Dr Fathima Suhail wins Rachel Corrie award
By TCN News,
Kuwait: Abu Sagar, (Sulaiman Bader Al-Makki), former Kuwait Parliament Member, handed over a cash award of Rs 10,001 and an honorable plaque to Dr Fathima Sayed Suhail, who won the first place in the essay competition held by Indo-Kuwait Friendship Society (IKFS).
Arab League chief warns western meddling in Fatah-Hamas talks
By IRNA,
Berlin : The head of the Arab League Amr Moussa warned against western efforts to hinder the Palestinian reconciliation process.
Speaking at a news conference at the end of a one-day Palestinian security conference at the German Foreign Ministry, Moussa stressed that Palestinian reconciliation had to be "encouraged by the international community and not blocked by any power."
He was alluding to US attempts to torpedo the ongoing rapprochement between the Palestinian Fatah organization and Palestine's Islamic Hamas resistance.
Russia Drafts SC Agenda for March
By Prensa Latina
Moscow : Russia, as acting chairman of the UN Security Council, issued its agenda that comprehends the situation in Kosovo, the Middle East, Afghanistan and anti-terror drive.
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitali Churkin said those are among the top priorities on the agenda for its 30-day leadership beginning March 2.
All the members will vote Monday a controversial resolution to tighten the sanctions against Iran but the controversial issue has just passed a late February failed vote under pressures from the US and some western allies.
‘Pakistan, India competing with each other to please US’
By IANS,
Shimla: Pakistan and India are competing with each other to please Washington and this has resulted in the strained relations between them, a senior Pakistani journalist said Saturday.
"Both Pakistan and India are competing each other to please Washington and both following its diktats," Hameed Haroon, chief executive officer of the Dawn Media Group, Pakistan's leading media conglomerate, told reporters here.
Haroon was here to attend a seminar organised by the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
Syria on brink of civil war: Russia
By IANS,
Moscow: Syria faces a catastrophic civil war if both sides in the crisis fail to take advantage of the current ceasefire there, Russia's foreign ministry said.
Yemen to host regional conference on illegal immigration
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Yemen is to host a regional conference over illegal immigration from the east of Africa to Yemen on March 23 in Sana'a the capital.
Chairman of the Yemeni Coastguard Ali Rase told Saba that Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Kenya Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia would take part in the conference, in addition to Yemen.
The conference is organized by the Yemeni Coastguard in cooperation with United States of America, Rase said.
UN chief condemns Boko Haram killings in Nigeria
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the reported killings of hundreds of civilians in Nigeria by Boko Haram militants.
"The Secretary-General is...
Lawyers observe ‘black day’, Nawaz pulls out of cabinet
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The issue of reinstatement of judges, sacked by President Pervez Musharraf last year, was pushed to the centre-stage of Pakistani politics Monday with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz pulling out of the coalition cabinet and lawyers across Pakistan observing a 'black day'.
The PML-N decided to pull out of the cabinet following failure of talks with coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over the restoration of judges.
Canadian soldier killed during fighting in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Ottawa : A Canadian soldier was killed Tuesday during a gun battle with Afghan militants in the south of the country, Canada's Defense Ministry said.
Capt. Richard Leary, 32, platoon commander, was struck when Afghan and Canadian soldiers came under small-arms fire in the Panjwaii district in Kandahar province.
He was flown by helicopter to the multinational trauma unit at Kandahar Airfield, but died of his wounds, the ministry said in a press release.
13 killed as van falls in ravine in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Islamabad : At least 13 people were killed and 14 injured when a passenger van fell into ravine in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Sunday morning, media...
No ceasefire during Ramadan, says Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Sunday the security forces will continue their offensives against the Taliban during the holy month of Ramadan, the Online news agency reported.
"We are not interested in a ceasefire," Malik said. "They haven't kept their commitment in the past. We will continue targeted actions against the Taliban."
The Taliban had announced that it will stop fighting during Ramadan, which began Saturday and is traditionally considered a time of peace.
European Foreign Ministers to discuss Gaza, regional peace, various issues
By NNN-KUNA,
Brussels : Foreign ministers of the European Union member states are scheduled to discuss during a meeting scheduled later on Monday hardships of the besieged Gazans and ties with Israel.
A conference source told KUNA that the ministers, during their two-day conference, would affirm necessity of backing mission of the Quartet in its quest to reach a settlement to the crisis.
They will discuss enhancing the level of ties between the EU and Israel.
Pakistan’s food export rises by 33.5 percent
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's food export rose by 33.5 percent during the first two months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period in 2010-11.
13 labourers abducted in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Thirteen labourers of a construction firm were abducted in Pakistan's Balochistan province, a media report said Friday.
Military action can’t solve Iran nuclear issue: IAEA Chief
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei has warned against military action to solve the Iranian nuclear issue, the Egyptian official MENA news agency reported.
In an interview with Egyptian TV, ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Monday that a military strike to settle the Iranian nuclear issue would complicate the situation and send the Middle East into a vicious cycle of violence.
Pakistan: senate summoned to meet on Aug 25
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Acting President Mohammedmian Soomro has summoned the Senate to meet in the Parliament House, Islamabad on August 25, at 5.00 p.m.
This will be the 46th session of Senate of Pakistan, says a Senate Secretariat statement issued here on Saturday.
