India summons Pakistan’s envoy, toughens posture on Mumbai terror
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : With strong links emerging about the alleged complicity of Pakistan-based militants to Mumbai's bloody terror attacks, India Monday summoned Pakistan's high commissioner in New Delhi Shahid Malik and lodged a protest over Islamabad's failure to check terrorism springing from its territory.
Jewish rioters set Arab home ablaze in latest Acre violence
By KUNA,
Gaza : Four days of continuous rioting in Acre (Akka) ended with Jews torching an empty Arab house, three injuries among Jews and arrest of three others for hurling stones at policemen and Arabs, according to an Israeli daily.
"Haaretz" reported that since Wednesday, police have arrested some 30 rioters, both Jewish and Arab. Some of them have been subsequently released because they are minors. Police have also used water cannons to disperse stone-throwing rioters in the city.
Baghdad Car Bomb Kills 5, Hurts 10
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A car bomb blew up Friday near the Al Yarmouk hospital complex, in western Baghdad, leaving five persons dead and ten others wounded, security forces informed.
The explosion destroyed part of the health facilities, and several nearby shops and houses, the sources added.
The capital has suffered several violent acts so far this month, chiefly against security institutions, though security forces and US troops have intensified their operations there in the last 17 months.
Cycle of escalating violence in Middle East is madness- UN Official
By KUNA,
Geneva : The UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 John Dugard has described the Israeli incursions and the attacks by Hamas as madness.
Dugard said: "How long is this madness to continue without serious international intervention." He said that the blood-letting in Gaza, and to a lesser extent, the West Bank continues.
3,590 Indians in Kuwait made use of amnesty scheme
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : The Indian embassy in Kuwait issued emergency out-passes to 3,590 Indians in the course of a 45-day amnesty scheme there for illegal foreign residents that expired Wednesday.
"We have issued a total of 3,590 emergence out-passes under the amnesty scheme," Dinesh Bhatia, charge d'affaires at the embassy, told IANS over telephone.
"We will get to know the exact number of Indians who have left the country in a few days from the local government here," he said.
‘Implementation of Arab League summit decisions a victory’
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that implementation of decisions made in the extraordinary Arab League Summit in Doha will be a victory for Islamic countries, official IRNA news agency reported.
President Ahmadinejad made the remark in a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad Sunday.
The Iranian president called for more coordination and cooperation on Gaza.
"We should try to carry out the decisions made in the Doha summit to help materialise the cause of Palestine completely," said the Ahmadinejad.
Jaswant’s view on Jinnah has scholarly backing
By IANS,
Boston : Years before veteran politician Jaswant Singh, who was expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday, a well-known historian here was championing Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah's many admirable qualities, including his passion for a united India.
Ayesha Jalal, professor of history at Tufts University, has for long spoken about Jinnah's failed quest to remain within a united India while guaranteeing the Muslim community equal rights.
Purge hate-filled textbooks, says Pakistani daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Pakistani daily wants hate-filled school textbooks purged after an official panel said they entrenched prejudices against minorities and distorted history.
Pakistan hands over Gwadar port to Chinese company
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Monday signed an agreement on handing over operations of the strategic Gwadar port to a Chinese company.
75 fishermen abducted in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Pirates have looted 85 fishing trawlers and abducted 75 fishermen in two coastal districts of Bangladesh, a media report said Thursday.
Pakistan must act against terrorism, says PM
By IANS,
Riyadh: Pakistan needs to "act decisively against terrorism" if it seeks to benefit from trade and commerce with India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday.
"If there is cooperation between India and Pakistan, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries and in South Asia," he told the Majlis-ash-Shura, the Saudi parliament.
Bangladesh bans political rallies for a month
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government Sunday banned political rallies for one month, a step the opposition described as an attempt to mute dissenting voices.
Dhaka to protest Myanmar Navy attack on its fishermen
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh, which is locked in a border conflict with its eastern neighbour, has alleged that Myanmar Navy Monday attacked its fishermen. Dhaka plans to lodge a formal protest with Yangon.
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the border guards, said it will lodge a protest with Myanmar authorities against snatching of a Bangladeshi fishing boat and nets by Myanmar naval force Sunday evening.
Rescued fishermen alleged that at least 10 armed navy men of Myanmar took away their boat and fishing nets and left them in the sea though they were fishing in Bangladesh waters.
Contestants from 85 Muslim countries for DIHQA tomorrow
By IINA,
Dubai : Memorizers of the Holy Quran from 85 Muslim countries will compete in the 12th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA), which will begin on the first day of Ramadan tomorrow. Ibrahim Bumelha, Chairman of DIHQA Organizing Committee, told a press conference that contestants from Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Botswana and Zanzibar are taking part in the event for the first time.
China launches mine-clearing training course for Afghanistan, Iraq
By NNN-AMA,
Beijing : A humanitarian mine-clearing training course for Afghanistan and Iraq sponsored by the Chinese government was inaugurated here Tuesday in Nanjing, capital of the eastern Jiangsu Province, Xinhua news agency reported.
About 40 military officers from Afghanistan and Iraq are on the two-month course at the University of Science and Technology of the People's Liberation Army in Nanjing, said China's Foreign Ministry.
UN urges stricter control on drug-refining compounds
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council adopted Wednesday a resolution calling on the world community to strengthen the control of the manufacture and trade of chemical compounds used to refine heroin and other dangerous drugs.
