Ban Ki-moon: Darfur Deployment Needed
By Prensa Latina
United Nations : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon insisted Tuesday on immediate deployment of the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping forces in Sudan´s Darfur region.
In statements to media at the end of the Security Council meeting, Ban indicated that the crisis in Chad has "devastating consequences"
not only for Chadian citizens, but also for Darfur people who have sought refuge there.
Four killed in Pakistan drone strike
By IANS,
Islamabad : A US drone fired two missiles at a vehicle in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region Monday evening, killing at least four suspected militants, media reports said Tuesday.
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.
Indians gear up for UAE National Day celebrations
Dubai : Indian expatriates residing across United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to celebrate the 43rd UAE National Day Dec 2.
The UAE celebrates its...
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.
Death toll of war hits 1,315 Gazans
GAZA, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The intensive Israeli bombardment on Gaza Strip claimed a total of 1,315 lives including 40 Qassam fighters, as search and rescue teams have unearthed 12 more bodies from debris on Monday.
The new bodies were found in east Jabaliya and east Al-Zayton towns, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced.
"Three people have also succumbed to their injuries on Monday, Mu'awiya Hussein, director of first-aid and emergencies division of the ministry told reporters here.
Iran, Turkey ink pact to fight drug trafficking, terrorism
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkey and Iran Thursday signed agreements to cooperate in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The cooperation agreements were signed during a high-level meeting in Istanbul between the Turkish and Iranian delegation, chaired by Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his visiting counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad respectively.
Quake toll rises to 83 in Afghanistan
Kabul: The death toll from Monday's massive earthquake has risen to 83 in Afghanistan, the media reported on Tuesday.
The disaster measuring 7.5 on the...
UK Universities unlawfully giving data to police, says Muslim student
London, Mar 23, IRNA -- The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (Fosis) are advising students of their legal rights following disclosure that universities have been illegally providing counter-terrorism police with personal details.
“Universities and students unions have an obligation to uphold the rights of their students to the best of their ability,” said Fosis, which represents over 90,000 Muslim students in the UK and Ireland.
Baghdad Car Bomb Kills 5, Hurts 10
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A car bomb blew up Friday near the Al Yarmouk hospital complex, in western Baghdad, leaving five persons dead and ten others wounded, security forces informed.
The explosion destroyed part of the health facilities, and several nearby shops and houses, the sources added.
The capital has suffered several violent acts so far this month, chiefly against security institutions, though security forces and US troops have intensified their operations there in the last 17 months.
World leaders stop short in calling for Mubarak to step down
By IRNA,
London : Prime Minister David Cameron has joined other world leaders in calling for a transition to democracy in Egypt but stopped short in urging President Hosni Mubarak to step down.
Pakistan’s survival lies in good ties with India: Zardari
By IANS
New Delhi : Asif Ali Zardari, husband of assassinated former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, has said that the survival of Pakistan lay in having good relations with India.
"Therein lies the survival of Pakistan," Zardari told Tehelka newsmagazine in an interview to be published in their forthcoming edition.
Just seven of 65 members turn up in Balochistan assembly
By IANS,
Islamabad : Proceedings in the Balochistan assembly were adjourned Monday due to lack of a quorum as only seven of the 65 members showed up. The session was then prorogued.
India’s balancing act in Middle East
By Gyanendra Kumar Keshri,
New Delhi : Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived here Wednesday on a three-day official visit as...
U.S. diplomat urges Iran to unveil nuclear program
By Xinhua
Cairo : The U.S. envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Gregory Schulte has called on Iran to unveil its nuclear program in order to build necessary confidence, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported on Tuesday.
Schulte made the call in a lecture at the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs in Cairo on Monday night.
He said Iran had been designing nuclear arms and developing a secret nuclear enrichment program until 2003, demanding Tehran allow IAEA inspectors to make sure the country has stopped its nuclear activities.
Osama lashes out at Arab governments for siding with West
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has lashed out at Arab governments for siding with the Israel and called on Muslim militants to help break the Gaza blockade.
In an audio tape posted on an Islamic website Sunday, the terror outfit chief said that the Palestinian territories could not be liberated without fighting Arab governments that support Israel, which is weak but for the Western backing.
Earlier, the website said that bin Laden would soon issue a " very strong" message to Muslims all over the world.
PML-N to support PPP in centre without being part of cabinet
By APP
Islamabad : Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Tuesday said it would extend unconditional support to the PPP government in the centre but it would not become a part of the cabinet.Addressing a news conference here, PML-N central leader and newly elected member of National Assembly from NA 52 and NA 53, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said the cabinet members would have to take oath from the President under the amended constitution and PML-N was against this.
He said the PML-N parliamentarians would take oath in the National Assembly
Pakistan’s deposed Chief Justice says Musharraf illegally detained judges
By IRNA
Islamabad : Deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry appeared at the terrace of his residence for the first time in almost five months after the Prime Minister-elect ordered release of all detained judges.
Prime Minister-elect Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani issued his first order in his maiden speech in the National Assembly to free the deposed Chief Justice and all other senior deposed judges.
More EU aid for cyclone victims in Bangladesh
By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : The European Commission announced here Friday that it will provide 13 million euro to support the sustainable recovery in coastal areas severely affected by cyclone SIDR which struck Bangladesh last November.
The EU's aid office ECHO has already provided 20.4 million euro for the longer term reconstruction and development of the affected areas.
UAE’s Red Crescent distributes aid in Afghanistan
By IINA
Kabul : The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) of the United Arab Emirates has distributed food packages, clothes and around 500 school bags to Afghan children in different regions. The materials are the last batch of RCA's Afghan orphans' support program for 2007, WAM reported.
The program has provided $97000 in direct support to 489 male and female Afghan orphans, according to director of RCA's office in Kabul Abdullah Khalifa Al-Murshedi.