12 Farvardin, Islamic Republic of Iran’s Day
By IRNA,
Tehran : The Iranian nation, after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, made the historic and decisive choice of voting for the establishment of an Islamic Republic system through a two-day referendum held in March 1979, prior to April 1.
Over 98.2 percent of Iranians in the referendum voted ’yes’ to the Islamic Republic form of government, and since then April 1 has been observed every year as the Islamic Republic Day and a public holiday.
Seven dead in Pakistan bus attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least seven people were killed in southern Pakistan when gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus, a media report said Friday.
Hamas leader sets out conditions for truce with Israel
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, set out on Wednesday its conditions for a ceasefire with Israel, and said talks were underway with Egypt.
Ismail Haniyeh, the group's prime minister in Gaza, said in a speech delivered at Gaza's Islamic University: "Israelis must commit themselves to ending all acts of aggression against our people, lift the blockade and open the borders."
Call for code of conduct for charity works in Muslim countries
By IINA
Dakar : Humanitarian organizations in the Muslim countries called for mapping out a code of conduct for humanitarian and charitable works in the member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The First Conference of Humanitarian Organizations in the OIC member states, which concluded on Sunday at Sally Portudal resort in Senegal, came out with this proposal. The three-day meeting adopted several recommendations, to be presented to the 11th Summit of OIC, which will begin here on Thursday.
Iraq criticizes U.S. military chief remarks over security pact
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraq on Wednesday criticized remarks made by U.S. military chief Michael Mullen in which he warned Iraqi government of "significant consequences" if it fails to sign U.S. security deal.
"Deeply concerned, the Iraqi government received the comments of Admiral Michael Mullen," Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement.
Rivers around Bangladesh’s capital polluted seriously
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The level of pollution in rivers flowing around Bangladesh's capital Dhaka is so high that no living organism can survive in the waters of these rivers, researchers said.
A three-year research found that the oxygen level of most of the rivers is less than one in per microgram while all species of local fish need 4-6 level of oxygen in per microgram to survive.
The research was conducted by the water resources department, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, leading English newspaper The Daily Star reported Sunday.
80 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan
Kabul : As many as 80 Taliban militants were killed and 47 others injured in military operations across Afghanistan, the country's interior ministry Sunday.
"Afghan...
Palestinian killed, others injured in Israeli attack
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian militant was killed and two others were injured in an Israeli ground attack in eastern Gaza Strip late on Saturday.
According to witnesses, an Israeli tank fired several shells toward a group of Palestinian militants who were stationed in the eastern sector of the strip, killing one and injured many others.
The attack took place in Al-Shujaiya district, close to the Palestinian-Israeli border, causing damage to nearby houses.
Bush urges India, Pakistan to show restraint
By DPA,
Washington : US President George W. Bush telephoned Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday in an attempt to ease tensions following the November terrorist attack in Mumbai.
Bush urged both sides to cooperate in fighting terrorism and called on Zardari to do the same in helping India investigate the Nov 26 attacks that left more than 170 people dead.
Taliban says new offensive begins in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : An attack in western Afghanistan Thursday marked the beginning of a new countrywide offensive by the Taliban aimed at countering the arrival in the coming months of US and NATO reinforcements, the Islamist rebels said.
Mullah Brodar, deputy to Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar, said the new operation, dubbed Nasrat, which means victory, is similar to the Taliban's spring offensives in previous years and would include an increased number of suicide attacks, ambushes and offensive assaults.
Israeli cabinet okays release of five Palestinian prisoners
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : The Israeli cabinet Sunday approved the release of five Palestinian prisoners as part of the final stages of a prisoner exchange deal signed between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah group in July.
The five security prisoners, who were to be released in the coming months, were arrested for stone-throwing, according to the website of local daily Ha'aretz.
Main authority should be stronger than provincial councils – Iraqi PM
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki said he supported the establishment of provincial councils and independent governments in provinces as long as they did not have a higher authority than the central government.
One candidate quits Afghan presidential race
Kabul : Former Afghan defence minister and presidential hopeful Abdul Rahim Wardak withdrew Sunday from the Afghan presidential race leaving nine hopefuls in the...
16 dead in Pakistan drone attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sixteen people died in a US drone attack early Monday in Pakistan.
Two foreigners go missing in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A search operation has been launched after two foreigners - an American and a Canadian - went missing in Afghanistan, police said Sunday.
12 sentenced to death for Mujib’s murder
By IANS,
Dhaka : Twelve people were given the death sentence Thursday for the murder of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members 34 years ago, the country's Supreme court ruled.
Pakistani forces kill over 1,000 terrorists in 9 months
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have killed 1,114 terrorists since the launch of an anti-terror campaign following the deadly December 16 attack on an army-run...
Britain draws up battle plan against Iran
By IANS,
London : Britain is reportedly drawing up a battle plan for a war with Iran as top defence officials believe London will be "sucked into" any new conflict with Tehran.
67 percent Britons want burqa ban
By IANS,
London : A majority of Britons - around 67 percent - want to see the burqa banned in the country.
Earlier in the week, members of parliament in France voted to outlaw the full Islamic veil in public. A poll by YouGov showed that two-thirds of the British public would like to see their government follow suit, the Daily Express reported.
Over 2,000 Britons were asked whether the burqa should be banned in Britain. Some 67 percent said yes, while that figure rose to 80 percent among people aged 55 or over.
