EU, Middle East ministers to meet for peace initiative
By IINA,
Brussels : Foreign ministers from the European Union and the Middle East are meeting here today to study how to kick start peace moves in the Middle East. Foreign ministers from Palestinian territories, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey are expected to attend the talks in Brussels. The ministers will assess the state of the ceasefire Gaza, where more than 1,300 people have been killed in weeks of war between Hamas and Israeli troops.
Philippine government signs peace pact with Muslim rebels
Bangkok: The Philippine government and the country's largest Muslim guerrilla group signed an accord Thursday that aims to end decades of armed conflict.
President Benigno...
Al Qaeda suspects, policemen, TV presenter killed in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : The US military said Tuesday it killed four suspected members of the Al Qaeda in Iraq group and detained 10 in operations against the network in northern Iraq while a suicide bomber killed four tribal policemen north of Baghdad and gunmen killed a television presenter in Mosul.
US troops killed the four suspected members of Al Qaeda hiding in a building in the northern city of Mosul Tuesday, after the they refused to surrender, a US military statement said.
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.
Egypt protesters defy curfew; Baradei says no going back
By DPA,
Cairo : Anti-government demonstrators defied a curfew to protest Monday morning in Egypt's capital, demanding President Hosny Mubarak step down from office after three decades of rule.
Bangladesh asks Malaysia to restore migrant workers’ visas
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni Saturday urged Malaysian authorities to reconsider the cancellation of visas for more than 55,000 Bangladeshi workers, officials said.
Moni met Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Mohd in Kuala Lumpur as part of Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts to protect its overseas labour markets, said a release issued by its embassy in Malaysia.
"Kuala Lumpur assured Dhaka of all possible cooperation to end the crisis" without offering guarantees, the release said.
Palestinians, Israelis agree on continuing meetings away from media
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian and Israeli negotiators have agreed on the continuation of bilateral meetings between them, the Israeli radio reported.
The radio said Monday that during the meeting, that lasted for two and half hours, the two sides agreed on holding regular meetings away from the media.
The two sides began their first meetings after the visit to the region of US President George W.Bush to discuss the final status issues of Jerusalem, borders, refugees and water.
Resume composite dialogue, Ban urges India, Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : In the interest of regional peace and stability, India and Pakistan should resume their composite dialogue, halted in the wake of the Mumbai carnage that New Delhi blames on elements operating from this country, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said.
Pakistan test-fires cruise missile
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday successfully test fired the nuclear-capable Hatf-VIII air-launched cruise missile, an army statement said.
The test of the Hatf-VIII or Raad missile was part of a "continuing process of validating the design parameters of the weapon system", the statement said without mentioning where the missile was tested.
The indigenously developed Raad missile with a range of 350 km has been developed exclusively for launch from aerial platforms. It has enabled Pakistan to achieve a greater strategic standoff capability on land and at sea.
India, Bangladesh to set up ‘border haats’ for trade
By IANS,
Agartala: India and Bangladesh will soon set up 'haats' (markets) along their international border in the northeast to boost local business and trade between the two neighbours, officials said here Monday.
Two 'border haats' would be set up along the Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya while eight such 'haats' would be established along Tripura's border with Bangladesh, senior officials and traders said at a summit on India-Bangladesh trade.
Bhagwan Das is head of Pakistan’s public service commission
By IANS,
Islamabad: Retired Supreme Court judge Bhagwan Das, a highly respected name in the Pakistani judiciary and one of the very few Hindus to hold high office in this country, Thursday assumed charge as chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
Officers and staff members warmly welcomed him when he arrived at his office here after calling on President Asif Ali Zardari, who congratulated him on his appointment.
Bhagwan Das had thrice been the acting chief justice of the Supreme Court, becoming the first Hindu and only the third non-Muslim to hold the post.
Newly-elected Pakistani PM likely to take vote of confidence on March 29
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani would take the vote of confidence on March 29, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported on Wednesday. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Tuesday submitted are solution with the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat for calling a NA session on March 29 wherein Gillani would take the vote of confidence.
Local newspaper Daily Times quoted PPP sources as saying that the first batch of the federal cabinet would take oath on March 29or 30.
Auditing of Afghan presidential runoff votes begins
Kabul : Afghanistan Thursday started auditing of the votes that were cast during the presidential election runoff held June 14.
The audit of the votes,...
Egyptian president congratulates Modi
New Delhi : Egyptian President Adly Mansour has wished India's prime minister-designate Narendra Modi success in his new responsibility and expressed his desire to...
Five-constituency system prompts merger of 12 Diwaniyas
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Hosts of 12 Diwaniyas (Kuwaiti men social gathering place) decided that merger of their Diwaniyas is a wise step to cope with the newly implemented five-constituency election system.
The idea for the merger came from Menawer Al-Hadba in Umariya area who told KUNA this helps cope with the short space of time left and the great number of headquarters to visit, candidates to get to know, and ultimately, Diwaniyas to visit to discus these and other related issues.
UNESCO representative praises Iran’s rich culture
By IRNA,
Hamedan : UNESCO representative in Tehran and that organization's expert in cultural affairs Junko Taniguchi said here Wednesday handicrafts are one way for presenting a land's culture to alien nations, and Iran has a very rich culture in this respect.
