Government silence is surprising on Gaza blockade & on Arun Gandhi: Dr Zafarul-Islam...
By M.A. Baig, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Renowned Middle-East affairs expert Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan lectured on 'Blockade of Gaza Strip and callousness of humanity' at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday, 26th January.
108 kg heroin seized in E Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish security forces seized 108 kg of heroin in two operations staged in eastern province of Van, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Sunday.
The report said the security forces stopped a truck in Balaban village in Gevas town of Van province and found 70 kg heroin.
In another operation, Turkish security forces seized 38 kg heroin and two kg morphine in a minibus in Zernek village in Gurpinar town in the same province, said the report.
Israeli defense minister criticizes calls to step up military action in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak criticized calls by other ministers for stepped-up military action in Gaza Strip, claiming that such ministerial remarks give the enemy detailed and damaging information, Haaretz reported on Wednesday.
This came in statements to reporters during Barak's two-day visit to Turkey which began on Tuesday, during which he will meet with Turkey's president, prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister, and chief of staff.
UN special Rapporteur on Human Rights in OPT calls on UN to project basic...
By NNN-WAFA,
New York : The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) John Dugard Called on the international organisation to play its role as an international mediator to promote dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli sides.
Dugard said in the statement that the United Nations had responsibility as an auspices to protect basic human rights and international peace and open lines of communication between Israel and the Palestinians for putting them on the table of negotiations, calling on the UN to exert all possible efforts to protect civilians.
India attaches highest importance to Bangladesh: President
New Delhi : President Pranab Mukherjee Friday said India attached "highest importance" to bilateral relations with Bangladesh, an official statement by the Rashtrapati Bhavan...
Bangladesh to launch new satellite
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will soon launch a new satellite for improvement of information and communication technology, a government statement said.
Hamas leader urges Israel accept ceasefire or face more resistance
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A senior Hamas leader on Monday urged Israel to accept an Egyptian offer for ceasefire to avoid more escalation in resistance.
Israel "has a chance for calmness; if they accept it, it will be fine." Mahmoud Zahar, former Hamas foreign affairs minister, told a news conference in Gaza.
"If they do not accept it, they have to know and to expect that the Palestinian people will not stop their resistance and will keep it on until achieving their goals," Zahar added.
UK wants to strengthen ties with UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : British Prime Minister David Cameron has asserted that Britain is committed to strengthening economic and defence ties with the UAE.
"The deep friendship between the UK and the UAE is based on a unique, shared history and common interests. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation on defence and security," a statement issued by the British embassy here quoted Cameron as saying Saturday.
"Also, we both want to build and develop our economic ties", Cameron, who was on a visit to the UAE, said.
Iran seeks India’s backing for Tehran disarmament meet
By IANS,
New Delhi: Four days after the US-led Nuclear Security Summit in the US, Iran, under intense international pressure over its nuclear programme, will be hosting a conference on nuclear disarmament and has sought India's support for this initiative.
Iran is likely to invite India formally for the conference entitled "Nuclear Energy for All, Nuclear Weapon for None", scheduled for April 17-18, diplomatic sources said here.
The Iranian leadership is also expected to iscuss the nuclear issue when External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna visits Tehran, likely next month.
Egypt’s ruling military pardons nearly 2,000 detainees
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt's ruling military council has approved the release of a total of 1,959 people detained in military prisons, state media reported.
Pakistani state to blame for Lakhvi saga: daily
Islamabad : The failure to prosecute Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi is a failure of the Pakistani state, a newspaper said on...
Israeli forces retaliate Gaza rocket attack
Jerusalem : Israelis forces struck a target in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in retaliation to a rocket attack from Gaza on southern Israel, authorities...
US not ‘satisfied’ despite Pakistan’s pledge to fight terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Pakistan has increased its commitment in the fight against terrorism, but the Obama administration is still not "satisfied", Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said, pointing to the large presence of the Al Qaeda and the Taliban country.
"Well, look at, again, what has happened in the last nine months. Pakistan has increased its commitment in the fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda," Clinton told the CBS news channel.
Hamas says will respond Saturday to truce proposal
By DPA,
Gaza : An official in the Islamist movement Hamas said Thursday that the movement would give its final answer on Saturday to a possible Egyptian-brokered truce with Israel, but said that Israeli proposals for an agreement were vague.
Hamas Gaza spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum said that "a deal on a truce was not reached" because Israel had linked ending its blockade on the Gaza Strip and opening the border crossings - a key Hamas demand - with the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held captive in the Strip for over two-and-a-half years.
Shahbaz Sharif takes oath
By IRNA,
Lahore : Former Chief Minister Punjab and President PML-N Shahbaz Sharif Friday took oath as member of Punjab Assembly.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal administered the oath to the Assembly.
Earlier when Shahbaz Sharif entered the assembly Hall, Muslim League members chanted slogans "Sher Aya Sher Aya".
When Sharif took the oath as Members of Provincial Assembly and members of Muslim League shouted "Welcome Sharif and Go Musharraf Go." PML Nawaz and PPPP have nominated Shahaz Sharif as Chief Minister of Punjab in a joint meetingon Thursday.
Israel arrests 14 in West Bank raids
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinian in various raids across West Bank cities in Monday evening, Palestinian security sources on Tuesday said.
