Australia airlifts 50 tonnes of weapons for Kurds in Iraq
Sydney : In its third such airlift, Australia has delivered 50 tonnes of arms and ammunition to Kurdish forces battling Islamic militants in northern...
French Bank releases Iran’s frozen assets
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's Presidential Advisor for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Majid Jafarzadeh has said that the assets of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) which were seized by a French bank have been released.
Speaking to IRNA, he said that the move followed continued efforts by the Presidential Department for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Monday.
CBI assets were frozen by the Bank of French Banque Populaire.
‘National unity government’ sought in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's veteran jurist and former minister Kamal Hossain has proposed "removal of black money, violence, militancy and partisan state mechanisms" to ensure that the next elections are "free, fair and credible".
His programme fits in with the government's anti-corruption drive under which several former ministers, lawmakers and officials have been nabbed.
The Gono Forum, a small party he leads, also demanded a "national unity government" after the elections and a review of the constitution.
Around 6,300 fighters joined IS in Syria in July
Beirut : Around 6,300 fighters joined the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria in July, a month after the jihadi organisation proclaimed an...
Indian killed in Bahrain construction site mishap
By IANS,
Dubai : An Indian worker was crushed to death when a heavy steel sheet fell on him at a construction site mishap in Bahrain.
U. Sajeevan, 33, was killed instantly when the steel sheet, which was being lifted by a pulley, fell on him at the construction site in Hidd on the island of Muharraq Thursday, according to local media reports.
Authorities rushed to the spot on receiving news of the incident and have launched a probe.
Sajeevan was employed as a steel fabricator by an Indonesian company, which had the project contract from Gulf Industrial Investment Company (GIIC).
30 militants killed in Afghanistan operations
By IANS,
Kabul : At least 30 militants were killed in a military operation in Afghanistan, the interior ministry said Tuesday.
Quit if you can’t govern, Zia tells Hasina
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's opposition leader Khaleda Zia has announced a mass agitation against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, asking her to quit if she cannot govern properly.
"The country is not functioning, all institutions are inoperative. The caretaker government has taken the country 20 years back and it will further go back if Awami League stays in power," she said.
"They must step down in the interests of the country," The Daily Star quoted her as saying Saturday.
Bangladesh parties work overtime to finalise candidates
By IANS,
Dhaka : Political party officials within the two major alliances are working overtime to complete the selection of candidates for the ninth general election as the campaign kicks off later this week.
Media reports Monday indicated persisting differences among the alliance partners, some of whom have made unilateral announcements of their lists. The election is Dec 29.
30 Israeli officials detained over corruption allegations
Jerusalem : Israeli police detained 30 officials Wednesday after a year-long corruption investigation.
According to a police statement, forces arrived at the homes and offices...
Iran’s president to replace economy, interior ministers
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's government spokesman announced on Wednesday that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will replace the economy and interior ministers, the state-owned Press TV satellite channel reported.
After weeks of speculation about cabinet replacements, Gholam Hossein Elham confirmed there would be changes in Ahmadinejad's cabinet within the next few days.
"Mr. President told me on Sunday that he has personally spoken to two of his cabinet members and asked them to serve the country in other positions," Elham was quoted as saying.
32 killed in bomb attacks in Iraq
Baghdad: At least 32 people were killed and 108 injured in a wave of bombing attacks Wednesday in Iraq's capital city of Baghdad, the...
Five killed in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least five people were killed and two injured in two separate incidents in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to the police, the first...
U.S. captures Iranian-trained bomb expert in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The U.S. military said its troops arrested an Iranian-trained bomb expert affiliated to a Shiite extremist militia in southeast of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Wednesday.
A U.S. military statement said the troops raided the house of the suspect in the town of Numaniyah, some 180 km near the city of Kut.
The targeted suspect is believed to be a member of Iranian-backed "Special Groups" Shiite militia, the statement said.
Indian arm of Australian inter-faith centre launched
By IANS,
New Delhi : Australia will improve its understanding of the Muslim world with the launch of Indian arm of the University of South Australia's International Centre for Muslim and Non-Muslim Understanding to leverage this country's experience in the area, visiting Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Wednesday.
Details of D-8 summit in Malaysia
By IRNA,
Kuala Lumpur : The 11th meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D-8) started its work on Sunday.
The meeting was inaugurated by Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim who stressed the need for further cooperation among the D-8 member states.
The D-8 compromises Iran, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Makram Mohammed Ahmad underlines importance of dialogue conference
By SPA,
Cairo : Chief of the Egyptian journalists Makram Mohammed Ahmad has underlined the significance of the world conference on dialogue due to be inaugurated in Madrid tomorrow.
In a statement to SPA, he said it is important to conduct dialogue, enhance understanding and to project Islam in its proper manner.
Noting that Islam calls for respecting other religions and cultures, he hoped that the conference would yield positive results.
Afghan president, UN envoy discuss election audit
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Thursday met the UN special envoy to the country and discussed the process of election audit, according to...
German president steps down over Afghanistan remarks
By DPA,
Berlin : German President Horst Koehler announced his resignation Monday, over controversial comments he made about Germany's military role in Afghanistan.
Koehler had suggested during a recent trip to Afghanistan that the German military was active in the region to defend economic interests.
Monday, he said he could not justify the remarks he had made, and said he had not exercised the necessary respect for his office.
Pakistan violates ceasefire on LoC in Kashmir
Jammu : Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian positions late Monday night on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's...
