17 killed, 40 injured in head-on collision between passengers coaches
By NNN-APP,
Khairpur, Pakistan : A head-on collision between two buses claimed at least 17 precious human lives and injured around 40 persons at National Highway in the limits of Hingorja police on Sunday.
According to police report, a passenger coach No-GB-374 was going to Karachi , when it reached near Pir Lashari between Sukkur‑Khairpur, its driver trying to over take a truck collided with an other passenger coach No-LXCC 595 which was coming from opposite direction.
Exiled Hamas leader condemns Israeli incursion in Gaza
By Xinhua
Damascus : Chief of Hamas' Political Bureau Khaled Meshaal, in exile in Syria, on Wednesday strongly condemned the Israeli incursion into Gaza as "a massacre that shakes the hearts of free people all over the world."
At a press conference, he called on Arab and Islamic countries to adopt an actual and practical response to this massacre while criticizing the silence of the international community.
Lebanese cabinet formation delay pushes political escalation
By Xinhua,
Beirut : The formation of a Lebanese national unity government is still delayed after two weeks of contacts carried out by assigned Premier Fouad Seniora, such a delay could push the country into political escalation.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an opposition figure, told Seniora that the opposition rejects the cabinet line up proposal which includes two formulas of distribution presented by Seniora, local Al-Akhbar daily reported Friday.
38 killed as Pakistani forces clamp down on rebels
By DPA,
Islamabad : Clashes between paramilitary troops and militants left at least 38 people dead and dozens injured in Pakistan's south-western province of Balochistan, media reports said Monday.
Fighting broke out in the Uch area of the Dera Bugti district Saturday when security forces launched a search operation to arrest rebels, who had attacked a gas field and killed an engineer of the state-managed exploration company.
Pakistani Sharif joins protesting lawyers
By IRNA
Islamabad : Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday joined around 1000 lawyers, who rallied for the restoration of deposed hief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary in Islamabad.
Riot police stopped the lawyers from heading to the residence of the former chief justice, where he has been under house arrest since November 3rd.
"Time will come soon when we will bring back the deposed chief justice and other judges to the courts, " Nawaz Sharif announced amidst anti-Musharraf slogans.
Egypt condemns terrorist acts by Islamic State
Cairo : Egypt has condemned all forms of terrorist acts conducted by the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremists group in Iraq where scores of...
Emirates brings a scheduled A380 to Indian capital
By IANS,
New Delhi: Emirates Airline flew in the first Airbus A-380 aircraft on a scheduled commercial operation into India Thursday with cannons spraying streams of warm water, akin to a salute in aviation industry, to welcome the 517 passengers on board.
Twenty-five years after it first flew to Delhi, the UAE-based Emirates was also the first international carrier to dock any aircraft -- not to mention this super jumbo -- at the brand new Terminal 3 of the airport here, marking another milestone in its opertations.
Turkey puts 24 Qaeda suspects behind iron bars
By KUNA
Istanbul : A Turkish court has ordered imprisonment of 24 persons suspected of having links with the outlawed Al-Qaeda organization, the local news network, NTV, reported on Saturday.
The detainees were nabbed earlier this week in several cities and towns as a result of intelligence information gathered about their suspicious activities, the network said.
Turkish police, for months, have been involved in a wide-scale operation targeting Al-Qaeda fugitives. A least five people including a police officer have been killed in the hunt.
Egypt: Israel’s stance on Hamas truce offer not final
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said Saturday that Israel's statements on Hamas truce proposal are premature and not final, the official MENA news agency reported.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera news channel, Zaki said the remarks by Israel may not represent the final stance, noting "the true positions will be uncovered during closed-door meetings with Israeli officials later this week."
Delegations of various Palestinian groups will arrive in Cairo next week to hammer out a unified stance on the proposed truce with Israel, he said.
35 Taliban insurgents killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan security forces in a clean up operation have killed 35 suspected insurgents in the southern province of Helmand, a newspaper reported Monday.
"Thirty five Taliban fighters have been killed in the clean up operation launched late last week," the Outlook daily quoted army officer Muhiuddin Ghauri as saying.
During the operation backed by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), three Taliban commanders had also been killed.
Israeli troops end Gaza operation after leaving 18 dead
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israeli troops ended a half-day military operation in eastern Gaza city on Tuesday after leaving 18 Palestinians dead, medical and official sources said.
The death toll is the largest in nearly one year. The last time such a toll was recorded was in November 2006, when Israeli army fired artillery shells at a house in northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun and killed 18 from one family.
Kwt gov”t to present unemployment elimination plan in October
By KUNA
Kuwait : The National Assembly approved on Wednesday a proposal whereby the cabinet will present, at the beginning of the next parliamentary session in October, a plan for implementing government suggestions for the elimination of unemployment.
In a statement earlier in today's sitting, Deputy Premier and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Hajji had made a number of proposals aimed at curbing unemployment and to effectively incorporate Kuwaitis in the labor market.
Pakistan post employees form action committee to oppose privatization
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Newly formed Postal Action Committee for Anti-Privatization of the employees of Pakistan Post has vowed to launch a comprehensive campaign to oppose the privatization of Pakistan Post.
A meeting of the Postal Action Committee for Anti-Privatization having representation from different CBA unions including All Pakistan Postal Circle Regional Offices Employees Union held a meeting here Tuesday under the chairmanship of Syed Qurban Hussain Shah.
Far-right faction quits Israeli coalition over peace talks
By DPA
Jerusalem : Hardline Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced his resignation Wednesday over the start of peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
His far-right "Israel Our Home" faction quit the coalition, leaving Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with a slender seven-member majority in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), down from 78.
Israel Our Home, a pro-settler faction that caters largely to right-wing immigrants from the former Soviet Union, has 11 seats in the Knesset.