According to the Palestinian sources, the raids came hours after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert held a meeting in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon to discuss peace talks between the two sides.
The Palestinian sources said the detentions took place in the cities of Hebron and Tulkarem. Israeli sources said the detainees were wanted by the general security service.
Pakistanis, Bangladeshis blamed for British vote-rigging
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : The use of Biraderis - extended clan or tribal systems - by first generation Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims as well as their political masters is helping fuel widespread rigging of postal votes and other electoral malpractices in Britain, a report said.
Although the majority of those booked for electoral malpractices in Britain have been white males, the report by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, a national charity promoting democratic reform and constitutional change, says half of those convicted are Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.
Pilots safe after emergency landing in Karachi
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two Pakistani pilots emerged unscathed after their trainer aircraft had to make an emergency landing in the southern port city of Karachi.
India gives Bangladesh list of terrorist suspects
By DPA,
Dhaka : New Delhi Sunday handed to Dhaka a list of suspected Indian terrorists believed to be hiding in Bangladesh, the Indian high commissioner here said.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Bangladeshi State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj, India's Pinak Ranjan Chakravarti said: "We have also requested the authorities to step up vigil over them especially during the ongoing polls yet to be completed in the eastern states of India."
The envoy added that a number of issues, including extradition of prisoners, came up for discussion.
Iran may consider opening US interest section, direct flights
By IANS,
New York : Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Wednesday said his country might consider suggestions of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on opening an US interest section in Tehran, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"We believe that restoring relations between the American and Iranian nations would be a positive move," Mottaki said in New York.
The foreign minister is currently in New York to attend a meeting of Economic and Social Council of the United Nations from June 30 to July 3.
Explosion outside Italian consulate in Cairo
Cairo:A powerful explosion occurred in front of the Italian consulate in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo on Saturday, a security officer said.
He said...
Hamas calls for change in US policies on Middle East
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : The Hamas movement has expressed hope to see a change in US policy regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, after the announcement of Barak Obama as president-elect of the United States.
The movement's spokesman in Gaza, Sami Abu Zuhri said Wednesday the movement would wait and see what actions Obama takes before passing judgment, and also noted it had not perceived a difference on this issue in the Obama agenda against that of his rival, John McCain.
NAM Condemns Israeli Attacks at Gaza
By Prensa Latina,
United Nations : The Non Aligned Movement strongly condemned Israeli military aggressions against the Gaza Strip, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including children.
In a statement approved at the UN headquarters on Monday, the NAM Coordinating Bureau described the Israeli military escalation as "unacceptable, a serious violation of international law, including humanitarian and human rights regulations."
NAM stressed that these attacks fuel the cycle of violence, threatening international peace and security and the fragile peace process between the parties.
Baghdad car bomb attack kills six
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Six people were killed and 14 injured by a car bomb in Baghdad on Sunday.
Officials said the bomb went off in the mainly Shia district of Shaab, in the north-east of the city.
Reports say the attack targeted a police patrol car, and three policemen are believed to be among the injured.
Bomb attacks have become less common in the capital in recent months, amid reports that violence in Iraq generally has fallen to a four-year low.
However, the US Congress has warned that Iraq's security environment "remains volatile and dangerous".
Former Egypt PM jailed for corruption
By IANS,
Cairo : A court in the Egyptian capital has sentenced former prime minister Ahmed Nazif to three years in prison for corruption, BBC reported Thursday.
One killed, five injured as helicopter crashes in Tajikistan
By RIA Novosti
Dushanbe : One person has been killed and five others have been injured after a helicopter with foreign tourists aboard crashed in south-east Tajikistan, the republic's interior ministry said on Sunday.
The helicopter with eleven tourists aboard crashed on Sunday 80 km (50 miles) east of the administrative center of Khorog, in the valley of the Gunt River, the ministry said.
Pakistan to get $7.6-billion loan from IMF
By DPA,
Washington : The International Monetary Fund Monday (IMF) has approved a $7.6-billion loan for Pakistan designed to help it stabilize its economy and expand its social safety net.
"By providing large financial support to Pakistan, the IMF is sending a strong signal to the donor community about the country's improved macroeconomic prospects," IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato said in a statement.
The 23-month stand-by loan will give Islamabad $3.1 billion immediately and the rest of the money will be phased in over the course of the period, the IMF said.
Two Palestinian gunmen killed in Israeli airstrike
By RIA Novasti
Gaza : At least two Palestinian militants were killed and four wounded late on Sunday when an Israeli missile destroyed a car in Gaza City, local radio reported on Monday.
Radio Al Quds cited witnesses as saying that the gunmen belonged to the radical group Islamic Jihad, whose members have become the main target of Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks, launched in retaliation against frequent rocket attacks on Israeli towns bordering Gaza.
Syria crisis should be resolved constitutionally: Putin
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Los Cabos (Mexico) : The crisis in Syria should only be resolved by constitutional means, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.
India slams brutal, inhuman attack on Peshawar schoolkids
New Delhi : India Tuesday strongly condemned the terror attack on innocent school children in Pakistan's Peshawar city, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing...
4 U.S.-led coalition soldiers, 1 Afghan killed in bomb blast
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Four service members of the U.S.-led Coalition forces and one Afghan national were killed in a bomb blast Wednesday morning in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led military said.
