Pakistanis blame media for strained India ties
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : A lot of people in Pakistan, shocked as they are by the terror attacks in Mumbai, are accusing the media of the two countries of "irresponsible" reporting and playing a "dirty role" in vitiating ties.
"I have been monitoring TV channels and newspapers of both the countries and am shocked that they are insisting that their leaders issue harsh statements against each other," said Ambreen Hussain, a political science student at Iqra University.
Israeli representatives head to Turkey on Syria talks
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel stated here on Tuesday that its representatives will head to Turkey which is mediating in talks with Syria.
The Israeli radio stated earlier today that this visit is to prepare for the fourth round of the current indirect negotiations with Syria, aiming at agreements on the future of the Golan Heights and a peace agreement between the two sides.
The radio added that the head of the Israeli Prime Minister's office and a senior political advisor are to define the framework for the sought direct Israeli-Syrian talks.
Aalishan Pakistan big hit; Pak designers demand friendly rules
By Natalia Ningthoujam,
New Delhi : Overwhelmed by Indian shoppers' response during the second edition of lifestyle exposition "Aalishan Pakistan" here, Pakistani designers want the...
Pakistan begins production of drone planes
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan has commenced production of drone planes in the country in collaboration with an Italian company, TV reports said Thursday.
The pilotless aircraft, called Falco UAV, is being produced at the country's Kamra aeronautical complex in collaboration with the Italian firm Selex Galileo, GEO TV said.
Chief Air Marshal Farhat Hussain, head of the complex, said the Falco UAV is important for the country's defence and the planes will add to the professional capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
KRCS volunteers ready to provide assistance at polling stations
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) volunteers are stationed at polling stations around the country to provide medical assistance for voters and campaigners when necessary.
Volunteer Zainab Al-Qattan told KUNA that she had been present at Ahmadi Kindergarten, designated as a polling station, since early this morning to provide first aid should the need arise.
She added that each volunteer had the necessary equipment to measure blood pressure and sugar levels, as well as basic medicaments.
One Palestinian killed in Israeli attack in southern Gaza
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian lost his life and several others were wounded in an Israeli incursion that targeted Khaza'a town in southern Gaza early on Sunday, witnesses said.
They said Hussam Al-Najjar, in his 50s, was killed with tank shells during the military operation in the town. The man's brother and his wife were also wounded with shrapnel.
At least four other people were wounded in the Israeli operation involving tanks and armored personnel carriers.
The Israeli troops thrust into the town on a surprise assault, advancing under cover of a barrage of gunfire.
Zardari PPP candidate for president
By IANS,
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has formally announced it will field party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for the presidential elections scheduled to be...
Hajj pilgrims’ journey to Mina concluded with no incident: official
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Prince Khalid al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah region and Chairman of the Hajj Central Committee, said that the journey of pilgrims from Makkah to Mina was satisfactorily completed at noon local time without any snags to mention.
Hundreds protest Ahmadinejad arrival at UN headquarters
By RIA Novosti,
United Nations : Several hundred people have rallied outside the UN headquarters in New York to protest the arrival Tuesday of Iran's president for the General Assembly session.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, criticized over his country's nuclear program and human rights record, is due to speak at the session Tuesday - just a day after the IAEA said it had not been able to make much progress in its inquiry into a possible military aspect to Iran's nuclear program. The UN nuclear watchdog added that the issue remained a serious concern.
Twelve militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Peshawar : Twelve militants were killed in a clash with security forces in northwest of the country, a media report said Friday.
Sources said 12 militants were killed and four security forces personnel were injured in fighting in Shaikh Baba area in Mohmand Agency, Geo TV reported.
What happened to Bush in Iraq was loud cry against occupiers – Lebanese Hezbollah
By IRNA,
Beirut : Lebanese Hezbollah here Monday night issued communique announcing that Iraqi reporter Montazer al-Zeidi's move against (US President) George Bush before the eyes of world nations was loud cry of Iraqi nation against occupiers.
According to IRNA correspondent in Beirut, we read in a part of the communique, "The brave move of al-Zeidi, the best title for which can be the good bye kiss, was the loud cry of the Iraqi nation and the entire oppressed nations against occupation, oppression, and injustice."
Environment may make Pakistan more bellicose towards India: US report
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Environmental factors - like the present floods - could further weaken an already weak Pakistani state and add impetus to a return to military rule or a more bellicose posture towards India, warns a new US Congressional report.
"Environmental stresses, when combined with the other socio-economic and political stresses on Pakistan, have the potential to further weaken an already weak Pakistani state," says the background report prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) for US lawmakers.
Pakistan asks illegal immigrants to leave Karachi
Islamabad, Jan 9, IRNA - Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik Saturday asked all illegal immigrants to leave the violence-hit Karachi in a month or face a major crackdown.
Karachi, also the port city, has recently seen bomb attacks and targeted killings of political activities, which has claimed lives of upto 100 people in two weeks, according to police.
Musa Abu Marzuq: Hamas accepts ceasefire
By IRNA,
Tehran : Hamas number two official Musa Abu Marzuq on Sunday confirmed that the Palestinian movement has accepted a one-week truce in Gaza.
In a televised speech in Demascus, he said the ceasefire has been declared to permit the Zionists forces to pull out of Gaza.
Israeli missile targets Palestinians in eastern Gaza — sources
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian was injured early on Sunday after a missile fired by Israeli ground forces targeted Shejaeya district in eastern Gaza.
Palestinian security sources said the Israeli forces stationed at Nahal Azor, eastern Gaza, launched a missile towards a number of Palestinian citizens on Al-Mantar Street in Shejaeya, where one of them was injured. The sources added that ambulances rushed to the site and medics transferred the injured Palestinian to the Al-Shefa Hospital in Gaza to receive treatment.
