Abu Dhabi to host global economic summit
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will host the 4th World Economic Forum Summit Oct 10-11, it was announced Wednesday.
7 civilians killed as Taliban ambushes NATO convoy
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Taliban militants ambushed NATO convoy Wednesday night in southern Afghan province of Uruzgan leaving at least seven civilians killed and two more wounded, an official said on Thursday.
Assadullah Hamadam, the provincial governor told Xinhua that a group of Taliban rebels attacked and fired rockets on the NATO convoy patrolling in Shahid Ihasaa district of Uruzgan.
"Some rockets hit one civilian house in the area killing seven people around including women and children ," Hamadam said.
UAE warns against selling diseased animals
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The UAE government has warned livestock traders against selling or trading in diseased or feeble animals.
Russia Must Strengthen Its Influence In New Mideast-view
By Bernama,
Moscow : Russia should not give up mediation between the Islamic world and the West, Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the Federation Council committee on international affairs, points out in an article published in Rossiiskaya Gazeta on Tuesday.
Quoting Margelov, Russia's Itar-Tass news agency reported that mediation must remain one of the main planks of Russia's foreign policy.
While working out a long-term policy in the Greater Middle East, one must take it into account that US and European interests clash in the region, apart from Russia-US ones.
Iraq executes 23 prisoners
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq has executed 23 convicted prisoners in the past five days, six of which were carried out Monday, the government said.
World’s first cloned camel born in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : After Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep born in Edinburgh, the first cloned camel has been born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a media report Tuesday.
The female camel calf, Injaz (Achievement), was born at the Camel Reproduction Centre (CRC) in Dubai April 8, the Gulf News reported.
"We are all very excited at the birth of Injaz as she is the result of great skill and teamwork of everyone at the Camel Reproduction Centre," the newspaper quoted the centre's scientific director Lulu Skidmore as saying.
14 killed, over 50 hurt in Karachi after killing of MQM minister
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : Panic and fear gripped Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and financial hub, on Monday afternoon following the murder of a member of Sindh provincial assembly Raza Haider by unknown assailants in Nazimabad area where he had gone to attend a funeral.
Raza, 51, was a member of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has a political stronghold in Karachi. He was elected to the provincial assembly for the first time in 2008 general elections.
Britain to give military training to Libyan security forces
London: Britain's defence ministry announced Wednesday that the British Army is to train over 300 members of the Libyan security forces in the coming...
Eight prisoners, two Israeli soldiers wounded in Israeli prison’s clashes
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Eight Palestinian prisoners and two Israeli prison's guards were injured during clashes in Israel's Ofer Prison in the West Bank on Saturday.
Prisoners from inside Ofer prison told reporters on cellular phones that they were protesting an earlier search of prisoner property which damaged the living quarters of the prisoners.
They said that in response to the protest, dozens of Israeli soldiers fired rounds of rubber coated bullets and tear gas canisters on the prisoners, who set fire to some of the tents inside the prison.
Dubai plans hybrid taxis to fight pollution
By IANS,
Dubai : Hybrid taxis running both on fuel and electricity will soon be cruising in this metropolis. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received from a local automobile dealer a fleet of 10 taxis fitted with hybrid engines.
"This deal signals RTA's commitment to protect lives and properties, conserve the environment and natural wealth, and improve levels of occupational health and public safety," Abdul Aziz Malik, chief executive of the RTA's Taxi Agency, said in the statement.
Don’t look for excuses to hire foreigners, Malaysian PM tells bosses
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Pitching for the local workforce, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has warned the employers against finding "excuses" to hire foreign workers.
Malaysia has close to three million foreign workers from the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and from South Asia, including significant numbers from India and Bangladesh.
Najib asked the employers to treat the local workers "fairly" by offering reasonable salaries while launching the 2010 Workers' Day celebration here Saturday.
Video shows Israeli soldier shooting at arrested man
Jerusalem, July 21 (DPA) Footage released Sunday by a rights group showed an Israeli soldier firing what appeared at be a rubber coated bullet at a handcuffed Palestinian who was arrested during a protest.
The video, published by the Israeli organization B'tselem, was filmed July 7 by a 14-year-old Palestinian school girl during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Nil'in against the building of Israel's separation barrier.
Over 190,000 people killed in Syria since 2011
Geneva : Over 190,000 people were reportedly killed in Syria between March 2011 and April 2014, according to a UN study released Friday.
The latest...
Bangladesh speaker to attend Inter-Parliamentary meet
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh parliament Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar is to attend an Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in South Africa although parliament here was dissolved in November 2006.
Sarkar's visit to Cape Town will cost Taka three million ($50,000) - a move that has attracted criticism, media reports said Thursday.
Elections in Bangladesh were called off amid political turmoil in January 2007. The country is being governed by a caretaker government. Though the parliament has been dissolved, the speaker continues until the next parliament is formed.
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.
Mubarak’s trial resumes
By IANS,
Cairo : The trial of former Egypt president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons resumed Monday in the capital city.
500 Iraq, Syria returned nurses to benefit from one-time settlement, loan at reduced rates
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) has agreed to the state government’s request to provide benefits to around 500 nurses who have returned from conflict-hit Iraq and Libya.
Change inevitable if PPP government doesn’t mend ways: Sharif
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
US fighter jet crashes in Libya: Report
By DPA,
Cairo : The US military said Tuesday that one of its fighter jets had crashed in Libya.
Pakistan President: democracy only way to ensure country’s prosperity
By NNN-APP
Rawalpindi : President Pervez Musharraf termed democracy the only way to ensure sustainable progress and prosperity in the country.
Talking to a delegation of international election observers of Centre for Media and Democracy (CMD) here Saturday, President Musharraf said international observers had been invited to witness the polls, which would be held in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner.
The President said Election Commission had independently formulated the strategy and details for ensuring transparency and impartiality of election process.