The move was aimed at stopping the illicit use of chemical agents used to refine poppies into heroin, opium and other dangerous drugs in Afghanistan, which is the world's largest exporter of drugs derived from its widespread poppy cultivation.
Israeli-Palestinian venture crossing divides in life and on the Web
By Dina Kraft, CGNews,
Nibbling doughnuts and deciphering computer code, the workers at this Internet start-up might be holding their weekly staff meeting in the same room—not on opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
Instead, they trade ideas across flat screen monitors, their images broadcast through a video conference hook-up that connects their two offices, one in the West Bank, the other in Israel, in the first joint technology venture of its kind between Israelis and Palestinians.
Bush, Maliki discuss political process in Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki held a video conference call with US president George Bush Wednesday and discussed the political process in Iraq, as well as security and economic developments nationwide, Maliki's office said.
Maliki affirmed to Bush that political forces were united to create positive atmosphere to rebuild the country.
The Iraqi government has been implementing a program to develop national economy and rebuild the country, said Maliki.
Mass grave of soldiers found in Iraq
Baghdad : A mass grave of dozens of Iraqi army soldiers massacred by the Islamic State (IS) was found in Nineveh province, a Kurdish...
India Fraternity Forum (IFF) helps pilgrims, Indians in adversities
By TCN News,
Madina: India Fraternity Forum (IFF), a community organization, helped a bereaved family by arranging to process documents meeting the local requirements.
An Indian pilgrim Idinabba Beary (74), a resident of Kavoor near Mangalore, had died here on December15. He had reached here after performing Umra.
US committed to Afghanistan: Bush
By DPA,
Kabul/Washington : US President George W. Bush arrived in Afghanistan early Monday on a surprise farewell visit, committing the United States to establishing a stable democracy there as violence is on the rise and he prepares to leave office in five weeks.
Bush was to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US troops on his visit, the details of which were shrouded in secrecy as the country and its foreign allies battle a Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgency.
Pakistan hints at ‘positive’ outcome on Sarabjeet release
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan Wednesday said it was examining India's request for the release of death row prisoner Sarabjeet Singh and hoped that "something positive" will come out of it.
"We are cognizant of your concerns and (Sarabjit Singh's) family. We are examining the case," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said after talks with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee at a joint press conference.
UAE launches website on aviation security
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The civil aviation authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new website on aviation security.
Israel bombs southern Gaza
By IRNA,
Gaza City : Israeli warplanes bombed southern Gaza Strip early Monday.
Palestinian officials said the warplanes hit a Hamas security compound in Khan Yunis that had already been struck three times.
IRNA reporter in Gaza City said that there is no report available on possible casualties in the air raids.
Hope for coexistence enthuses delegates
By Michel Cousins, CGNews,
"I never expected anything like it" was the comment of one Pakistani Muslim attending the World Conference on Dialogue organised by the Muslim World League and hosted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
He could have been speaking for most of the participants at what is proving to be quite an extraordinary experience.
ADB, Japan to help Bangladeshi women benefit from rural development
By NNN-ADB,
Dhaka : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Japan will help Bangladesh strengthen measures aimed at ensuring rural women benefit from infrastructure projects.
Nine killed as Israel escalates military actions in Gaza
By DPA
Gaza : Nine Palestinians, including five children and three Hamas militants, were killed Friday as Israeli army escalated military operations in the Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
A Hamas militant was killed in a fresh Israeli air strike Friday evening east of al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, the sources said.
Earlier Friday afternoon, medics said that five Palestinians including four children were killed and 28 wounded in Israeli artillery shelling on the refugee camp.
India should play a role in Middle East peace process, says President of Palestinian...
By NNN-PTI,
Ramallah : Describing Indian democracy a "role model" for the Palestinian people, President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has said the country can play an important role in the Middle East peace process.
"India, the second largest populated nation in the world and the biggest democracy with a booming economy, including hi-tech, could play an important role in the Middle East peace process", Abbas told PTI in an interview a day before leaving for New Delhi.
Palestinian gas union rejects Hamas’ request to receive fuel from Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian gas union on Monday rejected a request from Hamas to receive fuel that accumulated in the depots at Nahal Oz crossing in eastern Gaza city sending by Israel.
"We refuse to get these trivial amounts because the Israeli side did not meet its promise to deliver more gas and petrol," said Mahmoud al-Khozendar, vice-president of the Petrol Station Owners Association.
Members of the deposed Hamas government on Sunday met with the representatives of the gas union and asked them to end the on-going strike.
Malaysia sends humanitarian aid to Myanmar cyclone victims
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian government has sent humanitarian aid worth 500,000 ringgit (155,763 U.S. dollars) to Cyclone Nargis victims in Myanmar, National Security Council (NSC) secretary said here on Monday.
The aid was flown to Yangon by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft on Monday morning, National Security Council (NSC) secretary Muhammad Hatta Abd Aziz said after sending off the humanitarian aid at the RMAF base.
Seven killed as Yemen police clash with Al Qaeda suspects
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen) : Two police officers and five suspected Al Qaeda members were killed and six people, including four policemen, were injured in a clash in southeast Yemen Monday, a governor said.
The shootout erupted as police forces raided a house sheltering the suspects in the town of Tarim, some 900 km southeast of the capital Sana'a.
Salem al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadhramout, told the official Saba news agency that one of the dead officers was a deputy superintendent of Tarim police.