EU gives flood aid to Pakistan
By IANS,
Brussels : The European Union has given 6.5 million euros ($9 million) in emergency aid for the flood victims in Pakistan, a media report said Tuesday.
Gilani takes oath as Pakistan”s 22nd PM
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistan's newly elected Prime Minister, member of Benazir Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Tuesday was sworn in as the country's 22nd Premier and President Pervez Musharraf's fifth.
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, senior PPP member, was elected as premier on Monday by the lower house of Pakistan with 264 votes against 40 votes of pro-Musharraf Pervaiz Elahi of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q).
14 killed as Iraq undergoes parliamentary polls
Baghdad:Iraqis Wednesday participated in their country's first parliamentary elections since withdrawal of US forces in 2011. Held amid heavy security, the polls were still...
Rising crime among Malaysian Indians worrying: Vellu
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Concerned over the rising crime graph among ethnic Indians in Malaysia, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has sought a meeting with Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan to find ways to address the problem.
MIC president S. Samy Vellu said the community was alarmed at the recent spate of violent crimes involving its youths being reported in the media almost daily.
"This is a worrying trend and the MIC together with its youth wing and the YSS (Social Strategic Foundation) have decided to meet the police to find a quick solution.
21 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 21 militants were killed in a clash with tribesmen in northwest Pakistan, sources said Friday.
Xinhua news agency reported that during a Jirga (tribal council meeting) Thursday in Nekah Ziarat area of Kurram tribal agency, pro-government tribesmen opened fire on militants of the Pakistani Taliban, killing 21 and injuring several more.
The Taliban militants have an active presence in Pakistan's northwest where the security forces regularly conduct search and clearance operations in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
Saudis provide mobile prayer rugs for football fans
By DPA,
Riyadh: Saudi religious police are laying prayer rugs in the streets to encourage football fans not to miss their prayers when watching World Cup matches, news reports said Sunday.
Small rugs have been rolled out at specially assigned places in Tahlia Street, one of Riyadh's main thoroughfares, where football lovers gather to watch World Cup matches on giant television screens.
Sabq news website reported that most people supported the idea, which will continue as long as World Cup matches clash with prayer times in areas where mosques are not at hand.
Over 2,300 Taliban join Afghan peace process: NATO
By IANS,
Kabul : Around 2,380 Taliban militants have renounced violence and joined the Afghan government-initiated peace process over the past one-and-half years, a NATO spokesman said Monday.
US pressure led to Afghan Taliban insurgents’ capture in Pakistan
By IANS,
Washington : Months of pressure by the Barack Obama administration on Pakistan's powerful security establishment to side with them led to the capture of senior Afghan Taliban leaders, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a media report said quoting US and Pakistani officials.
The new level of cooperation includes Pakistani permission for US intelligence officials to station personnel and technology in Karachi.
IITF-2008 kicks off in New Delhi with Iran’s participation
By NNN-IRNA,
New Delhi : The 28th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2008 kicked off Friday at Pragati Maidan (Exhibiton Ground), the venue of Asia's largest trade fair in New Delhi with the participation of around twenty companies from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Vice President of India, M Hamid Ansari inaugurated the IITF'08, while Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power, Jairam Ramesh is presiding over the inaugural function.
Dhaka meet to devise SAARC plan on climate change
By IANS,
Dhaka : The first meeting of South Asia's environment ministers is to take place here July 3.
High on the agenda is a deal that would facilitate exchange of information, officials preparing for the meeting said.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is gearing up to devise a regional action plan for adapting to climate change and mobilising funds for the purpose.
The SAARC ministerial meeting will be preceded by an expert-level meeting July 1 and 2, officials of Bangladesh's environment and foreign affairs ministries told the New Age newspaper.
German secret service silent on alleged German role in Hamas murder
Berlin, Feb 17, IRNA -- Germany's foreign intelligence service BND refused to comment on an Arab newspaper report which alleged that a German national was implicated in the killing of a prominent Hamas leader in the United Arab Emirates, German press said Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the a spokeswoman for the German Federal Crime Office confirmed that her agency was dealing with the case.
"We are exchanging information with the police in Dubai," she said.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry claimed he had no independent information on the issue.
Pakistan: Special cabinet meeting approves Labour Policy 2010
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : A special meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Saturday approved Labour Policy 2010 containing a number of measures to protect and promote rights of working classes.
In the opening remarks at the special meeting, the prime minister said that the present government desires to create an enabling environment for the application of universal principles of equality and social justice as well as constitutional and international rights and uplift of workers and labour force.
Pretty faces in the fray for Malaysian elections
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : With suave, good-looking men and beautiful women in the fray for the March 8 general elections, there is no dearth of glamour in the Malaysian political arena.
This is over and above the film and TV stars, performing artistes and sportspersons that parties are using to bolster their campaigns.
While good looks among the candidates are not the monopoly of any party, the tinsel stars are mostly flocking to the poll rallies, called ceramah, of the ruling coalition - Barisan Nasional (BN).
US, Tajikistan reach Afghan transit deal
By Xinhua,
Almaty : The US and Tajikistan have reached a deal on sending non-military cargo through Tajik territory to neighbouring Afghanistan, according to reports reaching here Tuesday.
Within one or two months, the US should be allowed to send non-military supplies to Afghanistan, US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said in Tajik capital Dushanbe.
Earlier, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to open their territories for transit of US non-military supplies, including construction materials, water and fuel, to Afghanistan.
Malaysia defers higher levy on foreign workers
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia has deferred a controversial move to double the levy on hiring foreign workers, including many from India, that was aimed at discouraging employers from recruiting outsiders, a minister announced following a cabinet decision.
