Palestinian issue centerpiece at Arab summit in Damascus
By Xinhua
Damascus : The 20th Arab League (AL) Summit kicked off in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday, attracting only 10 heads of state of Arab countries besides President Bashar al-Assad of the host.
With Lebanon embroiled in a political stalemate skipping this year's Arab summit, the decades-long Palestinian issue once again is top on the agenda of the gathering of Arab leaders.
Addressing the opening session of the two-day summit, al-Assad slammed Israel for its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, saying security could not be achieved by wars.
Nasheed freed from police custody
By IANS,
Male : Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed was released from police custody Wednesday after his court hearing was concluded, officials said.
Taliban claims attack on ceremony attended by Karzai
By DPA,
Kabul : A Taliban spokesman said six of their fighters armed with assault rifles opened fire during a ceremony which was attended by President Hamid Karzai and his cabinet ministers Sunday.
Karzai abruptly left the parade, held to commemorate the victory of the mujahideen against Soviet forces, after shooting out was heard in live telecast.
"Six of our mujahideen attacked the ceremony and in the shootout three of them were martyred and the other three after the attack fled the area and are in a safe place," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told DPA.
Olmert vows not to resign despite bribery investigation
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening that he will continue to function as prime minister and will not step down despite ongoing bribery investigation against him.
Olmert made the remarks during a meeting with heads of southern Israeli communities and towns near the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, reported local daily Yedioth Ahronoth.
"There are those who believe that the launching of any investigation demands a resignation, but I don't adhere to this notion and I will not step down," Olmert was quoted as saying.
Khaleda Zia re-elected chief of Bangladesh Nationalist party
By DPA,
Dhaka : Former prime minister Khaleda Zia was re-elected chairperson of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a party spokesman said Friday.
T.H. Khan, chief of the party's election commission, said Zia ran unopposed.
Zia became chairperson in 1983. She served as premier from 1991-1996 and 2001-2006.
UAE president congratulates Obama
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory cable to the new US President Barack Obama, WAM News agency reported Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and ruler of Dubai, also congratulated Obama.
Arabic Twitterati cast US as an enemy: Study
Washington : Researchers used Twitter as an instrument to measure public sentiment, in ways an opinion poll cannot, and revealed that millions of Arabic...
Hamas plans to privatise Gaza border crossings
By IANS,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, is seeking to privatise the crossing points either with Israel or with...
Rohingya Human Rights Initiative: A silver lining in the cloud of the Rohingya crisis
By Saiyed Danish, TwoCircles.net
In the narrow bylanes of Uttam Nagar in West Delhi, two Rohingya youths-Sabin and Ali-run the office of the Rohingya Human...
Pakistani president says to reopen dialogue with India
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan is committed to defusing the tensions in South Asia and will reopen dialogue with India.
He made the remarks when meeting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, who was also a special envoy of the Chinese government, at the President House here on Monday.
Terrorism is a regional issue and requires joints efforts in the region to deal with, Zardari said.
Zardari said Pakistan made positive gestures after the Mumbai attacks but India responded with counterproductive allegations.
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
Ex-minister claims proof of IS presence in Pakistan
Islamabad : Former interior minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Rehman Malik claimed he has evidence about the presence of the Islamic State...
Pakistan Army helicopter crashes, eight killed
By DPA
Islamabad : A Pakistani Army helicopter crashed Wednesday in the country's northwest tribal areas, killing at least eight people aboard including a senior general, local reports said.
Among the dead was Major General Javed Sultan, a senior commander based in Kohat, six other officers and one enlisted man, DawnNews TV reported.
Major General Athar Abbas, the chief Army spokesman, told DawnNews that the chopper went down in the South Waziristan district of the North-West Frontier Province due to a technical fault.
Lebanese talks progressing in Qatar
By IINA,
Doha : Lebanon's political leaders have agreed to form a committee to discuss the country's electoral law, as part of ongoing crisis talks in Qatar.The agreement on Saturday to form a six-member panel to look at the electoral law follows a deal brokered by the Arab League to end the worst internal fighting in Lebanon since the 1975-90 civil war. Fouad Siniora, Lebanon's prime minister, and Saad Al Hariri, leader of the majority in parliament, are among those from the government present at the talks.
Saudi telecom firm in sponsorship deal with Man United
By IANS,
Dubai : Saudi Arabia’s leading telecommunication services provider Saudi Telecom has entered into a five-year sponsorship deal with European and English Premier League Champions Manchester United.
According to the deal which makes the Saudi firm the official mobile communications partner of the English club, all Saudi Telecom business units will have full use of the club's logo in marketing campaigns and also use of the players’ photographs as well, a company statement said.
UN-assisted refugee repatriation in South Sudan tops 100,00
By NNN-UNNS
Khartoum : More than 100,000 people who fled the decades-long civil war in southern Sudan have returned home to restart their lives in a repatriation programme that began after the signing of a 2005 peace agreement, the United Nations refugee agency said Friday.
US-Iran n-talks enter third day
Lausanne : The new round of talks over Iran's long-disputed nuclear programme between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad...