The UN agency official made the comment in an interview with IRNA on Wednesday night on the sidelines of an International Handicrafts Exhibition in which selected works of Iranian and five other Asian countries that have received the "Genuine Art Seal" of the UNESCO.
Obama phones Zardari, discusses terrorism
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : US president-elect Barack Obama held a phone conversation with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday and discussed cooperation on anti-terror efforts.
"President-elect Obama said that he looked forward to improved relations with Pakistan," said a statement from the Pakistani president's media office.
Zardari expressed hope for better relations between the two countries in the days to come, the statement said.
We want result-oriented dialogue on Kashmir, says Qureshi
By IANS,
Islamabad : Islamabad wants to have a meaningful dialogue with New Delhi over the the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said here.
Foreign Ministry says 30 Russians may leave Lebanon May 13
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Thirty Russians, who remain in Lebanon as the only airport in Beirut was closed due to the recent armed clashes, may leave the country on May 13, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
According to various reports, the Iranian-backed Islamist group Hezbollah took control of the Muslim half of Beirut on Friday after three days of fighting with pro-government militia. At least 18 people had reportedly been killed and over 100 wounded in the worst internal clashes since the 1975-90 civil war.
India-US n-deal: Pakistan warns of arms race
Islamabad : Pakistan has warned of a renewed arms race in South Asia after India and US reached a brreakthrough on nuclear trade.
"Pakistan is...
Triple blasts at Syrian ministry kill five
By IANS,
Damascus: At least five people were killed and 23 others injured after triple blasts targeted the main gate of Syria's interior ministry in Damascus Wednesday evening, Xinhua reported.
When Gilani dropped in at a shop
By IANS,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani paid a surprise visit to a government-run shop here and checked the prices of edible items.
UAE to build seven hospitals in Pakistan
By IANS/WAM,
Islamabad : A UAE project to help Pakistan will help build seven hospitals in Pakistan's northwest tribal region along the border with Afghanistan.
UPA-II’s first year in power disappointing: BJP
By IANS,
Patna : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday described the first year of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's second stint as disappointing, just like the "general unsatisfactory record" of UPA-I.
"Like the general unsatisfactory record of UPA-I, UPA II has equally been a year of disappointment and non-achievement. Declarations have been made but delivery has been very poor," the party said in a resolution adopted at its national executive meet here.
Saeed an evil mastermind of Mumbai attacks: India
New Delhi : Describing Hafiz Saeed as an "evil mastermind" of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India Monday said a criminal like him should...
Two Libyan journalists killed in NATO raid: Official
By IANS,
Tripoli : At least two local journalists were killed Thursday in a NATO raid that targeted Libyan capital Tripoli, an official said.
Kuwait PM meets Sultan of Brunei, both states sign economic, trade deals
By NNN-KUNA,
Brunei : His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held talks here Friday with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and delivered a message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on ways of boosting bilateral relations and cooperation in different domains.
The meeting took place at Istana Nurul Iman, Bolkiah's Palace, with attendance of members of the royal family.
Official talks then took place between Bolkiah and Sheikh Nasser with attendance of delegations from both sides.
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.
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...
EU Parliament president to visit Lebanon, Syria
By KUNA,
Brussels : President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Poettering, also chairman of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, embarks on a tour of Lebanon and Syria starting on Wednesday.
"I wish that this visit will reaffirm the political commitment of the European Parliament to peace in the Middle East and to the realisation of a comprehensive peace agreement, involving all the countries of the region," he said in a statement here Tuesday.
Pakistan Army, ISI causing tension in relations: Azad
Jammu : The people of India and Pakistan want to live in peace and amity, but the Pakistan Army and ISI were the biggest...
Indonesian hardline Muslim cleric arrested
By DPA,
Jakarta : Indonesian police Monday arrested Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, the alleged spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, his lawyer and police officials said.
Lawyer Achmad Michdan said the elderly cleric was arrested by the anti-terror unit Monday morning in the West Java district of Ciamis.
Michdan said Ba'asyir, 72, was arrested en route to Solo in central Java, after giving lectures in Tasikmalaya, West Java. He said he was unsure what the charges were.
Thousands evacuated as floods threaten Pakistani province
By IANS,
Islamabad : Half-a-million people have been evacuated from Pakistan's Sindh province as rising floodwaters threatened to inundate several towns in the region, a media report said Friday.
Authorities Thursday night ordered all residents in Thatta city to evacuate to safer places. People fled in vans, buses and on carts laden with furniture, while some went on foot leading their livestock, Geo TV reported.
Obama meets Karzai
By IANS,
New York : US President Barack Obama met his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai, their first meeting since the US laid out plans in June for a transition of security in Afghanistan.
Five Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Five Indians working in Saudi Arabia were killed in a road accident near the country's capital Riyadh after their van overturned following...
British Deaths in Afghanistan at 91
By Prensa Latina
London : The figure of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan reached 91 with the death of two members of the Navy from a blast in Kajaki, confirmed the Defense Ministry on Monday.
The report noted that soldier's members of Command 40 were patrolling Kajaki in the southern Afghan province of Herman when their car exploded.
