UAE to continue ban on VoIP services
By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) will continue its ban on software programme Skype and other services based on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a low-cost web-based communication technology, the Gulf News reported Monday.
VoIP services will be allowed only through the two licensed operators in the country, Etisalat and Du, said Mohammad N. Al Ganem, director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
According to TRA's current policy, all VoIP services that use the Internet are prohibited.
Pakistan says: no possibility to accredit any foreign official to National Command Authority
By SPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan says there is no possibility to accredit any foreign official to the National Command Authority (NCA) composed of the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Defence Minister and others.
Commenting on a report that the United States had proposed to accredit an American official to NCA, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said delegations and individuals do become members of NCA but it is not possible to accredit an official to NCA.
Karachi attack: India concerned about safety of Pakistan’s nukes
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Pakistani prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani will pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia from June 6to 8, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday.
This will be Gilani's first visit to Saudi Arabia as Pakistani prime minister, said Mohammad Sadiq.
During the three-day visit, Gilani will hold talks with Saudi Arabian leaders "on all matters of common interest and in particular to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries," said Sadiq.
Pakistan steps up security for Indian Sikh pilgrims
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has stepped up security for the Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting the Nankana Sahib gurdwara for the Baisakhi celebrations and have declared a curfew in the area, Geo TV reported
Wednesday.
The pilgrims would be provided strict security during their religious ceremonies at the gurdwara, which marks the birth place of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, it said, quoting from an official statement.
Israeli minister calls for deportation of Palestinians from Jerusalem
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Minister of Internal Security Avraham Dichter said Friday the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem who are involved in armed acts against Israel should be deported to the West Bank.
He made the remarks while mourning the Israelis who were killed last night attack against a Jewish seminary in West Jerusalem, Israeli Radio reported.
Yemen to launch US$13.7 billion investments programme
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Yemen plans to launch a programme of $13.7 billion investments in areas of agriculture and tourism during 2008-2010, the London-based alhayat daily reported on Tuesday.
The newspaper quoted sources at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation as saying that the government would undertake about 43% of the total programme's sum and about 37% was provided from the Gulf states and donors.
IAEA seeks to contain dispute over Syria nuclear request
By Abdelwaheb El-Gueyed, KUNA,
Vienna : The IAEA Board of Governors will seek on Wednesday to contain the dispute triggered off by Syria's request for technical assistant for a nuclear power reactor due to western opposition.
For the third day in succession, the board member countries will try to find a consensus between western countries and Syria, which is backed by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), IAEA sources told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Iraqis urged not to hug or kiss during holiday season
By DPA,
Baghdad: The government has urged Iraqis not to greet loved ones with hugs or kisses during the coming Eid al-Adha holiday as a precaution against swine flu.
The health ministry has flooded the television, radio and mobile-phone airwaves with public service announcements asking Iraqis to be on their guard and avoid crowded places.
Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi said Tuesday that 13 people had died of the AH1N1 strain, more commonly known as swine flu, and that an additional 1,600 people, mostly in Baghdad, had been diagnosed with the virus.
Israeli army denies involvement in Gaza blast
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : The Israeli army denied on Friday reports that its troops were involved in the airstrike in the Gaza Strip that killed at least eight people and wounded 40 others.
The Israeli army spokeswoman told Xinhua that they were unaware of the airstrike in the coastal area.
Earlier, eight Palestinians were killed and 40 others wounded after a huge explosion hit a building in the al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, Palestinian medics and witnesses said.
Shahbaz set to become Punjab chief minister, again
By IANS,
Islamabad : Shahbaz Sharif is likely to become the chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province again, a media report said Monday.
UN, Iraq agree to plans for reconstruction and development
By DPA,
New York : The United Nations and Iraq have signed a landmark agreement for reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance that will be implemented within three years.
Under the agreement signed Wednesday, UN agencies will assist Iraq in achieving its key economic and social goals as devised by the so-called International Compact for Iraq, a UN-led programme for rebuilding the war-torn nation.
Six killed in Pakistan blast
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed Sunday in a blast in Pakistan's northwestern tribal area bordering Afghanistan, according to local TV reports.
Four children, a woman and a man were killed when a bomb attached to a vehicle exploded at Data Khel in North Waziristan, Geo TV reported.
Terror files official suspended
By KUNA,
London : The British Cabinet Office has suspended the civil servant at the centre of an inquiry into the loss of top-secret documents on Al-Qaeda and Iraq, it was confirmed here Thursday.
The unnamed Cabinet Office employee was questioned in an internal inquiry after the sensitive papers were left on the seat of a commuter train.
A fellow passenger spotted the envelope containing the files and gave it to the BBC, who handed them to the police, the corporation said.
Britains Home Secretary Jacqui Smith now faces demands for an official inquiry.
73 killed, 148 injured in Iraq attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: A wave of bombing attacks struck war-torn Iraq Friday, leaving as many as 73 people dead and 148 injured, police and officials said.
Italy defends UNIFIL troops stationed in Lebanon amid criticism by Israel
By NNN-KUNA,
Rome : Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Masimo D'Alema has expressed Italy's full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stationed in Lebanon under the command of Italian Major General Claudio Graziano amid criticism by Israel of favouritism towards Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah.
D'Alema said in a statement Tuesday that the international forces are working there concurrently with United Nations resolution (1701) and in coordination with all Lebanese parties involved.
‘Nehru was the architect of India-Arab friendship’
India Arab Friendship Foundation launched, former Prime Minister, Dr. Singh joins in at the dinner.
By Manzar Imam, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The ties between India and the Arab world are centuries old. Any effort to forge new friendships between India and the Arab world therefore would amount to a further attempt towards rebuilding and renewing the existing ties. Most speakers reiterated the above view at the launching ceremony of India Arab Friendship Foundation (IAFF) on Tuesday 25 November, 2014 at a Five Star Hotel here.