Saudi minister highlights Islam’s moderation
By IINA
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh Alu Al Sheikh highlighted the importance of spreading knowledge and clarification of facts as well as proper understanding of the true meaning of the Islamic Shariah. "It is an essential to understand Islam so as to worship Allah Almighty properly", he said. The minister made the remarks while delivering a lecture on 'Moderation and its impact on the life of the Muslims' at the officers club here last night
British Parliament to debate airstrikes against IS
London: British Parliament will be recalled Friday to debate on airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) Sunni radical group in Iraq, Downing Street announced Wednesday.
Britain's...
Lecture on Companions of Prophet today
By IINA,
Jeddah : A series of Islamic lectures focusing on 10 heaven-bound Companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will be held last Wednesday of every month including today at 9.30 p.m. in a venue near the Istiqdam Office in Azizia district in Jeddah. The lectures are being delivered by Abdul Sattar Khan, a well-known journalist and researcher.
Mulla Sadra’s Asfar Al-Arbaeh available in English
By IRNA,
Tehran : Mulla Sadra's (Sadr al-Din Muhammad al- Shirazi), famous book, which is a philosophical masterpiece, Asfar Al- Arbaeh (The Four Journeys) has been translated into English for the first time.
The book has been translated into English by an American professor of philosophy.
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has supervised the process of translation and has written the introduction to the book.
Mulla Sadra's other books have also been translated into the Russian, Bulgarian, Bosnian, Chinese, Korean, and Turkish languages.
Pakistan Braces Election Security
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : The government of Pakistan deploys soldiers and the paramilitary Guards at sensitive places nation wide to secure the up coming general elections.
The 200 million populace Pakistan is being swept by waves of attacks, kidnappings, suicide attacks and shootings, plus political unrest, all of which stand as backdrop for the February 18 elections of legislators and a president.
Pakistani terrorist Kasab is an adult, rules court
By IANS,
Mumbai : Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab is a major aged at least 21 years, according to a special court's ruling Saturday.
Special Judge M.L. Tahilyani, hearing the Mumbai terror attacks trial, set at rest all speculation over Kasab's age, who had claimed that he was a minor and should be tried in a juvenile court.
The special court based its decision on the evidence of witnesses before whom Kasab had earlier given his age as 21.
Suicide attack kills 6, injures 17 others in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide bomber exploded himself near the patrolling Afghan police vehicles Sunday evening in southern Afghan province of Kandahar leaving six people dead and 17 others wounded, a police official said.
Matiwullah Khan, provincial police chief told Xinhua that it occurred at around 06:00 p.m. local time (GMT 1230) when a suicide bomber came by a motorbike then exploded himself up near police vehicles patrolling in the center of Spin Boldak district killing three policemen and three civilians on the spot.
Lakhvi’s petition challenging detention order rejected
Islamabad : The Lahore High Court (LHC) in Pakistan on Friday rejected 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi's petition challenging the detention order...
US admin exploring biden proposal to triple socio-economic aid for Pakistan: Report
By NNN-APP
Washington : The US administration is exploring ideas to bolster cooperation with anti-terrorism ally Pakistan including a proposal by Senator Joseph R. Biden to triple socio-economic development assistance for the South Asian country, according to a report in The Washington Post.
The proposal by the Democratic senator urges the United States to have a three-fold increase in non-military aid for Pakistan, sustain it for 10 years, and focus on schools, roads and health care.
Malaysian opposition lawmaker quits after nude photo scandal
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian opposition lawmaker resigned Tuesday in response to a scandal which erupted after her nude photos, believed to be taken without her consent while she was sleeping, were circulated widely via cell phone.
The People's Justice Party, led by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, decided Tuesday to accept Elizabeth Wong's resignation as assemblyman for the central Selangor state.
Wong, 37, did not deny that she was the person in the photographs, but said a police report has been lodged against the parties distributing them without her consent.
Israel trying to sabotage Palestinian achievements: Abbas
By DPA,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel Thursday of trying to sabotage Palestinian achievements - mainly the enforcement of law and order, stability and security in the West Bank - through its military incursions and killing of Palestinians.
In an address in Ramallah to mark the 45th anniversary of the first attack by his Fatah organisation against Israel, on Jan 3, 1965, Abbas said the Palestinian people will not fall into the Israel trap and resort to violence to retaliate against these Israeli actions.
UAE justice department staff donate blood
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A large number of justice department employees of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) donated blood at a medical camp here Tuesday.
Bangladesh ex-minister gets 10 years in jail for corruption
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : A Dhaka court has sentenced former post and telecommunications minister Aminul Haque to 10 years in jail for amassing illegal wealth and concealing information in his wealth statement.
As he is absconding, his sentence Tuesday will come into effect from the day of his arrest or surrender, The Daily Star reported Wednesday.
Aminul was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment for accumulating illegal wealth and three years in jail for suppressing information in his wealth statement submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development signs 14 documents with Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has signed with the Lebanese government 14 agreements to finance various development projects in Lebanon.
The deals involved some USD 5.74 million. They are part of the USD 300 million assistance pledged by Kuwait to Lebanon following the July, 2006 Israeli aggression on Lebanon.
Pakistani, Afghan, US envoys to meet for peace talks
By IANS,
Islamabad : Top Pakistani, Afghan and US diplomats will meet in Islamabad April 26-27 to review the peace process in Afghanistan, the Pakistani foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Security restored in Baghdad a day after clashes
By DPA,
Baghdad : US and Iraqi forces Sunday imposed a siege on central Baghdad's al-Fadl neighbourhood, blocking roads leading to it, a day after clashes erupted with members of a Sunni militia group.
Iraqi police and army forces were deployed in the neighbourhood and asked inhabitants to hand over their weapons, witnesses told DPA.
Armed clashes erupted Saturday evening as American and Iraqi troops arrested a key leader of the Awakening Councils, Adel al-Mashhadani, and his aide on "terrorism charges", including murder and displacement.
Pakistan polls: Indian army heaves sigh of relief
By NNN-APP
New Delhi : India was a "little worried" when things were "turbulent" in Pakistan but the elections there have generated hope that the situation will improve, Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor has said.