The event occurred late on Sunday afternoon, local Afghan time.
These are the two last casualties of the British forces which have occupied Afghanistan since November 2001, noted the official source.
US warns of attack in Indonesia’s Bali
By DPA,
Jakarta : The US embassy in Jakarta Thursday warned of a possible attack on New Year's Eve on Indonesia's resort island of Bali.
The embassy said in a circular posted on its website that the information was received from Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika.
"There is an indication of an attack to Bali tonight," the warning said, quoting the governor's message.
"Please don't panic, but put your security system to full alert," the warning said.
Australian officials said Thursday, however, that the warning of a possible attack was just that.
Turkish military says it strikes PKK in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkish warplanes struck a group guerillas of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq on Tuesday as they attempted to sneak to Turkish territory, the General Staff said on Wednesday.
Australia pledges to keep troops in Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Canberra : Australia Friday stated that it would keep its troops in Afghanistan for a long term, despite its decision to withdraw forces from Iraq, the defence minister said.
"We've made it very, very clear that our commitment in Afghanistan is a long-standing one," Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon told reporters here.
"I said in parliament just this week what a tragedy it would be if all that we'd done in Afghanistan so far was in the end all for naught. So our commitment is a long-term one."
Sheikh Faridoddin Attar commemorated in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : A commemoration ceremony for Iran's great poet and famous gnostic Sheikh Faridoddin Attar Neyshaburi was held here at the faculty of foreign languages in Baghdad University Monday.
Persian language and literature department in Baghdad University sponsored the meeting.
Head of the department told IRNA this is the first ever time that a commemoration ceremony is held here about one of Iran's great poets and gnostics.
Three papers were presented in the meeting and an Iraqi journalist presented an article on Attar's life and poems.
Britain has ‘duty’ to confront IS threat: Cameron
London : British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday said that the Islamic State (IS) was a threat to the "streets of Britain" and it...
Rice to visit Israel on weekend to boost peace process
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to arrive in Israel Saturday night to give another push for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Jerusalem Post reported late Thursday.
Her two-day visit is aimed at determining where Israel and the Palestinians are in their negotiations and what plans they can move forward, said the report, adding that Rice will also prepare the ground for U.S. President George W. Bush's mid-May tour.
US amendments to Gaza draft text unadoptable — diplomat
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 24 (KUNA) -- The US introduced "far-fetched" amendments to a Security Council draft statement expressing concern at the steep deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, making its adoption impossible, a council diplomat told KUNA on Thursday.
"Their aim is to have the council issue nothing," the diplomat said.
The council's 14 members agreed on a draft statement late Wednesday. The US said it needed more time to seek instructions from Washington. Council statements are approved by consensus.
Bush arrives in Afghanistan after eventful Iraqi visit
By DPA,
Kabul/Washington : US President George W. Bush arrived in Afghanistan early Monday on a surprise farewell visit after his eventful trip to Baghdad where an Iraqi journalist threw shoes at him and called him a "dog".
Bush made an unnanounced visit to Iraq Sunday, where he met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuori al-Maliki.
However, his visit ended in a shameful note when an Iraqi television news reporter threw shoes at him and called him a "dog" in Arabic during a press conference with al-Maliki in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.
Seven killed as gunmen open fire in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : At least seven people were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on an ambulance in northwestern Pakistan Thursday, TV channel Dawn News reported.
The incident took place in Toor Ghara area of Kurram agency in the northwestern tribal areas, said the report.
Seven people including four women were killed in the incident.
However, there was no immediate official confirmation of the deaths.
U.S.-led raid in Afghanistan kills civilians and militants
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : U.S.-led forces have killed four civilians along with several militants in east Afghanistan during an attack on a Taliban hideout, a NATO spokesman in Kabul said on Wednesday.
The attack took place late on Tuesday in the Paktika province. The operation is believed to have been directed against militant commander Mullah Mohammad Nabi.
"The operation also resulted in four civilian deaths and one civilian injury," the spokesman said. He also said the attack had killed two women and a boy. Local sources say the fourth civilian killed was also a woman.
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.
Japan voices concern over Israeli settlement expansion
By KUNA
Tokyo : Japan voiced concern Thursday over Israel's plans to resume construction of some 750 housing units at the settlement in the vicinity of Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to immediately reverse the decision.
"Such measure in the controversial settlements might further undermine the momentum for peace and might have negative impacts on the current peace process between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kazuo Kodama said in a statement.
Five die in clashes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts
By IANS,
Dhaka : Buddhist tribals Sunday prevented a minister and senior administration officials from visiting Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts where five people were killed in clashes.
The army was called in after houses in several villages besides a church, a pagoda and an office of a UN-funded project were set on fire. A statue of Lord Buddha installed at the Banani Buddhist Monastery was damaged and another statue was looted, New Age newspaper said Sunday.
Pakistan: President asks govt to prepare plan for jail reforms
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday advised the government to prepare a comprehensive plan for jail reforms in light of reports of Parliamentary Committees and national and international human rights bodies from time to time.
F-16s for Pakistan: Are they to fight terrorism or India?
