurred at a shop in Sibbi city, about 320 km east of provincial capital Quetta, PTV reported.
The injured were taken to the nearest hospital and the police cordoned off the blast site.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
Two security men, six militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two security personnel and six militants were killed Wednesday in fighting in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region.
The fighting started after militants attacked a checkpost in Bazai Tehsil of Mohmand Agency, the Online news agency reported.
The security forces have cordoned off the area after the incident.
Thousands of Sadr followers protest U.S.-Iraqi security deal in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Thousands of followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr took to the streets in eastern Baghdad on Saturday to protest a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement under tight security measures, an Interior Ministry source and witnesses said.
The throngs gathered since early morning at the Mudhaffar Square in the neighborhood of Sadr City and took their way to the Mustansriyah Square in Palestine Street in eastern Baghdad, a ministry source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Iraq parliament fails to endorse key ministerial nominees
Baghdad : Iraqi lawmakers Tuesday failed to approve new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's nominees for defence, interior and tourism ministers, media reported.
Jaber al-Jaberi, a...
Malaysian premier unveils new cabinet line-up
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Thursday announced a new cabinet line-up of 28 ministers and 40 deputy ministers who he said represented the government's focus on reforms and change.
The cabinet includes Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam and Federal Territory Deputy Minister M. Saravanan.
The new cabinet is slightly smaller than the 31-minister strong administration of Najib's predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Nearly 500 Victims in Gaza Strip
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : Israeli army left Gaza Strip after attacks that have killed and wounded over 450 most of them civilians and froze peace negotiations with Palestinians.
The combatants of Islamic Resistance (Hamas) considered a victory evacuation of the forces that went into Gaza Strip after long days bombing and ground artillery.
The invader withdrew its tanks and armor plated from northern Gaza after six-day offensive that included air attack and artillery preparation with ground means.
Pakistan arrests two French ‘terror suspects’
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan arrested two French terror suspects in connection with the deadly 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia , television channels reported.
Pakistani PM vows to meet people’s basic needs
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday said that price hikes and other crises were inherited, however, his government would provide relief to the masses.
He was speaking at a seminar organized on the performance of the new Pakistani government during its first 100 days.
Gilani said that wheat, rice, sugar and other food commodities were not available in the market when he assumed the office. However, necessary measures have been taken to overcome the crisis since then, he said
Iran tests short-range missiles: Report
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran's Revolutionary Guards Sunday tested several new short-range missiles and launchers during its military manoeuvres, the Press TV reported.
Military spokesman General Hossein Salami said the military manoeuvres called "Great Prophet IV" were aimed at "increasing the country's defensive capability in case of a long-lasting foreign invasion".
He said assessing recent technical developments and tactical progress made in the surface-to-surface missile system was among the objectives of the manoeuvres.
NATO defeat in Afghanistan a real possibility
By IRNA
London : Former High Representative to Bosnia Paddy Ashdown Wednesday called for a new Nato strategy in Afghanistan, not a "disconnected collection of unco-ordinated tactics."
Ashdown, who was rejected for the post as the UN's special envoy in Afghanistan by President Hamid Karzai, warned that the transatlantic alliance will lose if it does not start doing things differently.
Bangladesh aims to cut poverty rate to 15 percent
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is working on a plan to cut its poverty rate to 15 percent by 2021, Local Government Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said Sunday.
Inaugurating the 2nd ministerial meeting of the Centre of Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in Dhaka, he said Bangladesh wants CIRDAP to play a vital role for poverty alleviation and development of poorer nations, Xinhua reported.
D8 countries support to speed accession of Iran into WTO
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : The Developing 8 countries (D8) reaffirmed their support of the speedy accession of Iran into the World Trade Organization (WTO), the grouping said in a declaration adopted here on Tuesday.
International financial and trade system is an important component of international cooperation and should be fair, transparent and non discriminatory, according to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration adopted at the end of the 6th D8 Summit.
Kouchner regrets Israeli economic blockades of territories
By KUNA
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who returned February 17 after a two-day visit to the Palestinian territories and Israel, complained during talks to the Israeli leadership about the lack of progress in Palestinian, economic projects due to Israeli blockades.
It was the third trip to the region by Kouchner since he took up his post last May, and he once again emphasized the need to move forward with core negotiations to arrive at a peace agreement by the end of 2008, French officials indicated here Monday.
Expat Indians in Gulf rally to help India’s flood hit
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : The large expatriate Indian community in the Gulf is mobilising its resources to provide aid to victims of the floods that hit India's northern and eastern regions last month.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), members of the Indian community have contributed over Rs.14 million ($300,000), which would be sent as aid to flood victims in the worst hit states of Bihar and Orissa.
Afghanistan hands over son of Pakistani scientist held by US
By DPA,
Islamabad : Afghan authorities have handed over to Pakistan's embassy in Kabul the son of a Pakistani scientist allegedly linked to Al Qaeda, and held in US custody, officials said.
Aafia Siddiqui, 36, a US-educated neuroscientist, has been charged in a Manhattan court with assault on and attempted murder of her US investigators. She was arrested in Afghanistan's Ghazni province July 17.
Top rebel leader, 12 insurgents captured in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan troops have arrested 12 Taliban insurgents, while a top rebel was captured in Uruzgan province in the southern part of the country.
Troops with support from the US-led coalition forces have arrested a dozen Taliban insurgents in operations in Khost province in the east and Nimroz province in the southwest, a statement from the US-led coalition forces said Thursday.
