EU voices concern over Gaza violence
By NNN-KUNA,
Brussels : The European Union has expressed its deep concern over the latest escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, which resulted once again in many civilian victims, among them Palestinian children.
A statement issued by the current Slovenian EU Presidency Thursday called on both sides to show restraint and end all violence.
"Cessation of violence is one of the key elements in achieving the Annapolis commitments," it noted.
Somalia bombing kills 30, maims many
By IANS,
Mogadishu : At least 30 people were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives near the education ministry in the Somalia capital, Xinhua reported.
Anti-quackery drive in Pakistan soon
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's provincial government of Punjab has decided to launch a drive to root out quackery.
Palestinian PM says Israel to transfer delayed tax revenues
By SPA,
Ramallah, West Bank : The Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad says Israeli officials have informed him that they have transferred millions of dollars in delayed tax revenues.
But Fayyad says the cash still has not come through. The money goes toward paying the salaries of around 150,000 Palestinian civil servants. They haven't received their May wages yet, according to a report of Reuters.
Israel was meant to ship around $74 million dollars (¤47 million) last month. It collects the tax revenue on behalf of Palestinians in an agreement between both sides.
Islamic hardliners mark Red Mosque operation anniversary
By DPA,
Islamabad : Thousands of hardline Islamists Sunday gathered in Pakistan's capital to commemorate the first anniversary of a military operation against the extremists in the Red Mosque.
Dozens of religious leaders from across the country and more than 3,000 people, mostly students from Islamic seminaries, chanted "God is great" and "We want martyrdom" during the rally held outside the mosque known as Lal Masjid.
Around 4,000 policemen were deployed to guard the venue for the rally, named the "Red Mosque Martyr Conference."
Global crisis to hit Gulf economies on three fronts: report
By IANS,
Dubai : The global financial crisis is about to hit the economies of the Gulf nations on three critical fronts, slowing the region's pace of growth, according to a new report.
Lower crude oil prices, the drying up of foreign capital flows and declining demand for the region's energy-intensive industrial and building materials will slow down the growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, according to the GCC Economics and Strategy Report for the fourth quarter of 2008, released by leading Islamic investment bank Gulf Finance House (GFH).
Sarabjit Singh to hang April 1, says Pakistan daily
By IANS
Islamabad/New Delhi : Indian national Sarabjit Singh, on death row for his alleged involvement in Lahore and Multan bomb blasts in 1990, will be hanged April 1, a Pakistan daily said Sunday.
According to Urdu newspaper Daily Express, the death warrant for Sarabjit was received by authorities at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore, where Sarabjit Singh has been held for the past 17 years.
The Pakistan Supreme Court has rejected an appeal against his death penalty, while President Pervez Musharraf rejected his mercy petition in March.
Lebanon’s new PM confident to meet constitutional deadlines
By IANS,
Beirut: Lebanon's new Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Saturday that his newly-formed cabinet will be able to meet constitutional deadlines, media reported.
"The new...
Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian youth
Ramallah : A Palestinian youth was killed Monday by Israeli soldiers during clashes in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
A 20-year-old man was shot...
Norway closes Kabul embassy after terrorist threat
By DPA
Oslo/Kabul : Norway's government closed its embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul Sunday following a terrorist threat, a spokesperson for the Norwegian foreign ministry in Oslo said.
She gave no further details, but said the government was taking the threat seriously and was looking into it.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store survived a bomb attack on the Hotel Serena in Kabul in mid-January in which seven people died.
Norway has 500 soldiers in Afghanistan, including a rapid reaction force that will be replaced by German troops July 1.
Hamas delegation to brief Palestinians on Gaza ceasefire talks
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas delegation will return to Gaza on Thursday after talks with Egyptian officials about a proposal for a ceasefire with Israel.
Ismail Radwan, a spokesman for Hamas, said the delegation will hold internal talks with Hamas leaders after it returns from Cairo" before briefing the Palestinian people on the results of lull talks."
The delegation was intended to get Israel's response to the Egyptian-brokered truce which is expected to last for six months in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Bangladesh CA urge rotations to concentrate rehab programmes in Sidr hit areas
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka : Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday urged Rotarians to concentrate their rehabilitation programmes especially in 'Sidr' hit areas, instead of scattered way, to give maximum benefit to people.
The role of Rotarians in rehabilitation of cyclone-ravaged people in southern region of the country is laudable, he added.
The Chief Adviser said this while World President of Rotary International Wilfred J Wilkinson paid a courtesy call on him at his office here.
87 pc rise in foreign investments in Iran in 2009
By IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign investments in Iran have witnessed a 87 percent growth in 2009, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Shamseddin Hosseini announced here on Monday.
Talking to reporters, he said Iran’s foreign investments exceeded dlrs 3 billion in 2009 showing an increase of 87 percent as compared to its preceding year.
The minister added that the law on foreign investment facilities has been prepared in order to facilitate foreign investments in the country. He reiterated that Iranians living abroad can make use of the llaw appropriately.
Iranian negotiators head to Vienna for n-talks
Tehran : The Iranian negotiating team left for Vienna Monday for crucial nuclear talks with the world powers.
Iran will do its best to start...