41 Taliban rebels killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : Afghan and NATO troops have killed 41 Taliban insurgents while the outfit tried to move from southwestern Afghan province of Nimroz to southern province of Helmand, said an official on Thursday.
Ghulan Dastghir Azad, the governor of Nimroz province told Xinhua that the Taliban insurgents were moving from Nimroz to neighboring Helmand province Tuesday night and ambushed by the joint forces in Khash Rod district of Nimruz province.
Afghan troops kill 16 suspected Taliban insurgents
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan troops have eliminated 16 suspected Taliban militants over the past two days in the southernand eastern parts of the country, officials said Tuesday.
In the first firefight which occurred in Arghistan and Marof districts of southern Kandahar province early Tuesday, nine insurgents were killed, commander of Border police Force in the province Abdul Razaq told Xinhua.
UAE to participate in 6th World Water Forum
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will take part in the 6th World Water Forum to held in Marseille, France, next week.
10 militants killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Ten Taliban militants were killed in fighting with the security forces in southern Afghanistan Friday, officials said.
The incident took place in Ghanzi province in southern Afghanistan.
"Our policemen came in contact with the Taliban rebels in Gilan district early Friday and 10 enemies (Taliban militants) were killed," provincial police chief Khayalbaz Shirzoi told Xinhua. There were no casualties on the police side, he said.
HAMAS says Palestinians not to yield to siege of Gaza
By IRNA,
Beirut : Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) once more emphasized Monday Palestinians would not yield to cruel and unjust siege imposed by the Zionists against Gaza residents, resorting to entire possible options.
Teenagers tried to join IS sent back to Britain
Istanbul : Turkey said on Sunday that three British teenagers allegedly trying to join the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria were detained...
23 killed in Pakistan suicide blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 23 people died in northwest Pakistan when a suicide bomber blew himself up while they were coming out of a mosque after Friday prayers.
Pakistani PM hints at early elections
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday hinted at the possibility of holding early parliamentary elections.
Six killed in army action against Al Qaeda men in Yemen
Aden: A mortar shell fired by Yemeni armed forces fighting with dozens of suspected Al Qaeda gunmen killed six civilians and wounded two in...
Sub-par round wins Arshad Ali Haryana Open golf title
By IANS,
Gurgaon : Arshad Ali brought home the first and only sub-par round of the tournament to sneak ahead of the early leaders to win the Haryana Open at the Golden Greens here Friday.
Pakistani political leader among three killed in attack
By IRNA
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen killed a politician and his bother in Pakistan's troubled Swat valley on Thursday, police said.
Zakir Khan, a leader of the nationalist Awami National Party (ANP), came under attack at Matta town when he was traveling in his car with brother and another colleague, who was also killed in the attack.
Zakir Khan, also deputy mayor of Matta, was opposing the local militants, who are fighting the security forces in Swat valley.
UAE to host headquarters of global renewable energy agency
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital would host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, secretary general of the Abu Dhabi executive council, welcomed IRENA Director General Helene Pelosse and said the UAE would "spare no effort to offer all possible assistance and support to ensure the success of the mission of Irena", the report said.
Dubai to build world’s longest arched bridge
By Xinhua
Abu Dhabi : Dubai will invest some $817 million (three billion dirhams) to build the world's longest arched bridge in the downtown Dubai Creek, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported Wednesday.
According to the report, the bridge, the sixth crossing over the Dubai Creek, will be 1,600 meters long and 64 meters wide, with a 205-metre-high and 667-metre-long arch.
When completed, it will stand 15 metres above the water surface.
M`sian PM Najib planning to visit Indonesia
By ANTARA,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia`s new prime minister, Najib Tun Razak, plans to visit Indonesia this month, Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Dai Bachtiar said here on Saturday.
He said Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim called him Saturday morning to tell about Prime Minister Najib`s plan.
"This morning Minister Rais Yatim called me to tell me about PM Najib`s plan to visit Indonesia this month. He asked for a suggestion about the right date for the visit," Dai said after the inauguration of election monitoring committees in three foreign countries.
Over 150 killed in Karachi in January
By IANS,
Islamabad : A total of 155 people have been killed in separate incidents of violence in Pakistan's port city of Karachi this month, a media report said Thursday.
Canadian soldier killed in Afghan bomb blast
By DPA,
Kabul : A female Canadian soldier serving with NATO forces was killed and four others were wounded by a roadside bomb in the volatile southern region, officials said Tuesday.
Trooper Karine Blais was killed and four of her comrades were wounded when their armoured vehicle was blown up in Shah Walikot district of southern Kandahar province Monday afternoon, the Canadian defence ministry said in a statement.
Don’t take India for granted: Congress to Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi: The Congress Friday talked tough by saying India wanted peace with Pakistan but the neighbouring country should not take it as a sign of weakness.
NATO willing to commit more troops to Afghanistan: Gates
By Prensa Latina,
Warsaw : US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said that nearly 20 NATO countries are ready to send more troops to Afghanistan to help the government in fighting insurgency.
At least 20 countries announced at one point or another that they would be increasing their contribution in Afghanistan, Gates told a press conference after a two-day NATO meeting in Krakow in Poland Friday.
He said that this development is a good start ahead of the NATO summit in Germany and France in April.