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Amid growing fear that Islamabad is using US military aid to prepare for a war against India, US lawmakers are questioning the continued supply of sophisticated F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan to fight terrorism.
Days after Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama among others spoke of Islamabad's diversion of US military aid for a build-up against India, a panel of the House of Representatives has called a hearing on the very rationale of Pakistan's F-16 programme.
Dhaka to upgrade highway link with Chittagong
By IANS,
Dhaka : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is poised to resume a project to upgrade the highway linking the national capital with Chittagong port city to speed up movement and curb accidents.
The four-lane highway is to eventually link to the Asian Super Highway, The Daily Star newspaper said Wednesday.
The government has decided to seek international invitation for pre-qualifying tender for it, due to cancellation of the immediate past bids.
Malaysia sends humanitarian aid to Myanmar cyclone victims
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian government has sent humanitarian aid worth 500,000 ringgit (155,763 U.S. dollars) to Cyclone Nargis victims in Myanmar, National Security Council (NSC) secretary said here on Monday.
The aid was flown to Yangon by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft on Monday morning, National Security Council (NSC) secretary Muhammad Hatta Abd Aziz said after sending off the humanitarian aid at the RMAF base.
Palestinians banned from using public transport in West Bank
Jerusalem : Israel has prohibited Palestinian workers from using Israeli public bus lines in the West Bank, a media report said Sunday.
The directive was...
Lawyer who defended CIA doctor, shot dead in Pakistan
Islamabad: Gunmen in Pakistan shot dead a lawyer for Shakil Afridi, who had allegedly helped the US in locating Osama bin Laden, police said.
The...
Taliban kill senior Afghan police official
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Afghan Taliban fighters killed a senior police official in the town of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province of Afghanistan, authorities said.
Iran’s FM dismisses any threat of military strike
By SPA,
Paris : Iran's Foreign Minister has dismissed threats of any military strikes against it.
Manouchehr Mottaki says that an Israeli threat made last week is not serious. He also says he doesn't believe the United States has the capacity to carry out a strike on Iran.
Mottaki made the comments Wednesday in Paris. He is visiting France for a conference on aid to Afghanistan, the Associated Press reported.
Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli Cabinet minister, has warned that Israel will attack Iran if it doesn't abandon its nuclear program.
Lebanese parliament speaker supports Arab plan
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a main opposition leader, expressed support on Sunday towards a decision by Arab foreign ministers backing the election of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for the president of the country.
In a statement released Sunday, Berri praised "Arab unanimity on (safeguarding) Lebanon's supreme interest," adding that "We hope it would be carried out in reality."
Protesters in Tehran burn pictures of Obama, Mubarak
By DPA,
Tehran : Islamist students in Tehran Tuesday staged a protest in front of the Swiss embassy, shouting slogans in solidarity with Palestine and burning pictures of US president-elect Barack Obama and Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak.
According to the ISNA news agency, the students hoisted the Palestinian flag in front of the Swiss embassy which acts as a intermediary of the US with Iran, as Washington and Tehran have had no diplomatic ties for three decades.
Saudi-led air raids kill 14 in Yemen
Sana'a : Fighter jets of the Saudi-led coalition forces launched several rounds of airstrikes on military sites and two hotels controlled by the Shiia...
Israeli troops end Gaza operation after leaving 18 dead
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israeli troops ended a half-day military operation in eastern Gaza city on Tuesday after leaving 18 Palestinians dead, medical and official sources said.
The death toll is the largest in nearly one year. The last time such a toll was recorded was in November 2006, when Israeli army fired artillery shells at a house in northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun and killed 18 from one family.
Ramadan 1 to fall on Monday in Saudi Arabia
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : The Saudi Supreme Judiciary Council has announced on Saturday evening that Sunday will be the last day of Sha'ban month of the lunar Arabic calindar.
Therefore, Ramadan 1 will fall on Monday, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted a statement by the council as saying.
The new moon of the holy month of Ramadan has not been seen this evening in the kingdom, so Sunday will mark Sha'ban 30, according to the statement.
Jordan to build water conveyance project in August
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan is to launch a long-awaited multimillion-U.S.-dollar water conveyance project to soothe the water shortage in capital Amman in August, local daily Jordan Times quoted Ministry of Water and Irrigation officials on Sunday.
The Disi Water Conveyance Project, seeking to provide 100 million cubic meters of water annually to Amman via a 325 km pipeline running from the fossil Disi Aquifer on Jordan's border with Saudi Arabia to Amman, and to be established on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis, had its implementation previously scheduled for July 2007.
Iran Set on Continuing Nuclear Program
By Prensa Latina,
Teheran : The government of Iran considered the most recent resolution of UN Security Council as inadmissible and ratified its decision to continue with uranium enrichment activities with pacific purposes to produce fuel.
On one hand, Iran is determined to enforce its rights in the nuclear area, and on the other hand, works hard so that extra-regional powers do not agitate the area for their own national interests, Foreign Office spokesman Hassan Qashqavi indicated.
Israel declares ceasefire in Gaza
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel will halt its military offensive in the Gaza Strip at 00:00 GMT Sunday (2 a.m. local time), Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Saturday night.
