Abbas meets Syria-based Palestinian leaders except Hamas chief
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks here on Monday with Syria-based leaders of Palestinian groups, excluding Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal.
Abbas held separate meetings with chief of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) Ramadan Abdullah Shalah, leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Nayef Hawatmeh, and Maher Taher of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, according to independent Syria News website.
Six die in botched Pakistan hostage rescue attempt
By IANS,
Islamabad : A doctor who was kidnapped was among the six people killed in a rescue operation mounted by the police in Pakistan's Punjab province.
14 killed in Pakistan bombing
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 14 people were killed Sunday when a passenger van was hit by a roadside bomb in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, media reports said.
Drone strike kills eight in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed Monday in a drone strike in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, officials said.
U.S. airman killed in bomb attack in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A U.S. airman was killed by a roadside bomb explosion near his vehicle in Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Friday.
The incident took place on Thursday when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck a Multi-National Division – Baghdad patrol in central Baghdad, a military statement said. The attack came as violence subsided in Baghdad and some other Iraqi cities after fierce clashes between Shiite Mahdi Armymilitia loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and the U.S.-backed Iraqi security forces.
A.Q. Khan released under ‘agreement’: minister
By IANS,
Gujrat (Pakistan) : Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan has been released from house arrest under an agreement with the government, Federal Minister for Defence Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar has said. Mukhtar was speaking to a TV channel Saturday but he did not give details of the agreement or when it was reached, Online reported.
Five years after confessing to illegally proliferating Pakistan's atomic secrets and being put under house arrest, Khan, who mentored the nuclear programme, walked free Friday after a court said that the charges against him could not be substantiated.
President Ahmadinejad arrives in Colombo on two-day visit
By P. Karunakharan, IANS,
Colombo : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Colombo Monday evening on a two-day state visit during which he is expected to inaugurate two projects, including a Tehran-funded hydropower project.
The Iranian President was scheduled to arrive in Colombo from Pakistan at 5.30 p.m. but his flight was delayed by nearly an hour and 40 minutes.
Israeli parliament moves ahead bill against compensation for Palestinians
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Knesset (parliament) on Tuesday approved in the first reading a controversial bill that would ban Palestinians from claiming compensation for harm suffered in Israel's anti-terror military operations, local daily Ha'aretz reported.
Two more readings need to be passed before the second so-called "Intifada Law" would become effective, which is aimed to exempt Israel from liability for damage caused by its troops in what is termed enemy territory.
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A NATO soldier was killed in Afghanistan Saturday in a militant attack, the military alliance said.
UN observers start leaving Syria
By IANS,
Damascus : Members of the UN Supervision Mission to Syria (UNSMIS) Sunday started leaving the unrest-hit country, Xinhua reported.
Shell and Petronas win rights to massive Iraqi oil field
By DPA,
Baghdad: A consortium led by Britain's Shell and Malaysia's Petronas energy companies Friday won rights to develop Iraq's massive Majnoon oil field, the Oil Ministry announced.
The field, with 12.8 billion barrels of proven reserves, was one of the two biggest prizes on offer in a live auction in Baghdad that saw energy giants from 23 countries compete for 10 oil and gas fields. Bidding will continue Saturday.
Shell and Petronas asked for $1.39 dollars barrel in exchange for boosting production from 46,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.8 million.
Fewer people killed along India-Bangladesh border: BSF
Agartala : After Indian border guards started using non-lethal weapons, the number of people killed along the border has come down from 100 to...
Iraqi forces kill over 70 Sunni militants
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces Saturday fought back attacks from Sunni groups across the country, killing over 70 militants, officials said.
Sunni militants, claiming to...
Iraqi police officer escapes car bombing in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : An Iraqi Interior Ministry officer escaped unhurt when a car bomb explosion struck his convoy in central Baghdad on Tuesday, a ministry source said.
"A car bomb parked near the al-Wathiq Square in Karrada neighborhood detonated in the afternoon near the convoy of Maj. Ali Sabri, an Interior Ministry director," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Sabri escaped the attack unhurt, but civilian was killed and eight people were wounded, including five of Saberi's guards, the source said.
Palestine PM: lasting accord with Israel unlikely in 2008
By NNN-WAFA
Austin (USA) : Palestine Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said on Thursday a lasting peace accord with Israel was unlikely in 2008 despite renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-running conflict.
In an interview with Reuters in the Texas capital, Austin, where he is on a private visit, he highlighted the lack of progress on the issue of Israeli settlements and military incursions into the West Bank as among the chief obstacles in the "road map" to peace and Palestinian statehood.
Iran-US medical, humanitarian cooperation nothing new
By IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mihman-Parast said Tuesday that Iran-US cooperation on medical and humanitarian activities was nothing new.
Speaking at his weekly press conference, he said, “As Iranians made plenty of progresses in the field of medical science, one of the US states voiced willingness to share Iranian experience to this end and this is not something new.”
775 illegal expatriates arrested in UAE
Dubai : As many as 775 illegal residents were arrested during November as part of a police campaign launched in the emirate of Sharjah...
Al Qaeda militants kill tribal sheikh, his family in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : Al Qaeda militants in Iraq Wednesday shot and killed a tribal sheikh, his wife and their son near their home in the northern city of Tikrit, a police official said.