Northern Iraq Police Station Attacked
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : Friday's attack with explosives against a police station killed four agents and wounded another dozen in the northern city of Mosul, reported health authorities in the area.
A driver crashed his vehicle against Al Waqas police station at the center of that city.
According to an official version spread in Mosul 17 people were injured in those attacks, 10 of them police agents.
‘No visa-free entry for Bangladeshis’
New Delhi: Media reports that said the government was considering visa-free entry for Bangladeshi nationals were not correct and no such plan was in...
Can Sarkozy trigger changes in Israeli-Arab relations?
By Zhang Yanyang, Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Is French President Nicolas Sarkozy able to trigger a revolutionary change in local geopolitics or will he join the line of dignitaries who failed to leave an imprint on Israeli-Arab relations?
Israeli PM asks Abbas to help find missing teenagers
Jerusalem : Israel Monday asked Palestine to help in finding the three teenagers allegedly kidnapped last week, a statement the Israel prime minister's office...
Pakistan on security alert on Ramadan”s first Friday
By KUNA,
Islamabad : On the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, security has been put on high alert across Pakistan for fear of terror incidents, said police.
Security around mosques was enhanced and police and extra troops were vigilantly patrolling the streets in all major cities of the country, police sources told KUNA.
Sources from Quetta and Peshawar said that along with police, paramilitary troopers were being deployed to vital government buildings and foreign offices.
One killed as militants attack radar post in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least one security personnel was killed and two were injured as some unidentified militants attacked and briefly took control of a...
Kuwait tops list of press freedom in Arab World — survey
By KUNA,
Washington : Kuwait topped the list of freedom of the press in the Arab world, according to an annual survey of media independency in 195 countries and territories.
The survey said the country was one of the very few to enjoy such freedom not only of the press, but also of broadcast and internet media.
Iran won’t change nuclear position after UN resolution: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that new resolutions by the UN Security Council would not change his country's position in the nuclear dispute.
"They (veto powers) are just making tough gestures, but Iran will not give in to any language of force," Ahmadinejad told state television in an interview.
The UN Security Council last week issued a fourth resolution against Iran, calling on the Islamic state to halt its nuclear activities, but did not seek additional sanctions.
Taliban says it’s ready to face offensive as bombers attack base
By DPA,
Kandahar : The Taliban said Wednesday that its forces were ready to face a looming NATO offensive in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province as suicide bombers stormed a private security firm's base there.
At least four security personnel and two bombers were killed Tuesday night in the suicide blasts and two-hour battle that followed, said Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Israel completes troop pullout from Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel completed on Wednesday its troop pullout from Gaza more than three weeks after the start of its assault on the coastal enclave, the Israeli army's press service said.
An Israeli military statement said that the last soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces had left the Gaza Strip before dawn. Israel troops remain deployed near the Gaza border in case of any possible militant attack.
Olmert, Rice discuss Palestinian, Iranian dossiers — paper
By KUNA,
Gaza : US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice met early on Tuesday Israeli Prime minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem, Israeli daily "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported.
According to the daily, the talks were held at Olmert's house, where they discussed latest round of the ongoing negotiations between the Palestinian authority and Israel.
Rice and Olmert also went over what the daily termed "the Iranian nuclear threat" as well as the ongoing effort to release the imprisoned Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, captured by three Palestinian factions.
US asks India, Pakistan to resolve tensions to combat terrorism
Washington : Describing terrorism as a shared challenge and a shared responsibility, the United States has suggested all countries, including India and Pakistan,...
Death toll in Pakistan’s Peshawar car blast rises to 52
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The death toll of the Khyber Bazaar suicide blast in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar has reached 52 while a large number of victims are still under treatment in various hospitals, a local TV channel reported Saturday.
The authorities feared increase in the toll, the private TV GEO News reported.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the city, the capital of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), after the blast as investigations are underway.
Blast in Karachi kills two, injures 12
Karachi : Two people were killed and 12 injured in an explosion on Friday near a bus stop in the southern Pakistani port city...
Global crisis to hit Gulf economies on three fronts: report
By IANS,
Dubai : The global financial crisis is about to hit the economies of the Gulf nations on three critical fronts, slowing the region's pace of growth, according to a new report.
Lower crude oil prices, the drying up of foreign capital flows and declining demand for the region's energy-intensive industrial and building materials will slow down the growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, according to the GCC Economics and Strategy Report for the fourth quarter of 2008, released by leading Islamic investment bank Gulf Finance House (GFH).
German relief plane arrives in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A German military plane carrying relief supplies for Pakistani flood victims has arrived in Islamabad, a German embassy spokesman confirmed Saturday.
The plane carrying a cargo of 100 tonnes, including power generators and water pumps supplied by the German government, arrived at Chaklala airbase, near the capital Islamabad.
The aid is part of the NATO's assistance for Pakistan, which is seeing the worst floods in its history. More than 17 million people have been displaced by the flood waters that have swamped one fifth of the country.
16 killed in Gaza clash
By DPA,
Rafah (Gaza Strip) : A pro-Al Qaeda group which declared a theocratic Islamic emirate in the Gaza Strip battled it out Friday with Hamas policemen, leaving 16 dead and 120 wounded.
The fate of Abdel Latif Moussa, leader of the Jihad al-Salafi group also known as the Warriors of God, was unknown after Hamas police blew up his house adjacent to the mosque in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
He and several followers had been holed up in the complex for more than eight hours.
Syrian government seeks to boost cooperation with Red Cross
By IANS,
Damascus: Syrian Minister for Social Affairs said Tuesday that the government is keen to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross...