Shoes hurled at Zardari in Britain
By IANS,
London : A man threw both his shoes at Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari when he was addressing a public meeting in Birmingham. The shoes landed just short of him.
The Telegraph Sunday reported that Zardari, who has been criticised for visiting Britain while there were floods in his country, was in the middle of his speech when an elderly man in the crowd hurled both shoes at him.
An unidentified man was later taken away from the Saturday evening meeting by police and security officials.
Obama’s Afghanistan-Pakistan envoy to travel to South Asia
By Xinhua,
Washington : US President Barack Obama's special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke will travel to South Asia after attending the Munich security conference, the State Department said Thursday.
"Ambassador Holbrooke ... is going, I think, on Tuesday to attend the Munich security conference and then he plans to travel subsequently to the region," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters.
Two U.S. soldiers died in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The U.S. military said on Friday that two of its soldiers died in Iraq in separate incidents.
A Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier died of wounds sustained by a roadside bomb explosion near his vehicle in west of
Baghdad on Thursday afternoon, a military statement said.
A marine assigned to Multi-National Force - West died in non-combat related incident on Wednesday, another statement said without providing further details.
16 killed in Afghan terror attack
By IANS,
Kabul : Armed men opened indiscriminate fire and killed 16 civilians Sunday in northern Afghanistan to avenge a Taliban attack, Xinhua reports.
Bangladesh’s Grameen bank chief Yunus steps down
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus stepped down as the Grameen Bank Managing Director Thursday night, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan has suffered a lot after 9/11: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has suffered greatly after 9/11 as the war on terror has cost the country over 35,000 citizens, said a leading daily Sunday.
Everything possible done for free and fair elections: Musharraf
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday that his government has done everything possible for conducting free, fair and transparent elections Monday though there could be some irregularities in some areas which were beyond his control, Online news agency reported.
While talking to a visiting election monitoring delegation of Centre for Media and Democracy (CMD) at the Presidential Camp Office, Musharraf said that the Election Commission was an impartial institution.
Ahmadinejad invites Jordan’s king Abdullah to visit Iran
By DPA,
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah II Sunday received a rare message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inviting him to visit Iran, according to a royal court statement.
Indian national arrested for blasphemous Facebook post
Riyadh : The Indian consulate in Jeddah has confirmed the arrest of an Indian in Saudi Arabia for allegedly posting a blasphemous image of...
Thousand years old cultural heritage – pride for Pakistan
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan has every reason to be proud of the thousands of years old cultural heritage, said the Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, Noor Muhammad Jadmani.
New electoral constituencies” system in Kuwait will tackle some negative aspects
By Iman Al-Houti, KUNA
Kuwait : Kuwaitis are divided regarding assessment of the five-constituency system upon which the next parliamentary elections will be, with one party hoping that the new regime will result in electing qualified figures and the other deeply concerned that it may lead to new problems.
Arab League for Lebanon Crisis Fix
By Prensa Latina,
Beirut : The Arab League commission that will mediate in the Lebanese political crisis is trying to find a negotiated solution since Wednesday to clashes between parliamentary opposition and deputy Saad Hariri's supporters.
After a week of armed confrontations and Tuesday's mobilization of the national army to restore security, the mission is trying to achieve understanding to prevent the deterioration of a political push Lebanon into war.
Hamas warns of carrying out escalatory actions to break the sieget
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement threatened on Saturday to carry out new escalatory measures to break a blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip since the movement took control of Gaza last June.
"The threat to carry out measures to break the siege came after the Egyptian efforts to reach a truce with Israel had failed," said Hamas spokesman in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri.
Iran, P5+1 set resume n-talks Wednesday
Tehran : Experts from Iran and the P5+1 or the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, China, Russia, France,...
Iraqi forces continue advance to free Salahudin province
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces on Thursday continued their advance to free key cities and towns in Iraq's northern central province of Salahudin from...
Church bombings: Pakistan observes day of mourning
Islamabad : After the two deadly blasts in churches Lahore on Sunday, which left at least 15 dead and over 70 wounded, provincial governments...
Explosions leave eight dead in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : Two separate blasts killed three Afghan children and five Taliban militants in Afghanistan, police and NATO sources said on Saturday.
A statement from NATO headquarters here said three children died in an explosion in Pashtunkot district of the country's western Fariab province.
Initial investigation by the Afghan National Police and the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Faryab province showed the cause of the explosion was an unexploded ordnance, which was lying on the ground, said the NATO statement.
U.S.: Fallon resignation doesn’t signal Iran war
By Xinhua
Beijing : The U.S. government has ruled out suggestion that resignation of William Fallon, chief of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, signaled a possible war with Iran.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday that it will continue trying to reach a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issues. "There's no one in the administration that is suggesting anything other than a diplomatic approach to Iran."
Bomb attacks kill 45 in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 45 people were killed and 59 injured Tuesday in attacks, including a bloody suicide and car bomb attack in Iraq's restive Diyala province, in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed in recent months.
A simultaneous suicide and bomb attack in Diyala province killed at least 35 people. Around 47 people were injured in the attack.
A suicide bomber got out of a car and detonated himself amid a crowd of police recruits standing in front of a police station in Jalawla town, some 60 km northeast of the Iraqi capital, witnesses told DPA.