Obama calls on Iran to stop repression
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama called Saturday for the Iranian government to halt violent repression of protests and said that the US supported demonstrators who were exercising their universal rights to free expression.
"The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching," Obama said. "We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people."
Assam bandh over Indo-Bangla land deal draws mixed response
Guwahati : The 10-hour Assam bandh on Thursday against the central government's decision to hand over the state's land to Bangladesh evoked a mixed...
Bangladesh’s capital market like a casino: Expert
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh's volatile capital market, with the stock exchange registering fluctuations, was Sunday described as a "casino" by a prominent economist.
Erekat denies any progress made in negotiations with Israel – radio
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Chief negotiator in the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Saeb Erekat has denied Israeli claims that progress was made in the peace process.
Erekat told Voice of Palestine Tuesday that the peace process was hindered by the Israeli policy of constructing settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem and by the Jewish state's aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
He warned that 2008 would not be a year of peace if these Israeli policies continued.
Bangladeshi court orders arrest of former premier’s son
By DPA,
Dhaka : A Dhaka court Sunday issued an arrest order for an exiled son of Khaled Zia, Bangladesh's former premier, in a money laundering case, court officials said.
Israeli-Palestinian dialogue resumed after seven-year hiatus
By RIA Novasti
Tel Aviv : Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have launched the most serious peace talks between the sides in seven years despite clear differences over what each aims to achieve, Israeli radio said on Monday.
It said the chief negotiators, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and former Palestinian prime minister, Ahmed Qurei, have met in Jerusalem for initial talks intended to tackle the most problematic issues barring the road to peace - state borders, the fate of Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees.
PLO factions to draft initiative for Hamas-Fatah dialogue
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Factions of Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) are working to push for an initiative to be drafted on holding dialogue between President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement and the rival Islamist Hamas movement.
Saleh Zidan, an official from the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), said on Monday the factions hold meetings to formulate an action plan to pave the way for the dialogue.
Israeli defence chief blasts Russia-Iran weapons sale deal
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Tuesday slammed a Russian decision to lift a ban on selling an advanced missile defence system...
Palestine’s proposal to be presented at ‘right time’ in UN
United Nations : The Palestinian representation at the UN has included several amendments to a draft resolution announced two weeks ago and the text...
Iranians protest against Israeli offensive in Gaza
Tehran : Hundreds of Iranians gathered here Saturday to protest against Israel's offensive against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Raising anti-Israel slogans, the demonstrators...
Bangladesh garment workers world’s most poorly paid: Survey
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's garment sector workers are "the world's most poorly paid" and their rights are being abused increasingly, an international trade union body has said.
Poor wages and working conditions, and refusal of the factory owners to honour wage agreements are also leading to frequent violence, Vienna-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) said in a global survey released here Saturday.
Absence of trade unions is adding to the problem, it said.
Over 15 killed in missile attack on Pakistani tribal agency
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least 15 people, including women, were killed in a missile attack on a house in Pakistani a tribal agency bordering Afghanistan, said officials on Thursday.
Two guided missiles, believed to have been fired by a US drone, hit the house Mullah Obaidullah in Damadola area of Bajaur tribal agency late Wednesday night, security and tribal sources told KUNA.
They said the attack killed at least 15 persons, including the brother of Mullah Obaidullah, who reportedly had links with Taliban militants.
Lahore mosque blast suspect held in Balochistan
By IANS,
Lahore : A man suspected to be involved in the bombing of a mosque here in which a prominent cleric who supported the military's ongoing anti-Taliban operations was killed has been arrested from Balochistan, a media report said.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Ilyas, was held from the Nasirabad area of Balochistan's Loralai district, some 100 km east of capital Quetta, Geo TV said.
The cleric, Sarfraz Ahmad Naeemi, was in his office adjacent to a mosque here when a teenage suicide bomber entered the building and blew himself up Friday.
Five dead as Turkey battles PKK
By IRNA,
Ankara : Two Turkish soldiers and three Kurdish rebels have died in clashes in south-eastern Turkey, near the border with Iraq on Sunday.
The fighting took place during an operation against the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Sirnak province, the Turkish officials said.
Turkey has launched repeated air and land attacks in the region, targeting PKK rebels based in northern Iraq.
The PKK has been fighting for Kurdish self-rule since 1984.
Bangladesh: all future elections in Bangladesh will be free, fair, says Chief Advisor
By NNN-BSS,
New York : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed reiterated that his government is fully committed to holding the national election on December 18 this year and a remarkable achievement in preparing a voter list will make every future election in Bangladesh free and fair, including the upcoming parliamentary one.
The Chief Adviser made the assertion while addressing the plenary of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters here on Friday.
Trafficking victims to be cared for, says UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : An anti-human trafficking panel has been set up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to care for victims and create awareness on the issue, a top official has said.
The panel will look into human trafficking and launch awareness programmes on the crime, and will ensure that victims in shelters are well protected, Brig. Ahmed Mohammed Nakhaira Al Muharrami, director of the human rights department said Tuesday.
Work is under way to set up a database on human rights issues, which will monitor regional and international development, he said.
Israeli PM downplays possibility of peace deal with Palestinians this year
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert pledged on Sunday that he would make every effort to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians this year, but insisted reaching understandings on the basic principles is the most possible goal.
Speaking in Jerusalem at a gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, Olmert said that one possibility of a peace deal is a declaration of principles for a Palestinian statehood.