Morocco dismantles Syria-related terrorist cell
Rabat: Moroccan police announced Saturday that it has recently dismantled a terrorist cell that recruits Moroccan combatants for Syria, local media reported.
The cell members...
Four UK soldiers killed in ‘incident’ near Afghan checkpoint
By IRNA,
London : British casualties in Afghanistan continued to mount Thursday with four more soldiers killed in an unspecific ‘vehicle incident’ near a checkpoint in Helmand province.
According to the Ministry of Defence in London, the four soldiers were as part of a Police Advisory Team in northern Nahr-e Saraj and the vehicle incident happened near Gereshk on Wednesday night.
German state legislator backs Sharia law introduction in Bavaria
By IRNA,
Berlin : A liberal lawmaker from the south German state of Bavaria has supported the introduction of the Sharia law in his conservative home state, the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported Thursday.
Georg Barfuss of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) said the Sharia should be allowed if there areas which are "compatible with the constitution."
The MP, who is also the integration commissioner in Bavaria, added that key elements of Muslim life like prayers, fasting and the pilgrimage to Mecca should be officially recognized in Bavaria.
Pakistan hosts international anti-narcotics meet
By IANS,
Islamabad : More than a dozen countries, including India, China and Iran, are participating in a conference here to counter the menace of illicit drugs.
Four killed in Karachi violence
Islamabad : At least four people were killed in different firing and violent incidents across Karachi, media reports Wednesday said.
Two people were shot dead...
Kashmiri artists and ghazal lovers mourn Mehdi Hassan
By IANS,
Srinagar : As the news of Mehdi Hassan's death spread in Kashmir Wednesday, a pall of gloom descended on the artistic fraternity and ghazal lovers here.
Israeli troops kill Jihad militant in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli troops on Wednesday killed an Islamic Jihad (Holy War) commander during an operation near the West Bank town of Tulkarem, the movement said.
In a press statement, Jihad said that Saleh Karkour, a 22-year-old activist, was killed during clashes with Israeli troops which surrounded a house in Sida neighborhood to the north of Tulkarem.
According to residents, a number of Israeli tanks and army jeeps stormed the city, surrounded a house and started to demolish it with a bulldozer amid exchange of fire.
Musharraf to miss Dakar OIC summit: report
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf has cancelled a visit to Dakar to attend the OIC Islamic Summit Conference, scheduled be held on March 13-14, reports said Wednesday.
The trip to Senegal was cancelled due to current political developments, Dawn TV reported.
Pakistan will have ministerial representation in the summit for the first time, it reported.
Sudanese woman faces 40 lashes for wearing trousers
By DPA,
Nairobi : A woman Sudanese journalist and United Nations worker could face up to 40 lashes Wednesday for wearing trousers.
Lubna Ahmed Hussein, a columnist and public information officer at the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), was arrested in Khartoum along with 13 other women in early July.
Ten of the other women were given 10 lashes for breaching Islamic law, but Hussein demanded a lawyer and delayed her trial.
She has invited local and foreign journalists to view her flogging should she be convicted.
Bangladesh set to dilute anti-graft law
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh is set to dilute its anti-graft law to keep beyond its purview lawmakers at all levels and require prior permission to probe government officials.
Bomb blast kills five Afghan border policemen
By DPA,
Kandahar : Five Afghan border policemen were killed in a roadside bomb blast in southern Afghanistan Sunday, a police official said.
The explosion happened in Spin Boldak, a district in the volatile province of Kandahar bordering Pakistan, said General Abdul Raziq, the border police commander.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, but said their fighters hit a police vehicle with a rocket-propelled grenade in the district's main market.
Taliban appoints Muslim Khan as spokesman
By IANS,
Peshawar : Islamist insurgent group Teherik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has named Muslim Khan as the group's new spokesman, the Online news agency reported Wednesday.
The acting head of the TTP, Moulvi Fakhir Muhammad Wednesday appointed the group's spokesman in the Swat region as its new chief spokesperson.
The decision was taken after the arrest of the TTP's central spokesman Moulvi Omar by the security forces.
UN chief appeals for aid to flood-hit Pakistan
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday his visit to Pakistan will help bring the world's focus on the humanitarian crisis in the country that has resulted from one-third of its area being flood-affected.
Addressing a joint press conference with President Asif Ali Zardari after visiting the flood-hit areas, he termed the flooding the biggest disaster that he had seen anywhere in the world.
Pakistani jailed for assaulting Indian girl in Dubai
By IANS,
Dubai : A Pakistani domestic help has been sentenced to one year in prison for sexually assaulting a six-year-old Indian schoolgirl here.
The 29-year-old...
Two Palestinian children die in Gaza after Israel denies them travel approval
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinian children, a boy and a girl, passed away on Saturday in Gaza Strip after Israeli forces denied them approval to travel abroad for treatment, Palestinian sources said.
The sources said 11-year-old Misleh Mohammad Qalja and 10-year-old Faten Majdi Al-Hanfawi, both residents of Gaza City, passed away today after suffering from illness.
Both were prevented from traveling abroad for treatment by Israeli forces with the closing off of crossings, they said.
Car bomb kills seven people in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A car bomb went off in the northern district of Adhamiyah in Baghdad on Sunday, killing at least seven people and wounding 14 others, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A booby-trapped car parked near a passport office in the Magrib Street detonated in the morning, killing at least seven civilians and wounding 14 others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Sporadic attacks continue in Baghdad despite the U.S. and Iraqi officials' announcement of a relative lull in violence during the past months.
Paris attack: one suspect surrenders
Paris: The youngest of the three suspects in the attack on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine here, has surrendered voluntarily, a media report said.
The...
No free lunch: Pakistani daily on $5.5 bn aid
By IANS,
Islamabad : There is no such thing as a free lunch, a leading Pakistani daily said Monday on the $5.5 billion development aid granted by the World Bank.
