US aggression a terrorist act – Syrian FM
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem has announced that the US has launched a terrorist act on the al-Boukamal region, killing innocent civilians, and holding the US Administration responsible for this aggression.
During a press conference held Monday following a meeting with his British counterpart, David Miliband, in London, al-Moallem called on the US officials to investigate this act, announce the results and offer interpretations on the reasons for launching such aggressive act.
Soldier dies in Pakistan ammunition depot blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : A soldier was killed and three others were injured in three massive explosions that ripped through an army ammunition depot near here.
UAE, France sign landmark nuclear cooperation agreement
By NNN-WAM
Abu Dhabi : UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Nicholas Sarkozy have witnessed here the signing of a landmark bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement between the UAE and France.
The agreement, which was signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the evaluation and potential use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Russia seeks collective security in Persian Gulf
By RIA Novosti
Manama (Bahrain) : Russia has called for collective security in the Persian Gulf that can serve the interests of all littoral states and other countries in the region.
Presenting Russia's views on regional security in the Persian Gulf at a conference in this capital city of Bahrain, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov Monday said his country's concept in this regard was based on "consecutive steps towards collective security, taking into consideration the interests of all coastal and other countries in the region".
Official: Hamas delegation heads for talks in Cairo on Tuesday
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Spokesman of Islamic Hamas movement in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri announced on Monday that an official delegation representing the movement would arrive in Cairo on Tuesday for talks with the Egyptians.
"Hamas delegation, which will only include two leaders, one from Gaza and one from Damascus, will arrive in Cairo on Tuesday to hold talks with senior Egyptian officials on several issues," Abu Zuhri told reporters.
Lebanon arrests terror operatives
Beirut: The Lebanese army Wednesday arrested several members of a terrorist network, suspected of planning to assassinate a high-ranking security official, the military said.
"The...
No BDT-US dollar adjustment now: Bangladesh Bank
By Ferdous Ahmad Bhuiyan, NAK,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Friday the central bank was not thinking of readjusting the Bangladesh Taka (BDT) against the US Dollar.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Speaking to reporters at Dhaka Zia International Airport, on Friday on his returning from the annual general meeting of WB-IMF in Washington, said the Bangladesh government did not want to affect export earnings by readjustment of the Taka against the US currency dollar.
Pakistan arrests 12 terrorists
By IANS,
Islamabad : A dozen terrorists have been arrested from near a police station in Pakistan's Peshawar city, a media report said Friday.
Four killed, 44 wounded in Pakistan bombing
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suspected suicide bombing Thursday ripped through a busy street outside a bus stand in Pakistan's north-western district of Swat, killing four people and injuring at least 44, police said.
The blast took place in Mingora, the main city of the mountainous district, where the military has been fighting Taliban militants since March 2009.
"It looks like a suicide bombing, but we'll give the final opinion once initial investigations are completed," district police chief Qazi Jamil said.
Shun negative politics, says Nawaz Sharif
Islamabad : Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said it was the need of the hour to shun negative politics and use energy for the...
Pakistani Minister Rehman Malik to hold meeting with Saudi king on Sunday
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Interior, A. Rehman Malik reached Jeddah from London on a two-day visit of Saudi Arabia on Saturday.He was warmly received by Saudi Deputy Interior Minister, Prince Muhammed Bin Naif, Pakistan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Omar Khan Sherzai, Counsel General of Pakistan, Jeddah, Murad Ahmed and senior officials of Saudi Foreign Ministry at the airport.
According to officials sources, the Interior Minister is visiting Saudi Arabia as special representative of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
Eight dead in Iraq bombings, shooting
By DPA,
Baghdad : Four people were killed Sunday and 10 injured in a series of five explosions across eastern and central Baghdad, police said.
Several coordinated blasts took place near Baghdad University in the centre of the capital, killing one civilian and injuring three others, the Aswat al Iraq news agency reported.
A bomb attached to a car exploded in another part of the capital, killing three civilians and injuring four.
Three police officers were also injured in an explosion near their vehicle while they were on patrol.
UN condemns murder of Afghan legislator by Taliban
By DPA,
Kabul : The UN office in Afghanistan Monday condemned the assassination of a female provincial legislator in southern Afghanistan by Taliban militants.
Sitara Achikzai, who was aged in her 50s, was shot dead Sunday afternoon by Taliban fighters riding on motorbikes outside her home in Kandahar city, the capital of Kandahar province.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan "condemns in the strongest possible terms the vicious and deliberate killing of the provincial legislator Sitara Achikzai," Nilab Mubarez, a UN spokeswoman told a press conference Monday.
Pakistan put forces on alert following Indian high alert: TV
Islamabad, Dec 10, IRNA ,Pakistan Wednesday put its Air Force and Navy on high alert shortly after Indian media reported the armed forces, especially the air force and the navy, have been kept in a state of war readiness.
While Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters have been mounted with bombs and kept in a state of readiness to take off within minutes, almost the entire western naval fleet is aggressively patrolling the Arabian Sea, Indian media reported.
Al Qaeda affiliate owns attack on Israeli embassy
By Xinhua
Dakar : An Al Qaeda affiliate has claimed responsibility for a shooting attack on the Israeli embassy in Mauritania's capital, saying the attack aimed to retaliate Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip.
The Arab satellite TV station Al-Jazeera Saturday said that Al Qaeda in Islamic North Africa, an affiliate of Osama bin Laden's global terror network, issued a statement saying it had carried out the attack as a reprisal against Israel.