Human Resources Minister S. Subramaniam said the cabinet had decided to defer the implementation of the levy increase - from RM 1,800 ($505) to RM 3,600 ($842) - after considering requests by employers, especially restaurant owners who felt that the hike would further burden them.
Pakistani lawyers’ Long March rattles Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : The lawyer's Long March to demand restoration of the judges President Pervez Musharraf had sacked after declaring an emergency last November seems to have rattled Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to the extent that he quickly wants to resolve the issue.
"The country's most impressive Long March may not have shaken the insensitive presidency of Pervez Musharraf but it has apparently rocked the Zardari House which is now rushing to resolve the judges issue to avoid further public agitation," The News said Monday.
Israel building rocket battalion
By IANS,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli military is setting up a rocket battalion to help minimize civilian casualties in future combat operations in the Gaza Strip.
Iran ready for international talks, but not on nuclear issue
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's president said on Monday he was ready to talk with the five veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council plus Germany but would not discuss its nuclear program, Iran's Press TV reported.
"If wise officials of certain Western countries and the United States are to make final decisions, we expect change of approaches, an issue which Iran welcomes," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said. "We are ready to hold talks and exchange views in a correct direction to solve global challenges".
But he ruled out talks on Iran's nuclear plans.
Israel sends aid for Chinese earthquake relief
By SPA,
Al-Quds (Jerusalem) : Israel is sending disaster relief to China, the Associated Press reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel says a plane is on the way to southern China carrying clothing, medical supplies, generators and tents for victims of the May 12 earthquake. Mekel estimated the shipment was worth $1.5 million (1 million euros) and said it was due to arrive in
China later Sunday.
According to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, This is the minimum that the State of Israel can do in order to express the friendship between Israel and the Chinese people.
Pakistan slams US after air strike kills 11 soldiers
By AFP,
Peshawar, Pakistan : Pakistan's military condemned a "cowardly" US air strike that killed 11 Pakistani troops near the Afghan border on Wednesday, saying it could jeopardise cooperation in the "war on terror".
The attack on a checkpost in Pakistan's volatile tribal zone was the first of its kind since Islamabad joined Western efforts against the hardline Taliban movement in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
UAE lists Muslim Brotherhood among terrorist groups
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially branded the Muslim Brotherhood and its local affiliates as terrorist groups, in a latest terror...
Qassams hit Israeli factory, one killed
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Qassam rockets directly hit a factory in an Israeli kibbutz near the border with the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing one person.
One man suffered critical injuries and two others were lightly wounded in the attack in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a spokeswoman with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Xinhua.
Magen David Adom paramedics were rushing to the scene to treat the wounded.
On Tuesday, five people, including two foreign workers, sustained shrapnel injuries during a rocket attack on an Eshkol regional council community.
Pakistan scrap market blast kills 8: TV
By IRNA
Lahore : At least 8 people were killed and several others injured in blast at a scrap market in the Pakistani eastern city of Lahore, TV channels reported.
City Police Chief Malik Iqbal confirmed five people were killed in the blast.
The blast also injured 20 others at Misri Shah's neighborhood of the city, Geo television reported.
Police said that gas cylinder caused the blast.
They said that the injured included students of the nearby institutions.
Witnesses said that the laborers were cutting a gas cylinder was when it exploded with a huge bang.
UN condemns attack on Indian consulate in Afghanistan
United Nations : The UN Security Council has condemned an attack by gunmen on an Indian consulate in Afghanistan, stressing that "terrorism in all...
SAARC summit helped reduce tension with Afghanistan: Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo had helped reduce tension with Afghanistan.
“The visit has helped in (reducing) tension and dispelling many apprehensions and misunderstandings with Afghanistan,” he told reporters after his return from Colombo.
The Prime Minister said that in his meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai he was assured that Afghanistan was ready to remove differences with Pakistan.
Karzai said “if you take one step forward we will take one thousand steps,” Gilani added.
Islamabad Police foil terror bid
By IANS,
Islamabad : Islamabad Police have foiled a bid to blow up an important building in the capital, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Friday.
Iran is playing ‘double game’ in Afghanistan: Gates
By DPA,
Brussels: Iran is playing a double game in Afghanistan, supporting the Taliban while proclaiming its friendship to the Afghan regime, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.
"Iran is playing a bit of a double game in Afghanistan... They profess to have warm relations with the Afghan government, at the same time they are sending in what I would describe as a relatively modest level of weapons and capabilities to attack (Western)forces," Gates said after talks with NATO counterparts in Brussels.
Pilgrims reach Mina this morning
By SPA,
Mina : SPA's mission in the Hoy Places has spotted the presence of a great number of delegates of Arab, Islamic and international information media organs, who have been very active in covering comprehensively this year's Hajj and the performance of its various rituals.
It also witnessed the smooth and easy movements of pilgrims despite their huge numbers and also the number of a large number of vehicles.
Pakistani Taliban refuse to give up body of Pole
By ANTARA,
Kohat, Pakistan : Pakistani Taliban militants said on Sunday they would only give up the body of a Polish man they say they beheaded if the government freed captured militants and stopped attacking them.
The militants said on Saturday they had executed the Polish engineer, Piotr Stanczak, who they kidnapped in September, because the government had refused to free 60 captured militants before a Friday deadline.
"We will not hand over the dead body if the government does not accept our demands," a Taliban spokesman, identified only as Mohammed, said by telephone.
