Iran dismisses U.S. concern over space drive
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran on Tuesday dismissed the U.S. concern over its drive to develop space technology, one day after Washington described the Islamic Republic's launch of a rocket into space as "unfortunate."
"The government is responsible for progress and development of the country and is not responsible for others' concern," Iranian government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham told his weekly press conference.
Musharraf’s support to the US fuelled militancy: Pakistan officials
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Blaming President Pervez Musharraf's decision to support the US in its war against terrorism for the rise in militancy in Pakistan, officials of the restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP) claimed the Taliban were being supported by other nations.
Ayatollah Khamenei writes open letter to Western youth, talks about Islam & prejudice
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Tehran: In a rare effort to reach out to the youth in Europe and North America, the Supreme leader of Iran Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has written an open letter on Islam and prejudices.
On official trip to Pakistan, UK minister joins family wedding
By IANS,
London : A Pakistani-origin British cabinet minister, who went on an official trip to the country to witness the devastation caused by floods, slipped out to attend a family wedding.
Erekat: Abbas, Olmert to meet in Jerusalem later Sunday
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet in Jerusalem later on Sunday, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
It will be the second meeting in less than a week between the two leaders who met in Jerusalem on April 7 for the first time in nearly two months.
During their three-hour meeting, the two sides agreed to continue talks and pledged to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2008, a goal set at an International peace conference last November.
Official: 17 killed in bus, train collision in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : At least 17 people were killed and 21 others were injured in a collision between a express train and a passenger bus early Wednesday morning in Bangladesh's Tangail district, about 80 km northwest of capital Dhaka, according to an official.
Deputy Commissioner of Tangail Akhter Ali Sarker, chief executive of the district, confirmed to Xinhua on the phone at the scene that 17 persons were killed in the accident.
Lakhvi leads luxurious life in Pakistani jail
Islamabad : Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi has been living a luxurious life in a jail in Pakistan's Rawalpindi city, with access...
UN committed to helping Iraqis build a peaceful future
By Xinhua
United Nations : The United Nations remains committed to helping Iraqis build a peaceful future, a UN spokesperson said Wednesday.
"Our focus is not at looking back, but rather at helping Iraqis build a peaceful future," said Michele Montas, when asked about the role UN chief Ban Ki-moon is playing in Iraq five years after the start of the war there.
The United Nations has been doing all it can and it will continue to do so, working under Security Council resolutions, Montas said.
U.S. death toll in Afghanistan reaches 1,000 troops
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The number of U.S. service personnel killed in Afghanistan since military operations began in 2001 has reached 1,000, the icasualties.org web site reported on Tuesday.
The independent site tracks losses suffered by international military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. It said the 1,000 death occurred on Monday, citing a U.S. military command announcement on the death of a soldier in southern Afghanistan.
Three killed in Karachi violence
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least three people have been killed in Pakistan's port city of Karachi in different incidents of violence, Dawn News reported Saturday.
French woman aid worker kidnapped in Yemen: Report
By IANS,
Paris : A French woman aid worker has been abducted in Yemen, a media report said.
Pakistan: Zardari says he’ll seek working relationship with President
By NNN-APP
New York : Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari was on Monday quoted by a major US newspaper as saying that he would seek a working relationship with President Pervez Musharraf since their coalition government may not able to impeach him.
“The ground reality is that we do not have two-thirds majority in both the houses of Parliament” that would be required for a successful impeachment, Zardari said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“Our main objective is to work for the smooth transition to democracy,” he said.
Iran begins project for manned space flight by 2021
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran has kicked off a 12-year project to send an astronaut into space, just days after putting its first home-built satellite into orbit, Press TV reported Thursday.
"The programme's preliminary needs, assessments and feasibility studies have been carried out," said Reza Taqipour, the head of the Iranian Aerospace Organization.
The organisation had drawn up a comprehensive plan for the project and various academic and research institutions must play to carry out a successful space mission by 2021, he said.
Three civilians killed in Afghan roadside bomb blast
By SPA
Kabul : Three people including a woman were killed and five were wounded when their vehicle was blown up by a remote-controlled device in south-eastern Afghanistan, DPA quoted police sources as saying on Saturday.
The group, who were members of the same family, were travelling on Saturday morning in Alisher district of Khost province when the tractor in which they were riding was blown up, Mohammad Ayoub, provincial police chief told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.
UK troops put under US command in Helmand
By IRNA,
London : Around 8,000 British troops in Helmand are being put under US command in a major restructuring plan following the dispatch of some 20,000 American reinforcements to the volatile province in southern Afghanistan.
Under the arrangements announced by Britain’s Ministry of Defence, the existing Regional Command (South) will be split during the summer into two new headquarters based in Helmand and Kandahar.
‘Exports driving meat prices out of Pakistani people’s reach’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Meat, already out of the reach of the poor in Pakistan, will soon become too costly for most of the people unless the government steps in to ban exports being done in violation of the rules, an editorial in a Pakistani paper said Thursday.
"The government should first endeavour to fulfil the needs of the domestic consumers and only after their requirement is met, should exports be allowed," urged the editorial in the Daily Jang.
अजमेर के हिन्दू दुकानदार मानते हैं उन पर है गरीब नवाज की रहमत का...
अजमेर में ख़्वाजा गरीब नवाज दरगाह स्थानीय नागरिकों को आर्थिक रूप से सक्षम बना रही है। इनमे दुकानदार ज्यादातर हिन्दू समुदाय से आते हैं।...
Russia calls for restraint amid Lebanon crisis
By Xinhua
Moscow : Russia on Monday called Lebanese political leaders to show restraint and calm in a bid to prevent further escalation of the most serious political deadlock that has sparked riots in the Arab nation.