835 await execution in Iraqi prisons
By IANS/AKI,
Baghdad : More than 800 people in Iraq are on death row awaiting execution, said Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani.
Israeli right wing minister threatens to resign if talks with Palestinians begin
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Israeli right wing cabinet member Avigdor Libermann has threatened to resign from the ministerial pack if the Palestinians and Israelis embark on final status talks.
The threat, which was carried by Israeli radio quoting cabinet sources Sunday, indicate that final status negotiations between the two sides were imminent.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's cabinet, which includes several parties, could be forced to resign if some of its member parties pull out of the coalition.
Rice meets Jordan’s King Abdullah, Abbas seperately
By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said here that the United States was committed to stabilize the Middle East and was working with Israel and the Palestinians towards this end.
The necessary means must be found to facilitate the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank and shore up the Palestinian economy, a statement issued by the Jordanian Royal Diwan quoted Rice as saying during her meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan Sunday.
ADB To Provide Pakistan With US$75 Mln For Farming
By Bernama
Manila : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide Pakistan with US$75 million in loans to help the country develop farming across the Potohar Plateau near Islamabad, China's Xinhua news agency quoted the bank as saying here on Thursday.
The loans will be used to build multipurpose dams, irrigation canals and drinking water supplies, said the lender in a press release.
Pakistan expresses concern over new Indian nuclear tests
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan expressed on Thursday concerns over reports that India is again preparing for a new nuclear test amid revelations that India's hydrogen bomb of May 1998 was a dud.
Addressing a press conference here the Foreign Office Spokesman, Abdul Basit, said that there were reports that India has a new nuclear test in the works and termed them as rather embarrassing to Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan is however steadfast on its policy of maintaining minimum defence deterrence and does not want arms race in the region.
Six-member US Congressional delegation meets President Musharraf
By SPA
Islamabad : A six-member US Congressional delegation led by Congressman John F. Tierney has met President Pervez Musharraf Thursday.
The Feb 18 parliamentary election was a victory of the forces of moderation, the president told the delegation and stressed importance of political stability to ensure economic growth, social development, fight against extremism and terrorism.
Musharraf said he has extended his full cooperation to the new government. He said Pakistan was fighting extremism and terrorism in its national interest.
United states plays major role in maintaining gulf security – Kuwaiti diplomat
By Abdel Hakim Al-Rifaee, KUNA,
Manama : Kuwait's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah has affirmed significance of the United States role in bolstering and maintaining security and stability of the Gulf region.
Sheikh Azzam, in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), said the continous American support for Iraq's security and stability would lead to further strengthening of the region's calm and order.
Two killed in Afghan blast
By IANS,
Kabul : Two people, including the bomber, were killed Monday in a suicide blast targeting Afghan troops in Kandahar, Xinhua reported.
Islamist militia launches operation in Libya’s oil crescent region
Tripoli: The Islamist Libya Dawn Saturday launched an operation in the so called oil crescent region and clashed with oil installation guards stationed in...
US Raid Kills 40 Afghan Civilians
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A US air strike on a town of Paktika province killed about 40 Afghan civilians and destroyed several houses, a leader of that south-western zone denounced Wednesday.
That massacre was confirmed by a representative of the Paktika tribal council, who told press in a phone call that several women and children were victims of the US air attack.
The Pentagon command alleges nearly 30 Afghan rebels and only four civilians died during the operation supported by the Musakhan aviation.
At least 20 militants, five troops killed in Pakistan
By DPA
Islamabad : At least 20 Islamic militants and five soldiers were killed in clashes with government forces for control of a strategic road tunnel in Pakistan's restive tribal area, the army said Sunday.
The militants captured the Friendship Tunnel on the Indus Highway, which links North-West Frontier Province with southern and central Pakistan, near the tribal town of Darra Adam Khel Friday evening by killing five troops and capturing ten more at a nearby security check post.
13 killed in air force bus bombing in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 13 people, mostly security personnel, were killed and around two dozen injured Tuesday when a bomb targeted a Pakistan Air Force bus in the country's northwestern city of Peshawar, officials said.
The bomb exploded when the vehicle was passing over a bridge on the outskirts of the city.
"It was a remote-controlled explosive device which was planted under the bridge," said Inspector General of Police Malik Naveed.
Germany boosts financial aid for Iraqi refugees
By IRNA
Berlin : Germany's Foreign Ministry has increased its financial aid for millions of Iraqi refugees by 2.5 million euros, press reports said Wednesday.
The funds will be allocated to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to be used for refugees in Syria, Jordan and even those Iraqis who were displaced inside their own country.
Germany's total financial aid for Iraqi refugees stood at 3.7 million euros since the beginning of the year.
25-kg bomb defused in Pakistan
Islamabad : Police defused a 25 kg bomb at a bus-stop in Pakistan Tuesday.
After receiving a tip-off about a suspicious bag, Bomb Disposal Squad...
Bangladesh: sesonal storms kill dozens, damage crops
By NNN-IRIN,
Dhaka : Over 30 people have been killed this month and hundreds more injured as seasonal storms, locally known as `norwesters’, wreaked havoc across Bangladesh.
On Tuesday, eight people were killed in Siraganj, Rajbari and Lalmonirhat districts, in the northwest, south-central regions and in the extreme north.