Fact vs. Fiction: Unpacking the Viral Misinformation Behind the Bangladesh-Hindu Atrocity Claims
Yusha Rahman, TwoCircles.net
An image of a screenshot from a video showing a woman being raped went viral on social media. The image was accompanied...
Russia denies changing its stance on Syria
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has rejected British Prime Minister David Cameron's recent comments saying Russia has changed its stance on Syria.
8 killed, 50 wounded in Baghdad bomb attacks
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Eight people were killed and 50 wounded in a car bomb blast and a roadside bomb attack in Baghdad Monday, an official said.
At least five people were killed and some 20 others wounded when a booby-trapped car detonated in Baghdad central district in Karrada, the official said on condition of anonymity.
In a separate incident, a roadside bomb went off at a busy market in the neighbourhood of Shaab in northeast Baghdad, killing three people and wounding 30 others.
Iran warns Google over changing Persian Gulf’s name
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Thursday warned the US-based Google company of legal action over using "alternative words" for the Persian Gulf on its online map service, a media report said.
40 suicide jackets seized from Afghanistan border
Islamabad : At least 40 suicide jackets were seized by security forces at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, media report said Monday.
Official sources said the jackets...
180 students graduate from Dubai varsity
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has conferred degrees to 178 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Mutiny spreads in Bangladesh, PM warns of stern action
By IANS,
Dhaka : The mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troopers, who battled the army Wednesday, spread to several towns Thursday as Prime minister Sheikh Hasina warned of stern action to quell the unrest. The fate of BDR chief Major General Shakil Ahmed and other senior army officers missing since Wednesday was not known yet.
"Please go back to barracks. Do not force me to take any stern action in the interest of the nation," the prime minister told the BDR mutineers in an address broadcast to the nation.
Traffic deaths decline in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw an about 13 percent decline in the number of people killed in traffic accidents in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Terrorists wanted to stir trouble between India, Pakistan: Rice
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The first goal of Mumbai terror attackers was probably to stir up trouble between Pakistan and India because terrorists are undoubtedly unnerved by their increasingly good relations, according to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
"These terrorists are undoubtedly unnerved by the increasingly good relations between Pakistan and India, really going back before the civilian government" but certainly since President Asif Ali Zardari came into power, she said in an interview on CBS News Radio.
GCC summit to identify retail sector’s key drivers
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Representatives of over 200 leading retail firms of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will hold a summit in November to identify the major factors behind the continued growth of it's retail sector.
The summit, to be organised by AIM Events in partnership with DMS Retail, will highlight current trends on client care, technology, management, marketing, branding and supply, among others.
It will be held Nov 22-24 at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi steps in with $10 bn to bail-out of Dubai World
By IANS,
Dubai : Peer emirate Abu Dhabi Monday had a pleasant surprise for the financial world Monday, stepping in with a $10 billion bail-out offer for Dubai World that is caught in a multibillion dollar debt crisis.
"The Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE Central Bank have agreed to provide important support," said Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee. He is also the uncle of Dubai's ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.
Syria FM says Lebanese president to visit Damascus soon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese President Michel Suleiman will visit Damascus as soon as possible, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said after their meeting, local IBC TV reported Monday.
Muallem, who delivered an official invitation from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Suleiman during the meeting, said thedate for visit is to be set by a Lebanese-Syrian committee, according to the report.
During their meeting, Muallem said Syria "is ready at any time for diplomatic relations with Lebanon."
Dubai institute offers new real estate degree programmes
By IANS,
Dubai : Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), the Gulf's first institute to focus solely on real estate education, Saturday announced the launch of its three latest degree programmes.
The latest programmes will encompass three in-built degrees; master of real estate development, graduate diploma in real estate, and certificate in real estate, according to a DREI statement issued here.
"We are committed to introducing the most relevant programmes in real estate education," Salem Al Shafiei, managing director of DREI, said in the statement.
UAE, Argentine discuss agriculture
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The UAE and Argentina have discussed ways to boost cooperation in the agricultural sector.
Jewish man stabbed in apparent militant attack in Jerusalem
Jerusalem : A Jewish man was stabbed in Jerusalem Sunday evening in an apparent militant attack, police said.
The victim, in his early thirties, was...
Pakistan exports to Sri Lanka at $283 mn in 2010
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's exports to Sri Lanka stood at $283 million in 2010, a minister said.
UAE, Netherlands discuss relations
By IANS,
By WAM,
Amsterdam: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and The Netherlands have held discussions on enhancing their relations.
International community expected to support Iran’s nuclear right
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran expects the international community to support Iranian nuclear rights, Majlis Vice-Speaker said on Tuesday.
Mohammad Hassan Abutorabi-Fard called on all independent states to support all nations rights to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Tehran, Xie Xiaoyan, Abutorabi-Fard outlined the latest developments in Iran's peaceful nuclear program.
He added that all world nations, including Iran, have right to produce nuclear energy for civilian utility within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Malaysian PM’s ex-aide being probed for sedition
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : An investigation was launched Thursday against Nasir Safar, who resigned as a special officer to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, for sedition after he spoke against the country's Chinese and Indian ethnic minorities.
Safar quit after protests over his remarks made at a seminar in Malacca earlier this week.
He caused a furore at the seminar on the 1Malaysia concept when he made derogatory remarks about Chinese and Indian immigrants coming to Malaysia.
Lebanon appointed ambassador to Syria for first time
By Xinhua,
Beirut : The Lebanese cabinet appointed Saturday for the first time an ambassador to represent its country in the neighboring state of Syria, local LBC TV reported.