The military operations were carried out Wednesday.
Suspected IS member arrested in Bangladesh
Dhaka : A suspected member of the Islamic State (IS) radical group has been arrested in Bangladesh capital Dhaka, a media report said on...
3 Afghan soldiers killed, 3 injured in roadside blast
By NNN-Xinhua
Kabul : Three Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed and three more injured as an ANA vehicle was struck by a roadside mine while patrolling in southern Afghanistan's Musa Qala district Wednesday morning, the district chief said.
Musa Qala, a known Taliban heartland in Afghanistan's troubled Helmand province, was regained by Afghan government forces during an early December major offensive launched with assistance from foreign troops.
Banned outfits held responsible for suicide attacks in Pakistan
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : The Pakistani Interior Ministry Spokesman Brig ® Javed Iqbal Cheema Friday said that banned outfits and extremist elements are behind terrorist and suicide attacks in the country.
Expressing deep sorrow over killing of 22 persons and police officials in a suicide attack in Lahore, he said, “extremist groups, lose groups, tribal miscreants, banned Jehadi groups and anti-state elements may be involved in these attacks in the country.”
Bangladesh moves further towards much awaited general elections in December
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladesh moves one step forward toward the much awaited general elections as the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed announced the ninth parliamentary elections will be held on Dec. 18 this year.
A new parliament will be elected and a new political government will be formed after a lapse of two years.
Taliban asks Pakistan’s tribesmen to grow beards
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Taliban has asked tribesmen in Pakistan's northwestern region to grow beards within two months or else face punishment under the Islamic laws, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported Monday.
Senior Taliban leaders have passed the order during a meeting of tribesmen at a mosque in Bajaur tribal agency, the report said.
The Taliban said anyone who disobeys their instructions would be punished in accordance with the Islamic laws.
UAE group wins at Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
By IANS,
Sharjah: The Kalimat Publishing House from Sharjah has won the best cookbook translation award in the UAE at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2012.
Middle East peace process needs to move faster, Blair
By KUNA,
London : Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday the Middle East peace process needs to move faster if there is to be any chance of an agreement this year.
In an exclusive interview with the satellite TV station 'Sky News' in the West Bank town of Jenin, Blair also said Israel must do more to lift restrictions on the Palestinians to improve their economy.
12 killed in Iraq violence
Baghdad : At least 12 people were killed and 61 others injured in two deadly attacks in central and northern Iraq Sunday, police...
Libya’s renegade general forces launch air strikes
Benghazi (Libya) : Warplanes belonging to the renegade general Khalifa Haftar launched Sunday three air strikes targeting military bases in Libya's Benghazi city, a...
Two die in clash over power outage in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least two people were killed in a clash Wednesday between police and a mob protesting power outages in Pakistan's Punjab province.
The protesters threw stones and blocked the Grand Trunk Road between Islamabad and Peshawar, even as hundreds of angry people clashed with police, Xinhua reported citing police officials.
Police fired in the air to disperse the demonstrators. They later said that two people died during the protest.
UN condemns attack on Indian consulate in Afghanistan
United Nations : The UN Security Council has condemned an attack by gunmen on an Indian consulate in Afghanistan, stressing that "terrorism in all...
Attorney: Decision on whether to indict Olmert to be made soon
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli State Attorney Moshe Lador said Monday that a decision will be made soon on whether to indict Prime Minister Ehud Olmert over the ongoing "money envelopes" investigation, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported onits website.
The evidences the prosecutors have gathered against Olmert, whois suspected of taking illicit money from American businessman Morris Talansky, will soon be submitted to Attorney General Menahem Mazuz, who will then decide whether to take Olmert to court, said Lador.
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A NATO soldier was killed in southern Afghanistan on Monday, the military alliance said.
Iraq’s Shias want referendum on US troop presence
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's Shia leadership indicated Friday that it would press the Baghdad government for a national referendum on the issue of a further stationing of US forces in the country.
Imam Sadreddin al Kabandji said at the Friday prayers in the Shia holy city of Najaf: "The Iraqi nation regards with concern the Iraqi-American treaty whose contents are not exactly known."
Pakistan rejects UN, EU calls to halt executions
Islamabad : The Pakistan government has rejected calls by the UN and the European Union (EU) to revive moratorium on execution of convicts, a...
Morsi jailbreak trial adjourned to Sep 21
Cairo : The Cairo Criminal Court adjourned to Sunday the trial of deposed president Mohamad Morsi and 130 others over the jailbreak from Wadi...
Endangered sea turtles begin nesting on Abu Dhabi beach
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Hawksbill turtles, a critically endangered species, have begun assembling in the coastal area of Abu Dhabi for nesting.
A group of sea turtles have begun nesting on Bu Tinah Island. Last week, 5 nests were seen and the number is expected to increase over the coming months, said the researchers of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD).
The Hawksbill turtles have been arriving onto the beach to nest as night falls on the Island. They were seen to be digging a pit in the sand, laying their eggs, covering it with sand and then returning to the sea.
US air strikes unlikely to stop Islamic State, says Pentagon
Washington: US air strikes have temporarily slowed the Islamist militants' momentum in Iraq, but are unlikely to stop its overall advances, a defence department...
Maldives is a model for democracy in Islamic world: Nasheed
By IANS,
New Delhi : Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed Tuesday said his country was a model for bringing democracy into an Islamic nation.