Kapoor had words of praise for his Pakistani counterpart Gen Ashfaq Kayani, saying he was a "professional" soldier and it was "reassuring" to have him as the head of the army of that country.
Uncertainties may delay Bangladesh poll schedule announcement
By IANS,
Dhaka : Political, procedural and legal uncertainties may delay the announcement of a timetable for the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, but the Election Commission insists the polling date, Dec 18, shall remain unchanged.
"The announcement of the poll schedule will be delayed, but the polling date will remain unchanged. The schedule cannot be announced until the legal wrangle over the fresh demarcation of electoral constituencies is resolved," Chief Election Commissioner A.T.M. Shamsul Huda was quoted as saying in the New Age newspaper Friday.
‘Britain could be in Afghanistan for 40 years’
By DPA,
London: Britain's involvement in Afghanistan could last for up to 40 years, the next head of the British army said in a newspaper interview Saturday.
General Sir David Richards told The Times that British troop involvement, currently 9,000-strong, should only be needed for the medium term. But the army's role would evolve.
"I believe that the UK will be committed to Afghanistan in some manner development, governance, security sector reform for the next 30 to 40 years," he told The Times.
Iran denies importing wheat from U.S.
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's Commerce Minister Masoud Mirkazemi denied recent reports that the country has imported wheat from the United States, Iran's English-language Press TV satellite channel said on Sunday.
"We purchase wheat from Canada and some European countries, but Iran has not had any direct wheat imports from the U.S.," Mirkazemi was quoted as saying.
Iran has announced plans to import one million tons of wheat per month in September, October and November in order to compensate for a drop in the country's grain production.
George Clooney wooing Fatima Bhutto?
By IANS,
Islamabad : Hollywood star George Clooney is said to be dating slain Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto's niece Fatima Bhutto.
But the film star says those days could be coming to an end if the 26-year-old poet-journalist wants to take the relationship to the next level and spend some serious time with him in the US, The Nation reported Wednesday quoting The National Enquirer.
Somali in hospital after attacking Danish cartoonist
By IANS,
London : An armed Somali was shot and wounded by the police after he broke into the house of a Danish cartoonist who has enraged Muslims with a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
The 28-year-old Somali, who was carrying an axe in one hand and a knife in the other, entered the heavily fortified home of Kurt Westergaard in the town of Aarhus at around 10 p.m. Friday after smashing the window with the axe, police said.
Security Council reform must result in profound changes
By IRNA,
Tehran : Security Council reform must be about more than just changing the composition of its membership, General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim says, calling on the body to be "based on an equilibrium of interests rather than a balance of power."
UN Information Center said citing an opinion column for the London-based pan-Arab Al-Hayat newspaper, written by Mr. Kerim, that reform of the Council must lead to "a new culture of international relations" based on full respects for human rights, human security, responsibility to protect and sustainable development.
Israel to boycott Al-Jazeera network for allegedly biased coverage
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel has decided to boycott Al-Jazeera television, claiming that the Doha-based popular Arabicnews network made biased coverage, Israel's Army Radio reported on Wednesday.
In a letter to be sent to Qatar in the coming days, Israeli Foreign Ministry explained that the decision was made following an examination of biased coverage of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia seeks closer educational ties with India
Aligarh : Saudi Arabia is keen to intensify bilateral ties with India with education being a priority, said Saudi Ambassador Saud Mohammad Al-Sati during...
Singapore Reaffirms Commitment To Working With Malaysia
By Bernama
Singapore : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi on the Barisan Nasional's election victory and the formation of a new government.
In his congratulatory letter to Abdullah, Lee also reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to working with Abdullah to deepen the good bilateral relationship as well as for regional stability and prosperity.
“Free Gaza” to sail to Gaza waters in August
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A small vessel "Free Gaza" will set sail for Gaza with medical aid from Cyprus on August 5, expecting to be illegally detained by the Israeli navy as it enters Gaza waters, a Palestinian official said Monday.
Jamal al-Khodari, chief of the Palestinian Popular Committee Against Siege told reporters that there will be 60 people aboard Free Gaza vessel, including a survivor of the Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe).
Kabul attack throws light on Afghan power game
By Manish Chand, IANS,
New Delhi : The deadly terror attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul Monday has put the spotlight on India's strategic stake in Afghanistan, with two leading analysts hinting at a Pakistani hand.
Two Indian diplomats and two security personnel were among the 44 people killed when a suicide bomber rammed his car into the gate of the embassy. It was the worst attack on any Indian mission in the world.
Taliban running out of bullets, bombs in Afghanistan
By IANS,
London : Taliban guerrillas in Afghanistan are facing an acute shortage of bullets and bombs, a media report said Tuesday.
Jordanian King stresses need for stronger Arab solidarity
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah II has underlined the need to achieve the highest degree of Arab solidarity.
During a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa Sunday, King Abdullah also called for an end to inter-Arab differences that constitute an obstacle to reaching an effective Arab stand in the face of political, security, and economic challenges.
11 shot dead at Karachi rally
By IANS,
Islamabad : Unidentified armed men opened fire at a political rally in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 30, a media report said.
Barak: Early elections appear inevitable due to Olmert probe
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Early elections appear inevitable in light of the corruption probe currently hanging over Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Thursday in a meeting with his Labor Party ministers.
"For the sake of political stability, an alternate government must be established and headed by one of the members of Kadima, but it is very likely that there will be elections sometime during the coming year," Barak, Labor Party chairman, was quoted by local daily Ha'aretz as saying.
Two Palestinian missiles hit Sderot
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinian missiles hit Sderot settlement Tuesday morning, the Israeli Army announced.
A spokesman of the army told Israel Radio that one of the missiles, launched from northern Gaza, exploded in an industrial area and caused damage to several workshops, while the other landed in an open area.
Al-Mujahidin Brigades in Palestine and the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) claimed responsibility for the attack in a joint press release.
Foreign journalists covering WIEF asking questions on elections
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Many questions about campaigning for the parliamentary elections are being posed by Arab and foreign journalists and media people currently in Kuwait to cover activities of the Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF).