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told DPA that the militants apparently wanted to take revenge on Sheikh Ziab Ahmed Ziara.
The sheikh was leader of al-Ahbab tribe in Balad district and had a strong connection with the Awakening Councils, a tribal group who collaborated with the US forces to fight Al Qaeda in Iraq. Al Qaeda militants had killed three members of the sheikh's family.
Gas tank explosion kills five in Israel
By IANS,
Jerusalem : At least five people were killed and 12 others injured Monday in a propane tank explosion in Israel, a police spokesperson...
Bangladesh opposition may get another front-row seat in parliament
By IANS,
Dhaka : The speaker of the Bangladesh parliament Tuesday mooted one more front row seat to main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to end the latter's year-long boycott over the seating arrangement.
"I can request the prime minister to allocate one more front row seat to the opposition if they raise the demand inside the parliament," Star Online quoted Speaker Abdul Hamid as saying.
Balochistan assembly rejects governor’s rule
By IANS,
Islamabad : Describing the move as "undemocratic", the Balochistan assembly has unanimously rejected the imposition of governor's rule in the Pakistani province.
Hundreds of Gaza activists arrive in Turkey
By DPA,
Istanbul/Tel Aviv : Three planes carrying hundreds of activists who had been detained this week, after trying to break Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, arrived in Istanbul Thursday after their release.
They were greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, other Turkish politicians and hundreds of supporters.
Most of those released were Turks.
A spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry had earlier said Israel had deported most of the activists detained in Monday's interception in international waters of six aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip.
Islamic Social Finance Report 2015 released
By Mohammed Obaidullah
The 2015 issue of the Islamic Social Finance Report has just been launched at an International Workshop on Zakat Management organized by...
Police, demonstrators clash leaves four dead in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed in a Pakistani city on Saturday as police opened fire at demonstrators, who were protesting against an earlier incident of firing, witnesses and police said.
Two policemen were among 12 people injured in the clash in Quetta, the capital city of southwestern Balochistan province.
Police said they returned fire when some demonstrators fired at them on Baruri road.
Angry people were protesting against an earlier incident in which unidentified people opened fire at a car, killing one person and injuring another one.
Indo-Pak prisoners’ list issued by Aaghaz-E-Dosti
By TCN News,
New Delhi: In view of building trust, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has released details of the Indian and Pakistani prisoners lodged in each other’s jail. This is probably the first time when any such detailed list will be made public. By this, we hope to facilitate transparency as well as to sensitize people on both sides about each other’s pain and towards the larger goal of peace and humanity.
Works of Amartya Sen, Abdul Kalam to be translated into Arabic
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : Indian-Arab cultural ties are set to blossom when the Arabic translations of some select titles by eminent Indian authors are published here next year.
According to Zikrur Rahman, director of the India Arab Cultural Centre (IACC), a total of 10 titles have been selected till now and approved by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Cultural Heritage (ADACH) for release at the annual Abu Dhabi Book Fair next year.
Iran urged to let Afghans seek refugee status
Beirut : Iran’s announcement that it will grant a six-month visa extension to 450,000 Afghans is a helpful move to prevent their imminent deportation,...
Palestinian Leftist factions and Hamas agree to end crackdown
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian leftist factions agreed with Islamic Hamas movement to end the politically-motivated arrests that Hamas exchanges with rival Fatah faction, an official said on Thursday.
A committee comprising representatives from all factions would be formed "to receive the names of the political prisoners and setup a mechanism for immediate release of the prisoners," said Saleh Nasser, an official representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).
Ahmadinejad holds talks with Abdoulaye Wade
By IINA
Mashhad : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held wide ranging talks with the visiting Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade here today. They exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of mutual concern. Wade arrived in Iran's Mashhad city last night. President Ahmadinejad is in this northeastern city as part of the second round of his provincial tour to Iranian cities, IRNA reported.
Qatari man pays $3.7 mn for car licence plate
By IANS,
Doha : A Qatari national has reportedly paid $3.7 million to own a car licence plate having the number 55555.
UN Mideast envoy says situation in Gaza unacceptable
By NNN-APP
United Nations : The UN Mideast envoy said Tuesday that the situation in Gaza was unacceptable and unsustainable in humanitarian, human rights, security and political terms.
“From what I have seen in several field visits, including to the West Bank, Gaza and southern Israel, ordinary people understandably have little confidence that the political process is delivering,” Robert Serry, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, told the UN Security Council.
Indians awaiting execution freed after blood money payment
Riyadh: Three Indians in Saudi Arabia convicted for a compatriot's murder have been saved from execution after an Indian businessman paid nearly half a...
At least nine dead, dozens injured as train derails in Turkey
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : At least nine people were killed and dozens of others injured after a passenger train derailed in central Turkey early on Sunday, local media reported.
According to the media, three cars overturned when the train, which was going from Istanbul to the city of Denizli in the country's south, derailed near the city of Kutahya.
Ankara : At least nine people were killed and dozens of others injured after a passenger train derailed in central Turkey early on Sunday, local media reported.