Syria bans women wearing veils in universities
By DPA,
Damascus: Syria has issued a directive banning women who wear full-face veils from attending public and private universities, the state-run news agency Sana reported Sunday.
The directive reportedly came from the country's Minister of Higher Education, Ghaith Barakat.
The full-face veil, or niqab, that is worn by some Muslim women is "inconsistent with the values and ethics of academic traditions", he said.
The ministry had received requests for the ban from a large number of university students and their families, Sana reported.
Qatar plans economy base shift from oil to knowledge
By IANS
Dubai : Qatar is planning to transform its economy from one based on energy to one that has knowledge as its mainstay.
"We expect to be an exporter of knowledge as well as gas," the Peninsula newspaper quoted Qatar Foundation's associate vice-president for higher education Ahmed Hasnah as saying at a three-day international conference on knowledge parks in Doha.
A ceasefire is no small thing
By MJ Rosenberg, CGNews,
The ceasefire is still in effect, which is something of a surprise. After all, this is a ceasefire few like—especially in Israel. Some of the same government officials who secured it, wasted little time in saying that they did not expect it to last and that, when it did collapse, Israel would launch its long-deferred invasion of Gaza.
Iran to withdraw money from EU over sanctions
By Xinhua,
Vienna : Iran will withdraw money from European Union (EU) countries and invest in other regions in response to EU sanctions against Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari has said.
In an interview to Austrian newspaper "Die Presse" Wednesday, Safari pointed out that EU's sanctions would lead to serious consequences.
He believed that once "more than $100 billion" were withdrawn from European banks, it would lead to a money shortage on the continent, which would have an impact on the global economy.
Bombers blow themselves up on resistance from Pakistani locals
By DPA,
Islamabad : Two of three suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up Thursday after residents in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province tried to apprehend them, officials said.
Three militants stopped briefly in the village of Maskeray in the Dir district, were spotted by residents and challenged, Mayor Bakht Sher said in a telephone interview. The two sides exchanged fire and the two militants blew themselves up, he said.
The third militant fled into a forest near the village but was later caught by the locals and beaten severely, Sher said.
Hamas: European sides also mediating in prisoners swap
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas said on Sunday that European parties were also mediating in the efforts to exchange an Israeli hostage for a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said the European sides were not the solo mediators, adding that "we deal with all efforts and mediations because they serve the Egyptian efforts to achieve the swap."
Radwan did not reveal which countries the European mediators are.
Five killed in Yemen violence
By IANS,
Sanaa : Four Yemeni soldiers and a high-ranking officer were killed in clashes with secessionist gunmen in the country's southern province of al-Dhalea...
Pakistan parliament cuts Zardari’s presidential powers
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's parliament Thursday stripped President Asif Ali Zardari of sweeping powers to run the government by proxy and dismiss any cabinet failing to follow his line.
The 18th constitutional amendment bill unanimously adopted by the upper house, days after its approval by the lower house, will tilt the balance of power in the favour of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, who welcomed the move.
"Today is a historic moment as we are empowering the institutions of the country and not any individual," Gilani said in his brief address to lawmakers.
Palestinians prepare to bury teenager killed in Jerusalem
Jerusalem : Palestinians are preparing for the funeral of a teenager abducted and murdered in Jerusalem, media reported Thursday.
The killing of 17-year-old Palestine national...
Yemen, US Presidents hold phone talks on Yemen’s security and unity
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and received a phone call from US President George W. Bush on Friday during which they discussed issues of mutual relations and cooperation, out of which fighting terrorism.
Bush affirmed concern of the US to reinforce its ties with Yemen, praising the democratic path of Yemen and changes in this area, topped by parliamentary, presidential and local democratic elections held recently in Yemen. He also praise the new move to elect governors as a result of democracy.
Israel names new army chief
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant was named Sunday as Israel's next army chief of staff, Xinhua reported.
Current Army Chief Of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi will step down in February next year.
Galant is presently the southern command chief of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
"It is the right move in order to bring stable functioning back to the army's senior echelon," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after Defence Minister Ehud Barak announced his decision of the 20th army chief.
Rice may visit Israel, Palestinian areas next month
By Xinhua
Washington : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said here on Wednesday that she may visit Israel and the Palestinian territories in early March to help the two sides narrow their differences in peace talks.
Rice told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbaswere trying to continue peace talks "without much public glare" and the United States was doing everything it could to help.
Arab League envoy sees chance of settlement in Lebanon
By DPA
Beirut : Arab League chief Amr Mussa said a solution to Lebanon's ongoing presidential crisis could be reached "in a couple of days" and described his initial talks in the country as "encouraging".
Mussa flew to Beirut Wednesday to facilitate the implementation of an Arab initiative calling for the election of Army Commander General Michel Suleiman as a consensus president and the formation of a new government.
Speaking after his first meeting with Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Mussa said the talks were "useful, very positive and encouraging too".
Bomb targets Israeli diplomatic convoy in Jordan
By DPA,
Jerusalem/Amman : A roadside bomb exploded Thursday afternoon near a convoy of Israeli diplomats travelling in Jordan, but caused no injuries, Jordanian officials said.
According to accounts, the Israeli ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom, Danny Nevo, was not in any of the vehicles when the bomb went off, about 20 km from the Allenby Bridge, which separates the West Bank from Jordan.
The convoy was apparently traveling from Amman to Israel. The diplomats were escorted to a nearby Jordanian military base and then taken to the border.
Population growth undermining Pakistan’s progress: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad: High population growth rate is undermining Pakistan's economic progress, says Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Pakistan summons top US diplomat over anti-Islam film
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Friday summoned the US charge d'affaires Richard Hoagland to the foreign ministry and lodged a strong protest with him over a blasphemous video posted on YouTube.
Russia urges Palestinians, Israelis to stop confrontation
By NNN-KUNA
Moscow : Russia has called on the Palestinians and Israelis to stop military confrontations and to press ahead with negotiations.