Rocket hits Egyptian building at Rafah crossing
By Xinhua
Cairo : A rocket landed on Sunday at the Egyptian side of Rafah crossing at the border with the Gaza Strip, causing damage to an Egyptian building, the official MENA news agency reported.
The rocket knocked down a wall of the building at the border crossing, said MENA, without report of casualties.
According to the report, an expert technical committee rushed to the scene of the accident and was trying to find out where the rocket was made and who had launched it.
UN agency launches ‘operation lifeline Gaza’ to feed thousands of hungry
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The U.N. food agency has announced an initiative to help ramp up food distribution to the growing number of hungry people in the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s military offensive entered its 16th day on Sunday.
Operation Lifeline Gaza is a World Food Programme (WFP) scheme aiming to provide ready-to-eat, culturally acceptable food to hundreds of thousands of people caught in the conflict.
Karzai declared winner in Afghan election
By DPA,
Kabul : The Afghan Independent Election Commission Monday declared incumbent Hamid Karzai the winner of the presidential election after his challenger Abdullah Abdullah pulled out of a runoff planned for the weekend. Neither had crossed the 50 percent vote mark in the first vote, required to win the presidential poll under the Afghanistan constitution.
Obama’s grandmother arrives for Umrah
Makkah : Sara Omar, paternal grandmother of U.S. President Barack Obama, attended an exhibition detailing the life of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) at the end of Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, local media reported Wednesday.
Sara Omar, who is in her 90s, arrived in Makkah with her son Saeed Obama, uncle of President Obama, and her grandson Mousa Obama to perform Umrah.
Germany, Britain announce meeting on Afghanistan’s future
By DPA,
Berlin : Germany and Britain announced a new initiative Sunday for an international conference on Afghanistan, to be held later this year after the outcome of the Afghan presidential election is known.
The gathering, at a venue still to be decided, would be held to discuss the best way forward for Afghanistan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in Berlin.
19 rebels killed in air strikes in Turkey
By SPA,
Ankara, Turkey : The Turkish military says it has killed 19 Kurdish rebels in air strikes in southeast Turkey.
A statement posted on the military Web site says the air strikes were launched in response to a late Friday rebel attack on a military outpost in Hakkari province, which killed two soldiers.
UN watchdog verifies Iranian nuclear program
By IRNA
Vienna : The International Atomic Energy Agency verified Iranian nuclear program acknowledging Iran's statement that the US and its allies have fabricated information to back up claims that Tehran is making nuclear weapons.
The 11-page report said that the UN nuclear watchdog was able to resolve the outstanding issues with Iran.
IAEA said that Tehran has cooperated in other areas of an IAEA probe, leading the agency to put to rest for now suspicions that several past experiments and activities were linked to a weapons program.
Pakistan deny permission to squash team’s visit to India
By Omar Khalid,IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan have refused to clear squash team's tour to India for the Asian Junior Championship citing security concerns after its request to relocate the tournament was turned down by Asian Squash Federation (ASF).
Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) had requested the ASF to either move the Jan 16-23 tournament out of India (Chennai) or change the dates (Jan 16-23) as their players cannot take part because of the prevailing tension between the two neighbours.
Russia pledges support to Iran in fight against terror
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday offered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism, the Kremlin press service said.
Medvedev condemned Sunday's terrorist attack in Iran and expressed condolences to the victims.
"We believe that the fight against the threat of terrorism and extremism - wherever they originate from - requires a pooling of efforts by all countries. We are ready to cooperate with Iran in countering these threats," he said.
Militant violence leaves six dead in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six people were killed in a rocket attack and executions carried out by suspected Taliban militants in northwest Pakistan, officials said Sunday.
Islamist insurgents fired four rockets on various locations in Bannu district of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) late Saturday.
"Two of these were aimed at the city police station but they missed the target and hit a construction company office. Two of its employees were killed," said a local police officer Zaheer Ahmad.
Gaza demo targets UK arms sales to Israel
By IRNA,
London : A mass demonstration was being held in Brighton, southern England, Monday to mark the first anniversary of Israel’s massacres of more than 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza.
The protest, part of a series to mark the anniversary, was targeting the manufacture of weapons components at the local EDO MBM factory, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American multi-national ITT, which supplies essential parts for the Israeli air force.
Girl injured in 26/11 identifies terrorist Kasab
By IANS,
Mumbai: A minor girl, injured and disabled during the 26/11 terror attacks, pointed an accusing finger at Mohammed Ajmal Amir alias Kasab and identified the sole Pakistani terrorist captured alive after the carnage in the Special Court here Wednesday.
Devika Rotawan, 10, walking on crutches, was helped to the witness box by her teary-eyed father Natwarlal as Kasab and the other two accused - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) activists Fahim Ansari and Sabhauiddin Shaikh Mohammed - looked on without any expression.
No visible results from Abbas-Olmert meeting
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : The meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, held at the latter's office in West Jerusalem, has ended by agreement to meet again in two weeks.
After the meeting Tuesday, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat told Palestine TV that "President Abbas affirmed to Olmert that final status issues must be dealt with in aggregate not separately."
Rising crime among Malaysian Indians worrying: Vellu
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Concerned over the rising crime graph among ethnic Indians in Malaysia, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has sought a meeting with Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan to find ways to address the problem.
MIC president S. Samy Vellu said the community was alarmed at the recent spate of violent crimes involving its youths being reported in the media almost daily.
"This is a worrying trend and the MIC together with its youth wing and the YSS (Social Strategic Foundation) have decided to meet the police to find a quick solution.