Two days earlier, two persons were killed and 10 others injured as another localised tornado swept through southern Barisal and Magura districts.
Book review: Islam’s women scholars
By Yoginder Sikand, TwoCircles.net,
One indicator of the development of a society is its female literacy rate and, related to this, the number of its female scholars. On both these fronts, India's Muslims are among the lowest of all the communities in the country. This unfortunate fact provides a basis for negative stereotyping of the community, particularly in matters related to inter-gender relations.
Malaysian Indian Congress hoping to recapture parliament seat
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Backed by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is hoping to recapture a parliament seat it lost two years ago in Selangor to assert its political importance in a multi-ethnic nation.
Najib, who is chief of the ruling alliance Barisan Nasional (BN), has nominated its ally MIC for the seat but is yet to clear the candidate for the April 27 poll for the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat.
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...
UAE ministry rejects shipment of infected sheep
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE's environment ministry has denied entry of a sheep shipment through its Al Ghweifat border point after the animals were found infected with a contagious disease.
Sultan Alwan, executive director of the agriculture and animals affairs at the ministry, said his ministry is in daily contacts with the world organisations to safeguard the livestock and public health in the country.
He added that there were 300 sheep in the shipment and were found infected with contagious "Brucellosis" disease that also affects humans.
15 militants killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Fifteen Taliban militants and two policemen were killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan, officials said Sunday.
The fighting took place Saturday in the Nahr-e-Saraj district in Helmand province where the Afghan Police and the US-led security forces launched a joint operation against the militants, the interior ministry said in a statement.
Officials said five policemen and five militants were also injured in the fighting.
ISAF soldier killed, four injured in mine blast
By KUNA,
Kabul : A soldier of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was killed and four more were wounded in a landmine blast in eastern Afghanistan, the multi-national force said in a statement Monday.
The bomb hit an ISAF vehicle while on patrol in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday. Five soldiers were injured in the explosion. One of them later succumbed to his injuries, said the statement.
Pakistan celebrates nuclear tests anniversary
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday celebrated the 10th anniversary of its nuclear tests, describing the day as "historic in the nation's quest for security".
"Pakistan has taken its responsibilities as a nuclear weapon state seriously. We have not relented in our pursuit of creating a peaceful global and regional environment," a foreign ministry statement said.
The statement titled "A Decade of Responsibility and Restraint", said: "At all levels bilaterally and multilaterally, we have endeavoured to promote the cause of peace, disarmament and non-proliferation."
Provincial Council’s secretary gunned down in E Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
KABUL : Unknown armed men shot dead the secretary of Provincial Council in Nangarhar province east of Afghanistan on Saturday, a police official said.
"Qazi Khan Mohammad Malik Baba was on his way to office when unknown armed men shot him dead in Darai Noor district at 8:00 a.m. local time (0330 GMT)," Abdul Ghafoor Khan the spokesman for police told Xinhua.
He put the attack on the enemies of peace a term used against Taliban fighters while the insurgents who often target pro-government figures have yet to make comment.
Turkey blocks Google services
By IANS,
Istanbul : Turkey has indefinitely shut off access to several Google services including Google Docs.
Turkey's Telecommunications Communication Presidency released an official statement Friday, saying it has blocked access to some Google IP (Internet Protocol) addresses "because of legal reasons", Xinhua reported.
Some Google applications may be completely inaccessible or take a long time to load, the statement said.
Rusia to maintain contact with Iran over its nuclear programme
By NNN-KUNA,
Moscow : Russia has said that it will continue contacts with Iran to encourage it be involved in negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear programme.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko expressed regret Wednesday that the Iranians did not provide a clear answer to a bundle of incentives proposed by Europe.
He said the P5 1 countries have all possible options to move ahead vis-a-vis the Iranian nuclear file.
New head of German army union urges dialogue with “moderate Taliban forces”
By IRNA,
Berlin : The new head of the German army union, Ulrich Kirsch called for a dialogue with moderate Taliban political forces, press reports said Thursday.
Kirsch who heads the Bundeswehrverband, the army's quasi trade union, which represents around 65 percent of German soldiers, stressed the urgent need for a rapprochement with "moderate Taliban forces." The German government had in the past signaled green light for political talks with the radical Afghan militia.
Pakistan rules out official security for Musharraf in London
By IANS,
Islamabad : A senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has denied media reports that former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been given official security in London where he has decided to live in exile.
No official security has been provided to Musharraf in London, Online news agency quoted Fouzia Wahab, information secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as saying here Wednesday.
Pakistani Taliban chief is dead, militants say
By DPA,
Islamabad : Baitullah Mehsud, the chief of the Pakistani Taliban, has been killed, Taliban sources said Friday.
He died with his wife Wednesday in a suspected US missile attack, they said.
Development of any society will come through collective efforts by men and women, says...
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Development of any society would come through collective efforts by men and women to improve the quality of their lives, Rula Ghani, the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, said here on Wednesday.
“It is through relentless activism, dedication and blind courage that women could help change the mindsets of people,” Ghani said delivering her keynote address at a two-day SAARC conference on ‘Gender, Community and Violence: Changing Mindsets for Empowering the Women of South Asia’ here.