Official spokesman Mikhail Kamynin condemned Thursday the Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel, but rejected at the same time the Israeli excessive military retaliations against the Palestinian civilians.
Kamynin regretted the loss of lives on both sides.
Makkah Governor evaluates Haj performance of agencies
By IINA,
Makkah : Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al Faisal, who is also chairman of the Haj Central Committee, yesterday evaluated the performance of different government agencies engaged in making operation of this year’s annual pilgrimage of Haj a resounding success. The meeting of the Central Haj Committee also reviewed the shortcomings in arrangements and outlined a strategy for the next Haj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Polls in Malaysia: two voters died at polling stations
By NNN-Bernama
Kuala Lumpur : Two men died after they collapsed at polling centres in Alor Setar and Kepala Batas, respectively, today.
In the first incident in Alor Star, Farmer Adzemi Ismail had just slipped his ballot paper into the transparent ballot box and was leaving the polling room when he collapsed, believed to be from a heart attack.
The loud thud from his fall caused a stir among voters who were queuing to cast their votes.
An Election Commission staff, who declined to be named, said that he rushed out to check what had happened.
Israel Air Raid Kills Five Palestinians
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : Another five persons died and the same number were wounded in an Israeli air strike in Gaza Strip on Thursday, bringing the number Palestinians killed in the last few hours to 24.
Three members of the same family, two brothers and a 13-year-old boy died and three others were wounded when their vehicle was hit by a missile launched by the Israeli warplanes in eastern Gaza.
Pakistani PM Gilani celebrates birthday mid-air
By NNN-APP,
On Board Special Aircraft : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani sunday celebrated his 56th birthday mid-air while on his way back from Saudi Arabia.
Gilani who turned 56 was pleasently surprised when the crew of his special aircraft managed a makeshift cake of choclate pastries.
He cut the cake as the clock struck 12 and his family and personal staff sang Happy Birthday, at an altitude of 5200 feet, few kilometers south of Islamabad.
Aircraft, ships to bring 1,900 Indians from Yemen
Thiruvananthapuram : A total of 1,900 Indians will be evacuated from Yemen in three aircraft and two ships, with one flight landing in Kochi...
Rice says priority for Iraq is capacity building
By Xinhua,
Stockholm : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday that the international community's priority for Iraq is not financial assistance, but capacity building.
"The Iraqis don't need large sums of money. They do need large infusions of technical assistance, project support, helping to build an adequate police force, helping to build an adequate justice system, helping to build a capacity to execute their large budgets, down to the provincial and local levels," Rice told reporters after meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.
Iran president arrives in Baghdad Sunday
By IANS
Baghdad : The Iranian deputy foreign minister Saturday said that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's upcoming Iraq visit would be a historic one, as the aim of his visit was to establish peace and friendship between the two countries, official IRNA news agency reported.
"We should avail ourselves of this historic occasion to realise the ultimate aim of creating borders of stable peace and friendship," Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza Sheikh-Attar said.
Pakistan, China agree on intelligence cooperation
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has assured China of full cooperation in providing intelligence about the activities of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Dawn News reported Tuesday.
Sharma seeks greater Malaysian investment in infrastructure
By IANS,
New Delhi: Commerce Minister Anand Sharma Wednesday sought greater investment and participation of Malaysian sovereign investment funds in building physical infrastructure in India.
Sharma, who is leading a 15-member high-level CEOs delegation, put forth this at a meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mohammed Najib Tun Razak, in Kuala Lumpur, said a official press statement here.
Provinces to be given autonomy soon, says Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Lahore : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that provinces would be given autonomy at the earliest to enable them to decide about utilization of their resources.
He said this in a meeting with PPP MNAs and MPAs including women and other party office-bearers at the State Guest House here on Sunday.
The Prime Minister said federal cabinet would be expanded and working of standing committees would be improved further to grasp the real problems of the common man.
Abbas: It is time to end the human disgrace called “Nakba”
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the occupation of the Palestinian territories should finish and the human disgrace called "Nakba" should be put to an end.
Abbas made the statements in his speech to the Palestinian people to mark sixty years for what the Palestinians term as "Nakba" Day, the day when Israel was established in 1948.
UN forum aims to ensure adequate funds to meet development goals
By IRNA,
Tehran : Representatives of governments, business and civil society are set to meet this weekend in Doha, Qatar, at a United Nations conference focusing on ensuring sufficient financing to meet key development goals amid mounting concern about the impact of the current global economic slowdown on poor nations.
UAE, British varsities to set up joint research centre
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE's Khalifa University has signed an agreement with the University of Bristol to set up a joint research centre at its campus in Abu Dhabi, it was announced Tuesday.
Pakistan International Airlines under Rs.1.1 trillion debt
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country's national carrier, is under a debt of Rs.1.11 trillion, an official said.
Iraq approves execution of Chemical Ali
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi Presidential Council has approved the execution of Ali Hassan al-Majid, one of former dictator Saddam Hussein's main aides and his cousin notorious for use of poisonous gas against Kurds, Iraqi official television reported on Friday.
"The Iraqi Presidential Council has approved the execution of convicted Ali Hassan al-Majid for his involving in crimes against humanity during the Anfal Operations in 1980s," the Iraqi state-run channel said.
Roadside bomb kills 10 policemen in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Ten policemen were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside mine in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, said an official Sunday.
The policemen were patrolling Shah Wali Kot district Saturday when their vehicle struck the roadside mine, Matiwullah Khan, the provincial police chief, said.
The mine was planted by Taliban militants days ago, he added.
Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, the purported Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Official: Pakistan to take action if India provides credible evidence
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior of Pakistan Rehman Malik Tuesday said if India provided credible evidence about culprits involved in the Mumbai attacks Pakistan would take action to bring them to justice.