According to the media, three cars overturned when the train, which was going from Istanbul to the city of Denizli in the country's south, derailed near the city of Kutahya.
Frank, candid, honest discussions with India: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday said he and his Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna had "frank, candid and honest discussions" on "where we stand" and "how to move forward".
"We had frank, candid and honest discussions on where we stand, how we look at our bilateral ties and how to move forward," Qureshi said at a joint press conference after day-long talks with Krishna.
He also apologised for the delay in holding the press conference, which was originally scheduled for late afternoon but eventually began at night.
Gilani tries to step out of Zardari’s shadow
By IANS,
Islamabad : Fresh from his maiden meeting with US President George W. Bush, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is making a concerted effort to step out of the shadow of his mentor Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that leads the country's shaky coalition.
"Passionate, confident and displaying a sense of calm satisfaction, disconcerting for someone whose government is wracked by so many crises, Gilani is at pains to paint himself as his own man and no one's puppet," The News said Wednesday.
Coalition forces kill 5 Taliban militants in central Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces Sunday eliminated five armed Taliban militants in central Afghan province of Ghazni, said a Coalition statement released here on Monday.
The operation in Andar district of Ghazni targeted a known Taliban militant believed to have been in contact with foreign fighter facilitators intended to destabilize the region, the statement said.
"Coalition forces engaged the armed militants, killing them and the targeted Taliban militant was among those killed," it said.
U.S. forces kill two al-Qaida leaders north of Baghdad
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : U.S. troops killed on Saturday two non-Iraqi Arab leaders of the al-Qaida in Iraq network near the restive city of Samarra, 120 km north of Baghdad, a security source said.
"The Saudi national, Abu Nooh, leader of Qaida group in Samarra and his Algerian assistant Abu Asim, were ambushed and killed by the U.S. troops early on Saturday morning in the Ragga area west of Samarra," Mazin Younis, head of Samarra anti-Qaida Awakening Council group, told Xinhua.
Cyprus mounts rescue operation for 300 Syrian refugees
Nicosia : Cyprus mounted a rescue operation Thursday after a boat with about 300 people on board was spotted about 100 km off its...
Malaysia protests, but US insists on commenting on Anwar
By IANS,
Singapore/Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia has again protested what it says is interference by the US, but Washington says it will continue to comment on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim who is being probed on a sodomy charge.
The latest repost by Malaysia, the second in a month, came at the level of foreign ministers who met in Singapore on the sidelines of the 41st Asean Ministerial Meeting.
Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and explained at length the issue to her.
Israeli air-raid on Gaza results in several injuries
By KUNA
Gaza : Local media in the Gaza Strip said Saturday that Israeli warplanes bombarded northern areas in the city.
The media quoted eyewitnesses as saying that a missile was launched from one of the raiding warplanes at a location for Palestinian activists in Beit Hanoun, causing several injuries among their ranks.
Ambulances rushed to the scene to rescue the injured, transferring them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Iran interrupts natural gas supplies to Turkey
ANKARA, January 7 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which brought a sharp fall in temperatures, rain and snow in the region, Turkish television reported on Monday.
Under a contract signed in 1996, Iran must ensure daily supplies of 28 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey via a 2,500-km pipeline connecting the two countries.
Syria appreciates BRICS stand on sovereignty
By IANS,
Damascus : Syria has appreciated the BRICS leaders' stand at their New Delhi Summit Thursday respecting the sovereignty and independence of states.
Saudi government to ensure infection free Hajj
Riyadh : In the wake of the Ebola and Coronavirus outbreak, the Saudi government has said it will screen Hajj pilgrims this year.
The health...
Norwegian diplomat named head of UN mission in Afghanistan
By SPA
New York : Kai Eide, a Norwegian diplomat, was appointed Friday to head the UN mission in Afghanistan.
According to DPA, Eide replaces Tom Koenigs of Germany, who stepped down in December
after almost two years on the job.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon informed the UN Security Council by letter of the appointment, which took effect immediately. The UN mission in Afghanistan has been assisting the government in Kabul to implement democratic reforms and reconstruction of the war-torn
country.
Hurriyat leader in Delhi to attend Pakistan Day function
New Delhi : Ahead of attending the Pakistan Day function here on Monday, moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday said the...
Bangladesh orders probe into 2001 post-poll violence
By IANS,
Dhaka : A court here Wednesday directed the Bangladesh government to constitute a commission to probe violence against religious minorities in the aftermath of general elections in 2001.
Responding to a petition by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), an independent body, a high court bench asked the government to set up the commission within two months, the Star Online reported.
The commission should submit its report within six months of being formed, the bench of justice A.B.M. Khairul Haq and Mohammed Momtajuddin Ahmed said.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit Iraq
By TCN News,
Bengaluru: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation will be visiting Iraq as part of the its sister concern International Association for Human Values (IAHV) aid distribution programme at Kurdish capital Erbil.
Pakistan court grants 26/11 mastermind Lakhvi bail
Islamabad : The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Monday ordered the conditional release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai...
Over 70,000 displaced by Pakistan’s ceasefire violations
New Delhi : A total of 73,368 people in the border villages of Jammu and Kashmir were displaced temporarily due to the recent ceasefire...