He said however that Israeli troops will remain in the Gaza Strip for the time being and would only leave once Israel was satisfied Hamas fire had ceased completely.
Ex-Bangla minister’s family to decide on his deportation
Shillong : The family of Salahuddin Ahmed, a former Bangladesh minister held here on charges of illegally entering India, is yet to decide on...
Israel’s future depends on Palestinian statehood – UK Foreign Sec
By NNN-WAFA
Tel Aviv : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that Israel's future depends above all on "the creation of a new and viable Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel, Haaretz reported Friday."
Addressing the annual Easter Banquet at Mansion House, London on Wednesday, Miliband said that 2008 "is also an opportunity for us to acknowledge once again that true security for the people of Israel can only be realized when the Palestinians' own legitimate aspirations for statehood are met in their turn."
Journalist shot dead in Egypt
Cairo: An Egyptian journalist was killed Friday during clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi at a neighbourhood in...
Iran Knocks Diplomats Attack in Iraq
By Prensa Latina,
Tehran : Iran issued a declaration on Friday condemning the attack against four of its diplomats in Iraq, who died in the incident, IRNA official agency reported.
The Islamic Republic accused US agents for carrying out what it called a criminal action, and reiterated ó occupation and terrorism are the two main factors of insecurity and instability in Iraq. ó
Foreign Ministry's spokesman Mohammad Ali Hoseini stressed ó the occupiers are the main responsible for the security of diplomats and political and international centers established in Iraq. ó
Participants of seminar on Sunnah condemn re-publishing caricatures of Prophet Mohammed
By SPA
Riyadh : The participants of the seminar on the translation of the Prophet's Sunnah and Biography, have strongly condemned re-publication of caricatures of Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, by the Danish newspapers.
In a statement, issued here yesterday, they made it clear that re-publishing the caricatures runs counter to the teachings of the heavenly religions and the international treaties.
Afghan, coalition forces kill 22 insurgents in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : The police chief of Afghanistan's restive southern Zabul province claimed Sunday that Afghan forces backed by US-led coalition air support killed 22 suspected insurgents in the country's volatile southern region.
The militants ambushed a convoy of Afghan soldiers and international troops in the province's Shinkay district Saturday night, sparking a fierce battle that lasted for four hours, Abdul Rahman Sarjang, the provincial police chief said.
Iran can produce n-fuel for vessels, submarines: Official
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has the know-how to produce nuclear fuel for submarines and commercial ships, a top official has said.
Pakistan, Iran may start gas project without India
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran said Friday they would undertake bilaterally a proposed $7.5 billion cross-border gas pipeline venture if India delayed joining the project.
"Iran and Pakistan have expressed their desire to finalise their very important project of a pipeline and exporting gas bilaterally," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said after a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad.
Pakistan: PPPP, PML-N and PML with allies secured 27.140 mln votes
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Three major political parties and their allies bagged total 27,140,067 votes during contest on 264 National Assembly seats in February 18 polls.
Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and its coalition partners in the previous government and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the maximum vote securing parties.
Malaysian province bans lipstick, high heels
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : The northeastern Malaysian state of Kelantan, which is ruled by a hardline Islamic party, has issued a ban on lipstick and high-heeled shoes for working Muslim women, news reports said Tuesday.
The State Executive Council - controlled by the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), which has ruled the state for 17 years but sits in opposition in the federal government - issued a circular to businesses stating the new dress code, the official Bernama news agency said.
Abbas calls on Israel to lift siege on Gaza
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday called for lifting the Israeli siege on Gaza paving the way for basic commodities to enter that area.
Abbas, who spoke to reporters in Ranallah during a joint press conference with visiting Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, called for stopping the Israeli mass punishment of the Palestinian people.
He renewed the Palestinian Authority's readiness to assume control of the Rafah border crossing into and out of Egypt and said "we have expressed readiness to assume such control."
Pakistan govt not to alow anyone to sabotage electoral process: Minister
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon said the government would not allow anyone to sabotage the electoral process, ensuring all the people use their right to vote in a congenial environment.
“If any political party does not want to participate in the general election, it can do it. But no party can be allowed to forcibly prevent people from casting their vote on the Election Day,” he said here while talking to a delegation of young people from different fields of life Friday.
Car bomb hits Iranian ambassador’s house in Yemen, envoy unhurt
Tehran : Iran's ambassador to Yemen was not hurt in Wednesday's car bomb explosion in capital Sanaa, the foreign ministry said.
"According to the latest...
Pakistani Taliban extend ceasefire by 10 days
Islamabad : The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has decided to continue the peace talks with the Pakistan government and has extended the ceasefire by 10...
Pakistanis protest India’s ‘occupation’ in Kashmir
Islamabad: Pakistanis across the world held demonstrations to mark the anniversary of what they termed as India's invasion and occupation of Kashmir Oct 27,...
Three killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least three people were killed and seven others injured in a remote-controlled blast that targeted a police van in Pakistan's Quetta city, media reports said.
Iran Supports Nicaragua Energy Plan
By Prensa Latina
Managua : Nicaragua will developed an ambitious energy project with financial and technical collaboration from Iran, Energy and Mines minister, Emilio Rappacciolii, announced.
