Palestinians prepare to bury teenager killed in Jerusalem
Jerusalem : Palestinians are preparing for the funeral of a teenager abducted and murdered in Jerusalem, media reported Thursday.
The killing of 17-year-old Palestine national...
Syria-Israel for Peace Talks
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : Syria and Israel governments announced Wednesday beginning of peace negotiations with mediation of Turkey to put end to the conflict created by Israeli occupation of Golan Heights in 1967.
A release from the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued in this city and another one from the Syrian Foreign Affairs Ministry issued in Damascus confirmed the information that was earlier circulating in several international and regional media.
Apache misses target, two US soldiers, three civilians wounded
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Two US soldiers and three civilians were wounded when an Apache helicopter accidentally destroyed one of US armored vehicles in eastern Baghdad, US military said on Sunday.
The military said the incident occurred Saturday afternoon, when the chopper spotted a group of four militants.
The military said in a statement that the helicopter missed its target and struck a US armored vehicle.
Iraqi police confirmed that a Humvee was set ablaze in the Mashtal area of eastern Baghdad.
Pakistan successfully tests unmanned aerial vehicle
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday successfully conducted a final test-flight of its indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) 'Uqaab'.
A statement of the army said the flight data collected indicated that all design parameters had been successfully validated.
The performance of the UAV 'Uqaab' can be compared to any of modern state-of-the-art UAV in its category, said the statement.
Moscow hails Lebanon peace deal
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia welcomes the deal reached between Lebanon's Western-backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition, and mediated by the Arab League, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
The sides agreed on Thursday to a new national dialogue to elect a president and form a unity government. Hezbollah agreed to end its blockade of Beirut airport and seaport and withdraw its gunmen from the streets.
Saudi, U.S. Universities sign MOU
By SPA
Madinah : The Rector of the Madinah-based Taiba University, Dr. Mansour bin Mohamed Al-Nuzha has welcomed the recent signing by its architecture faculty a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU ) with US Pennsylvania University.
Dr. Al-Nuzha expressed hopes that the MOU will not be confined only to the architecture faculty but also include all specializations in the University.
A delegation of the Pennsylvania University is currently visiting Taiba University. Its members are holding talks with all Deans and Teaching staff of the University.
Spokesman: Iran to give “deserving” response to UN sanctions
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Sunday that Iran would give "deserving" response to any new UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear program.
"Iran will make necessary decisions based on the nature and content of any resolution," the official IRNA news agency quoted Hosseini as saying at his weekly press briefing.
He made the remarks commenting on new efforts made by the United States to push for a third resolution at the UN Security Council against Iran.
Hamas member killed in explosion in southern Gaza
By SPA,
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : Hamas says a group member has been was killed in an explosion along Gaza's fence with Israel.
The group's military wing says the member was killed, and another injured, during a holy mission.
Israel's army said it was not operating in the area at the time of the explosion early Sunday, the Associated Press reported.
Iran executes 29 convicted criminals
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Iran executed 29 people convicted in cases of murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and other crimes, national television said Sunday.
All the convicts were executed by hanging Sunday morning in Tehran's Evin prison, the television said.
Iran holds the second place in the world after China in the number of executions but the Islamic republic rejects accusations by the West that it is violating human rights.
Last week, Iranian judicial authorities sentenced eight women and one man to death by stoning for adultery.
Palestine: No Peace if Prisoners Not Released
By Prensa Latina,
Ramallah : President of the Palestinian National Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas, ruled out a peace agreement with Israel without a mass release of Palestinian prisoners and defended the struggle for an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
"The Palestinian leadership will follow Yasser Arafat's example until a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established," said Abbas in a speech before thousands of followers outside the PA headquarters in the Mukataa on occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Palestinian historic leader's death.
Government to compensate those displaced by Pak shelling
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said people who have been displaced from border villages of Jammu and Kashmir due to ceasefire...
Unfazed by threats, Burney to continue Sarabjit campaign
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Unfazed by threats from "fundamental elements", Human rights activist Ansar Burney Thursday said he would continue to support Sarabjit Singh, the Indian prisoner on death row in Pakistan, as he had been sentenced without any substantial evidence against him.
"I will continue to provide all support to Sarabjit Singh and if he was hanged, it would be a murder of humanity," Burney, a former minister, said in a statement while condemning threats to him by, what he termed as, "fundamental elements" for supporting Singh's release.
Qurani Khawani held at Benazir Bhutto’s mazar on her 1st death anniversary
By NNN-APP,
Naudero : Quran Khawani was held at the mazar of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Ghari Khuda Bux on Saturday morning on the occasion of her first death anniversary. The Quran Khawani started at about 10 a.m. and later Fateha was also offered.
A large number of people, visibly moved, some were crying and chanting slogans of ‘Zinda hay Bibi Zinda hay’ gathered at the mazar despite cold weather and heavy fog to pay homage to the great leader.
Banners were all around reading “ Bibi’s blood would not go waste”.
Iraqi farmers benefit from Australian research
By NNN-Bernama,
Melbourne : Farmers in northern Iraq are benefiting from agricultural projects undertaken by the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
Agronomy Chair Professor David Coventry is leading the university's participation in an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project to revolutionize traditional cropping methods in Iraq.
Pakistani troops battle Taliban in Swat’s main city
By DPA,
Islamabad: Pakistani troops have begun street battles with entrenched Taliban forces in Mingora, the main town in northwestern Swat district, an army spokesman said Saturday.