Addressing a joint news conference with Interpol Secretary General Ronald Nobal here, Malik said India had neither provided any information officially to Pakistan about the arrest of a Pakistani national nor had it shared any concrete proof about those behind Mumbai attacks.
UN agency launches ‘operation lifeline Gaza’ to feed thousands of hungry
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The U.N. food agency has announced an initiative to help ramp up food distribution to the growing number of hungry people in the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s military offensive entered its 16th day on Sunday.
Operation Lifeline Gaza is a World Food Programme (WFP) scheme aiming to provide ready-to-eat, culturally acceptable food to hundreds of thousands of people caught in the conflict.
12,000 dead in seven years of Iraqi bombings
By IANS/AKI,
Baghdad : Over 12,000 civilians and some 200 coalition soldiers died in suicide bombings in Iraq between 2003 and 2010, says a new report.
14 Bangladesh varsity faculty members hurt in bomb attack
Dhaka : At least 14 people were injured Wednesday when handmade bombs were lobbed at a bus carrying faculty members of the Chittagong University...
NATO soldier killed in Afghan blast
By IANS,
Kabul : A soldier with the NATO-led coalition was killed Sunday in a blast in southern Afghanistan, the military alliance said in a statement.
Pakistan’s role in war on terror to top agenda of Gilani’s US visit
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistan's role in the war on terror is expected to dominate the agenda when Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani undertakes his maiden visit to the US later this month during which Washington is likely to push him to do more to counter activities of militants in the restive tribal belt.
Gilani will be visiting Washington during July 27-30 at the invitation of US President George W Bush. This would be his first visit to the US since assuming office in March. Gilani is scheduled to meet Bush at the White House on Monday.
Israel closes down Nablus mall
By SPA,
Ramallah : The Israeli army shut down a shopping centre that houses more than 70 stores in the northern West Bank city of Nablus Tuesday, as it pressed on with a campaign against Hamas' civil and social infrastructure in the West Bank.
The Israeli military also shut down five more institutions in the northern West Bank city, DPA reported.
On Monday, Israel had already closed down an Islamic girls school, a sports club, a clinic and a mosque run by Hamas.
Key Taliban leader arrested in Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad : A key Taliban leader has been arrested by authorities in Pakistan, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Zardari asks US to reimburse $1.6 bn spent on combating extremism
By IANS,
New York : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the US to reimburse the $1.6 billion dollars spent on fighting extremism in his country's tribal areas.
Zardari made the demand during two separate meetings here with US officials, including special Af-Pak envoy Richard Holbrooke, DawnNews reported.
The US pays Pakistan for the anti-militant operations from a special account called the Coalition Support Fund. Pakistan has not been paid for more than a year.
Erekat: Rice invites Palestinian negotiators to Washington
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has invited Palestinian negotiators to the United States to discuss and evaluate the staggering Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a senior Palestinian official said on Wednesday.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the invitation was sent to Ahmed Qurei, head of the Palestinian negotiation team. According to Rice's invitation, the visit is scheduled for next month.
Suicide bombing kills 17, injures over 35 civilians in South Western Afghanistan
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide attacker Thursday evening blew himself up near a mosque in southwest Afghan province of Nimruz, killing at least 17 civilians and injuring 35 others, provincial governor said.
"It was around 8 p.m. local time (1530 GMT) when a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a mosque in Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province, leaving 17 persons possibly all of them civilians dead and injuring 35 others," Ghulam Dastgir Azad told Xinhua via telephone.
Libyan website call for celebrating Gaddafi’s birthday
By IANS/AKI,
Tripoli : A Libyan website Thursday called for celebrations to mark what would have been the 70th birthday of slain leader Muammar Gaddafi.
UN secretary general arrives in Kabul
By KUNA,
KABUL : United Nations Secretary General (SG) Ban Ki-moon arrived in Kabul Wednesday to assess the situation in the war-battered country.
The secretary general, who is sit to visit the neighbouring Pakistan during the second leg of his tour to South Asia, will meet President Hamid Karzai and discuss with him security situation and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.
Blaze in Bangalore defence canteen godown doused
By IANS,
Bangalore: A fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in a three-storeyed building, serving as a godown of the defence canteen stores, near Trinity Circle in Bangalore's central business district. There was no casualty, police and fire service officials said.
Around 20 fire tenders were deployed to douse the fire which was noticed around 4 p.m. on the second and third floors of the building in the busy area, the officials said.
Arab women’s body to discuss empowerment
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The second convention of the Arab Women's Organisation (AWO) is scheduled to be held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the role and opportunity of women in changing society and empowerment, WAM reported Sunday.
The three-day meet from Nov 11-13, will be held under the patronage of the chairperson of the Family Development Foundation Sheikh Fatima bint Mubarak under the theme "Woman in the human security concept: Arab and international perspectives".
Lebanon to announce new Cabinet on July 5 – media
By RIA Novosti,
Beirut : Lebanon's prime minister, Fouad Siniora, will announce on Saturday the composition of a new national unity government, the Al Jazeera television channel said.
Under an Arab League-sponsored agreement, the new Cabinet will include 16 ministers from the parliamentary majority, 11 from the opposition and three more ministers will be appointed by the president.
"The opposition and the parliamentary majority have reached an agreement on the distribution of ministerial posts in the national unity government," the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera said.
Pakistan suffers $35 billion in terror war
By IRNA,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari told US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates that the economic cost of the war against terror, amounting to US $ 35 billion for the last eight years, had impacted Pakistan’s economy adversely, Presidential spokesman said.
"Pakistan has been facing delays in payments of Coalition Support Fund claims”, the President informed the Defence Secretary and urged timely reimbursement of arrears, Farhatullah Babar said.
Ban ‘Deeply Concerned’ By Gaza Civilian Deaths
By SPA
United Nations : United Nations head Ban Ki-Moon is “deeply concerned” by the recent deaths of civilians in Gaza during Israeli army incursions, the Secretary-General’s spokeswoman said on Friday.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the reported killing of civilians in IDF (Israeli Defense Force) military operations in Gaza. He reiterates his call for full respect by the IDF of international humanitarian law, so that risks to civilians are minimized,” said spokeswoman Michele Montas.