"It is important to prevent further escalation and search for ways to settle all disputes by dialogue and within the Constitution," Itar-Tass news agency quoted Foreign Ministry sources as saying.
2 British soldiers killed in blast in Afghanistan
By SPA
Kabul, Afghanistan : A blast struck a NATO patrol in southern Afghanistan, killing two British soldiers, a spokesman for the force said Monday.
The troops were airlifted to a military hospital after they were caught in the explosion during a routine patrol Sunday in the volatile southern part of the country where Taliban fighters are active, NATO said in a statement. Both died at the hospital of their injuries, the Associated Press reported.
Policeman dies, 2 wounded in attack in Pakistan’s NW
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A policeman was killed and two others were injured in an overnight attack on a security check post in Pakistan's restive northwest, police said Wednesday.
In another development, suspected militants burnt six girl schools in Swat Valley, according to a police report.
Three school buildings, too, were completely burnt, police said.
Taliban had claimed responsibility for burning of the schools, although the action is contrary to their agreement in a peace deal signed with the government last month.
Pakistan’s Qureshi refuses to take oath as minister
By IRNA,
Islamabad: Pakistan ’s former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has refused to take oath in the new cabinet, which took oath on Friday.
Pakistan shifting focus from India to Al Qaeda: US
By IANS
Washington : Pakistan's army has started to switch its traditional security focus from the external threat from India to internal threat from Al Qaeda and other extremists, a top US commander said.
This shift has been driven by recent events, including the rise of militants in Pakistan's Swat Valley, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and the siege of the Red Mosque in Islamabad, Navy Admiral William J. Fallon, commander of US Central Command, said Wednesday.
Israeli minister calls for regional peace plan
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel should come up with a comprehensive regional peace initiative similar to that presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday.
Israel, he told Israel Army Radio, shared a "deep common interest" with moderate Arab countries regarding Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
"There is definitely room to present an overall Israeli plan against that of the Saudis, so there can be a basis for discussion on a comprehensive regional peace," he said.
Inform about jailed foreigners waiting deportation: Delhi HC
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Delhi High Court Thursday directed the central government to inform it on the number of jailed foreigners waiting for...
Tehran denies deficit of uranium for nuclear programs
By RIA Novosti,
TEHRAN : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqawi denied on Wednesday Western media reports that the country is experiencing a shortage of uranium in its nuclear industry.
In January, Britain's Times newspaper citing diplomatic sources reported that Iran's chemical concentrates from natural uranium ore would run out within several months and Tehran would have to purchase the raw materials from abroad.
3 NATO soldiers killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Three soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have been killed and one ISAF soldier has wounded in an insurgent suicide attack in southern Afghanistan, the military alliance said Monday.
Four ISAF soldiers were initially wounded in the June 8 blast and after being evacuated to an ISAF base three of them died of wounds, the ISAF said in a statement.
Pakistan has not rejected India’s evidence on terrorism: Envoy
By IANS,
New Delhi : Islamabad has not “rejected” the evidence handed over by New Delhi, which points to the involvement of elements across the border in the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan's envoy here said Tuesday.
“There is no question of rejection of material that the Indian government has given us,” Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik told reporters here on the sidelines of a conference of Asia Africa Rural Development Organisation.
“We are in the process of examining the evidence and we will get in touch with authorities,” Malik said.
NAM: US Stalls Security Council on Gaza
By Prensa Latina
United Nations : The Non-Aligned Movement expressed regret Friday at the incompetence of the Security Council to face the current crisis in the Palestinian territory of Gaza and its silence on the terrible humanitarian conditions there.
A NAM Coordination Bureau declaration noted with regret that once again the highest UN entity has been incapable of pronouncing on the situation in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel.
The document points out that this recent failure will neither improve what happens there nor help to boost peace process.
Population by religions in times to come
Insecurity and ghettoisation have made Indian Muslims vulnerable and they have become more susceptible to the influence of conservative maulanas advising against the family planning etc.
By Ram Puniyani,
The PEW Research Centre has released a report (on April 2, 2015), which gives the projections of populations in times to come. It says that in India, the population of Hindus will fall down from present 79.5 % to 76.7% and the Muslim population will rise up to 18% by 2050. The population of Indian Muslims will overtake the population of Muslims in Indonesia and Pakistan.
Mideast Quartet to meet in Berlin to talk peace efforts
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The "Quartet" of mediators in the Middle East conflict will meet in Berlin on Tuesday to discuss the latest peace efforts in the region, Russia's Foreign Ministry said.
The United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations will focus on peace talks underway between the Israelis and Palestinians, including a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and the radical Islamic group Hamas, which came into force on Thursday.
Way cleared for mosque near 9/11 ‘ground zero’
By IANS,
New York : The way has been cleared for converting a property near 'ground zero' in New York into an Islamic community centre and mosque. However, everyone is not happy with the decision.
National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of those killed in the 2001 attacks.
ICRC calls for access to wounded, dead in Gaza
By KUNA,
Geneva : The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) demanded Thursday that the Israeli military grant its ambulances and those of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) safe passage and access immediately to search for any other wounded people in Zeytun, Gaza.
Until now, the ICRC has still not received confirmation from the Israeli authorities that this will be allowed.
Bush shoe-thrower sentenced to three years in prison
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : An Iraqi court Thursday sentenced the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at then US president George W. Bush to three years in prison.
Muntadhar al-Zaidi, 30, a reporter with Cairo-based Baghdadia Iraqi Television, pleaded not guilty at the Iraqi Central Criminal Court in Baghdad.
Muntadhar has been in custody after he threw his shoes at Bush during his joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad Dec 14, 2008.
UAE, Pakistan discuss trade cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan have held talks over trade cooperation between the two countries.