Major General Athar Abbas said 17 militants, including an important commander named Usman, alias Butcher, have been killed over the last 24 hours in Swat and its adjoining districts.
The army launched its operation in Swat May 8 to eliminate the Taliban and end their rule. The move was prompted when the Taliban refused to honour a peace deal with the government.
Ayatollah Jannati slams elements destabilizing Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Secretary of the Guardian Council of Iran Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said on Monday those who wanted to destabilise Pakistan are against Islam.
He made the remarks during a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, an official statement said.
Ayatollah Jannati is visiting Pakistan at the invitation from the the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
Ayatollah Jannati expressed appreciation over the reconciliation efforts in Pakistan and expressed his appreciation over the smooth transition to complete democracy and the transparent conduct of general election.
Indian consulate in Afghanistan attacked, four gunmen killed
Kabul/New Delhi : The Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanistan was attacked Friday by four heavily armed gunmen who tried to enter the complex....
Israel claims 2 West Bank sites on its heritage list
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel Sunday announced the addition of two sites in the occupied West Bank on its list of national heritage sites, in a move that is expected to ignite controversy.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a special cabinet meeting in the northern town of Tel Hai that the "Cave of the Patriarchs" in Hebron and "Rachel's Tomb" in Bethlehem would be included on the list of around 150 sites that the government plans to promote.
Bahrain air set to start India flights
By NNN-PTI,
Dubai : Bahrain Air will begin operating flights to India, with the launch of flights to Kochi in Kerala from May 26.
The operations to Kochi on May 26 will start with three flights a week and become a daily service from October this year, the airline's Managing Director Ibrahim Al Hamer said.
"We are looking forward to support from the 280,000-strong Indian community, which is the single largest expatriate group in Bahrain," he was quoted as saying in Gulf Daily News.
Eight Rohingya migrants killed in Bangladesh boat capsize
Dhaka, (IANS): A boat carrying Rohingya migrants capsized off the coast of Bangladesh, leaving eight dead and over 40 missing, a police official said on...
Israel urges tougher sanctions against Iran
By Xinhua,
Vienna : Iran has become a threat not only to Israel's safety but also to the whole world, Israeli Ambassador to Austria Dan Ashbel said here Thursday, calling on the international community to take a tough stand against the Islamic country.
"Iran has posed a threat to wipe off Israel from the world map. It would be strictly prohibited that one member of UN puts existential threats to another member," Ashbel told a press meet organised by the Austrian Press Club.
Saudi embassies and conculates have issued some 1,750,000 Hajj visas
By NNN-SAP,
Riyadh : Saudi embassies and consulates have concluded issuing visas to pilgrims of various nationalities for this year's Hajj.
This was stated by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Alsalloom Tuesday.
He added that by Tuesday, more than 1,750,000 visas have been issued.
Russia sees international efforts as key to Mideast settlement
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Moscow has urged the world community to continue joint efforts in tackling the Middle East crisis under the UN aegis, a Russian deputy foreign minister said on Saturday.
On January 23, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will convene to discuss the situation in the region after the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis Middle East conference, which resulted in an agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas to resume peace talks, stalled seven years ago.
Militants take hostate 44 peacekeepers in Golan
United Nations: At least 44 peacekeepers have been taken hostage by the militnts in the Golan Heights, a UN spokesperson said Friday.
"The United Nations...
Pakistan hopes to end polio in two years
By IANS,
New Delhi : Although natural calamities and militancy have hit the war against polio, Pakistan hopes to eradicate it from most parts of the country in two years.
Over 60 journalists to accompany Krishna to Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : Over 60 Indian mediapersons will accompany External Affairs minister S.M. Krishna on his three-day visit to Pakistan Friday.
Amnesty finds evidence of state-sponsored abuse in Syria
By IANS/AKI,
London : Human rights group Amnesty International has said it has collected evidence of state-sponsored rights abuses in Syria.
Gaza rocks parliament
New Delhi : The Rajya Sabha was disrupted again Friday as the opposition continued to create a ruckus demanding a discussion on the ongoing...
US can work with Muslims, Obama tells OIC
By IANS,
Jeddah : US President Barack Obama has told the Organization of Islamic Conference that he has full confidence that the US can work together with the world's largest grouping of Muslims, the official IRNA news agency reported Monday.
In a letter to OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Obama said he would work to improve relations with the grouping, the Jeddah-based organization said in a statement.
Demolition works for Haram expansion in full swing, 40% completed
By IINA,
Makkah : Demolition of buildings and properties in the north and north western parts of the Haram Mosque in order to facilitate massive expansion of the mosque is undergoing in full swing. "Nearly 40 percent of demolition works has so far been completed. The works are expected to be completed in the near future and the area will be facilitated for performing prayers for the hundreds of thousands of Umrah pilgrims who throng the holy city in the coming holy month of Ramadan," said a source at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Abbas rejects establishing state with temporary borders
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his rejection on Sunday to the principle of establishing an independent Palestinian state with temporary borders.
Abbas made the statement during a two-day-long meeting of the Palestinian Central Council (PCC) of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) which kicked off on Sunday evening at his headquarters in Ramallah.
The PCC is the highest Palestinian institution that links the PLO executive committee and the Palestinian National Council (PNC)or the PLO parliament in exile.
Yemeni president to replace government amid protests
Sanaa : Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi Tuesday said he will replace the government and called for a national unity administration in a move...