120 British Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
London : The death of one of its soldier in Kajaki brought to 120 the number of British military personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led invasion that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
According to a report released Sunday by the Ministry of Defense, a soldier from Britain's 2nd Battalion the Parachute regiment was on patrol near Kajaki in Afghanistan's Helmand province Saturday when he was caught in an explosion.
The Helmand province is a stronghold of Taliban groups where the Great Britain has deployed 7,700 troops.
5 killed, 3 others injured in roadside bombing in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Five civilians were killed and three others were injured in roadside bombing on Sunday morning in southern Afghan province of Kandahar an official said.
Bismillah Khan, police chief of Jalai district in Kandahar province, told Xinhua that it occurred 200 meters away from the base of Afghan National Army in the early morning when local workers came to the area with their vehicles.
India’s info on Saeed ‘sketchy’: Pakistan
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistan on Saturday said the information given by India on JuD chief Hafiz Mohd Saeed's involvement in the Mumbai attacks is "sketchy" and will not hold in court to prosecute him.
"The information we have received (from India) is sketchy," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters here.
The minister also ruled out extraditing Saeed to India.
"We need statements of forensic experts and authentic mobile reports reestablishing connection of terrorists with militants. We need more information from India to make our case solid," he said.
Hyderabad to host international seminar on Prophet Muhammed
Hyderabad : An international seminar on the life and ways of Prophet Muhammed will be held here from February 21 to February 23.
Eminent Islamic...
Yemen apologises for killing 42 civilians in airstrike
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen): The Yemeni government Wednesday apologised to families of 42 civilians killed in an airstrike that targeted Al Qaeda figures in southern Yemen in December.
Deputy Prime Minister for Defence and Security Rashad al-Alimi made the apology in parliament, saying the government would pay compensation.
An ad hoc fact-finding committee submitted to the parliament a report saying that 42 civilians, mainly women and children, were killed in the December 17 airstrike in al-Maajala area of the southern Abyan province.
Presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan pleased with outcomes of Tehran Conference
By IRNA,
Baku : Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan republics said here Monday night during a ceremony for signing a number of documents they are pleased with outcomes of 5 Caspian Sea Littoral Countries Summit.
Turkmenistan's President Berdymuhammedov during the ceremony expressed satisfaction over the results of the summit, arguing, "The two countries pursue the same policies on the matter."
Ban condemns Israeli plan for 1,600 new settlement units in East Jerusalem
By KUNA,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Tuesday condemned the Israeli approval earlier in the day to build 1,600 new "housing units" in East Jerusalem, his press office said in a statement.
The UN chief "reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law. Furthermore, he underscores that settlement activity is contrary to Israel's obligations under the Roadmap, and undermines any movement towards a viable peace process," the statement added.
Up To 40 People Killed After Israeli Strike on U.N. School in Gaza
By SPA,
United Nations : Up to 40 people have been reported killed after an Israeli artillery strike on a United Nations-run school where families were sheltering from the Israeli offensive, the U.N. confirmed Tuesday.
Many of those killed were children, according to the U.N. There were at least 55 injured in the attack, five of them critically.
Extradite people involved in Rabbani’s killing : Afghanistan to Pakistan
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Afghanistan has asked Pakistan to extradite people involved in the assassination of Afghanistan's former president Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Malaysian Indian walks 44 km backward to create record
By IANS,
Ipoh (Malaysia) : Ethnic Indian G. Deo has set a new record in walking backward, by shattering his own record.
‘Corruption as much a problem in Indonesia as in India’
By IANS,
Lucknow: Corruption is as much a menace in Indonesia as it is in India, the Indonesian envoy to India said Thursday.
Pakistan school attack facilitator killed
Islamabad : Pakistani officials Friday said that security forces have killed a "facilitator" of last week's savage Taliban attack on an army-run school that...
EU calls on Iran to respond to US overtures
By DPA,
Luxembourg : European Union foreign ministers Monday called on Iran to respond positively to the US' recent diplomatic overtures and help find a negotiated solution to the nuclear standoff.
"The EU warmly supports the new direction of US policy towards Iran, which opens a window of opportunity for negotiations on all aspects of Iran's nuclear programme," ministers said in a joint statement issued during talks in Luxembourg.
"The EU calls upon Iran to seize this opportunity to engage seriously with the international community in a spirit of mutual respect," ministers said.
Pakistani PM to leave for Egypt on Saturday to attend WEF
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will leave for Egypt on Saturday to attend the World Economic Forum on Middle East on the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Nazif.
Besides addressing special session entitled ‘Global leader in the spotlight’ Prime Minister Gilani is expected to meet President Bush on the sidelines of the meeting.
Pakistan has been regular participant in the Forums’s activities at the highest level and the Prime Minister will also address the Arab Business Council on May 19.
British MPs “disappointed” by Afghan Presidents criticism
By KUNA
London : The deterioration in political relations between the government of Afghanistan and the UK could undermine British support for development in the country, an influential cross-party panel of MPs said here Thursday.
The House of Commons International Development Committee said they were "disappointed'' by Afghan President Hamid Karzai's criticisms of British military operations, after he claimed last month they had made the situation in the country worse.
Nine killed in clashes near Yemen’s presidential palace
Sana'a: Nine people -- six soldiers and three attackers -- were killed as armed clashes erupted between Yemeni security forces and unidentified gunmen near...
Blast brings down Lahore building, kills 23
By IANS,
Lahore : Shards flew and an entire building collapsed as terror struck Pakistan's cultural capital again Wednesday when a massive car bomb exploded in the bustling Civil Lines area, killing 23 people and injuring over 100.
The car bomb, which packed in about 100 kg of explosives, went off just outside the three-storeyed Rescue-15 Building that collapsed with the impact of the blast.