The 41-year-old Nasheed Tuesday began his first-ever foreign visit since becoming the president of the Indian Ocean nation of over 200 major islands, defeating Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been in office for 30 years. He arrived here Tuesday afternoon on a three-day state visit.
"We are the only 100 percent Muslim country able to come up with a home-grown" democracy, Nasheed said while addressing business chambers here.
Pakistani forces kill 40 militants in an operation, 30 arrested
By KUNA
Islamabad : Security forces, after a large-scale operation Thursday, claimed killing 40 militants and arresting 30 others in South Waziristan tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan.
Forty miscreants were killed while 30 others apprehended in an operation by the security agencies in South Waziristan on Thursday, said military spokesman, Athar Abbas in a statement.
Britain, France, Germany call for UN Afghan conference
By Xinhua,
Paris : The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have called on the UN to hold a new international conference on the future of Afghanistan, officials said here Wednesday.
In a joint letter to the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a meeting to discuss the progress in Afghanistan.
Former aide to Haneya backs Abbas’ ceasefire offer
By Xinhua
Gaza : A former spokesman for Gaza Hamas leader Ismail Haneya on Saturday voiced support to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' call for a mutual ceasefire.
"I think the Palestinian parties must carefully evaluate and study the situation in Gaza Strip in a way to promote the national interest of the people," Ghazi Hamad, spokesman for the former Hamas government, told reporters in Gaza.
13,000 women own 20,000 companies in UAE
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The number of Emirati businesswomen has crossed 13,000 who together control over 20,000 business establishments in the country, an official said.
U.S.-Iran talks on Iraqi security to start in a few days
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Talks between the United States and Iran on security in Iraq will start in the next few days, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Tuesday.
"The next round of talks will get underway in a few days. We hope the talks will help improve the situation in and surrounding Iraq," Zebari told a news conference in Moscow.
The minister confirmed Iranian ISNA news agency reports on Saturday that the fourth round of U.S.-Iranian talks on Iraq could take place in Baghdad next week.
Musharraf in France for talks with Sarkozy
By KUNA
Paris : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is meeting late Tuesday with French leader Nicolas Sarkozy as part of a two-day visit here within a broader four-nation, European tour.
The Pakistani President arrived Monday night in the French capital and will kick off his contacts Tuesday in the late morning with a speech before the French Institute for Foreign Relations (IFRI), a renowned think tank here.
Musharraf will hold talks with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner over lunch and meet with Sarkozy in the evening.
Egyptian president urges measures to tackle overpopulation
By RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has declared a nationwide campaign to slow down population growth in the Arab world's most populous nation.
Speaking at a national conference on population, Mubarak urged the government, the private sector, and civil society to take measures against overpopulation - something he called a "major challenge" to the country's development.
Egypt is suffering from rampant unemployment and some 40 % of the population lives below or $2 per day.
Casualties as bomber hit foreign forces convoy in eastern Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : Four foreign soldiers and three civilians were injured in a suicide attack on a foreign forces convoy in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday.
NATO officials in Kabul confirmed the attack on the convoy in the city of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province, and said some soldiers were injured. The blast was also confirmed by Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman Zmaray Bashari but he would not give details about the casualties.
Report: Operations against PKK continue in southeastern Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Operations launched by the Turkish security forces in southeastern Turkey to neutralize the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) are continuing, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
Reinforcement units have been dispatched to the region to join the operations that are underway in Bestler-Dereler region, Gabar, Kato and Kupeli mountains, according to the report.
It added that operations, backed by Sikorsky helicopters, particularly intensified along the Turkish-Iraqi border.
UAE to develop programmes to curb child abuse
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates will develop comprehensive, professional and academic programmes for fighting sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
A committee for protection of children under the ministry of interior will look into the matter.
There is a need for educational and awareness programmes targeting children and be infused into the school syllabus given the nature of each level, Major General Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the office of deputy prime minister and minister of interior.
11 Bangladesh’s opposition party activists killed in accident
By DPA,
Dhaka: At least 11 opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists were killed and dozens injured Sunday in a road accident in the southern district of Khulna, party officials said.
The accident occurred 200 km south-west of the capital Dhaka, when a truck collided head on with the bus carrying the activists to an anti-government rally in Khulna City.
Police said nine people were killed on the spot while two others succumbed to their injuries at Khulna Medical College Hospital.
Thirty-five others were being treated for injuries, they said.
Dhaka orders army pullout from restive Chittagong region
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has ordered its biggest troops pullout from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), its restive southeastern region that is home to minority Buddhist tribals.
The decision to withdraw a brigade of troops including three infantry battalions and 35 security camps was announced Wednesday, honouring a treaty signed 12 years ago.
"This withdrawal process will start immediately and will conclude in September 2009," an Inter Service Public Relations department release said.
Pakistan ready to restore sacked judges Friday?
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's lawyers Thursday continued their march towards the capital as speculation intensified that the government was ready to give in to their demand and order the restoration of judges -- but also keep on the existing Supreme Court judges.
"They (lawyers) are probably coming to Islamabad for picnic - they will have lunch and go back," commented ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Farzana Raja.
Pakistan-India Boost new Measures
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : Delegations from India and Pakistan met in this capital Monday to analyze new measures to boost confidence between the two countries as part of bilateral peace talks.
The proposals include exact definition of bus service, commercial exchange and trucks through Cachemira control line.