Hope Egyptian governmental bodies will function normally: Russia
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday that he expected Egyptian authorities would ensure the normal functioning of governmental bodies.
Israel takes security precautions ahead of Bush’s visit
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel has put police on high alert in preparation for the upcoming visit of US President George W. Bush expected on Wednesday.
Police spokesman told Israel Radio Tuesday that troops would be stationed around residence of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and King David Hotel in Jerusalem later Tuesday till the end of Bush's visit.
Police will also intensify presence in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa mosque in the holy city.
UAE’s insurance company offers circumcision coverage
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A United Arab Emirates (UAE) health insurance company has announced inclusion of male circumcision costs in its comprehensive enhanced insurance plans.
Palestinian activist killed, another injured in Gaza air raid — sources
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian activist was killed and another was injured in an Israeli air raid that targeted a group of activists near Jabaliah refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Thursday.
According to eyewitnesses, an Israeli warplane fired at least one missile this afternoon at a group of Palestinian militants.
Sources said the targeted group of Palestinian militants is affiliated with Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds brigades.
Bangladesh lifts state of emergency
Dhaka : Bangladesh's military-backed government Tuesday lifted the state of emergency restoring civil and political rights ahead of the Dec 29 elections, according to an official gazette notification.
The withdrawal of the state of emergency came in the face of demands by major political parties, civil society actors, rights groups and international donors to allow full electioneering by the parties and candidates, and to allow people to exercise their democratic rights ahead of the poll, a statement said.
Turkey concludes ground operation in northern Iraq
ANKARA, February 29 (RIA Novosti) - The Turkish Army has ended a major ground offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, the General Staff said on Friday.
Turkey launched a large-scale ground operation targeting militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the north of Iraq on February 21, with more than 10,000 troops pushing some 10 kilometers (six miles) into Iraq.
"Turkish Army units returned to their permanent bases on the morning of February 29," the General Staff said in a statement posted on its website.
UK MPs opposed changing law for Israeli war criminals exceeds 100
London, Jan 29, IRNA – The number of MPs opposing the British government to restrict the arrest of Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes has risen to more than 100.
The British government has pledged to alter the law after apologising to Israel last month when a warrant was issued for the arrest of former foreign minister Tzipi Livni over her role in the latest Gaza massacres, forcing her to cancel a visit to the UK.
ElBaradei: Iran’s decision for cooperation with IAEA a milestone
By IRNA,
Vienna : Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei said Wednesday that Iran's decision to have more cooperation with the IAEA is a milestone.
ElBaradei said that he hoped his agency will make progress in its investigation into Tehran's alleged nuclear weapons programs.
The top IAEA official made the comment in Sarajevo on Wednesday shortly after his Agency announced that Iran had agreed to cooperate with IAEA in its investigation.
Alleged studies is a clause of the last IAEA report on cooperation with Iran.
Teachings pf Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) key to achieve peace, progress: Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are a foundation to achieve peace and security and lead Muslims to a new phase of progress and prosperity.
Addressing the inaugural session of annual National Seerat Conference here at the Convention Centre on Saturday, he said life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be a source of cure for the miseries of humans as they will make advances in science and technology and the world will achieve more progress.
Israeli archaeologists discover 1,700-year-old footprints
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israeli archaeologists have found the 1,700-year footprints of people working on a mosaic during the times that the Romans were ruling the region.
The imprints of bare feet and sandals - sized 34, 37, 42 and 44 - were discovered under the Lod Mosaic, one of the largest and best-preserved mosaic floors ever discovered in Israel.
The mosaic floor is believed to be part of a villa that belonged to a wealthy man from the 4th century AD. At the time, what is now Israel and the Palestinian areas was part of the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire.
German FM condemns attack in Lebanon
By Xinhua
Berlin : German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier strongly condemned Friday the bloody attack in Lebanon which killed at least four people and injured scores of others.
"I was deeply concerned to learn that yet again several people, including a member of the Lebanese security forces, have fallen victim to the violence in Lebanon," Steinmeier said in a written statement.
"The Federal Government condemns this latest attack in the Beirut area in the strongest possible terms," he added.
Nine killed in Pakistan train collision
By DPA,
Islamabad : A passenger train collided Tuesday with a freight train in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, killing nine people and injuring 40, officials said.
The crash occurred near the Juma Goth railway station on the city's outskirts. Negligence on the part of the driver of the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express was blamed.
"The driver did not follow the red signal and slammed into the parcel train," said Aftab Ahmad Memon, chief railway official in the region.
Clashes in northern Pakistan kill over 76
By KUNA,
Islamabad : More than 76 people, including six security personnel and five foreign militants, have been killed in clashes that have been ongoing for several days in the northern Pakistan belt between security forces, militants and rival religious groups.
Taliban militants Sunday attacked Frontier Core (FC) checkpost in Mohmand tribal agency, close to Afghan border, security sources told KUNA.
They said the attack left six FC personnel dead and wounded about seven others.
China hopes new govt will bring stability in Pakistan
By NNN-PTI
Beijing : China has said it was "glad" at the smooth conclusion of general elections in Pakistan and hoped for stability in the neighbouring country after the new government is installed.
"Pakistan is China's friendly neighbour, and we hope Pakistan will continue to maintain stability, development, democracy and harmony after the establishment of new government," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said, according to official Xinhua news agency.
US transfers $200 mn in aid to Palestinians
By DPA,
Washington : The US has transferred $200 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority to help it fill a serious budget shortfall, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced Friday.