Bangladeshi writer cleared of sedition charges
By IANS,
Dhaka : Prominent Bangladeshi writer and poet Shahriar Kabir, who visited India to meet minority Hindu families that had fled his country following poll-time violence in 2001, has been cleared of sedition charges by the country's Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Shahriar Kabir, who met a cross-section of opinion-makers, including then Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as part of an effort to convene a South Asian conference against religious exremism, was arrested here on his return from Kolkata in December 2001.
Thank you India! says Pakistan with box of mangoes
By Arvind Padmanabhan, IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday received an unexpected, yet pleasant, gift from Pakistan when a box of choicest mangoes arrived at his office, sent with the best compliments of his counterpart from across the border.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani sent the delicious shipment to Manmohan Singh, soon after accepting India's $5 million assistance toward flood relief in Pakistan.
Three Pakistanis on Gaza flotilla return home
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three Pakistanis, including prominent TV anchor Talat Hussain, who were detained after an Israeli raid on a Gaza aid convoy, have returned home to a warm welcome.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik, relatives of the freed men, civil society representatives and journalists from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were on hand to greet them at the Benazir International Bhutto Airport late Thursday and showered them with rose petals, Geo News reported.
Fatah militants hold top Hamas leader as hostage in Nablus
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Militants belong to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement held on Saturday a senior Hamas leader as a hostage in the West Bank city of Nablus.
The militants, who belong to Fatah's armed wing, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, said that Mohamed Ghazzal would be killed within the coming a few hours if Hamas security forces don't stop its raid on a pro-Fatah clan in Gaza City.
Taliban, Al Qaeda disown Peshawar blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Taliban and the Al Qaeda have distanced themselves from the deadly market blast in Peshawar that claimed 105 lives, saying they don't explode bombs in such areas, reported a Pakistani paper Thursday.
The News quoted an Al Qaeda statement as saying the group was not involved in the killing of innocent people. Most of those killed in the blast were women and children.
Amid furore, Trump disowns Muslim database idea
Washington : As his call to create a database to track Muslims in America created a political furore, Donald Trump said the idea was...
I wanted to walk out of Agra summit: Musharraf
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf has said he wanted to walk out of the failed 2001 Agra summit but was dissuaded from doing so by a senior official.
His frustration, he told reporters in New York, stemmed from the fact that then Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had twice refused to include a reference to Kashmir in the joint declaration issued after the summit.
Russian senior official: Peaceful nuclear energy inalienable right of Iran
By IRNA,
Moscow : Chairman of Russian Federation Council said using nuclear energy for peaceful goals is Iran's inalienable right.
According to the Ria-Novosti ( A Russian News Agency), Sergei Mironev, who is in Jerusalem to attend 60th anniversary of establishment of the Zionist regime in occupied Palestine, told reporters on Wednesday, "Iran as an independent country has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful goals under control of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
U.S. President arrives in Riyadh
By SPA,
Riyadh : President George W. Bush of the United States of America arrived in Riyadh today on a two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, the U.S. President was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who welcomed him and the accompanying delegation to the Kingdom.
Closed-door meetings at UN; no consensus on Gaza ceasefire
By DPA,
New York : Western nations and high-ranking Arab government officials held closed-door discussions at United Nations headquarters here Thursday to try and reach a consensus on the text of a ceasefire to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The two sides remained divided on a technical procedure: Western governments preferred a statement from the UN Security Council's French president, while the Arab governments called for the adoption of a formal and binding resolution to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Spanish troops open orphanage in Afghanistan
By IANS
Kabul : Spanish troops stationed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have opened an orphanage in Afghanistan's Qala-e-Naw, the capital of north-western Badghis province, Spain's EFE news agency reported Friday.
The orphanage was named after Sergeant Juan Antonio Abril who died in an accident while patrolling the area May 26, 2007, the ISAF said in a statement Thursday.
Islamist militants ‘regrouping for attacks’ in Bangladesh?
By IANS,
Dhaka : Right-wing militants have regrouped across Bangladesh over the past year, consolidating their networks and conducting training and indoctrination operations looking for a suitable opportunity to strike, a non-official study released here has warned.
The "2007-2008 Trends in Militancy in Bangladesh" report, by the non-government Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), blames the spurt in militancy during the last decade on the politicians providing shelter to the militants for their political ends.
Three more withdraw from electoral race in Kuwait
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Three candidates for the upcoming parliamentary polls withdrew from the race bringing the number of contenders to 361 out of 380 who had registered their names for the polls.
The department of electoral affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that Bader Al-Rashidi, Bader Al-Baidan and Khaled Al-Rashidi had opted to step out of the campaign for seats in the assembly.
Candidates have a grace period to step out, expiring on May 14.
Iran says Bush is covering up his failures
By IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said on Monday that US President George W. Bush has resorted to make unfounded allegations against Iran to cover up his failures in the Middle East.
In reaction to US President George W. Bush's statement in Abu Dhabi to endanger Iranian relations with the neighboring states, Hosseini said since President Bush has failed to win support of Islamic and Arab countries over his methodology of dealing with issue of Palestine, he attempted to put the blame on others.
Tackle your problems, don’t blame Pakistan: LeT chief to India
By IANS,
Islamabad : India should focus on its internal problems instead of accusing Pakistan of complicity in the Mumbai terror attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed has said, while his deputy has blamed an Indian intelligence agency for the terror bombing of a Peshawar blast that killed more than two dozen people.