The forum will be inaugurated later Tuesday under the auspices of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Ban on al-Jazeera operations in West Bank lifted
By DPA,
Ramallah : The Palestinian Authority (PA) has decided to lift its ban preventing the al-Jazeera satellite channel from working in the West Bank, but at the same time said it would go ahead with planned legal measures against the Qatari-based broadcaster.
"The decision to reopen the pan-Arab channel's offices in the West Bank was motivated by the Palestinian Authority's interest in the freedom of the press," a statement issued Sunday by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's office in Ramallah said.
Malaysia protests, but US insists on commenting on Anwar
By IANS,
Singapore/Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia has again protested what it says is interference by the US, but Washington says it will continue to comment on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who is being probed on a sodomy charge.
The latest repost by Malaysia, the second in a month, came at the level of foreign ministers who met in Singapore on the sidelines of the 41st Asean Ministerial Meeting.
Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and explained at length the issue to her.
Iraqi PM vows to capture killers of anti-US Shiite MP
By AFP,
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed on Thursday to capture the assassins of an anti-American Shiite MP, the first lawmaker to be killed in 18 months, and ordered a top-level investigation.
Maliki said he appointed a panel headed by Interior Minister Jawad Bolani to probe the assassination of Saleh al-Ogayly, 41, in Baghdad's Sadr City district, a Shiite stronghold.
"We reaffirm our determination to get at the hotbeds of terrorism and crime and arrest and prosecute the killers and bring them to justice," the prime minister said in a statement.
Hasina orders fresh probe into terror attacks in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Newly elected Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered fresh probes into terror attacks, including an attempt on her life, by suspected Islamist militants as the nation prepares for a coordinated effort to combat terrorism.
Hasina juxtaposed the twin problem at the cabinet meeting she chaired, targeting in the process her political rivals - former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her Islamist allies who governed the country from 2001 to 2006, The Daily Star newspaper said Tuesday.
Two suicide bombings kill 8 in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : Two suicide bomb attacks on Tuesday targeted Iraqi security forces in the city of Mosul, the capital of Nineveh province, killing eight people and wounding five others, a provincial police source said.
Self-defence, not occupation
By Sheldon Schreter
In my January 30 op-ed in The Jerusalem Post, I contended that our settlements weaken rather than strengthen us by seriously eroding both our own and the world's belief in the justice of our cause. That cause is asserting the right of the Jewish people to a sovereign state in their ancient homeland.
In over 100 "talkbacks" on jpost.com, letters to the editor, and some personal communications, my views were mostly attacked, though occasionally supported. Let me address some of the criticisms of my argument.
Pakistan accepts IMF conditions for financial aid: report
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan has accepted most of the conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for aid to overcome its balance of payment crisis.
The IMF had proposed 16 conditions for financial assistance to Pakistan during the talks in Dubai last month, and "11 of them have been accepted with slight changes," The News daily Sunday quoted a finance official as saying.
US airstrike in Pakistan kills at least 10: officials
By DPA,
Islamabad : An airstrike by a US drone killed at least 10 people Friday in in northwestern Pakistan, officials said.
The pre-dawn attack in Waziristan tribal region, a known hub of Al Qaeda and Taliban militants, targeted a militant hideout in the remote Shabikhel area, 75 km west of Miranshah, the main town of the region, they said.
"Initial reports reaching us say at least 10 people have been killed and several others wounded," a security official said on the condition of anonymity.
Pak national waited 61 years to visit motherland
By IANS,
Chandigarh : After a long wait of 61 years, Pakistani national Mohammad Yusuf finally returned to his native village Kamalpur, near Rupnagar town, Friday. The 80-year-old Yusuf was accompanied by his son Arshad who is a DSP in Pakistan police.
Yusuf's family migrated to Pakistan in 1947 after India's partition. It was an emotional reunion for Yusuf meeting his childhood mates, Jaggu Ram and Ram Sarup, who had especially come from Kurukshetra town in Haryana to meet their old pal.
Yusuf was honoured by the villagers at a function held in the village gurdwara Sunday.
Dhaka mutiny had terror links: Minister
By IANS,
Dhaka : A Bangladesh minister Thursday blamed activists of the banned Islamist outfit Jamaet-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) for last month's mutiny by the border guards.
Commerce minister Faruq Khan says JMB militants had links to the Feb 25-26 massacre of army officers on deputation to the Bangladesh Rifles.
"Not all BDR men were involved (in the mutiny) ... and some JMB links have been found," Khan, a retired army colonel, told the media.
Palestinians chastise Ahmadinejad over Mideast talks remarks
By DPA,
Ramallah : The Palestinian leadership has chastised Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for criticising the renewed Middle East direct peace talks, the Maan news agency reported Sunday.
"The one who does not represent the Iranian people, who falsified election results, who oppressed the Iranian people and stole authority has no right to speak about Palestine, its president or its representatives," Nabil Abu Rudaineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, was quoted as saying.
Iran radars can detect drones: Commander
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's national defence system has been equipped with advanced radars capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles, a senior military commander said has said.
Bolivia, Venezuela presidents invited to Palestine victory feast
By IANS,
Tehran : The presidents of Bolivia and Venezuela were invited to a feast here by Islamic Students Society to celebrate Palestine's victory over Israel in Gaza, IRNA reported Sunday.
The feast will be hosted by Tehran University to celebrate the end of the 22-day conflict in Gaza, the ISS said but the agency gave no date.
Israel announced a unilateral ceasefire late Saturday after three weeks of military bombardment in Gaza that left more than 1,000 people dead and over 5,000 others injured, mostly women and children.
Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman is dead
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Wednesday died at a hospital in Singapore, said a media report. He was 83.
Six killed in violence in Pakistan’s Karachi
Islamabad : At least six people, including two suspected militants, were killed in incidents of violence in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi Tuesday,...
Holocaust is happening in Gaza
By IRNA,
Tehran : Government Spokesman described the Zionist regime actions in the occupied territories and Gaza as another holocaust and said the world is witnessing another genocide by the Zionist regime in occupied Palestine, especially in Gaza.