The money is part of a $900-million aid pledge to the Palestinians made by Clinton at an Arab summit earlier this year. Clinton said economic development was critical to achieving peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Weapons cache seized in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : The Afghan and NATO-led international security forces have seized a weapons cache in Afghanistan's northeastern Nuristan province, officials said in a statement Friday.
The weapons, seized late Thursday, included 12 rockets, two rocket-propelled grenades and 22 mortar rounds, Xinhua reported.
The weapons were found buried in a field in Garm Ser district in southern Helmand province after a tip off given by a civilian.
Pakistan’s rendered countless sacrifices in making world safe from terror: Haqqani
By NNN-APP,
Washington : Pakistan has rendered countless sacrifices in fighting the scourge of terrorism and made the world a safer place with it relentless anti-terror endeavor, Islamabad’s ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani told a gathering of scholars at the Center for Empowered Living and Learning in Denver.
Haqqani particularly spotlighted Pakistan’s success in this summer’s Swat operation in which the infrastructure of the militants has been completely decimated and normalcy restored in the Malakand Division.
UAE President’s brother missing after plane crash
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed's younger brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was missing after his plane crashed in Morocco.
A sailplane carrying Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, has crashed into a lake in Morocco Friday night, WAM news agency reported.
The pilot was rescued but search is still on for Sheikh Ahmed, it said.
No music videos on MTV Arabia during Ramadan
By DPA,
Dubai : MTV Arabia, the Middle East's version of the international MTV entertainment and lifestyle channel, announced Wednesday it would refrain from playing music videos during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Samer al-Marzouqi, the channel's manager, said they would mark the month by airing cultural news programmes and the latest reality shows only to allow viewers to engage in quiet contemplation.
Iran Asian weightlifting champions
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran finished overall winners at the Asian Weightlifting Championships Tuesday.
‘Irresponsible’ to send more troops to Afghanistan: US senator
By IANS,
Washington : John Kerry, an influential US senator, has cautioned President Barack Obama against raising troop levels in Afghanistan, saying it would be "entirely irresponsible" to do so while the Afghan government remains in turmoil following national elections.
"It would be entirely irresponsible for the president of the United States to commit more troops to this country, when we don't even have an election finished and (do not) know who the president is and what kind of government we're working with," Kerry told CNN in an interview set to air Sunday morning.
Three policemen killed in attack on US Consulate in Istanbul — official
By KUNA,
Istanbul : The death toll in the attack of the US Consulate here earlier Wednesday stands at three policemen, with two others injured, an official said.
Istanbul Governor Muammer Gular told reporters that the three unknown militants in a white car opened fire on the consulate, killing and injuring the five policemen standing guard at the building.
Turkish media reported that three of the four militants were killed in the attack, adding that the "20-25 year old attackers used pomp action shotguns and handguns."
More than forty militants were killed, says Pakistani army
By SPA
Islamabad : More than forty militants and eight soldiers have been killed in two days clashes in the tribal area of South Waziristan near the Afghan border, Pakistan Army said in a statement.
As many as thirty miscreants were arrested, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Archaeologists made new discoveries at Moenjodaro
By IANS,
Islamabad : Archaeologists cleaning a drain to flush out rainwater from an explored part of the ancient Indus Valley city of Moenjodaro have been pleasantly surprised to come across artefacts and other objects of much cultural value at the World Heritage site.
"We had gone just half a metre down the level of surface of the old structures in the DK-G area and found the material of cultural value," Dawn Monday quoted Moenjodaro director Qasim Ali Qasim as saying.
Israel-Hamas talks on prisoner exchange fail
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo over a prisoner exchange failed to reach an agreement, Israeli media reports said.
The office of outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said late Monday that the talks collapsed because Hamas was making excessive demands and hardened its stance.
The Israeli envoys, domestic security chief Yuval Diskin and diplomat Ofer Dekel, said Hamas has also backed away from agreements that had already been reached in the talks, according to the Haaretz newspaper.
Hand grenade attack in mosque kills in Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : At least one person was killed and 15 injured in a mosque in an explosion in a Pakistani northwestern city on Tuesday, witnesses said.
An unidentified man threw a hand grenade at Madni mosque in the city of Dera Ismail Khan, in North West Frontier Province, when the people were offering evening prayers.
Dr. Ashiq Saleem, Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, said four of the injured are in critical condition.
Witnesses said that around 150 people were offering prayers when they were attacked.
No civilians in cross-border ground operation region
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesman Cemil Cicek said on Tuesday that there are no civilians in the area where Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are currently staging a cross-border ground operation in northern Iraq.
"There are only terrorist camps there and some other facilities used by terrorists," he told reporters at the Turkish parliament in the Turkish capital of Ankara.
Nine militants killed in clashes in NW Pakistan
By SPA,
Mingora, Pakistan : Pakistani artillery and helicopter gunships killed nine militants in an assault on their hideouts in the restive northwestern Swat valley on Saturday, army officials said.
Security forces also arrested eight militants in the fighting that followed a search operation in the Kabal area, 27 km (16 miles) east of Swat's main town of Mingora, Reuters reported.
"We have killed nine militants and the operation is still continuing," an army official said.
Israel calls for boycott of Palestinian unity government
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the international community Sunday not to recognise the Palestinian unity government set to be announced Monday.
"I call...
Iran refutes media hype over alleged missing uranium
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The alleged disappearance of uranium at Iran's nuclear facilities is a media hype, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said.