Bangladesh: PM leaves for Kuwait today
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves Dhaka for Kuwait city, the capital of Kuwait, today afternoon on a three-day official visit to the Gulf State.
A special aircraft to be sent by the Emir of Kuwait will carry the Bangladesh's Premier and members of her entourage to the oil rich
Arab country, official sources told BSS yesterday.
The Prime Minister will lead a high profile Bangladesh delegation to Kuwait including ministers and high government officials.
OIC warns of deteriorating situation in Gaza strip
By NNN-KUNA
Jeddah : The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has warned of the seriousness of the situation in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip where Israeli aggression was continuing against the Palestinian people.
In a report issued on the occasion of the extraordinary session of the Foreign Ministers Expanded Executive Committee of the OIC Sunday, the organisation said the Palestinian crisis had witnessed dangerous developments of late, namely the unprecedented escalation of violence that affected all walks of life.
Senator Kerry welcomes Musharraf exit, urges US help for Pakistan’s success
By NNN-APP,
Washington : Senator John Kerry, a key member of the Foreign Relations Committee, has described Pervez Musharraf’s departure from presidency as a welcome development for the Pakistani people and urged U.S. cooperation for Pakistan’s success in meeting challenges facing it.
France expels Tunisian recruiting nationals for Syria
Paris: French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve Saturday ordered with "the absolute urgency", the expulsion of a Tunisian man accused of recruiting young French nationals...
Six killed in suicide bombing on Iraqi ex-deputy premier
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll of late Friday's suicide bombing on a convoy of Iraqi ex-deputy premier in western Baghdad rose to six, an interior ministry source said on Saturday.
"Our latest reports said that six people were killed and 17 others injured by the suicide bombing that struck the convoy of former Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed al-Chalabi in the Mansour district," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Four of Chalabi's bodyguards were among the killed while five others were among the wounded, the source said.
Free India would have fragmented without Gandhi: British historian
By Vikas Datta, IANS,
Bangladeshi women voters outnumber men for first time
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi women voters will for the first time outnumber men by more than 1.4 million, according to the new voters' roll with photographs prepared for the ninth parliamentary elections due Dec 29.
The number of voters this time stands at 81,058,698. Of them, 41,236,149 are women and 39,822,549 men - the former outnumbering the latter by 1,413,600.
MWL Chief meets Italian Muslim leader
By IINA,
Makkah : The Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Dr. Abdullah Al Turki met Dr. Mohammed Abdul Latif Abdul Qader Al Barq, Director of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) in Perugia, Italy, at the headquarters of MWL here yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed several issues of mutual concern between MWL and the Centre, particularly about promoting religious and cultural dialogue.
Blast near Army General headquarters in Rawalpindi, 24 killed
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : A powerful blast occurred outside a hotel in a high-security area near the Pakistan Army's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi today, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others.
The explosion at around 10.40 am caused considerable damage to the facade of Shalimar Hotel on Mall Road, a short distance from the Army's General Headquarters.
Police officials said they believed the bomb was planted in a car or motorcycle parked outside the hotel.
Embrace India, kick Pakistan, says US columnist
By IANS,
Toronto : Calling America's ties with Pakistan a "sick relationship'' that "is becoming dangerously diseased,'' noted US columnist and author Christopher Hitchens says the US should recognize India as its "long-term ally in Asia.''
Writing in the Canadian daily Calgary Herald Wednesday, the author of best-selling "God is not Great'' hit out at Pakistan's duplicity in its war on the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
Urdu-speaking Bangladeshis yet to get passports
By IANS,
Dhaka : Nine months after they were granted Bangladeshi citizenship, Urdu-speaking non-Bengalis, including many who migrated from Bihar, are yet to get their passports, a media report said.
A High Court order of May 18 last year granted over 300,000 people citizenship rights and they were subsequently issued identity cards to be able to vote in last month's general election.
But the home ministry says it has yet to receive a copy of the high court order, The Daily Star reported Monday.
Albania pulls its troops out of Iraq
Tirana, Dec 18 (DPA) Albania has pulled its last contingent of 200 troops out of Iraq and they will return home Saturday, local media reported Thursday.
Albanian Defence Minister Gazmend Oketa has travelled to Mosul to pick up the last remaining troops.
At the same time, another Balkan country - Bosnia and Herzegovina - also announced the withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, while Britain has said it will withdraw its contingent in July.
Shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist’s trial adjourned
By DPA,
Baghdad : The trial of an Iraqi journalist who famously threw his shoes at former US President George W. Bush in December opened in Baghdad Thursday, and was later adjourned.
Montazer al-Zaidi, a journalist for the Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya television station, arrived in court clad in a suit and draped in an Iraqi flag.
People in court waved Iraqi flags as the 30-year-old arrived, and cheered. A crowd gathered outside the court also waved Iraqi flags, and chanted demands for his release.
Pakistan girl gangraped to avenge brother’s elopement
Islamabad : A young woman in Pakistan’s Punjab province was allegedly kidnapped and forcibly married twice before being gangraped and stripped naked in revenge...
UAE charity provides meals to 28,000 Palestinians
By IANS/WAM,
Gaza : A UAE charity has provided Iftar meals to 28,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Two Palestinian missiles launched at Sderot
By KUNA
Gaza : Two missiles were launched Saturday morning from northern Gaza at the southern Israeli region of Negev, according to an Israeli Army spokesman.
The spokesman told Radio Israel that the missiles fell over an open area near Sderot town.