Israelis, Hamas work on ceasefire in Gaza
By DPA,
Gaza City/Tel Aviv : Top Israeli diplomats headed for Washington and again to Cairo to work out details of a truce in Gaza as fighting Friday took the Palestinian death toll to about 1,100.
As Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni left Thursday night for the US to sign an agreement on joint intelligence cooperation against weapons smuggling to Gaza, another senior official, Amos Gilad, returned to Egypt where he had heard Hamas' position on an Egyptian ceasefire initiative Thursday.
Sacked Pakistani chief justice a stumbling block for coalition
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sacked Pakistani chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has become a stumbling block as the country's ruling coalition moves to keep its promise to reinstate all Supreme Court and High Court judges President Pervez Musharaff axed after declaring an emergency in November.
It now emerges that Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which leads the coalition, is opposed to Chaudhry's reinstatement while former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is insisting he gets his job back.
Afghan chopper crash kills four NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul: Four NATO soldiers were killed Monday when their chopper crashed in southern Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
"Four ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) service members died as a result of a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan today (Monday)," the ISAF said in a statement.
Three of the victims were Australian soldiers.
Troops from the US, Britain, Australia and Netherlands are currently stationed in southern Afghanistan.
Pakistan to get Chinese airborne surveillance system
Islamabad, Dec 18 (DPA) Pakistan has reached agreement with China to buy modern Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) planes for extended surveillance of its airspace, a media report said Thursday.
Under the $278-million deal, the unmanned surveillance aircraft will be delivered to Pakistan during the next four years on a deferred payment basis, The News reported.
Pakistani Minister for Defence Production Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi presented the details of the agreement to the country's lower house of parliament Wednesday.
UAE’s Thuraya poised for imminent commercial launch in Asia- Pacific
By NNN-WAM
Abu Dhabi : Following the successful launch of its third satellite, Thuraya, the world's leading satellite operator for mobile handhelds, is moving in full swing towards launching commercial service in the Asia Pacific region, a lucrative market of more than 2 billion people for which the Thuraya-3 satellite was designed.
Israeli incursion into Gaza leaves 2 Palestinians dead
By KUNA
Gaza : Two Palestinians were killed and two others were injured Tuesday during an Israeli military incursion in Shaoka town near Rafah city, south Gaza Strip.
Medical sources said the two men, in their 20s, were members of the Izzidine Al-Qassam brigades, military wing of Hamas.
According to eyewitnesses here, Israeli soldiers, with tanks backup, executed an incursion at dawn, and the Israelis met some resistance.
US has record of making unfounded allegations: Iran
By IRNA
Vienna : Making unfounded allegations by the United States against Iran is not something unprecedented, Iranian Ambassador to IAEA said on Wednesday.
Ali Asghar Soltanieh said in his statement before the Board of Governors: "I enumerated some of them above and the distinguished members of the Board of Governors recall other cases such as Parchin military site which the Director General later reported to be baseless.
Turkish plan, a way to do away with Gaza crisis
Tehran, Jan 13, IRNA – While Gaza crisis entered 18th day today and some 5,000 Gazans were martyred and wounded by the Zionist regime, Turkey has offered a plan to end to the ongoing crisis in the region said an analysis by IRNA’s Research and News Studies Office.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has presented a two-stage peace plan based on the first stage of which ceasefire will come into force, entries to Gaza will be re-opened and Turkish forces will be deployed in the region as peace-keeping forces.
Dhaka has ‘terror links’ with London: British home Secretary
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh has "terror links" with Britain and there is a need to counter it with information sharing and training of security personnel, British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said.
The two governments will form a high level joint working group that will meet in June to thrash out details of "practical programmes" on counter-terrorism, Smith said here.
Her visit follows that of Foreign Secretary David Miliband in February, when the issue was discussed at length.
India-Pakistan back-channel talks make sense: Pakistani daily
Islamabad: The revival of back-channel talks between India and Pakistan does make sense when it comes to deciding a course of action for the...
804,074 pilgrims reach Madinah until yesterday
By SPA,
Madinah : The number of the pilgrims who arrived in Madinah up to Sunday amounted to 804,074 while the number of those who left until yesterday from the holy city accounted for 639, 932.
The pilgrims who are still staying in Madinah totals 164, 022, according to a report released here today by the Secretariat of the Hajj committee in Madinah.
The pilgrims included 27, 248 Indians, 19, 505 Pakistanis, and 12, 517 Egyptians.
The number of flights arriving at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz international airport on Sunday amounted to 70 carrying 16, 210 pilgrims.
Gunmen shoot Karachi college’s American vice-principal
Islamabad : The vice-principal of Jinnah Medical and Dental College was shot by unidentified gunmen, a media report said on Friday.
Police identified the victim...
‘Taliban wants crisis between India, Pakistan’
By KUNA,
Brussels : The Taliban extremists in Afghanistan who have established sanctuaries in Pakistan's northwestern tribal regions want to see a crisis between Islamabad and New Delhi, and the recent blast on Indian embassy in Kabul is an example, a well-known Pakistani expert has said.
Speaking at a seminar on the Afghanistan crisis here Monday, Ahmed Rashid, an expert on Taliban, said that Pakistan should take serious steps to end these sanctuaries in its territories and begin a dialogue with India to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis, EuAsiaNews reported Tuesday.
Ministry Hosts Reception For Media Men Covering Hajj
By Bernama,
Jeddah : Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture and Information hosted a reception party here Friday to honour the ministry's guests and media delegates who took part in Hajj coverage, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Prince Turki bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information, who is also Supervisor for the Ministry's Activities in Hajj, attended the reception party on behalf of Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Amin Madani.