They also boost opening of more borders crossing to make family exchange easier.
Iraqi legislators agree on new election law
By DPA,
Baghdad : An agreement has been reached by the parties in Parliament on a new election law for Iraq's upcoming vote, legislators said Sunday.
If passed, the it would pave the way for voters to head to the polls early next year. However, the legislators questioned whether the needed quorum could be gathered to push the bill into law during a late-night special session of the house.
While details remain cloudy, the main change would be an increase in the number of deputies, from 275 seats to 325 seats, legislator Khaled al-Asadi said.
Coal mine blast kills nine in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : An underground explosion in a coal mine in Pakistan's south-western Balochistan province killed nine people, a media report said Sunday.
The blast ripped through a gas-filled mine Saturday at the Marwar coalfield, located 80 km from the provincial capital, Quetta.
Rescuers recovered the bodies after a search operation that continued through Saturday night, local official Farooq Ahmad was quoted as saying by the Geo News television channel.
Pakistan envoy meets Nitish Kumar
By IANS,
Patna : Pakistan's High Commissioner Salman Bashir met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here Thursday ahead of his visit to Pakistan next month, an official said.
By-elections for 4th Experts Assembly to be held on June 12
By IRNA,
Tehran : By-elections for the fourth Experts Assembly will be held in Tehran and northern Golestan Province concurrent with the 10th presidential elections on June 12.
The Interior Ministry’s Elections Headquarters said Tuesday that candidacy list sign-up is also slated for April 2-8.
At least 15 militants killed in search for escaped Afghan prisoners
By Xinhua,
Kabul : At least 15 insurgents were killed by Afghan National Army (ANA) and Coalition forces in Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan, during a search for escaped prisoners from Kandahar City, the U.S.-led Coalition said Sunday.
"More than 15 insurgents were killed and five suspects were taken into custody by the ANA" Saturday in a farming compound west of Rawonay, Kandahar province, the Coalition said in a statement.
Bangladesh ex-army chief arrested in graft case
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh army chief of staff Gen (retd) Mustafizur Rahman was arrested here Sunday in a graft case charging him of purchasing Mig-29 warplanes causing loss to the country.
He was arrested and detained at Apollo Hospital in capital Dhaka where he was undergoing heart treatment.
Hamas: Abbas signals signs for factional reconciliation
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have signaled positive signs towards solving the Palestinian political crisis, mainly disputes with rival Hamas movement, a Hamas official said Wednesday.
Ayman Dharaghma, a Hamas parliamentarian, said Abbas told a Hamas delegation during a meeting took place at Abbas' office in Ramallah on Monday, a rare event since Hamas takeover of Gaza, that "it is necessary to work on overcoming the internal Palestinian impasse."
Over five million kids affected by Syria conflict: Unicef
Geneva: Some 5.5 million Syrian children fell victims to the three-year-old crisis in the war-torn country, the UN Children's Fund (Unicef) said Tuesday while...
Marriott blast suspect arrested in Karachi
By IANS,
Karachi: An Al Qaeda operative who is believed to have masterminded the deadly bombing of Islamabad's Marriott Hotel last year was arrested here Sunday, a media report said.
Officials described Muhammad Anwar as a local commander of the Al Qaeda network and said he is believed have masterminded the Marriott Hotel attack in which more than 50 people had died.
The police have also arrested three of his accomplices, while four others managed to flee, Geo TV said, citing unnamed officials.
Arab FMs conclude meeting, approve agenda of Arab Summit
By KUNA
Damascus : Arab Foreign Ministers ended here Thursday their preparatory meeting ahead of the Arab Summit to be held next Saturday.
A source close to the meeting told KUNA that important draft-communique on inter-Arab relations and the Arab-Israeli conflict would be presented to the Arab leaders' summit on Saturday.
On Mideast Peace, the source indicated that the Foreign Ministers called for a just solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict which ensures the rights of Palestinians and other Arab nations.
Over 50 journalists killed in line of duty
By NNN-Bernama,
New Delhi : Fifty-four journalists have been reported killed while in the line of duty so far this year, with the majority of the deaths in volatile Pakistan and Philippines.
According to the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), data on "media persons killed" until September, journalists, largely in developing and war-torn countries, fell victim.
"It's so unfortunate that journalists who were willing to work in difficult conditions were killed. There is no security for them in countries without democracy, their voices are often muffled.
Mortgage market growth boosts life cover sales in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed a growing demand for life insurance policies even as the mortgage market is increasingly adopting global insurance practices to back mortgage applications.
According to recent research conducted by Swiss Re, the life insurance market in the UAE, which stood at $386 million in 2006, is poised to touch $676 million by 2010.
Let us make peace, Israel tells Arab world
By Vishnu Makhijani, IANS,
Astana : Israel Wednesday utilised the platform of a global faith conference to reach out to the Arab world to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East.
"I call on his excellency, the king of Saudi Arabia, to meet wherever you wish, in Jerusalam, in Riyadh, in this beautiful country of Kazakhstan; we will be able to realise your vision (of peace in the Middle East)," Israeli President Shimon Peres said.
Palestinian talks still stalled on unity cabinet platform
By DPA,
Gaza City/Cairo : Palestinian factions had agreed in Cairo that the unity government they are trying to form will be a transitional one that would prepare for new elections to be held no later than Jan 25, 2010, Hamas has said.