Gholam Hossein Elham in a press conference attended by foreign and domestic reporters here on Saturday, said, "This genocide comes from full frustration and distress of the Zionist regime." He added, "The crimes face the world with another test which is the test of defending innocent people's rights."
‘I forgive, but do not forget’ Hasina to party detractors
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime minister and Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina has offered to forgive those who turned 'reformers' while she was in jail, but has said she will never forget their efforts at the behest of the military-backed caretaker government.
"I will never forget their roles but I want to forgive them," she was quoted as saying to her party colleagues at an AL central working committee meeting held here Saturday.
Education forum realizes Kwt Amir”s calls for sector development
By Adnan Al-Failkawi, KUNA
Kuwait : Sunday's national conference for the development of education comes to realize the directives of His Highness the Amir who called, during his inauguration speech of the second session of the 11th legislative term, for the overall development and improvement of education.
Olmert: Israel to step up operation against rocket attacks
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that Israeli army was ordered to step up its operation to halt the ongoing firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
"We will continue to respond, to initiate and to harm anyone who carries out launches from Gaza," Olmert told ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.
"We will continue to invest in reinforcing the towns in the Gaza envelope to help them deal with these terror threats," he added.
Israel opens checkpoint for humanitarian cargo to Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Gaza : Israel has agreed to open a border crossing with Gaza for UN humanitarian cargo for the first time in two weeks, a Gaza border official told a local radio station on Monday.
A convoy of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), consisting of 13 trucks carrying milk products and 18 trucks with other food, has been waiting on the border since November 13, as Israel has refused to open the crossing into the Hamas-controlled territory.
Hasina plotting to get foreign troops to fight militancy: Zia
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's opposition leader Khaleda Zia has strongly opposed the setting up of a South Asian task force to combat terrorism, alleging that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was using it as a guise to bring foreign troops into the country.
"There is no militancy in Bangladesh," Zia asserted at the May Day rally here, claiming that her government (2001-06) had successfully eliminated it.
Israeli prime minister sacks Gaza talks special envoy
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv :Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sacked Amos Gilad, who was the head of ceasefire talks in Gaza with the militant group Hamas, media reports said Tuesday.
Gilad, who is also the head of military policy and security at Israel's defence ministry, was sacked after he publicly criticized the prime minister for trying to include the release of a captured Israeli soldier as a pre-condition for a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.
Olmert has replaced Gilad with long-time adviser, Shalom Turgeman, and the head of the internal security agency, Yuval Diskin.
More than 150 PKK rebels killed in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ankara : More than 150 rebels of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) were killed in a series of air raids carried out by Turkish army on Thursday and Friday, Turkish General Staff said in a statement issued on Saturday.
"According to initial estimates, more than 150 terrorists were rendered inefficient and the operation led to panic among the PKK," said the statement post on the website, adding that several senior PKK commanders might be among those dead.
PA President due in Damascus, to meet Al-Assad
By KUNA,
Gaza : Head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas is due in the Syrian Capital, Damascus, Sunday where he is expected to meet his host and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, along with other officials.
Abbas' visit comes part of PA efforts to explain the workings of a recently announced national dialog initiative, according to several Palestinian sources.
Israel arrests 24 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli troops arrested 24 Palestinians during overnight raids across West Bank cities, Palestinian security sources said on Wednesday.
The detentions took place in the towns of Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilia and Jenin, the sources said, adding that the detainees were taken to Israeli interrogation facilities in West Bank settlements.
Israeli sources said 19 of them were arrested for being wanted by the army which carried out the detentions almost on a daily basis.
Israel fires two missiles on Gaza, no injuries reported
By KUNA
Gaza : Israel fired two surface-to-surface missiles at dawn and early morning Sunday targeting two different locations in Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian security sources.
The sources said a missile was fired on a group of civilians walking to the east of Al-Buraij Camp, central Gaza Strip. The missile exploded near them but it was a close call without injuries, the sources added.
The missile seems to have been fired from an Israeli Army location near the Gaza-Israel border, they added.
Bangladesh jails short of doctors, nurses
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's jails are woefully short of doctors and nurses and their work is carried out by convicts.
Currently, as few as 17 doctors, all appointed through deputation, are on hand for around 86,000 inmates in 67 jails of the country.
None of the prisons and jail hospitals have nurses or ambulances. Convicts sentenced to rigorous imprisonment are randomly assigned to take care of the patients when the situation requires a nurse, The Daily Star newspaper said Sunday.
Britain urges combined efforts along Pak-Afghan border to combat extremism
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : It will require determined efforts on both sides of the Afghanistan and Pakistan border to tackle the challenges to global security presented by violent extremism, the visiting British Defense Secretary Des Browne said here..
Browne made the remarks while holding a series of talks on Monday with Pakistan Defense Minister Chaudry Ahmad Muktar, the Chief of the Army Staff General Kayani, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Committee Major General Tariq Majid.
Three Bodies Found At Site Of Ajman Hotel Collapse
By Bernama,
Dubai : Three bodies have been recovered from the rubble of a hotel under construction which collapsed in the emirate of Ajman.
They were found at 7 pm and 11 pm Monday and in the early hours of Tuesday, Ajman police chief Colonel Ali Abdullah Alwan was quoted as saying by the online edition of Gulf News.
The tragedy happened at about 2 am yesterday when the concrete ceiling of the basement of the Laguna Beach Hotel while the workers were pouring concrete.
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.
OIC voices concern over situation in Gaza
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which groups 57 Muslim countries, expressed grave concern over the escalating catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip resulting from the latest reports of the Israeli government’s action to halt fuel supplies to the impoverished territory, which has forced the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to stop delivering humanitarian aid.
Pattinson in Saddam Hussein movie
By IANS,
London: Actor Robert Pattinson has been roped in to star in "Mission: Blacklist", a thriller about Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein.