Pakistanis injured in border shelling get aid
Islamabad : Cheques worth Pakistani Rs.75,000 ($729) have been distributed among 23 people injured in villages in Sialkot by the shelling across the frontier...
President: UN should play graver role in settling regional problems
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Wednesday that the UN should strive more to settle regional and international conflicts.
In a meeting with the UN chief's new special envoy for Iraq affairs Stephen de Mistura, President Ahmadinejad expressed hope that the UN envoy's efforts will lead to restoration of peace, stability, security and integrity to Iraq.
He said the occupiers' presence in Iraq has been cause of many plights in the country.
"The solution to the problem is the occupiers' leaving Iraq on a timetable," he added.
STC and Consortium of companies sign accord for IMW
By SPA
Riyadh : The Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC) has recently signed an agreement with well-known international companies from France, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan and India, for the establishment and maintenance of the project of the International Marine Way (IMW).
The IMW will link Saudi Arabia with France and Italy via Lebanon and Egypt as well as with India via the UAE and Pakistan.
Nations canot be held hostage by non-state actors: Pakistani President Zardari
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that non-state actors cannot hold nations hostage, as the Mumbai blasts have given Pakistan and India a chance to turn a calamity into an opportunity.
“This is an opportunity rather than a defeat of nations. Because the nations cannot be held hostage. We don’t think that great nations can be held hostage by non-state actors,” he said in an interview with AAJ television.
The President said that it often happens in history that non- state actors do push the nations towards a situation where fallout is horrific.
Six powers agree on new resolution on Iran’s nuclear program
BERLIN, January 22 (RIA Novosti) - The five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany coordinated on Tuesday the text of a new resolution on Iran's controversial nuclear program, Germany's foreign minister said.
"Today we together agreed on the contents of such a new resolution," Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced, following talks with his counterparts from the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.
Pakistan supreme court abolishes clause demanding parliament members to be graduates
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court decided to abolish a law which requires the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly members to be university graduates.
A seven-member bench comprising Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar gave the verdict on Monday after hearing the arguments in the petition challenging the condition for graduation to contest the elections.
Myanmar proposes re-drawing sea border with Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Myanmar has proposed drawing up of a new line to demarcate the maritime boundary with Bangladesh which is currently in talks with its western neighbour India on the sea border issue.
Bangladesh insists on the principle of "equity and equidistance" with its neighbours and has lodged complaints at the UN against both the countries.
The new line on the map proposed by Myanmar should be near the "Friendship line" that is an imaginary line down to St Martins Island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal.
EU meets in Poland on Palestinian statehood
By IANS,
Warsaw : Foreign ministers of European Union countries are meeting in Poland to seek a unified position on Palestinian statehood for a UN vote later this month, Xinhua reported.
US arms not to be used against India: Pakistan
By IANS,
Lahore : Pakistan said Friday the military hardware it is receiving from the US would not be used against India but against terrorists operating in this country.
"There should not be any doubt that military hardware would not be used against India," Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said.
"This hardware would be used against the terrorists in Pakistan," Online news agency quoted him as telling reporters in here.
His remarks came on the day when Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that the arms the US provided to the US could be used against India.
Obama concerned about Yemen
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama has said he was concerned about the terrorism threat stemming from Yemen, after a deadly suicide bombing there killed at least 90 soldiers.
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".
Zardari wins economic deals in China
By DPA,
Beijing : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao Wednesday as the two nations signed economic cooperation agreements covering satellites, trade, mining, agriculture and other sectors.
State media quoted Hu as saying that Zardari's family were "all old friends of the Chinese people" and praising Zardari's late wife, Benazir Bhutto, and her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, for their "outstanding contributions to the opening and development of China-Pakistan relations".
Will push India, Pakistan to hold talks: Nepal foreign minister
By Anil Giri,
Kathmandu : Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said Monday that Nepal will push India and Pakistan to hold talks on the sidelines...
Australian FM pledges to keep troops in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Canberra : The Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said here on Sunday it was important for Australia to remain troops in Afghanistan to prevent a repeat of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia.
Smith told the Ten Network it was essential for the international community and in Australia's national interests to stay in Afghanistan.
Egypt looks to army again for salvation
By Aroonim Bhuyan,
Cairo : Weary of a political turmoil that never seems to end, Egyptians are now again awaiting with anticipation the election of...
Pakistan has completed Mumbai attacks probe: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has completed its probe into the Mumbai attacks and would soon share this with India, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said, even as he pulled up the country's envoy to Britain for speaking out of turn on the issue.
"I assure the world, the media and the government and the people of India that the (Indian) dossier (on Mumbai) has been investigated and has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice and after their approval, I will take you into confidence," Gilani told reporters here Sunday on his return from
the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos.
Hamas police detains Fatah armed wing spokesman in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The police of the deposed government of Hamas movement in Gaza arrested the spokesman of al-Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah movement affiliated with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Fatah armed wing said in a statement that Hamas police forces arrested Abu Qusai, the spokesman of the group in Gaza, after the militant group broke an Egyptian-brokered truce between Hamas and Israel.
Jordan condemns Israel’s action to target Mosque in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan on Friday strongly condemned Israel's action to target mosques in the Gaza Strip, a senior official said.
Israel's behavior constitutes flagrant violation of the sanctity of mosques and places of worship, which is protected by all the laws and relevant international conventions, said Minister of State for Information Affairs and Communication Nasser Judeh.