Iran’s nuclear plant to go on line in January
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran's nuclear power plant of Bushehr will be connected to the national electricity network in January, Atomic Energy Organization chief Ali-Akbar Salehi said Saturday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visits Pakistan medical team in quake zone
By NNN-Xinhua,
Longnan, China : Chinese President Hu Jintao visited a Pakistani medical team in Longnan city in northwest China's Gansu Province Sunday afternoon.
Hu went to a tent and shook hands with several Pakistani medical workers at the First People's Hospital of Longnan City. "When the Chinese people suffered the devastating earthquake, the Pakistani people expressed concerns, offered relief materials and sent a medical team to us. The Chinese government and people feel deeply grateful," Hu said.
Israeli air raids on Gaza an outcome of Bush”s visit — Hamas
By KUNA
Gaza : Hamas said Tuesday's Israeli air raids on eastern Gaza, in which 14 Palestinians have been killed so far, is a natural outcome to the visit of US President George W. Bush.
Bush's visit provided cover for the Israeli government to widen its attack against the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza Strip, said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri in a press release.
He added that negotiations the Palestinian Authority was holding with Israel were useless.
So far today, 14 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air raids on eastern Gaza.
Merkel visits Afghanistan to meet German troops
By KUNA,
BERLIN : Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Monday to meet German troops stationed in Kunduz to the north of the country.
A spokesman for the government's media department said that this visit was not announced earlier "for security reasons".
Jordan: History and a Pro-Integration View
By Ulises Canales, Special Correspondent, Prensa Latina,
Amman : The home of tribes and civilizations, with a legacy of thousands of years of history, Jordan currently stands out for its pacifist vocation in the Middle East and a pro-integration view, which transcends its geographical environment.
The fact that it is also home to sacred sites and events for Christians, Jewish, Muslim and other peoples may explain the atmosphere of peace, stability and fraternity which dazzles those who come from abroad.
UAE, Argentina hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina have held discussions over expanding investment and trade between them.
Pakistan hasn’t checked terror, shouldn’t be given aid: US leaders
By Lalit K. Jha, IANS,
Fords (New Jersey) : Pakistan has come under severe criticism from American leaders in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks for failing to take action against terrorists who operate from its soil. While Senior Congressman Frank Pallone has called Pakistan a "failed state", Senator Robert Menendez has warned that the country may lose billions of dollars in US aid.
In policy reversal, US envoy to meet Iran’s nuclear negotiator
By AFP,
Washington : The United States announced Wednesday a senior US diplomat would attend international nuclear talks with Iran, in the highest-ranking meeting between the two foes in three decades.
Fire at Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel injures nine, causes panic
By Muhammad Sajjad, IANS,
Islamabad : A fire broke out at Islamabad's Marriott Hotel Thursday afternoon, injuring nine people, causing panic in the city and bringing back harrowing memories of a terror attack there barely five months ago that killed over 50 people.
With conflicting claims, it is not yet clear what caused the fire to break out, but the injured mostly suffered minor burns and suffocation due to smoke. The hotel, one of the two five-star properties in the Pakistani captial, was evacuated as thick smoke billowed out of the windows.
Pakistan’s nukes safe, Musharraf tells US delegation
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf expressed his annoyance at the US presidential hopefuls having reservations over the safety of nuclear assets in the country and said the nuclear weapons are safe, Online news agency reported Wednesday.
Musharraf met a US delegation led by Senator Joe Lieberman Wednesday and said the presidential hopefuls were expressing their views without being aware of the ground realties in Pakistan.
Tehran receives no request from Solana: Iranian FM
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini has said that Tehran has not yet received any request from EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana for negotiations.
Speaking at his first weekly press briefing in the new Iranian year (started March 20) here Monday, he said Solana has had no contact with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili either.
He reiterated that Iran's peaceful nuclear programme is going through its regular process at the International Atomic Energy Agency.
ISAF regrets civilian deaths in Afghanistan
By NNN-KUNA,
Kabul : The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) regretted the killing of four civilians and injuries to three others in its firing in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar.
A statement from ISAF headquarters here said the civilians were killed and injured as a car driver did not stop despite several signals by the multinational force soldiers.
The troops tried repeatedly to signal the fast-approaching vehicle with passive measures, but fearing for their safety, they fired on the vehicle.
A Pakistani official who re-appointed himself
By IANS,
Islamabad : A top official has "just made history" by re-appointing himself for three more years, a Pakistani daily said Thursday, terming this "preposterous".
Israel blames Iran for increasing global aggression
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the recent easing of sanctions on Iran has not only failed to moderate...
Russia’s Lavrov highlights partnership with Muslim world
By RIA Novosti
Dakar : Russia's foreign minister assured leaders of Islamic states on Friday that the country intends to remain a strong ally to the Muslim world on all international issues.
Sergei Lavrov is attending a two-day summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in the capital of Senegal, Dakar, which started on Thursday.
Over 400 held in Pakistan crackdown on lawyers, politicians
By IANS,
Lahore : Over 400 opposition activists across Punjab have been rounded up in a major crackdown by the police ahead of the lawyers' long march scheduled to start Thursday and sit-in planned in Islamabad next Monday.
The activists were detained Tuesday night and Wednesday while the police also raided the houses and offices of lawyers here, the Dawn News reported Thursday.
American war resister told to leave Canada
By IANS,
Toronto : Canada Wednesday ordered the first American resister to the Iraq war, who deserted his army unit before being sent to the war zone and defected here, to leave the country before Sep 23.
Twenty-nine-year-old Jeremy Hinzman, who had earlier done a non-combative stint in Afghanistan, became the first American soldier to defect to Canada just days before his infantry unit was ordered to duty in Iraq in 2004.