Five suspected Al-Shabaab fighters killed in Kenya
Nairobi: Kenyan soldiers Wednesday killed five suspected members of Al-Shabaab in the coastal town of Lamu near the Kenya-Somalia border, military officials said.
Military spokesman...
Israel-Syria peace talks announcement shocks Golan settlers
By DPA,
Qatzrin (Golan Heights) : "Dangerous, irresponsible, reckless" is how Dalia Amos, spokeswoman of the Golan Heights settlers council, describes Israeli Prime Ehud Olmert's surprise decision to revive indirect peace talks with Syria after an eight-year hiatus.
The unpopular, "panicking" premier is willing to hand over a crucial security and national asset to the Syrians to save himself politically, she charges. "We think that every citizen in the state of Israel must be worried."
Gaza Palestinians Low on Food
By Prensa Latina
United Nations : A UN humanitarian agency warned on Monday that food reserves and other supplies destined for the Palestinian population will be exhausted within two days in large parts of the Gaza Strip.
The Strip is now in darkness as its main power plant shut down after Israel blocked fuel supplies in response to rocket attacks from Gaza.
"Everything would go back to normal" if militants stopped firing missiles, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said.
Iran ready for international talks, but not on nuclear issue
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's president said on Monday he was ready to talk with the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council plus Germany but would not discuss its nuclear program, Iran's Press TV reported.
"If wise officials of certain Western countries and the United States are to make final decisions, we expect change of approaches, an issue which Iran welcomes," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said. "We are ready to hold talks and exchange views in a correct direction to solve global challenges".
But he ruled out talks on Iran's nuclear plans.
Terrorist hanged in Lahore jail
Islamabad : Pakistan executed another terrorist Saturday morning who was awarded the death sentence for killing a Muslim in 2001.
Ikramul Haq Lahori, a death...
Zardari permits Sharia laws in parts of Pakistan’s northwest
By IANS,
Islamabad : Bowing to the demands of a radical cleric, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zadari has permitted the enforcement of Sharia laws in parts of the country's restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP), including the Swat Valley that has been taken over by the Taliban.
At a recent meeting with a NWFP government, Zardari agreed to the demand of radical cleric Sufi Muhammad Khan of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz e Shariah-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) to impose Islamic law in the entire Malakand division including Swat, Dawn reported Monday.
French Bank releases Iran’s frozen assets
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's Presidential Advisor for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Majid Jafarzadeh has said that the assets of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) which were seized by a French bank have been released.
Speaking to IRNA, he said that the move followed continued efforts by the Presidential Department for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Monday.
CBI assets were frozen by the Bank of French Banque Populaire.
Malaysian court sets free Indian woman charged with murder
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : S. Selvi, an Indian national working as a housemaid, walked free Wednesday after the Malaysian court of appeal absolved her of the charge of killing her employer.
But by that time, she had served six years in jail.
The mother of two, who had admitted to the murder of her employer, became emotional and wept uncontrollably. With head bowed, she then clasped her hands as if in prayer and thanked the judges, NST Online reported.
Selvi, 40, had killed her woman employer, G. Rajam, an ethnic Indian.
UAE President donates $1million to Beijing’s Islamic Studies Centre
Beijing –(IINA) January 13, 2008 – The UAE Ambassador to China Mohammed Rashid Al Bout yesterday handed over the $ 1 million grant donated by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the UAE Centre for Arabic language and Islamic Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). The BFSU hosted a ceremony to celebrate the occasion which was attended by the members of UAE diplomatic mission and by the President of the University Zhao Bing.
Iranian ambassador lashes U.S. offensive in Baghdad’s Sadr City
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iranian ambassador to Iraq Saturday criticized the U.S. military operations in Baghdad's main Shiite bastion of Sadr City which killed many civilians.
"We criticize the pounding of cities and the siege of people, which will aggravate the situations and make things worse," ambassador Hassan Kazemi Qomi told a news conference at the Iranian Embassy.
UAE’s investment in Sudan touches $7 bn
By IANS
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the second largest investor in Sudan after China with a total investment of $7 billion, according to Sudanese President Omar Hassan al Beshir, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Al Beshir said his country provided an attractive area for Arab and foreign investment that would help the country achieve overall development.
Al Beshir said his visit to the UAE, on an invitation of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had given a big bigger boost to bilateral political and economic relations.
Pakistani army headquarters siege ends, 30 hostages freed
By DPA,
Rawalpindi : Nine people were killed Sunday in a dramatic hostage rescue operation at Pakistan's military headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, an army spokesman said.
Major General Athar Abbas said three hostages, two military commandos and four of the attackers died in the operation that freed several hostages after a 22-hour standoff inside the army base.
"By the grace of God, the operation has been successfully completed," Abbas said. "Up to 30 hostages have been rescued from the building and four terrorists are dead."
Roadside bombs kill eight in Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : Two separate roadside bomb explosions apparently carried out by militants in south Afghanistan killed eight people - five civilians and three policemen, officials said Tuesday.
Three policemen were killed and two were injured in the first blast in Kandahar province Monday night, while the second blast in neighbouring Helmand province almost at the same time left five civilians dead, the police said.
Solidarity boats reach Gaza Strip
By IRNA,
Gaza City : Two boats carrying members of a US-based pro-Palestinian group have arrived in the Gaza Strip, despite an Israeli blockade of the territory.
The boats left the port of Larnaca in Cyprus on Friday morning.
The Free Gaza protest group said about 40 activists from 14 countries were on board the boats to highlight the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in June 2007 when Hamas took control of the territory by force.
Since then, Israel has allowed in little more than basic humanitarian aid as a means of isolating Hamas.
Arrest and try Musharraf: A.Q. Khan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Abdul Qadeer Khan, who mentored Pakistan's nuclear programme, said Monday former president Pervez Musharraf should not be permitted to leave the country but should be arrested and tried.
"He should not be allowed to leave the country. He should be arrested and should be tried in the highest court," the scientist, who is under arrest since 2004 for allegedly smuggling Pakistan's nuclear secrets to North Korea and Libya, told IANS.