Bangladesh PM Hasina narrowly escapes blast
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday narrowly escaped a bomb blast which occurred in a Dhaka neighbourhood minutes after her convoy passed...
Arab justice ministers reject attempts to undermine Sudan’s sovereignty
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab justice ministers, in an extraordinary meeting here, have voiced solidarity with Sudan against any attempt targeting its sovereignty, unity and stability, as well as rejecting bids to undermine the immunity of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.
At the conclusion Sunday of the meeting, chaired by Kuwait Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Hussein Al-Huraiti, the ministers said the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor's arrest warrant against Al-Bashir should be channelled through Sudanese legislation.
UAE, Syria sign air services agreement
By IANS,
Damascus : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Syria have initialled an air services agreement here, WAM news agency reported Friday.
The agreement was signed Thursday by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and Hazem Al Khadraa, director general of Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
The two sides agreed to designate all UAE national airlines for unrestricted passenger flights to Syrian cities, with the exception of Damascus and meet again in 2009 to discuss potentials for an 'open sky' agreement between the two countries.
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.
Hamas vows to respond fiercely if Israel assassinates Islamic leaders
By Xinhua
Gaza : Hamas on Monday vowed to respond fiercely to Israel if it targets the Islamic movement's leaders in Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a news conference in Gaza, Hamas spokesman Sami AbuZuhri said Israeli media reported that Premier Ehud Olmert approved the assassination of Hamas leaders and this would not "terrify Hamas or the Palestinian people."
"Instead, this will boost our determination to fight the Israelis," he said.
‘Clusters of Light’ delivers tolerant, moderate message of Islam: Sharjah ruler
Sharjah: "Clusters of Light", an epic operetta which presents the story of Islam since the birth of Prophet Mohammed and his efforts to spread...
Bangladeshi detained ex-PM Hasina released
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Detained Bangladesh former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was released here Wednesday for interim period of two months to enable her medical treatment abroad following an executive order issued by the government.
Hasina who ruled the country as prime minister (1996-2001) was arrested on July 16 last year in connection with a corruption case during the anti-corruption crackdown by the incumbent caretaker government.
Emulate Kejriwal, says Pakistani daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : A leading Pakistani daily Sunday called for emulating Arvind Kejriwal, who quit as chief minister of India's national capital, and said...
11 killed as van plunges into ravine in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least 11 people were killed and 12 others injured when a passenger van plunged into a ravine in Pakistan's Punjab province Sunday,...
Afghan police foil heroin smuggling to Tajikistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Police in Afghanistan's northeast Badakhshan province foiled traffickers' attempt to smuggle heroin to Tajikistan, said a statement of Interior Ministry released Sunday.
"Police on Sunday thwarted smugglers' attempt to take 60 kg heroin to Tajikistan, "the statement said.
However, it said those involved in the black business escaped.
Afghanistan with an output of 8,200 tons of opium poppy in 2007 topped the poppy growing nations in supplying the raw material in manufacturing heroin in the world.
Taliban attacks governor’s convoy in central Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Taliban militants set off a bomb in central Afghanistan's Wardak province on Tuesday as a convoy carrying the provincial governor passed by on the way to the capital, Kabul, local radio reported.
The governor, Muhammad Halim Fidai, was not injured in a blast, caused by a remote-controlled roadside bomb, the Salam Watandar radio said, adding that four suspects were detained shortly after the incident.
Suicide bomb attack kills four in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Four people were killed Wednesday in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, the private Express TV channel reported.
According to the report, a suicide bomber rammed his explosives laden vehicle into a security convoy in Pirqalla town of the province, killing four people in the process.
No further details were immediately available.
Germany welcomes Iran-IAEA agreement on resolving questions
Berlin, Jan 14, IRNA ,The German Foreign Ministry here Monday hailed the latest agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran to resolve all outstanding questions over Tehran's nuclear program.
Speaking at a routine government press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger welcomed the visit of the head of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei to Tehran.
Iran summons Dutch ambassador over controversial Quran film
By IINA
Tehran : Iran’s Foreign Ministry yesterday summoned the Dutch ambassador to protest against the controversial film Fitna (strife) by a Dutch politician, state radio said. Iran denounced the film by Geert Wilders as “heinous” and urged European governments to stop any further broadcasting of the 17-minute-film which depicts Islam as a violent faith. A senior diplomat from Slovenia, which currently holds the European Union presidency, was also summoned, the broadcast continued.
75,000 soldiers deployed for Pakistan polls
By IANS,
Islamabad : As many as 75,000 soldiers stood guard across Pakistan as polling began Saturday.
Security cameras had been installed where necessary, a military official told Dawn.
‘Facebook plays critical role in Arab world’s social movements’
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Networking sites like Facebook and Twitter will continue to play a critical role in organising social and civil movements in the Arab world, a new report says.
Britain supports peace talks in Pakistan to fight terror
By DPA,
Peshawar/Islamabad : Britain Sunday favoured a negotiated settlement to quell terrorism in Pakistan's north-western tribal region, but emphasized that there was no "quick fix" either through military means or dialogue.
"This is a long slow process that needs to engage the hearts and minds of hundreds and thousands of people," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband told reporters in Peshawar city, the capital of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Israeli crimes in Gaza war crimes against humanity – Arab League
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Arab League Council has strongly condemned the Israeli crimes in Gaza, calling for documenting them as war crimes against humanity.
In a press release issued Wednesday in its extraordinary session on the Israeli assault on Gaza, the council denounced the Israeli crimes and killing and injury of civilian Palestinians and great damage caused to Gaza facilities.
The release recalled that the Israeli leadership threatened a "holocaust" against the Palestinian people.