But the sides had reached no breakthrough Wednesday on the government's platform, with the main point of disagreement remaining whether it should endorse past interim peace deals signed by the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), expressing recognition of Israel and calling for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.
Palestinian fighters fire missiles, engage Israeli troops in ground clashes
By KUNA
Gaza : Locally-made rockets fired from north Gaza targeted the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Sunday and Palestinian gunmen engaged in ground clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank.
A spokesman of the Israeli Army said a pair of missiles, unleashed from the north of Gaza Strip, hit an uninhabited area near Sdeort, causing no losses.
US talks about international support to bring order to Lebanon
By KUNA,
Washington : The United States has indicated that the international community may help the Lebanese government bring order on the streets after days of clashes in the embattled country.
"We might support the Lebanese government in their efforts to work on behalf of the Lebanese people, help bring some order to the streets of Beirut and to Lebanon in the face of what is a direct challenge from Hezbollah," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack in a press briefing Monday.
Omar Abdullah visits areas affected by Pakistani shelling
Jammu : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday visited areas hit by Pakistani shelling to express solidarity with affected families and to...
Pakistan forces kill nine Taliban along Afghan border
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces killed at least nine Taliban militants in a clash in the country's lawless tribal areas along the Afghan border, an army spokesman said late Friday.
"In the Bajaur tribal district today, a militants' attack in Rashkai area was successfully repulsed. Nine militants were killed and around a dozen more injured," Major Murad Khan told DPA.
Israel tightens West Bank security following suicide-bombing threats
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli army imposed blockade on a West Bank city for the second day which aimed to thwart possible suicide attacks on the Jewish state, Palestinian security sources said on Monday.
The security sources said that Israeli army prevented men under 35 years old from leaving Jenin city in northern West Bank and tightened procedures on the checkpoints.
Israel said the closure was imposed following alerts that members of the Islamic Jihad movement in Jenin plan to carry out suicide attacks on Israel.
Promote culture to defeat terror: Pakistani minister
By IANS,
Islamabad: Terrorism can be defeated with the help of strong cultural values, a Pakistani minister has said.
Make food a constitutional right: experts
By IANS,
Islamabad : The right to food should be enshrined in the constitution to protect millions of vulnerable Pakistanis from soaring food prices, a group of experts has urged.
At the conclusion of a week-long forum Monday on the food crisis, organised by ActionAid Pakistan's Sustainable Agriculture Action Group, the experts and representatives of civil society organisations also finalised policy proposals for the government, including substantial support for 72.1 million Pakistanis or 44.4 percent of the population.
Jordan lawmakers observe minute’s silence to support Iraqi reporter
By DPA,
Amman : Jordanian lawmakers observed a minute's silence in a show of support for Iraqi reporter Montazer al-Zaidi, who hurled his shoes at US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad earlier this week, media reports said Thursday.
The move came in response to a proposal by Deputy Speaker Tayseer Shdeifat, who also urged the lower chamber to issue a statement demanding his release.
"Zaidi will remain a symbol of defending Arab dignity which (Bush) vanquished in 2003," by invading Iraq, pro-government member of parliament Najeh Momani said.
Iraq declares holiday amid 50 degree scorcher
By IANS,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government declared Monday as a holiday in central and southern parts of the country after temperatures crossed 50 degrees Celsius, Xinhua reported.
103 People Killed In Military Operation In Pakistan
By Bernama,
Islamabad : 103 people, including 58 militants and 12 security troops, have been killed in the ongoing military operation in northwestern Pakistan's Swat valley, local media reported on Saturday.
The casualties also include about 30 civilians, China's Xinhua news agency quoting the local newspaper, as saying here.
The Pakistan security forces launched the major offensive in Swat valley on Tuesday after local Taliban kidnapped 25 police and paramilitary soldiers from a police station.
Bird flu in Bangladesh: 100,000 birds culled
By IANS,
Dhaka : Around 100,000 birds have been culled and 250,000 eggs destroyed in Bangladesh following a major outbreak of avian flu on the outskirts of the capital, officials said Wednesday.
Musharraf on a four-nation visit to improve Pakistan”s image abroad
By KUNA
Ialamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Sunday embarked upon a four-nation tour to improve Pakistan's image abroad and clear misperceptions created after he imposed over a month long emergency in the country and the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The President will be visiting Belgium, France, Switzerland and the UK.
Four killed in Pakistan blast
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and 29 others wounded after a blast hit Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta Wednesday night, police...
India ready to share more information, wants Pakistan reply on Mumbai
By IANS,
New Delhi : In a scathing attack on the Pakistan government's attitude towards the 26/11 Mumbai dossier, India Sunday stressed that it has yet to receive any reply through diplomatic channels, even while offering to share more information with Islamabad if needed.
"Pakistan has not given India any information as a reply to the dossier through diplomatic channels. All we have heard so far on the dossier is from the media," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Sunday.
Text of Khurshid’s statement on killings of soldiers
By IANS,
New Delhi : Text of External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid's statement on the killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistan:
10 Pakistanis die after drinking cough syrup
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people have died in Pakistan's Lahore metropolis after they drank a toxic cough syrup bought from two local medical stores.
Pakistan official says Zardari to win clear majority in presidential election
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A Pakistani official said Tuesday that Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari will have a sweeping election victory in the presidential election scheduled on Sept. 6.