Information Minister Tareq Mitri announced after the cabinet session which was held Saturday at the presidential palace, and chaired by President Michel Suleiman, that the appointment took place, but the name of the ambassador will not be released until an approval is received from Syria according to diplomatic norms.
Obama, Putin discuss Ukraine, Syria, Iran in Beijing
Beijing : US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had three encounters Tuesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation...
Palestinian killed, over 24 injured in Israeli attacks
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian was killed and more than 24 others were injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza Strip early Friday.
Palestinian sources in Gaza City said Khalil Sokkar, 27, was shot dead by Israeli forces that sneaked to Al-Shujaiya district and that four people were injured after they the forces opened fire at them as they were trying to move Sokkar's body from the place of incident.
Meanwhile, more than 20 Palestinians were injured in two Israeli air raids on Gaza City and Bait Lahya, north of Gaza Strip.
Pakistan flood aid tops $800 mn
By DPA,
Islamabad : Aid received for Pakistan's flood victims is almost double the amount requested by the UN, the country's foreign minister said Sunday, as relief workers struggled to save dozens of villages and towns from flooding.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the generous assistance was "encouraging", especially at a time when Europe and the US were facing economic problems.
"The total cash and pledges that Pakistan has got so far are $815.58 million," Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad, adding that the country was grateful to the international community.
Pakistan may be launching point of future Al Qaeda strikes’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Pakistan's tribal region is the most likely launching point of future Al Qaeda terrorist strikes around the world, says a senior US lawmaker seeking a review of Washington's Pakistan policy.
The tribal regions of Pakistan provide safe haven for thousands of militants and terrorists who seek not only to destabilize Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan, but who also plan attacks around the globe," House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Howard L. Berman said at a hearing Wednesday.
Israel considers international troop deployment in Gaza – radio
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : The Israeli government is mulling over a possible international troop deployment in the Gaza Strip, according to Israel Radio.
But, it quoted Israeli security officials as believing that the deployment could take place either through an Israeli overrun of Gaza or a rebellion against Hamas, thus enabling the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to re-control the strip.
14 soldiers killed in Yemen car bombing
By IANS,
Sana'a: At least 14 soldiers were killed Saturday in car bombing attack on a military intelligence compound in Yemen's southern port city of Aden, Xinhua reported.
Medvedev meets Lebanese PM in Copenhagen
By RIA Novosti,
Copenhagen : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in Copenhagen, where he arrived Thursday in order to take part in the UN climate change conference.
The Russian president told Saad Hariri he hoped they could discuss "not only climate-related issues, but also issues of... bilateral relations" during their stay in the Danish capital.
Saad Hariri said that Dmitry Medvedev's decision to meet with the Lebanese delegation showed Russia's interest in developing bilateral cooperation with his country.
Spain strongly condemns bombing attack in Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Madrid : Spain on Wednesday strongly condemned the deadly bombing attack the same day in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, which killed at least 17 people and injured some 40 others.
In a statement, the Spanish government expressed regrets and offered condolences to the families of the victims and hoped the injured would recover as soon as possible.
Spain reaffirmed its "full support" to the Lebanese authorities to fight against terrorism.
India soft on Pakistan, say Advani, security experts
By IANS,
New Delhi : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani and a select group of security experts feel that India adopted the "mildest" response to Pakistan after the Mumbai terrorist attacks and it was not befitting an "emerging global player", the party said Saturday.
According to a BJP statement, the participants in the closed-door meeting at Advani's residence Saturday said that "after Mumbai, any self-respecting government would have adopted a much more robust response" - referring to the terror strikes in that city in November.
Pakistani PM vows to eliminate polio in six months
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Wednesday that the country will be polio-free in six months.
Addressing the anti-polio steering committee meeting, Sharif...
Iran’s Rafsanjani rejects deadline for nuclear response
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's head of the Expediency Council and former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Friday rejected a deadline for Tehran to respond to an offer of incentives by six major countries aimed to persuade Iran to halt uranium enrichment.
"When we are in talks, what can deadline mean then?" Rafsanjani was quoted by official IRNA news agency as saying in his Friday prayers sermon at Tehran University.
"We should sit and raise our calls in a logical atmosphere free from any hue and cry," he said.
China to help Pakistan build two more nuclear reactors
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Memhood Qureshi Saturday said China has assured the country to help build two more nuclear power reactors to overcome its energy crisis.
An agreement was signed during President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to China, Qureshi told a news conference in Islamabad.
"These two new units will increase electricity production by 680 megawatts, which will have positive effect on Pakistani economy," he said.
Both plants are expected to be built at Chashma, about 300 km southwest of Islamabad, in eastern province of Punjab.
Somali pirates release Omani ship after eight months
By Xinhua,
Nairobi : Somali pirates freed an Omani ship almost eight months after hijacking the vessel. The crew were unharmed, a regional maritime official said Thursday.
The pirates Thursday released the ASMAK fishing vessel, which was hijacked Jan 14, without causing harm to any of the 22 crew members of the ship, said Andrew Mwangura, the East African coordinator of Seafarers Assistance Programme (SAP).
"The 22 crew men of Oman fishing vessel ASMAK have been released unharmed and are preparing to sail back to Oman," Mwangura told Xinhua over telephone.
Air strikes kill 30 militants in Bajaur
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Security forces launched air strikes on militants' hideouts in Tehsil Khar, killing 30 militants on Saturday.
Bombing by military fighter jets in Dreen Mamond and Charmang areas could also result in casualties.
Militants' positions in Chaharmang, Chinar and Banda in Tehsil Nawagai of Bajaur Agency were also pounded with heavy artillery while air raids hit Dama Dola, Sewai, Kharkay and Supri.
