Olmert: Israel to step up operation against rocket attacks
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that Israeli army was ordered to step up its operation to halt the ongoing firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip.
"We will continue to respond, to initiate and to harm anyone who carries out launches from Gaza," Olmert told ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.
"We will continue to invest in reinforcing the towns in the Gaza envelope to help them deal with these terror threats," he added.
Gunmen abduct French aid worker in Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul : A group of unknown gunmen abducted a French aid worker Monday in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and shot dead an Afghan driver who tried to rescue him, the police said.
The Frenchman was kidnapped as he was walking to his office with a colleague, said Zemarai Bashary, an interior ministry spokesman.
The two men were on foot in the Kart-e-Parwan neighbourhood when three gunmen snatched the Frenchman and took him to an unknown location by car, said a senior police official who requested anonymity.
25 securitymen killed near Baghdad in clashes
Baghdad: A total of 25 security members were killed and some 22 wounded in clashes between Iraqi forces and militants here Saturday, a police...
China to hike anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan
By IANS,
Beijing : China will step up its anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan to ensure regional peace and stability, Xinhua reported Wednesday.
Senegalese President concludes visit to Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Madinah : Senegalese President Abdullah Wade and the accompanying delegation left here today at the end of a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In Madinah, he visited the Prophet's Mosque.
He was seen off at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport by a number of senior officials.
Environment group urges NA hopefuls to consider the environment
By KUNA,
Kuwait : An environmental group Sunday urged candidates in the 2008 parliamentary elections to incorporate issues of the environment into their agendas.
Group chairman Khaled Al-Hajri in a statement today expressed both surprise and disappointment that most candidates failed to mention such concerns in their agendas and urged voters to demand such attention from their candidates and that environment issues be given priority.
Pakistan soil will not be used for terrorism: Zardari
By IANS,
Yekaterinburg : President Asif Ali Zardari has assured Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that Pakistani soil will not be allowed to be used for terrorist activities and all measures would be taken to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.
Zardari urged the Indian prime minister at a meeting here for resumption of the composite dialogue between the two countries, Online news agency said.
EU criticizes move to ban ruling party in Turkey
By KUNA,
Brussels : The European Union reiterated Wednesday its attack on legal moves to close down Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
"The closing down of political parties cannot be taken lightly in Europe," EU enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn told a debate on Turkey in the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg today.
Terrorist safe havens in Pakistan most worrisome: US
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The havens carved out by the Taliban and other insurgents in Pakistan have become the "most worrisome" part of the US-led war in Afghanistan, says US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.
Washington had a similar perch in Pakistan when US and Pakistani officials supported Afghanistan's mujahideen rebels against the Soviet Union in the 1980s - "and let me tell you, it made a big difference", he said Sunday.
"I think as long as they have a safe haven to operate there, it's going to be a problem for us in Afghanistan," he told NBC's "Meet the Press".
Taliban frees two abducted Pakistani journalists
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Taliban insurgents Saturday freed two journalists from their captivity in a tribal region in northwestern Pakistan, News Network International news agency reported.
Pir Zubair Shah, a part-time employee of The New York Times and Akhtar Somroo, photographer for the newspaper, were abducted Friday by Taliban insurgents in Mohmand Agency.
The report quoted a Taliban spokesman as saying that the journalists had been freed after preliminary questioning.
Norwegian newspapers refuse to publish images insulting Prophet Mohammad
OSLO, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- Senior Norwegian newspapers editors-in-chiefs decided not to publish caricatures insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Dagsavisen, the newspaper of the ruling party, considered publishing said images insulting Prophet Mohammad was not an interpretation of freedom to express opinions and was an injust way to provoke the feelings of Muslims in Norway.
Meanwhile, editor-in-chief of Norway's largest newspapers, Aftenposten, also said that his paper refused to offend any religious group under prevailing tense circumstances.
Bush arrives in Riyadh for talks with Saudi King
By DPA,
Riyadh : US President George W. Bush arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh Friday for a two-day visit to hold talks with Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdel-Aziz.
Soaring oil prices, Iran's nuclear programme, Beirut's political crisis, ties with Iraq and Arab support for the Palestinian authority are the kernels of the meeting with the top friend of the US in the region, King Abdullah, diplomatic sources said.
UAE, Sri Lanka hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Foreign ministers of the UAE and Sri Lanka met here Friday to discuss ways to improve bilateral relations.
30 Taliban surrender in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Thirty Taliban, led by a commander named Mullah Abdullah, surrendered Monday in Afghanistan's Herat province, Xinhua reported.
25 killed in suicide bomb attacks in Somalia
By DPA,
Mogadishu : At least 25 people have been killed in a wave of suicide car bomb attacks in Somalia, hospital officials said Wednesday.
Five suicide bomb attacks, including one on an Ethiopian embassy and one on a UN compound, rocked the breakaway northern state of Somaliland and the semi-autonomous state of Puntland.
Hospital officials in Somaliland told DPA that 25 people, including two foreigners, were killed in the bombings. Around 40 wounded were also being treated.
UK launches education scholarships for Palestinians
London, March 2, IRNA -- The British government Tuesday launched a programme of Higher Education Scholarships for Palestine (HESPAL) that will see up 10 academics each year from Palestinian universities complete a year’s postgraduate study in the UK.
“Through training the next generation of academic leaders, HESPAL will make a real difference to local communities in Palestine, benefit the academic community and the wider society and re-energise the economy,” Higher Education Minister David Lammy said.
OIC Chief calls for peaceful settlement of Lebanese crisis
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called upon all Lebanese parties to observe calm and self-restraint and to resume peaceful dialogue to resolve the political crisis. In a statement, he pledged OIC’s full support for the resumption of dialogue between the warring parties. Prof. Ihsanoglu expressed his deep concern over the armed clashes and the tension currently prevailing in Lebanon.