Pakistan's Information Minister Sherry Rahman told media that three provincial assemblies in the country have passed resolutions giving full support to Zardari and, therefore, there was no hurdle in his sweeping victory in the presidential election.
Sharif, Zardari challenge Musharraf to convene parliament
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : In their first show of strength after the polls, Pakistan's opposition parties Wednesday challenged President Pervez Musharraf to call a session of the newly elected parliament and said parties backed by him had failed to muster support.
"This is the time that Musharraf should step down," former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said while addressing the meeting of 173 newly elected members of the National Assembly.
Al Qaeda leaders killed in Pakistan’s US drone attacks
Islamabad : The Al Qaeda has said that six of its leaders were killed during US drone attacks in Pakistan's North Waziristan region, media...
Sigh of relief among Lebanese after announcement of Doha accord
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : The Lebanese are finally breathing at ease after their majority and opposition representatives announced an accord reached in the six-day Doha-sponsored national dialogue.
In remarks to KUNA, Taleb Salloum said he was overjoyed over the accord, "after the spark of civil war cost hundreds of lives and left many others injured."
"Such agreement would not have been possible without Arab, and more specifically Qatari, support and effort to surmount all obstacles and impediments," he noted.
Five killed in Afghanistan roadside blast
By Xinhua
Kabul : Five people, including a child, were killed Tuesday when their vehicle hit a mine in the eastern Afghan province of Khost, an interior ministry official said.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in Yaqubi district when the police van struck a mine presumably planted by Taliban insurgents, killing all five on board, said an official on condition of anonymity.
The victims include four policemen and one child who was accompanying his father in the van, he said.
There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.
Pakistan summons Dutch envoy over anti-Qur’an film: spokesman
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the Dutch ambassador in Islamabad to the Foreign Ministry and a demarche was made over an anti-Qur'an film, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at his weekly news briefing that Pakistan has also raised the issue in Brussels, Vatican and The Hague, urging European countries to take action as they had earlier taken in cases involving sensitivity of other communities.
Civilian deaths ‘serious setback’ to Afghan surge – UK military chief
By IRNA,
London : Britain’s Chief of the Defence Staff admitted Monday that the killing of 12 civilians in Helmand had damaged Operation Moshtarak's efforts to win support of local communities in Afghanistan.
"It is a very serious setback,” Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said after a rocket missed its target and hit a house in Marjah at the start of the biggest military offensive in Afghanistan since the 2001 joint US-UK invasion.
Karzai condemns killing of Afghan nationals by Pakistani Taliban
By KUNA,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the killing of two Afghan nationals by Taliban militants in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
A statement from Karzai's office, released on Sunday, said the act was barbaric and against Islam. The Afghan leader conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the two slain Afghans.
No incentive can replace Iran’s N-rights: Envoy
By IRNA,
Moscow : Iran's Ambassador to Russia Gholam-Reza Ansari said here Wednesday that no incentive can replace and be equal to Iran's nuclear rights.
Ansari told Radio Echo Moscow, "We just want our rights in the field and principally we are not seeking any concessions in that connection."
Asked about the G5+1 package of incentives proposed to Iran, Ansari said, "Though having no information about content of the Group's package, we hope that the incentives will in spirit be different from what has been offered to Iran over the past few years."
OIC wants ICC to bring Israeli leaders to justice
By IRNA
Dakar : The head of the world's largest organization after the United Nations, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference called on the International Criminal Court to bring Israeli leaders to justice for "heinous" attacks against civilians living in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the 57-nation body told an OIC summit in Senegal that Israeli leaders have committed war crimes against Palestinians.
FM: Blast outside Danish embassy damages Pakistan’s image
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said on Monday that the blast outside Danish embassy in Islamabad has damaged the country's image.
The suicide car bombing at about 1:00 p.m. local time killed at least eight people, including two Pakistani policemen at the embassy, and wounded nearly 30 others.
Bashir visited the Danish embassy to express sympathies with the charge'd affairs over the deadly blast.
"The blast has damaged image of our country," Bashir told reporters outside the embassy building.
Global women leaders conference begins in Dubai
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: Women leaders, ministers, academics and entrepreneurs have gathered in Dubai for the 16th Global Women Leaders Conference (Woibex).
Pakistan, Turkish air forces launch joint exercises
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani and Turkish air forces on Monday launched a 10-day joint exercise, according to a statement from Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The exercises code-named "Indus Viper" were launched at Pakistan Air Force base in eastern Pakistan's Punjab province, the PAF statement said.
Turkish Air Force contingent arrived with five F-16 C/D aircraft and 50 personnel at the PAF base to participate in the exercise.
The ten-day multi-dimensional exercise, in which the combat crew will be exposed to near realistic scenarios, would end on April 29.
Peace with Damascus to reverse strategic situation – Israeli minister
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Minister of Infrastructure Binyamin Ben-Eliezer has said that Israeli-Syrian peace will change the strategic situation in the Middle East region as a whole.
Speaking to the Israel Radio Tuesday, the minister claimed that peace with Syria would isolate Iran and silence Hezbollah.
He said that Israel would see genuine peace with Syria and would be ready to pay any price for such peace and coexistence with Syria.
killed in Iran bus crash
By IINA,
Tehran : Twenty-one people were killed and 11 injured when a bus collided with an oncoming truck in western Iran. The accident took place around midday (0730 GMT) yesterday between the towns of Hamedan and Malayer, the Iranian Etemad newspaper reported. It said the bus had been speeding at the time of the collision and that the truck had been overtaking illegally.