Five killed in Pakistan blast
Islamabad: At least five people were killed and 14 others wounded in an explosion in Pakistan Sunday.
The blast took place outside a mosque in...
India vows to respond to Pakistani firing
Visakhapatnam: The Indian Army will respond to ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said Saturday.
The minister also criticized...
Air India evacuates around 2,200 Indians
By IANS,
New Delhi: Air India Wednesday said it has brought back 2,200 Indians from Tripoli, the capital of strife-torn Libya, since it began evacuation operations Feb 26.
Moussa: Saudi representation in Arab summit decided by its own
By Xinhua
Damascus : Representation of Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Arab summit in Damascus was an affair determined by the sovereign state, Secretary General of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa said here on Monday.
Moussa made the remarks to reporters upon arrival in Damascus in response to a question about who would hand the presidency of the summit to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"Everything will have a solution," Moussa said.
Indians in captivity in Iraq safe, says Sushma
New Delhi : Indians, held captive by suspected Sunni militants in Iraq, are safe, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Monday.
Talking to media persons...
Panamanian President pays visit to UAE
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has held discussions with visiting President Martin Torrijos of Panama here.
Sheikh Mohammed and Torrijos discussed ways to boost bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields, particularly in economy, tourism, culture and trade.
They also reviewed current regional and international developments, as well as issues of mutual interest.
Guns silent on Pakistan, India border
Jammu : Guns on both sides of the India, Pakistan border remained silent overnight Monday, but thousands of displaced border residents were still camped...
World Bank announces $900 mn for Pakistan floods
By IANS,
Islamabad : The World Bank has announced a grant of $900 million for relief and reconstruction work following the floods in Pakistan that have cost the nation around Rs.250 billion, a media report said Friday.
Pakistan is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead and affected over 14 million people. A report in the Dawn put the total economic loss due to floods at around Rs.250 billion.
Chilly weather kills 23 insurgents in North Afghanistan
By NNN-Bernama,
Kabul : Besides inflicting casualties on innocent civilians, the continued snowfall and chilly weather in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of some 23 insurgents, reported China's Xinhua news agency citing a private television channel as saying on Thursday.
"The freezing and unfriendly weather has claimed the lives of nearly 23 non-government milintants in Baghlan province north of Afghanistan," Tolo broadcast in its news bulletin.
Police recovered the bodies of the militants from Baghlan-e- Markazi district the other day, Xinhua cited the report.
UN secretary-general calls for end to violence in Iran
By DPA,
New York/Tehran : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Iranian government to put an end to the violence against opposition supporters protesting the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"The secretary-general has been following with growing concern the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and is dismayed by the post-election violence, particularly the use of force against civilians, which has led to the loss of life and injuries," a statement released Monday said.
Ban urged "an immediate stop to the arrests, threats and use of force".
Are conditions ripe for negotiating with Iran?
By Steven Kull,
A number of serious voices are saying it is time for a new approach on Iran. Senator Diane Feinstein and former high-level US government officials have called for the United States to enter into negotiations with Iran without preconditions, at the same time proposing ideas to surmount the current impasse over Iran's nuclear program. Combined with new polling suggesting that public opinion in Iran and the United States echo these views, conditions appear to be ripe for renewed efforts to improve US-Iran relations.
Sheikh Attar aims to upgrade cultural ties with Germany
By IRNA,
Berlin : New Iranian Ambassador to Germany Alireza Sheikh Attar planned to deepen cultural ties with the European country.
Speaking to IRNA in Berlin only hours after having presented his credentials to German President Horst Koehler, Sheikh Attar said a primary focus of his diplomatic mission in Germany would be to promote people-to-people contacts.
Such contacts like in the sphere of culture, society, economy and sports will also foster even stronger ties between the governments and reduce the influence of outside forces, he added.
We won’t bow to pressure: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Stressing that Pakistan would not "bow down" to any pressure, President Asif Ali Zardari said that if India wants to build up world pressure on Pakistan, it is a "mistake", a media report Sunday said.
"If India wants to build world pressure on Pakistan, it is a mistake," Zardari said during a dinner reception hosted Saturday for Islamabad-based foreign ambassadors at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Zardari separately met Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal and discussed the regional situation with him.
Take Coronavirus threat seriously, health experts warn travelers to Saudi Arabia
By TCN News
London: Health experts from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH), a UK-based Hajj/Umrah specific organisation, have issued a stern warning...
Obama thanks Georgia”s President for contribution in Afghanistan Politics
By KUNA,
Washington : U.S. President Barack Obama called Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili thanking him for Georgia's "significant contribution" in Afghanistan, the White House said late Tuesday.
The White House said in a statement that Obama thanked the Georgian President for his country's significant contribution to the international effort in Afghanistan, as the Georgian battalion deploys this month alongside American Marines in Helmand.
"The President relayed the strong support of the United States for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added.
New EU sanctions will be fruitless, Iran says
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Sunday ridiculed the new sanctions by the European Union (EU) saying they will be fruitless, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"Some countries like to use new sanctions but these political efforts and psychological propaganda will eventually be fruitless," Iranian government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham told reporters after a cabinet meeting here Sunday.
On Friday, the 27-member bloc approved the last March's UN Security Council sanctions against the Islamic country over its nuclear programme.
15 killed in Pakistan’s Quetta city blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 15 people were killed and over 20 wounded after a blast hit Pakistan's Quetta city Friday, said police sources and media reports.
No official communication yet on Pakistan probe into 26/11 – Indian Foreign Minister
By NNN-PTI,
Kolkata (India) : India Saturday said it is yet to receive any official communication from Pakistani authorities on its dossier on the Mumbai attacks, a day after Islamabad said its probe into the terror strikes will be made by public by Monday or Tuesday.