‘Swat deal to be reviewed if peace doesn’t return’
By IANS,
Lahore : A controversial deal with the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest would be reviewed if the militants don't live up to their end of the bargain and peace doesn't return to the area, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said Saturday.
"If agreement is not honoured by the other side and peace remains elusive, we would revisit and review the deal," Gilani told reporters here.
"We would reconsider the deal," he added for good measure.
Top Pentagon officer rules out military operation in Pakistan
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Stating that the United States had no concerns about Islamabad's nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of terrorists, America's top military officer today ruled out operations by his troops in Pakistani territory.
Admiral Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was "very comfortable that Pakistan's nuclear weapons are secure" and the US was "not concerned that they are going to fall into the hands of t errorists".
Stop nuclear tests – UN chief
By IRNA,
Tehran : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message on the first International Day against Nuclear Tests, August 29, 2010, called for full implementation of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
According to a press release issued by the UN Information Center (UNIC) here on Thursday, the full text of his message reads:
Afghan battle kills over 30 militants, 4 NATO troops
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The Afghan National Army (ANA) backed by the U.S.-led Coalition forces on Wednesday launched a joint operation to disrupt suspected Taliban safe havens in eastern Afghan province of Laghman, killing over 30 militants, said a Coalition statement released here on Thursday.
The operation took place in response to information gathered following a recent attack by militants on the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in that area, the statement said.
Lebanon warns refugees against returning to Syria
Beirut: Lebanon's interior ministry Saturday warned all Syrian refugees registered in the country not to go back to Syria as of Sunday, threatening that...
Afghanistan govt asks WEP to help avert food shortage
By NNN-IRIN
Kabul : The Afghan government has asked the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to increase its food aid from the previously planned 180,000 to 215,000 metric tonnes (mt) in 2008, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL).
The request came after soaring food prices led to concerns about food shortages, particularly during the winter months when some remote locations become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and flooding.
EU offers $17.3 mn in aid to Iraq, Palestine
By DPA,
Brussels : The the European Commission, executive arm of the European Union (EU), Tuesday pledged food aid totalling 12.4 million euros ($17.3 million) to vulnerable Iraqis and Palestinians hard hit by rising food prices.
The pledge, which comes in response to an appeal from the UN, is intended to support up to 1.9 million poor and needy people in the two countries, a statement from the commission said.
It brings the total amount of aid the commission has donated to the two countries since 2006 to over 270 million euros.
Detained Afghan nationals let off
By IANS,
Kollam (Kerala) : Three Afghan nationals detained at the Kundara police station near here since August 7 have been let off with the police finding no incriminating evidence against them.
Mehboob Khan, N. Mohammed and Mukesh Kumar - an Afghan citizen of Indian origin - were picked up by the police from a hotel as part of the ongoing security check after the recent serial blasts in several parts of the country.
The state and central intelligence agencies conducted elaborate investigation in India and Afghanistan about their antecedents.
34,000 women paramedics go missing after Pakistan floods
By IANS,
Islamabad : According to the UN, around 34,000 women paramedical workers have gone missing from the flood affected districts of Pakistan, a media report said Saturday.
Iran deplores violation of minority rights by West
By IANS,
New York : Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Saturday deplored violation of minority rights by the Western governments, IRNA news agency reported.
Addressing foreign ministers' meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), he regretted that Muslims throughout the globe are facing anti-Islamic moves.
Condemning sacrilege of Islamic sanctities, the Iranian foreign minister stressed that such moves are aimed at distorting the fact that Islam is the religion of patience, peace and love, the report said.
Gaza attack: Three Pakistanis safe, detained in Israel
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US and Interpol have assured Pakistan that three of its nationals on board a peace flotilla carrying aid for the Gaza Strip were safe and detained in Israel after the Israeli Navy attack, in which 10 activists were killed.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Tuesday the assurance came from US special representative on Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke during a telephonic talk.
Does Islam Prohibit Muslims From Befriending People of Other Faiths?
By Maulvi Yahya Nomani,
(Translated from Urdu by Yoginder Sikand)
Israel to Build Border Wall with Egypt
Tel Aviv, Feb 6 (Prensa Latina) The Israeli government decided Wednesday to build a 149 mile wall at a cost of a billion dollars along the mutual border with Egypt, official sources reported.
The wall will be built across the entrance to the Sinai Peninsula to avoid attacks from Egyptian territory.
The construction of the wall will be started in two sections, one from Eilat, southern Israel on the shore of the Red Sea, and the other near Nitzana, southern Gaza Strip.
US Drone Planes Kill 15 in Pakistan
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : US planes with automatic pilots launched rockets against houses in the northern tribal Pakistan district of Bajaur, bordering with Afghanistan, killing 15 people, reported different sources in the capital.
According to Geo TV station, two US spy planes flew over Damadola locality for two days and launched a missile that destroyed a home, a nearby mosque and a boarding house.
The US army, that occupies the neighboring Afghanistan, is the only one in this Asian region with Drone type planes.
Arab publishers to join in Frankfurt Book Fair
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Arab book industry will participate at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany this week, it was announced Wednesday.
Fencing along India-Pakistan border almost complete: Centre
New Delhi : Nearly 2,000 km of fencing along the India-Pakistan border has been put in place even as cases of cross-border infiltration are...
Six killed in Iraq clashes
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least six people were killed and 30 others wounded in clashes between the US-backed Iraqi security forces and Shia militia here Sunday, an official said.
Cashes broke out early Sunday between the two sides in Sadr city neighbourhood of the Iraqi capital. Three mortar rounds struck a house, killing six people and wounding 30, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Several houses were also damaged in the attack. Baghdad's Sadr city is a stronghold of the Mahdi Army militia.
