Afghan suicide car blast wounds 6 including 2 Canadian soldiers
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide car bomber targeted a military convoy in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province Wednesday wounding six persons including two Canadian servicemen, a senior police officer in the province Abdul Raziq said.
"The terrorist driving a car exploded it next to a Canadian military convoy on the Spin Boldak-Kandahar highway this morning injuring six persons including two Canadian soldiers," Raziq told Xinhua.
Two passers-by and two Afghan police were also injured in the explosion, he added.
Bush plans meeting with Olmert
By DPA,
Washington : US President George W. Bush will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Monday, the first meeting between the two leaders since the White House acknowledged that a peace deal by the end of the year is unreachable.
Bush and Olmert will discuss the peace process with the Palestinians as well as bilateral and regional issues, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Thursday.
Monitor Pakistan’s use of military aid, India tells US
By IANS,
New Delhi: Upset over the US' continuing supply of cutting-edge military hardware to Pakistan, India has asked it to set up a mechanism to ensure that American military aid was not diverted by Islamabad to target India.
"We are in regular touch with the Americans... they are aware and alert to our concerns," a well-placed source close to the government said when asked about the military aid promised to Pakistan at the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue held in Washington a week ago.
Obama to hold talks with Karzai in Kabul
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama praised American troops while having breakfast with them in Kabul on Sunday, ahead of an expected meeting with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai.
Obama and other senators traveling with him met with many soldiers and sailors from their respective constituencies, said Lt. Col. Dave Johnson, a U.S. military spokesman.
The food was great, but the company was better, Johnson said.
Traveling with Obama were Sens. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, and Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island.
Jihad: Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel justified
By Xinhua,
Gaza : An Islamic Jihad leader on Wednesday said rocket attacks against Israel by armed Palestinian groups were justified.
"The rockets come in self-defense in the face of the Israeli escalation against the Palestinian people," said Naffez Azzam, a Gaza-based leader of the movement.
"The Palestinian people don't attack anyone but we defend ourselves over decades of conflict. We were exposed to pains, disasters and massacres," he added.
Israeli strikes on Gaza continue for sixth day; fatalities reported at 400
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli air strikes on Gaza Strip continued for the sixth day, Thursday, amidst reports that the death toll now exceeded 400.
Palestinian medical sources told KUNA that more than 400 Palestinians had so far been killed in the Israeli operation, among them a large number of women of children.
More than 2,000 Palestinians have been wounded in the air raids, the sources added, saying that the injuries of many of these were grave and that the ICU was over-crowded with people hit with shrapnel and many with severed limbs.
Two bodies recovered near Peshawar
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two bodies packed in bags have been found on the outskirts of Pakistan's Peshawar city, Geo News reported Sunday.
King Abdullah holds talks with Syed Yusuf Gilani
By IINA,
Jeddah : Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz held talks with the visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here yesterday. The talks were also attended by Pakistan People’s Party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari. They discussed various issues of mutual concern, including bilateral, regional and international matters. The leaders showed concern over the prevailing situation in the Muslim world, including Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Kashmir, according to Pakistani Press Consul Mohammad Jamil.
Ahmadinejad warns opposition ahead of protests
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Friday warned the opposition of tough measures ahead of planned protests at next week's anniversary of the disputed June 12 presidential polls last year.
"Those who want to tarnish the image of the country and its system will be removed from the (political) scene," Ahmadinejad said in a speech marking the 21st anniversary of the death of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic's founder.
Saudi Grand Mufti calls for intensifying campaign against extremism
By IINA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Alu Al Sheikh underscored the need to intensify awareness campaigns among youth to prevent them from being lured into extremist and deviant ideologies. Attending a crowded open dialogue held at a mosque in Riyadh on Tuesday, the mufti lambasted the extremists, saying, "They would neither learn any lesson nor use their wisdom. They are such people who have been subjected to brainwashing and are living in a world of hallucinations away from realities."
Iraq’s parliament speaker threatens to resign over shoe-thrower
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's Parliamentary Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani has announced his resignation after lawmakers engaged in a quarrel over the reporter who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush.
Al-Zaidi, who has worked for the Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya since 2005, faces the Iraqi Criminal Court for throwing his shoes at Bush during a press conference Sunday as he shouted in Arabic: "This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog."
Bush, who was standing next to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, reacted quickly and dodged both shoes.
Obama ‘very concerned’ by Khamenei comments
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama said he was concerned by Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's speech Friday that called for an end to protests over Iran's disputed election and suggested a government crackdown could be coming.
"I'm very concerned based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made," Obama said in an interview with CBS News. Iran should "recognise that the world is watching".
Two French aid workers kidnapped in Afghanistan
By Zhang Yunlong, Xinhua,
Kabul : Two humanitarian aid workers, both French nationals, with a Paris-based international relief organization, were abducted in central Afghanistan Friday, the aid group said in its website.
In a website-posted statement, Action Against Hunger or Action Contre la Faim (ACF), said the two staff members were sleeping when they were abducted from a base in Nili, capital of Daikondi province, 310 km west of Kabul.
Syrian troops recapture key Damascus suburb
Damascus : Syrian troops Thursday recaptured a key suburb east of Damascus after month-long battles with militant groups.
According to officials, the troops took control...
UAE calls on Islamic countries to fight against insecurity
By IANS,
Kampala : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on Islamic countries to unitedly fight to create political and humanitarian conditions to arrest the growing insecurity and suffering in the Islamic world, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
All Islamic countries should come forward with political, humanitarian and developmental support for other countries of the Islamic world, Anwar Mohammed Gargash, minister of State for foreign affairs, told the 35th session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference's (OIC) ministerial council, now under way in this capital city of Uganda.