Jordan does not accept such behavior and totally rejects them, Judeh added, noting the necessity to stop all Israeli acts of aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Israel allows limited fuel supplies to Gaza strip
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israel has decided to resume supplying the Gaza Strip with a limited quantity of diesel oil and natural gas but to maintain a ban on petrol supplies.
Tankers carrying diesel oil for the Gaza power station crossed into the Gaza Strip through the eastern Nahal Oz crossing point, deputy chief of the Palestinian power authority Kan'an Obeid told reporters Sunday.
"Two natural gas tankers have also entered the Strip to supply households with the fuel they are in bad need for," he noted.
Several feared dead in blast in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Several people were feared to have been killed in an explosion during a funeral prayer at Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province Friday.
The blast occurred during funeral prayer of Sher Zaman, who was shot dead Thursday, Geo TV reported Friday.
Several people were attending the funeral prayer when the explosion happened near imam bargah Kotli Imam Hussain.
The injured were shifted to hospital.
Australia to help US in Iraq air strikes
Canberra: Australia has expressed willingness to contribute its Super Hornet fighter jets to help US-led air strikes in Iraq.
Defence Minister David Johnston said Wednesday...
UAE commits $10 mn to n-fuel bank proposal
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed $10 million to a nuclear fuel bank proposal launched in September last year by the US-based public charity body Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI).
Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE's special representative for international nuclear cooperation, delivered a letter from UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Mohamed ElBaradei, detailing the UAE's commitment, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
FBI is processing Osama-in-Pakistan hypothesis
By IANS,
Washington : The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken note of a hypothesis proposed by a group of US experts and students that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was most likely hiding in northwest Pakistan.
Using standard geographical tools routinely employed to locate endangered species and fugitive criminals, the group said there is a high probability that Bin Laden has been hiding in one of three buildings in the northwestern Pakistani city of Parachinar, a long-time hideout for mujaheedin fighters.
EU to send delegation to Pakistan for talks
By IANS,
Brussels : A Troika of EU ministers for foreign affairs will shortly be going to Islamabad with a view to stepping up political dialogue and strengthen relations with Pakistan, a diplomat from the EU presidency said in Brussels Friday.
The diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to EuAsiaNews, could not say when exactly the EU delegation will go and who will be part of the Troika. France currently holds the EU rotating presidency.
EU to support Pakistan to build stable society
By IANS
Brussels : The European Union has said it remains committed to supporting Pakistan in building a prosperous and stable society.
Foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc, after a meeting here Monday, said in a statement that the Feb 18 elections were an important step in the democratic development of Pakistan, EUAsiaNews reported.
"The EU will support Pakistan in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as combating extremism," the statement said.
Hamas denies it has political prisoners in its jails
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Interior Ministry of the deposed government of Hamas movement on Saturday denied that it has political prisoners in its jails in the Gaza Strip.
The Ministry said in a statement the Fatah movement alleged that there are Fatah prisoners in Hamas jails for political reasons "are just untrue claims."
Last week, Fatah movement said that Hamas militias are keeping in its jails in Gaza more than 50 prisoners, all of them are Fatah members arrested by Hamas police.
Pakistan nuclear program father in hospital due to infections
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's nuclear program founder and top scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, who is suffering from cancer, was taken to hospital on Wednesday after his health was deteriorated, a military spokesman said.
Khan, who was diagnosed as prostrate cancer in 2006, was shifted to a hospital in Pakistan's capital Islamabad for medical treatment, said the spokesman on condition of anonymity.
The medical checkup revealed low blood pressure and fever, probably due to some infections, and doctors advised Khan to be hospitalized for a detailed medical checkup.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka sign Memorandum of Understanding
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan and Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoD) to increase the weekly frequency of flights by threefold from five to fourteen.
Delegations of the two countries met to liberalize the existing Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries, said an official statement.
Pakistan delegation was led by Maj Gen Mir Haider Ali Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, whereas the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by D.T.P. Collure, Secretary Ministry of Ports and Aviation of Sri Lanka.
Bahrain busts terrorist cell
By IANS/WAM,
Manama Bahraini security forces, in cooperation with a neighbouring country, has managed to bust a terrorist cell and arrest its eight members.
Terrorism threatens Gulf as much as it does India: PM
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Muscat : Terrorism on land and sea threatens the Gulf region as much as it does India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Sunday.
Stating that there are many reasons for India to work closely with the Gulf nation of Oman to ensure a stable and prosperous region, Singh said: “Piracy, criminal activities and terrorism on our land and seas threaten the Gulf countries and India as well.”
Pakistan Supreme Court issues notices to parties
Islamabad : The Supreme Court Tuesday issued notices summoning all parties after hearing a set of petitions against the sit-in protests by the Pakistan...
Iran elections fair, protests not acceptable, says Khamenei
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election victory was credible and insisted that the Islamic republic's election mechanisms allowed no cheating.
He said the street protests to pressure for change were not acceptable.
Lebanon’s lawmakers to elect national president within 24 hours
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Qatar said Wednesday that Lebanon's rival factions reached a deal, which will be "carried out immediately" and lawmakers of that country will elect the Lebanese president within 24 hours.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani announced deal between Lebanese factions in Doha, said that the election of a new president of Lebanon is to come within 24 hours.