"I have not received any official communication from the Pakistan authorities till now," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after flagging off the Murshidabad Express from the Kolkata terminus here.
US aircraft strike 40 Al Qaeda targets near Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : US warplanes have struck at least 40 suspected Al Qaeda targets, dropping at least 40,000 pounds of explosives Thursday, the US military said.
Two B-1 bomber and four F-16 fighter jets struck targets in the Arab Jabour area, an Al Qaeda stronghold south of the capital, a military statement said.
Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first ten minutes, weighing 40,000 pounds, it said.
Russia disfavours military action by India against Pakistan
By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Russia disfavoured any military action by India against Pakistan in the wake of Mumbai attacks as both have nuclear weapons even as it suggested involvement of ISI in the terror strikes.
Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Trubnikov said on Saturday any action against Pakistan should be taken under the UN mandate and hoped that the international community's pressure would make Islamabad take action against terrorists, even if they are "non-state actors".
Somali pirates free second Yemeni ship without ransom
By DPA,
Sana'a : Somali pirates have released a second Yemeni fishing ship without ransom, more than two weeks after they hijacked the two ships in the Gulf of Aden, the commander of Yemen's coast guard force said in remarks published Friday.
Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Rasi told the state-run al-Thawra daily that the pirates freed the MV Qana'a without receiving any ransom.
He said the ship arrived in the southern Yemeni port of Aden late Wednesday with eight crew members on board.
The ship was hijacked along with another fishing ship in the Gulf of Aden Dec 10.
1.7 million throng Hindu shrine in Malaysia
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Over 1.7 million Hindu devotees Monday thronged Lord Subramaniam's temple at the Batu Caves near the national capital to celebrate the annual Thaipusam festival.
Crowds of devotees and tourists swelled through the night even as the deity's silver chariot left Batu Caves at 4 p.m. Sunday for the Sri Maha Mariamman temple here to mark the end of the festival.
About 10,000 devotees followed the chariot back on foot, New Straits Times said.
Violence, malicious campaign in run up to Bangladesh poll
By IANS,
Dhaka : Incidents of violence, some of them among poll allies, mark the run-up to the Dec 29 parliamentary poll in Bangladesh that has also witnessed what a media report termed "malicious campaign" against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Activists of the four party alliance led by political rival Khaleda Zia allegedly sold booklets, one of them containing a forged photograph of Hasina, a Muslim, sporting 'sindoor' (vermilion), that is used by married Hindu women, The Daily Star said in a report from Chittagong port town.
Two women killed by Tunisian police
Tunis: Two women were killed Saturday by patrol officers in Tunisia's Kasserine town, the interior ministry said.
According to the ministry, the patrol officers were...
Mumbai attacks an ‘act of war’ by Pakistan: Rushdie
By IANS,
London : Describing the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai as an “act of war” by Pakistan, author Salman Rushdie has called for a fundamental change in the way the West deals with terrorism - beginning by scrapping aid to Pakistan.
In an interview published Saturday - the 20th anniversary of global protests over his novel "The Satanic Verses" that forced him to go underground for long - the Indian-born author also criticised “liberal opinion” in Britain for ignoring the problem of terrorism.
Britain slams Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
London: British Foreign Secretary William Hague Thursday slammed Israel's recent steps towards settlement expansion in the West Bank, stressing that negotiations are the only...
Yemen, Palestine sign agricultural memo
By SPA,
Sana'a : Yemeni Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry and Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture and Social Affairs signed on Thursday memo of understanding between Yemen and Palestine in agricultural field,Saba reported.
The memo included cooperation between the two countries in agricultural activities, especially land reclamation and agricultural marketing in addition to cooperation in field of exchanging research, information, data and studies expertise in agricultural field.
Myanmar Muslim group rejects Al Qaeda statement
Yangon: The Burmese Muslim Association (BMA) has rejected a statement by Al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri, unveiling the terror group's new focus on...
Cargo plane crashes in Saudi Arabia
By DPA,
Riyadh/Frankfurt : A Lufthansa cargo plane crashed Tuesday as it was attempting to land in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, authorities in the kingdom said.
The pilot and co-pilot were taken to a military hospital, Saudi civil aviation authorities said, noting that they suffered only minor injuries. A spokesman for the Frankfurt-based German airline meanwhile confirmed that both crew members survived the crash and were receiving medical treatment.
Pakistan: PPP to work for women empowerment, rights
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would work for socio economic empowerment of women and safeguarding their rights.
Secretary Information PPP Sindh, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, talking to APP lauded the services and efforts of former Prime Minister late Benazir Bhutto for launching Lady Health Workers Programme in which 100,000 female workers were inducted and provided training for the promotion of affordable and better health facilities for the people specially the common man.
Three jailed in Finland over terror activities
Helsinki: Three people were imprisoned in Finland Friday for participating in terror activities in foreign countries.
The National Bureau of Investigation of Finland (NBI) arrested...
Obama hails CIA employees killed in Afghanistan as patriots
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama offered his condolences Thursday after seven employees of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) were killed and six injured in a suicide attack Wednesday on a military base in eastern Afghanistan.
In a letter to CIA employees, Obama called those killed "brave Americans (who) were part of a long line of patriots who have made great sacrifices for their fellow citizens, and for our way of life".
Iraqi PM extends deadline for arms handover to April 8
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi government extended a deadline for Shiite militiamen in southern Basra to hand over their weapons from Saturday to April 8, the Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in a statement Friday.
The militia would receive a financial reward if they surrender." All those who have heavy and intermediate weapons are to deliver them to security sites and they will be rewarded financially. This will start from March 28 to April 8," said Maliki.