Israel on high alert after shooting attack
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli security forces across Israel were on the highest level of alert Friday, after Thursday night's shooting attack in Mercaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, which left eight people dead.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to impose a closure on the West Bank, the spokeswoman of IDF told Xinhua. The closure is set to continue until security forces re-evaluate the situation in several days, she added.
Iranian, Algerian presidents open new chapter in ties – Iranian FM
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : A new chapter has opened in Iran-Algeria relations by an initiative made by the presidents of the two countries, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said.
In a meeting with the his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci Sunday, Mottaki said that Tehran and Algiers should remove obstacles on the way of promoting bilateral ties.
Medelci is in Iran as a member of a high-ranking political and economic delegation headed by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
A Pakistani official who re-appointed himself
By IANS,
Islamabad : A top official has "just made history" by re-appointing himself for three more years, a Pakistani daily said Thursday, terming this "preposterous".
Jammu and Kashmir traders cancel Pakistani Kashmir visit
By IANS,
Jammu : A traders' delegation from Jammu and Kashmir has cancelled its visit to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, scheduled for Dec 15, in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ram Sahai, who was to lead the delegation, said he and his fellow traders had cancelled their plans.
"We were told by our hosts that the timings were not feasible and we also realised that our visit at this time, when terror has revisited India in a big way, is not a good idea," Sahai told IANS here Thursday.
Nawaz, Zardari to meet to discuss government formation
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan's leading contenders for power, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari, will meet here Thursday evening to discuss the possibilities of government formation following the Feb 18 polls which saw their parties rout the Pervez Musharraf backed PML-Q.
Thousands of Muslims demand ban on ‘heretical’ sect
By DPA,
Jakarta : Thousands of Indonesian Islamic militants demanded an immediate ban on a splinter group Sunday, accusing it of heresy for revering the sect's founder as a prophet after Mohammed.
The protestors came from several Islamic organizations including the hardline Islamic Defender Front, Hizbut Thahrir and the Islamic Community Forum, witnesses said.
They carried banners reading "The ban of Ahmadiyah is a fixed price", and postcards of Ahmadiyah founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad with his face crossed out.
Israel approves east Jerusalem housing project
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel has decided to build tens of thousands of new apartments in Jerusalem, including a couple of thousand in Jewish neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city, the Jerusalem municipality said Sunday.
The building proposal, which won city approval earlier this year, has been authorized by Israeli Interior Ministry's building and planning committee, local daily the Jerusalem Post reported, citing Jerusalem Municipality spokesman Gidi Schmerling.
Muslim outrage at Quran sacrilege by US soldier
By IINA,
Baghdad : A US military official sparks Muslim fury after using the Holy Quran for target practice during sniper training sessions in Baghdad. The incident came to light on May 11 when Iraqi officials found a bullet-riddled copy of the holy Quran in a US police station shooting range in Baghdad's western outskirts. Iraqi community leaders have condemned the US military's belated acknowledgment of the unacceptable 'criminal act', prompting American Commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond to apologize for the incident.
Iran not an enemy of Russia: Minister
By IANS,
Moscow : Russia does not consider Iran an enemy, but opposes the country's development of nuclear arms, a Russian minister has said.
Egyptian security plans lessens Palestinians flow into Egypt’s Sinai
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinians flow into Egypt's Sinai Peninsular lessened on Monday after Egyptian security forces heavily deployed on the roads linking between southern Gaza Strip and the Egyptian coastal town of al-Arish, witnesses said.
The Egyptian plan was to install checkpoints on the 40-kilometer-long way starting from the Palestinian-Egyptian border in Rafah and ending in al-Arish, added the witnesses.
Israel able to stop Gaza rocket fire in near future
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel would be able to obliterate rocket fire from the Gaza Strip in the near future, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Thursday.
"The government will work toward an absolute end to Qassam rocket fire, and we are not talking about a prolonged period of months," he was quoted by local daily Ha'aretz as saying.
Barak made the remarks during a visit to the southern Israeli town of Ashkelon, where a rocket fired from northern Gaza struck on Wednesday, wounding dozens of people.
China’s crackdown continues on Xinjiang Muslims; bans fasting in Ramadan
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Battling the continued terrorist acts in the country purported from Uighur Muslims, China has adopted a controversial move of banning millions of Muslims from compulsory fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is obligatory on every Muslim to observe for the whole month in the day time (from sun rise to sun set).
Lahore seeks ban on public smoking
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Lahore High Court has ordered the authorities to impose a ban on smoking in public places in the city, a media report said Monday.
Egypt frees son of Islamist leader
Cairo: Egyptian authorities on Saturday released a son of a leading member of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group after the Egyptian-American man gave up...
India-Afghan ties have no expiry date: Mukherjee to Ghani
New Delhi : The enduring trust and mutual understanding between India and Afghanistan go beyond political and strategic considerations and their bilateral ties have...
Afghan vice president dead
Kabul : Afghanistan Vice President Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim died Sunday following cardiac arrest, media reported.
Fahim died following a heart attack in his Kabul...
Benazir Bhutto’s book launched globally
By DPA
Islamabad : The political party of Pakistani pro-democracy icon Benazir Bhutto Tuesday launched a book completed by her just days before her Dec 27 assassination as she campaigned for upcoming elections.
Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) began a global launch of Bhutto's scholarly book "Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West" in an Islamabad hotel ballroom packed with supporters, dignitaries and journalists.
The book, published in English, was also due to be launched Tuesday in London and Washington.
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.
UAE to host construction summit
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) would host the 2010 Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS) in May.
The summit, which would be held May 24-26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will host over 50 speakers from the Arab world who would address issues related to the construction industry. Over 400 international delegates are expected to attend the three-day event.
22 IS militants killed in clashes, airstrike in Iraq
Baghdad : At least 22 militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group were killed on Tuesday in an airstrike and two IS attacks...