Pakistan blocks YouTube for uploading blasphemous cartoons
By IANS
Islamabad : Millions of internet users in Pakistan were not able to access the popular video sharing website YouTube after the government decided to block it for allegedly featuring cartoons of Prophet Mohammed, Daily Times reported Saturday.
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), in its order, has directed all Internet service providers in the country to block access to the website because " the ratio of non-Islamic objectionable videos has increased on it".
"The site would remain blocked till further orders from the PTA," a local ISP worker said.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad vows to punish ‘bullying powers’
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said his government will "severely punish bullying powers", referring to some Western nations for allegedly stoking post-election unrest in the country.
Tehran will take stern action against the bullying powers (Western states), responsible for fanning flames of dissent, state-run IRNA news agency reported Sunday citing the Iranian leader.
Iranian officials blamed the Western countries of meddling in Iran's post-election violence.
Pakistan to restore constitution, strengthen all institution – PM
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has categorically stated that the present government will restore the constitution, strengthen all institutions, ensure provincial autonomy and come up to the expectations of people with regard to independence of judiciary and freedom of media.
Gunmen kill four in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least four people were killed Monday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a house in Pakistan.
Police said the shooting occurred in...
Outgoing Bangladesh Speaker warns against ‘parliamentary autocracy’
By IANS,
Dhaka : The outgoing Speaker of Bangladesh's parliament has warned of a "parliamentary autocracy" in the wake of the ninth general elections throwing up a house with the government benches enjoying a massive majority.
Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar, who lost the Dec 29 poll, said: "People's faith in the democratic practices would go if the ruling parties resort to muzzling the opposition in the house and oppress them outside."
Serious UN-Israel Frictions
By Tomas Anael Granados Jimenez, Prensa Latina,
United Nations : The uncomfortable UN-Israel relations seemed to reach conflict level on Tuesday in the wake of serious incidents between Tel Aviv and President of the General Assembly, Nicaraguan Miguel d’ Escoto.
The new friction was triggered by Israeli press reports accusing d’ Escoto of preventing Israeli Ambassador Gabriela Shalev from speaking at the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10.
India, Bangla Foreign Secretaries’ meet Thursday
By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : With Bangladeshi link being found to several terror incidents in India lately, New Delhi is expected to press Dhaka to act against such elements when the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries meet here today.
At the day-long talks between Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and his counterpart Mohd Touhid Hossain, the two sides will also discuss other cross-border crimes besides promotion of trade and commerce.
Menon is expected to take up the issue of Bangladesh being used by terrorists as a base or route to reach here and carry out anti-India activities.
French, Canadian, foreign ministers in Afghanistan
By SPA
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai met French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on Saturday, days after France promised to send an extra 700 soldiers to help battle the Taliban, Reuters reported.
Kouchner arrived from Tajikistan where he said on Friday that French troops operating in Afghanistan would number about 3,000.
Also in Kabul for talks with Karzai on Saturday was Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier of Canada, whose troops have been battling a resurgent Taliban in the Afghan south.
UN forum aims to ensure adequate funds to meet development goals
By IRNA,
Tehran : Representatives of governments, business and civil society are set to meet this weekend in Doha, Qatar, at a United Nations conference focusing on ensuring sufficient financing to meet key development goals amid mounting concern about the impact of the current global economic slowdown on poor nations.
27 militants killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Twenty-seven Taliban militants were killed in fighting with security forces in Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
Palestinians in Syria organise sit-in, demand right of return
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : The Palestinian committee for commemorating the anniversary of Palestine's occupation organized on Wednesday a sit-in in front of the European Commission headquarters in Damascus to affirm their adherence to the Palestinian people's just rights.
Kingdom urges Hajj-visa holders not to stay
By NNN-SPA
Jeddah : The General Directorate of Passports has urged those who have come to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj to leave the Kingdom and go back to their home-countries.
A statement issued by the General Directorate of Passports said the Kingdom's regulations do not allow those who have come to the country with Hajj visa to stay.
Lebanese president appreciates French support
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese President Michel Suleiman expressed Saturday his appreciation over French supports to Lebanon, local New TV reported.
Suleiman thanked France in a speech at a lunch banquet at the presidential palace in honor of visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
"Lebanon appreciates France's support at Paris-III and will fulfill its commitment towards its partners and international institutions," Suleiman told Sarkozy.
Four murder convicts hanged in Pakistan
Islamabad: Four murder convicts were hanged on Wednesday in three different jails in Pakistan, a media report said.
Abdul Razzaq Chohan and Jalal Morejo were...
Taliban behead four workers in Afghanistan
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Four workers kidnapped in Afghanistan by the Taliban have been beheaded, a local TV channel reported Sunday.
Over 27,000 telecom devices seized in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE has confiscated over 27,600 unauthorised devices in the country.
Gaddafi’s spy chief takes refuge in Niger
By IANS,
Niamey (Niger) : The intelligence chief of killed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has taken refuge in Niger on the southern border with Libya, Xinhua reported.
Taliban cleric vows to impose sharia across Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taliban-linked radical cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammed Sunday said existing judicial system of Pakistan was un-Islamic and vowed to impose sharia all across the country.
Sufi Mohammed, chief of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), termed judges, lawyers and pro-democracy clerics of Pakistan as "rebels".
Expansion of Iran-Iraq bilateral ties urged
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi National Security Advisor Muwafaq al-Rubaie here on Sunday called for expansion of Tehran-Baghdad relations in all areas.