Spain deports bin Laden’s son after denying political asylum
By DPA,
Madrid : Spain Saturday deported the son of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden who had spent almost a week in the country trying to get political asylum.
Omar bin Laden, 28, boarded a plane bound for Cairo Saturday, Spain's Interior Ministry confirmed. Bin Laden's lawyer criticized the move, saying bin Laden was being removed for political reasons.
Omar applied for asylum in Spain Monday. He and his British wife, Zaina al-Sabah, 52, were in Madrid on a stopover for a flight from Cairo to Casablanca in Morocco.
Attacks not to affect Lebanon’s anti-terror fight: PM
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Saturday that attacks on the army will not affect the cabinet's decision to combat terrorism, after...
Afghanistan, NATO sign agreement
Kabul : The Afghanistan government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Tuesday signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) here.
Afghan Presidential Advisor on...
Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains epicentre of Al Qaeda: Obama
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Noting that the "border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains the epicentre of Al Qaeda," President Barack Obama says he has "no intention of sending US boots on the ground" to Yemen and Somalia.
"I do think it's important to recognize that the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains the epicentre of Al Qaeda, their leadership, and their extremist allies," he said in excerpts of an interview with People magazine released Sunday.
Malaysia urges Muslim world to give education top priority
Dubai: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said here Tuesday that education should be given top priority in the Muslim world.
The Muslim countries can only...
Gaza death toll climbs to 779
By KUNA,
Gaza : The number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli air raid on Gaza Strip, concluding its second week Friday, has climbed to 779.
Director of the Emergency Department, Muawiya Hassanain, was reported as saying that the number rose after 50 bodies were found under the rubble in Atatra and Jihr El-Deik districts during the three-hour truce period yesterday.
Meanwhile, Palestinian medical sources reported that 21 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli air raids late last night and early this morning.
Report: Lebanese majority leader sets presidential election deadline
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese majority leader Saad Hariri on Monday pledged that majority MPs would elect a president on May 13, local Naharnet news website reported. Hariri, who is also Mustaqbal Movement leader, made the remarks after talks with Druze Spiritual leader Sheikh Naim Hassan in Beirut, said the report.
"We haven't received any guarantees, but we are in a path that leads to the election of a president on May 13. All March 14 MPs would go to parliament to elect a president," Hariri was quoted assaying.
Pakistan stocks plunges 15,000 points amid political uncertainty
By DPA,
Karachi : Pakistani stocks tumbled Friday under political instability amid tensions over survival of the governing coalition on the issue of reinstatement of judges ousted by military dictator turned civilian president Pervez Musharraf.
The key KSE-100 index shed 165 points to close at 14,956.82, its lowest level in the last six weeks against 15,122 points Wednesday.
The markets were closed Thursday due to International Labour Day holiday.
Pakistani troops fire at Indian posts in Kashmir
Jammu: Pakistani troops resorted to "unprovoked firing" at Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the military said Saturday.
The...
Pakistan: coalition partners, people to decide Musharraf’s fate, says Zardari
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Co-Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Asif Ali Zardari Friday said that it is up to the leadership of coalition partners and the people of Pakistan to decide the fate of President Musharraf after he is impeached. In an exclusive interview with a private television channel the PPP Co-Chairman said that he has however advised the President to resign and get out of system more than two months ago.
He said the PPP being a democratic party has always taken mature decisions and it was under this thinking that the President was advised to resign.
41 Hindu couples tie the knot in Pakistan
By IANS,
Karachi : Over 40 Hindu couples have got married at a mass wedding here. The event was organised by the Pakistan Hindu Council.
Council patron Ramesh Kumar told The News: "This is second mass wedding that we have organised. Last year, 20 couples were married at the Swami Narayan Temple. This year, we were told not to have more than 44 couples."
The 41 couples were married for free at the flower decorated venue.
The brides were dressed in red saris and the grooms wore golden sherwanis. Some of the grooms carried traditional swords. Each couple was allowed 10 guests.
Many feared dead in suicide attack in Kabul
By IANS,
Kabul : Suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the justice ministry and a police station in Afghanistan's capital Kabul Wednesday, reportedly killing several people, media reports said.
The audacious attacks took place ahead of a visit by Richard Holbrooke, the new US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan's Geo TV quoted a policeman near the justice ministry as saying: "A double suicide attack hit a government office ... and left many people dead."
UN mission in Afghanistan gets further one-year mandate
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council Monday extended its Afghanistan mission by another year to assist the Kabul government transition to "ownership and leadership" of the country after decades of conflicts.
The mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) now runs until March 23, 2011. Its tasks include supporting Kabul on restoring security, governance and economic development, and regional cooperation.
All about Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
Islamabad : The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Pakistani Taliban, is the deadliest among Pakistan's home grown militant outfits.
Formed following the US intervention...
Ban encouraged by Arab League’s Lebanon plan, urges non-interference of neighbours
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that he was "encouraged" by the Arab League efforts to end the constitutional crisis in Lebanon and urged the "neighbouring" countries not to interfere in Lebanese affairs so that the Lebanese people could find a solution on their own.
Obama plans to push forward on Middle East peace
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama intends to work toward Middle East peace regardless of who forms Israel's new government, the White House said Wednesday.
"President Obama looks forward to working with whoever makes up that next Israeli government in a search for lasting and durable peace in the region," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Obama telephoned President Shimon Peres to congratulate Israel for its successful elections and praised him for his steadfast support for a two-state solution with the Palestinians, the White House said.
Egypt court upholds death sentence for Muslim Brotherhood members
Cairo : An Egyptian court on Monday upheld the death sentences against five members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood on charges of murdering policemen...
Hindraf leader’s passport not revoked: Malaysian minister
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has refuted allegations by London-based Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P. Waythamoorthy that his passport, valid till 2010, had been revoked.