Kuwait PM continues touring polling stations
By KUNA,
Kuwait : His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah continued Saturday to visit polling stations in the different constituencies, expressing his content with the problem-free voting process.
While at a school in Bayan, first constituency, he wished all candidates "success in the service of our dear country, Kuwait," saying that the electoral process was going well.
Iran mosque blast kills 10
By IINA,
Tehran : At least 10 people have been killed and more than 150 wounded yesterday in an explosion at a mosque in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz. The blast "may have been caused by explosives left behind from an earlier exhibition commemorating" the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, Press TV reported. The semi-official Fars News Agency carried a similar report. "Based on the initial evaluation, the Saturday night explosion ... has not been intentional or sabotage," it quoted the commander of the security forces in the southern Fars province, Ali Moayedi, as saying.
UN chief condemns bomb attacks in Iraq
By DPA,
New York : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday "strongly" condemned bomb attacks that killed dozens of people in Baghdad and injured many more.
"No cause can justify these attacks on civilian targets," Ban said. He extended his "heartfelt condolences" to the government of Iraq, the victims and their families.
"The secretary general appeals to the people of Iraq to remain committed to a path of reconciliation despite such attacks, including through the ongoing election preparations," he said. "The United Nations remains committed to supporting them in that process."
Malaysia: Muslim in the country should project true Islamic teachings, says Former PM Dr...
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : The Muslim community should be more active in projecting the true Islamic teachings to the non-Muslims in the country by practising the true teachings of the religion.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Muslims should review deeply the Islamic teachings as stated in the Al-Quran, the true traditions of Prophet Muhammad (hadis) and must practise the true Islamic teachings so that the religion would be preceived to be dynamic and holy.
Explosion in northern Pakistan leaves 16 killed
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least sixteen people were killed and 12 others were wounded in a bomb explosion Sunday in a Pakistani northern district, said police.
A remote-controlled bomb, planted in a school building, exploded with a huge bang in Boneer area of Sawat district, police sources told KUNA.
At the time of explosion, polling for by-elections was underway and a large number of people had gathered to cast their votes.
The explosion killed at least sixteen people and wounded 12 others, said sources, adding that the school building was badly damaged.
UAE urged not to deport Tamil refugees
By IANS,
Beirut : Human Rights Watch has urged the UAE not to deport 19 Tamil refugees to Sri Lanka because they would be at serious risk of torture and persecution upon return.
US Plans Prison in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
Washington : The US Department of Defense advances plans to build a new jail in Afghanistan, confirming its intentions to run prisons in other countries.
The New York Times says the new prison will replace the cells at Bagram military base, north Kabul, that houses 630 inmates the White House considers terrorists.
President George W. Bush Administration announce its intentions to transfer them to a US-financed maximum security prison kept by local guards.
US, Lebanese officials discuss Washington’s policy towards Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : US and Lebanese officials and experts gathered in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of US policy towards Lebanon and how could the next Lebanese parliamentary elections change the dynamic in the Middle East.
Stability and democracy are important for Lebanon and Lebanese democracy has to deliver for its people", said Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a close advisor of President-elect Barack Obama.”
Arab League Does Not Reach Solution on Gaza
By SPA
United Nations : The Arab League on Thursday did not reach a solution on the situation in Gaza following the failure of the Security Council to pass a presidential draft statement on the humanitarian situation in that region.
Arab League UN Ambassador Yahya Mahmassani said on Thursday following the meeting with the Arab member states that they have agreed to “monitor the situation” in Gaza closely and to make decisions thereafter.
Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Tawfeeq Al Mansour said the Arab League had decided to “study the situation.”
Fifth day of London protests against Israeli terror machine
By IRNA,
London : As Israel continued its attacks on Gaza on Thursday, people thronged the Kensington High Street to cry their strong anti-Israeli feelings outside the regime's embassy in London.
This was the fifth consecutive day of protest in support of peace in Gaza and against the Israeli airstrikes the latest round of which killed a senior Hamas leader with his family.
IRNA correspondent reported from Kensington that tens of people were chanting anti-Israeli slogans in the first day of the New Year despite sub-zero freezing temperatures in central London.
Pakistan is the challenge, say US lawmakers
By IANS,
Washington : Top US lawmakers agree that Pakistan constituted the principal challenge for US policymakers as all major terror groups, including perhaps Osama bin Laden, were based in that country.
John Kerry, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, acknowledged Pakistan was at the core of US challenge in the Af-Pak region, as all major terror groups including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, blamed for the Mumbai terror attacks and Al Qaeda leaders, "most likely including Osama bin Laden", are based in Pakistan.
Toll in Iraq bombings rises to 54
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The death toll from the two bombs that went off in quick succession late Thursday in a busy business place in central Baghdad has risen to 54 with nearly 125 injured, a police source said.
According to the source, a roadside bomb exploded in the commercial Attar street in the capital's business district of Kharada. When the security forces and civilians gathered at the site, a suicide bomber blew himself up causing the mass casualty, he said.
Candidate for scheduled Kuwaiti polls makes vows to followers
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Respect for the state and its regulations and institutions should be observed by all Kuwaitis, a parliamentary candidate said.
Khalaf Al-Dumaitheer, addressing his last night's electoral campaign rally in Al-Sulaibikhat, said any insult or degredation of a civil servant or official constitute an offense against the state.
Pakistani security forces storm Taliban chief’s stronghold
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have fought their way into Makeen, which is the stronghold of the country's Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, during the ongoing operations against terrorists in South Waziristan.