1st phase of Great Prophet 6 Wargame staged successfully
By IRNA,
Tehran : The first phase of the Great Prophet 6 Wargame, featuring unveiling of underground missile launch pad, was successfully carried out.
Obama aide predicts “big change” in US policy towards Iran
Berlin, Dec 10, IRNA, A senior aide to US president-elect Barack Obama predicted a "big change" in American policy towards Iran, stressing Tehran's "key" role in promoting peace and stability in volatile Afghanistan and Iraq.
Addressing a one-day international conference on the future of American-European relations in Berlin on Tuesday, William M. Drozdiak said Iran was a "key actor" for the US to restore peace in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"I think it's one of the big changes in American policy ..., " added Drozdiak who is reportedly Obama's advisor on Germany.
Israel in peace talks with Syria
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel is holding indirect peace talks with Syria with the mediation of Turkey, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said in a statement Wednesday.
"The two sides have started indirect peace talks under the auspices of Turkey," Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said in a statement.
"The two sides express gratitude to Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey for their participation in this process and their generous hospitality," the statement also read.
UN Secretary-General condemns Israeli crimes in Gaza
By IRNA
New York : United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned Israeli violence against civilians living in Gaza.
Addressing the Security Council, he condemned Israeli indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza Strip residential areas.
He said that Israel has made "disproportionate and excessive use of force against civilians.
The international community mounted pressure on the Security Council to begin emergency talks on what the member states describe as Israeli systematic genocide against Palestinians.
PPP in turmoil over Zardari’s PM bid
By IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is in turmoil over its co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari's prime ministerial aspirations as this is being seen as impacting on the attempts of party stalwart Makhdoom Amin Fahim to occupy the slot if the PPP is voted to power in the Feb 18 general election.
Zardari's remarks, though immediately denied, "gave credibility to the whisper campaign within the PPP focusing on whether Zardari or Amin Fahim should be the party's nominee for the premiership", The News said Thursday.
Australia may begin Afghanistan pullout in 2012
By IANS,
Canberra : Australia Wednesday signalled it could start bringing some troops home from Afghanistan in two years.
The government has stressed the mission for Australia's trainers in Afghanistan, who make up about half of the 1,550-strong contingent, will be completed once troops have fully trained the 4th brigade of the Afghan National Army in Oruzgan province, Xinhua reported.
An assessment of the expected time frame to train the Afghans had been completed recently, Australian defence minister John Faulkner said in a statement.
Israeli minister calls for regional peace plan
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel should come up with a comprehensive regional peace initiative similar to that presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday.
Israel, he told Israel Army Radio, shared a "deep common interest" with moderate Arab countries regarding Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
"There is definitely room to present an overall Israeli plan against that of the Saudis, so there can be a basis for discussion on a comprehensive regional peace," he said.
Kerala’s SJD merges with JD-U
Thrissur (Kerala) : The Socialist Janata Democratic (SJD), a constituent of Kerala's ruling UDF, Sunday merged with the Sharad Yadav-led Janata Dal-United.
At a public...
British sleuths hand over Bhutto probe report to Pakistan
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Britain's Scotland Yard, which probed the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto Friday handed over a report on its findings to the Pakistani police.
Officials said the head of a three-member team of British detectives which arrived here yesterday handed over the report to senior Pakistani police officials.
The report will be sent to the Pakistani Interior Ministry, the officials said.
Sultanov to head to Mideast next Sunday
By NNN-KUNA,
Moscow : Russian president's envoy to the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Sultanov will travel to the Middle East next Sunday, it was announced here on Friday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released here that Sultanov will tour Israel, the Palestinian territories, Amman and Damascus in order to contribute to the settlement of the situation created by the serious escalation in the Gaza Strip.
UAE woman dies after weight-loss surgery
By IANS,
Sharjah: A 27-year-old woman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has died after a weight-loss surgery at a hospital in Sharjah.
Bangladesh opposition threatens to boycott Dec polls
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's opposition Awami League party Saturday warned the country's military-backed administration that it might stay away from the general election unless the prolonged state of emergency is lifted beforehand.
The party, at a meeting of its policymaking central working committee, also asked the government for the "immediate and unconditional" release of party chief Sheikh Hasina Wajed, who is now paroled for medical treatment abroad. It also asked the government to ensure Hasina's participation in the polls slated for Dec 18.
CBK Governor heads to Qatar Sunday to attend GCC meeting
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah will head to Qatar on Sunday to participate in the 46th extraordinary meeting of heads of GCC central banks and monetary institutions, slated June 9.
A CBK statement said Saturday that the meeting would discuss topics pertaining to joint GCC action, especially the monetary union and means to remove obstacles hindering this.
Participants will also discuss reports and minutes of meetings of technical committees, including the monetary union committee and the committee of legal experts.
Iran says ready to negotiate with EU over its nuclear program
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Iran is ready to negotiate with the European Union over its controversial nuclear program, if these talks were productive, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad earlier said the Islamic Republic would hold nuclear talks only with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Six government militiamen killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed when a car carrying pro-government militiamen was bombed in Pakistan's northwest tribal region Wednesday, a media report said.
Israel decides to ease Gaza land blockade
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel is to loosen its land blockade of the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday, at the end of two days of discussions by his inner cabinet.
Under the new policy, Israel will let more "civilian goods" enter the salient and expand the amount of materials used for civilian projects being carried out under international supervision, a statement by Netanyahu's office said.
However existing restrictions aimed at preventing weapons from entering the Strip will remain in place.
Malaysian Indian Congress chief likely to get walkover
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Indian Congress' long-time president S. Samy Vellu may get a walkover in next month's election for the top party post as his lone rival was unlikely to get the minimum votes required to file nomination papers.
Vellu's grip on the party's apparatus remains total, media reports said Monday.
"It looks like a foregone conclusion, a week before nominations close for the MIC presidential race," The Star said.
Pakistan says India constructing bunkers close to border
Islamabad : Pakistan's foreign office Thursday said Indian forces under the cover of unprovoked firing were engaged in constructing bunkers in locations within five...