In a statement issued Monday, Albar said he was informed by the immigration department that Waythamoorthy's passport was "still listed as active in the passport and travel document system".
UAE families to get free dry fruits during Ramadan
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Around 45,000 families in the United Arab Emirates will get free dry fruits and other food items that are consumed by Muslims observing the month-long fast during Ramadan.
Under the project "Ramadan Supplies for 2010", the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation in cooperation with the ministry of social affairs will distribute 11 food items through 24 centres across the UAE.
Ramadan is considered the most auspicious month in the Islamic calendar.
Turkey deports 10 foreigners who wanted to join IS
Ankara: Turkish authorities have arrested 10 foreigners, near the Syrian border, suspected of wanting to join the Islamic State (IS) and deported them to...
Modi to visit UAE Aug 16-17 in first PM visit in 34 years
New Delhi/Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to visit the United Arab Emirates on August 16-17, in the first visit by an Indian...
Kuwaiti embassy in Beirut evacuated after bomb threat
By Xinhua
Beirut : Staff at Kuwaiti embassy in Beirut were evacuated Thursday after anonymous caller threatened to target the embassy with two mortar shells, local Elnashra website reported.
Anonymous caller contacted the embassy and threatened to hit the embassy with two mortar shells, said the report, adding that the Lebanese authorities were immediately informed and the Kuwaitiforeign ministry was informed as well.
Merkel party in row over invitation to anti-Islam Dutch MP
By IRNA,
Berlin : A member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is facing criticism by his party for inviting Geert Wilders, the notorious anti-Islam Dutch lawmaker, to Berlin to hold a speech in fall, news reports said on Thursday.
Rene Stadtkewitz, a Christian Democratic legislator in Berlin's state parliament, vowed to press ahead with his invitation to Wilders amid threats to kick him out of the party.
He said he would meet Wilders in the German capital on October 2 to discuss ways of what Stadtkewitz termed "fighting political Islam."
Hanged Pakistani prisoners faced 10 charges
Islamabad : Five of the six prisoners executed since Friday in Pakistan faced 10 different charges apart from being involved in the assassination attempt...
BBC team blinfolded and beaten by Gaddafi forces
By IANS,
London : A BBC news team was detained and beaten up by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces after being accused of spying, the British broadcaster reported Thursday.
Army officer killed in Pakistan militant attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : A day after peace negotiations between the government and Pakistani Taliban broke down, a senior Pakistani army officer was Tuesday killed...
Iraqi forces find explosives inside mosque
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraqi forces Friday discovered a cache of explosives in a mosque south of Baghdad, an army source said.
The find was made when forces raided Adullah al-Gaboury mosque in al-Askanderia district, 60 km south of Baghdad, the source told DPA. The explosives were removed and eight suspects were later arrested in the area.
Two brothers aged 14 and 17 were, meanwhile, found stabbed to death in Diwaniyah province in what appeared to have been an act of clan revenge, a police official told the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency.
Pakistan human right panel lauds voters
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Saturday congratulated the people of the country for showing faith in democracy despite threats to their lives.
Iran n-deal to benefit all: President Rouhani
Tehran : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said the final deal on Tehran's nuclear programme will benefit all sides and will boost regional...
France, Saudi Arabia vow stronger defence ties
Paris: France and Saudi Arabia vowed stronger defence ties to fight terrorism and to tackle the threat posed by the militants of Islamic State...
Workers in UAE can now receive salaries at doorstep
By IANS
Dubai : Workers in the construction sector in the UAE can now receive their salaries at their doorstep, thanks to Wall Street Exchange, the financial services arm of Emirates Post Group.
Wall Street Exchange has started disbursing salaries through mobile teams at designated venues, usually labour accommodation sites, on fixed days.
"We have signed agreements with several companies, involving thousands of workers," UAE chief executive of Wall Street Exchange Abdul Basit Al Suwaidi said in a statement here Tuesday.
Islamabad court seeks official response in Lodhi sacking
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court Wednesday asked the government to submit a reply regarding the sacking of then defence secretary Lt. Gen. (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi.
Rare 17th century textiles on display in Abu Dhabi
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : More than 200 pieces of rare textiles from the 17th century from across central Asia are being showcased in one of the most comprehensive exhibitions ever held in the world.
Islamic embroidery from Morocco, Turkey, Algeria, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and a few regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan will be on display for four months at the royal palace here. The exhibition is being organised by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
UNRWA urges donors to support Palestinian refugees in Syria
Beirut : The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) urged international donors to increase their humanitarian support to help displaced people...
Pakistani Taliban buying children for suicide attacks
By IANS,
Washington : Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud is buying children as young as seven years old to carry out suicide bombing, the Online news agency said citing reports Thursday.
The price for a child bomber is between $7,000 and $14,000, a Pakistani official requesting anonymity said.
Mehsud has turned suicide bombing into a production company, not like the way Toyota produces cars, a US Defense Department official said recently to reporters.
He said the price depends on how quickly the bomber is needed and how close the child is expected to get to the target.
Indian expats in Kuwait write to FM for setting up a joint investment fund
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Kuwait: Indo – Kuwait Friendship Society has written a letter to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley urging him to take initiatives...
Five killed in suicide attack in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Bagdad : At least five people were killed and 54 others wounded in a suicide attack near an...
UAE to reduce prices of 115 pharmaceutical drugs
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE health ministry will on Sunday announce reduced prices of 115 pharmaceutical drugs.
Lebanon Bomb Attack Kills Ten
By Prensa Latina
Beirut : At least 10 people died, including a high-ranking security officer, and 15 others were wounded on Friday in a car-bomb attack in the Christian Hazmiyah neighborhood, in this capital's eastern area.