Senegalese to perform Umrah at the expense of President Wade
By IINA
Dakar : As many as 1400 Senegalese will perform Umrah at the expense of President Abdoulaye Wade. "This was in a gesture of thanksgiving for the people of Senegal for their contributions to make the 11th Dakar Islamic Summit a resounding success," according to Wade's spokesman. The pilgrims will leave for Makkah, in two batches of 700 each, during this month. The cost of the operation is estimated at between "900 million and one billion FCFA (between 1.3 and 1.5 million euros), Elhadji Amadou Sall, the spokesman said.
JuD’s religious schools will not be closed: Pakistan
By Muhammad Najeeb,
Islamabad, Dec 15 (IANS) Religious schools run by the Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), proscribed by the UN Security Council last week and facing a crackdown, will not be closed, Pakistani authorities maintained Monday even as President Asif Ali Zaradari will Tuesday meet coalition partners to discuss the "tense situation" in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Security agencies continued raids to arrest more JuD leaders. Officials said two important JuD leaders are in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj and might not return to Pakistan to avoid arrest.
UN human rights report ‘politically motivated’ : Iran
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran has rubbished a recent UN report on human rights situation in the country as "politically motivated," "biased" and without any legal basis, Xinhua reported.
Israeli Gaza Air Raids Kill Four More
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : At least four Palestinians died in two attacks by the Israeli Air Force on southern Gaza, while Egypt is withdrawing its forces deployed at the Rafah border crossing on Friday.
Two of the Palestinian victims were members of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) wanted by Israel for alleged ties with activities of the resistance.
A military spokesman in Tel Aviv confirmed the deaths and declared that one was a leader of Hamas' Azzedin al Kasan Brigades and the other took part in the capture of the Israeli soldier Guilad Shalit, in June 2006.
Attack on naval base exposes Pakistan’s grave security risks: Experts
By Sarwar Kashani, IANS,
Hasina-Ershad alliance splits in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : The 'grand alliance' formed between Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and H.M. Ershad's Jatiya Party ahead of the Dec 29 poll in Bangladesh has ended over a dispute on seats.
Former military ruler Ershad angrily walked out of a meeting late Wednesday with former prime minister Hasina. The two-and-a-half hour meeting ended without any consensus "as both leaders stood rigid on their points", the website of The Daily Star newspaper said.
Ershad wanted 47 parliamentary seats for his Jatiya Party, but the Awami League was reportedly not willing to give more than 31.
Egypt’s Moussa says army chief will run for president
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt's military chief and Defence Minister Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi will run for president's post, Amr Moussa, head of the country's...
Pakistani PM takes serious note of situation in Karachi, directs strict action
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday took a serious note of the situation in Karachi and sought a report from the Advisor on Interior, within 24 hours.
He also directed the provincial authorities to take strict action against the law violators and said no one will be allowed to put at risk the lives and property of the people.
He was reacting to the incidents of violence in Karachi Saturday in which several people were killed and property damaged.
16 militants killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 16 militants were killed in clashes with the security forces in Pakistan's Mohmand agency bordering Afghanistan, TV reports said Saturday.
The fighting started when the militants attacked a security checkpost in the Spinkai Tangai area, some 25 km from Ghalani, the headquarters of Muhmand Agency, the state-run PTV said.
The security forces launched a counter attack and 16 militants were killed, it said.
Three security personnel were injured and three others were missing after the attack, the report said citing unnamed sources.
Iraqi forces enter Basra’s ports to maintain security
By DPA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered the Iraqi forces to enter ports of the Iraqi city of Basra to maintain security against criminal gangs, media reports said Tuesday.
In the late hours of Monday, Iraqi forces entered the ports of Khor al-Zobair and Om al-Kasr, according to al-Maliki's orders, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said.
The move came as part of a security operation launched by al-Maliki to fight illegal militant.
The Iraqi forces are imposing a full security control over the city's two largest ports.
Air Arabia announces $118-mn net profit in 2013
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based low cost carrier Air Arabia has announced a net profit of 435 million dirhams (around...
Child soldier pleads guilty to killing US medic in Afghanistan
By Gurmukh Singh, IANS,
Tehran condemns anti-Iran draft resolution
Tehran: Iran's envoy to the UN in Geneva Friday condemned the "masterminds" of a recent anti-Iran draft resolution referring to them as old-fashioned people...
Terrorists behind north Lebanon explosions arrested
By Xinhua,
Beirut : The Lebanese authorities have arrested a "terrorist network" which is connected with al-Qaida Fattah al-Islam group, local As-Safir daily reported Monday.
Fattah al-Islam group was proved to be responsible for attacks in the northern Lebanon city of Tripoli last month when four army soldiers and three civilians were killed, along with 32 others wounded.
"Several members of a terrorist cell involved in the recent explosions in Tripoli have been arrested," a Lebanese army statement said.
60 percent of Islamabad water samples test unsafe: Report
By IANS,
Islamabad : Nearly 60 percent of water samples collected from Islamabad have tested unsafe for drinking, a media report said Thursday.
‘UAE respects security precautions of other nations’
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The security and stability that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoys is the outcome of the country's keenness to provide everyone here with an opportunity to live and earn with honour and dignity, according to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shiekh Khalifa's comments come in the wake of recent terror alerts issued by the British and US missions in this country.
In an interview with Lebanese daily Al-Nahar, the president said that alerts
Palestinian negotiator says Israeli military escalation meant tocover political crisis
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli military escalation in Gaza Strip and West Bank is meant to cover Israel's political crisis and distract international focus on Mideast peace process, a Palestinian negotiator said on Thursday.
"Israel doesn't stick to the negotiations and the political process," said Yasser Abed Rabbo, a member of the Palestinian negotiating team. "Instead, Israel seeks to destroy the talks."
Suicide blast hit NATO convoy in S Afghanistan
By ANTARA News/Xinhua
Kabul : A suicide bombing exploded near the convoy of Canadian troops on Wednesday morning in southern Afghan province of Kandahar, destroying one of the vehicles and causing some casualties, said Xinhua reporter from the spot.