64 Dubai couples tie knot in mass wedding
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: A total of 64 couples were married in a mass wedding ceremony that was also attended by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Iran envoy meets with Tajik head of Ulema Council
By IRNA,
Dushanbe : Iran’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Ali-Asghar Sherdoust on Saturday held talks with head of Tajik Council of Ulema Amanollah Nematzadeh on ways to develop cultural and scientific exchanges.
They conferred on bilateral cooperation in the fields of religion and the Islamic sciences as well as holding the religious and cultural meetings and Quran competitions.
The Iranian ambassador said Iran is ready to implement joint cultural projects with Tajikistan on proximity of Islamic schools of thought.
Pakistani journalists’ body concerned over media-government tussle
By IANS,
Islamabad: A Pakistani journalists' federation has urged the government, media owners, political parties and other democratic forces to shed their differences and unite to save the country from elements who have waged an open war on the country and wanted to push it to the stone age.
Taking serious notice of the on-going tussle between the government and the free
136 die in Pakistan heatwave
Islamabad: At least 136 people have died in a heatwave in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi and other districts of the Sindh province since...
UAE, Australia hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tuesday talked over the phone with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
France terror: Israeli PM urges fight against ‘Islamist extremism’
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday condemned the terror attacks in France earlier this month, which killed 20 people, and called for a...
Two foreigners shot dead in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two foreign nationals, including a Chinese woman, were killed in a shooting incident Tuesday in Pakistan's Peshawar city, Xinhua reported.
Turkey discusses safety of n-power plants
Istanbul : Turkey will apply optimum safety measures in its two biggest nuclear power plant projects, the authorities guaranteed at an international summit here...
Pakistani army chief discusses security with Zardari, PM
By Muhammad Najeeb,IANS,
Islamabad : Top government officials on the last day of year Wednesday continued discussions on relations with India after the Mumbai attacks amid a report in the US media that top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zarar Shah has confessed to the group's involvement in the Nov 26-29 mayhem in India's commercial capital.
Pakistani Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani held important but separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and according to the presidential spokesman "discussed with him professional matters".
Hamas to determine on Gaza truce after getting Israel’s answer
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas will decide its stance regarding ceasefire with Israel after receiving the Israeli responses to the ceasefire proposal Sunday in Cairo, a Hamas spokesman said.
The spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, added that the Islamic movement's stance regarding the ceasefire "was determined," stressing that it will not commit itself to the lull if Israel did not open crossing points into Gaza.
He also reiterated that the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, whom Hamas holds as hostage in Gaza, will not be freed under the ceasefire deal.
Turkey to normalise ties with Israel after Gaza strikes end
Ankara: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that it is impossible for his country to restore the strained bilateral ties with Israel...
Achieved broad umbrella agreement with Dhaka: PM
By IANS,
On board Air India One: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said that India has achieved a "broad umbrella agreement" with Bangladesh that would serve as the pathway for the future.
Five killed in Pakistan suicide blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least three suicide bombers and two police officials were killed in a blast in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Wednesday night, a media report said.
Pakistan remains committed to peaceful co-existence with neighbours: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday said Pakistan has no aggressive designs against any country and remains committed to peaceful co-existence with its neighbours.
“Our nuclear programme is purely of defensive nature,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a gathering of scientists at the 34th International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs held at Quaid-e-Azam University’s National Centre for Physics here.
Two soldiers, 16 militants killed in Pakistan clashes
By DPA,
Islamabad : Two soldiers and 16 Taliban militants were killed when paramilitary troops repulsed an attack on their checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal district of Mohmand, officials said Saturday.
"Around 100 militants attacked a security forces check post in Spinal Tangi last night (Friday)," said a press statement from the Pakistan Army.
"Sixteen militants were killed in retaliatory fire. Two security forces personnel embraced martyrdom," it said.
New PM’s election unconstitutional: Libyan Supreme Court
Tripoli : Libya's Supreme Court Monday ruled the election of new prime minister Ahmed Maitiq "unconstitutional", ending the prolonged dilemma over who the country's...
Raja Rammohun Roy remembered in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Raja Rammohun Roy, the 19th century social reformer, was commemorated here with a mural unveiled in his name in Rangpur in northern Bangladesh.
A school will be set up where Roy lived between 1809 and 1814 by the joint effort of the club and the Bengali International (BI), a London-based charity, The Daily Star said.
Eight killed in Iraq bombings
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least eight people were killed and 25 injured following two bomb blasts in different cities near Baghdad Monday night, said police sources.
Strong quake rocks Indonesia’s Java island
By DPA,
Jakarta: A magnitude-6.4 earthquake rocked the western part of Indonesia's Java island Friday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, seismologists said.
The quake struck at 4.52 p.m. (0952 GMT) with its epicentre in the Sunda Strait located 187 km south-west of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said.
The quake forced workers in Jakarta to evacuate buildings.
A magnitude-6.1 earthquake jolted Indonesia's Sulawesi island before dawn Friday, but there were no casualties or damage.
Israel Rises Gaza Raids, UN to Return
By Prensa Latina,
Gaza : Israel air raids on Gaza and its vicinity mount along psychological warfare to intimidate the people but UN decision to resume relief operations brought some ease.