He was commenting on the allegation made by the Daily Telegraph.
"Iran's all nuclear materials in Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities are under the supervision of and sealed by the International Atomic Energy Agency," Qashqavi said Monday.
He said even IAEA's spokesperson Melissa Fleming has denied the London-based daily's claim by releasing a statement on Sunday.
Palestinian toddler killed, 8 wounded in latest Israeli raid
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A two-month-old toddler was killed and eight militants wounded on Tuesday night in a new Israeli army raid on the village of al-Garara, east of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, medics said.
Residents in the village, which is about two kilometers away from the borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel, said that several Israeli army tanks and armored vehicles backed by helicopters rolled into the area amid intensive shooting.
OIC condenms attack on Muslim in Assam
By IINA
Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the attacks on Muslims in which 32 were killed, including women and children, in...
Agreement reached with PPP on most of issues: Sharif
By APP
New Delhi : There is agreement on most of the issues including restoration of 1973 Constitution between Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Group) and Pakistan Peoples Party.
In an interview with “Hindustan Times” published on Wednesday, Nawaz Sharif while describing the removal of judges as an ugly development, said his party, the civil society and many other parties had committed to the people that if “we come to power, we will restore the judiciary to the November 2, 2007 position. Democracy isn’t possible without the judiciary’s independence.”
Pakistan appoints journalist Maleeha Lodhi as UN envoy
Islamabad : Pakistan has appointed renowned journalist and writer Maleeha Lodhi as the country's permanent representative at the UN, the foreign ministry said Monday.
Lodhi...
Illegal kidney trade thrives in Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : In what seems to be a sub-continental malaise, illegal trade in kidneys is thriving in Pakistan, like it does in parts of neighbouring India.
For many poor Pakistanis, selling a kidney has become a major "business" to meet their expenses and to pay off their loans, hospital sources and civil society organizations say.
Under the law, trade in human organs is illegal but, going by figures provided by different hospitals, an average of 30 people, including women, throughout the country sell their kidneys every month under the guise of "donations".
UN forms three-member team to probe Benazir’s killing
By IANS,
Islamabad : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has announced a three-member commission to investigate former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
The UN chief, who arrived here from Afghanistan Wednesday afternoon, said at a press conference that the global organisation was ready to assist Pakistan in tackling the challenges it is facing.
According to state run television, Ban said while addressing the conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani that a prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of all.
Bush visits the good and bad guys in the Middle East
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Maria Appakova) - President George W. Bush is going to visit the Holy Land - Israel and the territory controlled by the Palestinian National Authority - for the first time since becoming president.
Pentagon says Pakistan nuclear weapons secure, lauds protection steps
By NNN-APP
Washington : A top US military leader on Friday reaffirmed confidence in the security of Pakistan’s nuclear assets and praised the steps the Pakistani leadership has taken to ensure their protection.
“I am very comfortable that nuclear weapons in Pakistan are secure and Pakistani leadership has taken steps to ensure that security,” Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff told a Pentagon news conference.
The top US military officer said he will be traveling to Pakistan shortly to meet with Pakistani leaders.
Most Americans now support government-run health plan
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : As President Barack Obama's administration works hard to push his radical healthcare reforms, a clear majority of American people now support a government-run health plan to compete with private insurers, according to a new poll.
Americans remain sharply divided about both the overall health care package and Obama's leadership on the issue, reflecting the intense partisan battle that has raged for months over the administration's top legislative priority, a Washington Post ABC News poll shows.
Indian Haj pilgrims’ toll rises to 101
New Delhi : The toll of Indian Haj pilgrims in the stampede has risen to 101, from 81 announced a day ago, the government...
Iraqi security forces determined to impose law – spokesman
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government is determined to impose law in the country so it will staunchly deal with militias, an Iraqi security spokesman said here.
This is the first response to a recent announcement by Shia leader Mqtada al-Sadr that only a group of his Al-Mahdi Army would be allowed to take up weapons.
Frankfurt University to introduce Islamic studies program
By IRNA,
Berlin : Frankfurt's Goethe University is to begin a three-year Islamic studies program this winter semester, news reports said Thursday.
The bachelor's program is to focus scientifically on religious, cultural and historical aspects of Islam.
The scientific success of the Islamic studies program will be reviewed by the university in three years.
Islamic State bans philosophy, chemistry from Syria schools
Cairo : The Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group has banned the study of philosophy and chemistry in schools in the northern Syrian city...
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".
I will not quit: Musharraf
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf declared Saturday that he would not resign now and would take a decision on this in the best interests of the country if ever needed.
"Let me tell you I won't resign in the present situation," Musharraf asserted while talking to news anchors of different TV channels. However, some leading anchors who are known for their hostility towards the president were not invited to the meeting, held at the presidency.
Iran to launch three new satellites
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran plans to launch three new domestically-manufactured satellites, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi has said.
Israel interested in peace with Syria
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel is interested in realizing peace with Syria if Damascus breaks away from "the axis of evil," Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted a senior Israeli official as saying Sunday.
"Peace with Syria is in Israel's interests, on the condition that Damascus is cut off from the axis of evil," said the official, whose name was not revealed.
Meanwhile, the official admitted the existence of the Turkish channel between Israel and Syria, while adding that negotiations could take time and expectations should be kept realistic.