Conflicts and Taliban-related violence claimed around 8,000 lives last year, according to a latest-released UN figure.
Abbas suspends peace talks
By IANS,
Ramallah: The Palestinian leadership decided not to continue peace talks with Israel over a dispute on Jewish settlement policy in the West Bank, a spokesman said Saturday.
Quakes hits several Iran provinces
By NNN
Tehran : An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale jolted the outskirts of Deihouk in the central province of Yazd early Sunday morning.
According to the seismological base of the Geophysics Institute of Tehran University, the quake was registered at 01:11 hours local time (2141 GMT Saturday).
The epicenter of the quake was in an area located 57.35 degrees in longitude and 33.29 degrees in latitude, the report added.
There are no reports of any casualty or damage to property caused by the quake.
Afghanistan closes border with Pakistan
Islamabad, Jan 15, IRNA ,Afghanistan on Tuesday closed its border with Pakistan and banned the entry of goods trucks, local media reported.
The step is considered a reaction to Pakistan's decision to stop export of wheat flour as the country is facing acute shortage of flour, local TV channels reported.
President Pervez Musharraf Monday blamed hoarders and smugglers for the problem and said that wheat flour is being smuggled to Afghanistan, Central Asia and even Russia.
Pakistan denies reopening NATO routes to Afghanistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan's Foreign Office has denied reports of reopening the NATO supply routes to Afghanistan, and said there was no ultimate decision about it so far.
Why talking was seen better than not talking to Pakistan
By Tarun Basu, IANS,
New Delhi: India does not have much expectation from the foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan. But when circumstances are rapidly changing in the region and the situation remains highly unpredictable, it was considered better to keep the civilian establishment in Islamabad engaged in talks rather than create a diplomatic vacuum to let non-state actors run their writ over the bilateral disengagement.
PLO official: elections to prevent Hamas from boosting power
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : A Palestinian official Thursday said comprehensive elections would be the best way to prevent Hamas from boosting its de-facto power.
"Elections are the solution that will not give the coup rights it doesn't entitled to get," said Yasser Abed Rabbo, a member of the executive committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Abed Rabbo was referring to Hamas' violent takeover of the Gaza Strip in June last year by routing Fatah-dominated security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Iraq violence leaves 12 dead, Al Qaeda militants held
By DPA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi police captured suspected members of an Al Qaeda terror cell Sunday and seized many explosive belts ready for use in suicide bombings in western Iraq, while a wave of attacks across the country left at least 12 people dead and 39 injured.
The suspects were arrested during raids Saturday night in the town of Hit, 130 km west of Baghdad, mayor Hikmat Jubayr announced.
Hit is in Anbar province, which was once the hotbed of Sunni insurgency and the main base for the Al Qaeda terror network.
US Convoy Blasted in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A car bomb exploded against a US military convoy in the western Afghan Afghan province of Herat, wounding three, military sources reported Friday.
The attack occurred when the convoy carrying vehicles was leaving Heart airport, reported the Afghan security official Qadir Afgha to media.
One US soldier and two others from different nationalities were wounded as well as two vehicles damaged.
Spokesmen from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by NATO reported the two wounded people are out of danger.
Lift ‘no fly zone’ restriction: India urges Saudi Arabia
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has urged the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to persuade Saudi Arabia to lift the ban on...
Polling of Pakistan’s general elections ends
By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : The polling of Pakistan's general elections has come to an end Monday afternoon.
The Presiding Officers started to count the votes at the polling stations in presence of the candidates, their election agents and polling agents immediately after the end of the polling.
People present at polling stations who have not cast their votes will still be given time to exercise their right. Some polling stations remain open after the close of the polling.
Minister of Islamic affairs receives Mufti of Kosovo
By SPA
Riyadh : Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Salih bin Abdulaziz Al Al-sheikh received today at his office here, the General Mufti of Kosovo Sheikh Naeem Tranafa, who is currently visiting The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and reviewed the situation of Muslims in Kosovo Region as well as discussed a number of issues related to the Islamic Call.
Iran for Strong Ties with Arab States
By Prensa Latina
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadineyad ratified on Monday that his country is willing to strengthening cooperation wit the member nations of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG).
In an official report, Ahmadineyad expressed the interest of Iran to enforce the agreements of the CCASG Summit and emphasized the reception of his proposals in that meeting held in Doha.
Iranian vice Foreign Minister Mohammad Reza Bagheri gave the text to the ambassadors of the six CCASG member nations.
Lack of rights hampers progress in Arab nations: UN
By DPA,
New York : The lack of human rights, political and social justice as well as a stable environment has prevented individuals in Arab countries from improving, the UN Development Programme said Tuesday.
The UNDP said human security is a prerequisite for human development. But the widespread absence of security in Arab countries has reduced the ability of an Arab person to make good choices for his or her life.
Mashreq Bank’s new package to help expatriates in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Mashreq Bank Wednesday launched a new product aimed at helping expatriates coming to this country to settle down quickly.
Called 'On Arrival Package', customers can avail of the product even before their residency visa stamping process is completed, according to a Mashreq Bank statement.
"Through this convenient and innovative package, we are providing financial support and peace of mind to new employees in the UAE," Douglas Beckett, head of retail banking at Mashreq Bank, said in the statement.
UAE students to get training in US
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A group of students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will undertake a training programme in the US.
Zia’s BNP to take oath, attend parliament’s first session
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia has decided to take oath and join the first session of the country's ninth parliament for the "sake of democracy".
The decision to move on after the poll debacle of last week was taken late Wednesday. It may remain symbolic as the BNP MPs may attend only the first day's proceedings of the ninth parliament when it is convened, the Daily Star said Thursday.
11 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : As many as 11 Taliban militants have been killed since Sunday during joint operations by Afghan forces and NATO-led coalition troops in the country, authorities said Monday.
Pakistan join England in Super Eight stage
By IANS,
London: Pakistan secured a place in the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 as they defeated the Netherlands by 82 runs in a crucial Group B encounter at the Lord's here Tuesday.