New Pharaonic Discovery in Egypt
By Prensa Latina,
El Cairo : A fortress, a temple and pieces with more than 3,000 years of antiquity were discovered in the peninsula of Sinai, north El Cairo.
All of them date from the Pharaonic New Empire (1569-1081, B.C) and were found in the region of Tel Hebuat, 18 miles east Canal de Suez, the local head of the System of Antiques Mohamed Abdel Maqsud communicated.
The archaeologists made the discovery when excavating in the rests of the fortresses raised in the route of Horus, used by the soldiers of the Empire to defend the territory of invasions.
US defence chief arrives in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates landed in Baghdad Wednesday, following President Barack Obama's declaration that the US combat mission in Iraq has ended.
According to officials, Gates would meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, defence officials and senior military figures in the Iraqi capital.
His visit coincides with that of US Vice President Joe Biden, who has been in the country since Monday.
Collective steps needed to tackle terror: Rehman Malik
By IANS,
Islamabad : Collective steps are needed to tackle the growing menace of terrorism in the SAARC countries, Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said.
UAE doctors sign up for humanitarian mission
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Hundreds of doctors in the UAE have responded to the call of a hospital to treat patients abroad as part of a humanitarian mission.
The Emirates International Humanitarian Mobile Hospital provides curative and preventive services in many countries.
It has treated over 20,000 patients in Sudan, Egypt, Morocco and Bosnia through its missions.
Executive director of the hospital Adel Al Shamri said Friday many Emirati and expatriate doctors and nurses have expressed their willingness to participate.
Five troops killed, nine injured in Pakistan suicide blast
By DPA
Islamabad : Five government soldiers were killed and nine others injured Thursday when a suicide bomber blew himself and his vehicle up next to their patrol, the army said.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for a missile attack early this week that killed 17, BBC's Urdu-language service reported.
"We have a peace agreement with the government, and we are ready to observe it. But today's attack was a retaliation," the BBC quoted Taliban Commander Malang as saying.
Saudi relief plane leaves for Myanmar
By IINA,
Riyadh : A Saudi Arabian cargo plane, carrying 73 tons of urgent assistance left King Khaled International Airport here yesterday morning for Yangon, capital of Myanmar. The planeload of relief supplies include foodstuffs, medicines and blankets.
This was in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to provide urgent assistance in order to alleviate the suffering of people affected by the devastating cyclone Nargis and flood that hit Myanmar recently, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Zia undecided as government, Hasina, diplomats urge early poll
By IANS,
Dhaka : Foreign envoys have lent support to a call by Bangladesh's caretaker government, endorsed by most political parties, urging former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her Islamist allies to participate in the Dec 18 parliamentary poll.
There was still no last word Thursday from Zia and the Islamists, who attacked the military-backed government and the Election Commission, but stopped short of announcing a poll boycott.
The call for an early election gained momentum in the light of political turmoil that a mass agitation threatened by Zia could generate.
Three Afghan children killed in blastt
By DPA,
Kabul : Three children were killed in an explosion in northern Afghanistan, while four NATO soldiers and their Afghan interpreters were wounded in a separate blast, officials said Saturday.
The children were killed in the Pashtunkot district of Faryab district Friday, when unexploded ordnance, which was lying on the ground, exploded, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
Democrat Nominees Lie about Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Washington : The two Democratic presidential hopefuls, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lie about one of the most important issues facing the country today, that is Iraq, asserts Alternet, a progressive online newsletter.
Both nominees are crystal clear in their rhetoric about Iraq. In a statement released on the occasion of the 4,000th U.S. combat death in Iraq, Clinton said, "I have made [a] promise. And I intend to honor it by bringing a responsible end to this war, and bringing our troops home safely."
US rejects Taliban claim for NYK attack
By IANS,
Washington : The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has dismissed claims made by the Pakistan Taliban that it was responsible for an attack in New York State in which a lone gunman killed 13 people.
"Based on the evidence, we can firmly discount that claim," Richard Kolko, an FBI spokesman, said Saturday.
Between Obama, McCain how Washington will view the Middle East
By Joe Macaron, KUNA,
Washington : The Middle East awaits with anticipation the outcome of the US presidential elections to learn more about the foreign policy features of the next administration that will decide how Washington would approach challenges overseas.
Rice holds talks with Egyptian FM
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held talks with her Egyptian counterpart Ahmad Abul-Gheit shortly after her arrival in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday at the start of a regional tour, it was officially reported.
The talks, also involving US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs David Walsh, dealt with issues of common concern, namely the tense conditions in the Gaza Strip in the shadow of escalating Israeli attacks.
Jailed ex-Israeli president freed for seven hours
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Jailed former Israeli president Moshe Katsav convicted of raping a former female employee was freed for seven hours Sunday to attend his son's wedding.
Israelis celebrate independence with air show
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : An Israeli army paratrooper injured 10 people Thursday afternoon when he missed his designated landing spot in the sea off Tel Aviv and instead landed on a crowd of spectators watching an air display to mark 60 years of Israeli independence.
The paratrooper was part of a team who were supposed to form the number "60" in the sky. Israeli media reports said a gust of wind had apparently caught his parachute and set it off course.
Palestine wants UN vote for statehood
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Gaza : The Palestinian Authority will seek recognition as a state at the UN, a senior Palestinian official has said.
At $22.6 bn, Saudi price is richest Arab
Abu Dhabi : Forbes Middle East has released the names of the 100 richest Arab personalities in the world, the first position going to...
Israeli soldiers shoot Palestinian youth dead
Ramallah: A Palestinian youth was shot dead and another wounded Wednesday night by Israeli soldiers at an army roadblock to the south the West...
Trade, culture redeem dented India-Pakistan ties
By Shilpa Raina,
New Delhi : India may have called off the Aug 25 foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan, but this hasn't dampened the enthusiasm...