Captain Wissan Eid, Police Internal Security member, and his body guard died instantly in the explosion while their vehicle was passing under a bridge close to Mount Lebanon hospital, the Lebanese television reported.
Iran to study freeze offer if not asked to suspend
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran will study the freeze for freeze offer if it does not include suspension of uranium enrichment, a Foreign Ministry official said.
Director-General of the ministry's Political and International Studies, Rasoul Moussavi made the remarks Monday commenting on an offer made by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana to Iran to accept the freeze for freeze.
The offer was put forward by the Group 5 1 last summer in order to continue talks to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme.
PM: no Cambodian troops to be sent to Afghanistan, Iraq
By NNN-APP,
Phnom Penh : Prime Minister Hun Sen refused on Wednesday to send Cambodian de-miners to Afghanistan and Iraq as requested by the United Nations.
The Cambodian made the remarks during a ground-breaking ceremony of the renovation of the National Road No. 62 linking from the central province of Kampong Thom and the northern province of Preah Vihear on Wednesday.
PML-N ministers submit resignations in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Ministers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani Tuesday afternoon, marking the end of the six-week-old coalition government.
PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif announced Monday that the PML-N ministers would resign following the failure of talks with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on the issue of reinstatement of deposed judges.
The PPP and PML-N emerged as the two largest parties in the National Assembly, lower house of parliament, in the general elections held Feb 18.
Sarkozy seeks Syrian help in Iran nuclear standoff
By RIA Novosti,
Damascus : The French president has asked his Syrian counterpart to use his country's ties with Iran to ensure the Islamic Republic does not produce nuclear weapons, and urged Syria to seek direct peace talks with Israel.
Nicolas Sarkozy said after meeting with President Bashar Assad in Damascus on Wednesday: "I told the president that Syria can play a role in the Iranian issue. Iran must not obtain the atomic bomb, but it has the right to nuclear energy for peaceful use."
Israel asks Hamas to lower demand in negotiations over release of kidnapped soldier Shalit
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli vice premier Haim Ramon said Sunday that Israel will not make a deal with Hamas for the release of a kidnapped Israeli soldier unless the militant group lowers its demands, local daily Ha'aretz reported.
Ramon made the remarks as the Jewish state is currently engaged in Egypt-mediated negotiations with Hamas to secure the return of Gilad Shalit, who was abducted by Palestinian militants two years ago and is believed to be held somewhere in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Israel urges Brazil to join Mideast peace efforts
By EFE,
Brasilia : Visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres has urged his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to join the Middle East peace process.
"Come, President, and light the light of peace in the Middle East," Peres told Lula during a joint press conference here Wednesday after a closed-door meeting.
In response, Lula said all countries in the region "can count on Brazil for the construction of an enduring peace, the positive repercussions of which will transcend the borders of the Middle East and will benefit all mankind".
Stand by Pakistan’s security forces: Malik tells countrymen
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has urged the people not to criticise the military, and to stand by the country's security forces.
Skilled politicians can ensure national security: Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said only the truly skilled political leaders were better placed to ensure national security by using and inter-relating elements of power.
Addressing the participants of the 11th National Security Workshop here at the National Defence University, the Prime Minister linked peace and prosperity as the only guarantors of national security and said the national resources that need to be protected included the people, political institutions, economic resources and the ideology.
US court overrules verdicts against two Yemenis: report
Dubai, Oct 3 (IANS) A court in the US has overruled verdicts against two Yemenis accused of financing terrorism.
Khalid Al-Anesi, executive director of Yemeni human rights group HOOD, said that an appeal court in New York has overruled the verdicts against Muhammad Al-Moyad and his companion Muhammad Zayed, the state-run Saba news agency reported.
He added the duo are likely to be released within 14 days unless the US asks for a retrial.
Pakistan, Iran may start gas project without India
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran said Friday they would undertake bilaterally a proposed $7.5 billion cross-border gas pipeline venture if India delayed joining the project.
"Iran and Pakistan have expressed their desire to finalise their very important project of a pipeline and exporting gas bilaterally," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said after a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad.
More Iraq Civilian, Military Deaths
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : At least four Iraqi civilians have died in the last hours, two of them by US shots, while the US death toll has amounted to 4,125 since they invaded the country in March 2003.
US military spokespersons informed two armed men were killed Sunday during joint raids with Iraqi forces in the locality of Baiji, allegedly in self-defense.
One of the men was said to be related to the governor of Salah al-Din province, Hamad Hammoud, but he is believed to be one of the official financers of the Al-Qaida network in Iraq, according to security forces.
NSA’s answers to Mumbai probe taken out of context: PMO
By IANS,
New Delhi : Seeking to clear confusion over the divergent views of National Security Adviser (NSA) M.K. Narayanan and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Pakistan's response to the Mumbai terror probe, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Wednesday said Narayanan's quotes were taken out of context.
“Selective quotes taken out context from the detailed answers have tended to give a distorted idea of what was actually said,” said a statement from the PMO.
Iran warns it would ‘wipe out’ Israel if attacked
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : A senior Iranian commander warned Tuesday that the country's military will wipe Israel off the world map if the Jewish country attacks the Islamic republic.
"We must defend our state borders, and should Israel take any hostile action, we are ready to eliminate Israel from the world scene," Deputy Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said.
He said that the Iranian army is on constant alert due to the presence of "foreign forces" in the region.
"It is ready to decisively repel any attack," he said.
Pakistani President to attend string of summit, hold talks with world leaders in New...
By NNN-APP,
New York : A packed schedule awaits President Asif Ali Zardari who arrives in New York on Sunday to lead a strong Pakistani delegation to the 64th session of U.N. General Assembly, which is set to deal with some pressing global challenges.