They have come with a flicker of hope to improve Indo-Pak relations
By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
UAE emirate frees 21 prisoners
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE emirate of Umm Al Qaiwain has ordered the release of 21 prisoners as a goodwill gesture on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha Thursday.
WikiLeaks lays bare nuclear standoff with Pakistan, hacking by China
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Saddam clan chief killed, five civilians wounded in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : The head of the clan of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was killed Tuesday, while another five civilians were wounded in separate incidents in Iraq, police sources and media reports said.
Sheikh Ali al-Nada died when a bomb went off in his vehicle while he was driving to his house in the Awja area of the northern city of Tikrit, police sources told DPA.
Sources said the explosion also killed his driver and injured two of his relatives. Iraqi forces were seen deploying around the scene of the blast and preventing passers-by from entering the area.
Iran sentences US journalist to eight years in prison
By DPA,
Tehran : The Iranian judiciary issued an eight-year prison term for an Iranian-American journalist on charges of spying for the US, her lawyer told reporters here Saturday.
The court has not yet issued any official statement and no further details were available.
Roxana Saberi, 31, a reporter for the US National Public Radio, has been in custody since January in Tehran's Evin prison.
The foreign ministry first said that her arrest was solely because of press activities without legal accreditation but the judiciary later charged her with espionage.
Bangladesh replaces judge hearing Khaleda Zia case
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has appointed a new judge for the court trying graft cases against Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the country's main...
UAE to mark World Food Day
By IANS,
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will join the international community to mark the World Food Day Friday, WAM news agency reported.
This year's theme - "Achieving food security in times of crisis" - is a true reflection of the deep worry about the world food security, which is under threat from disasters and other factors.
The global financial crisis has exposed the status of food security in most countries.
The crisis has added over 100 million people to the legion of those suffering from malnutrition, representing over one billion people, the report said.
PLO central council to meet on dismissing Hamas-held parliament
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) Central Council will meet Sunday evening to discuss dismissing the Hamas-dominated parliament and call for early elections.
"The central council has the right to dissolve the Legislative Council" because of the split between the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and the West Bank where Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement still dominant, said Akram al-Haimouni, a Fatah lawmaker.
Teenager married off to 75-year-old Bangladesh moneylender
By IANS,
Dhaka : Unable to repay a loan taken after cyclone Aila hit his village, a man has been 'coerced' into marrying off his 13-year-old daughter to a 75-year-old moneylender in Barisal, southern Bangladesh.
The marriage between Akhinur, 13, and 75-year-old moneylender Lokman Sikder was solemnised Sep 4, as the teenager's father Azhar Bepari could not return Tk 4,000 ($ 58) he had borrowed in May this year.
Spanish police discover Al-Qaeda Internet handbook
By ANTARA News/DPA,
Madrid : Spanish police have discovered an internet handbook for al-Qaeda`s European cells on the use of remote-controlled bombs against international troops in Lebanon and Afghanistan, the radio station Cadena Ser reported Monday.
The eight-page handbook dating from early July contained detailed instructions on how to stage non-suicide bombings using auto-piloted light aircraft and cars.
The instructions included three different ways to set off aircraft bombs by remote control.
Execution of six Pakistani terrorists approved
Islamabad : Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif has approved the execution of six terrorists who were sentenced to death by military courts, a...
India, Pakistan urged to probe Mumbai massacre
By IANS,
New York : Human Rights Watch Tuesday urged India and Pakistan to cooperate in a prompt and thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and planners of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Beginning Nov 25, at least 10 gunmen attacked two large hotels, a hospital, a Jewish centre, a railway station and other sites in Mumbai. The siege ended Nov 28, leaving over 180 people dead. These include 22 foreigners.
“No political cause can ever justify such horrific and wanton violence,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
No talks with Pakistan; welcome a proactive PM: Sushma Swaraj
New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday denied any "flip-flop" in India's policy towards Pakistan and said no talks can be...
Zardari seeks report on molested women in Libya
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has sought a report on the molestation of women of Pakistani-origin in Libya, a government spokesperson said.
Egypt’s ex-army chief not to run for president
Cairo: Former Egyptian military Chief of Staff Sami Anan announced Thursday that he will not join the country's upcoming presidential race.
"I refrain from being...
Eight killed in Pakistan suicide bomb attack
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Eight people, including four policemen, were killed Friday in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, Dawn news TV channel reported.
The blast occurred near the office of deputy inspector general of police (DIG) of Mardan district, according to the report. Eight people, including four policemen, were killed in the blast, it said.
Parts of the body of the bomber had been recovered, the report quoted police as saying.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Eight soldiers die in Yemen car bombing
By IANS,
Aden (Yemen) : At least eight soldiers were killed and 20 injured when a booby-trapped car targeted a military patrol in Yemen's southern port city of Aden Sunday.
White House reveals name of CIA chief in Kabul
Washington : The White House inadvertently revealed the name of the Central Intelligence Agency's top officer in Kabul during President Barack Obama's weekend trip...