‘2 to 6 crore Bangladeshi migrants in India’
New Delhi : There are 2-6 crore Bangladeshi migrants living in India - the largest illegal migration from one country to another, a former...
Maldives court denies deportation of Pakistani criminals
Colombo: A Maldives court has denied ordering the deportation of two Pakistanis caught by police in the biggest drug bust in the history of...
Pakistan, US military officials discuss Afghanistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Commander of the US Central Command Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Wednesday met senior Pakistani military officials and discussed issues related...
NATO forces thwart suicide attack in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : NATO forces killed a suspected suicide bomber as he was approaching their convoy in a central province near Kabul city, officials said Monday.
The international troops opened fire on a vehicle packed with explosives in Sayed Abad district of Wardak province Monday morning, said Adam Khan Serat, spokesman for the provincial governor.
"The vehicle exploded and the bomber inside the vehicle was killed in the blast," he said, adding the troops did not suffer casualties.
Palestinian leader rips German role in building Egypt’s Gaza wall
By IRNA,
Berlin : A prominent Palestinian civic leader in Germany lashed out at Berlin's role in helping Egypt to build a steel wall along its border with the Gaza Strip.
Talking to IRNA in Berlin on Thursday, the head of the Society for Humanitarian Support of Palestinians (GHUP), Izzeddin Musa slammed the construction of the Gaza wall for "violating international law."
He stressed Egypt's latest controversial move, coming in the wake of intense US and Zionist pressure, was geared at "starving out Palestinians in Gaza."
US congressional delegation meets Speaker of Pakistan’s Lower House
By SPA
Islamabad : A visiting six-member US congressional delegation headed by Congressman John F. Tierney has met the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament (National Assembly) Dr Fehmida Mirza, said an official statement.
The interaction between the parliamentarians of the two countries is necessary for sharing experiences, enhancing mutual understanding and benefiting from each other experiences, Dr Mirza said.
She apprised the delegation of the structure and the working of the Parliament and standing committees of the National Assembly.
Bolivia to March against Israel Attacks
By Prensa Latina,
La Paz : An association of Bolivian citizens of Palestinian origin called all the people from the Andean country to march on Tuesday against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
“We condemn such a crime against humanity, and call upon all persons with faith in life to express their rejection of that brutal aggression,” said Shadia El-Wisieh, the organization´s head of information.
New drug to slow degeneration in Parkinson’s disease
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : A drug developed by an Israeli firm has been seen to slow the progression of the Parkinson's disease, Ha'aretz daily reported Wednesday.
A Phase III trial showed that patients treated with Azilect, a medicine developed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, showed improvements as compared to those who started taking the drug at a later stage, the report said.
Italy launches probe agaist 10 suspects for alleged terror links
Rome:At least ten people are being investigated in Italy for suspected ties with Islamist terrorist networks abroad, media reported Tuesday.
Chief prosecutor Massimo Pignatone opened...
Budget tripled for protecting India-Pakistan border
By IANS,
New Delhi : The government has more than tripled the budget to Rs.1,201 crore from Rs.380 crore for road construction and fencing of the India-Pakistan border, parliament was told Tuesday.
In a written reply to a question about road construction along borders, Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran said: "Along Indo-Pakistan border, the government has approved revision of cost estimates in fencing, floodlighting, roads and Border Outposts works from the earlier sanctioned Rs.380 crore to Rs.1,201 crore."
UN concerned over child rights violations in Afghanistan
Kabul : The UN has expressed concern over violation of children's rights, including their recruitment by armed groups, in Afghanistan.
The UN Secretary-General's Annual Report...
Dhaka mutiny probe panel given a week’s extension
By IANS,
Dhaka : The panel formed to investigate the Bangladesh Rifles troopers' mutiny has been given a week's extension by the Sheikh Hasina government.
The home ministry extended the tenure of the 11-member committee following a request by the committee head Anisuzzaman Khan Sunday, The Daily Star reported.
The committee was formed March 2 and was then asked to submit its report in a week.
The mutiny by the BDR troopers broke out Feb 25 when they took control of their headquarters in the capital. The troopers revolted over low wages and poor working conditions.
Protesting Palestinian students appeal to Mukherjee against Israel
By Arvind Padmanabhan
Ramallah (Palestine): A sudden congregation of hundreds of angry students at Al-Quds University near here to condemn alleged aggression of Israeli forces,...
10 killed in illegal Egyptian archaeological dig
By IANS,
Cairo: At least 10 people were killed and two injured when the walls of an unauthorised archaeological dig collapsed in Egypt, police said.
143 countries in ‘Last Saviour Fest’
By IRNA,
Tehran : A total of 4,951 articles from 143 countries have so far been submitted to the International Festival on Last Saviour.
Announcing this, director of International Affairs Center of the festival Yasser Barkhordari said that most of entries have been submitted from the US, 1583 works, Britain, 945 works, Kuwait, 878 works, Germany, 407 works, Romania, 221 works and Sweden, 180 works.
Bhutto killing: Pakistan denies delaying UN probe report
By IANS,
Islamabad: Fresh tensions seem to be brewing between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, with the latter denying Wednesday that the government had asked the UN to delay the release of its report into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
"We had not asked United Nations commission to delay the report about the facts and circumstances of the assassination," Gilani told the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.