Iran’s nuclear issue in final stage, says former official
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's former chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said Wednesday that Iran's nuclear issue is in its final stage and the recent UN nuclear watchdog report has removed its ambiguities, Iran's Student News Agency ISNA reported.
The report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei disarmed the Westerners and put an end to their excuses, said Larijani, who is now representative of the supreme leader to the Supreme National Security Council.
Islamist rebels receiving weapons from Yemen: Somali minister
By DPA,
Nairobi/Mogadishu : Yemeni rebels are arming Islamist militants in their fight to take over Somalia, Somali Defence Minister Sheikh Yusuf Mohamed Siad Indha Adde told broadcaster Radio Garowe Monday.
Adde said two boatloads of light weapons, munitions for Kalashnikovs and hand grenades were sent "to further fuel the violence in Somalia".
Witnesses have confirmed the arrival of the boats with weapons, while journalists were threatened against reporting on their arrival by members of the al-Shabaab militia.
500,000 Indians arrive in Saudi Arabia in 16 months
Riyadh : Nearly 500,000 Indian workers arrived in Saudi Arabia in the last 16 months, making them the largest group of expatriates in the...
Kenyan authorities arrest three women over terror links
Nairobi: Kenyan authorities said that three women, suspected of being suicide bombers, were detained in the coastal city of Mombasa.
Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa...
Indians arrested in Kuwait to get consular assistance: Centre
New Delhi : India has taken up with the Kuwaiti authorities the arrest of 25 Indian workers in that country for allegedly killing two...
Iran chemical plant fire kills 30
By IINA,
Tehran : At least 30 people were killed and 38 injured, many of them suffering severe burns, in a fire in a chemical plant in central Iran yesterday. The fire in the cosmetics and detergent-producing plant near the town of Shazand was caused by a blast during welding work in a reservoir, IRNA reported. The accident happened at 4 pm (1130 GMT) in the plant near Shazand in the province of Markazi, about 320 kilometers south of Tehran.
Partnership with media being forged to protect people against onslaught of terrorism says...
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said the government as the primary guarantor of public and national security was forging a partnership with media to protect people against the onslaught of terrorism, which is wreaking havoc with their lives, minds and spirits.
At the same time, in pursuit of stated policy of ensuring media freedom multiple efforts were being undertaken to facilitate the growth of an independent and self-regulating media that is free to carry out its due professional role, she said on Saturday.
More Rohingya influx could lead to humanitarian catastrophe, says Bangladesh NHRC
By Garima Tyagi
Kuala Lumpur, (IANS): As Bangladesh tackles the flood of Rohingya Muslims streaming into the country from Myanmar, the head of the country's National...
Suicide bombing near German embassy in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : A blast believed to have been triggered by a suicide bomber wounded at least seven Afghans near the German embassy in Kabul Saturday, officials said.
The attack took place in the front the embassy building, which is across from a US military base and some 200 metres from the presidential palace, officials said.
Several vehicles in front of the embassy's gate were ablaze and thick smoke was billowing from the area.
It was immediately not known if the attack was aimed at the German embassy personnel or any if any of the diplomats were among the victims.
About 100 arrested in Iran post-poll violence
By IANS,
Tehran : An unknown number of people were injured during a night of violent protests in Tehran following the Iranian presidential election and there were reports Sunday of up to 100 people being arrested.
Thousands of opponents of re-elected president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took to the streets of Tehran setting off a cycle of protests and violence after the Interior Ministry announced Ahmadinejad had been re-elected with more than 62 percent of votes.
Six killed as militants target Pakistani security forces
By DPA,
Peshawar : Six people, including three policemen, were killed Tuesday in two separate attacks by suspected pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), officials said.
A suicide bomber, who was riding a motorcycle rickshaw, blew himself up when stopped by the police at a check post near a military base in Bannu district.
"Three people, including a policeman, embraced shahadat (martyrdom) while suicide bomber was killed in the blast," an army statement said. Four others were also injured.
Banana speed eater hospitalised in Ukraine
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: A girl in Ukraine had to be rushed to the hospital after she tried gobbling some bananas against the clock during a speed eating contest.
Pakistan taking action against perpetrators of Mumbai attacks
By IRNA,
Islamabad : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Friday that he is convinced that the Pakistani government is committed finding and prosecuting the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks.
"I want Pakistan to take action because British citizens were killed in the (Mumbai) attacks," he said. Three Britons were killed and seven others injured in the terrorist strike and this "directly speaks to British national interest", Miliband told a news conference after meeting Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Fatah congress’s outcome was below par: UAE paper
By IANS,
Dubai: The Fatah movement, which is holding its first congress in two decades, has failed to resolve differences within in the party and reconnect with Palestinians, a major UAE newspaper said Monday.
"With the Fatah party congress being extended until tomorrow (Tuesday), there are a few obvious observations: Nothing positive has come out of this meeting," commented Dubai-based Gulf News in its editorial.
Over 30 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 31 militants were killed and 28 others, including a Taliban commander, were arrested in separate operations in northwestern Pakistan, according to a media report Monday.
According to the Pakistan Army's Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), 11 militants were killed and 28 others, including the wanted commander identified as Kabir, were arrested during a search operation in Swat Valley in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Geo TV reported.
Intense Combat in Basora, Iraq
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : Intense fighting took place in the southern Iraqi city of Basora between troops of the government and members of Mahdi Army, loyal to Muslim Shiite cleric Moqtada al Sader.
According to the police, at dawn security force troops entered the neighborhood of Hayaniyat, considered a base of their rival.
The soldiers responded to the assault using automatic weapons, eyewitnesses assured.