The aviation and artillery hit more than 40 targets in south and NE Gaza, being the bloodiest nine fatal victims from the same family, including two children and two women, shot by a tank while sitting in the garden in Jebaliyah refugee camp.
The Air Force raided a downtown building that housed Western and foreign Arab journalists wounding a tenant.
NIOC, Gazprom hold talks on development of several oilfields in Iran
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : An expert team of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is holding talks with a delegation from Russia's Gazprom on the development of several oilfields in the Islamic Republic.
A group of senior experts from NIOC are in talks with a visiting Russian delegation in Tehran from the Gazprom Neft Company affiliated to Gazprom as of Monday.
The negotiations are focusing on the development of Iran's Shorom, Kouh Rig and Doroud oilfields.
Turkey lifts YouTube ban
Istanbul: Turkey's government Tuesday lifted its ban on YouTube following last week's verdict by the country's apex court which said the ban violates the...
Annapolis Negotiations Solution to Solving Israel-Palestine – U.N.
By SPA,
United Nations : A United Nations envoy in Paris said Tuesday that “the only way” to solve the Palestinian refugee problem is through negotiations and the types of initiatives discussed at the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis peace conference last year.
Russia accuses US of distorting its Syria stance
By IANS,
Moscow : Moscow Wednesday accused Washington of deliberately distorting its position on conflict-torn Syria, a day after US President Barack Obama branded Russia...
Pakistani political parties meet a failure: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : The All Parties Conference (APC) held here amid deteriorating US-Pakistan ties was "a resounding failure", said a Pakistani daily Saturday.
Pakistan using diplomatic channels to ensure security in UAE
By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan is using diplomatic channels to ensure high-level security measures for its One-day cricket series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to sources, due to tough UAE laws the local cricket board is unable to guarantee fool-proof security measures which are being demanded by Cricket Australia (CA). As a result, Pakistan is now in direct contact with the UAE government to ensure security for the April 22-May 7 series.
Israel expects Hamas’ response to truce proposal next week
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israel has said that the Islamic Palestinian organisation Hamas will declare its stance pertaining to the current Egyptian settlement efforts next week.
The Israeli Radio said Friday the head of the Security-Political Department of the Ministry of Defence, Amos Gilad, confirmed that Hamas intended to make a declaraton in this regard after a meeting with the chief of the Egyptian intelligence, Maj-Gen Omar Suleiman, late on Thrusday.
139 graves, 28 suspected trafficking camps found in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's National Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar on Monday said 139 grave sites and 28 suspected human trafficking camps were discovered...
‘Financial aid top priority in Ukrainian consolidation’
By IANS,
Budapest: At least seven foreign ministers from central and southeast Europe underlined the need for financial assistance to Ukraine during a meet here...
Dhaka for symbolic war crimes trial
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh wants to limit the proposed trial of "war criminals" -- those who killed unarmed civilians in the 1971 freedom struggle -- to a symbolic few, according to a ruling party leader.
Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam Sunday said the government will bring a handful of "war criminals" to justice in a display of symbolism.
"The trial of war criminals doesn't mean trials of thousands. It will be symbolic and those who led the massacres in 1971 will be tried," the Daily Star Monday quoted Islam as saying.
Krishna welcomes cricket resumption with Pakistan
By IANS,
Bangalore : India's Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday welcomed resumption of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan.
Musharraf vows to support new government
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf Friday announced that he would support the new government and hoped that the new set up will continue his economic policies as well as fight against extremism and terrorism.
This is the first public statement of President Musharraf after the February parliamentary elections, won by his rivals: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Pakistan Muslin League (PML-N) of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.
Geelani condemns Taliban attack on Pakistan schoolgirl
By IANS,
Srinagar : Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani Wednesday condemned the Taliban attack on 14-year-old schoolgirl Malala Yusufzai in Peshawar (Pakistan).
Kazakhstan honours former Indian envoy
By IANS,
New Delhi: Kazakhstan celebrated the Day of the First President here to mark President Nursultan Nazarbayev's rule of the Central Asian country.
Five killed, 51 injured in Afghan suicide attack
Kabul: At least five people were killed and 51 injured in a suicide attack in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Tuesday, an official here said.
The...
Pakistan refuses to allow Musharraf to travel abroad
Islamabad : Pakistan has refused to allow former president Pervez Musharraf to visit Saudi Arabia to offer condolences over the death of Saudi King...
Palestinian groups arrange stances on Egyptian-drafted dialogue agenda
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Leaders from Hamas and Islamic Jihad movement met in Gaza city on Sunday to unite their position about an Egyptian plan for settling a crisis between the warring Palestinian factions.
"This meeting is part of continued meetings between the two movements to arrange their attitudes," said Khalil al-Hayya, a leader from Islamic Hamas movement.
The Egyptian plan intends to make reconciliation between Hamas and the secular Fatah movement, led by moderate president Mahmoud Abbas. For this regard, Egypt will host an inter-Palestinian dialogue next month.
Karachi traders get 200 extortion notes a day
By IANS,
Karachi : Businessmen in the Pakistani port city have been receiving around 200 extortion notes every day, Geo News reported.