No injuries or damages were reported, he claimed.
Pakistani people want peaceful relation with India: Nitish
By IANS,
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Saturday said the people of Pakistan wanted a peaceful relation with India.
Bush warns Iran against attacking US ships
By DPA
Washington/Jerusalem : US President George W. Bush has sternly warned Iran of "serious consequences" if it attacks US warships in the Gulf.
"We have made it clear publicly and they know our position, and that is, there will be serious consequences if they attack our ships, pure and simple. And my advice to them is don't do it," Bush said Wednesday at a press conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Turkey keen on trade boost with Iran
By NNN-IRNA,
Ankara : Turkey has called here for an increase in Tehran-Ankara trade.
Turkish Minister of State for Treasury Mehmet Simsek made the remarks in a meeting with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Sheikh-Attar here Tuesday.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, leading a high-ranking delegation is to leave Tehran for Turkey on Thursday at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, President Abdullah Gul.
The current volume of Iran-Turkey bilateral trade stands at USD 11 billion, Simsek said, expressing the hope that the figure would reach the maximum level soon.
Bangladesh plans to split communications ministry
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh plans to set up separate ministries for railways and information and communication technology (ICT), both of which are now under the communications ministry.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had pledged to create "Digital Bangladesh" in her 2008 election campaign to provide more jobs and facilities.
She spoke of creating two full-fledged ministries, now governed under communications ministry, while presiding over the first meeting of Digital Bangladesh Taskforce, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) news agency reported Wednesday.
SIO holds demonstration against Israeli aggression on Gaza
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The Students Islamic Organization of India today held a demonstration in the national capital against Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza Strip in which more than 300 people have been killed.
Hope for Israel-Hamas ceasefire emerging: UN
By DPA,
New York : The search for a sustainable Israel-Hamas ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was emerging as countries engaged in resolving the conflict were reaching a consensus, a UN official said Wednesday.
"It seems that the elements for a way out of this crisis are emerging, but more work needs to be done quickly to flesh out a package and secure a buy-in of the crucial players," Robert Serry, the UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process said at UN headquarters in New York.
Bangladesh seeks link to Bhutan via India
By IANS,
Thimphu : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought a road to Bhutan through India for bettr trade and people-to-people contact. She told her hosts at this Bhutanese capital that India had accepted the idea in principle.
Bangladesh and Bhutan could develop land communication through India at three points in Bangladesh -- Burimari Port (Lalmonirhat), Tamabil (Sylhet) and Naoka (Sherpur) -- she said while speaking to Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported Saturday.
Don’t meddle in domestic affairs: Medvedev to foreign powers
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Russia's political system is the country's own affair and not that of its foreign partners.
Al-Jazeera journalist freed in Egypt
Cairo : Al Jazeera Arabic service journalist Abdullah Elshamy, who was jailed without any charge in Egypt for the last ten months, has been...
Assailants blow up gas pipeline in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo: Unknown assailants blew up a natural gas pipeline in Egypt, a security source said.
The incident took place in Arish city of North...
Iran installing 3,000 new centrifuges
By DPA
Tehran : Iran has started to install 3,000 new centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear plant in central Iran, the website of state television network IRIB quoted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying Tuesday.
"Last year our scientists installed 3,000 centrifuges in Natanz and we entered the phase of uranium enrichment at industrial level and today we have started the installation of 3,000 new centrifuges," the IRIB website quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
Also, the ISNA news agency reported the installation of only 3,000 new centrifuges.
EU confirms dispatch of confidential letter by Israel
By Nawab Khan and Talal aL-Kandari, KUNA,
Brussels : European Union sources confirmed here Friday that Israel sent a letter to the EU Council and the 27 EU member states two months ago with proposals and ideas to upgrade ties between Tel Aviv and Brussels.
Asked by KUNA about the contents of the Israeli letter, the EU sources said it is a "confidential letter" and declined to give details.
The EU Council which represents the member states was still discussing a common reply to the Israeli letter, said the sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
AIP speaker calls on Palestinians to return to Makkah Accord, form unity
By KUNA
Cairo : Speaker of the Arab Interim Parliament (AIP) Mohammad Al-Saqer called Saturday on Palestinians to return to the Makkah Accord in order to establish a unity government that leads to the establishment of a state, rather than having two conflicting authorities with no state.
Without new funding UN to run out of food for hungry Yemenis
By IRNA,
Tehran : The United Nations food aid agency Tuesday appealed to donors to make up for a massive shortfall in funding for Yemen, where it has already been forced to halve rations for hundreds of thousands of hungry people and faces the prospect of a virtually complete
According to a press release issued by the UN Information Center (UNIC) here on Wednesday, the world body is expected to face the prospect of a virtually complete depletion of stocks by August.
UAE to observe World Anti-Narcotics Day
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE will mark World Anti- Narcotics Day Tuesday.
President Zardari Committed To Tangible Change
By Bernama,
Islamabad : Despite the internal and external challenges facing Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari is committed to elimination of terrorism and extremism, strengthening of federation and bringing about a tangible socio-economic change in the country, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
When President Zardari took reign of the country's affairs on September 9 last year as a democratic head of state, Pakistan was facing a difficult situation in the wake of terrorist attacks and a tense environment due to drone attacks in the tribal areas.
Wars no part of a democratic mindset, says Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said his country desired peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours and wars were not part of a "democratic mindset".