Do not be deceived by messages in candidate photo — academic
By Faisal Al-Shemmiri, KUNA,
Kuwait : An expert in interpreting gestures and body language Wednesday warned voters not to be deceived by the messages in the photos of National Assembly candidates.
Speaking to KUNA, Dr. Mona Ghareeb called voters to look into the political, social, and academic backgrounds of candidates, urging them not to rely on the "calculated" images the candidates use in their campaigns.
Most candidates use photos that give the voters an impression that they have the intellect, abilities, and characteristics to qualify them as parliament members, she said.
Pakistan eye successful return to Test arena
By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan will make a welcome return to the Test arena after almost 14 months by hosting Sri Lanka in a two-match series opener beginning Saturday on their favourite hunting ground - Karachi's National Stadium.
It last played a Test in December 2007 against India in Bangalore but was left without a single Test in 2008 when Australia pulled out of its tour of Pakistan because of security apprehensions.
Syria faces total internet blackout
By IANS,
Damascuss : Internet services across Syria were down since Friday morning and the west Asian nation remained completely offline, the country's state telephone and internet service said.
Four shot dead in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and two injured after some unidentified men fired indiscriminately on a vehicle in Pakistan's Peshawar city, the Geo News reported Sunday.
Afghan government obliges NATO to get clearance for air strikes
By IRNA,
Kabul : The Afghan government on Monday obliged foreign troops including NATO and the United States not to bomb suspected areas without getting clearance from respective officials to avoid civilian casualties.
The government ministers demanded a status of forces agreement, which would stipulate that the authority and responsibilities of international forces be negotiated, and they said that aerial bombing, illegal detentions and house raids by international forces must be stopped.
Pakistan Finance Minister for enhanced economic ties with Iran
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar Thursday underlined the need for enhanced economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Pakistan would continue to be a priority in the Iranian Government's regional and global economic preferences," Qamar said in a meeting with Mr. Mash'Allah Shakeri, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan.
The Minister apprised the Iranian Ambassador of GoP's Pre-Budget preparations and Post-Budget legislative debate in the Parliament along with other development related economic initiatives, an official statement said.
Car bomb kills four police officers, wounds 17 in Iraq’s Mosul
By SPA
Baghdad : At least four police officers were killed Friday and 17 wounded, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle in Mosul, some 400 kilometres north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, DPA reported.
The suicide bomber targeted a police station in the Ras al-Jada area of western Mosul in the early hours Friday, the independent Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said.
Egyptian efforts to broker truce with Israel fruitless
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas spokesman said on Friday that Egypt's efforts to mediate a truce between Palestinian militant groups based in the Gaza Strip and Israel "are fruitless" due to Israeli rejection to end the blockade and open the border crossings.
"Hamas presented all needed conveniences to render the truce efforts successful, but Israel is still delaying and rejecting the conditions (for reaching a truce)," Sami Abu Zuhri told a news conference in Gaza.
Official says no more excuses are accepted on nuclear issue
By IRNA,
Tehran : Member of National Security and Foreign Policy Commission in the 7th majlis said Tehran's cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency( IAEA) is perfect and Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept any more excuses on the issue.
Rashid Jalali Jaafari told IRNA moments after IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei presented his new report to the members of Governing Council of the UN body on Monday "The US government is trying to create new suspicions concerning Iran's peaceful nuclear program, because of failure in its programs in the region."
Bangladeshis protest against anti-Islam film
By IANS,
Dhaka: Thousands of people in Bangladesh Friday staged demonstrations in protest against an anti-Islam film that has triggered anger among Muslims across the world, Xinhua reported.
Iranian minister thinks nuclear deal possible before deadline
Vienna : Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed here Tuesday that he believed it is still possible to reach an agreement on his...
Five killed in Pakistan road accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five people were killed and 13 injured in Pakistan's Punjab province when a bus carrying guests of a wedding collided with a truck, the Geo News reported Friday.
India tops number of foreign investors in Dubai realty
Dubai : India tops the number of foreign investors and investment transactions in Dubai's real estate market, according to the organisers of a leading...
UNESCO official hails Saudi aid to Palestinians
By IINA,
Riyadh : Akio Arata, Chief of UNESCO Section for Bilateral Government Funding Sources, has expressed appreciation for the Saudi Committee to Assist the Palestinian People for its continuous efforts to support education process in Palestine. In a letter to the Committee, Arata commended the grant of the latest 129 scholarships presented to Palestinian students to study abroad with an amount of SR 3,658,125.
One journalist killed every month in Pakistan: report
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Twelve journalists were killed and over 201 cases of abuses against the media were recorded in Pakistan in 2008, says the annual report of a media research and development NGO.
The Intermedia report released here Sunday said the most dangerous place to practice journalism in the country was Punjab, with a total of 64 cases of violations against the media recorded in the province.
UNSC fails once again to reach consensus on Gaza draft text
By KUNA
United Nations : The UN Security Council, once again and after four days of deliberations, failed to reach agreement on a draft presidential statement that would deal with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Libya this time asking for more time to seek instructions from Tripoli.
The new version of the draft circulated late Friday was approved by the other 14 council members, including the US which asked for more time Thursday to seek instructions from Washington.