The security forces have successfully entered Makeen area, Geo News reported Friday.
Five hideouts were destroyed and two militants were killed in a fierce battle.
Fighter jets, gunship helicopters and heavy artillery pounded the positions of the militants.
Syria, Lebanon agree to demarcate borders
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to resume a joint committee to demarcate their borders, a joint statement said after a summit between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his visiting Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman.
The statement was read out at a joint press conference by foreign ministers of the two countries, Syria's Walid al-Muallem and Lebanon's Fawzi Salukh.
Jordan’s first nuclear plant looms amid deals with Western powers
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan's first nuclear plant is looming in sight as it inked a preliminary nuclear cooperation deal with Britain on Sunday, the third one in a month with Western nuclear powers on pumping nuclear energy.
Under the latest deal, Britain and Jordan will jointly promote "the establishment of a reliable source of nuclear fuel for future civilian light water nuclear reactors" in the Arab kingdom, said Chairman of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Khalid Touqan.
Lebanon arrests three ‘Israeli spies’
By DPA,
Beirut : Lebanese security authorities have arrested three members of the same family on suspicion of spying for Israel, a Lebanese security source said Friday.
"A man, his wife and his brother were seized from their home in the town of Ghaziyeh, near the southern port of Sidon ... Friday," the source said.
The source said the arrests were based on information extracted from a retired Lebanese general charged with spying for Israel last month.
So far, 19 people have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel since January.
Turkey, US to sign deal to train Syrian rebels
Ankara: Turkey and the US are expected to sign a deal this month to train and equip Syrian opposition fighters as part of efforts...
Israeli forces retreat from decision to close a shopping mall in Nablus
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Israeli occupation authorities on Thursday retreated from its decision to close a shopping mall in the city of Nablus.
City Governor Jamal al-Mohaisen told the press that the decision came after political moves carried out by President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
He added that the peace process envoy, General William Fraser has mediated to the Israeli side, a matter that contributed to the retreat of Israel on its decision.
‘Allegation against Musharraf of Benazir’s murder ridiculous’
By IANS,
Islamabad/Karachi: Ruling out any involvement of Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, his spokesperson has said the allegation was "ridiculous".
Rashid Qureshi, spokesperson of former president Pervez Musharraf, has termed as ridiculousthe allegations of the assassination of Bhutto against Musharraf, saying the government is trying to involve Musharraf in every issue, Online news agency reported.
Israeli calls for waging wide-scale operation in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Calls increased in Israel for waging a wide-scale land operation against Palestinian factions in Gaza Strip in response to the missiles that were being launched from there at the southern areas of the Jewish state.
These calls coincided with a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Army Commander Gabi Ashkenazi this morning, to discuss the continued Palestinian missile attacks which led to injuries among Israelis last night.
Arab leaders hold close-door session
KUWAIT, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- Arab leaders convened Monday for a closed-door session of the Arab Economic Summit at Bayan Palace's Liberation Hall.
The agenda of the summit, dubbed "In Solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza," includes four topics: the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip, its repercussions, and means to achieve inter-Palestiniann reconciliation; Kuwait Declaration; the final communique; and resolutions.
The summit had been inaugurated this morning by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (
Afghan lawmakers reject woman’s nomination for Supreme Court
Kabul : Afghanistan's parliament on Wednesday rejected the first nomination of a woman for the country's Supreme Court after she failed to win the...
Osama bin Laden is dead: US reports
Washington, May 2 (IANS) Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been killed, US media reports said Monday.President Barack Obama is expected to make...
US magazine gets flak for running Bhutto interview
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : Widely circulated Parade magazine has defended its decision to run an interview with Benazir Bhutto conducted before the former Pakistani premier was assassinated, but many readers and bloggers have lambasted the magazine.
The US magazine's publisher, Randy Siegel, said Sunday's cover story on Bhutto was important enough to publish.
Malaysia to spend $13 million on Tamil schools
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government will spend 41.5 million ringgit ($13 million) to upgrade 40 Tamil schools in the country. The projects will begin in July.
"Thirty-one projects involve constructing additional buildings for schools while the rest involve upgrading," Malaysian Works Minister Mohamad Zin Mohamed was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper Thursday.
Islamophobia become socially accepted in UK, Muslim minister warns
By IRNA,
London : Britain’s only Muslim cabinet minister warned Thursday that Islamophobia has grown so much in the UK that it has become socially accepted.
Indian borders on alert after mutiny in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Guwahati/Agartala : India Wednesday put its frontier guards on maximum alert along the Bangladesh border following a border guard mutiny in the neighbouring country, officials said.
An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) official said troopers were put on high alert and additional reinforcements rushed to sensitive border areas along the northeastern states of Tripura and Assam.
"A high alert was sounded with senior officials asked to station themselves in the border outposts," A.K. Singh, a BSF spokesperson said.
Ahmadinejad challenges new Obama to debate
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Monday invited US President Barack Obama to a debate at the UN in New York.
"I want a debate with the US president at the UN in New York so that the whole world could listen and make its own judgement," Ahmadinejad said at a press conference in Tehran.
Two offers by Ahmadinejad to have a debate with former US President George W. Bush were rejected, while a letter by the Iranian president to his US counterpart was ignored.
"Not answering the letters was, itself, an answer," said the Iranian president.
IAEA’s Iran report has nothing new: Diplomat
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has said the UN atomic watchdog IAEA's latest report on its nuclear programme "has nothing new", IRNA reported Friday.