Fatah calls on Arab forces to end Hamas rule in Gaza
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement on Sunday called for bringing Arab forces into Gaza Strip to sweep rival Hamas movement which took over the territory by force last June.
According to Jamal Nazzal, the Arab forces' task will be "paving the way to restore the legitimacy in Gaza and opening the horizon to enable the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) forces to open the crossings before the people and free them from Hamas' grip."
Expatriates have decisive role to play in the future of India: SDPI Chief
By TCN News,
Jeddah : Indian community employed in the Gulf countries have a larger and decisive role to play in shaping the future of India, said A Saeed, National President of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). He was speaking during an impressive reception given to the national leaders of SDPI on their short visit to the Kingdom.
Look, we’re strong and stable: Kuwaiti banks
By IANS,
Dubai : Three major banks in Kuwait have made a strong pitch for their stability in the face of the global financial crisis, releasing quarterly results that revealed significant profits.
Heads of the Kuwait Finance House (KFH), National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) reiterated their banks' stable and strong foundation and gave the results as proof.
Use of word ‘Allah’ is exclusive to Muslims: Malaysian official
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The use of the word 'Allah' is exclusive to Muslims in Malaysia, a senior government official Tuesday told representatives of foreign missions here while briefing them on attacks on churches.
"They wanted a better understanding of how the word 'Allah' is applied in Malaysia in comparison with, say, Indonesia. We explained why in some countries it is used across the board while in other landscapes like Malaysia, it is exclusive to Islam," said home ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam.
Lahore hospital attack reveals lack of security
By IANS,
Lahore : Heavily armed terrorists dressed in police uniforms stormed a hospital in this Pakistan city late Monday to "rescue or kill" their comrade wounded in the attacks on two mosques last week. At least five people died in the attack, which revealed the lack of security at the facility, media reports Tuesday said.
Dawn and The News said five people, including three policemen, died in the attack at the Jinnah Hospital, while the Edhi rescue service put the toll at eight. Javed Akram, the hospital's medical superintendent, said 12 people had died.
US drones kill over 50 Taliban in Pakistan
By DPA,
Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan) : Two suspected US drone strikes killed at least 52 militants in Pakistan's tribal district of South Waziristan, where the Pakistani military plans to launch offensive against the chief of local Taliban, intelligence officials said.
The attacks came hours after a militant leader who had defected from Pakistani Taliban head Baitullah Mehsud was assassinated by an "infiltrator" in the adjoining district of North West Frontier Province.
Hamas voices discontent with Egypt’s procedure at Rafah crossing
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Wednesday announced its discontent with the way Egypt used when it opened its border with Gaza Tuesday to allow stranded Palestinians and patients to cross.
The Egyptian "is part of Gaza siege because they increase the suffering of the Palestinian people instead of easing it," said Ihab al-Ghussein, spokesman of the Hamas-controlled interior ministry.
On Tuesday, Egypt opened Rafah crossing point for three days before Palestinian patients and travelers who stuck in Gaza and at the Egyptian side.
Iftikhar Chaudhry takes charge as Pakistan chief justice
By IANS,
Islamabad : Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, who was sacked as the chief justice of Pakistan in November 2007 by then president Pervez Musharraf, resumed charge of the office early Sunday.
Right after taking charge, Chaudhry approved the roster of the apex court and constituted five benches for the principal as well as other seats, Geo TV reported, citing a statement from the Supreme Court.
Chaudhry, accompanied by members of the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association and lawyers, will return to work Tuesday, the report said.
Pakistan claims India supports insurgents
By Nadeem Sarwar and Sajjad Malik, DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has accused India of supporting insurgents in Pakistan, including areas bordering Afghanistan.
Speaking with the DPA, Qureshi claimed that Pakistan was "compiling hard evidence of India's involvement and interference in Balochistan and FATA".
The FATA (the Federally Administered Tribal Areas) consists of eight districts along the Afghan border that have been plagued by Islamic militancy.
Official: Shootings occur near Egypt-Israel-Gaza border
By Xinhua
Cairo : Shootings occurred inside the Palestinian territory along the border between Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip, Egyptian security sources told Xinhua on Thursday.
Shooting incidents, not explosions, took place near the Karem Salem crossing along the border and no Egyptian soldiers were involved, the sources told Xinhua.
Earlier, other foreign media reported that Egyptian security sources reported hearing an explosion on Thursday near the border crossing.
Seven Iraqi Officers Killed
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : At least seven Iraqi police officers died today and three were injured when a truck bomb detonated in the town of Duluiyah, province of Salah ad-Din, north Baghdad, reported security sources.
The vehicle was parked to the side of a road and exploded when the officers got inside to check it, commented the Chief of Police, Colonel Mohamed Khalid.
A captain and a lieutenant are among the dead, he mentioned.
This event took place only 24 hours from the death of an Iraqi general in Al Nairiyah, west Baghdad, the sources informed.
Lebanese army unveils spy cell for Israeli Mossad
By Xinhua,
Beirut : The Lebanese army has discovered a spy cell working for Israeli secret service "Mossad" since 1980, As-Safier daily reported Saturday.
Two of the detainees admitted they were in collaboration with the "Mossad," the report said, adding that Lebanon's intelligence arrested the cell leader in a town in the Western Bekaa valley, after watching his moves between Lebanon and Syria.