Turkish army holds drills on Syria border
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Ankara : The Turkish army is conducting exercises with ground forces and tanks near its border with Syria, national media reported Thursday.
Afghanistan will not compromise on foreign policy: Karzai
New Delhi : Afghanistan will not compromise on the independence of its foreign policy, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Wednesday.
Karzai noted that the...
UK MPs urge EU to continue accession talks with Turkey
By IRNA,
London : An all-party group of British MPs Monday called on the EU to continue accession talks with Turkey in good faith.
In a report on Keeping the door wide open: Turkey and EU accession, the parliamentary Business and Enterprise Committee acknowledged difficulties and obstacles, particularly due to severe political and constitutional difficulties in the country this year.
Pakistani Heroin Smuggler executed
By SPA
Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia : Wasee-Allah Rafee-Allah Khan, a Pakistani national, was beheaded here today after being convicted of smuggling heroin into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said a statement released by the interior ministry.
The culprit was convicted by the court and the verdict was approved by the supreme judicial council.
The statement confirmed the determination of the Saudi government to ensure law and order and to severely punish criminals.
Israel to withhold Palestinian tax transfers over unity government
Jerusalem : Israel's cabinet has decided in an emergency meeting to withhold tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority as means of sanctions over the...
Israeli jets target Hamas post in Gaza
Gaza: Israeli war jets struck a Hamas military post Saturday in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, security officials said.
The security officials and...
Pakistan imports 225,000 tonnes of Wheat
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan has received 225,000 tonnes of imported wheat while another 245,000 tonnes will arrive by the end of the current month, said Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Tenders will be opened to import additional 610,000 tonnes wheat: 460,000 tonnes red wheat and 150,000 tonnes white wheat. The additional wheat will arrive in Pakistan by the mid of February.
Israel launches aerial surveillance in Jerusalem to fight riots
Jerusalem: The Jerusalem mayor's office announced Wednesday the launch of an aerial surveillance unit that would help security forces curb a wave of riots...
Pakistani students interact with youths in Delhi schools
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak Friendship initiative of India based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst – TC, organized Aman Chaupal on 4th October at two centres - Hastal Village and Jeevan Park, of AAM Foundation, an NGO that provides free English classes.
UN chief calls for halt to new Israeli settlements in West Bank
By APP
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Israeli Government to halt the expansion of settlements after it approved the resumption of the construction of 750 housing units in Givat Zeev on the West Bank.
“Any settlement expansion is contrary to Israel’s obligations under the Road Map and to international law,” Mr. Ban said through a statement released by his spokesperson.
Uncle Sam, lay off Musharraf impeachment: Pakistani editorial
By IANS,
Islamabad : The impending impeachment of President Prevez Musharraf "is entirely a matter for Pakistan and not a matter for the United States to be interfering in", a stinging editorial in a leading Pakistani newspaper said Tuesday.
"Do the Americans think we can be fooled by a couple of old party tricks? The now-you-see-it-now-you-don't game played by parlour conjurors at children's parties?
Revisiting the creation of Israel
By M Reyaz,
In the history of creation of Israel, the holocaust under Nazi Germany when about 6 million of Jews, almost two third of over 9 million population in whole of Europe were killed, is often pointed to justify the establishment of a Jewish national home. Of course, there can be no justification of such heinous crime, but it should be pointed here that the persecution of Jews in ‘Christian’ Europe had not really begun with Hitler.
Pakistan forces launch new offensive against militants
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's security forces opened a new front against militants in a tribal region bordering Afghanistan early Tuesday, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported.
The security forces launched an offensive in Jamrud, a main town in the Khyber tribal region, said the report.
The main highway between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed as the army guns pounded positions of suspected militants, region's administrative officer Tariq Hayat was quoted as saying.
Hamas reopens 70 civil organizations in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas authorities in Gaza on Monday opened 70 civil organizations and charities they closed last month during a crackdown on the rival Fatah movement.
The Hamas-controlled interior ministry said it was proved that the 70 organizations were working according to the law and "their papers were legal."
But 26 other organizations were working in violation of the law "since some of them were dissolved earlier and the remaining others were working without a license," a statement by the ministry said.
Optimistic about stronger ties with Qatar: Modi
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said he was optimistic about "stronger cooperation" with Qatar as he greeted its citizens on their...
India, UAE seek to improve cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have held discussions to explore more ways to promote cooperation and improve relations in areas of common interest.
Pakistan to restore constitution, strengthen all institution – PM
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has categorically stated that the present government will restore the constitution, strengthen all institutions, ensure provincial autonomy and come up to the expectations of people with regard to independence of judiciary and freedom of media.
Ali Zafar hopes to change image with ‘Tere Bin Laden’
By Dibyojyoti Baksi, IANS,
Mumbai: Pakistani singer Ali Zafar doesn't have pleasant memories of his maiden visit to the US and always wanted to change his image there. He says his first Bollywood film "Tere Bin Laden" provides him the opportunity to do so.
"When I started singing, my album 'Channo' became a big international hit. When I went to America with my music, I got negative vibes at the airport. When they saw my Pakistani passport, their attitude was negative. The feeling was that you are not welcome there," Ali told IANS in an exclusive interview.
UAE to allow women to join judicial corps
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon revise its judiciary law to enable women to join the country's judicial corps.
"The justice ministry is determined through its strategic plan to give woman her opportunity in the judicial sector by amending the judiciary law to allow women to sit on judge bench," UAE's Minister for Justice Hadef Al Dhahiri said while speaking at the opening session of a woman and judiciary conference here Monday.
Israeli army cordons off W. Bank village, searching for wanted fighters
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli army imposed a curfew on a small West Bank village near Qalqila since Friday night, searching for wanted activists accused of firing at an Israeli settler, security sources said on Saturday.