Stressing that wars were never a solution to resolve issues, Zardari said: "War is not part of a democratic mindset."
Addressing participants of a security course at the National Defence University (NDU) here, Zardari, however, said the nation will remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality, Online news agency reported.
Pakistan sets guidelines for foreign poll observers
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan has set stringent guidelines for more than 1,000 observers and foreign journalists expected to visit the country for the Feb 18 elections, with the move viewed as an attempt to restrict the visitors' movement.
Five killed in Pakistan drone attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five suspected militants were killed Wednesday in a drone attack in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, a media report said.
Delhi to witness protest march against brutalities in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen
By IRNA,
New Delhi : India’s national capital, Delhi on Sunday will witness a massive protest march against the brutalities on pro-democracy citizens in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen.
UN Sec Gen asks for “immediate, permanent” end of Gaza seige
By IRNA,
United Nations : Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon here Wednesday asked for putting an immediate and permanent end to inhumane siege of Gaza Strip.
Ki-moon said, “The entire Gaza passages should be opened aimed at providing a remedy of the ailing Palestinian economy.”
He reiterated, “The situation at the Palestinian side of the border passages is truly intolerable and it is necessary that Israel should alter its policy regarding the passages into a more lenient one.”
Jeddah First Environmental Forum to begin events
By SPA
Jeddah : The Steering Committee of Jeddah First Environmental Forum said that 30 Saudi and international figures will participate as keynote speakers at the events of the Forum.
The Forum will be held under the patronage of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General during the period from 21-4 to 23-4 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah.
Hizbullah indicates Israel’s responsibility of many of the killing Lebanon
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Lebanese Hizbullah Party Secretary General has underlined Israel responsibility regarding many of the killings that have been taking place in Lebanon with the aim of sabotaging the Lebanese internal front.
Pakistan must wind up terror infrastructure, India tells Britain
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : India has told Britain squarely that Pakistan must take immediate steps to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure that continues to operate from its soil, informed sources said Saturday.
The Indian warning came at a meeting between Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and his British counterpart Sir Peter Rickett in London Friday.
The meeting, part of an annual exercise that takes in the entire gamut of India-British ties, was said to have been held in "a great atmosphere".
AL chief brings together Lebanese rival leaders for “important” talks
By Xinhua
Beirut : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa sponsored a "highly important" quartet meeting with three Lebanese rival leaders on Friday in a bid to reach an agreement on implementing an Arab initiative.
The "main consensus we agreed on is the candidacy of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for presidency," Moussa told reporters after the three-hour meeting with opposition leader Gen. Michel Aoun, majority leader Saad Hariri and ex-President Amin Gemayel.
Israel to build detention centre for illegal migrants
By DPA,
Jerusalem : The Israeli government Sunday approved a plan to build a detention centre to house migrants who cross illegally into the country from Egypt in search of work.
15 civilians injured in car bomb in Mosul
By KUNA,
Irbil : Fifteen civilians, including women and children, were injured in a car bomb attack, the third in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Thursday, police said.
A booby-trapped car, parking on the side of the road, exploded today and injured at least 15 civilians, a police source said.
He told KUNA the explosion caused damage to nearby houses, shops and cars.
Seventeen people were killed, including three policemen, and 20 others were injured when a suicide attacker detonated the explosives he was carrying.
Iran to block Strait of Hormuz if attacked
By IANS,
Tehran : The Iranian military has warned it will seize the Strait of Hormuz, a major gateway to the oil-producing Gulf, if the US attacked the country, state-run Press TV reported Tuesday.
"The country's armed forces are under highest state of preparedness," said Brigadier General Ali Shademani, head of Operations Department of Joint Chiefs of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces.
"Three measures are in store to counter any potential aggression against the country. First action would be to take full control of Strait of Hormuz," he said.
Pakistani women artists make power statement in India
By Madhusree Chatterjee, IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistani women artists are pushing new frontiers despite a conservative social milieu controlled by men. For proof one need look no further than an exhibition in the Indian capital displaying the works of three young women from Lahore.
The creations of Faiza Butt, Ruby Chisti and Masooma Syed reflect diverse themes, mediums and new techniques that women in Pakistan's artistic fraternity have been experimenting with for the last five years. These are on display at the Vadehra Gallery.
US speeding up military aid shipments to Lebanon
By DPA,
Washington : The US is picking up the pace of military aid shipments to Lebanon to help the government provide security following the outbreak of violence between rival militias, the US State Department said.
The shipments include protective gear to communications equipment and ammunition under a programme launched by the US about two years ago, department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said Wednesday.
"What we're doing now is expediting the shipment of some of the things that were already in the pipeline," Casey said.
Pakistan army kills 10 militants in tribal region
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's security forces Tuesday killed 10 militants in an operation in the tribal region in the country's northwest.
The army, backed by helicopter gunships, pounded militants' hideouts in Bajaur tribal agency, killing 10 militants and injuring 14, private Geo TV channel reported.
Local people have fled their houses to seek asylum in adjourning areas, it reported.
The local authorities have vowed to continue the military operation against militants in a bid to maintain law and order in the region.
Pope lauds respect from Muslims in Lebanon
By IANS/AKI,
Rome: Pope Benedict XVI has praised Lebanon's Muslims for the "great respect and sincere consideration" they showed him during a vist to the country last week.
Bangladesh: EC to start 3rd round talks with political parties on Saturday
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) is set to launch its third round of talks with political parties from today ahead of the planned general elections in December this year.