Twenty killed in western Ethiopia land clashes
By SPA,
Addis Ababa : More than 20 people were killed in three days of clashes over land in western Ethiopia last week, police said on Saturday.
Fighting over grazing and farm land is common in the south and west of the Horn of Africa nation.
"A long-standing dispute over land along the border between Oromia and Benishangule states in western Ethiopia erupted into violence claiming the lives of more than 20 people from both
sides last week," police spokesman Demsash Hailue told Reuters.
Afghan Taliban condemns Pakistan school massacre
Kabul : Afghanistan's Taliban has condemned the massacre of children in a school in the northern Pakistani city of Peshawar by that country's main...
Palestinian PM to visit Czech Republic
By Xinhua,
Prague : Palestinian National Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will visit the Czech Republic for the first time in history to discuss the situation in the Middle East, the Government Office said on Tuesday.
Fayyad will meet his Czech counterpart Mirek Topolanek and Czech Senate Chairman Premysl Sobotka, the Czech news agency CTK said.
According to the Czech Foreign Ministry, Fayyad's visit reflects the Czech interest in the peacekeeping process in the Middle East.
Mortar bombings kill guards of Iraqi vice president
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Mortar shelling on Friday hit central Baghdad, killing two of the guards of Iraq' vice president Tariq Al-Hashmi, a local TV station reported. The TV station affiliated with Al-Hashmi's party said two of the guards of the vice president were killed and four civilians were injured when mortar shells landed near his office in the international zone.
An Interior Ministry source said earlier that two of his guards were injured.
It is not immediately clear if his office was intentionally targeted.
Saudi Arabia has provided soft loans to 95 countries
By IANS,
Istanbul : Saudi Arabia has provided assistance and soft loans over the past 30 years to 95 developing countries, a minister said.
Tributes by UN officials mark passing of Palestinian poet
By NNN-UNNS,
Ramallah : Senior United Nations officials in the Middle East have joined their voices to those paying tribute to the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, who was laid to rest Wednesday.
The UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), Robert Serry, sent his condolences to the Palestinian people following the death of the 67-year-old writer who died on Saturday.
Mr. Darwish passionately voiced the aspirations of the Palestinian people for justice, freedom and statehood with eloquence and artistry, said Mr. Serry.
All issues to be discussed in talks with India: Qureshi
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sunday said all issues, including water and terrorism, will be discussed in the forthcoming talks with India, stressing the need to bridge the trust deficit between the two countries.
Talking to reporters in Multan, he said that the Indian foreign secretary is visiting Islamabad June 24 for talks with her Pakistani counterpart and with him, Online news agency reported.
Report: Total to continue projects in Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : A senior official of French energy giant Total said that its company is interested in continuing cooperation with Iran in its oil and gas sectors, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Tuesday.
In a letter to Iranian Oil Minister Gholam-Hossein Nozari, Total Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie rejected recent reports on Total's withdrawal from South Pars gas field, describing them as political propaganda, Mehr news agency quoted an unnamed Total official as saying.
UAE-Britain relations important: Prince Andrew
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The relationship between Britain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is "extremely important", said visiting Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Thursday.
Turkish expatriates start voting for new president
Ankara : The process of voting for the next Turkish president has started for Turkish expatriates, Turkey's Supreme Election Board (YSK) said Thursday.
According to...
South Asian officials mull joint action plan to combat climate change
By KUNA,
New Delhi : South Asian officials and experts Tuesday launched a dialogue in Bangladesh to deliberate on a joint action plan to combat climate change.
Discussions would also be held on collection of funds for their mission from internal sources as well as international donors, news agency Indo Asian News Service reported from Dhaka.
"The meeting is taking place amid growing concern over the adverse impact of climate change, like rising sea level that may partially or fully submerge Bangladesh and Maldives," Bangladesh leading English Daily "New Age" reported Tuesday.
Threatened Afghan plane lands in Kandahar
By Xinhua,
Kabul: A China-bound Afghan plane of Kam Airlines, reportedly threatened by a bomb, landed at the airport in Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan Sunday night, sources at Kabul International Airport said.
An official in the airport said the plane scheduled to fly from Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, to Urumqi in northwest China's Xinjiang region has now landed at Kandahar airport.
"The plane would return to Kabul after two hours," he added.
He did not provide any further information on the reason why the flight was cancelled.
Fuel prices go up in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Fuel prices went up in Pakistan Saturday, authorities said.
Pakistan’s Senate condemns U.S.-led coalition attack
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Senate Thursday adopted a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning an attack by Afghanistan-based coalition troops on a Pakistani border region, which resulted into the killing of some 20 people.
"The Chinook helicopter-borne ground attack supported by additional air assets based in Afghanistan is a gross violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Senate resolution said.
Dutch government approves burqa ban
By IANS,
The Hague: The Dutch government Friday approved a ban on face-covering clothing, such as a burqa, a niqab, a forage cap, or a full face helmet, reported Xinhua.
Iran starts production of two new missiles
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has begun production of the Qaem anti-helicopter missile and Toofan 5 anti-armour missile, a media report said Sunday.
The Toofan 5 has two warheads and is one of the most advanced anti-armour missiles, Iranian Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Saturday at the inauguration ceremony for missile production.