Gaddafi barricaded in Tripoli compound, says ex-diplomat
BY DPA,
Istanbul: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has barricaded himself in a compound in capital Tripoli, a former diplomat said Tuesday.
Trial of Gaddafi officials postponed
Tripoli : A Libyan court has postponed the trial of officials who served under former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The trial of 23 defendants took place...
Pakistan not to attend Bonn conference
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will not attend a global conference on Afghanistan in Bonn Dec 5 in protest against the NATO air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
Iran unveils surface-to-air missile
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Sunday unveiled a new domestically manufactured surface-to-air missile, the Mehr news agency reported.
China-Arab trade to reach $300 bn by 2014: UAE minister
By IANS/WAM,
Beijing : Trade between Arab nations and China will witness a major leap in the future and hit the $300 billion mark by 2014, a visiting UAE minister said.
Suicide bomber kills 25 in attack on Iraq police station
By ANTARA News/AFP,
Samarra, Iraq : A suicide bomber slammed his explosives-filled truck into the police station in the central Iraqi town of Dujail on Friday, killing at least 25 people, police and security officials said.
The attack occurred at around 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) in the Shiite town located in the Sunni Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad, just minutes before people were getting ready to break their fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
More than 200 detained after Pakistan restaurant blast
By DPA
Islamabad : Islamabad police Sunday detained more than 200 people, a day after a blast at a restaurant here killed one Turkish woman and wounded 11 people, eight of them foreigners, an official said.
Police Chief Shahid Nadeem Baloch said among the detained are madrassa students "who are suspected of having links with banned extremist organizations," and Afghan refugees.
Baloch told DPA the Federal Investigation Agency will work with Islamabad police in the inquiry.
India’s role in Afghanistan appreciated by all: PM
By IANS,
Pittsburgh : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says people of Afghanistan as also European and American leaders are appreciative of India's role in Afghanistan where it has invested $1.5 billion to help reconstruction.
"We have not supplied any arms, we are also helping them in construction and financing of projects in power, health and education sectors," he told reporters Friday when asked about a top US general's suggestion that India's growing influence in Afghanistan could "exacerbate" regional tensions.
Seven foreigners among 62 killed in Islamabad blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Seven foreigners were among 62 people killed in a massive suicide bombing that ripped through the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Saturday, a media report said.
The blast was so powerful that it created a 20-foot deep crater at the entrance of the building. Over 120 people, including diplomats, were injured in the blast, eyewitnesses and officials said.
The Aaj news channel reported that seven foreigners were among the dead, while a medical officer at Islamabad's Polyclinic said three injured US and Danish diplomats were being treated there.
Toll in Karachi violence rises to 76
By DPA,
Islamabad : Ethnic violence triggered by the assassination of a politician in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi entered its fourth day, taking the death toll to 76, police said Thursday.
Men carried out gun and arson attacks in various parts of Karachi, Pakistan's commercial hub, hours after assailants shot dead provincial legislator Raza Haider and his bodyguards outside a mosque Monday.
Kuwaiti trust wisdom of Kuwait’s Emir – National Assembly Speaker
By NNN-KUNA
Kuwait : Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Jassem Al-Kharafi has said that all Kuwaitis trust the wisdom of the Emir in making a proper decision on the cabinet resignation.
"Members of the two legislative and executive authorities as well as all Kuwaiti people are confident that His Highness the Emir would make a decision conducive to the national interests," Al-Kharafi told reporters Tuesday.
Avail of amnesty scheme, Kuwait tells illegal expats
By IANS,
Dubai : Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has called upon all illegal foreign residents in the country to take advantage of a new 45-day amnesty scheme that came into effect Monday.
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, the ministry's undersecretary for citizenship affairs and passports, told reporters that illegal foreign residents should either regularize their papers or leave the country within the amnesty period that expires Oct 15.
He said that those who do not avail of the scheme would be deported from the country and banned from returning.
Lahore HC orders Lakhvi’s release; India concerned
Islamabad/New Delhi : The Lahore High Court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of Mumbai terror attack's alleged mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, evoking strong...
Candidate Dashti says to focus on countering corruption
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Third constituency candidate Dr. Rola Dashti said the current phase in Kuwait requires effort to combat corruption, noting laws must be implemented without exception regardless of who is concerned.
In a seminar held Saturday evening under the title "We can", inaugurating her campaign HQ in Jabriyah, Dashti said the current challenge before the Kuwaiti people is to counter those who try to defeat the society's spirit and solidarity and to show them that Kuwaiti citizens are willing to sacrifice all for the sake of their homeland.
Mottaki hails positive developments in Armenia-Turkey ties
By NNN-IRNA,
Ankara : Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Friday evening expressed hope that the positive developments taken place in Armenia-Turkey relations would help strengthen regional peace and friendship.
Mottaki made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian.
The two foreign ministers called for further expansion of Tehran-Yerevan relations in all areas.
Welcoming Iran's constructive cooperation, the Armenian foreign minister expressed his satisfaction with the growing trend of bilateral cooperation.
Russian expert proposes improving bilateral ties
By IRNA,
Moscow : Head of Russia's Center for Contemporary Studies on Iran here Monday considered improving his country's relation with Iran as a necessity.
Rajab Safarev added in his interview with one of Russia's state satellite TVs, "Russia can pave the path for Iran's membership at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the framework of its new level of ties with Iran."
He added, "If Iran would become a SCO member, the SCO would become the third most influential, most powerful international body after the United Nations and the European Union."
Man in Afghan army uniform kills three NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul : A man wearing a uniform of the Afghan National Army (ANA) shot dead three NATO soldiers in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the coalition confirmed Thursday.
Iraq-US security pact shouldn’t be misinterpreted – Arab League Chief
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa has said that the security agreement between Iraq and the United States should not be interpreted as a gateway for attacks against any country in the region.