The Palestinian security sources said that tens of Israeli army vehicles stormed Azzon village, imposed curfew and started house-to-house search in some areas of the village.
The soldiers have arrested five suspects so far, the sources said.
Pakistani political parties meet a failure: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : The All Parties Conference (APC) held here amid deteriorating US-Pakistan ties was "a resounding failure", said a Pakistani daily Saturday.
UK violated jailed Iraqis’ rights, say EU court
By IRNA,
London : The British government has been found guilty of violating the human rights of two Iraqis accused of murdering two British soldiers in 2003.
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg unanimously found Faisal Al Saadoon and Khalaf Mufdhi were "at real risk of being subjected to an unfair trial followed by execution by hanging" in Iraq, reversing a decision made at the High Court in London.
Al Saadoon and Khalaf Mufdhi are former officials of Saddam Hussein's Baath party, who have been detained for six years and are currently held in Rusafa jail near Baghdad.
Pakistani investigators seeking clues on abducted UN official
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani investigators were examining evidence Tuesday connected to the kidnapping of a UN official in the southwestern province of Balochistan the previous day.
Gunmen abducted US citizen John Solecki, local head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in the provincial capital Quetta as his Pakistani chauffer drove him to work at around 8.45 a.m. (0345 GMT) without any escort.
The driver died at hospital of bullet wounds he suffered in the attack, which was described by the Pakistani government as an "unfortunate and dastardly terrorist act".
ISAF soldier, policemen killed in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : One soldier of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was killed and another two wounded in a roadside bomb blast in southern Afghanistan, the military said on Thursday.
"An ISAF soldier was killed and two were injured in an explosion during a patrol in southern Afghanistan," said the statement.
Without disclosing the exact location of the incident and the nationalities of the soldiers killed and injured, the alliance said the blast happened Wednesday.
Dhaka to revert to 1973 act for `war criminals’ trial
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will revert to a 1973 act to resume trial against those who collaborated with the Pakistan government during the freedom movement and are referred to as "war criminals".
"We have examined the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973 for trial of the war criminals... The government will complete the trial in the shortest possible time," State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj told the media after an inter-ministerial meeting.
Law Minister Shafique Ahmed had earlier announced a "final decision" on the trial of the accused under the 1973 act.
Oman Embassy in India petitioned to rescind Modi’s visit to Oman
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The New Delhi Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman has been filed with a public petition urging their government to rescind the likly visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Oman later this year.
The petitioners have reminded the Oman Embassy and their government that Modi is being investigated for his role in the 2002 pogrom in Gujarat in which thousands of innocents were killed with the help of government machinery.
British Prime Minister hails Muslim achievements
By APP
London : The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has hailed the achievements of the Muslim community in the United Kingdom saying that they provide the society with role models they could all be proud of.
“These awards celebrate the achievements of British Muslims in all walks of life. They identify Muslim achievers and highlight the wonderful contribution that British Muslims make,” Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on the occasion of the annual ceremony for the “The Muslim News Awards” here on Tuesday.
US military commander for Middle East resigns
By DPA
Washington : The US military commander overseeing operations in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, is resigning, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates announced Tuesday.
Fallon appeared to be in disagreement with the White House by making comments in a recent Esquire magazine article ruling out the possible use of force against Iran.
"I believe it was the right thing to do even though I do not believe there are significant differences in his views and those of the administration," Gates said.
EU receives reply from Iran on nuke incentive
By Xinhua,
Brussels : Javier Solana, foreign policy chief of the European Union, received a reply from Iran Tuesday to an incentive package aimed at encouraging Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment, an EU source said.
Solana's office received a letter from Iran, but yet to analyze it, according to an unnamed aide of Solana, who has kept in touch on the issue with Iran on behalf of France, China, Russia, Britain, the United States and Germany.
Canada condemns suicide attack on Afghan civilians
By Xinhua
Ottawa : Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier Sunday condemned the attack on Afghan civilians in Kandahar.
"This was a cowardly and despicable criminal act, carried out by terrorists against Afghan men, women and children," said Bernier in a statement.
He vowed that "Canada will continue to work with local Afghan authorities to provide security and stability," adding that "Canada's commitment to the people of Afghanistan and their democratically elected government remains firm."
Britain to send more diplomatic teams to Libya: Hague
By DPA,
London : Britain will send further diplomatic teams to Libya for talks with rebel leaders despite a botched mission over the weekend, the government said Monday.
HRW asks Israel to allow journalists access to Gaza strip
By NNN-PTI,
New York : A leading Human Rights watchdog has called on Israel to allow journalists and human rights monitors access to Gaza Strip where its military is conducting operations against Hamas.
Their presence, said the Human Rights Watch (HRW), could discourage abuse by the warring parties and help save lives.
"The presence of journalists and human rights monitors in the conflict areas provides an essential check on human rights abuses and laws of war violations.
Mexico returns archaeological piece to Egypt
By IANS/EFE,
Mexico City : Mexico has returned a priceless archaeological piece from the Aswan region to the Egyptian government, officials said.
Members of defunct extremist outfit arrested
By APP
Muzaffargarh : Four members of an outlawed organisation were arrested by the district police here Wednesday night. The crackdown took place in the aftermath of the deadly bomb blasts which destroyed the FIA building and claimed some 30 lives at Lahore on Tuesday.
Those arrested have been identified as Moinullah, Qari Taj Muhammad Saquib, Abdur Razzaq Mandhera and Rana Ihsan Phullu.
Police also raided the houses of Qari Khalid Mahmood Zia and Maulana Abdur Rashid Bilal at Khangarh but failed to apprehend them.