Man of the Match Kamran Akmal hit a 30-ball 41 and skipper Younis Khan made 36 as Pakistan posted a formidable 175 for five in 20 overs.
Leggie Shahid Afridi then took four for 11, fourth best figures in T20 internationals, and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal bagged three for 20 to pack off the Netherlands for 93 runs in 17.3 overs.
US buys 10 Russian choppers for Afghanistan
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The Pentagon is buying ten Mi-17 helicopters from Russia's state-run weapons broker Rosoboronexport for the Afghan military, the company said Thursday.
India welcomes Pakistan judicial commission’s visit
By IANS,
New Delhi: India Saturday welcomed Pakistan's decision to send a judicial commission to interview witnesses connected with the 26/11 terror probe.
Somali pirates free second Malaysian tanker
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : Somali pirates have released a second Malaysian oil tanker after the government paid a ransom of $2 million, officials and news reports said Tuesday.
The MT Bunga Melati 2, which was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen Aug 19, was released early Monday and was now heading towards Djibouti in East Africa, a spokesman from the defence ministry confirmed.
Pakistan says in touch with mediators for ambassador’s release
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan said on Saturday that it is touch with the mediators for the release of its ambassador to Afghanistan, who was kidnapped in the Pakistani tribal region in February while proceeding to Kabul.
The ambassador Tariq Azizuddin appeared on Arabic television on Saturday saying he was being held by the Taliban and urged the government to accept their demands.
"We are in touch with the mediators to free the ambassador," Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said.
"We can not disclose demands of kidnappers for safety," the spokesman told Dawn TV channel.
US envoy starts talks in Israel
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : US President Barack Obama's special envoy to the Middle East began talks in Israel Tuesday amid a deepening row over Israeli settlements.
George Mitchell met Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak in the morning and was scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before travelling to the West Bank city of Ramallah Wednesday for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Pakistani court issues arrest warrant of Taliban leader in Bhutto murder case
By IRNA
Rawalpindi : An anti-terrorism court on Monday issued arrest warrant for the chief of Pakistani Taliban movement over plotting the murder of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi on December 27 in firing and bomb blast shortly after she addressed an election rally.
The government had accused Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsood for masterminding Benazir assassination, the charge denied by Mehsood's spokesman.
Death toll in Kandahar suicide attack crosses 100
By DPA
Kabul : Kandahar's provincial governor said Monday that the death toll in the country's deadliest suicide attack rose to more than 100 victims with several dozen others injured.
"According to our new information, the death toll for yesterday's suicide attack has gone up to more than 100 people," Assadullah Khali said.
He said about 80 deaths were registered by provincial hospitals, while the remains of 20 others were taken directly from the site of Sunday's attack by their relatives.
Saudi prince tells Vikram Pandit: Deliver in 2010
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington: Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a major investor in Citigroup, says he personally told the banking giant's Indian American chief executive Vikram Pandit that the honeymoon is over and he must deliver solid results in 2010.
"I don't threaten those CEOs that I meet but I told him that really the market gave you two years leeway, but I think now its time to deliver and 2010 for him is really the year to make it or break it and he has to deliver," Alwaleed said in an interview with FOX Business.
Israel’s envoy to visit Egypt for Gaza talks
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : A senior Israeli defence official will visit Egypt Wednesday for talks over a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a media report said.
Amos Gilad, head of the Diplomatic Security Bureau of Israel's defence ministry, is scheduled to meet Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman for facilitating a talk with Hamas, Ynet news service reported.
Israel said ceasefire is only possible when Hamas stops rocket attacks and smuggling of arms into the salient. Hamas-led Islamist groups have demanded the lifting of Gaza blockade by Israel.
NATO to boost military cooperation with Pakistan
By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : Afghanistan and Georgia are to dominate the agenda of the 2-day informal meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday and Friday.
Afghanistan's defence minister Abdul Rahim Wardak will brief the defence ministers of the 26-member alliance on the current situation in his country, NATO spokesperson James Appathurai told reporters here Tuesday.
NATO currently has 50,700 troops under its ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan begins voter registration for presidential elections
By Abdul Haleem, Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghanistan's Election Commission on Monday commenced voter registration for the upcoming presidential election amid increasing security incidents, a press release of the commission said.
The process of the newly launched voter registration, according to the press release, would be completed within four months in four phases.
"The first phase which began Monday would cover 14 relatively peaceful northern, central and eastern provinces," said the press release.
Train-truck collision kills eight in Bangladesh
By DPA,
Dhaka : At least eight people were killed and dozens others injured Tuesday as a train collided with a truck in northwestern Bangladesh, the police said.
The accident occurred at around noon at the Khasiabari level crossing in Joypurhat district, some 280 km from the capital Dhaka, killing the eight victims on the spot, said inspector Noor Hossain at Joypurhat police station.
He quoted witnesses as saying that the victims were riding on the "Rocket Mail" train engine-front when the engine rammed into the truck that had reached the level crossing.
Pirates release seized Jordan-flagged ship off Somalia
By SPA,
Amman : Pirates have released the Jordan-flagged ship Victoria which was seized off the Somali coast last week, Jordanian Transport Minister Alaa Batayneh said Saturday.
"The Danish authorities have informed Jordanian maritime officials that the vessel's crews are in good health," Batayneh was quoted as saying by DPA.
The ship's crew, numbering around a dozen, included Pakistanis, Indians, Tanzanians and Bangladeshis, he added.
The untold story of Egyptian women’s rights
By Rasha Dewedar
In a report published last month on violent crimes committed against women in 2009, Karam Saber Ibrahim, Executive Director of The Land Center for Human Rights, a Cairo-based non-governmental organisation, spoke of a belief that some Egyptians continue to hold, that "women are fundamentally lacking.... They are not complete, because they are not men."
Who will speak for me if I belong to Pakistan’s Minority Community?