Britain supports peace talks in Pakistan to fight terror
By DPA,
Peshawar/Islamabad : Britain Sunday favoured a negotiated settlement to quell terrorism in Pakistan's north-western tribal region, but emphasized that there was no "quick fix" either through military means or dialogue.
"This is a long slow process that needs to engage the hearts and minds of hundreds and thousands of people," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband told reporters in Peshawar city, the capital of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
16 trapped under collapsed building in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 16 people remained trapped under the rubble of a collapsed three-storey building in eastern Pakistan's Multan city Friday night.
Afghan, foreign forces killed 200 civilians this year: UN
By DPA,
Kabul : A UN Human Rights Council official said Thursday that Afghan and international forces in the country have killed at least 200 civilians during their operations this year, while in some incidents foreign intelligence services were also responsible for such deaths.
Special Rapporteur for the UN Human Rights Council Philip Alston said at a press conference in Kabul that about 200 Afghan civilians were killed in operations conducted by the Afghan and international forces in the first four months of this year.
Two Hamas militants killed in Israeli attack
By Xinhua
Gaza : Israeli forces fired missiles into northern Gaza Strip early Saturday, killing two Hamas militants and injuring three others, medical sources said.
Mu'awia Hassanein, director of ambulance and emergency in the Palestinian health ministry, said Ihab al-Bana, 30, and Ali Jum'a, 25, died when they were being taken to hospital, adding that three other militants were moderately hurt.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank opens branch in Iraq
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Wednesday opened its branch in the Iraqi capital.
US diplomat’s car hits motorcyclist in Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad : A motorcyclist here was critically injured when he was hit by a US diplomat's car, a media report said Saturday.
Iran ready to buy enriched uranium from China
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Tehran may consider buying uranium for its nuclear research reactor from China, the Iranian foreign minister said on Monday.
"If the Chinese side is ready for dialogue on enriched uranium deliveries, Iran will be ready for cooperation," Manouchehr Mottaki told a news conference.
Asked about an array of proposals from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning uranium deliveries for a research program, he said they were being studied and "Tehran will announce a decision soon."
Netanyahu seeks historic compromise in Middle East
By DPA,
Washington : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Wednesday to seek a "historic compromise" between Israelis and Palestinians that would lead to a peaceful resolution of the long-simmering Middle East conflict.
Netanyahu said he was convinced that peace was possible, calling Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas "my partner in peace" as the two leaders prepared to hold their first direct talks Thursday in nearly two years.
Pakistan’s Top General visits Jordan
By SPA
Islamabad : Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Tariq Majid has left for Jordan on a five-day official visit to participate in a special operational conference and exhibition Sofex-2008, said an official statement.
He was seen off at Islamabad airport by Jordanian ambassador to Pakistan Dr Saleh Ahmed Al-Jawarneh and senior military officials.
During his visit to Jordan, General Majid will meet senior military and political hierarchy.
He will also visit the operational and training establishments of Jordan's armed forces.
Two Iraqi gunmen killed in US air strike in Baghdad region
By KUNA,
Baghdad : American aircraft attacked gunmen in Al-Sadr city in the eastern suburbs of the capital on Saturday and a Kurdish journalist was stabbed to death in the northern city of Irbil.
The American Army said in a statement that Multi-National air force personnel staging a reconnaissance mission located two gunmen carrying a mortar in the Baghdad eastern suburb and targeted them with a single Hellfire missile. Both were killed and the mortar was destroyed.
US objects to release of Pakistani nuclear scientist
By DPA,
Washington : The release of Pakistan's leading atomic scientist who confessed to running a nuclear smuggling network would be "extremely regrettable", the US State Department said Friday.
A Pakistani court Friday ruled that Abdul Qadeer Khan should be freed after five years of house arrest for providing sensitive nuclear material and information to countries like Iran, Libya and North Korea.
The US was trying to reach Pakistani officials for a clarification on the court's ruling, State Department deputy spokesman Gordon Duguid said.
Honour killing: Man guns down sister in Islamabad
By IANS,
Islamabad : A man fatally shot his sister here after she confessed to have secretly got married, police said.
ADB irked by halting of corruption probe in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is unhappy with Pakistan for suspending a probe into the alleged misappropriation of Rs.4 billion ($51 million) in a flood protection programme without fixing any responsibility, a media report Wednesday said.
"The issue has triggered a serious debate within the ADB management and its auditors because the bank has failed (to) keep oversight over a project to which it has contributed about $100 million," Dawn said.
Pakistan deserves int’l community’s support to fight terrorists: Karzai
By NNN-APP,
New York : Afghan President Hamid Karzai says that the new government of Pakistan is on his side in fighting terrorism and it deserves the support of the international community in that struggle.
“We should all help President Zardari because he has the right intentions and the right policy for Pakistan and for the region, and I think he deserves our assistance,” Karzai, who had a meeting with the Pakistani leader earlier this week, said in an interview with NEWSWEEK.
Rain-related incidents kill 11 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Heavy rains in Pakistan's north-western region and the Himalayan territory of Kashmir that is divided between India and Pakistan killed at least 11 people over the past 24 hours, officials said Tuesday.
The casualties occurred from collapse of houses and landslides caused by four consecutive days of downpour, which was triggered by a low pressure system emanating from the west.
A couple and their two children were killed when the roof of their house in the Khanpur town, located 50 km from the capital Islamabad, caved in early Tuesday, police said.
India seeks strong action against Pakistan-based terrorism
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Thursday said that it wants "strong action", apart from "solidarity and sympathy", from the world community against terrorism.
"We have been saying this always that terrorists are coming from across the border and they are a threat to India. I am happy at least they (the US) have realised this,"
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Thursday.