PFLP rejects extending Gaza ceasefire unilaterally by Hamas
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) on Monday said current ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should not be extended by a single Palestinian movement, referring to Islamic Hamas movement.
The remarks came as the Egyptian-brokered six-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will end in December.
"The PFLP calls for discussing this issue (the extension) in the framework of the Palestinian factions to get the lesson of the current lull which Israel works to turn it into own victory," said PFLP top official in Gaza, Kayed al-Ghoul.
India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations, prisoners
New Delhi : India and Pakistan Thursday exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities under an agreement that bars them from attacking...
47 villagers killed in Nigeria Boko Haram attack
Abuja : At least 47 villagers were killed in the latest attack by Boko Haram in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, one of the...
UN chief expresses outrage at peacekeepers’ killing in Mali
United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Friday said he was shocked and outraged by an attack in Mali that killed nine peacekeepers from...
New Zealand joins calls for regime change in Egypt
By DPA,
Wellington : New Zealand Monday joined international calls for Egypt President Hosni Mubarak to respect his people's demands for a change in the country's regime.
US turns up pressure on Pakistan to fight Taliban: NYT
By IANS,
Washington : The Obama administration has warned Pakistan that the US will use considerably more force on the Pakistani side of the border with Afghanistan if it does not act more aggressively against the Taliban, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The blunt message was delivered in a tense encounter in Pakistan last month, before President Barack Obama announced his new war strategy, the influential US daily said citing unnamed American and Pakistani officials.
Two killed in Turkey blast
By IANS,
Ankara : Two people were killed Tuesday in a blast in a central area of Ankara, the Turkish capital, a media report said.
Last Israeli troops leave Gaza Strip
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel pulled the last of its soldiers out the Gaza Strip Wednesday morning, over two and a half weeks after they were sent in as part of an intense Israeli operation against militants in the salient, a military spokesman in Tel Aviv said.
The spokesman would not give further details about the withdrawal.
Israeli troops began pulling out the Strip Sunday evening, hours after Israel announced a unilateral ceasefire, ending its three-week-long Operation Cast Lead.
Lebanese detainees captured in flotilla raid arrive in Lebanon
By DPA,
Beirut : Two journalists who were among the five Lebanese detainees captured during the Israeli raid on a flotilla carrying aid bound for the Gaza Strip, were released late Wednesday at the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The two journalists from the Doha-based television television network Al-Jazeera, Abbas Nasser and Andre abi Khalil, arrived at the Naqoura border crossing escorted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Visa, biggest barrier in Indo-Pak relations: Business
New Delhi : The biggest barrier to normalising relations between India and Pakistan is the issue of visa, business leaders from both sides said...
Retired US general to coordinate coalition against IS
Washington: Retired American general John Allen is being tasked with coordinating a global coalition in support of US-led efforts to combat the Islamic State...
UAE, Armenia sign agreement
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Armenia.
Political crisis hits Pakistan’s budgetary exercise
By IANS,
Islamabad : The political crisis caused by the collapse of Pakistan's ruling coalition is impacting on the country's budget making exercise, with bureaucrats apprehending they would not be able to complete the task by the early June deadline.
Pakistan's fiscal 2008-09 begins July 1.
Pakistan issued visas to more than 500 foreign observers
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistan has issued visas to over 500 observers from different countries to observe the election, scheduled for February 18, and not a single visa to any observer has been refused.
"About 500 foreign observers from different countries including USA and European Union (EU) requested visa, for the forthcoming general elections and their requests have been processed and issued visas", said foreign office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq at his weekly press briefing here Wednesday.
Pakistani Taliban split on ceasefire extension
Islamabad: The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said that they are yet to decide on the extension of ceasefire as some of its members are opposing...
‘Put Mubarak on trial for human rights violations’
By DPA,
Berlin : Germany should put Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on trial for human rights breaches if he seeks refuge in a German hospital, Amnesty International said in Berlin Tuesday.
Profile: Awami League — major party of Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : As the 9th Parliamentary election of Bangladesh is being held on Monday, the two major parties -- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Awami League led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina are both hopeful of winning the election.
Following is the profile of Awami League.
Awami League is a mainstream secular political party in Bangladesh. The party led Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 under the charismatic leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was the first President of Bangladesh.
NATO condemns Istanbul bombing
By KUNA,
Brussels : NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer condemned "in the strongest terms" Monday the bombings that occurred in Istanbul Sunday evening, in which 16 people were killed.
"These appalling terrorist attacks targeted innocent civilians in a deliberate and brutal way. On behalf of the Allies, I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and my sympathies to those injured in the blasts.
"NATO will continue to stand firmly in solidarity with the Turkish people in the fight against terrorism," added the statement.
Fayyad to ask Rice for guarantees that Gaza offensive won’t happen again
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Acting Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad will ask visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to give guarantees that Israeli offensive into Gaza will not happen again, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.
Rice started a Middle East tour on Tuesday and is scheduled to visit Ramallah in the afternoon to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Premier Fayyad before heading for Jerusalem for talks with Israeli officials.
Gilani-led Pakistani delegation in Kabul for talks
By IANS,
Kabul : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived here on a day-long visit Saturday to hold talks with the Afghan leadership.