Iran's envoy Ali-Asghar Soltanieh said here Thursday the IAEA chief Mohammed ElBaradei's new report shows that its probe on the country's nuclear programme is ongoing and that it has not mentioned anything new.
UAE, Canada hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Ottawa: Top officials of the UAE and Canada have met here in Ottawa as well as in Ajman to discuss bilateral ties.
Six journalists detained, freed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two French and four Pakistani journalists were detained in Pakistan's Abbottabad city, where Osama bin Laden was killed in May, and later released.
Lack of rights hampers progress in Arab nations: UN
New York, July 22 (DPA) The lack of human rights, political and social justice as well as a stable environment has prevented individuals in Arab countries from improving, the UN Development Programme said Tuesday.
The UNDP said human security is a prerequisite for human development. But the widespread absence of security in Arab countries has reduced the ability of an Arab person to make good choices for his or her life.
UK Universities unlawfully giving data to police, says Muslim student
London, Mar 23, IRNA -- The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (Fosis) are advising students of their legal rights following disclosure that universities have been illegally providing counter-terrorism police with personal details.
“Universities and students unions have an obligation to uphold the rights of their students to the best of their ability,” said Fosis, which represents over 90,000 Muslim students in the UK and Ireland.
US-Iranian reporter to be released soon, says Iranian judiciary
By DPA,
Tehran : An Iranian-American radio reporter, detained since the end of January in a Tehran prison, will soon be released, a judiciary official said Friday.
ISNA news agency quoted him as saying investigations in the case of Roxana Saberi had been concluded and she would be released within the next few days.
He gave no further details on what Saberi was accused of and when exactly she would be released from the Evin prison.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had urged Iran Thursday to release Saberi and enable her return to her family in North Dakota.
Bangladesh offers India connection to northeastern states
By IANS,
Shillong: Bangladesh Friday offered India a connection to its northeastern states as well as Thailand and Myanmar via Bangladeshi territory.
"We are ready to take on our destiny as the natural bridge between two dynamically thriving regions - South and Southeast Asia," Bangladesh High Commissioner Tariq A. Karim said at the two-day international conference on "From Landlocked to Land-built: North East India in BIMSTEC" at the North East Hill University here.
UAE gives top priority to energy conservation
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE, which has the world's highest ecological footprint, is according top priority to environment conservation and has launched two major projects on recycling and conversion of waste into energy.
Ruling coalition partners meet to discuss judges restoration issue
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The ruling coalition partners got back to talks Tuesday a day after their meeting ended in a deadlock on how to restore judges, deposed by President Musharraf during his emergency rule to save his candidacy, and also on the constitutional package for judicial reforms.
Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) respectively, began talks to finalise the most-controversial issue of judges restoration in their partnership.
Three Israeli soldiers, four Palestinian militants killed in Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Gaza : Three Israeli soldiers and four Palestinian militants were killed in fighting near an oil terminal in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, the Israeli army and Hamas said.
Israel suspended fuel deliveries to Gaza last Wednesday after militants attacked the Nahal Oz fuel terminal leaving two Israeli civilians dead. In a retaliatory measure, involving tanks and helicopters, Israeli troops killed at least seven Palestinians.
Bangladesh court defers hearing of Khaleda’s petitions
Dhaka : The hearing of two petitions filed by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia relating to the Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia...
Syrian President, Turkish PM meet on peace process with Israel
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assadon Saturday held talks with visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on activation of the peace process in the Middle East.
The two leaders discussed "ways of activating a just and comprehensive peace process", said the official SANA news agency.
According to SANA, Assad praised efforts made by Turkey in this regard and expressed Syria's readiness to "continue cooperation with Turkey in all what serves security and stability of the region."
However, Assad did not reveal any more details.
Sadrist movement leader, judge killed in Iraq
By DPA
Baghdad : A leader of the Iraqi Shia Sadrist movement and a judge were killed in separate attacks in Iraq Monday, security sources said.
The Sadrists are loyal to radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
Fayad al-Mosawy, a senior Sadrist figure in the southern city of Basra, was killed by militants in the early hours of the morning, Hareth al-Azary of the Sadr movement said.
"Killing al-Mosawy is a horrible crime that apparently targets the Sadr movement," said al-Azary.
Iran pipeline: India seeks Pakistani assurances
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Islamabad : Underlining the importance of the proposed Iran pipeline for energy security, India Tuesday asked Pakistan to assure uninterrupted fuel supply from the proposed tri-nation gas pipeline and ensure the security of the $7 billion project that will go through the volatile regions of Balochistan.
"We are seriously in need of natural gas. We discussed security issues related to the pipeline," India's Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told reporters here after the fourth round of composite dialogue with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir here.
Pakistan wants to strengthen ties with China: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday said his country wants to further bolster the existing strong bilateral ties with China and to enhance the strategic economic cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan "attaches high value to its relations with china and takes pride in the success story of China", Zardari said while speaking to Chinese ambassador in Pakistan Luo Zhaohui who visited the president here Saturday, Online news agency reported.
Pakistan has offered joint probe of Mumbai attacks: Nawaz Sharif
By IANS,
Raiwind (Pakistan) : Former Pakistani prime minister and head of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan has offered India joint investigation of the Mumbai attacks, Online news agency reported Saturday.
Talking to media here after offering Friday prayers, Sharif cautioned India to take care while blaming Pakistan for the attacks.
Special letter on ‘Beyond Fitna’ released
By IRNA,
Tehran : A special letter featuring reflections on the film 'Beyond Fitna' worldwide was published by the official website of Islam and Christianity NGO, ngoic.com.