As many as 20 militants have been killed in the above actions.
Main Muslim organization to boycott German gov’t talks
Berlin, March 23, IRNA -- One of Germany's four major Islamic organizations announced it would boycott talks with the German government this week because another Islamic group has been barred from attending the meeting, press reports said here Tuesday.
The Central Council of Muslims said it would not take part in preparatory talks in Berlin on Wednesday to formulate the agenda for a round of meetings between the German government and the nation's Muslim leaders, set to to start on May 17.
Money for power, Britain tells Gulf leaders
By IANS,
Dubai : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has asked Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to contribute to his proposed expanded International Monetary Fund (IMF) in return for recognition of these countries' increasing weight in global economic affairs.
No linkages with Headley, claims Pakistani Army
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistani Army Wednesday termed as "false and fabricated" media reports that three of its serving officers had assisted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Coleman Headley in executing the 26/11 Mumbai mayhem.
"The allegation is false and fabricated. It aims to malign the Pakistan Army and the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence," a spokesman of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Mujib killers’ execution only after review petitions
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh has rejected Amnesty International's appeal against execution of five former army officers convicted for the murder of founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, the government will not carry out the hangings until the review petitions are disposed of by the Supreme Court, authorities said.
39 couples marry at UAE mass wedding
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: As many as 39 couples Friday got married at a mass wedding ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
The wedding in the Western Region was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Rice to host reception for OIC member states
By SPA
Washington : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will host a State Department reception on Monday in honor of member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the State Department announced Friday.
“The reception will be an opportunity to introduce the United States’ new special envoy to the OIC, Sada Cumber,” who will be introduced to the OIC delegates by Rice, the department said in a statement.
President George W. Bush last week announced the appointment of Cumber, a Muslim businessman from Texas.
Iran, IAEA determined to continue cooperation
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency will continue cooperation, said an Iranian nuclear official here on Wednesday.
"Iran and the IAEA will continue cooperation. As announced earlier, Tehran's policy is based on continuing cooperation with the IAEA within framework of the international body's regulations," said spokesman for the Iranian delegation to negotiations with the IAEA Deputy Chief for Safeguards Olli Heinonen, here on Wednesday.
Judge among 11 killed in Pakistan court attack
Islamabad : At least 11 people, including a judge and three lawyers, were killed and 29 others injured in firing and twin suicide blasts...
Hamas says commitment to truce linked to Israel’s commitment
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement's spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum said Monday that his movement's commitment to a truce brokered by Egypt is linked to Israel's commitments to it.
Barhoum warned Israel, in a statement, of using the Israeli High Court of Justice decisions, related to the appeal of the family of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, to violate the truce.
No let-up in yearlong flour shortage in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb,IANS,
Islamabad :The shortage of flour that started last December is still continuing, resulting in long queues before government-run utility stores that sell the commodity at subsidised rates.
"I fail to understand why this has happened in a country like Pakistan where wheat used to be in surplus," said Amir Ahmed Chaudhry, a former member of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council.
UAE leader donates $100 mn for pediatric research
Abu Dhabi : Plans to open the world's first centre dedicated to paediatric research into rare diseases are to become a reality thanks to...
Iran’s to[p nuclear negotiator holds contructive talks with Chinese FM
By NNN-IRNA
Beijing : Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said here Thursday that he held constructive and positive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
Jalili, who is Iran's top nuclear negotiator, told IRNA in Beijing that the Chinese side welcomed the current cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
According to Jalili, Jiechi expressed hope that in light of such cooperation and resuming negotiations, Iran's nuclear case will be solved through peaceful means.
Pakistan: new federal cabinet sworn in
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : The federal cabinet of the new government comprising 24 ministers took oath of their offices on Monday.
President Pervez Musharraf administered oath to the cabinet at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro, and civil and military officials.
Among 24 ministers of the newly sworn-in cabinet, Pakistan Peoples Party and Muslim League (Nawaz) make the major and almost equal share of the roll, with 11 and nine ministers respectively.
Dhaka unveils $80 mn plan to dredge rivers
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has unveiled an ambitious $80 million plan to de-silt its 310 rivers that have not been dredged since the British era, to restore their navigability, control floods and ensure irrigation.
Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen told the Jatiya Sangsad (national assembly) Tuesday that the government was in talks with India and Nepal, the upper riparian neighbours for greater water flow during the summer months.
Afghan women parliamentarians visit NATO
By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : A high-level delegation of women representatives of the Upper and Lower Houses of the Parliament of Afghanistan paid a 3-day visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels from Monday till Wednesday.
This is the second visit of women-only delegation of Afghan Parliamentarians to NATO since 2007 as a continuation of NATO’s efforts to engage women in a constructive dialogue on issues related to the stability, reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, noted a statement by the 26-member alliance.
US considering recall of more troops from Iraq
By IANS
New York, July 13 (IANS) The US is considering the withdrawal of additional combat forces from Iraq beginning September, following pressing need for more troops in Afghanistan in the face of intensified insurgency by Taliban, the New York Times reported Sunday.
By the time President George W. Bush leaves office Jan 20, at least one and as many as three of the 15 combat brigades stationed in Iraq could be recalled or scheduled for recall, the daily said Sunday, citing US administration and military officials.
Twelve militants killed in missile attack in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : At least 12 militants were killed in a missile attack in northwestern Pakistan's tribal area Tuesday, local Dawn News channel reported.
The missile strike took place in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan, bordering Afghanistan.
It was not clear who fired the missile, but local witnesses said the missile could possibly be fired from a mountain in Afghanistan.