This type of missile is able to penetrate armoured vehicles, personnel carriers and tanks with strong force and destroy them, Mehr news agency quoted Vahidi as saying.
IPU approves proposal to support Palestinians rights
By IRNA,
Cape Town, South Africa : The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) session here on Monday evening approved a proposal made by Iran and Egypt on need for support for the rights of the Palestinian nation.
Over 1,000 delegates from the member states approved the proposal despite futile efforts made by Israel and its allies.
Some 1,500 representatives from 140 member states have taken part in the one-week event.
U.N. Chief Condemns Violence in Gaza, Southern Israel
By SPA,
United Nations : U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on Israel not to violate its obligations under international and human-rights law following the reported deaths of 19 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and three Israeli soldiers in southern Israel, his office said.
“He condemns the reported civilian casualties among Palestinians, including children, during Israeli military operations, and calls on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law,” Ban’s office said.
Bangladesh FM’s adviser says there should be limit to high food prices
By Siti Radziah Hamzah, NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Limpur : Bangladesh feels there should be a limit to the extent of high food prices influenced by the surge in demand for biofuel, says Dr Ifthekar Ahmed Chowdhury, the adviser to the country's Foreign Minister.
The general consensus was that biofuel contributed towards the food crisis as crops were being turned into ethanol and mixed with fuel, he added Sunday.
Ex- Libyan prime minister held in Tunisia
By IANS,
Tunis : Former Libyan prime minister Baghdadi al-Mahmudi was sentenced to six months in prison Thursday by a Tunisian court, Xinhua reported Friday.
Arrest warrant against Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia
Dhaka : A court in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and two others in two cases filed by the...
European Muslims face discrimination — UN official
By KUNA
Brussels : European Muslims live in poverty compared to national averages in Europe, according to Jorge Sampaio, High Representative of the United Nations for the Alliance of Civilizations.
European Muslims "are much more affected by unemployed, tend to live in segregrated urban areas, are often socially excluded and face discrimination in everyday life," he told a Brussels conference late on Monday.
Sampaio, former President of Portugal, estimates that there are about 15 million Muslims in Western Europe and about 7.5 million Muslims in Eastern and Central Europe.
Up to 100,000 Muslim converts in UK
By IRNA,
London : Muslim converts in Britain could number up to 100,000 but are viewed by cynical observers as being connected to extremism, according to a new survey published Tuesday.
Iran ranks 2nd in stone mechanics, after China
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran ranks second in stone mechanics following China, said head of Association of Stone Mechanics, Abbas Majdi.
Speaking to IRNA on Saturday, he added that given the fact that more than 57 percent of the country is made of stone, the significance of stone mechanics becomes clear.
However, this branch of science is not known in Iran as it deserves and the institutes involved in the field do not pay attention to it, he said.
Stone mechanics is the study of stones' behavior against forces they are exposed to.
Iran, Iraq ink agreement on environment protection
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian and Iraqi officials signed an eight-article agreement on cooperation in the field of environment protection, the official IRNA news agency reported.
The document was inked by head of Iran's Department of Environment Fatemeh Vaez-Javadi and Iraqi Minister of Environment Nermin Othman in Tehran.
Speaking to reporters prior to signing the agreement, the Iranian official said the document would facilitate Tehran-Baghdad cooperation for further protection of their natural resources.
2 bombs attacks kill local police chief, 2 civilians in Pakistan
By SPA,
Peshawar, Pakistan : Police say two bomb attacks have killed a local police chief and two civilians in volatile northwestern Pakistan.
City police chief Ata Ullah said an area police chief, Khaista Khan, and his driver died Saturday in a blast near his vehicle in Peshawar.
He was quoted as saying by the Associated Press that the attack came about two hours after another roadside blast about 10 miles (15 kilometers) away that killed one civilian and wounded three others.
Turkey votes in parliamentary polls
Ankara: Over 53 million people in Turkey went to the polls on Sunday to cast their votes in general elections which will reshuffle the...
Indian Hajj Mission geared up to serve Indian Hajis
By Hassan Cheruppa,
Jeddah: India’s Haj Mission in Makkah is geared up fully to provide the best ever services to 136,000 pilgrims. The Mission...
Four al-Qaida leaders killed in north of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Tikrit, Iraq : Iraqi security forces raided a village in Salahudin province and killed four al-Qaida leaders, a provincial police officer said on Tuesday.
The troops on Monday afternoon raided the village of al-Salam, one of al-Qaida militants' redoubts located to the west of the town of Beiji, some 200 km north of Baghdad, Col. Hassan Ahmed told Xinhua.
32 militants killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Thirty-two militants and a foreign soldier were killed in fighting in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province Saturday, officials said.
The foreign soldier was killed when a militant detonated his explosives-laden car near a security forces' headquarters in Zirok district at around 6.30 a.m., spokesman of the provincial government Hamidullah Zhawak said. An Afghan soldier was also wounded in the attack.
Syria appeals to UN over Syrian prisoner in Israeli Jail
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria on Tuesday appealed to the UN and other international agencies to pressure Israel to ensure necessary medical care to a Syrian prisoner held in Israeli jail for 24 years.
"Syria renews appeal to all international figures and agencies to immediately shoulder legal and humanitarian responsibilities in forcing Israeli occupation authorities to secure suitable medical care to Seitan Nimr al-Wali," a Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.