1,500 newly graduated army men join Afghan army
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Over 1,500 officers and soldiers after completion of a six-month course and receiving certificates joined Afghanistan National Army (ANA) on Thursday.
"The graduation of 98th battalion today speaks of boosting the capacity of the country's national army and enable the security forces to further check subversive activities," a senior defense ministry officer General Mohammad Qasim Wardak said in his speech at graduation ceremony.
Afghanistan currently has some 80,000-strong army and its strength is expected to rise to 134,000 by 2011.
Pakistan poll results will decide India’s MFN status
By Gyanendra Kumar Keshri, IANS,
Kwt FM heads delegation to Islamic summit in Senegal
By KUNA
Dakar : Heads of states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) will convene for the 11th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference on Thursday to discuss issues of importance to the Muslim nations and boosting solidarity between them.
Kuwait will be represented at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had tasked the foreign minister with heading the Gulf state's delegation to the summit yesterday.
Gaddafi was alive when captured, shows YouTube video
By IANS,
Washington : Muammar Gaddafi was alive when he was captured by the National Transitional Council fighters in his hometown Sirte shows a video on YouTube.
Dhaka downpour shatters 53-year record
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least 10 people died and large parts of the national capital were inundated in a heavy downpour that broke a 53-year record, an official said.
Dhaka ended its relatively dry spell, thanks to a delayed monsoon wherein 333 mm rain fell Monday and Tuesday. It eclipsed the earlier record of 326 mm July 13, 1956, said assistant meteorologist Rashiduzzaman.
The deaths were caused by electrocution in many cases. The victims included a child. Normal life came to a standstill, New Age reported Wednesday.
Iraq better off than Afghanistan: Bush
By DPA,
Washington : The violent situation in Afghanistan has grown worse than that in Iraq because of resilient Taliban militants and their determination to kill innocent people, US President George W. Bush said Tuesday.
During a White House press conference, Bush said Afghanistan now looks similar to Iraq two years ago, when violence peaked and the country was on the verge of a sectarian civil war.
"One front right now is going better than the other, and that's Iraq, where we're succeeding," Bush said. "And our troops are coming home based upon success."
EU condemns attack on US Consulate in Istanbul
By KUNA,
Brussels : The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union, "strongly condemned" Wednesday the armed attack near the US Consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul in which three policemen and three gunmen have been killed.
The EC "sends its condolences to the colleagues and friends of the policemen who have been killed in the exchange of fire and also to the Turkish authorities," EC spokesperson, Amadeu Altafaj Tardio, told reporters here.
He wished a speedy recovery to the injured policemen.
Bangladesh opposition stages mass hunger strike
By IANS,
Dhaka : An alliance of 18 political parties in Bangladesh Sunday staged a seven-hour mass hunger strike to protest against the government's "oppressive policies".
Pakistan court orders murder case against CIA ex-officials
Islamabad : A Pakistani court ordered police on Tuesday to register a criminal case against two former CIA officials for the offences of murder,...
NATO air strike kills 17 Afghans
By IANS,
Kabul : An air strike by NATO-led forces at a Taliban hideout late Tuesday killed 17 people in Afghanistan, including a militant commander named Qari Sardar, officials said Wednesday.
Italy to help establish human rights commission of Pakistan
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : The government of Italy will assist Pakistan in establishing the Human Rights Commission, which is in its nascent stages, to effectively address issues related to human rights.
The assurance was given by Italian ambassador Roberto Mazzotta who called on Caretaker Minister for Human Rights Ansar Burney here Monday.
The ambassador informed him that a human rights commission has already been working in Italy since long and Pakistan can benefit from its valuable experience.
Etihad launches flights to Shanghai
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has launched five weekly direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
Egyptian consultations with Saudi Arabia and Syria continue
By SPA
Cairo : Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed that consultations with Saudi Arabia and Syria are continuing for the success of the Arab summit scheduled in Damascus next month.
In an interview with Egyptian newspaper Al-Jomhoriyyah published today, he affirmed the desire that the summit achieves a degree of credibility for Arabs and progress for Arab peoples.
Six Sri Lankan cricketers hurt in Lahore attack: minister
By P. Karunakharan, IANS,
Colombo : At least six Sri Lankan cricketers were wounded in Pakistan's Lahore city Tuesday when gunmen attacked the team travelling to the Gaddafi stadium for the ongoing Test, Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge said. Sri Lanka has cancelled the Test series.
"Six of our players were wounded during the shooting incident targeting the Test team travelling to the match venue at Lahore. We are very concerned about the incident," Lokuge said.
Afghan presidential poll campaigning ends
By IANS,
Kabul : The campaigning for the Aug 20 presidential elections in Afghanistan ended Monday with top candidates addressing rallies attended by thousands of cheering supporters, a media report said.
About 17 million people will vote Thursday to elect a president for the second time in Afghanistan's history. They will also elect 420 councilors in 34 provinces, The News reported.
Heavy fighting ahead in Afghanistan, Gates warns
By DPA,
Brussels: NATO troops in Afghanistan face heavy fighting in the next few months as the alliance boosts its strength in the country, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.