Gulf oil earnings to touch record $562 bn in 2008
By IANS,
Dubai : Oil producing nations in the Gulf will earn a record $562 billion by the end of this year, as oil prices are expected to remain above $100 a barrel, according to a new report.
The London-based Centre for Global Energy Studies (CGES), in its monthly oil report for August, has said the combined oil export earnings of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will soar to their highest level of $562 billion this year even as they pumped at their highest level, the Emirates Business 24-7 newspaper reported.
Emaar plans new five star hotel brand
By IANS,
Dubai : Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure arm of UAE-based real estate giant Emaar Properties, has announced that it plans to roll out its own premium five star brand of world-class hotels and resorts.
To operate under the brand name The Address Hotels & Resorts, the new chain will roll out later this year with the opening of The Address flagship hotels in Downtown Burj Dubai and another property in Dubai Marina, the company said in a statement here.
Pakistan tribals threaten to fight India
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Tribal elders in Pakistan's restive tribal belt warned they would "strike back" if war was imposed on the country by India in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, saying six million tribesmen would not "bear Indian threats".
These views were expressed by prominent elders of North and South Waziristan tribal regions, a stronghold of Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, while addressing a jirga on Saturday. More than 100 elders from different tribal regions attended the council.
UAE, Peru discuss economic cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Peru have held talks over economic cooperation between the two countries.
Safari reaffirms Iran will “never” leave NPT
By NNN-IRNA,
Berlin : Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari Friday reiterated that his country would continue to cooperate with the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency and would "never" abandon or withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Dubai-based scientists produce region’s first identical twin camels
By NNN-WAM,
Dubai : In an unprecedented breakthrough in the GCC region, Dubai-based scientists have successfully produced the first identical twin camel using the embryo splitting technology.
Zahi and Baih, the two identical twins, were naturally born to two surrogate camel mothers on Feb 10 and 23 respectively after a pregnancy period of 13 moths.
According to the scientists team at Dubai Camel Breading Centre, the genetically identical cubs are in a good health.
India-bound Samjhauta Express engine catches fire
By IANS,
Islamabad : The engine of the Samjhauta Express, which was headed for India, caught fire in Pakistan's Lahore district Monday, police said. There were no casualties.
Former Pakistani airforce official to be hanged
Islamabad : A former Pakistan Air Force (PAF) official, convicted for an assassination attempt on then president Pervez Musharraf in 2003, is to be...
US commandos kill 20 in Pakistan: official
By DPA,
Islamabad : US commandos killed at least 20 people including women and children in a cross-border raid Wednesday in Pakistan's tribal region, a high-ranking government official said.
"Innocent citizens of Pakistan including women and children were martyred," Owais Ahmed Ghani, the governor of the North-Western Frontier Province, said in a statement.
According to Ghani, commandos based in Afghanistan supported by three helicopter gunships carried out the "outrageous" attack in the Angor Adda area of the South Waziristan tribal district.
Two-way fight likely in Malaysian Indian Congress poll
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The rivalry in the Malaysian Indian Congress has become sharper with both party chief S. Samy Vellu and his arch rival S. Subramaniam releasing separate 'official' lists of candidates for 23 central working committee seats, elections to which will be held next week.
Defying Vellu, who released an 'official' list of 23 candidates last month, Subramaniam, contesting one of the deputy presidents' posts, has come up with his own list of candidates for the central working committee seats.
Saudi Arabia plans to erect a fence along its border with Iraq
By NNN-SPA,
Riyadh : Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister, considers infiltration cases into Iraq from Saudi Arabia as rare, noting at the same time that the Kingdom is planning to erect a fence along its border with Iraq to prevent infiltration attempts from Saudi Arabia to Iraq.
Pakistan to buy power from Iran: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will purchase 1,100 MW of electricity from Iran in a bid to overcome the energy shortage in the country, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Sunday.
Iraq says it held peaceful election with widespread turnout
By NNN-IRNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi government said on Sunday that it held peaceful election with widespread turnout.
In Iraq’s first big vote since 2005, polling stations stayed open for an extra hour to allow late-comers to cast their ballots.
Seen as a test of the country’s democracy and stability, women also voted in large numbers, with female candidates making up some 27 percent of those running.
While he himself was not standing, the vote was also being viewed as a referendum on prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.
Registration of 334 Bangladesh NGOs cancelled
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has cancelled the registration of 334 NGOs in the last four months on charges of patronising militancy and for alleged corruption and misuse of foreign funds.
The government's NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) has seized moveable and non-moveable property of these organisations, which were operating in the name of social welfare, charity and voluntary work.
The move is significant as NGOAB had cancelled only 56 foreign-funded NGOs since 1990, The Daily Star said Thursday.
Operation launched to free Afghan district
Kabul: Security forces on Sunday launched an operation to free a district in Afghiantsan's Kunduz province seized by Taliban militants.
On Saturday evening, Taliban militants...
Israeli, German leaders: Improvement of Palestinian economy key to peace
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : A serious investment in the Palestinian economy could push forward the peace process, Israeli President Shimon Peres agreed with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday, local daily Ha'aretz reported.
Peres showed Merkel his "peace valley" plan which includes a German-funded industrial zone in Jenin, and Merkel pledged 10million euros (about 6.37 million U.S. dollars ) of German donation to fund the project.
Afghans stone German base over proselytising allegations
By DPA,
Kunduz (Afghanistan) : At least four people were injured in northern Afghanistan Thursday when protesters threw stones at a German military camp over claims that two aid organisations had preached Christianity in the country.
The Afghan government last week suspended a US-based Church World Service and Norwegian Church Aid after an Afghan private television reported that the two aid organizations were evangelising.
Palestinian negotiators to the US to meet Rice
By KUNA,
Gaza : The Palestinian negotiation team heads to Washington D.C. Tuesday and is planned to meet Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and the delegation is headed by Ahmad Qurei, and accompanied by Saeb Ereikat.