By Abdul Hafiz Gandhi,
Feuding Bangladeshi leaders exchange first greetings in 18 years
By DPA,
Dhaka : Former Bangladeshi prime ministers and arch political rivals Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia exchanged greetings Friday at a reception to honour the country's military. It was their first face-to-face meeting in 18 years.
Private television channels aired live footage of the two meeting at the Armed Forces Day reception in Senakunja in the Dhaka cantonment. They shook hands and exchanged small talk.
Iraqi family sues Australia over horrific injuries in Baghdad
By NNN-Bernama
Melbourne : An Iraqi woman who suffered horrific head injuries when she was shot several times by Australian soldiers in Baghdad has launched a landmark lawsuit against the Australian Government.
Lamyaa al-Saadi and her family, including husband Nezar, their three children and a teenage nephew, were travelling down a Baghdad street in 2005 when Australian soldiers opened fire on their red Volkswagen, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.
ICC discusses Pakistan’s FTP commitments
By IANS,
Dubai: A task team of International Cricket Council discussed strategies and possible solutions to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in meeting its commitments under the Future Tours Programmes, an ICC statement said Sunday.
No team is ready to visit Pakistan for bilateral tours given the security situation in the country. The Sri Lankan team was attacked in March in Lahore following which Pakistan was removed as co-host of the 2010 World Cup.
Two Gaza rockets land in S Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement on Sunday claimed responsibility for firing two rockets into southern Israel from Gaza Strip.
Al-Quds Brigades, the movement's military wing, said the rockets were fired at 07:30 (0430 GMT) in the morning, targeting Sderot city in southern Israel.
Israeli sources said two rockets landed in Western Negev, causing no damage or casualties.
The rocket attack came as Israeli tanks entered southeast Gaza Strip and bulldozers began leveling the land near Sufa commercial crossing.
Malaysia to release three jailed Hindraf activists
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government is to soon release the remaining three leaders of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) jailed since December 2007 for holding a protest rally, officials said.
Held under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA), M. Manoharan, P. Uthayakumar and K. Vasantha Kumar will be released "in the next few days", The Star newspaper said. They are among 13 people to be released soon, it said, quoting Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
UNHCR expresses appreciation for Syria’s effort over Iraqi refugees
By Xinhua,
Damascus : A senior official of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday expressed appreciation over Syria's efforts to alleviate the suffering of Iraqi refugees, the state-run SANA news agency reported.
Boudewijn van Eenennaam, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR, made the remarks while meeting Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal al-Mekdad, during which they discussed cooperation between the two sides regarding the Iraqi refugees.
Toll in Afghanistan suicide attack hits 57
Kabul : The toll in the suicide bomb attack at a volleyball match in Afghanistan at the weekend has risen to 57, with 66...
Pakistan Rebels Attack NATO Trucks
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : Pakistani Islamic rebels attacked and seized US and NATO provisioning vehicles in the Afghan border, reported Tuesday military sources.
According to the sources, several dozens of masked rebels seized 13 trucks and two armored Humvees (high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles) carrying supplies for the US-NATO joint troops when crossing the Khyber Pass.
The rebels sent their photographs driving the trucks to the media and those news agencies reported that 12 to 15 Pakistani drivers were captured during the attack and later released.
Lebanon’s opposition has not refused Arab initiative – Arab League Sec-Gen
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Ending the political crisis in Lebanon "does not need a miracle", Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said.
He said here Thursday that the Lebanese opposition did not "oppose" the Arab relevant initiative. "Efforts are intensified to get out of the current predicament, that does not need a miracle, especially a consensus candidate has already been agreed upon," Moussa told reporters following talks with Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir.
Egypt building Gaza underground wall
By DPA,
Cair: Egypt is building an underground wall along its border with the Gaza Strip in a bid to curtail the network of smuggling tunnels, a government-owned newspaper confirmed in a front-page editorial Thursday.
Egypt has been under international pressure to curtail the lucrative smuggling trade in basic commodities, drugs, weapons, livestock, motorbikes, and now, reportedly, cars through the tunnels since the imposition of a blockade on the Gaza Strip since Hamas solidified its control of the territory in 2007.
Enhanced intelligence sharing needed: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Intelligence sharing among Pakistan's law enforcement agencies needs to be be enhanced, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Pakistan using diplomatic channels to ensure security in UAE
By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan is using diplomatic channels to ensure high-level security measures for its One-day cricket series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to sources, due to tough UAE laws the local cricket board is unable to guarantee fool-proof security measures which are being demanded by Cricket Australia (CA). As a result, Pakistan is now in direct contact with the UAE government to ensure security for the April 22-May 7 series.
Musharraf told to appear before court for 2007 bloodshed
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former president Pervez Musharraf has been directed to appear before the Sindh High Court April 7 for violence in Karachi May 12, 2007, a media report said Friday.
UAE minister donates two million Dirhams to Al Quds University
By IINA,
Abu Dhabi : UAE's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan has donated two million Dirhams to the Palestinian University of Al Quds. Speaking at a fund-raising event, Sheikh Nahyan said the UAE support to the university was, indeed, a token of support to the struggle and resilience of the Palestinian people, WAM reported.
Iraqi Militia Rejects Govt Conditions
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A spokesman for cleric Muqtada al Sadr called Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki's conditions to end the military campaign against the Al Mahdi Army "illegitimate" on Monday.
Maliki's terms are to lay down arms, non-interference in government affairs, non-interference in Police and Army duties and the handing over of wanted militiamen.
The terms were announced on Saturday after several weeks of fierce
clashes between the Al Mahdi Army and joint US-Iraqi forces, which
left over 400 victims in Sadr City neighborhood in Baghdad.
7 killed in road accident in NW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least seven persons were killed and six others injured in a road accident in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday.
A bus which was heading for Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province, collided with an oil tanker in Matni area of Peshawar, according to the private Geo TV channel.
As a result, seven people died and six others were injured. The injured have been shifted to a local hospital for treatment.