As Western countries continue to pour troops into the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), "I think the realistic expectation of most people is that we expect a heavy fighting season ahead", Gates said after talks with NATO counterparts in Brussels.
Nonetheless, "I think there is a real opportunity to make important gains," he said.
Ex-Pakistani CM booked over actress’ abduction
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province Dost Muhammad Khosa has been booked for the kidnapping of actress Sapna whom he had married, a media report said.
I am not scared of assassination threats: Hasina
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said she is not scared of any assassination threats, reacting to intelligence reports that terrorists were planning to kill her.
Hasina, now in the midst of a countrywide campaign for parliamentary polls due Dec 29, said at a rally Sunday: "You have already read in newspapers about the apprehension of attacks on me. I am the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and I am not scared of any threats."
1,420 people killed in Iraq in August: UN
Baghdad : A total of 1,420 Iraqis have been killed and 1,370 injured in terrorist attacks and violence during August, the UN Assistance Mission...
Militants blow up school in North Western Pakistan
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : Unknown militants blew up a school in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan on Friday, and no casualties were reported.
The explosion occurred in Upper Dir district of the NWFP, said local media reports.
Some unknown militants detonated a four-room Girl's Middle School and the school building was completely damaged, the reports said.
Local police have registered the case and started investigation
Pakistan fighter aircraft crashes, pilot safe
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter aircraft crashed in the country's northeast on Thursday and there is no casualties, a PAF statement said.
The F-7 aircraft was on an operational training mission when it crashed near Sargodha district of eastern Punjab province, a PAF spokesman said in the statement.
Fortunately the pilot ejected safely from the plane.
There was no reports of loss of life and property on the ground.
Muammar Gaddafi: A man of eccentricities, enigma
By IANS,
Tripoli : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddaffi, who was killed by National Transitional Council fighters in his hometown Sirte Thursday, will be remembered as a "mercurial and eccentric" man.
Four politicians shot dead in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead four politicians in northwest Pakistan, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported Thursday.
Mouhammad Amin, a local leader of the ruling Nationalist Party in North West Frontier Province and three of his colleagues were shot dead late Wednesday night in Swat valley, said the report.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
The armed men ambushed their car at Deolai area, killing them on the spot, the agency quoted police as saying.
AMU connection to Nobel winner in Physics: Prof Sajjad Athar is a collaborator of...
By M Reyaz, TwoCircles.net,
Aligarh: Prestigious Aligarh Muslim University has a unique connection to this year’s Nobel winner in Physics. Professor Mohammad Sajjad Athar, a...
Protesters vow to disrupt Wilders’ anti-Islam speech in Berlin
Berlin, Oct 2, IRNA - Numerous political and civic groups have vowed to protest against Dutch Islamophobic politican Geert Wilders who is to address...
Three Pakistani troopers killed in shootout with militants
By DPA
Islamabad : Three paramilitary soldiers were killed and five wounded Saturday in a shootout between security forces and suspected Islamic militants in Pakistan's western province of Balochistan, officials said.
The pre-dawn firefight broke out when the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) came under heavy fire from a militant hideout on the outskirts of Walbandin, a town located about 60 km from the Iranian border, FC spokesman Major Shahid told DPA.
One attacker died in the exchange of fire that continued for about four hours, while his comrades managed to flee from the scene.
Up to 10 killed in Baghdad’s twin suicide bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The death toll from the twin suicide bomb attacks, which targeted the Sunni endowment office in northern Baghdad on Monday morning, rose to 10 and 16 others wounded, security sources and witnesses said.
"The toll rose to 10 people killed and 16 others injured by the two suicide bomb attacks in Adhamiyah district," an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Gaza ceasefire extended for 24 hours: Egypt
Cairo:Egypt announced Monday that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators agreed to extend ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for 24 hours, state media reported.
"Both sides have...
Abbas to ask Olmert to release more prisoners: sources
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would urge Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on their Sunday's meeting to free more Palestinian prisoners, well-informed Palestinian sources said.
Following their last meeting held three weeks ago in Jerusalem, Israel has released 198 Palestinian prisoners on Aug. 25 as a goodwill gesture to strengthen Abbas' Palestinian National Authority.
Over 2,400 Iraqis killed in June: UN report
United Nations: Over 2,400 people were killed and more than 2,200 injured in June in Iraq, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said here Tuesday.
As the...
Syrian troops kill 20 rebels near Damascus
Damascus : The Syrian government troops killed 20 rebels Thursday in a wide-scale offensive against rebel-held areas in the eastern countryside of the capital...
Ten days before Bangladesh elections, 21 join poll fray
By IANS,
Dhaka : With only 10 days to go for the Bangladesh elections, 21 candidates who had been debarred have been cleared by the apex court to contest, prompting the chief election commissioner to sarcastically comment that they could deal with the last minute complications as they were "supermen".
The court order Thursday "might hamper the electoral process as preparations including printing of ballot papers are at the final stage", The Daily Star newspaper said Friday quoting unnamed Election Commission officials.
PCB, ICL players in deadlock over central contract
By IANS,
Karachi : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the country's players in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) have hit a roadblock over the central contract.