Islamic organisation condemns Jerusalem attack
By ANTARA News/AFP
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia : The Islamic world`s biggest political bloc on Friday condemned the killing of eight Israeli teenagers in a Jerusalem religious school, saying it abhorred "violence and terror."
In a rare reaction to an anti-Israeli attack, the 57-member Organisation of the Islamic Conference expressed "grave concern over, and condemned the recent killings of students in the west Jerusalem," a statement released here said.
Boat carrying migrants sinks off Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur : A boat carrying about 80 Indonesians has sunk off the southern coast of Malaysia after colliding with a patrol boat out...
UAE grants citizenship to 930 kids
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted citizenship to 930 children of UAE women married to foreigners.
Islamic countries supports Iran’s bid for UN Security Council membership
By IRNA,
Vienna : Islamic Countries Inter-Parliamentary Union (ICIPU) in a meeting Monday in Geneva on the sidelines of IPU Conference in its closing communique voiced support for Iran's bid for UN Security Council membership.
The ICIPU members had earlier in the day unanimously supported the idea of Iran's membership at the UNSC at the meeting and the strong support of the Islamic countries was reflected in the ICIPU communique as an official record.
The United Nations Security Council would on Friday, October 17th, chooses its five temporary members for a two-year period.
Qatar Airways doubles its fleet
By IANS,
Hyderabad: Qatar Airways Thursday announced that its fleet size has grown to 80 aircraft, doubling the numbers in five years.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker told reporters at the India Aviation 2010 here that the fleet was set to grow to 120 aircraft by 2013. The current global network of 86 destinations would rise to 120.
One of the world's fastest growing airlines, it recently inducted its 15th Boeing 777 to maintain a delivery schedule of more than one new aircraft a month.
100 militants killed in northwest Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At Least 100 Islamic militants have been killed in two separate clashes with security forces in northwest Pakistan, officials said.
Military troops, backed by gunship helicopters and artillery fire, targeted rebel positions Thursday in the Tangkhata area of Bajaur district in the country's lawless tribal region.
"Up to 90 insurgents, most of them foreign fighters, died," said a security official, requesting anonymity.
Islamic Jihad: Talks with Egyptians not aim at protecting leaders from assassination
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement on Tuesday said recent meetings between its leaders and Egyptian officials were not aiming at protecting the leaders from being targeted by Israel.
Rebutting the reports saying that the recent talks betweenEgyptian officials and Palestinian factions were held in exchange for Israel's refraining from targeting the Palestinian leaders,Khaled al-Batsh, a Gaza-based official of the movement, said that "the leaders' blood was not dearer than the blood of any ordinary member of the Islamic Jihad."
Taliban attack kills eight policemen in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kandahar : Dozens of Taliban fighters stormed a security post in southern Afghanistan and killed eight policemen, a senior provincial official said Monday.
Three other police were injured when the militants attacked their post in Arghandab district of the southern province of Kandahar, the erstwhile birthplace of the Taliban movement, the official said.
"Dozens of Taliban suddenly attacked the Shaheen post from several directions and killed eight policemen," he told DPA on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
Hundreds of Al Qaeda terrorists being trained in Pakistan: British PM
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Hundreds of Al Qaeda terrorists remain in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan, continuing to receive explosives and weapons training in camps in that country, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.
"There are still several hundred foreign fighters based in the FATA area of Pakistan and travelling to training camps to learn bomb making and weapons skills," Brown said Monday night in a speech defending Britain's continuing military presence in Afghanistan.
Pakistan honours Chinese general
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan conferred a top award on a Chinese general for promoting friendship between the two countries.
UN hostage said to have been killed is alive
By Muhammad Sajjad,IANS,
Islamabad : An American UN official abducted by Baloch militants and said to have been killed is still alive, the outfit holding him said Monday.
John Solecki, who led the UN refugee agency's regional office, was abducted Feb 2 by gunmen in the provincial capital Quetta while he was on his way to work in a car carrying the UN emblem.
His Pakistani driver was shot dead.
It was the most high profile kidnapping of a Westerner in Pakistan since Islamist militants murdered Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002.
France welcomes Iraqi decision to reintegrate some Baathists
By NNN-KUNA
Paris : France has welcomed the decision by Iraq's parliament to allow for the rehabilitation of certain Baathists who did not hold senior positions during the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein.
The Iraqi parliament has now decided to allow lower level members of the Baath party to be reintegrated in jobs in the public service, and all former members will receive pensions, according to a new law.
’25 killed in Election Day attack by Boko Haram in Nigeria’
Abuja : At least 25 people were killed in an attack suspected to be a perpetration of Boko Haram on a community in Nigeria's...
Review sought of Pakistani Supreme Court’s verdict on emergency
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistani chief justice Abdul Hameed Dogar has sought a review of a Supreme Court verdict terming as unconstitutional his incumbency during the emergency then president Pervez Musharraf had declared in November 2007. He has also questioned the present chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry's continuance in office.
"Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was restored to the present top judicial position through an executive order and (this is), therefore, illegal," Dawn Thursday quoted Dogar as saying.
Verdict on Bangladesh war crimes accused Tuesday
Dhaka : The war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh will announce its verdict on former Jatiya Party legislator Abdul Jabbar on charges of genocide and...
Palestinian chief negotiator denies planning to unilaterally declare statehood
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurei Wednesday denied statements that the Palestinian leadership was going to unilaterally declare an independent statehood if talks with Israel failed.
"This option is excluded and has never been discussed among the Palestinian leaders," Qurei said in a statement faxed to the media.
Experts Blame Iraq War for Fuel Price Rise
By Prensa Latina,
Washington : The US invasion of Iraq tripled oil prices and forced the world to spend $6 additional billion to cover the new price hike, said experts, quoted on Tuesday by the AlterNet website.