According to Palestinian radio, quoting Ereikat, the meetings with Rice will review the ongoing peace negotiations with Israel in detail. The Palestinian team will explain to the American administration the obstacles before an agreement with the Israeli side, and would request the US exert more effort to support the talks.
President: Islamic Revolution a turning point in history
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran was a turning point in the history of mankind.
“The Islamic Revolution was, undoubtedly, the greatest development that has occurred in the lives of the Iranian people and also the offset of the greatest change in the history of humanity,” said the president in his address to a national gathering on the occasion of the approaching 30th victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Dhaka jails two militants for 2005 serial bombings
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two Islamist militants were Tuesday sentenced to 32 years' rigorous imprisonment by a court here for their role in the serial explosions that rocked Bangladesh Aug 17, 2005.
Judge Mohammed Rezaul Islam handed down the verdict in presence of the convicts - Kawsar Alam alias Sumon and Amanullah Akhand alias Sanaullah - at a jam-packed courtroom, the Star Online said.
The two, belonging to the banned Islamist militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were convicted for planting several bombs at a court in Mymensingh district in the northern region.
20 British ‘military advisors’ to work with Pakistani Army
By IANS,
London : About 20 top military and intelligence experts of Britain will now advise the Pakistani Amry in fighting against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the country, the Online news agency has reported.
The British advisers will liaise with the Pakistani Army and particularly with the Frontier Corps, an ethnic Pashtun paramilitary force on the frontline of the battle with the Taliban, according to Whitehall officials.
India to build Afghanistan’s parliament complex
By IANS,
New Delhi : The cabinet Thursday okayed construction of Afghanistan's parliament building and the Indian chancery complex in Kabul.
The government approved these projects at a revised cost of Rs.950 crore (Rs.9.5 billion/approximately $200 million).
"The construction of the parliament building will be a visible symbol of India's contribution for strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan," Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Egypt discovers 2,000-year-old bronze coins
By IANS,
Cairo : Archaeologists have discovered bronze coins dating back to the era of King Ptolemy III Euergetes who ruled Egypt in the 3rd century B.C., a media report said.
An Egyptian archaeological team has found 383 bronze coins in northern Qaroun Lake in Fayoum, 80 km southwest of Cairo, Xinhua reported Thursday citing Egypt's state-run MENA news agency.
Egyptian Culture Minister Farouq Hosni said the bronze coins are in good condition and were unearthed by a team of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Antiquities.
OIC Chief gets honorary doctorate degree
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was conferred upon an honorary doctorate degree by the prestigious Near East University of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on May 12, 2008. The conferment of the degree, during a ceremony held at the University, came as a recognition to his extraordinary academic career and his life long commitment to the causes of the Muslim Ummah, according to an OIC statement.
Honour commitments on Mumbai probe, India again tells Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Saturday asked Pakistan to honour its commitments on prosecuting the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks even as reports said the results of Islamabad's probe into the mayhem would be handed over to Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani later in the day. "Everyone knows which organisations were involved (in the Mumbai carnage). It is for Pakistan to honour its commitments (to take action against the perpetrators)," Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told reporters.
Pakistan sets up task forces to improve foreign policy, says FM
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday two task forces have been set up in the Foreign Office to give suggestions to improve the foreign policy with the inclusion of economic diplomacy.
Addressing his first press conference after assuming office the Foreign Minister last week, Qureshi said that intelligentsia and academia will be involved to have fresh ideas and frame a viable foreign policy.
Democracy takes revenge in Pakistan: media
By IRNA-PTI
Islamabad : "Democracy takes revenge" this brief headline in a Pakistani newspaper today summed up the result of the general election in which the opposition PPP and PML-N have emerged as key players.
With the PML-Q, derisively referred to as the "King's party" for backing President Pervez Musharraf, heading towards the exit, the Daily Times carried a banner headline that read: "All the King's men, gone!"
US drone attack kills four in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and several others injured Thursday in a suspected US drone attack in northern Pakistan, a media report said.
The suspected US spy planes fired missiles on a vehicle in Karikot area in South Waziristan bordering Afghanistan Thursday morning, killing four civilians, Geo TV reported, citing unnamed sources.
According to the report, the toll may rise as some of the injured were in a critical condition.
The vehicle was completely destroyed in the attack, the report said.
McCain seeks Pakistan’s cooperation over Mumbai probe
By IANS,
New Delhi : Republican leader John McCain Tuesday made an unscheduled visit to India and asked Pakistan to offer cooperation "as quickly and efficiently as possible" over the Mumbai terrorist massacre.
Speaking to the media after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, McCain said he and his fellow Republicans were here to express "our sorrow and solidarity with the people of India".
McCain, who lost the presidential battle to Democrat Barak Obama last month, said the Mumbai killings came "at a time when India-US relations are excellent.
Middle East poised for dramatic growth
By IANS,
Dubai : The Middle Eastern economy is poised for remarkable growth with potential investment capacity, in both private and public sectors, reaching approximately $4 trillion, according to a global management consultant firm, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
Noting that the high investment power is largely linked to Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF), a survey by A.T. Kearney strategic management consultant firm said the SWF assets has risen by 18 percent between 2006 and 2007 to reach $3.3 trillion and could well be a great help in tackling the western economic slowdown.
Iran warns of imposing new limits on cooperation with IAEA
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iran's new parliament speaker says Tehran could impose new limits on its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Iran's former nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, was elected as parliament speaker Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.
Moments later, he told parliament that a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency was deplorable.
Iranian artillery shells Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq
By IANS
Baghdad : Iranian artillery Thursday shelled villages in northern Iraq where Iranian Kurdish rebels are believed to be operating, according to an official.