He made the remarks in a meeting with Supreme Leader's Advisor Ali-Akbar Velayati.
During the meeting, Velayati congratulated the Iraqi nation and government on the successful holding of the recent Iraqi provincial councils elections.
Velayati, who arrived in Baghdad Saturday, reiterated that the mass participation of Iraqi people in the elections was an indication to their vigilance and sensitivity towards their country’s fate.
Iran to unveil new space projects
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran will unveil its new space projects during a ten-day ceremony beginning Monday to mark the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in the country.
Tehran has reached self-sufficiency in launching complicated electronic, optic and communications technology, Defence Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said at the inauguration of the 'Ten-Day Dawn'.
The same trend of development is in process in more sensitive technologies, including space systems which use highly sophisticated electronic devices, he said.
12 killed in bombing near Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : A suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest blew himself up just inside the courtyard of a Shia mosque in a town south of Baghdad on Friday, killing 12 people and wounding 19.
The attack took place in Mussayib, a town about 80 kilometers, south of Baghdad, as about 700 people were attending Friday prayers and preparing to hold a peaceful march in protest at the ratification in the Iraqi Parliament on Thursday of a new security agreement with the United States.
Contempt case: SC to decide Gilani’s fate Thursday
By IANS,
Islamabad : It was judgment day for Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday with the Supreme Court expected to give its verdict in a contempt of court against him.
Palestinians organise local marathon to reject Israeli one
By IANS,
Ramallah : Dozens of Palestinian runners participated in a local marathon on the West Bank Monday, challenging an earlier Israel-organised international one in Jerusalem.
Suicide car bomb attack kills 33 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suicide blast ripped through a crowded market Friday in Pakistan's conflict-torn North West Frontier Province, killing at least 33 people and injuring dozens more, police said.
The powerful explosion took place in Ustarzai, a small Shia Muslim-dominated village on the fringes of the garrison town of Kohat, 60 km south of the provincial capital, Peshawar.
Following the attack, Pakistani security forces targeted the militants' positions and killing 13 rebels.
Cyclone Rashmi kills 11 in Bangladesh
By DPA,
Dhaka : Cyclone Rashmi killed at least 11 people in Bangladesh when it hit the country's south-western region, media reports said Tuesday.
The tropical cyclone with wind speeds up to 80 km per hour ripped through nine coastal districts, an official at the disaster management ministry said.
District administrations in the coastal areas confirmed at least 11 deaths and reported some fishermen missing in the Bay of Bengal.
Pakiatani govt not to pass on burden of increased fare to pilgrims
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that government will not pass on the burden of any increase in fares to pilgrims keeping in view increasing oil prices at the international market.
Talking to APP here on Wednesday, he said earlier PIA and the Religious Ministry had agreed on fare issue but now he feared PIA might increase fare for Hajj operation after unprecedented surge in petrol prices.
“The government and PIA will bear the burden of increased fares and we will not pass on the burden to pilgrims” , he said.
Do not be deceived by messages in candidate photo — academic
By Faisal Al-Shemmiri, KUNA,
Kuwait : An expert in interpreting gestures and body language Wednesday warned voters not to be deceived by the messages in the photos of National Assembly candidates.
Speaking to KUNA, Dr. Mona Ghareeb called voters to look into the political, social, and academic backgrounds of candidates, urging them not to rely on the "calculated" images the candidates use in their campaigns.
Most candidates use photos that give the voters an impression that they have the intellect, abilities, and characteristics to qualify them as parliament members, she said.
Gen Y turns to religion more than older generation: study
By IANS
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Three out of four Indians pray at least once a day, says a study across 21 nations by a German research agency, adding young adults are more religious than is being assumed.
Surveying 21,000 people in 21 nations, the study released Thursday by the German Bertelsmann Foundation found that around 85 percent are religious and 14 percent are deeply so. Only 13 percent aren't religious.
Iran urges OIC to support member states’ scientific progress
By NNN-IRNA
Islamabad, Pakistan : Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) should pay more attention to the human, technical and financial resources of member states, Iran's minister of science, research and technology said here on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 13th meeting of the OIC Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (Comstech), Mohammad-Mehdi Zahedi observed that progress and development depend on self confidence and self belief.
Partnership with Afghanistan to continue after 2014: Ban
By IANS,
Chicago : The international community will continue partnership with Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO-led forces by the end of 2014, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.
Foreigners held in UAE for $14.4 bn fraud
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : An Iranian and a US citizen of Iranian-origin were arrested in Abu Dhabi for illegally transferring $14.4 billion from Germany through the UAE Central bank.
The suspects, identified only as E.H.K, 49, and Iranian and N.A.B, 47, an American of Iranian descent, transferred the money from Germany in the name of a fake company, said Col. Hammad Ahmed Al Hammadi, director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Both the men entered the country with mission visas, the CID said.
Israeli, Palestinian leaders meeting before Bush arrival
By SPA
Tel Aviv : Israeli and Palestinian leaders meet on Tuesday, a day ahead of U.S. President George W. Bush's arrival in the region, to try to wring some sort of progress from talks that have barely advanced since a U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will discuss procedural matters, including which negotiators will be assigned to thrash out the various issues that divide the two sides, an Israeli official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
18 killed in Iraq bombings
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 18 people were killed and over 100 injured in five car bombing incidents in Iraq Friday, Xinhua reported.