Bangladesh president rejects Mujib killers’ mercy petitions
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman has rejected the mercy petitions of three of the five former army officers who were sentenced to death for the killing of the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.
Mohammed Shafiul Alam, secretary to the president, told bdnews24.com: "There is nothing more to do here. The petition has been refused and was sent to the home ministry on Sunday."
UAE to raise prices of European medicines
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : The Ministry of Health of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will raise prices of some European medicines priced in euro from Oct. 15, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Tuesday.
The 5.85 percent increase in the prices of 530 European medicines for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, and an increase of 21.4 percent for 599 European medicines for non-chronic diseases will come into effect on Oct. 15, the report said.
Israeli forces cross border in south Lebanon
By Xinhua
Beirut : Israeli forces Thursday penetrated the border in south Lebanon towards the Ghajar area overseeing Wazani river, but stopped short of crossing the UN demarcated "Blue Line", Future TV reported.
The report said the Israeli forces penetrated six km in the Mountazahat area in southern Lebanon.
Israel has set up an electrical fence to separate the borders between the two countries, local press said.
Following the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000, the UN drew a border line called "Blue Line", but this line did not cover the disputed Shebaa farms.
Flood kills 7 in Indonesia
By Xinhua,
JAKARTA : During heavy rains and tropical storms lasting for three days, flood has killed four people in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) of eastern Indonesia, and three in Jakarta and its neighboring city Bogor by Tuesday, the Jakarta Post reported on Wednesday.
NTT's Social Service Agency Head Sentianus Medi said that 10 villages in Central Kupang, East Kupang and Sulamu districts were submerged in 1.5 meters of water, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes and seek refuge.
Israeli army arrests 10 in Gaza raid
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians during a raid carried out in southeast Gaza Stripafter midnight, Palestinian security sources and witnesses said on Saturday.
The witnesses said that at least seven tanks and four bulldozers rolled into the eastern territories of Rafah city after midnight and withdrew early in the morning.
Russia writes off $12 bn of Iraq’s debt
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russia Monday signed an agreement with Iraq, abrogating most of the debt it owed the terror-torn country.
Foreign Minister Alexei Kudrin signed the agreement here with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zibari under which Moscow wrote off $12 billion of the $12.9 billion, or 93 percent of Iraq's debt to Russia. The write-off is to take effect in several stages.
Kudrin said in the first stage, 65 percent of the debt will be written off. The remaining $4.5 billion will be cancelled in two stages, subject to further negotiations.
40 Taliban militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 40 Taliban militants have been killed in a clash with security forces in northwestern Pakistan, according to a media report Sunday.
The gun battle occurred in South Waziristan on the border with Afghanistan following an attack on a paramilitary camp Saturday night, the Dawn reported citing an intelligence source.
"Militants came in force and attacked a paramilitary camp and fighting lasted for hours," the source said, adding that at least 40 millitants and four soldiers were killed.
Taliban agrees to ‘permanent ceasefire’ in Swat
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban militants Saturday agreed to a "permanent ceasefire" in the country's northwestern Swat Valley, officials said.window.onload = function() {var adsPercent...
Syria’s Assad denies meddling in Lebanon at boycotted summit
By AFP
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied on Saturday meddling in Lebanon as he hosted an Arab summit boycotted by half of the region's leaders, many of whom blame Damascus for the political crisis in Beirut.
"I would like to make a point with regards to Syrian interference in Lebanon.
It is the contrary which is true because pressure has been exerted on Syria for over a year to interfere in Lebanon's affairs" but we have refused to do so, Assad said.
Iran inaugurates its first space terminal for satellite launching
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has inagurated here Iran's first space terminal for launching satellite.
Speaking at the ceremony, he urged the people to make ultimate use of all the existing scientific potentials and capabilities to achieve the zenith of progress and development.
The country's first space terminal comprises of the Omid satellite, Iran's first locally developed research satellite which has been designed and constructed by Iranian experts.
The Omid satellite will be launched in the near future.
Post-traumatic stress diagnosed in 40,000 US troops
By KUNA,
Washington : US military figures show nearly 40,000 diagnosed cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among U.S. troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, since 2003, according to data released on Tuesday.
The figures surged nearly 47 percent in 2007, following President George W. Bush's surge in troop levels in Iraq and extended Army tours from 12 to 15 months.
The statistics, released by the Army, showed the number of new PTSD cases formally diagnosed at U.S. military facilities climbed to 13,981 last year from 9,549 in 2006.
British MPs join campaign against anti-Muslim right-wing extremists
London, March 19, IRNA – MPs, including former ministers, have joined trade unions and numerous organisations in condemning the latest anti-Muslim protest being held by the right-wing English Defence League (EDL) on Saturday.
Stop the War Coalition, Britain’s main peace group network, is also leading a counter-demonstration against the provocative march planned in Bolton, north-west England.
“The EDL is a group of racists and football hooligans with close links to the fascist British National Party,” the MPs said in a joint statement obtained by IRNA.
Not many takers for Zardari’s dialogue offer
By IANS,
New Delhi : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's latest overture to India to restart talks after the Lok Sabha elections does not have many takers.
Strategic analysts say that New Delhi is unlikely to resume the stalled dialogue process with Islamabad in the near future, regardless of whether the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the next government.
Only the Left seems to be in a mood to talk to Pakistan.
US commandos recorded Osama raid with tiny helmet cameras
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The 40-minute US raid on Osama bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan was recorded by tiny helmet cameras worn by each of the 25 US Navy commandos known as SEALs.
Four killed in Pakistan drone strike
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least four suspected militants were killed and two others injured in a drone strike in Pakistan's northwest tribal region Tuesday night, media reports said Wednesday.
Afghan gov’t due to take control of southern part of country by 2011: report
By IRNA
Berlin : Afghan government troops are supposed to be capable of controlling the war-stricken southern part of the country by 2011, the weekly Der Spiegel news magazine cited a secret dossier approved by NATO at this week's summit in the Romanian capital Bucharest.