The area was close to the Afghan region where US-led coalition forces are fighting against Taliban militants.
There is still no official confirmation about the attack.
18 escape from Ecuadorian prison
By IANS/EFE,
Quito: At least 18 inmates escaped from a maximum-security prison in the coastal city of Guayaquil, Ecuadorian authorities said.
UAE sends food parcels to Pakistan’s tribal region
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent 20,000 food parcels costing a total of $1 million to be distributed among needy families in Pakistan's northwest tribal region.
WREN Chief meets ISESCO Director General
By IINA,
Rabat : Prof. Ali Sayigh, Director General of the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN) met with Dr. Abdul Aziz AlTuwaijri, director general of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) at the headquarters of ISESCO here recently. The purpose of this visit is to discuss the activities that will be implemented jointly in cooperation between WREN and ISESCO, according to an ISESCO statement.
Locust swarms threaten crops in UAE
By RIA Novosti
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates has seen its largest swarms of desert locusts in 25 years, which could threaten crops, national media reported on Thursday.
Desert locusts migrate from Africa across the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Iran about every five years, and some groups fly as far as India and Pakistan.
The first swarms appeared in western regions of the UAE around a week ago. Recently, agriculture authorities detected the pests in the eastern emirate of Al Fujairah along the coast of the Gulf of Oman.
Pakistan takes ‘every possible step’ for peaceful polls
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistan government has deployed about 81,000 troops of the army throughout the country, with focus on areas that have been identified as sensitive, to counter threats of violence and terrorism on the polling day Monday, says the caretaker interior minister.
"Every possible step has been taken to ensure peaceful elections," caretaker Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan told mediapersons Saturday after briefing European Union observers on the country's 10th general elections to the national and four provincial parliaments.
EU calls for immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza
By KUNA,
Paris : The EU foreign ministers or their representatives, the High Representative for the CFSP and the European Commission met here Tuesday evening to discuss the situation in the Middle East, following current tragic events in Israel and Gaza.
This meeting is part of the international community's efforts, particularly the Quartet and the Arab League, to find a solution to this crisis.
Are Muftis try to break off BJP alliance: Omar
Srinagar : Is Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti trying to force the BJP to break their...
Israel adds more restrictions on Gaza power deliveries
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israel on Thursday started to reduce electricity supply to the Gaza Strip as part of pressure on the civilian population to force armed groups stop rocket attacks against Israel.
The reduction will be 1.5 megawatts out of the 120 megawatts that Israel directly sells to Gaza. Last week, the Israeli High Court rejected a petition by 10 Israeli and Palestinian human rights organizations against the power cutoff.
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul: A NATO soldier was killed in an insurgent attack in Afghanistan Thursday, the coalition forces said in a statement.
Bangladesh lodges formal protest with India over survey ships
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Saturday lodged a formal protest with India over the alleged crossing by three Indian oil and gas survey ships into what it claims to be its waters and called for settling the maritime boundary by "mutual agreement".
Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain, who handed over the formal protest note to India's High Commissioner to the country Pinak Ranjan Chakravorty, told reporters that Dhaka has asked New Delhi to stop maritime survey or development activities and remove the ships from the area until the maritime boundary is settled.
PM conveys grief, shock over Pakistan plane crash
By IANS,
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday expressed "grief" and "shock" over the plane crash near Islamabad that killed 152 people.
In a message to his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani, the prime minister said: "I have learnt with deep shock of the tragic plane crash this morning near Islamabad resulting in the loss of so many valuable lives."
Abbas “opens his arms” for Hamas dialogue
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement said Saturday that the Palestinian leader "opens his arms" to settle differences with Hamas.
"President Abbas opens his arms to end the Palestinian division and start dialogue," Azzam al-Ahmad, chief of Fatah parliamentary bloc, told the press.
"Doors are open for Hamas to return to the Palestinian legitimacy under the leadership of President Abbas," said al-Ahmad.
Al Jazeera journalists jailed: Saudi vendetta
By Saeed Naqvi,
Al Jazeera journalists in Egypt were given severe sentences because that is the way the Saudis wanted it. The Qatari channel was always an eyesore to the Saudis but was recently being tolerated, even encouraged, by Riyadh for the limited purpose of stalling the Arab Spring.
Bilawal wants 50 percent women in Pakistani parliament
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says that he dreams of a Pakistani parliament that will have 50 percent women, it was reported here.
Demographic, other Data on fourth constituency candidates
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The fourth constituency is the largest of the five with 98 contenders by April 23, the last day to file candidacy.
It covers 18 areas; Farwaniyah, Firdous, Omariyah, Rabiyah, Rigei, Andalus, Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Sabah Al-Nasser, Shdadiyah, Seyhad Al-Awazem, Al-Rihab, Al-Adheiliyah, Al-Ardhiyah, Eshbeiliyah, Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Saad Al-Abdullah, Al-Jahra, and the desert area.
Former prime minister Allawi’s list wins Iraqi polls
By DPA,
Baghdad: Former prime minister Ayad Allawi's Iraqiya list won the most seats in Iraq's March 7 parliamentary election, the Independent High Electoral Commission said Friday.
Allawi won 91 seats in the 325-seat parliament, only two seats ahead of the State of Law coalition, led by his rival current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. The Iraqi National alliance came third with 68 seats.
Shortly after the results were announced, al-Maliki described the elections as "transparent". Yet, he said he will not accept the results.
US calls for tougher sanctions on Syria
By IANS,
Washington : US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Wednesday called for tougher sanctions against Syria to hasten political change in that Middle East country.