46 UAE couples marry in mass wedding ceremony
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah: A total of 46 couples from Sharjah in the UAE were married at a mass wedding ceremony, the sixth mass wedding in the emirate in 2012.
Nine militants killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Up to nine Taliban militants have been killed and 17 wounded in a series of military operations, Xinhua reported.
23 killed in insurgent attacks in Iraq
Baghdad : At least 16 soldiers and seven civilians were killed in separate militant attacks in Iraq Sunday, police said.
In northern Iraq, gunmen attacked...
US suspends Pakistan consular services after Marriott blast
By Xinhua,
Washington : The US has suspended visa services at its consular offices in Pakistan following a massive suicide bomb attack on the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, the State Department said.
"Consular services have been temporarily suspended as of today," State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Thursday.
"We are very concerned about the security situation. We had the attack on the Marriott Hotel about a week ago, and it's of great concern," he said.
UNGA urges India, Pakistan and Israel to give up nuclear weapons
By Arul Louis,
United Nations : India, backed by the United States, opposed a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling on New Delhi to voluntarily...
Egypt introduces new sexual harassment laws
London: Egypt has introduced new laws against sexual harassment in an effort to bring down the escalating menace.
In an order issued by outgoing interim...
Iran elections fair, protests not acceptable, says Khamenei
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election victory was credible and insisted that the Islamic republic's election mechanisms allowed no cheating.
He said the street protests to pressure for change were not acceptable.
Taliban kill senior Afghan police official
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Afghan Taliban fighters killed a senior police official in the town of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province of Afghanistan, authorities said.
Dubai now woos the world for Eid
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : Let the world converge in Dubai for Eid! That is the message one would get if one goes by the latest initiative of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO).
Following the tremendous success of the Dubai Shopping Festival, usually held in January-February every year, and the Dubai Summer Surprises that draws intra-Gulf tourists during the summer vacation months, this west Asian metropolis is now gearing up to host a third major shopping festival - two events actually - to draw tourists from across the world.
British doctors hopeful of Malala’s recovery
By IANS,
London : Doctors at the hospital in Britain where Pakistani teenaged rights activist Malala Yousafzai is being treated after a Taliban attack said they were hopeful she can recover.
Woman sentenced to death for UAE murder
Dubai : A woman who killed an American teacher in December last year was on Monday sentenced to death by the Federal Supreme Court...
Pakistani security forces kill 10 Taliban in Lower Dir
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have killed at least 10 Taliban in overnight operations in Lower Dir in the country's restive northwest, the military said Saturday as the operations entered their 36th day.
A large cache of arms has also been recovered.
According to the military, clashes were continuing between the security forces and the military in the Kalpani and Gul Derai areas of Lower Dir.
According to military sources, the security forces have gained complete control of the Kambar Bazaar area of Lower Dir and set up various check posts.
‘Taliban in talks about talks’
By IANS,
London : US President Barack Obama's recent call for a "reconciliation process" in Afghanistan has led to spurt in informal contacts between Taliban militants and other stakeholders in a series of capitals, including New Delhi, a newspaper reported Sunday.
Key players in the move include Abdullah Anas, an Algerian who was once close to Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden but now preaches moderation to young Muslims in British mosques, Saudi intelligence chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz and Qayum Karzai, the Afghan president's brother and his representative in the talks.
Malik admits failure to bring peace in Karachi
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has admitted his government's failure in restoring peace in the port city of Karachi during its five-year tenure.
Pakistan needs to come clean on terrorism, says Germany
By IANS,
New Delhi : Germany Saturday made it clear to Pakistan that it needs to "come clean" over terror allegations, whether those are true or not, as this will be in its best interests.
Yazidi militias kill 25 Arab civilians in retaliation
Baghdad: A militant group including Yazidi and Syrian Kurdish fighters has killed at least 25 Arab civilians on the perimeters of the northwestern Iraqi...
Occupiers Kill Afghan Civilians
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : The occupying forces' air raid against a house in the Afghan province of Farah killed seven members of a family, reported the police in the capital on Monday.
The bombing occurred on Sunday in Bakwa district where a woman, two children and four men died, told the media general Khialbaz Sherzai, police's chief in Farah, at the southeast of the Afghan territory.
Spokesmen from the NATO and United States' commands reported lack of immediate information over the air raid and the civilian Afghan victims.
EU was wrong to freeze Iranian group’s assets
By DPA,
Luxembourg : The European Union (EU) was wrong to keep the assets of the People's Mujahedin of Iran (PMI) frozen despite the Iranian group being taken off a British list of terrorist organizations, the EU's court ruled Thursday.
But the group will not yet have access to its funds, as a further decision to continue the asset freeze in July is still under challenge in the court, officials underlined.
Palestinian brigades attack S. Israel
By KUNA,
Gaza : Palestinian brigades continued here Friday launching rockets and mortars against the adjacent southern Israeli towns from across the Palestinian borders.
The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for firing two mortar shells at Nahel Oz military post, located eastern Gaza.
It added that this attack came to mark the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian catastrophe, "Nakba," and the continued Israeli aggression in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Two policemen killed in Taliban attack
By KUNA
Kabul : Two Afghan policemen were killed and another wounded as Taliban attacked a check post in western Afghanistan, police officials said on Tuesday.
The attack was carried out in Shin Dand district of the western Herat province, police spokesman Rauf Ahmadi told journalists.