The official informed that by 2011 a large hydroelectric power plant to be built with an almost 200-million-dollar Iranian investment will be finished.
Last August the Iranian government announced it will finance several mega projects including power generation, agriculture and ports.
Jerusalem under Emergency State
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : The city of Jerusalem is now under state of emergency after an attack Wednesday with an excavator that killed four people and wounded another 45 in main Jaffa Street, police sources said.
Members of the security forces and paramedical services remain on alert to possible repetitions of the attack by a Palestinian young man, who was handling a bulldozer that destroyed everything at its course, even vehicles and pedestrians.
The sources said the attack occurred in an area where there were people on a transportation-related construction site.
Iraqi gov’t talks with insurgent groups: newspaper
By Xinhua,
BAGHDAD : The Iraqi government is talking to insurgent groups trying to persuade them to end violence and engage in political process, a state-run newspaper reported on Saturday.
"Direct and indirect talks are underway between the government and some armed groups, and some positive results have been achieved," the al-Sabah newspaper, quoted Hassan al-Senied, a Shiite lawmaker, as saying.
23 suspected terrorists killed in Pakistan: Army
Islamabad : At least 23 suspected terrorists were killed Monday in aerial strikes on terrorist hideouts in the country's tribal region of North Waziristan,...
Afghan troops kill over 150 insurgents from Pakistan
By DPA,
Kabul : The Afghan National Army (ANA), Afghan border police and US special forces have killed more than 150 fighters, mostly Pakistanis, in a military operation in south eastern Paktika province, a spokesman said Wednesday.
"Last night, more than 350 fighters, most of them Pakistanis, entered Afghanistan from Pakistan, and attacked in the Barmal district of south-eastern Paktika province," Ghamai Khan Mohammed Yari told DPA in a telephone interview.
Musharraf may be reduced to titular head
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ruling parties in Pakistan have decided not to impeach President Pervez Musharraf and are instead contemplating a constitutional amendment to clip the powers of the head of state.
The proposed law will change the whole balance of power in Pakistan and Musharraf will have no option but to resign because he will turn out to be just a ceremonial head, The News said Saturday.
UN Security Council urges for immediate ceasefire in Libya
United Nations: The UN Security Council Wednesday adopted a resolution on Libya, calling for an immediate ceasefire while expanding sanctions on those who involved...
Turkish jets pound PKK positions in northern Iraq
By DPA,
Ankara : Turkish warplanes hit suspected Kurdish separatist positions in northern Iraq Wednesday, the second bombing run in two days, according to the Turkish military.
According to a short statement on the official website of the General Staff, war planes at around midday bombed suspected Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) positions in the Kandil region of northern Iraq, near the Iraqi border with Iran.
"After successfully completing their missions, our planes returned safely to their bases," the statement said.
43 killed, over 190 wounded in Iraq bomb attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad : As many as 43 people were killed and over 190 wounded in a series of bomb attacks across Iraq Tuesday, the police said.
Imran Khan demands speaker’s suspension
Islamabad : Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan Monday demanded suspension of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq till investigation is completed into the alleged rigging in...
Dhaka, Delhi resume talks on river water sharing
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh Monday resumed talks with India on sharing of common river-waters.
Iran not violating IAEA rules: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
New York : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Friday denounced Western reaction to news that Tehran was building a second uranium enrichment plant and said Iran had complied with all international regulation.
Ahmadinejad told reporters in New York that he was surprised by the reaction because Iran had gone beyond its obligations by informing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the plant.
"We are completely within IAEA rules and its supervision," he said.
ICRC expresses concern over rising violence between Israel, Gaza
By Xinhua
Geneva : The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday that it was deeply concerned about the latest escalation of violence affecting the Gaza Strip and nearby Israeli towns.
"In recent days there has been an alarming intensification of the fighting and, once again, civilians on both sides -- including children -- are bearing the brunt," the Geneva-based humanitarian agency said in a statement.
40 arrested in Paris as anti-Israel protest turns violent
Paris : At least 40 people were arrested in the French capital Saturday after an anti-Israel protest involving several thousand people turned violent, media...
Al-Jaberi welcomes Saudi efforts to project civilization role of Islam
By SPA,
Tunis : A prominent Arab academician has hailed the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to project the civilization role of Islam.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr Mohammed Salih Al-Jaberi said the convening of the World Conference on Dialogue embodies the awareness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the problems facing the nations and societies.
Dr Al-Jaberi, who will participate in the conference, expressed optimism about the outcome of the conference.
Pakistan National Assembly to elect speaker Monday
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan National Assembly will elect its speaker and deputy speaker Monday while the leader of the house will be elected Wednesday, a media report said Sunday.
Malaysia’s opposition leader wins by landslide in by-election
By DPA,
Permatang Pauh (Malaysia) : Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim Tuesday won a landslide victory in a special by-election, marking his return to Parliament after 10 years.
Anwar won by an astounding majority against his opponent Arif Shah Omar Shah from the ruling National Front coalition, Malaysia's Election Commission officials announced.
While officials have yet to announce the exact majority, total votes for Anwar from all 28 polling stations in the northern Permatang Pauh constituency are "at least double" that of his opponent, opposition members said.