Eyewitnesses in the town said that the security forces confiscated a four-wheel drive which installs a camera capable of taking clear pictures of faces and license plates.
Hamas delegation to visit Egypt next week
By SPA,
Gaza City, Gaza Strip : Hamas says it's going to Egypt to discuss a Gaza Strip truce.
Ayman Taha, a spokesman for Gaza's Islamic Hamas rulers, said Wednesday that Egyptian mediator Omar Sulieman has invited Hamas officials to hear Israel's response to a proposed Egyptian truce deal. They'll be in Egypt on Sunday, Taha was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
Suleiman was in Israel this week to discuss the truce efforts.
Top German lawmaker urges West to view Iran as partner
By IRNA,
Berlin : The deputy chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the German Parliament Hans-Ulrich Klose on Tuesday evening called on western countries to look at Iran as a partner and not an adversary.
Talking at an open discussion round during a lecture by US Mideast scholar Kenneth Pollak at the Berlin-based American Academy think-tank, Klose said, "Trying to make Iran a partner is
probably worthwhile to at least think about it."
Jordan condemns Israeli settlers’ breaking into Al-Aqsa mosque
By IANS,
Amman : Jordan Sunday condemned breaking into Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli settlers, calling on Arabs and Muslims to intervene to halt such violations, media reports said.
United Muslim Council and SDPI protest in Kolkata against Myanmar Govt
By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: A protest rally was organised in Kolkata on July 10, under the banner of United Muslim Council demanding from the...
Abu Dhabi to host world Islamic peace forum
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) capital Abu Dhabi will March 9-10 host a 'Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies' with...
Pakistan arrests 250 for Peshwar plane attack
Islamabad: Pakistani police have held 250 people suspected to be involved in a gun attack on a plane Tuesday that killed one passenger and...
Car bomb wounds five Iraqis in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Five civilians were injured in a car bomb explosion in western Baghdad on Sunday, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A booby-trapped car parked near the Nafaq al-Shurta area in Khadraa district detonated in the afternoon, wounding five civilians," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
11 Afghan soldiers killed
Kabul: At least 11 soldiers were killed after Taliban militants ambushed a military convoy in Afghanistan's Herat province, the media reported on Monday.
The incident...
Bangladesh, Myanmar to start Rohingya repatriation in November
Dhaka, Oct 30 (IANS) Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday agreed to begin the repatriation of the 1st batch of Rohingyas from November, it was...
Saudi King invites Pakistan leaders to discuss Musharraf trial
By IANS,
Jeddah : Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has invited Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Nawaz Sharif and Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to discuss Pakistan's political situation and the issue of former president Pervez Musharraf's trial, the Online news agency reported Saturday.
Sources said that Sharif and Chaudhry would go to Saudi Arabia this month to meet King Abdullah, who has also urged Musharraf to avoid taking any step which may vitiate the political climate in Pakistan
Pakistan names Shaha Mehmood Qureshi as new Foreign Minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan on Monday named Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi as the country's new foreign minister.
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi, born on June 22, 1956 in Murree, was elected as member of National Assembly on a Pakistan People Party seat from Multan in Punjab.
An agriculturist by profession, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978 from University of the Punjab followed by masters degree in 1983 from Cambridge University.
Governor of Madinah region receives Minister of Hajj
By SPA,
Madinah : Prince Abdulaziz bin Majid bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region received here today Minister of Hajj, Dr. Fouad bin Abdulsalam Farsi, who is also the Chairman of the Hajj Committee in Madinah and was accompanied by the Ministry of Hajj Under Secretaries and members of Madinah Hajj committee.
During the meeting, they discussed a number of Hajj and Umrah issues and joint cooperation between different governmental bodies in providing the best of services to pilgrims and Umrah performers.
UN to focus more on social, economic development in Iraq
By IRNA,
Tehran : United Nations efforts to help Iraq continue to evolve with the war-torn country’s progress as the government is now seeking increasing support for social and economic development in the years to come, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said Tuesday.
Global Muslim population estimated at 1.57 billion
By IANS,
Washington : An estimated 1.57 billion Muslims of all ages live in the world today, representing 23 percent of the global population of 6.8 billion, according to a new study of more than 200 countries.
India is estimated to have the third largest Muslim population of over 160 million after Indonesia with more than 200 million and Pakistan with nearly 175 million.
11 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : At least 11 Taliban militants were killed, 13 were arrested and 35 surrendered in a countrywide operation in Afghanistan, the interior ministry said Sunday.
Ongoing Israeli strikes kill another 24 Palestinians in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Israeli army continued its air and ground strikes on different targets in the Gaza Strip since midnight until Sunday morning, killing 24 Palestinians, local medical sources and witnesses said.
At least 12 were killed in separate air strikes and tank shellings in northern Gaza Strip, eastern Gaza City and the east Khan Younis in the southern Strip, said local witnesses.
Gilani seeks drone technology from US
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the US to provide drone technology to Pakistan, a media report said. He also demanded an end to the US drone attacks inside Pakistan.
Gilani made the request during a meeting with US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke at his home Monday. He also discussed a range of other issues, The News reported.
Supreme Leader urges promotion of endowment culture
By IRNA,
Tehran : Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday stressed that culture of endowment should be promoted more than ever.
Ayatollah Khamenei told head and officials of the Endowment and Charity Affairs Organization that endowment is a very good and auspicious job and is a good tradition in Islam and divine religions.
The Supreme Leader said that good work of the endowment custodians and managers would help promote the endowment culture in the society.