The special letter was released following the production of the film 'Beyond Fitna' by an Iranian popular organization in reaction to the insulting film 'Fitna' (sedition).
'Beyond Fitna' was welcomed in more than 100 countries including Poland, the US, Russia, Chile, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan and Germany.
Clinton says diplomacy with Iran not infinite
By IANS,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the time for diplomacy with Iran over its disputed nuclear programme is not "infinite".
Militant commander with 7 fellows killed in fresh Pakistan tribal region
By IRNA,
Islamabad : In fresh violence in a Pakistani tribal region, a militant commander along with seven fellows were killed on Monday, officials said.
Dead bodies of eight people were found near a bridge in the already troubled Kurram Agency.
A tribal militant commander known as "Raja" and seven of his group members were kidnapped from the area few days ago.
The local administration confirmed that eight bodies were recovered.
District governor killed in Afghanistan
Kabul : Unidentified armed men, presumably Taliban insurgents, gunned down a district governor in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Monday, an official said.
"Manan Khan, the...
Iran agrees to export natural gas to UAE
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran signed a $2 billion gas deal with Crescent Petroleum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the English-language Press TV reported Saturday.
According to the 25-year gas deal signed Friday, Iran will export natural gas from the country's Salman field to UAE, said the report.
The agreed price of natural gas is reportedly four times the price Crescent Petroleum pays for importing gas from Qatar and more than five times the average weighted price for gas in the Middle East and North Africa.
Hope for Israel-Hamas ceasefire emerging: UN
By DPA,
New York : The search for a sustainable Israel-Hamas ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was emerging as countries engaged in resolving the conflict were reaching a consensus, a UN official said Wednesday.
"It seems that the elements for a way out of this crisis are emerging, but more work needs to be done quickly to flesh out a package and secure a buy-in of the crucial players," Robert Serry, the UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process said at UN headquarters in New York.
Iran, Pakistan to expedite process for 1000 mw power import
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expedite the process of importing 1000 MW power by Pakistan from Iran on fast track basis for its early completion, officials said on Thursday.
The agreement came in a meeting between Iranian Ambassador Masha’Allah Shakeri and Pakistan Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf who also discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations to further boost economic ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Water and Power said.
Suicide attack targets German military attache in Kabul
By KUNA,
Kabul : Two Afghan civilians were killed and three others were wounded in a suicide attack that targeted a vehicle boarding the German military attache in Kabul on Sunday, police said.
The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who was on foot. The bomber hurled himself at the vehicle carrying in western part of the city.
Officials at the German embassy were not available for comment.
Pakistan begins offensive against Taliban, Al Qaeda
By DPA,
Islamabad : A senior Pakistani official said Saturday government forces had started a much-awaited ground offensive against Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgents in the lawless South Waziristan tribal region along the Afghan border.
"Our ground troops have started action in various areas of South Waziristan. They are being supported by the air force," Sama television quoted Tariq Hayyat Khan, the security head of the tribal region of which South Waziristan is a district, as saying.
The offensive will continue until the terrorists are eliminated, he added.
Larijani’s brother to become Iran’s new judiciary chief
By DPA,
Tehran: The brother of Iran's parliament speaker and former chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani is to be appointed as new chief of the country's judiciary, the Fars news agency reported Tuesday.
The spokesman of the judiciary commission of the parliament, Mohammad-Taqi Rahbar, told Fars that Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani will officially succeed Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi as judiciary head at the end of August.
Palestinian militants, Israeli forces clash east of Rafah
By KUNA
Gaza : The military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Al-Quds Brigades, said a number of its activists clashed early Saturday with Israeli forces that infiltrated Rafah City south of Gaza Strip.
In a press release, the brigades said its fighters discovered that special Israeli forces sneaked into Al-Nahdha district in Rafah and clashes erupted.
The Palestinians set off a bomb, opened fire, and threw hand grenades at the Israelis, causing casualties among them.
The brigades stressed that it would resist any Israeli incursion into Palestinian territories.
People in India, Pakistan want govts to resolve all issues
By NNN-PTI,
Washington : People in both India and Pakistani are open to resolving the all issues between the two countries.
The survey has shown that on neither side is there strong majority opposition to Kashmir becoming an independent country or dividing Kashmir between Pakistan and India.
"Given the deep roots of the conflict over Kashmir, it is surprising that the conflict does not muster clearly polarised majorities in Pakistan and India, falling in line behind their governments positions," remarked Clay Ramsay, Research Director of WorldPublicOpinion.Org.
25 killed in Iraq truck bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 25 people were killed and 75 wounded Tuesday when a booby-trapped truck blew up at a busy marketplace in a southern province in Iraq, Xinhua reported.
Syria confirms four-way summit during Sarkozy’s visit
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria confirmed on Tuesday that a four-way summit would be held during the two-day official visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
A quartet summit among Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan would be held in Damascus, the official SANA news agency reported.
UAE bars 6 foreign newspapers for lack of printing rights
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) barred six foreign languages newspapers from going to press in the country due to their lack of printing rights, local newspaper Gulf News reported on Friday.
The decision was made by the UAE National Media Council (NMC), a government unit that oversees media development in the Gulf country, said the report.
The six publications include four dailies in Malayalam, a language spoken in southwest India, and one daily and one weekly in the official Pakistani language of Urdu.
Egypt arrests 23 opposition Muslim Brotherhood members
By DPA,
Cairo : Egyptian security forces Tuesday arrested 23 members of the banned opposition Muslim Brotherhood group as they prepared to meet to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, according to a security official.