Ahmadinejad wants US to release Iranians in return of hiker
By DPA,
Tehran : The US should release jailed Iranians in return for the release of American hiker Sarah Shourd, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Friday.
Afghan President Karzai casts vote
Kabul: Afghanistan's outgoing President Hamid Karzai Saturday cast his vote in the presidential and provincial council elections in the capital city of Kabul.
The Afghan...
Comoros hails UAE’s humanitarian support
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Comoros, the archipelago island nation in the Indian Ocean, has appreciated the humanitarian support by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for friendly countries.
31 killed in violent attacks across Iraq
Bagdad: At least 31 people, including a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections, were killed and 49 others wounded in separate violent attacks across...
Voter”s privacy protected by law
By Muntaha Al-Fadhli, KUNA,
Kuwait : People's privacy is protected by article 30 of the constitution, and this includes their right to personal convictions that cannot be violated.
The article stipulates, "Personal liberty is guaranteed." The Constitutional Court, in its rulings 2/1981 and 23/1986 explained that this meant that no one could violate the privacy of an individual without the permission of the person in question.
10 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : At least 10 Taliban insurgents were killed and two arrested when they clashed with anti-drug police in the southern Afghan province of Nimruz, an official said.
Ghulam Dastagir Azad, the provincial governor, said that a group of Taliban militants ambushed poppy eradication police in Khash Rod district of Nimroz province around 12 a.m. resulting in a fierce gun battle between the two sides.
"Three hours' of fighting claimed lives of at least 10 Taliban militants and two policemen," Azad said, adding that two policemen were also injured in the clash.
Opposition raise Christmas holiday issue in Lok Sabha
New Delhi : Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha, led by the Congress, again Wednesday raised the issue of schools being asked to remain...
Hamas keen on Gaza Strip ceasefire — Radio Israel
By KUNA
Gaza : Hamas is keen on ceasefire in Gaza Strip, as calm seems to have set in for several days now, Radio Israeli said Wednesday.
"This stance comes after Hamas sensed that its authority in Gaza Strip is threatened by instability," the radio quoted an Israeli senior political source as saying.
The source underscored that toppling Hamas rule must be within the Israeli strategic considerations, but should go inline with other tactical objectives adopted by the Israeli premier and defense minister for the current phase.
Turkey unsuitable for UN Security Council: Cyprus
By DPA,
New York : Turkey is running for a seat on the UN Security Council, but Cyprus said Tuesday that the presence of Turkey, if it is elected, would be "very problematic" for the decision-making body.
"It is very difficult for us to accept the presence (on the council) of a country that has thousands of troops on Cyprus," Cypriot UN Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis said, referring to the estimated 40,000 Turkish troops based on the Turkish Cypriot northern part of the Mediterranean island.
Haqqani network leader held in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A leader of the Haqqani network was detained in Afghanistan Wednesday, Afghan forces and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
Arab FMs meet on Mediterranean union proposal
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Some ten Arab foreign ministers began their meeting here on Saturday to coordinate stances on a "Union for the Mediterranean" initiative proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the state Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit is leading the Egyptian team to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki was quoted as saying.
Hamas blames int’l parties for involving in Palestinians’ internal problems
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Saturday blamed international parties for their involving in th ePalestinians' internal problems.
"These parties still keep on its role in arming and training a Palestinian group against another group," said Hamas' spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
Hamas added the Quartet of Middle East players, represented in the Palestinian territories by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, was one of those parties.
Blair criticised for lack of remorse over the Iraq war
London, Jan 30, IRNA – Former prime minister Tony Blair has been widely criticised for showing a lack of remorse when giving evidence at the Iraq inquiry and leaving significant questions unanswered in leading Britain into the 2003 war.
Blair was heckled after spending Friday resolutely defending his controversial decision to join the US in invading Iraq, insisting he did not deceive the British public, that he was right to start the war and that he would do the same again.
Swiss President says what happened in Gaza is a catastrophe
By KUNA
Geneva : Swiss Federal Presidentt Pascal Couchepin described the unfolding humanitarian crisis as a catastrophe in Gaza.
Israel cut off fuel delivery to Gaza Sunday, subsequently power was cut off at eight pm, and up to date some 45 Palestinians were killed, 39 by Israeli air strikes, and six by due to the power cut today.
In a news conference today in Geneva at the Swiss Press Club, Couchepin added that violence must end in the conflict so that peace can be achieved in the Middle East.
Pakistan Detonation Kills 13 Soldiers
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : At least 13 troops died and one was wounded in a blast on a road in Mardan that wrecked a Pakistani Air Force vehicle in Peshawar.
Witnesses say the explosion at the north east border province occurred when the vehicle was reaching a bridge exit. So far official sources have not confirmed if it was sabotage.
The police and rescue teams took the victims to the local Lady Reading hospital and sources say the fatalities may rise due to the serious condition of the wounded.
Turkish lawmakers agree to lift ban on Hajab in universities
By NNN-KUNA
Ankara : The Turkish parliament agreed Wednesday to constitutionally amends two articles to cancel the ban on women wearing the Islamic headscarves or Hijab in universities.