UNV mourns the deaths of two volunteers serving in Afghanistan
By NNN-UNV,
Kabul : The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two UNV volunteers, Ms. Jossie G. Esto, 40, from the Philippines, and Ms. Yah-Lydia Wonyene, 47, from Liberia, who were killed in an armed attack on a United Nations guest house in Kabul, Afghanistan Wednesday.
The attack killed three other United Nations personnel and wounded several others, including a UNV volunteer.
Bangladesh industry blames government for Tata withdrawal
By IANS,
Dhaka : Captains of Bangladesh's trade and industry Friday regretted Indian conglomerate Tata Group's withdrawal of $3 billion investment plans, blaming the indecision of successive governments for the scrapping of the offer - the biggest the country has ever received.
Anisul Huq, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said: "The general people are not clear on the economic implications of the withdrawal of Tata's investment proposal. This is because the proposal was influenced by politics of our country to a great extent."
World press body calls for fresh start for press freedom in Pakistan
By EuAsiaNews
Brussels : The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)announced Monday a new fact-finding mission to Pakistan and urged the new government and media to work together for a "fresh start for press freedom."
"This mission will be an opportunity to put positive aims and realistic objectives on the table," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary who will visit the country this week.
"We expect and hope that the mood of change will reinforce the robust professionalism which is a hallmark of journalism in Pakistan,''
Taliban commander killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A Taliban commander named Mullah Zahid was killed Friday in Afghanistan's Kunar province, police said.
"A group of Taliban rebels under Mullah...
Nuclear energy training for UAE students
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Seeking to help them qualify for joining nuclear plants that will start operating in the Gulf by 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent a group of students on a trip to South Korea to undergo training on nuclear energy.
A total of 48 students from Abu Dhabi's Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) will get training on electric and mechanical fields in major Korean companies specialising in nuclear energy, heavy industries, construction and electronics.
Zillur Rahman to become Bangladesh’s new president
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Awami League (AL), which is poised to form a new government, named Zillur Rahman as the country's next president, media reports said Sunday, quoting party chief Sheikh Hasina.
"The party will nominate its presidium member Zillur Rahman as head of the state," Hasina said after her party's newly elected legislators took the oath of office, Ittefaq newspaper reported.
The 79-year old Zillur was elected deputy leader of the House by the party, to replace Iajuddin Ahmed as president after the new parliament goes into session.
Palestinians protest against ongoing Israeli blockade on Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Hundreds of Palestinians, including lawmakers, clerics, scholars and even medical patients, on Monday joined in an open-ended sit-in at the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to protest Israel's blockade on Gaza.
The demonstrators called upon Egypt to open the crossing to allow humanitarian aid into the poor, narrow and densely-populated enclave, which is home to nearly 1.5 million Palestinians.
Netanyahu denounces Donald Trump remarks about Muslims
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced on Wednesday statements made by US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, ahead of the latter's scheduled...
Four-year-old Malaysian to climb Eiffel Tower – five times
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Touted as Malaysia's youngest tower climber, four-year-old Muhammad Syahrulnizam Mohammed Noor is training hard to climb the steps of the 325m-high Eiffel Tower five times this December.
Guiding him in this venture is his father Mohammed Noor Mat Amin, a senior photographer with a Malay daily, who is himself climbing staircases of the country's famous sky-scrapers to find a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The son carved his name in the Malaysia Book of Records this year when he became the youngest climber to go up KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur on June 6.
‘Zardari had serious mental illnesses’
By IANS,
London : Pakistan's presidential candidate Asif Ali Zardari was diagnosed with a range of serious mental illnesses over a period of two years up until last year, a British newspaper reported Tuesday quoting court documents filed by his doctors.
The Financial Times quoted documents as saying the ailments included dementia, major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Zardari, who leads the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), spent 11 of the past 20 years in Pakistani prisons fighting corruption allegations, during which he said he was tortured.
UAE’s Masdar Initiative wins green prize
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Masdar Initiative, dedicated to developing future energy solutions, has been named the "Cleantech Leader of the Year" by the Cleantech Forum.
The prestigious recognition was given to Masdar Wednesday during a ceremony in San Francisco for its contribution to the development of clean technology, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The Cleantech Group, a network of investors and companies, is dedicated to developing green technologies and helping in their commercialisation globally.
Arianespace Sends Its First Mission To International Space Station.
By Bernama
Kuala Lumpur : Arianespace, the launcher of Malaysia's Measat-I & -II, successfully launched the European Space Agencys first ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), dubbed Jules Verne ATV to the international space station on Sunday, March 9.
In a statement today, Arianespace said the mission marked Arianespaces first mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Guiana Space Center from where the mission was launched has now joined the select club of launch sites serving the ISS, along with Baikonur and the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral).
More than 693,000 pilgrims arrive in Madinah
By SPA,
Madinah : The Secretariat of Hajj Committee in Madinah has disclosed that the number of pilgrims, who arrived in Madinah until yesterday amounted to 693,458.
The report issued today disclosed that the number of pilgrims, who departed from Madinah until yesterday amounted to 509,400 pilgrims, showing an increase of 3% in comparison with the last year.
On the other hand, the number of pilgrims who are still remaining in Madinah amounted to 183,937 pilgrims, at a rate of 10% less than the last year.
Pakistani President Musharraf not to attend OIC summit due to political situation
By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will not attend the upcoming Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit scheduled to be held this month in Senegal, local media reported on Wednesday.
Pakistan Caretaker Foreign Minister Inaam-ul-Haq will attend the 11th summit on behalf of Pakistan, GEO TV said.