The ICL players asked for central contracts before snapping their ties with the rebel Twenty20 Indian league.
However, PCB's chief operating officer Saleem Altaf Thursday made it clear that the central contracts will only be given to the ICL players once they leave the league and start performing on the domestic circuit.
Modi government is pro-Israel: CPI-M
New Delhi : The CPI-M Thursday accused the government of taking a pro-Israeli stand by refusing to discuss the Israeli air raids on Gaza...
Saudi villagers prayed in wrong direction for 10 years
By DPA,
Riyadh : Worshippers at a mosque in a Saudi Arabian village near Mecca discovered they were praying for 10 years in the wrong direction, a newspaper in the country reported Thursday.
Muslims are meant to pray in the direction of the most sacred site in Islam, known as the Kaaba, a large granite structure in the holy city of Mecca.
Villagers in Hadda, 20 km north-west of Mecca, should have prayed southeast, but instead bent down five times a day in a northern direction.
40 Pakistani policemen dismissed for jail break
Islamabad: The Pakistani authorities have dismissed 40 policemen who were on duty during a mass escape of militants from a central jail in 2013,...
Dubai Airshow to be held in November
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and US defence authorities held a meeting here to review the arrangements for the upcoming Dubai Airshow Nov 15-19, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
The 11th Dubai Airshow is the foremost aerospace event in the Middle East and is the fastest growing airshow in the world, the report said.
The airshow is being organised by F & E Aerospace in collaboration with Dubai Airports, Dubai government and the UAE armed forces.
UAE women gaining more achievements: Roumi
By WAM
Abu Dhabi : Incessant support lent by the UAE prudent leadership to women have helped them to actively participate in all political, social, economic and development walks of life, HE Minister of Social Affairs Mariam Al Roumi affirmed on Thursday.
''This great support aims at empowering UAE women to carry out their responsibilities and duties towards their nation and community.
UAE holds talks with Egypt, South Korea
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met his counterparts from Egypt and South Korea and discussed ways to boost cooperation between the countries.
Israeli army detains senior Hamas leader in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : The Israeli army forces on Tuesday arrested five Palestinians in the West Bank, including a senior Islamic Hamas movement leader, Palestinian security sources said.
The sources said that the Israeli army stormed early Tuesday the al-Far'aa refugee camp near the city of Tubas in the West Bank and detained Yousef Sarhan, a Hamas leader and his nephew Annas Sarhan.
The sources also said that after Israeli soldiers raided several houses in the refugee camp, they arrested three more Hamas members who were wanted by Israeli security forces.
Five NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Five NATO soldiers were killed in an insurgent attack in east Afghanistan Saturday, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
Afghanistan heads for polls amid Taliban threats
Kabul : Afghanistan has its date with history Saturday when it will go for presidential and provincial council elections under the shadow of threats...
Envoys urge Hasina, Zia to work ‘shoulder to shoulder’
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina must work "shoulder to shoulder" for the Dec 18 polls and for the betterment of the country, the envoys of three European nations have said.
The appeal from the ambassadors of Netherlands, Sweden and Italy was made during a meeting with Zia Tuesday. A week earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State Richard held a meeting with Hasina in Washington and asked Dhaka politicians to "behave responsibly".
Inquiry on in attack on Pakistani prisoner: Shinde
By IANS,
New Delhi: An inquiry was on in the attack on a Pakistani prisoner in a jail in Jammu, union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said here Friday.
Islamist militants capture Libya’s Tripoli airport
Tripoli : Libya's Islamist militants' coalition Libya Dawn announced Saturday that they have taken the Tripoli international airport, a crucial stronghold for the Zintan...
Water plants to be installed in drought-hit Pakistan area
Islamabad: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in Sindh province of Pakistan is installing 683 solar-powered reverse osmosis plants in the drought-hit areas of...
Syria condemns US anti-terror coalition
Damascus : Syria has criticised the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group, accused it of lacking the "true will" necessary to...
Lebanese gov’t adopts policy statement to pave way for winning confidence vote
By Xinhua,
Beirut : The Lebanese national unity government on Monday unanimously adopted its policy statement, paving the way for confidence vote in the parliament.
Information Minister Tarek Mitri made the announcement to reporters after a five-hour meeting at the presidential palace in a Beirut suburb.
"All ministers agreed in unanimity on the cabinet manifesto," which affirms the authority of the state over all matters, including the weaponry held by Hezbollah, Mitri told the press.
Karachi firing claims eight lives
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed in two separate firing incidents in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
Sania family keeps mum on proposed marriage with Shoaib
By IANS,
Hyderabad: There was no confirmation or denial Monday from the family of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza's family that she is set marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.
Sania's father Imran Mirza and other family members were not available to comment on reports by a Pakistani television channel that former Pakistani captain would marry Sania.
According to Geo News, Shoaib Malik's mother met the family of Sania, and sought Sania for her son. The channel claimed that Sania's family has accepted the proposal and the two families are all set to conduct the engagement the two.