Pakistan blast death toll touches 20
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : The death toll in a deadly suicide bombing near the Lal Masjid here rose to 20 with a policeman succumbing to his injuries today even as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the attack was aimed at destabilising Pakistan.
A constable of the Special Branch, who was injured in yesterday's suicide attack on a police contingent, died in a city hospital this morning. Officials said 18 of the people killed were policemen. Over 40 people were injured in the attack.
Pakistan PM: visit to Yemen, Saudi Arabia aims at further strengthening ties
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro, on Friday said his visit to Yemen and Saudi Arabia is aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations particularly economic and trade cooperation with these countries.
Talking to APP before his departure for Yemen here at Chaklala Airbase, he said such visits have their own importance and termed his visit to these countries as friendly.
He said his visit is also important in view of the political, defence as well as relations of Islamic countries at OIC level.
Two killed in fresh violence in northwest Pakistan
By DPA
Islamabad : A security personnel and an Islamic militant were killed in fresh violence in Pakistan's volatile Swat valley, the army said Saturday, a day after a roadside bomb explosion targeting a bus left 13 people dead.
Two militants were arrested during a search and cordon operation that was carried out Friday night in two areas of the Swat district, a statement from the army's Inter Services Public Relations department said.
Israeli incursion east of Jabalya in northern Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli troops have intruded into the eastern outskirts of Jabalya north of the Gaza under intensive cover by military jets that are still flying over the area.
Several Israeli Military vehicles and tanks are taking part in the Saturday incursion together with commando units that are now positioned around the Martyrs' Cemetery firing at Palestinians' houses, witnesses said.
The incursion came a short time after an Israeli air raid that killed two Izz-Eddin Al-Qassam fighters in the area.
US offers to establish digital libraries in Muslim countries
By APP,
Washington : The United States has offered to establish ten digital libraries in Muslim countries as part of collaborative efforts to help the Organization of Islamic Conference pursue scientific and technological advancement.
U.S. presidential envoy to the 57-member OIC, Sada Cumber is working with the representative body of the Muslim world to materialize the idea to the direct benefit of people.
Pakistan government spent Rs.3 bn on ads
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government spent over Rs.3 billion on advertisments in various newspapers and periodicals from July to November, a minister said.
Nevzlin paid bribe to get Israeli passport – trial witness
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : A witness at the trial in absentia of former Yukos official Leonid Nevzlin, charged with organizing murders and attempted murders, said on Monday the accused paid a bribe to get Israeli citizenship.
Youli Nudelman, a well-known Israeli human rights activist, told the Moscow City Court that in 2003 Nevzlin received citizenship in one month and three days by donating $1.5 million to a diaspora museum and promising an additional $20 million. The citizenship process usually takes at least a year.
FANA conference winds up Beirut meeting
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : The Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) wrapped up its two-day 36th meeting here Friday by determining to upgrade and boost news workers' technological and informative capabilities and efficiencies.
Representatives from 17 FANA member news agencies were present in the meeting, which was held under the auspices of Lebanese Information Minister Tareq Metri.
Ahmadinejad criticises new US nuclear policy
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday criticised the new US nuclear doctrine that excludes the Islamic republic from the list of non-atomic states against which the use of nuclear arms is prohibited.
The 50-page "Nuclear Posture Review" (NPR) released Tuesday, purportedly restricts the US from using nuclear arms against some non-nuclear countries.
The Iranian leader claimed the new US doctrine was adopted under pressure from the Israeli groups.
Israel on high alert after attack on Jerusalem seminary
By DPA
Jerusalem : Israel was on high alert Friday after a Palestinian gunman burst into a Jewish religious seminary in Jerusalem the previous evening and killed eight students in the first such attack in the city in four years.
The Israeli army sealed off the West Bank, allowing no Palestinians to enter Israel except for special humanitarian or medical cases, a military spokeswoman said. Thousands of police patrolled Jerusalem and other cities, while setting up roadblocks at all entry points.
Israeli president accuses Iran of having “imperial ambitions”
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Iran was "the only country in the world with imperial ambitions," Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Monday.
Peres made the remarks during the United Jewish Communities General Assembly (GA), an annual conference, held in Jerusalem this year with thousands of participants from North America.
Both Iran and its ally Venezuela have had their political judgment clouded by excess money, the president was cited by local daily Ha'aretz as saying, adding that "we must make courageous decisions and concessions for peace."
Pakistani man buries daughter alive
By IANS,
Islamabad : A man in Pakistan's Punjab province has been arrested for burying his day-old daughter alive over her 'ugly' face, Geo News reported.
3 killed in blast in Italian restaurant in Pakistani capital: TV
By IRNA
Islamabad : At least 3 people were killed and 15 others, most foreigners, were injured in a blast in an Italian restaurant in the Pakistani capital on Saturday evening, witnesses and local TV channels reported.
There was no official confirmation of the deaths.
Witnesses said they saw injured were being shifted in ambulance from the restaurant in the busy Super Market.
It was not clear what caused the blast at Luna Caprese at 8:45 p.m.
The blast destroyed the wall of the restaurant.
There were 15 to 20 people, most foreigners, having dinner when the blast occurred.
UN in Pakistan condemns the attack on the Shia community in Peshawar
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: The United Nations in Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack at an Imambargah in Peshawar's Hayatabad area when suicide attackers and gunmen attacked worshippers offering Friday prayers, in which at least 19 people were killed, including a United Nations staff member and 50 others injured.