The President will attend a string of summit-level conferences and hold talks with his counterparts from around the world as also with top United States and United Nations officials besides attending a ceremony in which Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will be posthumously honoured, says a press release issued here.
Six Guantanamo Bay prisoners transferred to Uruguay
Washington: The US authorities announced Sunday the transfer of six prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre to Uruguay.
The six detainees had been detained...
Pakistan rejects Indian concern over welfare of Sikh minorities
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Saturday rejected Indian concerns about the plight of Sikh families living in militancy-hit tribal areas and said it was taking care of all citizens, including the minorities.
India issued a verbal demarche to Pakistan Friday after reports that Taliban militants had demolished 11 homes of Sikhs living in Orakzai agency, which is one of seven districts of troubled tribal areas in northwestern Pakistan.
Turkish FM says there’s a long way to go before Israeli-Syrian peace
By SPA,
Ankara, Turkey : Turkey's foreign minister says there's still a lot to achieve before any peace agreement between Israel and Syria.
Ali Babacan told reporters Monday that an agreement between the two countries requires strong political determination from both sides.
Turkey, which has close ties to both Israel and Syria, has disclosed that it is trying to restart low-level talks between the two countries as a prelude to bringing the leaders of Syria and Israel together, the Associated Press reported.
Taliban extend sphere of influence, says expert
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghanistan's Taliban militants are expanding their influence further into regions outside their traditional power base, the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) said.
"Their intake from non-Pashtun ethnic groups is growing, from where the Taliban hardly recruited in the past," AAN co-director Thomas Ruttig said.
That trend was particularly obvious in Kunduz province in north-eastern Afghanistan, where German troops are based, he said.
Musa Abu Marzuq: Hamas accepts ceasefire
By IRNA,
Tehran : Hamas number two official Musa Abu Marzuq on Sunday confirmed that the Palestinian movement has accepted a one-week truce in Gaza.
In a televised speech in Demascus, he said the ceasefire has been declared to permit the Zionists forces to pull out of Gaza.
UAE aims to build bridges with books on Islam
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : Multilingual publications about Islam will be distributed to build a bridge between local people and Muslims from other countries settled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will distribute 20,000 packets containing booklets and CDs to public and private organisations in Dubai and an additional 30,000 booklets and 10,000 CDs in English and Urdu to non-Arabic speakers in the Emirates.
Sushma makes statement on Yemen in Lok Sabha
New Delhi : Amid a huge ruckus and slogan shouting by opposition members, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said in the Lok...
Pakistan: Zardari, Condoleezza discuss regional situation
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice on Thursday met President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed with him regional situation with particular reference to the situation arising after terror attacks in Mumbai.
During the talks at President House, Rice was accompanied by US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher.
President Zardari was assisted by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and senior officials.
Family planning still taboo in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Unplanned pregnancies are on the rise in Pakistan with the number of abortions coming up to 900,000 cases every year, even as the majority of Pakistani people say they feel embarrassed to ask questions on family planning.
The Pakistan government had started a special campaign of "Two children, happy family" almost two decades ago so that everyone in the country could have sufficient food, water, education, healthcare, social welfare and job opportunities.
Over 22 militants killed, 12 detained in Afghan battles
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Over 22 militants were killed and 12 others were detained in Tuesday overnight battles, separately happened in eastern Afghan province of Paktika and southern province of Helmand, said the statements from the U.S.-led Coalition forces released here on Wednesday.
Afghan National Police were attacked in the Sarobi district center of Paktika province late Tuesday evening, then they repelled the attack with small-arms fire and requested Coalition air support, the statement said.
Hamas says Israel digs tunnels to kidnap Hamas leaders in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israel has dug tunnels under the Gaza Strip in order to kidnap senior Hamas leaders, Hamas Interior Minister Said Siam told the London-based Arabic newspaper al-Sharqal-Awsat.
In an interview published Thursday, Siam said Israeli internal security has been acting through local agents across the strip to purchase apartments which could be used as bases of operations for such kidnappings.
Yemen to become six-region federation
By IINA,
Sana’a : A presidential panel has agreed to transform Yemen into a six-region federation as part of its political transition, state news agency...
A Tale of Two Winners :Indo-Pak Noble Peace Prize,2014
By Dr. Asma Anjum Khan for TwoCircles.net,
Begum Para is daughter of our Ghafoor uncle. This is her first article. It’s about the, ’joint’ Noble Peace Prize, for the two eternal foes called India and Pakistan.
#Satyrathi, #Malala#NoblePeacePrize2014#BenAffleck#HughJackman#MoonSighting#AshishVidyarthi#Taliban#Fudoos#Mullas #FawadKhan
UN Security Council slaps new sanctions on Iran
By DPA
New York : The UN Security Council has voted to impose additional sanctions on Iran for its continued refusal to abandon nuclear activities.
The 15-nation council voted Monday 14-0, with Indonesia abstaining, to expand the ban on travel by individuals "engaged in, associated with providing support for Iran's proliferation of sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems".
President Musharraf to visit China
By SPA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf is scheduled to visit China during the current month and will attend the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), officials said.
He will address the ceremony at the inaugural session. During Musharraf s visit Chinese President Hu Jintao will hold official talks with him.
The BFA is scheduled for April 11 to 13 in the scenic seaside town of Boao, Hainan Province.
The two countries would sign a number of cooperative agreements.
Six killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six people were killed and several injured in an explosion Friday in Pakistan's Peshawar city, a media report said.
The blast took place in Khyber Bazaar, close to the North West Frontier Province assembly, Geo TV reported.