Syria blames Israel for striking military facility
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Israel carried out a missile attack on a military research centre outside capital Damascus early Sunday.
15 killed in Yemen
By IANS,
Aden (Yemen) : At least 12 Al Qaeda militants and three army soldiers were killed in fierce battles between security forces and extremists in Yemen Thursday, a military official said.
MQM chief’s bail extended in money laundering case
Islamabad : The London Metropolitan Police have extended Altaf Hussain's bail, the chief of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, by three months in...
UAE launches diabetes awareness campaign in schools
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Students, teachers and parents are together attending workshops in UAE schools to learn tips from experts on how to tackle diabetes.
More than 250 teachers and school nurses participated in various workshops organised in Al Fujairah and Al Ain to raise awareness about diabetes as part of the three-year-long campaign launched by the ministries of health and education in cooperation with Sanofi-Aventis Gulf.
Launched in December last year, the campaign aims to educate teachers, school nurses, students and parents with the dangers of Diabetes "Type II".
Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian youth
Ramallah : A Palestinian youth was killed Monday by Israeli soldiers during clashes in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
A 20-year-old man was shot...
4,000 Muslims to celebrate Eid’l Fitr in Quezon City Circle on Oct. 1
By NNN-PNA,
Manila : Around 4,000 Muslims residing in Quezon City will converge at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC) to join the worldwide celebration of Eid'l Fitr on Oct. 1, marking the end of the month-long Ramadhan fasting.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headed by Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. will be in the forefront during the Eid'l Fitr celebration.
Taslima Nasreen relocated to US after death threats
Washington: A New York-based think tank has relocated controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen to "safety" in the US amid death threats from Islamist radicals,...
Syrian troops recapture key Damascus suburb
Damascus : Syrian troops Thursday recaptured a key suburb east of Damascus after month-long battles with militant groups.
According to officials, the troops took control...
Migrant camp near Italy-France border dismantled
Rome: A migrant camp in Italy's coastal city of Ventimiglia close to the French border has been dismantled.
The camp was dismantled on Wednesday and...
Mukherjee denies mobilization of forces on Pakistan border
By NNN-APP,
New Delhi : Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee denied on Tuesday mobilization of Indian forces on Pakistan border.
He was responding to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s proposal to India to de-activate forward bases and re-location of army units to peacetime positions to de‑escalate tension in the region.
“We have not not created any tension....First there should be escalation from Indian side, then the question of de-escalation will come. We have not not escalated anything,” he said.
Police arrests several in Karachi bomb blasts
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Police netted down several suspects for their alleged links to a series of low-intensity bomb blasts that rocked Pakistan's commercial port city of Karachi on Monday.
More than 10 suspects have been arrested so far, police sources told KUNA. At least seven bomb blasts of low-intensity exploded in different areas of Karachi city Monday evening. According to Provincial Interior Ministry Secretary, Arif Ahmed Khan, the blasts did not kill anyone but more than 40 were wounded.
Bank robber shot dead in Karachi
By IANS,
Islamabad : A bank robber who was armed with a hand grenade was gunned down by police Wednesday in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.
US to deploy 3,200 Marines in Afghanistan
By DPA
Washington : President George W. Bush has approved the deployment of 3,200 Marines to Afghanistan to meet a shortfall that US officials say was caused by the reluctance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to send more troops to the war-torn country.
Bush approved the recommendation by Defence Secretary Robert Gates, the Pentagon said Tuesday. Gates has been mulling sending more troops there ahead of a possible offensive by the Taliban on the southern part of the country. NATO commanders have requested an additional 7,500 soldiers.
Pakistan’s Sharif party quits ruling coalition
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday announced that his Muslim League-N party is quitting the ruling coalition, putting the alliance at risk ahead of elections for the country's Presidency.
Sharif also announced to field candidate of his party for the Presidency and nominated a retired judge to challenge Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain leader Benazir Bhutto.
Official says relations with IAEA trust based
By IRNA,
Tehran : Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said here Monday Iran's relations with IAEA is based on mutual trust and our current negotiations with Agency are on whether there remains any ambiguity.
Reza Aqazadeh who was speaking after a joint press conference following his two-hour talks with Acting Secretary of the Russian National Security Council Valentin Sobolev, added, "Iran's cooperation with the IAEA is in the framework of the nuclear NPT."
‘Pakistan shouldn’t have bartered self-respect under US pressure’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan should not have succumbed to American pressure to "barter its self-respect" by taking Indian assistance for flood relief when the Kashmiris' "hugely successful" struggle is being repressed, an editorial in a Pakistani newspaper said Sunday.
Barricades outside Bilawal House removed after five years
Islamabad : Barriers and barricades placed outside the Bilawal House in Karachi were on Wednesday removed after five years following the orders of Pakistan...
UAE, France discuss bilateral cooperation in health sector
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have discussed bilateral cooperation in the health sector, WAM news agency reported Saturday.
The discussions were held at a meeting of UAE Minister of Health Hanif Hassan and French Ambassador to UAE Alan Azwaw here.
The two officials also discussed cooperation in training and coordination in the healthcare sector in the two countries.