Court admits plea for filing charges against former PM Shaukat Aziz
By IANS,
Islamabad : A court here has admitted a plea for filing charges against former Pakistani prime minister Shaukat Aziz for allegedly conniving to send a woman to jail after she accused him of corruption while he was the country's finance minister.
A single bench of judge Muhammad Munir Peracha passed the order after issuing notice on a plea filed by Zahida Malik, the former secretary general of an educational trust, who alleged that Aziz had demanded kickbacks of 30 percent on $130 million of a total proposed investment of $260 million by a Hong Kong-based company in 2002.
Saudi Arabia to replace expatriate workers with locals
By IANS,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has plans to improve competence of local workers to replace the eight million expatriate workers in the country, Xinhua reported Saturday.
Pakistan’s elite protest price rise – from luxe cars
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Faisalabad (Pakistan) : This was a protest with a difference. Pakistan's elite businesspersons took to the streets against rising prices, brandished placards and shouted slogans too -- but from behind the windows of their airconditioned cars in the scorching summer heat of Tuesday.
As temperatures in this industrial city in central Punjab hit 45 degrees Celsius, industrialists came out to voice their protest the government's failure in controlling prices and the fuel hike, probably the first such protest ever in the country.
Syria, Lebanon to exchange agricultural products
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syria and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to exchange agricultural products without any obstacles and open new markets in both countries to promote exporting production surplus.
The agricultural committee of the two countries agreed on the exchange in a memorandum of understanding after their meetings, according to the official SANA news agency.
Taslima’s visa extended by a year
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The government of India has extended the visa of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen by another year from August 2010. Surprisingly it’s a shift in the government’s stand which had earlier asked her to leave the country and apply afresh. Her present visa is valid till August 16. Earlier the government had expressed its inability in extending the 47 year old doctor turned writer’s visa as her travel document had been issued under the category (miscellaneous).
Arab leaders condemn anti-Islam film
By IRNA
Damascus : Leaders of the Arab states on Sunday strongly condemned Dutch film blaspheming Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and Holy Quran, calling for boycott of Dutch products.
The leaders the Arab League, holding a Summit in Damascus, called for adopting an international law which prohibits insult to divine religions.
Addressing the Summit, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir urged Muslims to boycott the Dutch products as a measure against blasphemy.
He underscored the need for respecting all religious beliefs by world people.
Bangladesh losing US garment market to India, China
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh is losing the US market for garments to India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia, among others, causing concern among exporters.
Citing a recent report of US Commerce Department, exporters say Bangladesh, recording a marginal fall during January-April this year, has witnessed overall negative growth in shipments compared to other Asian competitors.
The report on "US apparel imports from major Asian sources in January-April 2010" shows Bangladesh’s apparel shipments saw one percent decline over the like period of the past year.
Israeli PM, Palestinian president meet for first time in six weeks
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met on Monday in Jerusalem to discuss the peace process in their first meeting since a devastating Israeli raid on the Gaza Strip.
In late February, some 120 Palestinians, many of them civilians, died as Israel launched an attack on the Hamas-controlled enclave. Israel said the attack was in response to rocket attacks on Israeli border towns from Gaza. Abbas halted peace talks with Israel after the assault.
Gunmen shoot down four aid workers near Afghan capital
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A group of unknown gunmen attacked the vehicle of international aid workers near Afghan capital Kabul, killing three female aid workers and their local colleague, an official said on Wednesday.
Mustafa Mohseni, the provincial police chief, told media that three foreign aid workers and one local Afghan have been killed by a group of unknown gunmen in the Qalah Rahmat area of Puli Alam, the capital of Logar province, 50 km south of Kabul city.
The police chief said an Afghan driver was also injured, however, he did not say when the incident happened.
18 soldiers killed in Pakistan suicide bombing
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suicide car bomber attacked a military convoy and checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan Saturday, killing at least 18 soldiers and two civilians, a senior police official said.
The bomber rammed his explosives laden car into a security wall around the army post when a military convoy was passing by in Doaba town of the restive Hangu district.
"It was a suicide bombing. The deaths of 18 security personnel and two civilians have been confirmed," said deputy police superintendent Farid Khan.
"Ten more people were injured," he added.
Senior cleric: Erdogan should be awarded with Nobel Prize
By IRNA,
Qom : A senior cleric here on Sunday suggested that Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan be awarded with this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for his courageous act in the Davos meeting.
Addressing his theological students in this central holy city, Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi lauded Erdogan’s decisive and crushing protest against the atrocities of the Zionist regime in the occupied lands.
US invites GCC+3, P5+1 to discuss security in Gulf, Iran next week at UN
By NNN-KUNA,
United Nations : US envoy Zalmay Kalilzad late Friday said US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has invited the foreign ministers of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); Egypt, Iraq and Jordan; the Security Council's five permanent members (P5); and Germany to meet here next Tuesday to discuss security in the Gulf.
The Iranian nuclear file will also be discussed, according to another western diplomat.
So far, only the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, the UK and Russia have confirmed their participation.
Pakistan welcomes Chinese participation in IPI gas pipeline project
Islamabad, Feb 13, IRNA ,Pakistan says it would welcome Chinese participation in the IPI gas pipeline project.
Responding to questions at the weekly news briefing here Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said Pakistan is committed to the project because of its rising energy needs.
He said Pakistan welcomes prospects of Chinese inclusion in the project with or without India.