Musharraf would not attend the OIC summit at Dakar, capital of Senegal, scheduled to be held on March 13-14 owing to existing political situation in the country, GEO TV quoted sources in Islamabad as saying.
Bilawal Bhutto facing threats to life
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari faces threats to his life from the Jundallah militant organisation, media reported Tuesday.
The government...
Shiite rebels attack police in Yemeni capital
Sana'a: Shiite Houthi rebels attacked police patrols in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a Saturday, wounding 17 policemen before taking them hostage, the interior ministry...
No decision made yet in Iraq on US draft deal – Iraqi official
By KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraq's Political Council for National Security discussed the country's draft security deal with the United States in a meeting held Friday evening, according to the Chief of the Iraqi Presidential Office Nasir Al-Ani.
In a press conference following the meeting, Al-Ani said that the encounter was full of suggestions and productive feedback regarding a number of points in the draft proposal.
UNSC resolution on Gaza alone not necessary — Steinmier
By KUNA,
Cairo : German Foreign Minister Frank Steinmeier on Saturday expressed his conviction that the UN Security Council resolution 1860, despite its importance, is not enough alone to create the conditions necessary for its effective implementation.
In a statement to the press after meeting President Hosni Mubarak, the German minister urged for a speedy action now in order to provide the necessary conditions for the cessation of hostilities on the ground, describing the decision as "a correct step" on the path to a cease-fire.
Terrorists to be targeted: Clinton
By IANS,
Kabul : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a visit to Afghanistan, Thursday said terrorists would be targeted on both sides of the Afghan-Pak border.
Inflation in Gulf to touch 8 percent in 2008: IMF
By IANS
Dubai : The inflation rate across the Gulf nations is likely to touch 8 percent this year, up from 7 percent in 2007, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"The factors driving inflation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), especially in Qatar and the UAE (United Arab Emirates), are housing rents, and a substantial increase in food prices," the Khaleej Times Wednesday quoted Mohsin S. Khan, IMF director of the Middle East and Central Asia, as saying at a conference organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi.
‘Americans like cricket, if India, Pakistan play’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Americans don't understand cricket, but they like it, particularly of the diplomatic variety between friend India and ally Pakistan.
Israeli ministers oppose truce with Hamas
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : A majority of Israeli security cabinet ministers on Wednesday voiced their objection to the Egypt-brokered ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant groups, Israeli media reported.
The truce agreement equals legitimizing Hamas, the Gaza Stripruling movement which Israel regards as a terrorist organization, and would only allow Hamas to regroup, rearm and recruit more operatives before it continues its attacks on Israel, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth cited the ministers as arguing during a security cabinet meeting.
20 killed in Al Qaeda attacks on state institutions in Yemen
Sanaa: At least 20 soldiers were killed and scores of others injured when suspected Al Qaeda militants carried out attacks on government institutions in...
Report: Egypt starts to rebuild Gaza border fences
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian security forces on Monday started to rebuild fences at the border between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip, the pan-Arab satellite television al-Jazeera reported.
Barbed wire was erected by Egyptian security forces at two gaps blown up by Hamas on Jan. 23 along Rafah crossing, which allowed hundreds of thousands of Gazans to enter the Egyptian side to stock up foods, fuel and other basic needs.
Pakistan celebrates 62nd Independence Day
By KUNA,
Islamabad : A day after a suicide attack left nine ppeople dead in an eastern city, Pakistan celebrated on Thursday its 62nd Independence Day as the country's leadership urged the nation to strive for making the nation a truly modern, dynamic, progressive and democratic Islamic state.
"We must let petty differences be subordinated to higher values of life and strive together for making Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic, progressive and democratic Islamic state in accordance with the ideals of our founder," said President Pervez Musharraf in his message to the nation.
Palestinian factions insist on reciprocal, comprehensive ceasefire with Israel
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Representatives of Palestinian factions on Tuesday asserted that they agree on a reciprocal and comprehensive ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Representatives of 12 Palestinian factions, including the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and the Popular Struggle Front (PSF), made the remarks on the sidelines of separate talks with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman earlier in the day.
Russia lifts ban on missile system delivery, Iran welcomes
Tehran : Russia's decision to lift a ban on the delivery of S-300 missile system to Iran indicates the political will of the two...
US judge orders release of young Guantanamo detainee
By Xinhua,
Washington: A federal judge in Washington DC Thursday ordered the Obama administration to release a young Afghan detained at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle ruled that Mohammed Jawad, who is in his early 20s, was being held illegally and therefore must be released.
Pakistan not in danger of collapse: Zardari
By IANS,
Washington : Pakistan is not in danger of collapsing in the face of a Taliban onslaught as its population "is much, much more than the insurgents are", President Asif Ali Zardari has said.
"Is the state of Pakistan going to collapse?" Zardari asked rhetorically on NBC's "Meet the Press" programme Sunday evening and replied: "No. We are 180 million people. The population is much, much more than the insurgents are."
At the same time, Zardari admitted to a "problem" with the Taliban in the troubled northwest and appealed for an international response to counter the militants.
Arab Interim Parliament urges Arab, Islamic countries to sever ties with Denmark
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Arab Interim Parliament (AIP) called on Arab and Islamic countries to sever political and economic relations with Denmark because of the republication of caricatures of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The AIP, in a statement during its regular session Saturday, praised the Sudanese government for suspending political and economic ties with Denmark, as well as the Yemeni parliament which severed parliamentary ties with Denmark.