The talks will continue until September 9 and commission will hold meetings with four political parties everyday. The process is to start with Workers Party first.
This time the EC invited BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia nominated secretary general of the party Khondoker Delwar Hossain. Earlier, it invited "reformist" faction secretary general Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed.
UNSC calls for bringing perpetrators of Islamabad terrorist attacks to justice
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The Security Council has condemned in the “strongest terms” Monday’s terrorist attack outside the Danish embassy in Islamabad that had caused numerous deaths, injuries and damage to buildings, including to a premises housing the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Musharraf’s political future uncertain
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former president Pervez Musharraf, who has ended four years of self exiles, says he wants to "save Pakistan" but his political future remains uncertain.
Kuwaitis vote for new parliament
By SPA,
Kuwait City : Voters in Kuwait lined up Saturday to vote in landmark parliamentary elections, the Associated Press reported.
The elections come after Kuwait's ruler, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, dissolved parliament in March in the wake of the current relationship between the Cabinet, appointed by the ruler, and the 50-man legislative body.
The hope is that the new parliament will be more representative and be able to better work with the government's ministers.
Kuwait first elected a parliament in 1963.
Afghan university professors kidnapped
Kabul: Gunmen Tuesday abducted 35 Afghan university teachers travelling to Kabul and set their bus on fire in eastern Ghazni province, an official said.
"Gunmen...
Germany’s ex-chancellor asks Iranians to recognise Holocaust
By DPA,
Hanover (Germany) : On a visit to Iran, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder was set to criticise Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial that the Holocaust happened, a German newspaper said Friday.
In a speech prepared for delivery to the Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Teheran, Schroeder said, "The Holocaust is a historical fact. It makes no sense to deny this unique crime which Hitler's Germany was responsible for."
100 militants killed in Pakistan tribal region fighting
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 100 militants have been killed in fighting started in a tribal region four days ago, the army said Sunday.
Army spokesman Major Murad said that 13 soldiers were also killed in the fighting in the Bajaur tribal region.
He also denied the Taliban claim to have surrounded Khar, the center of Bajaur.
The Taliban have claimed that their fighters are very close to Khar after taking control of Loi Som, a town 15 kilometers from Khar.
Israel allows new cars into Gaza for first time in four years
By DPA,
Gaza : Israel allowed 20 brand-new cars to enter the Gaza Strip Monday, the first such act since it imposed a blockade on the enclave in 2006, Palestinian officials said.
Angelina’s donation for floods surpasses Zardari’s help
By IANS,
Islamabad : Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has contributed $100,000 (about Pakistani Rs.8.5 million) for flood ravaged Pakistan, a move that surpasses President Asif Ali Zardari's Rs.5 million donation and the help extended by most other politicians.
Some leaders have refused to disclose their contribution to the relief effort and claimed that their donation had gone directly to their party's fund.
Dawn reported Wednesday that Jolie has contributed $100,000 while Zardari and Altaf Hussain, chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, claimed to have donated Rs.5 million each.
Pakistan will bounce back for ODIs, T20: Afridi
By IANS,
Hobart: Pakistan's one-day vice captain Shahid Afridi is hoping that the team will bounce back in their limited-overs series against Australia after losing the Test series.
The flamboyant allrounder said Pakistan has the firepower to give the hosts a run for their money in the five-match ODI contest as well as the tour-ending Twenty20 International in Melbourne on Feb 5. The one-day series will begin from Jan 22 in Brisbane.
Hamas blames int’l parties for involving in Palestinians’ internal problems
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday blamed international parties for their involving in th ePalestinians' internal problems.
"These parties still keep on its role in arming and training a Palestinian group against another group," said Hamas' spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
Hamas added the Quartet of Middle East players, represented in the Palestinian territories by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, was one of those parties.
Amnesty condemns intensification of Israeli demolitions
By IRNA,
London : Amnesty International has condemned the intensification by Israel of the demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank after a further 74 were destroyed in the Jordan Valley earlier this week.
"These recent demolitions intensify concerns that this is part of a government strategy to remove the Palestinian population from the parts of the West Bank known as Area C,” said Amnesty’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, Philip Luther.
Musharraf treason case adjourned over lawyers’ strike
Islamabad : The hearing of former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's treason case was adjourned Tuesday until Wednesday as the special court judges could not...
Iran parliament speaker’s brother to head judiciary
By DPA,
Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Saturday appointed the brother of parliament speaker and former chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani as the new chief of Iran's judiciary.
Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani will be sworn in Monday to succeed Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi as judiciary head for a 10-year term, official sources said.
The 49-year-old Larijani spent eight years as member of the constitutional watchdog Guardian Council, which is also in charge of the election process.
10 terrorists, nine soldiers die in Pakistan attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ten terrorists and nine soldiers were killed Wednesday when militants stormed a check-post in Pakistan's northwest, a media report said.
‘Ruthless’ LTTE inspired Al Qaeda in Iraq, says FBI
By P.K. Balachandran, IANS
Colombo : The "ruthless tactics" of the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers have inspired terrorist networks worldwide, including the Al Qaeda in Iraq, says the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Gaza toll rises to 170
Gaza: The death toll in Gaza rose to 170 Sunday after four more Palestinians, including a father and son, were killed in three separate...