Israel strikes targets in Gaza
Jerusalem : The Israeli military conducted airstrike on five targets in the Gaza Strip Sunday in retaliation to continued rocket fire towards Israel.
Among the...
Israeli forces arrest Palestinian commander in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested a Palestinian militant commander in West Bank city of Nablus early Saturday, Palestinian security sources said.
The sources added that several army jeeps stormed al-Ein refugee camp in the west of Nablus and detained Majdi Mabrouk, a senior militant from the armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Mabrouk has been wanted by Israel for a long time, the sources said.
25 killed, 55 injured in Pakistan bombings
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty-five people were killed and 55 injured in Pakistan's Quetta city Wednesday when a bomb went off and then a suicide bomber blew himself up, Xinhua reported.
Four die in Dhaka lift collapse
By IANS,
Dhaka : Four workers died at an under-construction building in Dhaka, when a makeshift lift carrying them to the 13th floor plunged to the ground, reports said.
Interpol team arrives in Islamabad for Mumbai attacks probe
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The chief of global police agency Interpol arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for talks over Indian allegations of involvement of Pakistan-based groups in the Mumbai attacks.
The Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble met Interior Advisor Rehman Malik and will meet other officials to discuss with them "anti-terror investigation," reported the News Network International (NNI) news agency.
ECP affirms free, fair and impartial elections in Pakistan
By SPA
Islamabad : The Feb 18 parliamentary elections in Pakistan would be held in a free, fair and impartial manner, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said in a statement.
In a meeting at Karachi, the ECP reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made so far, for holding free, fair, impartial an credible elections in a peaceful atmosphere.
Bangladeshis who shipped to Singapore were on drugs
By IANS,
Dhaka : The two Bangladeshi workers who were shipped to Singapore had slept off after taking marijuana, survivor of the nine-day journey from Chittagong has told the authorities.
Obama to grant request for more troops in Afghanistan: Report
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama is set to approve sending thousands of soldiers to Afghanistan to bolster the fight against the Taliban, CBS News reported Monday.
CBS News, citing "informed sources," said Obama will approve most of the 40,000 additional soldiers requested by General Stanley McChrystal. Obama for weeks has been holding high level meetings with his top advisors to plot a new strategy for Afghanistan.
44 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan soldiers and US-led coalition forces killed 44 Taliban militants, including a commander, in three firefights in southern Afghanistan, officials said Saturday.
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces killed 33 militants in a clash Friday in the Nad Ali district of the southern province of Helmand, the US military said in a statement.
The combined forces were conducting a security patrol when they were engaged by militants firing small arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, the statement said.
Italy to send military instructors to help Libyan rebels
By IANS,
Rome : Italy would send 10 military instructors to help Libyan rebels in the battle against forces led by Muammar Gaddafi, Italian Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa has said.
Suicide bombing kills 10, injures 20 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad: Ten people were killed and 20 injured in a car suicide bombing near a police check post in Pakistan's northwestern region Saturday, officials said.
The bomber detonated his explosives-laden car when the policemen tried to conduct a search in Pusht Khara area in Peshawar, the capital of country's militant-infested North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP).
In other clashes between security forces and Taliban militants in Pakistan's troubled northwestern region at least another 37 were killed.
16 die in flood in Afghan province
By IANS,
Kabul : Sixteen people were killed and 20 went missing after floods ravaged Afghanistan's Takhar province, an official said.
Hamas: Rice visits to secure more time for Israel’s expansion projects
By Xinhua,
Gaza : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visits to Israel and the Palestinian territories aim at granting more time for Israel to continue Judaization projects, Islamic Hamas movement said on Sunday.
Two rebels killed, one Sudanese soldier injured in troubled Darfur
By NNN-KUNA,
Khartoum : Two armed men were killed and one Sudanese soldier was injured in armed clashes with rebels in one of the refugee camps in southern Darfur, the Sudanese military said.
An armed group attacked a Sudanese military unit inside Nertiti refugee Camp in Marrah Mountain in Darfur state, Sudanese military spokesman Othman Mohammad said in a statement on Saturday.
The spokesman added the Sudanese military unit returned with fire and the clashes resulted in killing two armed men and injuring one solider.
Syria’s political process must be re-energised: UN chief
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has again appealed to the international community to help bring the rival Syrian parties closer on concrete measures...
PM urges world community to support Pakistan in war on terror
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani urged the world community to support Pakistan’s efforts in the war on terror.
Addressing the soft launch of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008, the Prime Minister reminded the world community that it was the feeling of injustice, deprivation and lack of opportunities that spawn terrorism.
“The world community needs to pay more attention to eliminate these problems,” he said while expressing Pakistan’s firm resolve in fighting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations.
D-8 summit opens in Malaysia
By IRNA,
Kuala Lumpur : The 11th meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D-8) started its work on Sunday.
The meeting was inaugurated by Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim who stressed the need for further cooperation among the D-8 member states.
The D-8 compromises Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Fatwa issued against vuvuzela
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The vuvuzela, the plastic trumpet made famous by the football World Cup in South Africa, is in trouble in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the authorities here have issued a fatwa against it.
The plastic trumpet, whose drone has been likened to a swarm of bees, has become the unmistakable background sound of the World Cup.