The official said 23 people were arrested in front of Egypt's Doctors Syndicate, where the meeting to discuss Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip was due to take place.
Earlier on Tuesday, dozens of security officials were seen surrounding the syndicate, located in downtown Cairo.
Palestinians injured trying to prevent demolition of house in Jerusalem
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Several Palestinians were injured on Monday as they tried to prevent demolition of a house in Beit Hanina in Jerusalem, sources said.
The Palestinian sources in Jerusalem said Israeli Army forces besieged the house of Majed Abe-isha in Biet Hanina.
Protesters trying to prevent a demolition were later attacked and injured, including Hatim Abdul-Qader, the advisor of president Mahmoud Abbas for Jerusalem Affairs.
The protestors spent the night and performed the Dawn Prayer (Fajer) around the house to stop the Israeli bulldozers, the sources added.
Saudi Arabia dismisses Moussaoui’s allegations
Washington : Saudi Arabia has dismissed claims by a convicted terrorist that it had a role in the 9/11 attacks in the US.
While dismissing...
Myanmar declares state of emergency in Kokang region
Yangon: The Myanmar government Tuesday declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law in the Kokang region of Shan state following week-long armed...
Egypt extends emergency law
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Egyptian parliament has approved the extension of emergency law for another two years as of June 1.
Out of the 03 deputies, 305 members of parliament voted Monday for the two-year renewal, with 103 rejections.
The General Committee of the People's Assembly, lower house of Egyptian parliament, called for the emergency law to be extended under the current circumstances, arguing that terrorism had become a global, not only local, phenomenon.
Pakistan PM will have bilateral meeting with Malaysian PM
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who arrives here on Monday for the Group of Eight Islamic Developing Countries (D-8) Summit, will have a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He will also be engaged in similar meetings with leaders of other D-8 members Indonesia and Bangladesh. Other members of the grouping are Egypt, Iran, Nigeria and Turkey.
UN approves resolution on Gaza ceasefire
By RIA Novosti,
New York : The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution urging an immediate and durable Gaza ceasefire.
Fourteen of the Council's 15 members voted late on Thursday in favor of the move, while only the United States abstained.
The resolution, presented by the United Kingdom, calls for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and for renewed efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace, and also states that humanitarian aid should be allowed into Gaza.
Airbus confirms Gulf Air order of 35 Aircraft
By NNN-KUNA,
Paris : Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for 35 aircraft.
This new order will more than double the number of Airbus aircraft in its fleet, the plane manufacturer announced Wednesday.
The contract was signed by Gulf Air CEO Bjorn Naf and Airbus president and CEO Tom Enders at the Berlin Air show.
What would Prophet Muhammad do?
By Asma Uddin
Scholar and author Omid Safi is best known to many Muslim Americans as being at the forefront of the Progressive Muslims movement, which finds in Islamic spirituality a powerful voice for social justice and pluralism. In his latest book, "Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters" (Harper Collins), Safi explores the origins of that spirituality: the character and being of the Prophet Muhammad.
Attack on Israeli Demona kills at least seven – Israeli army
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : An attack on a mall in Demona, southern Israel, left at least seven Israelis dead and scores others injured, the army said.
"An attacker, who appeared to be a Palestinian, entered the mall this morning wearing an explosive belt and blew himself up, killing seven others and injuring scores of shoppers," the Israeli Army said Monday.
An army spokesman told Radio Israel security forces found a second belt that did not go off in the same mall, indicating another attacker could still be around.
Turkish leader arrives in Damascus
By SPA,
Damascus, Syria : Turkey's Prime Minister arrived in Damascus Saturday for talks with Syria's leader on rising prospects for Syrian-Israeli peace, the Associated Press reported.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was originally here to open a Syrian-Turkish business forum. But his visit has gained added significance with Syrian President Bashar
Assad's announcement that he received an Israeli offer of a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights in return for a peace treaty.
Najran Region Border Guards foil Hashish Smuggling
By SPA
Najran, Saudi Arabia : Border guard patrols in Najran foiled yesterday smuggling of hashish after smugglers fired on patrol members, who in turn responded by firing before the smugglers escaped southwards, leaving behind them 140 kilograms of hashish and some weapons.
Israeli troops open fire on south Lebanon after rocket attacks
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israeli troops opened fire on southern Lebanon on Wednesday in response to rockets fired from Lebanese territory, an army spokesman said.
"We returned fire at the source [of the rocket launches]," the spokesman said. He confirmed that several rockets launched from Lebanon on Wednesday had hit northern Israel. "We have no information about damage or casualties," the spokesman said.
At least three rockets were launched from inside Lebanon last week, injuring two people in northern Israel. Israeli troops responded with artillery fire.
Burj Dubai the world’s tallest structure
By NNN-WAM
Dubai : The Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower) has surpassed the height of the KVLY-TV mast in North Dakota, United States, to become the world's tallest man-made structure.
Developed by the Emaar Properties, the iconic high-rise Burj Dubai is now 629 metres (2,063.6 ft) high while KVLY-TV, which holds the record for the world's tallest supported structure since 1963, has a height of 628.8 metres (2,063 ft).
Bomb blast rocks Afghan capital, causing no casualties
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A bomb blast rocked the Afghan capital on Saturday night, but causing no casualties, deputy Kabul police chief Alishah Paktiawal said.
Paktiawal told Xinhua two bombs exploded, giving no more information.
An unnamed local police official while reached by Xinhua said the explosion occurred near a local police department in northwest part of the capital city.