The spokesman did not give more details. The Taliban militants also did not comment on the incident so far.
Taliban ready for talks with new Pakistan government
By Xinhua
Islamabad : A Pakistani Taliban militant commander in the northwestern region Sunday said his group was ready for peace talks with the new government.
"The Taliban movement welcomes the victory of anti-Musharraf political parties in the election and announces its willingness to enter into negotiations with them for bringing peace in the restive tribal area," self-proclaimed Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar said, quoting a statement of their local leader Baitullah Mehsud.
Gaza situation “worst since 1967”, report
By KUNA
London : The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worse now than at any time since the beginning of the Israeli occupation in 1967, UK human rights and aid organisations said in a new report Thursday.
A coalition of charities and groups labelled the blockade unacceptable and called on the British Government to condemn it publicly and press for a new strategy for the war-torn area.
Poverty and unemployment levels are rising, hospitals are suffering 12-hours-a-day power cuts and the water and sewage systems are close to collapse, according to today's report.
Pakistan begins second phase of war games
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Sunday launched the second phase of its biggest ever military exercise, dubbed Azm-e-Nou-3, near the Indian border.
The drill near Sialkot in Punjab province will continue till May 3. About 20,000 personnel from the army and the air force are taking part in the exercise, the Online news agency reported.
The security forces will test their new weaponry during the exercise. They will also demonstrate techniques to bring down drones.
Floods force evacuation in Sindh, Balochistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Raging waters of the Indus river have flooded Pakistan's Sindh and Balochistan provinces, forcing evacuation of 90 percent of the villages. People were forced to shelter under the open skies as they saw their homes being washed away.
The country is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead and affected over 14 million people. A media report put the total economic loss due to the floods at around Rs.250 billion ($2.92 billion).
IFJ delegation meets President, terms media environment forward-looking
By APP
Rawalpindi : A three-member fact-finding mission of the International Federation of Journalists met President Pervez Musharraf Saturday and termed the media environment in the country as “forward-looking”.Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary who is leading the delegation told the President that the expansion and openness of media will have a positive impact on democracy.
The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists is the world’s largest organisation of mediapersons.
Iran supplied Gaza with weapons: Hamas leader
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Iran supplied Gaza militants with weapons, Khaled Meshaal, the political leader of Islamist group Hamas, has said.
Egyptian army arrests leading Sinai militant
Cairo: Egyptian military arrested Friday a leading member of Al Qaeda-inspired Sinai-based Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis group in a raid on southern Arish city of...
US embassy in UAE issues terror alert
By IANS,
Dubai : The US embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned its citizens in this Gulf nation of potential terrorist acts ahead of the American Independence Day celebrations July 4.
"The embassy (in Abu Dhabi) and consulate general (in Dubai) wish to advise Americans that potential exists for terrorists to plan and carry out violent actions in the region, including the UAE, and for this reason Americans should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in public places," a message posted on the embassy website Tuesday said.
Singapore sends landing ship tank to Gulf region
By Xinhua,
Singapore : A Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank (LST) left the country's Changi naval base early Saturday for the Gulf region to support the multi-national reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
According to the statement issued by the Defense Ministry on Saturday, RSS Resolution and its crew of about 175 personnel will undertake tasks such as protecting the waters around key oil terminals, conducting patrols and boarding operations, as well as providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters during the three-month deployment.
Police chief killed in bomb attack in southern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A local Iraqi police chief was killed on Monday in a bomb explosion in the police headquarters ina town in Dhi Qar province, a local police source said."Major Farhan Qassim Kattafi, chief of police unit in Souq al-Shiyoukh town near the provincial capital city of Nasseriyah, was killed early in the morning when a omb hidden in his office detonated," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Two of Kattafi's bodyguards were wounded by the blast, the source said.
Obama pledges to work for Mideast peace if elected
By DPA,
Amman : US presidential candidate Barack Obama pledged Tuesday to work relentlessly for peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on the "two-state" vision if elected president.
Addressing a press conference in Amman, the Democrat leader supported a "phased withdrawal" from Iraq, fielding more US troops in Afghanistan and putting pressure on Pakistan to play a more active role against terrorism.
Artists don’t subscribe to India-Pakistan differences: Ghulam Ali
By Ruchika Kher, IANS,
27 militants surrender in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Twenty seven Afghan militants surrendered to the government Wednesday, the police said.
"Up to 27 armed opponent members handed over their weapons...
Iran’s supreme leader grants amnesty to 950 prisoners
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has granted amnesty to 950 prisoners earlier convicted by various courts in the country, IRNA reported Tuesday.
The decision was made on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet of Islam March 15.
The pardon was made at the request of Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
The Islamic Republic of Iran usually grants pardon or commutes the punishment of those convicted by the country's tribunals during the Iranian national or religious events.
Pakistan test fires n-capable ballistic missiles
By DPA,
Islamabad: Pakistan Saturday successfully tested two ballistic missiles capable of delivering both conventional and non-conventional warheads, the military said.
The launches of the short-range Hatf III and medium-range Hatf IV were conducted at the end of annual field exercises of Army Strategic Force Command.
"Both missiles can carry conventional and nuclear warheads to a range of 290 km and 650 km respectively," military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.
Germany Nays More Troops to Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Berlin : Germany has rejected the unusually strongly worded demand by the US government to send troops and helicopters to southern Afghanistan, where Taliban guerrilla groups play an active role.