At least 100,000 people have been killed in road traffic accidents over the past five years in a country of some 70 million people.
Ban rejects reports of UN withdrawl from Afghanistan
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday rejected reports that the United Nations is pulling out of Afghanistan, saying its work in the war-torn country will continue.
Speculation about the U.N.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan was touched off by Thursday’s announcement that it will temporarily relocate some of its staff owing to security concerns.
13 killed in clash over water in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 13 people were killed Thursday in a fresh clash between two tribal groups over water dispute in Pakistan's northwestern Kurram region.
Thousands take to streets in Syria
By IANS,
Damascus : Thousands of people took to streets to stage anti-government protests Friday in various cities of Syria.
Two bomb explosions target Iraqi Army patrol, officer killed
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two roadside bombs detonated coordinately near an Iraqi Army foot-patrol in western Baghdad on Sunday, killing an officer and wounding four of his soldiers, an Interior Ministry source said.
The attack took place around 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) when the two roadside bombs went off in a quick succession near the foot-patrol in the 14th Ramadan Street in Mansour district, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Two civilians were also wounded by the blasts along with damaging several nearby shops and buildings, he said.
Iran warns it may limit cooperation with IAEA
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iran's government has warned it may limit cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressing disappointment over the recent IAEA report.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said Sunday the IAEA could present a better report, adding Iran may have to set new limits on its cooperation with the agency.
Iran's newly elected parliament speaker Ali Larijani made a similar threat Wednesday. Larijani was formerly the country's top nuclear negotiator, according to a report of the Associated Press.
Israel`s 22-day-old war on Hamas in Gaza in figures
By ANTARA News,
Jerusalem : Israel on Saturday announced a unilateral halt to a 22-day-old war on Hamas in Gaza, the Jewish state's deadliest offensive ever on the Palestinian enclave launched in response to rocket fire from the territory.
Herewith some figures from the offensive:
Palestinian victims, according to Gaza medics:
-- 1,205 killed, including:
-- 410 children (under 16)
-- 108 women
-- 113 elderly men
-- 14 medics
-- 4 journalists
-- 5,300 wounded
Israeli victims, according to medics:
Suicide blast kills 53, injures 40 in S. Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : At least 53 people were killed and 40 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar Sunday, the police said.
The blast occurred at a place where hundreds of people gathered to watch a dog fighting competition.
A police official on condition of anonymity confirmed that 53 people were killed and 40 injured in the explosion.
There has been no official statement on the incident yet. A Taliban spokesman while reached by media via phone did not make any comment either.
14 militants lay down arms in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Fourteen Taliban militants laid down their arms and joined the government-initiated peace process in Afghanistan's Herat province, a media report said Sunday.
"A group of 14 Taliban fighters under Mullah Taza Gul handed over their weapons and joined the peace process Saturday," Xinhua quoted a statement of the National Security Directorate as saying.
These militants were active in Shindand district, the statement said.
Indian fighter jets violate Pakistan air space :Geo TV
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Indian fighter planes Saturday violated Pakistan's air space by entering two places in Kashmir and Lahore.
Planes of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which were already on alert, quickly came into action and forced the India's fighter jets to leave Pakistan air space, Geo TV sources said.
The sources further said that the Indian planes were fully equipped with warheads.
Meanwhile, a state run TV channel has reported that a loud blast was heard in Arabian Sea between Badin and Jati cities Saturday night.
However, further details about the blast were not received.
Sarkozy in Afghanistan after deadly attack on French soldiers
By DPA,
Kabul : French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Kabul Wednesday to visit his country's troops and meet his Afghan counterpart, a day after 10 French soldiers were killed and 21 were wounded in a Taliban attack.
Sarkozy visited French troops in Camp Warehouse on the eastern outskirts of Kabul Wednesday morning and paid his respects to the dead soldiers, a diplomatic source who declined to be named said.
Israel does not distinguish between combatants and civilians: HRW
By IRNA,
New York : Israel has come under increasing international criticism for the growing number of civilian casualties of this war and for complicating efforts by aid and rights groups to help those caught in the cross-fire.
22 dead as blast rocks Rawalpindi
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : At least 22 people were killed Monday morning when a massive explosion went off close to a hotel and a bank in this garrison city. The blast occurred barely 500 metres from the Pakistani Army Headquarters that came under Taliban attack less than three weeks back.
Hospital sources said that as many as 22 people were killed while 15 were wounded, some critically, when the blast occurred at 10.40 a.m., Geo TV reported.
Project Islamic countries as homogenous force: Morocco
Jeddah : Islamic countries need to impose themselves as a homogeneous and influential force to address the problems besetting the Islamic world, Morocco's Minister...
PML-N plans to take back PML House
By IRNA
Islamabad : PML-N is planning to take back PML House which was captured by PML-Q after dismissal of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's government in 1999.
The PML House is located in Margalla Road. The PML-Q prominent leaders are wrapping their luggage and the future of the staff of the House is also uncertain.
After capturing the PML House the Presidentship of PML-Q was bestowed to Mian Muhammad Azhar, but later deprived him from the slot.
Pakistan President to work with new govt according to constitution
By NNN-APP
Rawalpindi : President Pervez Musharraf said the winning party or a coalition would form the next government and he would work with it according to the constitution.