If it were not by the conflict in the Arab nation, the price of a crude oil barrel would be under $40, far from the $135 that it currently costs, said economist, expert in energy issues, Mamdouh Salameh.
Egyptian opposition leaders held in pre-dawn raids
By DPA,
Cairo : Police detained senior leaders of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood, the country's largest opposition group, in a series of pre-dawn raids Monday, the group and police said.
The Muslim Brotherhood is banned in Egypt, but members running as independents won a fifth of seats in the 2005 parliamentary elections, making the group the legislative assembly's largest opposition bloc.
US ignored torture of Afghan prisoners: Report
By RIA Novosti,
Washington : A civil rights group has said it has documents from the defence department that confirm the US authorities ignored torture by Special Forces of Afghan prisoners during interrogation.
A lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union Thursday said, "These documents make it clear that the military was using unlawful interrogation techniques in Afghanistan. Rather than putting a stop to these systemic abuses, senior officials appear to have turned a blind eye to them."
Iran to respond to remaining nuclear ambiguities soon
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini on Sunday voiced Iran's readiness to respond to the remaining ambiguities on the country's peaceful nuclear activities by March 2008.
Talking to reporters during his weekly press briefing he added, "Tehran is ready to respond to the the remaining ambiguities regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by March 2008."
"Iran considers itself responsive to the UN nuclear agency within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)," he added.
Gillani sacks press secretary for meeting chief justice
By IANS,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has dismissed his Press Secretary Zahid Bashir for meeting Chief Justice of Pakistan Abdul Hamid Dogar without permission.
According to a pressnote issued here, Gillani took strict notice of his press secretary meeting Dogar without his permission and dismissed him from office.
When contacted, Zahid Bashir told Online that he worked hard with devotion and diligence and utilised all his potential and capacities for carrying out his job effectively.
Pakistan tests long-range missile
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Monday test-fired a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, said Dawn News.
This is the first training launch of the Hatf-VI, also called Shaheen-II, long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, according to the report.
The missile has a range of over 2,000 km. The Shaheen-II variant is a ballistic missile, which is the longer-range variant of Shaheen-I missile.
It uses a two-stage solid propellant motor and is Pakistan's largest and most capable ballistic missile.
Pakistani Taliban threatens to kill 29 hostages
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taliban militants have threatened to kill all 29 hostages they hold captive if the government fails to withdraw troops from Hangu, a town in the restive North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.
The 29 officials, kidnapped by the militants before the military operation commenced in Hangu Wednesday, were at a "safe place", a Taliban spokesman told the Dawn newspaper Saturday.
"As soon as they (militants) receive orders from the central leadership, they would start killing them (hostages) one by one," the newspaper said quoting Maulvi Haider, the spokesman.
Two Palestinian gunmen killed in Israeli air attack near Rafah
By KUNA,
Gaza : An Israeli Apache gunship helicopter attacked Palestinian militants east of the border town of Rafah on Wednesday killing two gunmen, witnesses said.
The witnesses said the multi-winged aircraft fired a pair of air-to-surface missiles in the direction of Palestinian gunmen on the move on the ground near the passageway of Sofa, killing two and wounding three others.
Pakistan Air Force validates fighter operations from motorways
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Friday successfully validated its concept of fighter operations from motorways and highways when its two fighter aircraft landed on a motorway.
The historic landmark was achieved as part of the ongoing High Mark-2010 exercise.
After landing, the aircraft were refuelled, rearmed and re-launched, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
While the point where the two aircraft touched down was not specified, it was believed to be somewhere on the Islamabad-Lahore motorway or that linking the capital with Peshawar.
Pakistan Ballistic Missile Test OK
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : Pakistan successfully tested its Ghaznavi (Hataf-III) short-range earth-to-earth ballistic missile on Wednesday, having a 180.19 mile range and able to carry two nuclear warheads.
Acting Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and Army Chief Gen.
Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani witnessed the test at the Army's Special Forces Command.
This is the third test of short and medium-range missiles in recent weeks. The Shaheen 1 was tested January 25 and Ghauri Hataf-V on February 1.
Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners plan to donate organs
Gaza City : Palestinian prisoners taking part in a hunger strike in Israeli jails in protest against their indefinite detention without charge have said...
Pakistani President vows to jointly fight terrorism with Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari vowed Tuesday to jointly fight militancy and terrorists with Afghanistan.
"Both countries are fighting together against terrorism promoted by non-state actors," Zardari told newsmen at a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai.
Zardari also emphasized that both countries "will not fall victim to their designs. We will cooperate to control stateless actors trying to create problems."
With more Bangladeshis overstaying, India considers tightening rules
By Devirupa Mitra, IANS,
New Delhi : With some 25,000 Bangladeshis staying beyond the visit period stamped on their Indian visas every year, there are moves to enforce stricter norms while granting such travel permits, with bank guarantees acting as possible deterrents.
The home ministry has asked the external affairs ministry for suggestions on how to ensure that visitors from the neighbouring country do not overstay.
UAE to issue laws for organic farming
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : UAE's environment and water ministry said Saturday it will issue laws to regulate organic farming in the country.
The ministry, which supervises over 35 registered farms, has consulted with the municipalities and competent authorities on a proposal to market organic products.
It is also encouraging farmers to take up organic farming and reduce use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Five militants killed Afghanistan operation
Kabul: At least five militants were killed while eight others were wounded in a military operation in Afghanistan's western province of Herat, a police...
WHO team to assess how Pakistan is tackling Ebola
Islamabad : A World Health Organization (WHO) mission arrived in Pakistan to assess arrangements made by the government to keep Ebola virus out of...