Maulana Wali Rahmani: India’s torchbearer Muslim scholar who made promotion of education his mission
What set Maulana Wali Rahmani, an Indian Sunni Islamic Scholar, academician and founder of Rahmani30, apart was his efforts towards the promotion of education...
Kuwaiti parliamentary nominee calls for stronger Kuwaiti economy
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The Kuwaiti economy was criticized by the fifth constituency candidate, Faisal Al-Kandari, who said that it lacks regulations and laws to ensure development of the this vital sector.
Al-Kandari added during a seminar held at his campaign headquarters that the Kuwaiti national is in need for serious care. "We need to activate citizen investments in the country and encourage investors to pump in additional capitals in the country," he added.
Kabul embassy attack will not deter India: Krishna
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Phuket (Thailand): Reiterating its commitment to fight extremism of all kinds, India Wednesday said the despicable attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul last year will not deter it from continuing with reconstruction of the violence-torn Afghanistan.
"We have attempted to help Afghanistan in its reconstruction efforts as a means to bringing about stability in that country," India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said at his meeting with the foreign ministers of 16 East Asian countries.
5.6-magniude quake jolts Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 jolted various parts of Punjab and upper regions of Pakistan Monday, a media report said.
Britain wants Iran at the heart of Afghan stability
By IRNA,
London : A British Foreign Office spokesman has said it is important for his country to see Iran “at the heart of efforts” to achieve political and economic stability in Afghanistan.
Barry Marston told IRNA recently that the upcoming Afghanistan conference in London should be seen as a “key landmark” in the international community's shift to a supporting role, with Afghans themselves increasingly in the lead.
Bangladeshi banker killed in Qatar car crash
By IANS,
Dhaka : A Bangladeshi banker and his son were killed in a car crash in Doha Saturday.
Three Karachi airport attack suspects indicted
Islamabad: A Pakistani court on Saturday indicted three people for their involvement in a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-claimed attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport in...
Dubai, Indonesia to boost trade ties
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The government of the emirate of Dubai will strengthen trade cooperation with Indonesia, it was announced Wednesday.
Sri Lankan maid executed in Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
London: Saudi Arabia has executed a Sri Lankan domestic worker for the death of a baby in her care in 2005, said a foreign ministry official in Colombo Wednesday.
TMMK writes to PM on India’s stand at UN report on Palestine
By TwoCircles.net News Desk,
New Delhi: President of Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhgam (TMMK), Prof. Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah, has written to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh urging him to rectify the stand taken by the government on the Goldstone Report on Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
Explosion on Pakistan-Afghan border kills six militants
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six suspected pro-Taliban militants were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan, officials said.
"The explosion hit the vehicle carrying pro-Taliban militants when they were heading from the tribal district of Bajaur Agency towards Afghanistan," a local intelligence officer said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said more than half a dozen insurgents were also injured in the explosion.
Pak’s PPP takes power, facing challenge to remain united
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's political scenario is unfolding as Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is taking over power from the caretaker government.
Two candidates fielded by assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's party PPP on Wednesday took oath as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, lower house of Pakistan's parliament.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza was elected as Speaker of National Assembly while Fazal Karim Kundi of the same party was elected as Deputy Speaker of National Assembly.
Bangladesh to seek FBI’s help in Avijit Roy murder probe
Dhaka : Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali Sunday said it has decided to take help of the US' Federal Bureau of Investigation...
Lebanese rivals agree on election law in Doha
By DPA,
Beirut : A committee formed Saturday in Doha from six members of the Lebanese rivals has agreed on adopting a new election law, DPA learned from a delegate.
"The committee has mainly agreed on adopting Lebanon's 1960 electoral law with some amendments regarding the city of Beirut," a Lebanese delegate at the talks in Qatar said.
Lebanon has been a parliamentary democracy since the promulgation of the Lebanese constitution in 1926.
Airstrikes by Syrian government forces kill 182 civilians in a week
Beirut : The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has intensified its airstrikes on anti-government forces over the past week, killing 500 people, 182...
Egypt cuts Gaza border crossing points to two
RAFAH, Egypt (AFP) - Egypt resealed the border with the Gaza Strip except for two crossing points on Tuesday as it tried to stem the uncontrolled movement that has seen hundreds of thousands cross in the past week.
By sundown Egyptian forces had stapled coils of razor wire along most of the breaches which Palestinian militants blew in the border fence last week leaving just two points where movement continued in both directions.
Convoy of supplies trucks, fuel for NATO leaves for Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A convoy of oil tankers and trucks, carrying supplies for US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan, left for Afghanistan Monday under tight security after a week-long suspension due to attacks on vehicles, officials said.
Suspected militants carried out at least five attacks on vehicles carrying supplies for foreign forces in Afghanistan in the Pakistani city of Peshawar over the past 10 days.
Officials say that over 300 trucks, including army jeeps, have been torched in these attacks, which had led to suspension of supplies.
Residents advised to evacuate Pakistan town by noon
By IANS,
Islamabad : Security forces engaged in the operation against the Taliban in restive northwestern Pakistan have advised residents of a town in Swat Valley to evacuate and move to some safer place by noon Sunday, Geo TV reported.
"Matta town residents have been directed to safely move out of the town by 12 noon today (Sunday)," the military said in a statement, which was also announced on local FM radio.
The evacuation order meant that the full throttled military offensive against the militants could outreach from Shangla up to Matta in a few hours, the report said.
Pakistani artists, activists to participate in peace festival
By IANS,
Amritsar: Amritsar is all set to host the 10-day 'Peace Festival 2009' from Wednesday that will see the participation of around 90 artists and activists from neighbouring Pakistan.