Pakistan was safer under Musharraf: former CIA official, ICC security advisers
By IANS,
London : A former CIA official, who headed its Bin Laden unit, says the Lahore terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers is a direct result of the West's insistence on replacing Pervez Musharraf with a democratically-elected president in Pakistan.
Michael Scheuer, who headed the (CIA) Central Intelligence Agency's counter-terrorism unit dedicated to tracking down Al Qaeda head Osama bin Laden, also said President Asif Ali Zardari's recent ceasefire deal with the Taliban in parts of the Northwest province was to blame.
Obama speaks with foreign leaders on Egypt situation
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama has spoken with leaders from Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Britain on the present situation in Egypt, the White House said.
Over seven million diabetics in Pakistan
By IANS,
Karachi : There are over seven million diabetics in Pakistan and the number is expected to more than double in the next 15 years, an official said here.
US says Iran comments not a big issue
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US has sought to smoothen India's ruffled feathers by suggesting that Washington did no finger pointing when it asked New Delhi to use its influence to end Iran's uranium enrichment programme.
And it was not as big an issue as it was made out to be, said Richard Boucher, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.
Jordanian Media underscores importance of World Conference on Dialogue
By SPA,
Amman : The Jordanian media highlighted the World Conference on Dialogue, which opened in Madrid yesterday, and pointed to the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for a constructive dialogue among the followers of all religions.
The Jordanian newspapers prominently displayed today the speech delivered by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at the inaugural ceremony of the conference and also gave good coverage to proceedings of the Conference.
$25 bn Afghan war cost to hit Canada’s economy
By IANS,
Toronto : A Canadian think-tank has warned that the extension of the country's Afghan mission till 2011 will cost another 28 billion Canadian dollars (US$25 billion), squeezing the economy as it faces recession.
In its report titled "The Cost of the War and the End of Peacekeeping: The Impact of Extending the Afghanistan Mission", the Ottawa-based Rideau Institute on International Affairs said Wednesday that the cost of the Afghan war will hit the country hard, raising questions about its ability to afford the mission.
Gulf News daily bags award
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The Gulf News daily has been named the best English online newspaper at the Forbes Middle East's Top Media Online in the Arab World Awards.
Libya’s NTC fails to agree on interim government
By IANS,
Tripoli: Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) has failed to reach an agreement on an interim government, as some members could not solve their differences, Xinhua reported.
U.S.: six nations to renew talks on Iran’s nuclear issue
By Xinhua
Washington : Officials from the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany are due to meet later this month in a bid to renew their efforts to make Iran halt its sensitive nuclear work, the State Department said on Monday.
"I can only narrow it down to mid-April. We're going to wait, we're going to let our hosts announce the meeting," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.
The spokesman did not offer more details of the meeting, including who will host the talks.
Saudi Arabia condemns Russian accusations over Syria
By IANS,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has condemned a Russian statement accusing it of supporting terrorism in Syria.
Syria condemns US anti-terror coalition
Damascus : Syria has criticised the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group, accused it of lacking the "true will" necessary to...
Australia doubles counter-terrorism training slots for Pakistani Army
By IANS,
Islamabad : Australia is to double to 140 the number of counter-terrorism training slots it provides to the Pakistani Army besides helping in the reconstruction of the war-torn Malakand division in the country's restive northwest, it was announced here Monday.
This will make Australia the second biggest provider of military training to the Pakistani army apart from the United States.
‘US withdrawal from Afghanistan depends on situation on ground’
By IANS,
Washington : The timetable of American troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan will be driven by situation on the ground, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan said.
David Petraeus, the four-star general recently installed to take over the Afghanistan war, told NBC that President Barack Obama has made clear he wants the best military advice possible concerning the drawdown of US forces in Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
Bangladesh to continue indefinitely with advanced time
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has decided that the clock advanced by an hour to make maximum use of daylight hours as an energy saving measure would "continue for an indefinite period".
The working day dawned early throughout the country Tuesday with offices and educational institutions advancing their routine.
Bangladesh advanced its clock by an hour in July. The new time was set on Greenwich Mean time (GMT) +7 from the GMT +6.
Although that was meant to be a temporary measure, the government Monday decided that this would continue.
France in Touch with Hamas
By Prensa Latina,
Paris : France admitted on Monday that it has contacts with the Palestine Hamas movement, but stressed that those talks are only aimed at finding solutions to the conflict beteeen Israel and the Gaza Strip.
In a statement to Le Figaro daily, French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner said that his country resumed conversations with Hamas.
"We have to talk if we want to play a role in the Middle East," noted Kouchner.
The European Union and the US put as a condition to any negotiation with Hamas the recognition of Israel as a state and the end of violence.
Scouts guide more than 170,000 pilgrims
By SPA,
Arafat, Saudi Arabia : The scout cadets guided yesterday in Mina and Arafat more than 17, 000 pilgrims from various nationalities.
Supervisor general of the services camps Dr Abdullah al-Fahd said the guidance process included taking the missing pilgrims to their camps through the maps.
He noted that the scout boys made yesterday 4, 361 tours.
Tehran calls Israeli ground offensive ‘strategic mistake’
By DPA,
Tehran : Tehran Sunday called the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza Strip a "strategic mistake" and said Israel could never eliminate the Hamas group, ISNA news agency reported.
"The ground offensive by the Zionist regime (Israel) is a strategic mistake and the aim of eliminating Hamas is unachievable as Hamas is a nation and a nation can never be eliminated," Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was quoted as saying in a telephone conversation with some of his European counterparts.