Five policemen wounded in Baghdad bomb attacks
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Five policemen were wounded in two roadside bomb attacks in Baghdad on Thursday, an Interior Ministry source said.
Three policemen were wounded when a roadside bomb went off near their patrol in Mansour neighborhood in western Baghdad, damaging a police vehicle and wounding three policemen aboard, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Two more policemen were wounded by a makeshift bomb explosion near their vehicle while patrolling the Baghdad's southeastern suburb of Salman Pak, the source said.
Pakistan’s economic growth strategy criticised
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's strategy for achieving higher growth has come in for criticism from experts.
Syrian President Assad to follow up Palestinian dialogue
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will follow up the dialogue between Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Muallem announced on Sunday.
"President Assad will be in contact with leaders of both Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), and will follow up the dialogue and the proposals in order to end the status of Palestinian internal division," said al-Muallem.
Poland pledges more support for Afghanistan
By KUNA,
KABUL : Polish President Lech Kczynski has assured his country full support for international efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.
Cuba to Improve Ties with Bangladesh
By Prensa Latina,
New Delhi : Cuban Ambassador to India Miguel Angel Ramirez submitted his credential letters to Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed.
Ramirez says that at the meeting at the Government Palace, Ahmed voiced his intention to work for the strengthening of bilateral relations.
The President also recalled Cuba's support to Bangladesh´ independence in 1971.
Cuba was the first Latin Amercan country to establish relations with Dacca and was among the first in the world to recognize its independence.
Since then, both countries has mantained friendly ties.
Allow Israeli soldier to contact family, HRW asks Hamas
By DPA,
Jerusalem : International rights group, the Human Rights Watch (HRW), Thursday called on the Hamas movement to allow captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit contact with his family.
Hamas, which rules Gaza and led a June 2006 cross-border raid from the strip in which the Israeli soldier was captured, "should immediately allow Sgt. Gilad Shalit... to communicate with his family and to receive visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)," said the rights group on the third anniversary of the soldier's capture.
UAE launches Pacific islands partnership programme
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Friday launched a $50-million fund to finance projects in the Pacific region, WAM news agency reported Friday.
The "Partnership in the Pacific Programme" seeks to facilitate cooperation between the UAE and Pacific island nations to develop sustainable projects in the areas of education, health, infrastructure and energy.
The programme is part of the UAE's efforts to deepen relations with the island states.
Pakistan: Polio cases continue to climb
By NNN-IRIN,
Peshawar : As polio cases continue to rise in Pakistan, concern is growing among health experts that the battle against the virus may have run into serious trouble.
Pakistan: Parliament’s special session on counter-terror strategy kicks off
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistani lawmakers on Wednesday met for a rare private briefing by the top military and intelligence brass on the country's security situation including the threat posed by al-Qaeda and Taliban militants, an issue that figured prominently in the second US presidential debate.
President Asif Ali Zardari convened the special joint session of Parliament as part of government's efforts to evolve a "home-grown" anti-terror policy to take the militants head-on.
Israel resumes air strikes on the Gaza Strip
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Israeli warplanes Saturday night resumed bombardments on targets of the Islamic Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, including security installations and roads, witnesses and security officials said.
Witnesses said that Israeli warplanes destroyed the main road of Sallah el-Dein in the northern Gaza Strip that leads to the towns of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and Jabalia. There were, however, no immediate reports of casualties.
Neelesh Misra’s Aug 15 special – live storytelling at India-Pak border
Mumbai : Multi-faceted Neelesh Misra, who gave a new spin to storytelling with his popular radio show, will hold a live session at the...
Egyptian prosecutors demand death for Mubarak
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : The Prosecutors General's Office in Egypt has demanded a death sentence for former president Hosni Mubarak, the former interior minister and six other defendants.
Pakistan Army chief’s Kashmir comment highly provocative: Modi
New Delhi : BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has termed the comments on Kashmir by the Pakistani Army chief as "highly provocative" and...
Egypt closes Gaza strip cross-point
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Border guards completely sealed the cross-point linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt, preventing many from crossing the borders, said eyewitnesses Sunday.
The eyewitnesses also indicated that Palestinians were prevented from crossing the Salahddin gate, adding that Egyptian central security forces were deployed to the area to stop any infiltrations.
They affirmed that Palestinians, who were allowed in the pervious days to enter the Sinai Peninsula, were now returning to Gaza Strip.
Pakistan’s apex court forms commission to probe poll ringing
Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court announced the formation of a commission headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk to probe the alleged rigging in the...
Schools re-open their doors in Gaza
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Gaza students returned to their government and UNRWA schools on Saturday after about a month of closure due to the three-week Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip and its people.
Thousands of students from the Gaza Strip headed back to their schools today, a number of which were totally destroyed by the Israeli bombardments.
Thirty five out of 384 government schools, accommodating nearly 250,000 students, were destroyed, whereas four UNRWA schools were damaged in which 40 Palestinians were killed as a result of the Israeli atrocities.
Bush says peace agreement possible within this year
By Xinhua,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : U.S. President George W. Bush is now delivering a special address on Sunday at the annual meeting on the Middle East at Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Bush said that reaching a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians was possible within this year in his address to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East.