According to the confidential NATO document, the envisaged progress in Afghanistan over the next three to five years has been listed and includes also a specified time frame for concrete objectives.
Turkish troops continue Iraq offensive
By DPA
Ankara : Turkish troops operating in northern Iraq cut off routes to the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) main camp in the Qandil mountains, stopping PKK fighters from other regions from reaching the main camp, Turkish newspapers reported Tuesday.
Commandos parachuted into the Qandil region near Iraq's border with Iran and took control of roads and passes in the region, Hurriyet newspaper reported. Other troops had reached around 25 km inside mountainous northern Iraq.
Niazi forced to surrender ‘before people of Dhaka’: Jacob
By IANS
Dhaka : The Pakistani general whose surrender signalled the liberation of Bangladesh, did so, much against his wishes, "before the people of Dhaka", says the Indian officer who organised in 1971 modern history's only public surrender by a vanquished force.
Pakistan's Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi was reluctant and wanted to discuss "only a ceasefire under the UN". Later, he agreed to surrender, but in his office.
Niazi later claimed that he had been "blackmailed" into surrendering at a public ceremony, watched by thousands, at Dhaka's Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan).
IS leader al-Baghdadi critically wounded?
London: Head of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was critically wounded in an airstrike in Iraq by the US-led coalition...
Attack near US embassy in Yemen, guard killed
By DPA
Sanaa : A hand grenade attack near the US embassy in Yemen's capital Sanaa killed a Yemeni guard and injured three of his colleagues along with four schoolgirls Tuesday, the police said.
Police officials at the scene said the attacker threw two hand grenades at the courtyard of the girl's public school, which is adjacent to the embassy's compound in Saawan neighbourhood in eastern Sanaa.
A Yemeni guard patrolling the back fence of the US embassy was immediately killed and three others injured, a police official at the scene said.
Floods, landslides kill 130 in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka: About 130 people died in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains in the past three weeks in Bangladesh, the government said Thursday.
Eight trucks of aid enter Syria from Turkey: UN
United Nations: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said eight trucks, out of a total of 79, have crossed the border...
Paris attack: one suspect surrenders
Paris: The youngest of the three suspects in the attack on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine here, has surrendered voluntarily, a media report said.
The...
Iraq desires to improve co-op with Turkey in energy sector
By Xinhua
Ankara : Visiting Iraqi Minister of Oil Husayn al-Shahristani said on Saturday that Iraq desired to improve its cooperation with Turkey in the energy sector.
Shahristani, who arrived in Turkey for a series of talks, made the remarks in the Turkish capital of Ankara after his official talks with Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler.
He said that Iraq wants to provide gas to Turkey and considers Turkey as a transit country as well.
Pakistan: Shakeri calls for immense cooperation between two nations on Iqbal day
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masha’allah Shakeri has greeted the Pakistani people on the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet and thinker who represents cultural and friendly cooperation between the two brotherly nations and also the entire Islamic world.
In a message on the Iqbal Day, the ambassador said Allama Iqbal enjoys great respect and popularity among people of both countries and his poetry has had immense influence on the thoughts of the thinkers of these two countries.
Over 90 percent rise in number of German tourists to Iran: report
By IRNA,
Berlin : The number of German tourists visiting Iran this year has increased by a whopping 91 percent, dpa cited a leading German tour operator as saying Thursday.
The Munich-based Studiosus Reisen Travel Agency which is the largest tour operator of culture and nature special interest group tours in Germany, said Iran has become the top destination for German tourists in the Middle East.
Studiosus is in charge of the travel arrangements of more than 100,000 tourists every year.
Dhaka park where Pakistan Army surrendered to have memorials
By IANS,
Dhaka : Suhrawardy Udyan, the huge park in the heart of the national capital where the Pakistan Army surrendered to the Indian and Bangladeshi forces in 1971, is set to have a string of memorials to mark the country's independence.
The historic park was the venue where the Pakistan Army surrendered to the Indian and Bangladeshi forces Dec 16, 1971.
The country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave a speech there, calling for independence March 7, 1971. He arrived there Jan 10, 1972, to a tumultuous welcome after nine months in Pakistani prison.
Germany to extend Afghanistan mission
By IANS,
Berlin : Germany has decided to extend its military mission in Afghanistan for another year. The current mandate will expire Dec 13.
Germany has deployed over 4,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, third largest foreign troops contingent after the US and Britain, in the central Asian country.
Germany wants to tell its partners that it is a reliable partner for peace and security in the world, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said while announcing the decision Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
Palestinian negotiator calls for suspension of talks after Israeli settlement expansion plans
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A Palestinian negotiator on Thursday called on the Palestinian Authority (PA) to halt peace negotiations with Israel in protest of the Jewish state's settlement expansion plans in West Bank and Jerusalem.
The Israeli tenders to build new settlements are "a big crisis that should be faced with a big crisis as well," said Yasser Abed Rabbo, who is also a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) executive committee.
Badal invited to Pakistan for setting up of Nanak varsity
By IANS,
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has been invited to Pakistan for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Guru Nanak Dev University being set up by the Pakistan government at Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev - the founder of Sikhism.
The invitation was extended by former education minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, Imran Masood, at a meeting with Badal and others here. Masood has been instrumental in doing the ground work for setting up the university at Nankana Sahib named after Guru Nanak Dev.
Chinese President thanks Saudi Arabia for quake help
By IANS,
Beijing : Chinese President Hu Jintao held a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on Friday evening, expressing his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's assistance for China's quake-hit area.
Malaysia to pull out of Philippine peacekeeping mission
By DPA,
Manila : Malaysia said Thursday it was withdrawing its troops from an international peacekeeping mission in the troubled southern Philippines amid stalled peace talks between the Philippine government and Muslim separatist rebels.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said Malaysia's troops were pulling out of the southern region of Mindanao as scheduled on Nov 30.