Moussa made the remarks at a joint news conference Sunday with Iraqi Minister of State for National Security Sharwan Waeli who conveyed a letter from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki to the Arab League chief.
Iran nuclear case atmosphere positive – El-Baradei
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : UN nuclear watchdog chief, Mohamed ElBaradei here Friday described the current atmosphere over Iran nuclear case positive.
He said this will leave a positive impact on the Middle East on the whole.
He made the remarks in a joint press conference with Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Reza Aqazadeh.
He said during talks with Aqazadeh he called for better transparency on behalf of Iran.
ElBaradei characterized their talks as a "frank and open exchange of views."
Taliban says it shot down NATO helicopter
By DPA,
Kabul : Taliban militants claimed responsibility Sunday for shooting at a NATO helicopter in southern Afghanistan that was carrying provincial authorities, including a governor. The chopper made an emergency landing, but no-one was hurt.
The militants shot at the helicopter near Musa Qala district in southern Helmand province Saturday afternoon as Gulob Mangal, the provincial governor and other senior officials were abroad, the Taliban said Sunday in a statement posted on their website.
Gilani condoles Rabbani’s killing
By IANS,
Kabul : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday met Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and condoled the assassination of former president Burhanuddin Rabbani.
No Syria settlement prospects yet: Russian minister
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Rome : No prospects can be seen yet of a settlement to the Syrian crisis, a Russian minister has said.
Erekat: Abbas not to meet Hamas leaders in Damascus
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would not meet Hamas leaders living exile in Syria during his two-day visit here, his senior aide said on Sunday.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat made the remarks to reporters ahead of Abbas's scheduled meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday.
"President Abbas came to Syria on an official visit and what is on his agenda is to meet Assad, and other meetings are not on the agenda," he said when asked whether Abbas would meet with Palestinian leaders in Syria, including those of Hamas.
475 candidates register for Iran presidential elections
By IANS,
Tehran : A 19-year-old boy is among the 475 candidates registered to contest the presidential elections in Iran, officials said.
Karmran Daneshjoo, head of the election headquarters, said the number of candidates for the 10th presidential elections has reduced by 53 percent as compared to that of the previous elections in 2005.
The Guardian Council will screen the applicants after the registration process with the interior ministry is completed. The oldest candidate in the race is 86 years old, IRNA reported Sunday.
Four Al Qaeda militants killed in US drone strike in Yemen
Sanaa : Four Al Qaeda militants were killed in a US drone strike Thursday afternoon in Yemen's southeastern province of Shabwa, security and tribal...
Pakistani PM urges SAARC members to address poverty, energy, food challenges
By NNN-APP,
Colombo : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday urged the eight-member regional cooperation for joint efforts to fight poverty, meet energy needs and overcome food shortages, afflicting the region.
Speaking here at the inaugural session of the 15th SAARC summit, the Prime Minister called for measures to achieve greater food security, strengthen communication and transportation among the member states to generate greater economic activity.
Parties put out coalition feelers after Israeli poll
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The two largest parties to emerge from Israel's inconclusive elections Tuesday were quick to put out coalition feelers Wednesday, meeting with potential partners in a bid to gain their support and put together a government as quickly as possible.
Both the centrist Kadima party of Tzipi Livni and the hardline Likud of Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory in the elections, after all but final results - 99 percent of the votes - released Wednesday morning gave the former a one-seat lead over the latter, 28 to 27.
Pakistan offers cash reward for information on Taliban militants
By IANS,
Islamabad : The government in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) has announced cash rewards worth millions of rupees for information leading to the arrests of 21 feared Taliban militants roaming freely in the country, a media report said Thursday.
Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar made the announcement late Wednesday for the arrests of 21 high-ranking militants belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, Geo TV said.
Afghanistan expects to attract $1.5 bn investment in 2008
By Xinhua
Kabul : Afghanistan hopes to attract at least $1.5 billion foreign investment during the current year, almost doubling the figure in 2007, a top official said here Monday.
Of the foreign companies, the China Metallurgical Group which won the bidding for Aynak Copper Mine in Logar province, 60 km south of the Afghan capital, would top all investors in 2008.
"We are hopeful to attract more than $1 billion, possibly $1.5 billion, in 2008," Omar Zakhilwal, the head of government-backed Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA) told reporters Monday.
Jamia alumni hold annual ‘Jamia Campus across the Sea’ event in Riyadh
First ever Kingdom wide Jamia alumni directory also released on the occasion.
By TCN News,
Riyadh, KSA: The prestige of Jamia Millia Islamia is reflected in the fact that six academics from the University are currently heading six different Universities as Vice Chancellors, said Professor Mushahid Hussain, former head of Jamia’s Nanotechnology Department and currently the Vice Chancellor of Rohilkhand University, while speaking on the occasion of ‘A Jamia Campus across the Sea’,the annual feat of Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (JMIAA) held in Riyadh on May 14, 2015.
Bangladesh to recruit 15,000 teachers
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has approved the appointment of 15,000 new teachers for state-run primary schools in a bid to address an acute shortage of educators across the country.
Pakistani prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani will pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia from June 6to 8, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday.
This will be Gilani's first visit to Saudi Arabia as Pakistani prime minister, said Mohammad Sadiq.
During the three-day visit, Gilani will hold talks with Saudi Arabian leaders "on all matters of common interest and in particular to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries," said Sadiq.
Five militants killed in Pakistan explosion
Islamabad : At least five militants were killed Monday and four injured in an explosion in Pakistan, media report said.
Official sources said the blast...
Every Iranian regime hostile to US: Obama
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama Tuesday said the differences between Iran's re-elected hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his reformist opponent Mir-Hossein Moussavi were minimal.
In an interview with CNBC, Obama made clear he would remain neutral on the outcome of Friday's elections not only because of the "tough diplomacy" that lies ahead on the nuclear issue, but also to deny a new regime in Tehran a justification for repression because the US was "meddling".