Other testimonies highlighted that the Mahdi Army and governmental forces used medium and heavy armament, and they added that the soldiers had support of the US air force.
Iran says it’ll continue with uranium enrichment
By IANS
Tehran : Iran Tuesday denounced Western criticism of its nuclear policy and said the upcoming Berlin meet could not stop the country's nuclear drive.
Criticising the proposed meet of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany - in Berlin, Iran government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said nothing could stop the Islamic country from pursuing its civil nuclear programme.
22 killed in Iraq car bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 22 people were killed and 35 others injured in a suicide car bombing that rocked Baghdad Friday, Xinhua reported.
Indians get new passport, visa centres in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: Outsourcing agency VFS Global will open three new centres in Saudi Arabia to facilitate better passport, visa and consular services for Indians, a...
Netanyahu vows response to every effort to attack
Jerusalem : Two days after Israeli army shot dead two suspected gunmen while trying to enter the country from Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu...
International conference on woman’s health to be organized in Jeddah
By SPA
Jeddah : In the presence of wife of Prince Khalid al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region, Princess al-Anaud bint Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Saud, and more than 300 female physicians and specialists of woman's health, an international conference on the woman's health will be inaugurated here tomorrow.
Head of the conference's organizing scientific committee Dr Bisar said the conference will be organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Researches Center in Jeddah under the patronage of the International Roche Medical Group.
Egyptian, Bahraini leaders discuss Palestinian conciliation
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Egyptian and Bahraini leaders have underlined the importance of reaching conciliation between the Palestinian factions to bring about unity among them.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Essa Al-Khalifa underscored the importance of clearing obstacles and back the joint Arab action at all levels.
Mubarak's spokesman, Ambassador Suleiman Awwad told reporters Monday both leaders discussed the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and bilateral ties.
Global strategy needed to fight terrorism: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has warned that terrorism has become a global phenomenon that could be addressed effectively only by concerted international effort, Online news agency reported Friday.
During his separate meetings Thursday with Chinese envoy to Pakistan, Luo Zhaohui and French envoy Daniel Jouanneau, Zardari told the envoys the latest terror attacks in India's Mumbai metropolis show that terrorism is a global concern to be fought collectively.
Egyptians surround parliament, council of ministers in Cairo
By IRNA,
Cairo, Egypt : Egyptian protestors have surrounded the country’s parliament and council of ministers here Thursday calling for overthrow of Hosni Mubarak’s regime.
Palestinian leadership slams new Israeli settlement projects
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian leadership on Sunday condemned an Israeli government decision to build hundreds of houses into settlements in east Jerusalem.
The decision to build over 850 houses in east Jerusalem settlements "was dangerous and is considered a flagrant attack on the occupied Palestinian territories," a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement faxed to the media.
Turkey insists on international Gaza flotilla investigation
By DPA,
Istanbul : Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Monday said Ankara insists on an international commission to investigate the Israeli commando raid on a Gaza aid flotilla that ended in the death of nine Turks.
"If an international commission is not set up and Turkey's rightful demands are ignored, Turkey has the right to review its relations with Israel," Davutoglu said at a press conference in
Ankara.
The foreign minister was responding to Israel's announcement Monday that it was setting up its own inquiry, which will include two international observers.
US wants emerging powers to pressurise Iran
By IANS,
Washington: A day after asking India and Pakistan not to have transactions like their gas pipeline with Iran, the US wants everyone, particularly emerging powers, to put pressure on Tehran to curb its nuclear ambitions.
"I'm not familiar with any particular project, but this is part of our ongoing dialogue with countries that we are looking to place pressure on Iran," state department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters Friday when asked about plans for an Iran-Pakistan India gas pipeline.
UAE, France Sign Landmark Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
DUBAI, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement relating to the evaluation and potential use of nuclear energy for peaceful purpose.
The deal was sealed during a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Abu Dhabi Tuesday, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
First Saudi Relief Plane leaves for Myanmar
By SPA,
Riyadh : In line with the directives of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz to provide urgent assistance to the Union of Myanmar to alleviate the horrible impact of cyclone 'Nargis' and flood that hit Myanmar recently, a Saudi cargo plane loaded with 73 tons of urgent assistance left King Khalid International Airport this morning for Yangon.
The Plane is carrying foodstuffs, Medicines and blankets.
Mysterious blast klls one on BCIC complex in Dhaka
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : A apparently mysterious explosion on a major state-run corporation complex at Motijheel in the city today killed at least one person and injured five others sparking a massive blaze damaging three floors of the six storied building, police and witnesses said.
They said an unusually loud explosion rocked the commercial hub of the city, which was fortunately almost barren on the Hindu community's Durga Puja holiday today.
The subsequent blaze immediately engulfed the upper three floors of the building after it sparked on the second floor.
Pak, India military contact cool down war hysteria
By Xinhua,
Mumbai, India : Senior Indian and Pakistani military officers have made contact in an effort to cool down tensions following the Mumbai terror attacks that almost triggered a sub-continental war, reported local newspaper Times of India Monday on its website.
The report said the lingering tension between India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks seems to have proved short-lived as both India and Pakistan have re-established military-to-military contact.
Merkel, Obama discuss Middle East issue
By KUNA,
Berling : German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a long phone call Monday evening with US President Barack Obama on issues including the conflict in the Middle East, an official statement said.
A spokesman of the German government said Tuesday in a press release that Merkel and Obama also discussed the world financial and economic crises and stressed on the importance of international cooperation to overcome them.
British Secretary lauds Bangladesh govt reform measurers
By NNN-BSS
Dhaka : Visiting British Secretary of State for Home Affairs Jacqui Smith appreciated the government's
reform measures and the ongoing voter registration process ahead
of the general elections.