Pakistan”s Khan obtains key nuclear components in Japan — Kyodo
By KUNA,
Tokyo : Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan visited Japan in 1984 and obtained key components essential to Pakistan's nuclear program, Japan's Kyodo News Agenct reported Monday, citing a family friend.
"Khan visited Japan in 1984 and met many bosses of big firms," Kyodo quoted the friend as saying.
Former Bangladesh ministers sent to jail for corruption
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : A Bangladesh court Monday ordered three former ministers to jail in a coal mine corruption case.
The three ministers include former finance minister Saifur Rahman, former industry minister Matiur Rahman Nizami and former social welfare minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed.
They had served as ministers from 2001 to 2006 when Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was prime minister.
All the three Monday appeared before the court set up in high security parliament building complex for bail, but the court rejected their applications.
Shots at chest, forehead killed Obama, US looks at seized material
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Gunmen kill four in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least four people were killed Monday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a house in Pakistan.
Police said the shooting occurred in...
D-8 countries urge innovative cooperation to meet global chalanges
By NNN-APP,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistan and other D-8 Muslim developing countries Tuesday reaffirmed their determination to meet global challenges through innovative cooperation and called for promoting socio-economic interaction, peace and tolerance.
The D-8 countries comprising Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nigeria adopted a joint statement at the conclusion of 6th D-8 Summit, urging the need to coordinate through negotiations to resolve various issues.
New Pakistani ministers sworn in
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's federal ministers were sworn in by President Pervez Musharraf at the presidential house Monday, marking the belated formation of the country's new cabinet.
The 24 federal ministers who took oath are only the first batch of a coalition cabinet, which is expected to be expanded later.
The first batch of ministers was sworn in after Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani Saturday won a unanimous vote of confidence at the National Assembly and unveiled a 100-day action plan.
The USAID launches flagship program
By SPA
Islamabad : The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a five-year $60 million flagship programme on child spacing called Family Advancement for Life and Health (FALAH).
FALAH is a visionary programme that applies lessons learned during the past 40 years about how to deliver family planning services effectively and explores new solutions to the many challenges facing Pakistan s family planning programmes, said Anne Aarnes, the Mission Director of USAID in Pakistan, according to a U.S. Embassy Islamabad statement.
Cheney says U.S. endeavor in Iraq successful
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday said the United States has made a "successful endeavor" in Iraq on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion.
Cheney, who arrived in Baghdad in the morning on an unannounced visit, met Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other Iraqi political figures.
He said there was a significant progress compared with 10 month ago when he was traveling here, adding security has improved dramatically and the Iraqi leaders have made progress in governing.
Another Nigerian city freed from Boko Haram
Lagos : Local hunters and vigilantes have retaken the important northeastern Nigerian town of Mubi which had been under the control of the Boko...
NWFP Assembly demands UN probe into killing of Benazir Bhutto
By APP
Peshawar : The maiden session of the NWFP Assembly Friday passed a unanimous resolution urging the federal government to conduct probe into the killing of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto by United Nations.
Gaddafi’s ‘political exit’ being planned: Italy
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : Italy and its allies are working on a political solution that would allow Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to resign, said Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini Monday.
New UAE award to recognise global philanthropic work
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The UAE Saturday announced the launch of the Zayed International Humanitarian Award (ZIHA) here to recognise outstanding philanthropic work of individuals and groups across the world that contribute to easing the plight of the underprivileged.
A personal initiative of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Red Crescent Authority Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new award has been instituted in the memory of the UAE's first president Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
50 injured in jail riot in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Around 50 people, including two jail guards, were injured in a clash between two groups of prisoners in Bangladesh's Feni district jail, 160 km southeast of capital Dhaka, Saturday morning.
The clash between the under-trial and convicted groups of prisoners broke out on the second floor of the jail over establishing supremacy, private news agency UNB quoted jail sources as saying.
When the jail guards tried to quell the situation, the prisoners swooped on them, leaving two guards injured.
Confrontation over names brewing in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is to witness a confrontation between its two most important politicians, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia, after the government decided to stamp out the name of Zia's late husband and former president Ziaur Rahman from all establishments.
Provoked by the government's decision to rename all institutions and places named after Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia announced her move Wednesday to hold mass movements "in national interest" and "for the sake of the people".
Non Aligneds: Open Gaza Strip
By Prensa Latina,
Paris : During the beginning of an International Conference here the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) demanded that Israel open Gaza Strip and stop violating human rights of Palestinian civilians.
On behalf of NAM Coordination Bureau Cuban Permanent ambassador at UN Rodrigo Malmierca said the Israel military escalade in the occupied territories is a serious violation of international laws.
Hasina moves house after death threats
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has moved residence and curtailed her movements after international intelligence agencies warned of a possible threat to her life.
Some of her official programmes were curtailed Friday and she moved to the state guest house Jamuna from Sudha Sadan, her private home in a residential area, for better protection, The Daily Star newspaper said Saturday.
Cabinet approves MoU with Bangladesh on trafficking
New Delhi: The cabinet on Saturday approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh on the prevention of human trafficking and speedy prosecution.
"The union...
Nine killed in Pakistan train collision
By DPA,
Islamabad : A passenger train collided Tuesday with a freight train in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, killing nine people and injuring 40, officials said.
The crash occurred near the Juma Goth railway station on the city's outskirts. Negligence on the part of the driver of the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express was blamed.
"The driver did not follow the red signal and slammed into the parcel train," said Aftab Ahmad Memon, chief railway official in the region.
11 Taliban militants killed in Aghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul: A total of 11 Taliban militants have been killed and 12 others arrested in Afghanistan during a series of security operations launched since Friday, Xinhua reported Saturday.
Ahmadinejad to attend SCO summit in Tajikistan this week
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, scheduled for Aug 27-28.
Ahmadinejad will take part in the summit at the invitation of his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon.
Earlier, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhan Zarifi said his country is interested in seeing the Islamic Republic join the organisation.
"Iran plays a crucial role in the region," he said, adding that the Islamic Republic's bonds with the SCO would empower the organisation.