This festival is being organised by the South Asia Foundation, a non-profit organisation that has eight autonomous chapters in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Six killed in attack on NGO van in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six people were killed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Tuesday when some unidentified men attacked a van carrying NGO workers, Geo News reported.
Mukhtar re-elected Chief of Paris-based Arab World Institute
By SPA
Algiers : Former Algerian diplomat Mukhtar Talib bin Diab has been re-elected as the Director General of the Paris-based Institute of the Arab World for a period of three years.
The Algerian Press Agency quoted Mukhtar as saying that the Institute will focus in the next stage on shedding light on the Arab world and its culture and values at a time when Islam-phobia is escalating in France and Europe.
Muslim Brotherhood and liberals: partners for change in Egypt?
By Bilal Y. Saab,
Washington, DC - Papers around the world have speculated that Hosni Mubarak, the 82-year-old Egyptian president, is suffering from terminal stomach and pancreatic cancer and may not live to see the next presidential elections. This has once again raised the crucial question of political succession in Egypt, the Arab world's largest country and the most important Arab ally to the United States. Major shifts in Egyptian politics within the next year are needed to bring about change and usher in a new reformist era.
ICSSR to sponsor conference on tackling and co-existing with ‘Radical Islam’ in Mathura
By Twocircles.net Staff Reporter,
Delhi: A three-day international conference sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research on ‘How to understand and co-exist with radical...
Six policemen killed in Afghanistan suicide attack
Kabul: At least six policemen were killed Wednesday in a suicide bomb attack at the country's interior ministry office, the ministry confirmed in a...
Rawalpindi crime rate spikes in 2008
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : The crime rate in this garrison town adjacent to Pakistani capital Islamabad spiked alarmingly in 2008 with 288 people killed, 300 kidnapped and 1,500 deprived of their vehicles.
The corresponding figures for 2007 were 219, 227 and 700 respectively. Similarly, 350 attempted murder cases were reported to the police compared with 329 cases reported last year, Daily Times said.
Pakistani helicopters save climbers after K2 disaster
By AFP,
Gilgit, Pakistan : Rescuers airlifted two frostbitten Dutch climbers to safety from K2 on Monday, but were unable to reach an Italian stranded by an ice fall that killed 11 men on the world's second highest peak.
The Pakistani military mounted a dramatic helicopter operation to save survivors of the deadliest disaster to hit the 8,611-metre (28,251-foot) Himalayan summit, regarded as far more dangerous to scale than Mount Everest.
Bahrain appoints new US envoy
By SPA,
Manama : Bahrain has nominated a Jewish woman to be its ambassador to Washington, its Foreign Minister said on Sunday.
"Regardless of religion, first and foremost she is Bahraini, just as her father was, just as her grandfather was," Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa told reporters.
Bahrain, an island state of some 1.05 million people, is home to only about 35 Jews, but they are well represented in the business community and have served at senior levels of government, Reuters reported.
Zardari’s China visit ends with signing of eight MoUs
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's just concluded visit to China saw the signing of eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in diverse fields, including a power project that has raised India's hackles.
"The centrepiece of the president's visit is the MoU signed on building a 7,000 MW hydro power project in Bunji in the Northern Areas," Online news agency Tuesday quoted presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar as saying.
IDB announces $1.5 billion in soft loans to poor Muslim countries
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group announced yesterday that it would give $1.5 billion in soft loans to poor Muslim countries to increase agricultural production and achieve food security within the next five years. The announcement was made during the 33rd annual conference of IDB governors at the Jeddah Hilton that was opened by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. Finance, economy and planning ministers of 56 IDB member countries are attending the meeting, which will conclude today.
UAE gas giant announces $500 mn investment
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Dana Gas, the largest private natural gas company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced that it will invest more than $500 million this year in its projects in the country, in Iraq and in Egypt, WAM news agency reported Monday.
In a statement, the Sharjah-based gas major said Sunday: "This year we will be making major investments that will rapidly take Dana Gas to a new level in its growth and development."
Helicopter crash kills three in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : An Iraqi army helicopter crashed in a desert area outside Abu Ghraib city, killing all three crew members on board, Xinhua...
One killed in rocket attack on Pakistani check post
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least one soldier was killed and six were injured Tuesday evening when a rocket hit a security check post in Pakistan's northwest tribal area, a media report said.
No foreigners at Egypt president’s inauguration
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Egyptian president-elect Mohamed Morsi has said there will be no foreign guests at his inauguration ceremony.
Morsi will be inaugurated Saturday in Cairo.
US brands Gaza-based group terror organisation
Washington: The US Tuesday branded a Gaza-based group as a foreign terrorist organisation for firing rockets into Israel.
The move by the State Department against...
Key TTP militant handed over to Pakistan: Sources
Peshawar: Key Taliban commander Latif Mehsud, who was being held by the Afghan and NATO troops for sometime, has been handed over to the...
No impunity for Al-Assad : France
By IANS,
Paris : France has said despite the Arab League making proposal of safe exit for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, it would not earn him an impunity, Xinhua reported.
Israel resumes power fuel supplies to Gaza strip
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel is providing the Gaza Strip with a million litres of industrial diesel to operate the electric power plant, head of the Palestinian Petrol Agency in Gaza Mujahid Salama said in a statement.
"Tanker trucks carrying diesel have already begun entry to Gaza Strip through Nahel Oz Crossing, since early morning," Salama told Voice of Palestine radio Wednesday.
Israeli and Palestinian sources had confirmed that the Gaza Strip will be supplied with a million litres of industrial diesel necessary to fuel the electric power plant.