"Your reform programmes and the voter registration process that are going on so quickly are very impressive," said Jacqui when she made a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office here Wednesday afternoon.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser apprised the UK minister of various reform measures of the government, including separation of judiciary.
US Congressional delegation calls on President
By IRNA
Islamabad : A 6-member US Congressional delegation led by Congressman John F. Tiemey called on President Pervez Musharraf at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
During the meeting, recent political developments, Pakistan-US relations and regional situation were discussed, says a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.
The Congressional delegation congratulated the President on the successful elections of February 18 and expressed US support for the process of democratic transition.
Worldwide protests against Israeli attacks on Gaza
By DPA,
Berlin : Tens of thousands took part Saturday in worldwide protests against Israel's 15-day bombardment and infantry deployment into the Gaza Strip.
In Germany, more than 35,000 people took to the streets in demonstrations organised mainly by ethnic Turks, Palestinians and other predominantly Islamic minorities.
The biggest demonstration in Germany was in the western industrial city of Duisburg, where 10,000 demonstrators attended a rally organised by the Milli Gorus Islamic community, a Turkish Islamist group.
UK to Begin Iraq Pullout in March
By Prensa Latina,
London : British troops will begin withdrawing from Iraq in March, 2009, according to Defense Ministry sources quoted by local media on Wednesday.
The BBC, The Guardian and several Britain´s newspaper said the pullout of the 4,100 British troops deployed mostly in the Iraqi city of Basra will conclude by June.
American troops will replace the departing British units at their base outside Basra, in southern Iraq, where only a small training force of 300 to 400 British soldiers will remain.
Brazil, Jordan on Mideast, Energy
By Prensa Latina
Amman : The Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Celso Amorim held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan on bilateral relations and the Middle East conflict.
Amorim who transmitted an invitation to the monarch from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit Brazil, arrived Tuesday in Amman as part of a tour of the Middle East that includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine territories and Israel.
Saudi Aramco plays major role in Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference
By SPA
Jakarta, Indonesia : Saudi Aramco representatives played a large role in the recent Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (APOGCE) held in the Indonesian capital.
More than 10 SPE papers and presentations were delivered by Saudi Aramco organizations, and a keynote address was given by Saudi Aramco chief petroleum engineer Khaled A. Al-Buraik.
Indian girl falls to death from Dubai tower
By IANS,
Dubai : An Indian girl died after falling from a tower in Dubai, a media report said.
The girl, whose age was not mentioned,...
30-year-old wants to become first Saudi atop Mt Everest
By IANS
Dubai : A 30-year-old man wants to become the first Saudi to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, hoping to place his country's flag on the top by the middle of May this year.
Farouq Al-Zoman, who has been climbing mountains in the US for sometime now, has been nurturing the dream of becoming the first Saudi to be on top of Mount Everest for a long time.
"I hope that Allah will allow me to be the first Saudi to unfurl my country's flag on the highest mountain in the world," he told the Saudi Gazette.
Feuding Bangladeshi leaders exchange first greetings in 18 years
By DPA,
Dhaka : Former Bangladeshi prime ministers and arch political rivals Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia exchanged greetings Friday at a reception to honour the country's military. It was their first face-to-face meeting in 18 years.
Private television channels aired live footage of the two meeting at the Armed Forces Day reception in Senakunja in the Dhaka cantonment. They shook hands and exchanged small talk.
Afghan opium production up by 61 percent
By IANS,
Kabul : Opium production in Afghanistan has increased by 61 percent in 2011 in comparison with 2010, a UN report released here said Tuesday.
Syrian army kills 140 IS fighters
Damascus: At least 140 fighters of the Islamic State (IS) were killed Thursday in an ambush by the Syrian army near an airbase in...
I never linked Bhutto’s security to our relations: Musharraf
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf Monday denied having linked security of slain former premier Benazir Bhutto to her relations with him.
"I never told Ms. Benazir Bhutto that her security was dependent on her relations with me," Musharraf told media here. "I can never utter such cheap words."
Pakistani journalist is Punjab caretaker chief minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Well known journalist Najam Sethi has been nominated to lead the caretaker government in Pakistan's biggest province Punjab.
Eleven kidnapped north of Baghdad
By SPA,
Baghdad : Nine university students and their driver were kidnapped on Sunday near Baquba, north of Baghdad, when gunmen stopped their vehicle at a fake checkpoint, police said.
The gunmen also grabbed another man in a truck at the same checkpoint and took all of the hostages to an unknown location, police said. The students were returning to Diyala University
after a weekend break.
Blast in Islamabad
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A blast was heard outside the Marriott hotel in the Pakistani capital Saturday evening.
A strong tremor was felt outside Xinhua office near the hotel. No further details were immediately available.
Abbas, Olmert to meet in Jerusalem on Wednesday
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas will meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday, as stated by the head of the PLO's Negotiations Affairs Department, Saeb Erekat, here.
Erekat told "Voice of Palestine" radio station Monday that the meeting between the two top leaders would be held in Jerusalem, without making any hint at the topics to be discussed.
Spokesman: Iran to continue talks with West
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi Tuesday said Iran intends to continue nuclear talks with the West in a "constructive" atmosphere, the Press TV satellite channel reported.
Both Iran and the West are interested in continuing their negotiations, Qashqavi told a press conference in Tehran.
Hamas says it still awaits Israeli response to ceasefire offer
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas is still awaiting Israel's response to an Egyptian-proposed ceasefire in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Islamic movement said on Thursday.
The spokesman, Ismail Radwan, warned that "Hamas' patience will not last forever." The Palestinian factions accepted the Egyptian offer while the Israeli answer is expected next week.