The fatwa issued by the UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments says that above 100 decibels, the buzzing sound of the vuvuzela is "haram", The National newspaper reported Friday.
Saudi Arabia, other Arab states to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday
By DPA,
Amman : Saudi Arabia announced Monday to be the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Tuesday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr festivities.
The crescent of the month of Shawal was sighted in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi legal moon sighting panel was quoted by DPA as saying in a statement.
According to Koranic rules, fasting should end when the crescent of the lunar month of Shawal is sighted.
Jordanian Chief Justice Ahmad Helayel said that although the crescent had not yet been sighted in Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom would
New Turkish Incursion in Northern Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Ankara : Turkish helicopters gunned possible guerrilla positions of the illegal Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the north of Iraq Wednesday, while Turkish troops moved from eastern Semdinli to the Iraqi border, Hurriyet digital page reported.
The Army General Staff did not confirm the operation, which would be the first since the seven days of combat involving 10,000 troops that ended last week, with presumably 240 PKK casualties and 27 Turkish soldiers. PKK reports were the reverse.
Lakhvi walks out from Pakistan jail, India terms it unfortunate
Islamabad/New Delhi : Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the prime accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives, was released from a jail...
Argentina, well-known for corrupt judges
By IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, said on Monday citing a report by a specialized international organization that Argentina is well-known for its corrupt judges in the world.
He made the remarks commenting on a recent anti-Iran move made by the Argentine judicial system regarding the case of the 1994 terrorist bombings of two Jewish trade centers in Buenos Aires.
Rice calls on Israel to remove more roadblocks
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called on Israel to remove more roadblocks.
"Not all roadblocks are created equal," she said here Sunday.
"We don't want to get into a numbers game where you just remove X number of roadblocks but it's not improving the lives of the Palestinians," said Rice who arrived here on Saturday evening to push forward the stalled negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
Pakistan, India to exchange list of nuclear installations on Thursday
By IRNA,
Islamabad : In the midst of tension over Mumbai attacks, Pakistan and India will on Thursday exchange lists of their nuclear facilities to safeguard them from each other's attack during war, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.
The lists are exchanged on 1st January of every year under an agreement that prohibits the two countries attacking each other's nuclear installations.
According to the agreement on the exchange, signed on December 31, 1988 and enforced on January 27, 1991, Pakistan and India have to inform each other on January 01 every year of the nuclear
Iran unveils missiles, drones
Tehran : Iran Sunday unveiled two missiles and two drones at a ceremony attended by President Hassan Rouhani.
The Qadir (almighty) missile, with a range...
PML-N urges Israel to immediately end blockade of Gaza Strip
By IRNA,
Islamabad : The Spokesperson of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Siddiqul Farooq on Wednesday urged Israel to end blockade of Gaza strip as early as possible and respect the legitimate fundamental rights of the people of Palestine .
Talking to IRNA, he asked the community of nations to take immediate cognizance of the barbaric act of Israel that has left 1.5 million Palestinians in miserable condition.
On Nov 14, 2008, Gaza was blockaded by Israel, leaving 1.5 million people without food, power, heat and water.
Ban condemns Hamas” “terrorism,” calls on Israel to exercise restraint in Gaza
By KUNA
United Nations : Describing Hamas rocket attacks against southern Israel as "acts of terrorism," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Wednesday condemned such acts and condemned the Israeli strikes in Gaza which killed four Palestinian children, including an infant, his press office said in a statement.
I will return to Pakistan: Musharraf
By IANS,
Washington : Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has vowed to return to his country before the next elections whenever they may be held.
Musharraf told CNN Thursday that he was not sure about the timing of his return, but "it is related to the elections in Pakistan".
"I am very sure of one thing, that whether it's end-term elections or mid-term elections, I will be there before those elections," he said.
Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, added that Pakistan could see a parliamentary election next year.
A Pakistani official who re-appointed himself
By IANS,
Islamabad : A top official has "just made history" by re-appointing himself for three more years, a Pakistani daily said Thursday, terming this "preposterous".
Israeli troops arrest 3 in N Gaza raid
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israeli army limitedly rolled into northern Gaza Strip early Wednesday, arresting three civilians, said witnesses and security sources.
The witnesses said the incursion took place in the east of Beit Hanoun, a border town in northern Gaza Strip, from where Palestinian fighters often fire their rockets at the nearby Israeli city of Sderot.
About 10 tanks, armored personnel carriers and bulldozers joined the incursion bolstered by helicopter gunships, added the witnesses.
Enemies disappointed by Iranians’ massive turnout in elections
By IRNA
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Friday that massive turnout of Iranians in the ongoing parliamentary elections disappointed foreign media that tried to discourage people from taking part in the process.
Speaking to reporters after casting his ballots for the 8th Majlis elections and the by-elections for the Expert Assembly, the president said, "Measures of those media will no loner affect neither Iranians nor other people of the world."
Pakistan serious about Mumbai probe: Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Thursday it was "serious" about prosecuting the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks and that the actions taken so far would prove its "sincerity".
"We are serious (about the probe) and all the action taken so far will prove our sincerity," Interior Minister Rehman Malik said at a press conference here.