Distinguished Iranologist passes away
By IRNA,
London : Distinguished British scholar and eminent Iranologist Peter Avery, has died in the UK at the age of 86.
Professor Avery was honoured by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a literary figure in the First International Farabi Festival this year with a prestigious award for devotion to studying humanities including the Persian literature and history.
In a ceremony to honor the professor at the Iranian Embassy in London in May this year, he said his biggest happiness in life had been his experience of studying Iran and Persia.
Muslims will not leave India, come what may: Owaisi
Hyderabad : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday said that the Muslims would not leave the country, come what may,...
US should monitor aid to Pakistan: India
By IANS,
New Delhi : A day after former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's confession about US aid being diverted against India, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor Monday asked Washington to monitor its aid to Islamabad.
"We support countries helping Pakistan fighting against terrorism, but we do not expect the aid turned against us," Tharoor told reporters here.
The US should monitor its aid to Pakistan, he said, adding that Musharraf's disclosure did not surprise India.
Six policemen killed in Afghanistan suicide attack
Kabul: At least six policemen were killed Wednesday in a suicide bomb attack at the country's interior ministry office, the ministry confirmed in a...
Pakistani government and Islamic militants agree on prisoner swap
By DPA,
Islamabad : The government and Islamic militants were set to exchange dozens of prisoners Wednesday ahead of a formal peace deal between the sides in Pakistan's restive tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, media reports said.
The prisoner's swap was agreed to between the militant commander Baitullah Mehsud and the tribal elders, who are holding negotiations on behalf of the government in South Waziristan.
Saudi girl’s love affair with Indian expat shocks her family
Riyadh: A Saudi Arabian family was shocked when their daughter revealed to them that she is in love with an Indian expatriate and wants...
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visits Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, arrived here Saturday evening to hold talks on bilateral and regional matters.
Salman...
UAE investment in Sudan totals USD 7 billion – Sudanese President
By NNN-WAM
Dubai : The UAE is the second largest investor in Sudan after China with total investment of USD 7 billion, Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Beshir said here.
The Sudanese head of state told a news conference Tuesday that his country had provided a fertile ground for attracting Arab and foreign investment in order to achieve overall development.
Officials: Iraqi councilman kills Two U.S. soldiers
By SPA,
Baghdad, Iraq : An Iraqi city council member opened fire on U.S. forces outside Baghdad on Monday, killing two soldiers, U.S. officials said.
Two U.S. soldiers were killed in a small arms fire attack near Salman Pak early Monday afternoon, the U.S. military said in a statement. Three others soldiers and an interpreter were wounded, the statement said, which added that soldiers killed the gunman.
The attack happened as the soldiers were leaving the Salman Pak Nahia Council building, the military said.
Pakistan’s National Assrmbly to be convended next week
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Federal Caretaker Minister for Law and Justice, Afzal Haider Saturday said the first-ever session of the National Assembly would be convened next week and summary in this regard had already been sent to Prime Minister Secretariat on Saturday.
Talking to APP, the Minister said the summary to summon the first-ever session had been dispatched to Prime Minister Secretariat and it would be routed through the Prime Minister Secretariat to President House, after approval from Caretaker Prime Minister.
Pakistan moving on right path to end terror: Hillary
By NNN-APP,
Lahore, Pakistan : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday said the Pakistan government and its armed forces are moving in the right direction to eliminate terrorists and America will continue its support in this regard. In a formal interaction with students at Government College University here Thursday, she hoped that Pakistan would soon achieve a rock-solid success in the war on terror.
India-Pakistan peace process must go on: Omar Abdullah
By IANS,
Srinagar : Omar Abdullah, the chief minister-designate of Jammu and Kashmir, said Wednesday that war was no solution to India-Pakistan problems and the peace process between the two countries needed to be resumed.
Speaking at the "victory rally" of the National Conference (NC) at the Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar after his arrival from New Delhi, Abdullah, said: "I will address the day to day problems of the people, give them an efficient and honest government".
Gillani takes oath as Pakistan PM
Islamabad, March 25 (IANS) Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani took oath as Pakistan's prime minister at the National Assembly here Tuesday.
The oath was administered by President Pervez Musharraf. Legislators from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) boycotted the ceremony to protest Musharraf's presence. PML-N is one of the members of the new ruling alliance.
Abbas forces detain 21 Hamas members in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Islamic Hamas movement denounced on Monday that 21 Hamas members have been arrested by the security forces of President Mahmoud Abbas in different West Bank areas.
"The security forces of the interior ministry in the caretaker government of Salam Fayyad has escalated its actions and detained 21 people allover the West Bank," said a Hamas leaflet sent to reporters.
According to the leaflet, the arrests took place in the towns of Nablus, Jenin, Hebron and Bethlehem.
Asia-Pacific integral to addressing climate change
By IRNA,
Tehran : The United Nations urged the business community to help find a solution to address the climate change problems, it was reported on Thursaday.
A press release issued by the UN Information Center in Tehran (UNIC) said, “Combating and adapting to climate change is one of the most important missions of our generation – and it is one that has a special significance for Asia and the Pacific. The business community must be part of the solution in shaping a greener low carbon economy.”
Pakistan school attack: China offers condolences, aid
Islamabad : China has offered condolences on the death of innocent people, most of them students, in a terror attack Tuesday on an army-run...
Somalia bombing kills 30, maims many
By IANS,
Mogadishu : At least 30 people were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives near the education ministry in the Somalia capital, Xinhua reported.