Palestine: UN Relief Agency appeals for Arab funds for Palestinian refugees
By NNN-WAM,
Vienna : The Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has made an urgent appeal for Arab funds for emergency assistance to some 30,000 Palestinian refugees whose homes were destroyed by fighting last year at the Nahr el Bared camp in Northern Lebanon.
Karen AbuZayd called on "Arab donors to help UNRWA respond adequately to the humanitarian needs of these refugees who have endured more than their fair share of misery and displacement."
Arab League to address Gaza crisis Monday
By RIA Novosti
Cairo : The Arab League plans to discuss the spiraling crisis in the Gaza Strip at an emergency session in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, a senior official in the 22-nation regional organization said.
Ahmed Ben Helli said Arab diplomats, Secretary General Amr Mousa and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) officials will gather to discuss diplomatic measures to counter what he called Israeli aggression against the Palestinian enclave.
"The Secretariat of the Arab League is preparing a detailed report on the situation in Gaza," Ben Helli said.
Rockets target Israeli town of Sderot — statement
By KUNA
Gaza : Palestinian groups have continued launching missiles from Gaza towards Israeli towns.
Two of these groups announced in a statement that they launched, late on Saturday, a missile from northern Gaza towards Sedrot town southern Israel. National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for Liberation of Palestine and Al-Aqsa Brigades, the military arm of Fatah, have signed the statement.
The two groups stressed that the attack came as a response to the Israeli aggression and siege on Gaza.
Iran-IAEA meeting in Vienna postponed
By DPA,
Tehran : A meeting between Iran's nuclear chief and the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog has been postponed until further notice, official sources said Sunday.
Iran's Vice President and head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation, Gholamreza Aghazadeh, was supposed to meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director, Mohamed ElBaradei, in Vienna Monday.
A more suitable date would be sought for the meeting, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation public relations office said.
Iraq invasion a bonus for Al Qaeda holy war
By Samia Hosny, DPA
Cairo : If Afghanistan provided combat training for Al Qaeda jehadists nearly three decades ago, Iraq since the US-led invasion has become the main front in the network's holy war and provided a breeding ground for more converts to its violent ideology.
Iraq opens trial on former regime officials
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi High Tribunal opened trial Tuesday on Saddam's former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and his seven codefendants over their alleged roles in the execution of 42 merchants in 1992.
It was the first time that Aziz, 72, who also served as foreign minister in Saddam's regime, appeared in court as a defendant since he turned himself in to U.S. forces two weeks after the invasion in 2003. He has appeared as a witness in earlier trials on former Saddam era officials.
Jordan’s plan to supply W Bank town Jericho with power delayed
By Xinhua
Amman : Jordan's plan to supply electricity to the Palestinian West Bank city of Jericho was delayed after the Jordanian National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) faced resistance from Jordan Valley landowners who insisted that the route of the power line should not cross their land, the Jordan Times reported on Sunday.
The power supply, which was scheduled to start at the end of December last year, is now expected to commence late February.
Pakistani, Afghan, US envoys to meet for peace talks
By IANS,
Islamabad : Top Pakistani, Afghan and US diplomats will meet in Islamabad April 26-27 to review the peace process in Afghanistan, the Pakistani foreign ministry said Wednesday.
Pakistan a potential place for long-term investments: PM
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday said that there were opportunities for investors in Pakistan and termed the country a potential place...
Two killed in motorcycle bombing on convoy of Iraqi lawmaker in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A motorcycle bomb attack struck a convoy of a Shiite lawmaker in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, killing two guards and wounding four others, including the lawmaker, an Interior Ministry source said.
"Saleh al-Ugaily, a lawmaker from Sadr political movement, survived with wounds a booby trapped motorcycle explosion parked on a main road in the Habibiyah neighborhood when Ugaily's convoy passed by," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Special team to probe Pakistan journalist’s killing
By IANS,
Islamabad : A special police team has been formed to probe the killing of Pakistani journalist Musa Khankhel while he was reporting on a peace deal brokered with the Taliban in the restive Swat Valley.
Frontier Police Deputy Inspector General Malakand Shaukat Hayat will supervise the team, formed on the directive of Inspector General of Police Malik Naveed.
Quoting a Frontier Police official, The News said Saturday that the team would collect data on the cellular phone calls made by Khankhel to find out who was in contact with him during the last few hours of his life.
Pakistan to develop military potential: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will continue to develop its military potential as weakness invites aggression, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has said.
Iraqi parliament approves electoral law for provincial councils
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi parliament has approved by voting the electoral law for the provincial councils, resolving a protracted issue of local dissension.
Bahaa Al-A'raji, the head of the electoral committee of the parliament, told a news conference Wednesday that all the political trends reached a consensus regarding the law, on the basis of proposals presented by Iraq and the UN.
All the parliamentary coalitions ceded concessions to secure the consensus, he added.
Two judges abducted in SW Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Unknown men have kidnapped two lower court judges in Pakistan’s troubled southwestern Balochistan province, officials said Sunday.
Malaysian minister elected CPA chief, defeats Swraj Paul
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Culture Minister Shafie Apdal was Saturday elected chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) executive committee, defeating India-born British peer Lord Swraj Paul by 50 votes.
Apdal, who is also the minister for unity, arts and heritage, polled 152 votes while Lord Paul of Marylebone, a member of the British House of Lords, secured 102 votes, the official Malaysian news agency Bernama reported. One vote was declared 'spoilt'.
While Apdal was backed by the Indian delegation, Lord Paul was a nominee of Britain and Canada.
Jamia confers DLitt degree on Saudi prince
By IANS,
New Delhi : Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia was Wednesday conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by Jamia Millia Islamia, a leading central university of India.
"Jamia Millia Islamia honours His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, a world renowned philanthropist, internationally acclaimed statesman and above all a man of high moral fabric and integrity, with the degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)," a citation read at the function said.