"We want to bring to justice the culprits and we thus need evidence. This evidence should stand the test of the court. The evidence should speak for itself," Malik maintained.
Obama leaves Afghanistan after meeting Karzai
By KUNA,
Kabul : Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama left Kabul on Sunday after meeting Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Details about talks between President Karzai and the would-be US president were not released to media. However, officials said the two leaders discussed the political and security situation in Afghanistan and the region.
It was also not disclosed what would be Obama's next destination. The US presidential hopeful had arrived on a surprise visit in Afghanistan on Saturday.
Prof. Ihsanoglu condemns assassination bid on Karzai
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has condemned the attack targeting Afghan President Mr. Hamid Karzai. In a letter to the Afghan President, the Secretary-General expressed to him his support and backing and voiced his strong condemnation of this terrorist act. He also regretted the killing of innocent victims.
Israel not a peace partner of Arabs: Syrian president
By DPA,
Doha : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Monday said Israel's new right-wing government was a reflection of the direction the Jewish state was taking, making it an unsuitable peace partner for Arab states.
"What is changing in Israel is superficial, the core remains the same - against peace," al-Assad told the Arab League summit in Doha, Qatar.
"Israel's right is like the left and like its middle. Israel is not a peace partner to the Arabs," he said, adding that Arab initiatives for peace could not be effective when "the other party is not serious in reaching peace."
Pakistan calls for resolving conflicts to curb demand for small arms
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : Reaffirming its determination to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, Pakistan called for addressing the root causes of conflicts to eliminate a major source of demand for such weapons.
“Focus on conflict prevention and dispute resolution is thus a sine qua non for the attainment of the common goals of strengthening peace and security in conditions of economic and social progress,” Brig. ® Javed Iqbal Cheema, the Pakistani delegate, told a meeting aimed at halting the illicit trade.
Russia to support Palestine’s UN bid for statehood
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia will back any Palestinian bid to achieve statehood at a UN vote, Russia's permanent envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin has said.
Why polygamy should not be encouraged?
Need to repeat and reassert that polygamy is only an option not a compulsion in Islam.
By Dr Kouser Fathima
First and foremost. Let it be...
Court begin work in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts
By IANS,
Dhaka : Courts began functioning Tuesday in the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh's non-Muslim tribal majority region, de-linking the judiciary's work from the Chittagong port city.
According to a notification issued by the government June 29, Mohammed Dudu Mia, Mohammed Mokhtar Hossain and Mohammed Golum Maola have been appointed as the three district and sessions judges for Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, respectively.
They were directed to join their new offices Tuesday morning, The Daily Star said.
Protecting vulnerable in Iraq, Syria a priority: New UNHRC chief
Geneva : New United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, Monday said protecting vulnerable groups in Iraq and Syria should...
I don’t want to be a political inheritor: Fatima Bhutto
By IANS
Jaipur : The lines between the world of books and politics blurred once again Thursday when Fatima Bhutto, the 25-year-old niece of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, said she wanted to make her mark - but without the Bhutto tag.
The young author, who inherits the Bhutto legacy of politics from her grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, her aunt Benazir and her father Murtaza all of whom died unnatural, brutal deaths, was the cynosure of attention at the ongoing Jaipur Literary Festival here.
21 killed in tribal clashes in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 21 people were killed and 35 injured in tribal clashes in northwest Pakistan's Kurram tribal agency Wednesday.
The clashes between Bangash and Turi tribesmen entered the 14th day Wednesday and both sides used artillery, mortar and automatic weapons against each other, Geo TV channel reported.
Members of the Jirga, or tribal elders' council, have failed to persuade the two sides to stop fighting and proposed that the security forces launch operations against them.
Turkey concludes ground operation in northern Iraq
ANKARA, February 29 (RIA Novosti) - The Turkish Army has ended a major ground offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, the General Staff said on Friday.
Turkey launched a large-scale ground operation targeting militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the north of Iraq on February 21, with more than 10,000 troops pushing some 10 kilometers (six miles) into Iraq.
"Turkish Army units returned to their permanent bases on the morning of February 29," the General Staff said in a statement posted on its website.
Two killed in Pakistan court firing
Islamabad: At least two people were killed and several injured Friday after armed attackers opened an indiscriminate fire at a local district court in...
Maliki vows to remain in post until court decision
Baghdad : Iraq's incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Wednesday said his government will not quit until the federal court make its final decision over...
Israel supplies Gaza with small quantities of industrial fuel
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel said it has allowed entry of industrial fuel supplies to Gaza to operate hospitals and main facilities.
Israel Radio quoted sources from the Israeli Army as saying Tuesday that Carnie Crossing will also be open to allow the dispatch of medicines to the Gaza Strip.
The sources said the new steps were ordered by Israel Defence Minister Ehud Barak.
The majority of Gaza's districts spent Monday night in complete darkness after Israel banned the entry of fuel to the Strip, leading to power blackout.
10 killed in two blasts in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed and 21 injured in two bomb blasts in Islamabad and in Dir near Peshawar in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Thursday, officials said.
The incidents occurred when an in-camera session of a joint sitting of both houses of parliament was under way in the capital amid tight security. The army generals are briefing the MPs on their operations against terrorists and the war on terror.