Gaza Again Suffers Israeli Fuel Cuts
By Prensa Latina,
United Nations : The interruption of fuel supplies through Nahal Oz might force an electricity plant in the Gaza Strip to close and Gaza vehicles already lack fuel, a United Nations report revealed on Wednesday.
The UN Special Coordinators Office for the Peace Process in the Middle East report said fuel reserves for generation of electricity are a minimum and "If fuel reserves are not supplied before Friday, the plant cannot keep operating."
The Palestinian Refugees Assistance Organization reported that its vehicles in Gaza lack fuel so public buses are stopped.
Malaysian government pledges to continue searching for MH370
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government Wednesday pledged that the country will keep searching for the missing Malysia Airlines flight MH370 for as long...
Ahmadinejad’s 33-year-old car gets $2 mn bid
By IANS,
Tehran: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 33-year-old car has received a $2 million bid after it was put on an online auction, a minister said Sunday.
Force of ideas can defeat Islamic terror: Tony Blair
By IANS,
New Delhi : The ultimate defeat of Islamic terrorism can come not from the force of arms but from the force of ideas, former British prime minister Tony Blair said here Saturday, stressing the role of education and faith.
Be it hotspots like Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine and many more, "in reality, there is one global movement based on a perversion of the proper faith of Islam", he said while addressing the HT Leadership Summit on "Leadership in a Globalised World".
Bulgaria to mediate Middle East conflict
By Xinhua
Sofia : Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov stated Wednesday in the city of Ramallah that Bulgaria was going to mediate between Israel and the Palestine Authority for the resolving of the Middle East conflict, local Sofia News Agency reported.
Parvanov, who was visiting Palestine at the invitation of his Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abass, suggested during his joint press conference with Abbas that Bulgaria organize a trilateral economic forum in order to enhance trade among the three states.
Lebanon to stop accepting Syrian refugees
Beirut : Lebanese government has announced no to accept Syrian refugees anymore, state media reported.
Following the meeting of the ministerial committee in charge of...
Iran finds new gas field
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has discovered a new gas field containing about 495 billion cubic meters of natural gas worth $133 billion in the southern part of the country.
Pakistan summons British envoy over Cameron’s terror remark
By Venkata Vemuri, IANS,
London : Islamabad Monday summoned the British envoy to Pakistan over remarks on terrorism by Prime Minister David Cameron during his India visit and told him that terrorism is a global issue and the onus for dealing with it should not be put "on any one country".
The message was a reaction to Prime Minister David Cameron's remarks during his visit to India last week that Pakistan must stop "exporting terror".
McCain says he could endorse an Iraq withdrawal timetable
By Xinhua,
Washington : For the first time, U.S. Republican presidential hopeful John McCain left the door open on the issue of whether the country should set a timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq.
In an interview with CNN broadcast Tuesday, the Arizona senator said he could support a 16-month timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, which, is the central theme of Barack Obama, his Democratic rival, on Iraq policy.
Dispute between Malaysian Indian politicians resolved
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's Registrar of Societies (ROS) has decided that M. Kayveas is the People's Progressive Party (PPP) president, rejecting the claim of a rival, T. Murugiah.
Giving a ruling to settle a long-pending internal dispute in one of the major parties, the ROS said Murugiah's appointment as party president through a May 24 emergency general meeting was invalid.
Murugiah's sacking by Kayveas was in line with provisions of the party constitution and was thus valid, The Star newspaper said Thursday.
Saudi woman searches for her Indian mother in UAE
Dubai : A Saudi woman who was separated from her Indian mother after her parents divorced is trying frantically to locate her mother and...
Pakistani president starts four-day visit to Sri Lanka
By DPA,
Colombo : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari began a four-day visit to Sri Lanka Saturday, officials said.
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...
Palestine ex-government says dissapointed at Abbas’ in Arab summit
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : The former Palestinian government, which was headed by Ismail Haniya of Hamas, said Saturday it was disappointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech before the Arab summit, currently held in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Taher Nono, spokesman of the ex-government, which was sacked by Abbas, said in a statement that Hamas had hoped Abbas' address would aimed at unity away from disputes between parties.
Sikh pilgrims visit Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : About 8,000 Sikh pilgrims from all over the world have congregated in Pakistan's Punjab province to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
US assures Pakistan anti-terror help after Peshawar blast
By DPA,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Wednesday assured Pakistan full support in its struggle against terrorism, after a car bombing killed more than 80 people in the Islamic country's north-western region.
"These attacks on the innocent people are cowardly. They are not courageous, they are cowardly," she told reporters after a meeting with her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad.
Suicide attack kills 21 police personnel in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : A suicide bomber blew himself up Monday in a government building in southern Afghanistan, killing 21 policemen and wounding 20 while the Afghan army arrested three would-be suicide bombers in the same region, officials said.
The attack in the Uruzgan provincial capital, Tarin Kot, occurred when the bomber entered a police-training centre and detonated his explosives vest.
Zemarai Bashary, an interior ministry spokesman said the blast killed 21 reserve officers, while police chief Juma Gul Hemat said about 20 were wounded, seven in critical condition.
Jihad clashes with Israeli Special Forces, shells military site
By KUNA
Gaza : Islamic Jihad's Quds Brigades said on Thursday a Jihad operative was injured in heavy clashes with Israeli Special Forces, south Gaza Strip.
Activists were engaged in heavy clashes with the Israeli forces in eastern Qarara, near Khan Yunis town.
Al-Quds operatives managed to fire several mortar shells targeting the incursion troops leaving the activist injured, the statement added.