Talking to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is Co-Chair of the Pakistan Caucus on the Hill, at the President’s Camp Office here on Monday he said there was no conflict in his role with the Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution, which was based on the parliamentary system.
Police chief of town that saw violence removed
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh Thursday removed the police chief of Khagrachharhi Sadar town that witnessed violence against Buddhist tribals in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
Mohammed Shahriar Khan was transferred to Rajshahi in the western region eight days after clashes between the tribals and Bengali-speaking Muslims, Star Online reported.
The government says one person was killed in the violence that saw tribal places of worship being vandalized. The tribals claimed six people died.
Hamas re-controls Gaza after 22 days of Israeli offensive
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The police forces that belongs to the deposed government of Islamic Hamas movement re-controlled the Gaza Strip on Monday following an end of 22-day Israeli military offensive on the enclave.
Palestinian witnesses in Gaza City said that they saw dozens of Hamas interior ministry traffic policemen standing at main streets crossroads in the city to organize the traffic.
Remove trust deficit, expedite 26/11 trial: PM told Gilani
By IANS,
New Delhi: In a meeting in Bhutan four days ago, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Pakistani Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani to eliminate trust deficit and asked for expediting action against the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna informed parliament Monday.
Taliban giving Islam, Pakistan a bad name: MQM leader
By Fakir Hassen, IANS,
Johannesburg : The Taliban and Al Qaeda are giving Islam and Pakistan "a bad name" and the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) does not want "mullahs or religious clerics ruling Pakistan", says its exiled chief Altaf Hussain.
Muslims in Belgium celebrate Eid al-Adha
By KUNA,
Brussels : Muslims in Belgium thronged to mosques Monday morning to offer Eid al-Adha prayers. One of the biggest congregations was held in the Islamic Centre in Brussels, close to the EU headquarters, where the khateeb (preacher) in his sermon underlined that Islam is essentially a religion of peace and that a Muslim is a person who does not harm any creature unjustly.
He noted the continued suffering of peoples in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan and condemned the double standards being applied today regarding human rights issues.
Israel releases nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel on Monday released nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners in line with a previously reached understanding with the Palestinian authority of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Palestinian Television said buses boarding 198 released prisoners moved from the Israeli-manned checkpoint of Beitunya in the West Bank, in the direction of Abbas' headquarters in the town of Ramallah.
Thousands of cheering people are awaiting the returning prisoners at the compound of the main building of the Palestinian authority.
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.
Lack of rights hampers progress in Arab nations: UN
By DPA,
New York : The lack of human rights, political and social justice as well as a stable environment has prevented individuals in Arab countries from improving, the UN Development Programme said Tuesday.
The UNDP said human security is a prerequisite for human development. But the widespread absence of security in Arab countries has reduced the ability of an Arab person to make good choices for his or her life.
US funding for Israeli air defence
By IANS,
Washington : The US will give $70 million to help boost Israel's air defence capabilities to thwart rocket attacks by Palestinian militants.
Pakistanis, Bangladeshis blamed for British vote-rigging
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : The use of Biraderis - extended clan or tribal systems - by first generation Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims as well as their political masters is helping fuel widespread rigging of postal votes and other electoral malpractices in Britain, a report said.
Although the majority of those booked for electoral malpractices in Britain have been white males, the report by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, a national charity promoting democratic reform and constitutional change, says half of those convicted are Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.
Suicide explosion in Rawalpindi kills 6, wounds 25 others
By KUNA
Islamabad : Six people at least were killed and some 25 others were wounded in a suicide blast in the city of Rawalpindi on Monday morning.
The blast was outside the main gate of National Logistics Cell (NLC) building, a crisis management organization that works in close cooperation with the army.
Police sources told KUNA that a suspected suicide bomber, riding a motorcycle, rammed into a bus carrying NLC employees while it was entering inside the building.
MH17 crash: Malaysia to hold memorial service
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is scheduled to hold a memorial service in Kuala Lumpur next month to remember the 298 people who were onboard the...
Iranian navy detects US aircraft carrier in drill zone
By IANS,
Tehran : The Iranian naval forces have detected a US aircraft carrier in the area of its ongoing military exercises, said Iranian Navy's deputy commander Seyyed Mahmoud Mousavi.
Saudi Arabia holds its biggest military exercise
By Gulshan Luthra,
Dubai: Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest arms importers, has held its biggest military exercise over two weeks in three theaters...
Pakistan: remittances surge by 30% in past five months, says minister Shaukat Tarin
By NNN-APP,
Karachi : Federal Minister for Finance, Shaukat Tarin, has said that the trend of remittances received in last five months of current fiscal year showed an increase of around 30 percent over the similar period in the last fiscal year.
Addressing a MoU signing ceremony between PRI and PIA held at State Bank of Pakistan, here, he urged the overseas Pakistanis to make sure that they are transferring their hard-earned income through official channels into Pakistan.
Israel concerned about Russia-Syria arms deal
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel voiced concern on Sunday about a reported Russian-Syrian arms agreement, claiming that Damascus could use weapons against Tel Aviv.
US spent $85 bn on contracts in Iraq
By DPA,
Washington : The US government has spent $85 billion paying contractors for work in Iraq since the war began more than five years ago, according to a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
The amount spent, which does not include figures for 2008, accounts for 20 percent of all spending - including military operations - by the US government in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion, CBO said.
Seventy percent of the contracts were for work done in Iraq, and abut 40 percent of the paid contractor personnel were Iraqi citizens, it said.