125,000 Bangladesh freedom fighters to get higher allowance
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has announced higher allowance for 125,000 people who participated in the country's freedom movement against Pakistan in 1971.
The amount is being raised from Taka 1,500 ($21.50) to Taka 2,000 from July 1, beginning of the next fiscal, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Captain (retd) A.B. Tajul Islam told parliament Thursday.
The state minister said the number of freedom fighters across the country is 125,000, including 5,338 who were injured, The Daily Star reported.
Unidentified number of Israeli soldiers killed, injured in Gaza: reports
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : According to media reports aired Saturday, an unidentified number of Israeli soldiers were killed and injured within the early hours of the ground incursion to Gaza, whereas the Israeli Navy had bombarded coastal areas before the strip.
Some 25 Israeli soldiers were either killed or injured during the second phase of the wide-scale military operation dubbed "Cast Lead", which entered its eighth day; Al-Arabiya TV channel quoted anonymous Israeli sources as saying.
Nine killed in suicide attack in Lahore
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least nine people, including two police officials, were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide attack targeting the police in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore, The Nation newspaper reported Thursday.
A suicide bomber blew himself up at the crowded Moon Market in front of Iqbal Town police station in Lahore, capital of Punjab province late Wednesday night as people were busy preparing for the celebration of the country's 61st Independence Day Thursday, said the report.
Bangladesh: PM launches Saturday National Services Pilot Project
By NNN-BSS,
Kurigram (Bangladesh) : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to launch the epoch-making National Service Pilot Project (NSPP) Saturday from Kurigram to fulfill another pre- election pledge of providing jobs to the country's unemployed youths.
The administration and concerned authorities have completed all preparations to launch the historical programme of providing jobs at the door steps and the people from all walks in the society are eagerly waiting for welcoming Sheikh Hasina in Kurigram.
UK accused of ‘grave’ human rights violations
London, March 23, IRNA -- The British government was accused Tuesday of involvement in a catalogue of "grave human rights violations" since the September 2001 attacks in the US.
In a damning report, Amnesty International said there is "credible evidence" that the government is implicated in torture, unlawful detentions, rendition, the concealment of victims' complaints and a failure to disclose evidence of torture.
Church bombings: Pakistan observes day of mourning
Islamabad : After the two deadly blasts in churches Lahore on Sunday, which left at least 15 dead and over 70 wounded, provincial governments...
Dhaka signs its biggest power deal
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh Thursday signed a mega deal to produce 1,017 MW of power in the next three to four years.
Mukhtaran Mai gang rape: 13 released after acquittal
By IANS,
Islamabad : Thirteen men who were acquitted by the Supreme Court in the Mukhtaran Mai gang rape case have been released from the Multan central jail, a media report said.
Iran writes letter to EU’s Solana on nuclear issue
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili has written a letter to European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the official IRNA news agency reported here Monday.
Iran's Ambassador to Brussels Ali Asghar Khaji made the announcement while talking to the nuclear correspondent of Iran's Student News Agency (ISNA), according to IRNA.
The two-page letter will be submitted to Solana within few hours on Monday afternoon, Khaji was quoted as saying.
Arab experts set draft agreement on money
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Experts from the Arab ministries of justice and interior have met here and set a draft accord to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
Committee chairman Marrouk Nasruddin, from Algeria, said in a press release Wednesday that the four-day meeting finished setting the draft agreement, aimed to be the first Arab mechanism to dry up the financing of terrorism and money laundering.
Almost 40 Taliban militants killed in southern Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : A total of 38 Taliban militants have been killed in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, an Afghan Defense Ministry source said on Monday.
The militants were killed in a joint operation overnight Saturday by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghanistan's national army.
Clashes between militants and NATO-led coalition forces intensified in Afghanistan over the weekend.
A British ISAF soldier was killed when his vehicle exploded in Helmand province on Saturday.
Iranian FM upbeat on reaching a nuclear fuel swap deal
By IRNA,
Munich : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki expressed cautious optimism on reaching a nuclear fuel exchange agreement.
Taking part at the "night-owl debate" of the 46th Munich Security Conference late Friday night with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Mottaki said,
"The most important point is the political will. Personally, I feel this will is there."
"I personally believe that we have created a
conducive ground for such an exchange in the not so distant future. We are approaching a final agreement that can be accepted by all parties," he added.
Bangladesh, UNHCR agree to repatriate Rohingya refugees of Myanmar
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladesh and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Tuesday agreed to reestablish trilateral mechanism with Myanmar to repatriate remaining 27,000 Rohingya refugees here back to Myanmar.
"Our intention is to reestablish the trilateral mechanism between Bangladesh, UNHCR and Myanmar to create condition for voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar," visiting UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres told reporters after meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.
Three killed as van plunges into river in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least three people were killed and 15 injured when a passenger van plunged into a river in Pakistan Friday, The News reported.
India summons Pakistan envoy, wants strong action against militants
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : India Monday made it clear that Mumbai's bloody terror strikes were carried out by Pakistan-based militants and asked Islamabad to take “strong action” against the “elements responsible for this outrage” - a sign that bilateral ties between the two countries are headed for a rocky patch.