UAE commanders visit troops in Italy, Afghanistan
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Top UAE commanders have visited the UAE Force in Italy and Afghanistan.
Pakistan to strongly retaliate any intervention into its territory
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Nisar A. Memon Saturday vehemently said that Pakistan would strongly retaliate any intervention into its territory from any side.
Talking to the media persons here after addressing the International Hussainia Conference, the Minister expressed these views when asked about the possibility of US forces operation inside Pakistan.
Iraq Curfew after Lethal Blast
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A curfew has been imposed in Baquba, north Iraq, after a blast killed three and wounded three others, while tension and arrests prevail in other regions.
Ground Force Commander Ali Ghidan said the curfew is aimed at controlling the city after an explosive vested suicide bomber detonated near a police station in al-Sharqi, central Baquba.
The blast hit a caravan with Diyala Governor Raad al-Mulla and Chief of Operations Abdelkareem al-Rubaie, yet all the victims were civilians.
UN Calls Remote Polit Solution in Darfur
By Prensa Latina,
United Nations : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon assured in a report that possible political solution to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, is increasingly remote.
The UN leader's January to March report says that both Khartoum and the rebels back a military solution to the conflict the rebels began over four years back in demand for political space and a share of the national wealth.
Three killed in Pakistan blast
Islamabad: At least three people were killed Saturday in an explosion that took place in a passenger van in Pakistan.
The incident occurred in Khyber...
Israel to allow transfer of materials for Gaza reconstruction
Ramallah : A senior Palestinian official Wednesday said Israel will allow the transfer of construction materials into the Gaza Strip within two weeks under...
Lebanese presidential elections postponed again
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday postponed a parliamentary session scheduled Tuesday to elect Lebanon's president to April 22, local NBN TV reported.
The parliamentary session for electing a new president scheduled on Tuesday was postponed till April 22, Berri was quoted in a statement as saying. It is the 17th postponement since Sept. 25.
The statement said that Speaker Berri would set a prior date "in case a positive development takes place."
Gunmen kill two foreigners, Afghan guard in Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul : Two foreign nationals, a South African and a British, and a local security guard were shot dead in the centre of the Afghan capital Saturday, the police said.
"Two foreigners and one of their Afghan guards were killed by gunmen this morning," said Alishah Ahmadzai, deputy Kabul police chief.
"The foreigners were from South Africa and Britain," he said, adding that they might also hold second nationalities.
The attack happened in front of the offices of international shipping company DHL in the centre of Kabul, few hundred metres from the presidential palace.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Memorial Lecture on “Re-Imagining Pakistan” at Jamia
By TCN news,
New Delhi: Centre for Pakistan Studies, Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia is going to organize 2nd Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Memorial Lecture on “Re-Imagining Pakistan” which would be delivered by Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Director of South and Central Asia, Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C., USA.
Life of Imam Hussain, source of guaidance for all: Pakistani PM
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the life of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is a source of guidance for all of us, as it creates the spirit of sacrificing everything for a greater cause.
This, he stated on Wednesday, in a message on the occasion of birthday of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
“I congratulate the people of Pakistan as well as the whole Muslim Ummah on this auspicious occasion of the birthday of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)”, the Prime Minister said.
Israel to build 750 houses near Al Quds – report
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved the renewed construction of hundreds of new homes in a West Bank settlement, the local Ha'aretz reported.
It said that according to the Ministry of Housing and Construction, the project, located in the Agan Ayelot neighbourhood in the settlement of Givat Ze'ev, is expected to include an estimated 750 homes.
Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Boim on Sunday instructed his office to continue construction in the neighbourhood in Givat Ze'ev, which is beyond the Green Line, said the daily.
Rajapaksa leaves for China for Asian leaders’ meet
By IANS
Colombo : Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Wednesday left for China to take part in the multilateral Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference where he will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Pervez Musharraf and other leaders.
The conference is being held April 11-13 at Boao in China's Hainan province. The theme this year is 'Green Asia, Moving Towards Win-Win Through Changes'.
Fresh Israeli airstrike on Gaza kills two militants
By Xinhua
Gaza/Ramallah : Two Palestinian militants were killed when an Israeli aircraft struck their car by one missile in southern Gaza City, medics and witnesses said.
The witnesses said that one missile hit a car that drove in Zeitoon neighborhood in southern Gaza City, adding that Palestinian ambulances took two bodies to Shifa Hospital in the City.
Hospital Officials said Thursday that the Israeli army killed 18 Palestinians within the last 24 hours in the West Bank and Gazain an unprecedented escalation of violence between the two sides.
50,000 rebel prisoners missing in Libya
By IANS/AKI,
Tripoli : Libyan rebels have said they freed more than 10,000 prisoners arrested by Gaddafi forces during the uprising that began in March, but claim there were still 50,000 missing.
Saudi women to get new IDs by 2019
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has said all women will get the new electronic and smart national ID card with biometric fingerprint technology by 2019.
“Since...
Risks of money laundering seminar to be held in Sana’a
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : The Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC) is organising a seminar in Sana'a on "risks of money laundering on national economy" next Tuesday in cooperation with cooperative and agricultural credit Bank (CAC Bank.
In a statement to Saba, head of the center Mustafa Nasr said that the seminar would focus on efforts exerted to combat money laundering inside and outside of the country.