Key Taliban commander killed in eastern Afghanistan
Kabul: A key Taliban commander was killed along with three other militants on Saturday when security forces raided terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan's eastern Wardak...
Gaza toll 1,363 as Israel calls up more reservists
Gaza/Jerusalem : The toll in the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has escalated to 1,363, the Palestinian health ministry said Thursday even...
Abdullah pulls out of Afghan presidential runoff poll
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan presidential challenger Abdullah Abdullah Sunday announced he would not participate in a planned runoff election, saying that political conditions could not guarantee a fair process.
The former foreign minister's decision to withdraw leaves President Hamid Karzai as the only candidate, and casts doubt over the legitimacy of his administration, particularly as regards his key ally the US.
Pakistani minister hurt in ambush
By IANS,
Islamabad : A provincial minister was injured in an ambush when his convoy was travelling in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a media report said Monday.
Obama promises closer economic ties with Muslim world
By DPA,
Cairo : In a much-anticipated speech to the Muslim world from Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama said he would expand economic, scientific and educational ties with predominantly Muslim countries.
"We will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries," Obama said.
"I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world," the US president said.
Hasina to resume poll campaign despite security warnings
By IANS,
Dhaka : Amid reports of a plot to kill her, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina Monday said she would resume her campaign for the poll due Dec 29 despite warnings from authorities.
She is scheduled to travel north to Rangpur and Dinajpur districts and return home to the national capital Tuesday night after addressing several rallies, the Star Online said Monday evening.
880 mn people lack access to clean water: Red Cross
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : A total of 880 million people around the globe do not have access to clean water, while 2.7 billion lack proper sanitation facilities, the Red Cross said Monday.
Climate change, rapid unplanned urbanisation and migration are increasingly having a negative effect on the poorest communities in the world, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in Kuala Lumpur.
Timed to coincide with the March 22 United Nations' World Water Day, the IFRC statement called for more activities regarding water use, sanitation and hygiene.
Hostages in Philippines plead for their lives
Manila:Two German hostages held by the Philippine Islamic group Abu Sayyaf appealed for their lives Monday, urging authorities in Berlin to pay a ransom...
U.S., Iraqi troops build concrete walls in Baghdad’s Sadr City
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. and Iraqi troops are building concrete walls through Baghdad's Shiite bastion of Sadr City in an attempt to prevent militias from firing mortars and rockets on the Green Zone, an Interior Ministry source said on Saturday.
Hundreds of barriers of concrete blocks, some up to three meters high, are being erected to construct walls along the main streets of the sprawling neighborhood of Sadr City in order to control access in and out of the divided areas, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Spanish police discover Al-Qaeda Internet handbook
By ANTARA News/DPA,
Madrid : Spanish police have discovered an internet handbook for al-Qaeda`s European cells on the use of remote-controlled bombs against international troops in Lebanon and Afghanistan, the radio station Cadena Ser reported Monday.
The eight-page handbook dating from early July contained detailed instructions on how to stage non-suicide bombings using auto-piloted light aircraft and cars.
The instructions included three different ways to set off aircraft bombs by remote control.
India to host 4th business conference with Arab League
New Delhi : Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the 4th India-Arab conference here Wednesday to advance ties with a region so crucial for...
Verdict against Bangladesh’s Islamist party chief put off
Dhaka : A court in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Tuesday postponed pronouncement of the verdict in a war crimes case against the country's largest Islamist...
US drone kills five in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least five people were killed in a US drone strike launched early Wednesday in Pakistan's tribal region of North Waziristan, a...
Four killed in Iraq twin car bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least four people were killed and eight injured in two car bomb explosions which rocked central Baghdad Sunday, an interior ministry source said.
"Our reports said that at least four people were killed and more than eight injured in two car bomb attacks near Baghdad Provincial Council and Mosul Hotel," Xinhua reported quoting the unnamed the source.
At least 12 civilian cars were charred and some were totally destroyed by the powerful blasts, it reported.
21 killed in tribal clashes in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 21 people were killed and 35 injured in tribal clashes in northwest Pakistan's Kurram tribal agency Wednesday.
The clashes between Bangash and Turi tribesmen entered the 14th day Wednesday and both sides used artillery, mortar and automatic weapons against each other, Geo TV channel reported.
Members of the Jirga, or tribal elders' council, have failed to persuade the two sides to stop fighting and proposed that the security forces launch operations against them.
Indo-Arab League team to visit Palestine
Hyderabad: A delegation of the Indo-Arab League led by its chairman Syed Vicaruddin will visit Palestine and Jordan.
The nine-member team will leave for Palestine...
Iran can neutralise all sanctions: Vice president
Tehran: Iran's First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said Saturday that Iran has caused a crack in the wall of sanctions, hoping that it could...
Somalia bombing kills 30, maims many
By IANS,
Mogadishu : At least 30 people were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives near the education ministry in the Somalia capital, Xinhua reported.
Bangladesh to probe charges against Grameen Bank founder
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government would investigate the alleged unauthorised fund transfer by Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus.
Iran, India discuss ways of expanding bilateral relations
By IRNA,
Tehran : Visiting Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee conferred on Sunday with Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on expansion of mutual relations as well as regional developments.
At the meeting, Mottaki expressed satisfaction with the current volume of trade exchange between the two countries which is the outcome of 15th Iran-India Joint Economic Commission meeting.
Sharing deep-rooted historical and cultural bounds, the two countries have always adopted a strategic approach to meet the two nations' interests, he said.