The lawmakers held a heated debate over the issue which pitted members of the ruling party against opposition parties. However votes by the ruling Justice and Development Party and the National Movement Party were enough to push through the amendment since both parties have 410 lawmakers on their side out of a total of 550 in the parliament, said the Turkish news agency- Anadol.
Suicide attack on German troops; bomb kills Afghan officials
By KUNA,
Kabul : Only the suicide bomber was killed in an attack on a German forces' convoy in northern Afghanistan while two senior district officials were killed in a roadside bomb attack on their vehicle in the country's southern zone, officials said.
The suicide attack was carried out in the northern province of Kunduz on a joint convoy of the German and Afghan troops on Tuesday morning, provincial Governor Mohammad Omar said.
None of the soldiers or civilians was killed or injured as the bomber detonated himself prematurely, he added.
Rice at U.N. for Mideast, Somalia Talks
By SPA,
United Nations : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in New York Monday for two days of meetings at U.N. headquarters where she will urge the U.N. Security Council to support a U.S.-drafted resolution on the Middle East.
The draft urges Palestinians and Israelis to “refrain from any steps that could undermine confidence or prejudice the outcome of the negotiations” and calls for “an intensification of diplomatic efforts” aimed at securing a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Pakistani govt. assures people to resolve every issue accordaning to constitution
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Wednesday said that the government will resolve every issue in line with the constitution.
United States and Syria should talk (about everything)
By Theodore H. Kattouf, CGNews,
The recent compromise on power sharing in Lebanon spares the country further bloodshed, and allows its people to return to a modicum of normalcy. However, the underlying causes of the conflict remain, and Lebanon continues to be an arena where external powers play out their rivalries.
Unless and until Syria and the United States reach a grand bargain, the Lebanese will continue to pay the price.
Iran calls for return of nuclear issue to IAEA
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran on Saturday called for a return of the country's nuclear issue from the UN Security Council to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), one day after the agency's chief circulated his latest report on Iran's nuclear program.
What was said in the report once more indicated that "referring of Iran to the UN Security Council was a political move which lacked legal basis," the official IRNA news agency quoted government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham as saying.
Pakistan must be taken on board on any decision on Afghanistan: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Berlin : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday said Pakistan has achieved great deal of success in the counter terrorism operation against extremists and terrorists and now requires assistance in initiating development projects in the cleared areas.
Talking to the Foreign Minister of Germany Guido Westerwelle who called on him here at his hotel, soon after his arrival, the prime minister said the Pakistani nation has stood up to the challenge of extremism and terrorism and boldly decided to wipe out these curses.
UAE president congratulates Putin
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated Vladimir Putin on his victory in the Russian presidential election.
Iran-Saudi Arabia parliamentary friendship group meet in Riyadh
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : The first meeting of Iran-Saudi Arabia parliamentary friendship group was held in Riyadh on Jan 26.
Head of Iran's delegation Ali Riaz referring to the old ties between the two countries stressed that Iran and Saudi Arabia have common viewpoints in many cases and can take advantage of that in bolstering interests of the two countries and the Islamic world, by exchanging political and parliamentary delegations .
Bomb kills Afghan official
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A district chief and two of his bodyguards were killed in eastern Afghanistan when thier vehicle hit a roadside mine planted by the Taliban militants, an official said.
The mine struck the car of Badi Zaman Sabari, chief of Nadir Khahkot district in Khost province, killing him on the spot and wounding two of his bodyguards, an official told Xinhua. Sabari was on his way to office.
India heavily involved in aid to Afghanistan: WSJ
By NNN-APP,
New York : A report in a major American newspaper Wednesday shows the extent to which India is involved in the post-Taliban Afghanistan.
In a dispatch from Kabul, The Wall Street Journal said India has become a “major donor and new friend” to the Afghan government, stirring concerns in neighbouring Pakistan.
It said New Delhi has pledged $ 1.2 billion in aid to Afghanistan, making India the fifth largest donor nation to the country after the United States, Britain, Japan and Canada.
Pakistan does not rank in the top 10, the paper said.
25 shot dead in Nigeria student hostel
By IANS,
Abuja: Gunmen in Nigeria stormed a student hostel and shot dead 25 people, police and rescuers said Tuesday.
New spine centre to come up in Abu Dhabi
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : This capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will have a new spine centre, the first such in the region, for treating patients with low-acuity spine injuries.
Mubadala Healthcare, a subsidiary of the investment vehicle of the Abu Dhabi government Mubadala, has signed an agreement with Wooridul Spine Hospital of South Korea to set up the Abu Dhabi Spine Centre, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
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.
Homes for orphans to be set up across Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The government would build homes for orphans across the country, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
UAE to release 676 prisoners to mark Ramadan
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will release 676 prisoners, including foreign nationals, to mark the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Another Five US Casualties in Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The US Central Command in Iraq reported on Sunday another five casualties among its troops, one of them lethal, in a roadside bomb explosion in Ninive province, northern Iraq.
According to a brief release, the soldiers were fulfilling a mission in an area of that troubled region when a vehicle hit the explosive device.
Washington has lost 19 troops in Iraq since the beginning of this year; ten of them have been killed in the Phantom Phoenix Operation, which is aimed at neutralizing the resistance.