Participants from the Central Bank of Yemen and National Committee of Combating Money Laundering, Banking Studies Institute and Sana'a University and CAC
Palestinians protest against Israeli measures in Jerusalem
Ramallah: Clashes broke out Friday between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers in several West Bank towns when hundreds rallied in Gaza against the recent...
Fresh US-Iran talks halted, not dead: Iraqi minister
By DPA,
Baghdad : The latest round of talks between the US and Iran over Iraqi security has been stalled against the backdrop of rising tension between both countries but would be held at the right time and place, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Zebari said the Iraqi government has not asked either country to hold the fourth round of talks.
"There is growing tension in the area," Zebari said, adding that neither Washington nor Tehran has rejected the idea of holding talks.
Iran interrupts natural gas supplies to Turkey
ANKARA, January 7 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which brought a sharp fall in temperatures, rain and snow in the region, Turkish television reported on Monday.
Under a contract signed in 1996, Iran must ensure daily supplies of 28 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey via a 2,500-km pipeline connecting the two countries.
Pakistani investigators visit suicide bombing as death toll rises
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Members of the Pakistani investigation team Sunday visited site of the deadly truck suicide bombing and collected explosive materials for forensic laboratories test, officials said.
Death toll from the Saturday's blast rises to 50 as more bodies were recovered from the rubbles of the five-star Hotel Marriot, target of the bomber, rescue and hospital sources said.
Army and civil defence teams recovered 10 more bodies on Sunday as search continued for more bodies.
The bodies were burnt and were mutilated.
Talabani, Crocker discuss negotiations between US and Iraq
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for writing off billions of US dollars in debts on Baghdad.
Talabani, in remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, commended the outcome of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki's visit to Abu Dhabi during which the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nuhayyan announced the writing off of debts and its interests, totalling USD 7 billion, as well as appointing an ambassador in Baghdad, an official statement said.
Israel to build new houses in East Jerusalem
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel said Sunday it intends building nearly 900 new homes in occupied East Jerusalem and a spokesman for Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said the tenders for their construction will be published next week.
Some 121 homes will be built in the Pisgat Zeev location, and a further 763 homes are planned for the Har Homa locality.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War, as the capital of their future state.
U.S. ambassador: No strike on Iran in near future
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones said Thursday that he sees no military operations against Iran in the near future, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
"Use of military force is the last resort and Israel and the United States are cooperating on this issue," said Jones at a farewell ceremony, who will be replaced by James Cunningham.
The remarks came a day after U.S. President George W. Bush reiterated that diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issue is "the first option," although "all options are on the table."
Miliband to visit Syria to improve relations
By IRNA,
London : Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband is to visit Damascus for the first time next week to hold further talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Mouallem that have been going on for more than a year to improve relations.
"The agenda for those meetings has been cooperation on counter- terrorism, the Syrian role in Lebanon, the Syrian role in respect of Iraq, and the Syrian contribution to the Middle East peace process," Miliband said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Iran could start uranium enrichment alone: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned that his country would soon start enriching uranium to 20 percent on its own if world powers "continue playing games" with the Islamic republic.
"We are still interested in cooperation (with the West), but if they wanted to continue playing games with the Iranian nation, then we would be prepared to do the 20 percent by ourselves," he said Sunday at a laser technology conference in Tehran.
Ahmadinejad said the Iranian Atomic Organisation (IAO) was ready to start the uranium enrichment and would eventually do so.
Two dead in forest fire in southern Turkey
By SPA,
Ankara : Two people were burnt to death and more than 40 injured in a forest fire in southern Turkey on Tuesday, NTV television reported.
The blaze in the Mediterranean province of Mersin started around midday on Monday and forced the evacuation of a number of villagers in the region around Silifke.
In addition to destroying 400 hectares of forest, a large number of farm animals were killed in the fire.
Gaddafi’s elder son Mohammad escapes from rebels
By IANS,
Tripoli/Moscow : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's elder son, Mohammad, has escaped, Al Jazeera said. He was captured by the rebels earlier Monday.
‘Accident’ turns out to be planned murder of Indian
By IANS,
Dubai : What was initially believed to be a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of an Indian here has turned out to be a well-planned murder.
The police in Dubai arrested two Asians, one of them an Iranian, on charges of murdering Sharjah-based Indian businessman Shameer Musa.
Musa's body was found lying on a road in the Ras Al Khor locality here July 6. The police initially believed that he had died in a hit-and-run incident.
Pakistani legislator calls for early completion of IP gas project
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A Pakistani parliamentarian on Thursday called for early completion of multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline project between Iran and Pakistan.
France urges Iran to scrap nuclear program to avoid new sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : France hopes that Iran will abandon its nuclear program and that further sanctions against it can be avoided, the French foreign minister said on Thursday.
In an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio, Bernard Kouchner said he had met with Iranian representatives last week and his impression was that "the Iranians are reluctant to discuss the nuclear issue" and that they could be pursuing a military program.
Nevertheless, he said "we hope to avoid sanctions against Iran."
Nawaz Sharif disqualified to contest bypoll
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A full bench of the Lahore High Court Monday disqualified former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to contest by-elections, Dawn News...
‘Iran ready to share nuclear expertise with others’
By IANS,
Tehran : ran said Monday it was willing to share its nuclear expertise with other nations within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations, IRNA reported.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made the remark during a meeting with visiting Philippine Foreign Minister Alberto Romulo, adding that Iran will try to uphold rights of nations to acquire nuclear technology for civilian uses.
"Iran will campaign for the right of all nations to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," the president said.