Iran eyes another satellite in space
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran plans to launch another satellite dubbed Sharif, designed by the students of one of its leading scientific institutions, an official said.
Jordan to sign nuclear reactor deal with France
By DPA,
Amman : Jordan is moving to conclude a nuclear cooperation agreement with France that provides for exploiting uranium ores in the country and building a nuclear reactor for peaceful uses, local press reports said Sunday.
The government has already conducted negotiations with two international firms - one French and the other British - and decided to assign the task to the French company, the daily newspaper Alarab Alyawm reported, quoting "official sources."
Terror revisited: 87 dead, 200 injured in Peshawar bombing
By IANS,
Peshawar/Islamabad : More than 80 people were killed in Pakistan's worst terror attack this year when a massive bomb blast ripped through a crowded market here Wednesday, hours after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton began a three-day trip to the country, local media reported.
UAE, Ireland hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland have held discussions over joint cooperation in developmental and humanitarian issues between them.
PPP Co-Chairman agrees to remove Musharraf from presidency
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has agreed to remove Pervez Musharraf from the Presidency, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday at a news conference in the eastern city of Lahore.
Addressing the news conference, Sharif said that Musharraf should be tried for sedition and should not be given a safe exit.
The country's destiny will change in the coming days, said Sharif.
China, Pakistan pledge to strengthen air force cooperation
Beijing : Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan Friday met with visiting Pakistani air cchief, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt to discuss bilateral military...
Four Qaida militants killed in US raid in northeast Iraq
By NNN-Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. troops killed four suspected al-Qaida militants and detained more than 20 others in a raid targeting al-Qaida network in Iraq's northern province of Ta'mim, the U.S. military said.
The U.S. raid which was based on intelligence information conducted on Wednesday and took place along the Tigris River Valley in the western part of Ta'mim province, a military statement said on Friday.
US drone strike kills four in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least four people were killed during a US drone strike in Pakistan's north-west tribal area of North Waziristan on Monday night, a...
Modi greets Bangladesh, India’s ‘enduring friend’
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the people of Bangladesh on their 44th Independence Day, saying that country was an...
Pentagon denies reports about U.S. aircraft’s landing in Iran
By Xinhua,
Washington : The Pentagon denied news reports Tuesday that a U.S. military aircraft was forced to land in Iran after violating Iran's airspace.
Pentagon Bryan Whitman said he hasn't "heard anything like that."
"All aircraft in the region are accounted for and we have no reports of any aircraft landing in Iran," said another U.S. official.
Earlier, Iran's state-run Fars news agency said a U.S. military aircraft was forced to land in Iran after violating Iran's airspace,
100 killed in Makkah stampede
Makkah: As many as 100 people were killed on Thursday in a stampede during Haj outside Saudi Arabia's Makkah city, a media report said.
At...
Iran among top 10 powers in security and defense affairs
By IRNA,
Tehran : Secretary of Expediency Council ( EC) said that Iran is among top ten super powers in the field of security, military and defence affairs.
Speaking on the occasion of 30th Anniversary of Islamic Revolution in Imam Khomeini International University in Qazvin , Mohsen Rezaei said that Iran has become the superior power in the region on military, security and defence affairs after the victory of Islamic Revolution.
Doha Forum agrees to iron out differences between US, Muslim World
Doha – (IINA)February 19 – The Fifth US-Islamic World Forum concluded here yesterday on a positive note with the delegates expressing their determination to take the dialogue to wider areas and try to narrow down differences. "There was a general feeling that ignorance and paranoia are keeping the two sides divided. Mutual respect has emerged as the key word for fostering better relations and understanding," said Carlos Pascual, Vice-President and Director of Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings, the US, while giving the concluding remarks at the conference yesterday.
US Senate votes for new sanctions on Iran
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Washington: The US Senate voted Friday to impose broader sanctions on Iran targeting the country's domestic industries.
Pakistan government, PTI to finalise ordinance
Islamabad : The Pakistan government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are meeting Friday to finalise the draft for the judicial commission ordinance which will probe...
Bangladesh’s Muslim pilgrimage calls for peace, stability
By DPA,
Dhaka : Millions of devotees prayed for global peace, prosperity and unity in Bangladesh as the world's second-largest Muslim congregation concluded Sunday.
Indian scholar Moulana Jubayerul Hassan led the concluding prayers of the three-day Ijtema congregation on the banks of river Turag in Tongi, about 30 km north of Dhaka.
Organisers estimated more than 3 million devotees attended the mass prayer, which was aired live throughout the country.
Iran denies radiation leak at Bushehr n-plant
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran has dismissed as baseless the media reports suggesting possible radiation leakage at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) due to last week's earthquake.
Nuclear Iran new Israeli government’s main challenge: Netanyahu
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that one of the challenges facing the upcoming government would be handling Iran's nuclear...
Pakistani security forces arrest Qaeda suspects
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces said Friday they arrested four Al-Qaeda linked suspected, three of whom were Turkish nationals.
The suspects were arrested late Thursday while traveling in a bus from Southwestern Baluchistan province to Southern Sindh province, security sources told KUNA.
They said the operation was carried out upon a tip-off by intelligence agencies. They were traveling to Karachi port city.
Sources added that forces also recovered explosive material, important documents and a laptop from their possession.
Emirates Tests New Baggage Handling Technology At Three Airports
DUBAI, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Emirates Airline is partnering with London Heathrow, Dubai International and Hong Kong International airports to try the latest radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in baggage handling.
In a statement today, Dubai-based Emirates said it would invest close to two million dirham to test RFID's effectiveness and benefits against the existing barcode tracking system.