Triumphant Hasina takes oath as Bangladesh PM
By IANS,
Dhaka : Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League (AL), the daughter of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was Tuesday sworn-in prime minister for a second time following her landslide victory in last month's general election. She was premier previously 1996-2001.
Hasina, 61, took the oath of office from President Iajuddin Ahmed at a ceremony held at 6.45 p.m. at Darbar Hall in Bangabhavan, the presidential palace. She is the 12th prime minister.
Video exposes poll rigging in Pakistan
By IANS
Islamabad : Though Monday's general elections were considered largely free and fair, an independent TV channel has aired a videotape unmasking rigging in some voting booths.
The Geo News Friday aired the video that shows scenes of rigging in two polling stations of Karachi and Lahore, The News said Saturday.
Ibrahim’s threat to seize power a bluff: Malaysian PM
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's claims to seize power by reducing the government to a minority is a bluff, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said.
He has sought to minimise the fresh political challenge from Ibrahim that has been posed with the move to contest a parliamentary bye-election.
Iraq asks NATO to extend its training mission
By DPA,
Brussels : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Thursday asked NATO to extend its training mission of Iraq's security forces to the country's infantry.
"NATO-trained police forces have proved effective and strong" in the fight against terrorism, al-Maliki said after a meeting in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
"And some of these (anti-terrorism) activities could be taken up by our infantry," the premier added.
16 killed in Afghan traffic accident
Kabul: At least 16 people were killed and 20 others injured Tuesday when two buses collided in Afghanistan, sources said.
"The passenger buses collided head-on...
Iraq violence leaves 12 dead, Al Qaeda militants held
By DPA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi police captured suspected members of an Al Qaeda terror cell Sunday and seized many explosive belts ready for use in suicide bombings in western Iraq, while a wave of attacks across the country left at least 12 people dead and 39 injured.
The suspects were arrested during raids Saturday night in the town of Hit, 130 km west of Baghdad, mayor Hikmat Jubayr announced.
Hit is in Anbar province, which was once the hotbed of Sunni insurgency and the main base for the Al Qaeda terror network.
Egypt parliamentary polls to be held this year
Cairo : Egypt's parliamentary elections will be held before the end of 2015, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi told a Spanish newspaper in an interview...
Detention of US terror suspects extended by 14 days
By IANS,
Islamabad : An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan's Punjab province Tuesday gave the police another 14 days to interrogate five US terror suspects and also ordered their medical examination after they complained of being tortured in custody.
As the terror suspects arrived in a police van at the high security court in Sargodha town, one of them threw a scrap of paper from the window complaining of torture.
"Since our arrest the USA, the FBI and the Pakistani police have tortured us. We are
France says no military solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
PARIS, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Noting there was no military solution to the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, France urged both sides on Wednesday to show restraint and continue the political talks undertaken late last year.
"Anything that blocks the proper functioning of the political process between Israel and the Palestinian authority must be avoided," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said at a briefing.
"We know there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, " she added.
Some 13,000 Saudies trained for tourism
By NNN-SPA,
Dammam (Saudi Arabia) : Some 13,000 Saudis have been trained to work in the tourism sector and related fields through the National Project for the Development of Tourism Human Resources initiated by the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (GCTA).
The move is part of the nationalisation of the travel and tourism sector in which Saudis of both sexes are being trained in specific skills and also in how to deal with tourists on a personal level through the project’s awareness programme.
24 Kurdish rebels among 29 killed in Iraq
By DPA
Ankara : The Turkish military has said five soldiers and 24 Kurdish rebels were killed in clashes during its operations in northern Iraq.
In the first casualty figures given since the incursions began Thursday night, the Turkish General Staff in a statement posted on its website late Friday said that the troops also wounded a "large number" of Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas.
The statement also claimed that at least 20 PKK rebels had been "rendered ineffective" by Turkish artillery and attack helicopter strikes.
Bloodshed Marks Rice Iraq Visit
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A bloody weekend with over 70 people dead and about 20 others wounded was the panorama that US Secretary of State Condolezza Rice left in Iraq.
While official sources today speak of nearly 20 victims in the clashes and bombings of the last two days, Rice congratulated the Iraqi government for advances in security.
Upon her arrival in Baghdad Sunday, the US diplomat came up against an ultimatum by Shiite clergyman Muqtada al Sader, warning of a possible open war if the foreign troops refuse to begin withdrawing gradually.
Pakistani contested Assam elections in 1996: Court
By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS,
Guwahati : Sounds shocking, but it is true: a person holding a Pakistani passport who entered India's northeastern state of Assam through Bangladesh unsuccessfully contested the assembly elections in 1996.
This sensational revelation was made in a judgement by the Gauhati High Court last week where mention was made of Mohammed Kamaruddin contesting from the 90 Jamunamukh assembly constituency in 1996.
Europeans walk out on Iran’s president at UN conference
By DPA,
Geneva : Delegates from the European Union (EU) walked out of the Durban Review Conference on racism in Geneva Monday during a speech by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in which he made derisive remarks about Israel.
The Iranian leader said that Palestinians had been "made homeless" following World War II "under the pretext of Jewish suffering".
There was a "racist regime in Palestine", he said, and added that Western powers have "given them a free hand to continue their crimes".
UAE to host meeting of Arab League, Pacific island states
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The foreign ministers of the Arab states and the Pacific island nations will meet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June to discuss cooperation between the two sides.
Representatives of more than 30 Arab and Pacific countries will attend the meeting, the foreign affairs ministry said Wednesday.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and League of Arab States Secretary General Amr Moussa will open the meeting.
Israel strikes Gaza in response to rocket fire
Gaza: Israeli fighter jets carried out three airstrikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip Saturday in response to rockets being fired into its...