The artillery shelled seven villages in the area of Qalit Diza in Sulaymanyah province in Iraq's Kurdish Autonomous Region, Hasan Abdallah, the head of Qalit Diza council told the Voices of Iraq news agency.
The shelling continued for over two hours and caused no casualties, the official said.
Kuwait fund for Arab Economic Development signs 14 documents with Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has signed with the Lebanese government 14 agreements to finance various development projects in Lebanon.
The deals involved some USD 5.74 million. They are part of the USD 300 million assistance pledged by Kuwait to Lebanon following the July, 2006 Israeli aggression on Lebanon.
No valid data on refugees in Pakistan’s northwest
By IANS,
Islamabad : The lack of valid data on the number of people displaced by the military's anti-Taliban operations in the country's troubled northwest has confirmed fears that many militants could have fled the area by intermingling with the refugees.
At least three sets of figures exist.
The social welfare department of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) says it has registered 1.4 million refugees.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) puts the number of displaced people at 1.73 million.
EU provides 300 million Euro in aid pf Palestinians
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : The European Commission (EC) has announced here that it is making available 300 million Euro to finance activities in support of the Palestinian people.
EC spokesperson for external relations Christiane Hohmann told reporters Tuesday that the sum of 300 million euro was part of the 400 million euro which the EC pledged for 2008 at the Paris Donors Conference for Palestinians last December.
China invites new Pakistan Prime Minister
By SPA,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has been invited to visit China, officials said.
China handed over the invitation to Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is currently accompanying President Pervez Musharraf in his visit to China.
Qureshi would again visit China before Gilani's trip to Beijing. Transforming the strong people-to-people relations into close economic bonds between Pakistan and China is among his priorities, he said.
Obama sees opportunity for new relationship with Pakistan
By APP,
Washington : In a marked departure from his earlier campaign rhetoric, US presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama on Sunday saw the need for recognizing Pakistan’s interests for forging a better anti-terror cooperation between the two countries.
The Democratic senator, who is locked in a close presidential nomination race with Hillary Clinton, acknowledged that the inception of a new democratic government provides an opportunity for the United States to start a wide-ranging relationship with the key South Asian country.
World Economic Forum on Mideast kicks off in Egypt’s Red Sea resort
By Xinhua,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : The World Economic Forum (WEF) kicked off its annual meeting on the Middle East at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak inaugurated the meeting by giving a keynote speech at the opening session of the three-day event, which was attended by some 14 heads of state and government including U.S. President George W. Bush.
Bush is now giving a special address at the opening session on the situation of the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian issue.
Pakistan faces winter of discontent: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan faces a winter of discontent as the number of impoverished is increasing at a galloping pace, a daily said Thursday.
Bangladesh just as corrupt despite anti-graft drive: report
By IANS,
Dhaka : The anti-graft drive of Bangladesh's military-backed government has made little difference - its own law enforcing agencies have been rated as most corrupt by the Transparency International, a Berlin headquartered NGO addressing corruption globally.
Down in the first six months after the caretaker government launched its campaign in January last year, corruption has again reared its head, said a report released by the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Wednesday.
Deal with Hamas boosts two-state solution: Abbas
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that the reconciliation deal reached with his rival Hamas movement will empower the principle of the two-state...
US aid worker shot dead in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Unknown gunmen shot dead a US aid worker and his driver in Pakistan's north-west Wednesday, police and media reports said.
The attack occurred in an upmarket neighbourhood of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province, located close to the restive tribal region.
"Assailants lying in ambush opened fire on the US national's car as it drove down an alley in the University Town (area of Peshawar), killing the foreigner and his local driver on the spot," an area police officer said on condition of anonymity.
Gaza militants fire rocket at Israel
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a makeshift rocket Monday night toward southern Israel, further shaking an already wobbly truce between Israel and militant organizations in the territory.
The rocket caused neither injuries nor damage, a military spokeswoman in Tel Aviv said, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
It was the fifth rocket launched since the truce took effect on June 19.
Women, children among 10 killed in Pakistan bombing
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 10 people including women and children were killed Saturday when an explosion ripped through a busy street in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, a senior police official said.
The explosion took place inside a car parked in Kashkal, a densely populated area of the town.
"It was a car bomb, most probably in a Suzuki motor car. It was most probably remote-controlled and that is what we are looking into now," said city police chief Safwat Ghayyur.
Ghayyur said at least 10 people were killed and 18 others were injured.
Nawaz Sharif pitches for Gilani in tussle with Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has received support from an unexpected quarter in his barely veiled power struggle with President Asif Ali Zardari.
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has declared he would back Gilani's efforts to reclaim the supremacy of the office by repealing a controversial constitutional amendment that makes the presidency all powerful.
"If the presidency tries to create hurdles in our way, then the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) will extend its support to the prime minister," Sharif told reporters here Tuesday.
Journalist’s killing may be due to personal enmity: Malik
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Wednesday that journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad may have been kidnapped and tortured to death because of personal enmity.
Libyan PM’s Saudi visit successful
Tripoli : Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani's talks in Saudi Arabia have been positive, Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Dairi said.
During his three-day visit to Saudi...
Over 25,000 flee military operations in Iraq
United Nations : Over 25,000 people have fled Iraq's Ramadi district due to the ongoing military operations launched on April 8, a UN spokesperson...
Turkish PM granted honorary Tehran citizenship
By IANS,
Tehran : Tehran mayor Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf has named Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had walked out of a World Economic Forum (WEF) debate, as an “honorary Tehran citizen”, Mehr News has reported.
Tehran mayor’s move followed a heated debate at the WEF in Davos in which the Turkish prime minister told Israeli President Shimon Peres that “when it comes to killing, you know very well how to kill”.
Qalibaf called Erdogan’s action a “brave and wise” act and appreciated it.