Turkey begins troop pullout from northern Iraq
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish troops Friday started withdrawing from northern Iraq, eight days after they crossed the border to launch a ground offensive against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) rebels.
However, the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces has not issued any statement on the pullout.
Turkey's national NTV news channel reported that dozens of trucks ferried troops back to the Turkish border town of Cukurca from neighbouring Iraq's north.
Bus carrying 35 passengers falls into Indus in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A bus carrying 35 passengers fell into Pakistan's Indus river Thursday, a media report said.
The bus was travelling from Rawalpindi to Skardu and it plunged into river Indus near Malopi Rando, Geo TV reported.
According to reports, the bus fell into the river due to over-speeding and brake failure.
A large number of people and police started rescue operations at the accident site. The majority of the passengers belonged to Punjab.
Why did not Europe anticipate terror attacks?
By Saeed Naqvi,
It challenges credulity that Europe did not anticipate terrorist attacks after its involvement in direct and indirect military action against the people of Libya, Syria, ISIS and so on.
Hasina to resume poll campaign despite security warnings
By IANS,
Dhaka : Amid reports of a plot to kill her, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina Monday said she would resume her campaign for the poll due Dec 29 despite warnings from authorities.
She is scheduled to travel north to Rangpur and Dinajpur districts and return home to the national capital Tuesday night after addressing several rallies, the Star Online said Monday evening.
Saudi ministry to hold Haj symposium
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Ministry of Haj will hold a symposium titled "Hajj Between Originality and Contemporary , Distinguished Reality and Bright Future" here next Thursday. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Minister of Haj Dr. Fuad Al Farsi said that the symposium comes within the frameworks of directives of the leadership to provide best services for pilgrims.
The minister noted that the symposium will discuss the possibility of benefiting from the experience of pilgrim guides organizations on further development of Haj services.
Israel’s settlement activity not helpful, says Rice
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Tuesday said Israel should avoid the confidence-undermining settlement activities in West Bank.
"I think it's no secret, and I have said it to my Israeli counterparts, that I don't think that settlement activity is helpful," Rice said at a joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
"In fact, what we need now are steps that enhance confidence between the parties and anything that undermines confidence between the parties ought to be avoided," she added.
U.S., Iraqi troops kill 15 suspected insurgents in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : U.S. and Iraqi troops launched an operation in two areas in the volatile Diyala province on Monday, killing 15 suspected al-Qaida insurgents and captured 58 others, a provincial security source said.
Hundreds of Iraqi soldiers and policemen backed by U.S. troops stormed at dawn the two towns of Buhruz and Muradiyah south of Baquba, the capital city of Dayala, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Iraqi cameraman wounded in bomb attack in Basra
By Xinhua,
Basra, Iraq : An Iraqi cameraman was critically wounded in a roadside bomb explosion while covering the return of local popular bands in the southern city of Basra, a local police source said here Wednesday.
Udai Sabri, cameraman of the state-run Iraqia television, was seriously injured by the blast which occurred on Monday in the neighborhood of Seimur in central the city, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
UN official expresses shock to deteriorating situation in Gaza
By KUNA
Ramallah : United Nations under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes expressed on Friday his worries concerning the deteriorating situation in Gaza Strip.
Holmes said in a press conference after visiting today hospitals in Gaza and Beit Lahyia where he expressed shock at the levels of destruction and loss in these areas after the closure of passageways, including levels of unemployment among Palestinians.
Pakistani Taliban says it is serious about peace talks
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani Taliban has claimed that it is serious about peace talks with the Pakistan government.
Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) spokesman Shahidullah Shahid, speaking...
Ahmadinejad terms European politicians ‘one more stupid than the other’
By DPA,
Tehran: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Saturday termed European politicians "one more stupid than the other".
"These (European) politicians neither know anything about politics nor about history," Fars news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a speech at at Arak mosque in Tehran.
"For example, they come and say let's destroy the minarets of the mosques and they think by that, they can block the flood of the Islamic movement and belief," he said at a ceremony marking an annual Shiite Muslim mourning ceremony.
Annual al-Qods Day march in London planned for September 28
By IRNA,
London : This year's annual al-Qods (Jerusalem) Day march in central London is planned to take place on September 28 with organizers believing it could be the biggest yet.
The rally, organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHR), has gained wider recognition after receiving support not only from diverse Muslim groups but others sympathetic to the injustices suffered by the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
Toll in Turkey quake rises to 459
By IANS,
Ankara : The toll from Sunday's powerful earthquake in Turkey has risen to 459. At least 1,352 other people were injured, the Disaster and Emergency Administration said.
When a government department can accept gift in Malaysia
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian government offices can accept gifts from companies and private parties after respective secretaries-general approve of it, according to new rules.
In a recent circular issued by the Public Service Department, director-general Ismail Adam said secretaries-general, who are also the controlling officers, were authorised to approve gifts, including those valued at more than RM 10,000 (nearly $3,000).