10 injured as plane makes emergency landing in Lahore
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were injured when a passenger plane made an emergency landing at an airport in Pakistan's Lahore city Friday, reported Xinhua, citing local media.
Experts hail extension to Pakistan army chief
By IANS,
Islamabad : Strategic experts in Pakistan have hailed the three-year extension granted to army chief General Ashfaq Kayani, calling it a wise decision.
Kayani got the extension after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Thursday that rules were bent for the move.
Defence analysts said Kayani, who took charge of the Pakistan Army in 2007, was conducting successful military operations against terrorism and the extension was a right decision.
10 killed in Mogadishu hotel attack
Mogadishu: At least 10 people were killed and scores of others injured in a suicide car explosion and gun attack targeting Maka Almukara Hotel...
Iran, US negotiators hold fresh n-talks in Austria
Vienna : Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday held another meeting with his US counterpart John Kerry in the Austrian capital, as...
Key militant arrested in Bangladesh; 70 kgs explosives seized
By NNN-PTI,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's elite security forces overnight arrested a top militant of outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and seized over 70 kilograms of explosives in the national capital, officials said today.
Acting on a tip-off, elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) forces arrested JMB's explosive expert Mohammad Hanif alias Kalam and seized explosives and bomb making materials from two of their hideouts at Mirpur and Shanir Akhra area in the city.
Two NATO soldiers killed in blast in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Two NATO soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in a blast in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the alliance said.
Another two soldiers were wounded in the explosion, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
The ISAF said the wounded soldiers were transported to a NATO military hospital where they are being treated.
The statement did not disclose the nationalities of the soldiers, citing the ISAF policy that does not release the nationalities of casualties prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
Religion goes digital: Saudi Arabia connects with instant Quran
By Madhusree Chatterjee, IANS,
Libyan rebels kill own commander: Report
By IANS,
London : Libyan rebels assassinated their own military commander when it was found he was working as a Gaddafi double agent, a media report said.
German intellectuals slam US, Israeli military threats against Iran
Berlin, Aug 28, IRNA -- German intellectuals on Saturday called for an end to US and Israeli military threats to Iran. They criticized the United States for orchestrating UN sanctions on Iran over nuclear program.
More than 40 prominent German personalities, among them politicians, lawyers, artists, publishers and journalists, urged the UN Security Council in a petition to deal with ongoing US and Israel threats against Iran, saying it was a 'clear violation of the UN Charter.'
NATO airstrike kills six civilians, says Afghan official
By DPA,
Kabul : A NATO airstrike targeting a group of alleged insurgents mistakenly killed an Afghan family of six, an Afghan official said Monday.
Foreign diplomats test Pakistani police with dummy bombs
By DPA,
Islamabad : Some Western diplomats are attaching dummy bombs to their vehicles to test the alertness of Pakistan police amid deteriorating security caused by suicide attacks, a media report said Friday.
The interior ministry said an "unidentified object" found recently in the vehicle of Danish embassy security advisor Chris John turned out to be a fake bomb, the Daily Times newspaper reported.
John told police he was conducting a "mock exercise" to determine the efficiency and alertness of the police, the paper said. The Danish embassy was bombed in June 2008.
Pakistan closes ISI political wing
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has closed the political wing of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), Online news agency reported Thursday.
“The political wing of ISI has been closed,'' a statement issued by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's office said late Wednesday night.
The prime minister hoped the move “would further improve the effectiveness of ISI as one of the premier institutions of the national security apparatus of the country'', said the statement.
Palestine: Israel Hampers Peace Process
By Prensa Latina
Ramallah : Palestinian Vice Minister of Foreign Relations Ahmed Soboj held responsible Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak of making the life of Palestinians impossible and hampering peace process.
National Palestine Authority official denounced that since Anapolis lecture on November Israeli army assassinated 155 Palestinians and raised more barriers to block the passage of goods and people towards the occupied territories.
Gaza power plant to fully switch off due to fuel shortage
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Gaza power plant will stop working later on Monday due to fuel shortage, Palestinian official warned.
Israel has been closing Gaza commercial crossings since last Wednesday, withholding fuel shipments and cargo flow to the Hamas-controlled territory.
Jamal al-Khodary, an anti-siege activist, said "The station will stop at 18:30 (16:30 GMT) if the Israeli occupation did not provide it with fuel."
Arab countries pledge support to US against IS
New York : Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have promised to stand alongside the US "until the end"...
UAE embassy in Australia holds iftar
By IANS/WAM,
Gold Coast : The UAE embassy in Australia organised an iftar banquet for 1,500 Muslims in Queensland's Gold Coast city.
Bangladesh MP fears for his life
Dhaka: The Awami League MP A.K.M. Shamim Osman has expressed concern for the safety of the lives of his family members and himself.
The ruling...
Taliban ready for talks with new Pakistan government
By Xinhua
Islamabad : A Pakistani Taliban militant commander in the northwestern region Sunday said his group was ready for peace talks with the new government.
"The Taliban movement welcomes the victory of anti-Musharraf political parties in the election and announces its willingness to enter into negotiations with them for bringing peace in the restive tribal area," self-proclaimed Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar said, quoting a statement of their local leader Baitullah Mehsud.
Car bomb hit Algerian town killing at least 3
By Xinhua
Algiers : At least three people were killed when a car bomb exploded in an Algerian town on Tuesday, officials said.
The explosion in Thenia, some 55 km east of the country's capital Algiers, also injured several others, the officials said.