German government spokesperson Ulrich Wilhelm said on Friday they would not change the order by the Bundestag (Congress) on the German mission in Afghanistan.
Bangladesh celebrates Independence Day
By NNN-Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh Wednesday celebrated her 38th Independence and National Day paying tributes to the martyred war heroes.
A 31-gun salute at dawn heralded the day. President Professor Iajuddin Ahmed and caretaker government Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed led the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Monument at Savar, 30 km north of capital Dhaka, at sunrise.
Thousands of people from all walks of life paid glowing tributes to the millions of martyrs by placing wreaths at the altar of the monument.
No decision made yet in Iraq on US draft deal – Iraqi
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraq's Political Council for National Security discussed the country's draft security deal with the United States in a meeting held Friday evening, according to the Chief of the Iraqi Presidential Office Nasir Al-Ani.
In a press conference following the meeting, Al-Ani said that the encounter was full of suggestions and productive feedback regarding a number of points in the draft proposal.
‘Pakistan’s 26/11 denials raise doubt of its desire for dialogue’
By IANS,
New Delhi: Underlining Pakistan's "denials and evasions" in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, India Monday said Islamabad's lack of sufficient action against perpetrators of the 26/11 created doubt about its seriousness on seeking a meaningful dialogue with India.
Without naming Pakistan, India also warned against using terrorism as an instrument of state policy, saying those "elements that profess an ideology of hatred, intolerance and terror often bite the hand that feeds them".
Ongoing Israeli strikes kill another 24 Palestinians in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Israeli army continued its air and ground strikes on different targets in the Gaza Strip since midnight until Sunday morning, killing 24 Palestinians, local medical sources and witnesses said.
At least 12 were killed in separate air strikes and tank shellings in northern Gaza Strip, eastern Gaza City and the east Khan Younis in the southern Strip, said local witnesses.
Iran parliament speaker’s brother to head judiciary
By DPA,
Tehran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Saturday appointed the brother of parliament speaker and former chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani as the new chief of Iran's judiciary.
Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani will be sworn in Monday to succeed Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi as judiciary head for a 10-year term, official sources said.
The 49-year-old Larijani spent eight years as member of the constitutional watchdog Guardian Council, which is also in charge of the election process.
Nine labourers shot dead in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Nine labourers building a road in Pakistan's Balochistan province were gunned down Thursday, media reports said.
Hamas: Israeli military training on Gaza border prelude to offensive
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The armed wing of Islamic Hamas movement on Wednesday said Israeli army exercises and training on Gaza Strip borders prove that Israel prepares for offensive.
Abu Obaida, a spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas, rejected Israeli statements that these training were defensive."The Israeli occupation has never been in a state of defense," AbuObaida said.
He added these training "on Gaza Strip borders, in the air and in its sea reveal what the occupation plans to do in the coming days."
31 die in Bangladesh boat capsize
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least 31 people were killed Tuesday when a boat with over 250 passengers on board capsized in the Meghna river after hitting a cargo vessel.
Blast kills one, injures seven in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : One person was killed and seven others injured in an explosion in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province Friday, Dawn News TV channel reported.
Witnesses said a bomb was attached to a motorcycle and parked outside a bank on Jinnah Road at the Mannan Chowk market in Quetta, the capital city of the province.
The TV channel cited the police saying that one person was killed and seven injured in the blast.
The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital.
Mansoor Zaman bags Kolkata International Squash title
By IANS
Kolkata : Mansoor Zaman of Pakistan pulled off a stunner, winning the third Kolkata International Squash Championship Friday by defeating Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-8, 11-7, 4-11, 11-8.
The final was by and large a lopsided affair and it was the higher-ranked player who bowed to the deftness and aggression of young Zaman. For most part of the match the Pakistan player played from the front court and did not allow Beng Hee play his natural game. The second seed Malaysian was pressed to the hold court and could not attack.
Pakistan: restoring socio-economic fabric in quake-hit areas
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : More than 1,500 community members have been provided training in different trades under European Commission’s supported Community Based Livelihood Recovery Programme in quake-hit areas of NWFP and AJK.
The project having cost of Euro 1.7 million (April 2006 to April 2009) envisages immediate support and mid-term livelihoods recovery of the vulnerable population and training was provided in trades including masonry works or as technicians or service providers.
Zardari takes oath as President
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Asif Ali Zardari took oath of office as Pakistan's new head of state on Tuesday at an impressive ceremony at Presidency.
Zardari, the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Saturday won a sweeping victory in presidential election, with 481 votes out of 702.
The election was called after Pervez Musharraf resigned last month to avoid impeachment.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar administered the oath of office to Zardari at a grand ceremony.
US soldier, over dozen Taliban killed
By DPA,
Kabul : A US soldier was killed in western Afghanistan and more than a dozen militants were killed by Afghan and US forces in the eastern region, the military said Sunday.
The US soldier was killed by a roadside bomb Saturday in the western region, a US military statement said.
With more than 400 NATO-led soldiers, including around 240 US service members, killed in Afghanistan so far this year, 2009 has become the deadliest year for the international troops since the start of their military engagement in late 2001.
Hamas says pro-Abbas forces arrest two members in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Thursday said Palestinian security forces arrested two members of its movement in West Bank.
The two men were detained in Nablus and Ramallah cities. They were made as part of a crackdown on Hamas supporters in the West Bank launched by the security forces which report to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah.