Taliban cut off voters’ fingers after Afghan elections
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan election observers said Saturday that Taliban militants chopped off fingers of two voters in southern Afghanistan for casting their ballots, while the elections commission said 11 of its staffers lost their lives on polling day.
Nader Nader, chairman of the Free and Fair Election Foundation, told a press conference that the militants made good on pre-election threats by attacking polling sites and in one instance punishing voters in southern Afghanistan.
43 killed in Iraq violence
Baghdad : At least 43 people were killed on Saturday in a suicide car bombing and heavy clashes between the Iraqi security forces and...
Taliban commander killed, eight arrested in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The international troops fighting Taliban militants in Afghanistan have killed a senior rebel commander and captured eight insurgents in two separate operations.
The killing of Taliban commander Mullah Asad during a targeted operation in the southern province of Helmand Nov 19 was confirmed by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in a release Sunday.
Olmert says Iran continues on nuke path
By DPA
Berlin : Iran is continuing to work on acquiring a nuclear weapon, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday, following talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.
"Nothing that we know has changed our attitudes," Olmert told a joint press conference with Merkel towards the end of his second visit to Berlin as prime minister.
"We are certain the Iranians are engaged in a serious, and partly clandestine, operation to build an unconventional weapon," he said.
US Sec. of State holds talks with Egyptian counterpart
By 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 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 Gaza Strip in shadow of escalating Israeli attacks.
The two sides are expected to hold a joint news conference.
Iranian envoy to attend BOAO Forum for Asia
By IRNA
Beijing : Iran's Deputy Economy Minister, Mohsen Talaie is to arrive in China on Thursday to attend BOAO Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2008, it was announced on Wednesday.
An informed source at Iranian embassy in Beijing told IRNA that Chinese President Hu Jintao will inaugurate the forum to be held on April 11-13 under the theme of "Green Asia".
Some 2,000 senior officials, experts and representatives from several world countries will be attending the three-day forum.
Iran’s chief justice urges judiciary to consider Saberi’s appeal
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's chief justice Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi Monday urged the judiciary to consider immediately an appeal filed by the Iranian-American journalist who has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a court here on charges of espionage.
Shahroudi has told Tehran's justice department chief Abbas Ali Alizadeh that the accused has the right to appeal and fair trial, the ISNA news agency quoted judiciary spokesman Alireza Jamshidi as saying.
Gas leakage in Pakistan’s nuclear plant kills 2 employees
By IRNA
Islamabad : At least two employees were killed due to leakage of gas from a nuclear power plant in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Tuesday.
Several people were also fell unconscious due to the gas leakage from nuclear reactor near the city of Khushab where Pakistan had built 40-50 Mega Watt, Thermal Research Reactor in April 1998.
"Situation was immediately brought under control and two workers lost their lives while controlling the incident," a statement from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) said.
Iran receives US official note to hold talks on Iraq: FM
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran has received an official note from US officials to hold the fourth round of talks on Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said.
"We are studying the US officials' repeated request which was sent to us as an official note to hold new round of talks on Iraq," Hosseini told his weekly press conference here Monday.
The fourth round of talks between Iranian and US officials on Iraq's security situation was expected to be held on March 6, but was cancelled at the last minute.
US Troops Killed in Iraq at 3,975
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The number of US soldiers killed in Iraq amounted to 3,975 after reports of another death in the western province of Diyala in a counter-insurgency operation, the Central Command reported Saturday.
During the action, a load detonated when a patrol passed by, and another US military soldier was injured.
Less than two weeks before the fifth anniversary of the beginning of US invasion against this Arab country, soldiers continue to die and Washington is losing control in the scenes where they operate, even in Baghdad.
Pakistani president leaves for U.N. meeting in New York
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari left here Sunday for the United States to lead the Pakistani delegation to the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 22-26.
Zardari is accompanied by Pakistan's foreign minister, finance minister, information minister, advisor to the prime minister for national security, and other senior officials, said the foreign ministry.
He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 25.
Bangladesh mulls urbanisation policy
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladeshi government will formulate a National Urbanisation Policy to tackle the influx of rural people into cities for work, a minister has said.
No distress call from crashed plane: Malaysian PM
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said that the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which went down in eastern Ukraine did not...
Three children killed in Pakistan blast
Islamabad: At least three children were killed and many others injured Monday in an explosion in Karachi's SITE area.
The blast took place near a...
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.
Indo-Arab League to invite Modi for conference on Palestine
Hyderabad: The Indo-Arab League, a Hyderabad-based group working for good relations between India and the Arab world, plans to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi...
Ex-air force man hanged for trying to kill Musharraf
Islamabad : A former Pakistan Air Force junior technician, convicted for trying to assassinate then president Pervez Musharraf, was executed Wednesday, a media report...
Qurani Khawani held at Benazir Bhutto’s mazar on her 1st death anniversary
By NNN-APP,
Naudero : Quran Khawani was held at the mazar of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Ghari Khuda Bux on Saturday morning on the occasion of her first death anniversary. The Quran Khawani started at about 10 a.m. and later Fateha was also offered.
A large number of people, visibly moved, some were crying and chanting slogans of ‘Zinda hay Bibi Zinda hay’ gathered at the mazar despite cold weather and heavy fog to pay homage to the great leader.
Banners were all around reading “ Bibi’s blood would not go waste”.
Be alert against enemy conspiracies, Ahmadinejad tells Iraqis
By IANS,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has asked Iraqi officials to be vigilant against enemy conspiracies, IRNA reported.
"Though the US is on the verge of falling today and regional nations, including Iraqi nation, have become more powerful today than the past seven years, a group running affairs in the US from behind the stage aims to dominate the Middle East fully.
"So, one should not be ignorant of enemy conspiracies and plots," President Ahmadinejad told visiting Iraqi National Security Advisor Muvafaq al-Rubai here Thursday.
Gaddafi was alive when captured, shows YouTube video
By IANS,
Washington : Muammar Gaddafi was alive when he was captured by the National Transitional Council fighters in his hometown Sirte shows a video on YouTube.
Ghei ends fifth, Muniyappa 15th at Selangor Masters
By IANS,
Petaling Jaya (Malaysia): Indian golfer Gaurav Ghei finished at tied fifth, his best of the season, at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters here Saturday.
It was Ghei's best finish of the season, and one that must have restored his confidence during a season during which he has been through a personal struggle.
Meanwhile, Gaganjeet Bhullar, the latest star of Indian golf, showed exactly why he is such a huge prospect as he fought his way up from tied 64th at the end of the third round to tied 32nd with a brilliant 67 on the final day.
Pro-Gaddafi forces and rebels clash in Misurata: Report
By DPA,
Cairo : lashes were taking place between Libyan rebels and forces loyal to leader Muammar Gaddafi in the eastern city of Misurata, a resident told Al Arabiya Sunday.
Major changes ahead in Malaysian Indian Congress
By IANS,
Kajang (Selangor) : The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) will undergo "major changes in the next six months", its chief S. Samy Vellu announced here Sunday.
He would overhaul the party machinery, including at the state level, before stepping down in the third quarter of next year, Vellu said at the opening of the 64th Selangor MIC Convention here.
MIC, Malaysia's oldest party of the 1.7 million ethnic Indians, is a key constituent of the ruling alliance Barisan Nasional (BN) headed by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
Bangladesh high court clips absolute power of president
By DPA,
Dhaka : The high court here has struck down a provision in a newly enacted ordinance, clipping the absolute powers of the country's president in the appointment of higher court judges, justice ministry officials said Friday.
A three-member bench scrapped section 9(4) of the newly declared ordinance that vests absolute powers in the head of state in the matter of appointing judges of the higher judiciary.
One of the division judges also called the ordinance illegal and unconstitutional.
Marriott bombing: Wily HUJI chief still at large
By IANS,
Islamabad : Qari Saifullah Akhtar, the Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) chief suspected of involvement in the Marriott Hotel suicide bombing - and of masterminding the Oct 18, 2007 suicide attack on former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's welcome procession in Karachi - is still at large, a media report Tuesday said.
India condemns terror attack in Lahore
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Monday condemned the terror attack on the Lahore police academy, saying it offered its deep sympathy to the people of Pakistan.
"We don't have full information. We are deeply concerned. We condemn the terrorist attack," Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters here, even as the attack on a police training centre in Lahore continued. Latest reports put the death toll at 20.
"We condemn all terrorist attacks. We offer our deepest sympathies to the people of Pakistan," he said.
Ayatollah Jannati slams elements destabilizing Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Secretary of the Guardian Council of Iran Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said on Monday those who wanted to destabilise Pakistan are against Islam.
He made the remarks during a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, an official statement said.
Ayatollah Jannati is visiting Pakistan at the invitation from the the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
Ayatollah Jannati expressed appreciation over the reconciliation efforts in Pakistan and expressed his appreciation over the smooth transition to complete democracy and the transparent conduct of general election.
Campaign to boost agricultural yield in Abu Dhabi
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi has launched a campaign to boost agricultural productivity in the emirate.
Profile: Khaleda Zia — leader of major party in Bangladesh’s 9th parliamentary election
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The 9th parliamentary election in Bangladesh kicked off on Monday. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of the two major parties of the country and Khaleda Zia is BNP's chairperson. She ruled Bangladesh as prime minister twice from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006 and also served as leader of the opposition in the Parliament from 1996-2001.
Here is the profile of Khaleda Zia.
Expect more troop casualties in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg warned public to expect more German casualties in Afghanistan in coming weeks, news reports said here Wednesday.
Talking at a book presentation on the Afghan war in Berlin, the minister said one had to anticipate German military deaths this summer.
He reiterated that his country was involved in a full-fledged war in Afghanistan.
Al-Qaida’s No. 2 dubs U.S. war on Iraq as “failure and defeat”
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, has said that five years of U.S. occupation of Iraq had brought only "failure and defeat," according to a new audio tape released Thursday on a website known for militant messages.
U.S. President George W. Bush will pass on the "problem" to his successor, al-Zawahri added.
The militant leader said Bush's decision to accept advice to postpone further troop withdrawals from Iraq until after July was just a cover-up for his failure.
Eight US soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Eight US soldiers and an Afghan civilian working for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were killed Tuesday in a series of attacks in southern Afghanistan, military officials said.
A statement issued by ISAF said several soldiers were injured by self-made explosive devices that were used in the "complex" attacks. No further details were released.
On Monday, at least 14 US soldiers were killed in helicopter accidents in Afghanistan.
Arab league chief arrives in Beirut, continues efforts to end political dispute
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa has arrived in Lebanon to continue efforts to put an end to the current political dispute in the country.
Upon arrival, Moussa headed directly to the headquarters of Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain Tinah area.
Moussa is also to convene with head of the Future Bloc party Saad Al-Hariri and Prime Minister Fouad Al-Siniora.
The Arab initiative calls for electing Lebanese Army Commander Michel Suleiman as president of the country in addition to the formation of a national unity government.
14 killed, over 50 hurt in Karachi after killing of MQM minister
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : Panic and fear gripped Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and financial hub, on Monday afternoon following the murder of a member of Sindh provincial assembly Raza Haider by unknown assailants in Nazimabad area where he had gone to attend a funeral.
Raza, 51, was a member of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has a political stronghold in Karachi. He was elected to the provincial assembly for the first time in 2008 general elections.
UN Sec-Gen congratulates President Zillur Rahman
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka : United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Ban Ki moon Thursday congratulated Zillur Rahman for becoming 19th President of Bangladesh.
In a letter to President Zillur, the UNSG said Bangladesh has moved one step forward in the path of democracy following peaceful general elections of Dec 29, held after seven years.
He assured highest cooperation to the President of Bangladesh, a press release of Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations said.
PPP will lobby for UN probe into Bhutto killing
By Xinhua
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has said that it would not give up its demand for a UN probe into the assassination of its former leader Benazir Bhutto, and that the party would continue to agitate at all available forums.
In a statement Tuesday, party spokesman and former senator Farhatullah Babar said if the present regime did not approach the UN, the future PPP government would formally urge the UN for probing Bhutto's assassination.
Earlier, the UN had probed the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
28 criminals and militants executed in Iraq’s Basra
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraq has executed 28 criminals and members of militant groups in Basra, some 550 km south of the capital city, media reports said Monday.
Abdul-Karim Khalaf of the interior ministry told the Iraqi al-Sabah newspaper that the ministry had Sunday carried out the executions of the 28 convicts ordered to be hanged the central criminal court.
"The execution of such criminals is considered as a message to all criminals in Basra," Khalaf was quoted as saying in al-Sabah.
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.
The Islamabad Marriott may be lost forever
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Marriott hotel, reduced to a burnt skeleton after a powerful suicide bombing claimed 53 lives Saturday, may not reopen with some experts suggesting it should be demolished.
A suicide bomber drove a large truck full of explosives to its gates Saturday evening and detonated himself. The deafening explosion left a 30-ft deep crater in the front and the five-storey building of the hotel burnt for almost two days. Only a shell remains, with all its furniture and fixtures completely gutted.
Al Qaeda suspects in Iraqi custody gunned down
By DPA,
Ramadi (Iraq) : Six detainees suspected of belonging to the Al Qaeda network in Iraq were fatally shot while being transferred from custody in northwestern Iraq, the police said Saturday.
"Unidentified gunmen killed six detained Al Qaeda members between the villages of Baiji and Haditha in the northwest of Iraq," a source in al-Anbar's security forces told DPA on condition of anonymity. They were being shifted from a jail in the northern province of Nineveh to al-Anbar province in the west.
20 killed in Somalia blasts
By Xinhua
Mogadishu : At least 20 people, most of them Ethiopians, were killed and some 100 were wounded overnight after two bombs exploded in a busy area in the port city of Bossaso in northeast Somalia, hospital sources and witnesses said Wednesday.
"Nearly 20 people died and 100 others were severely wounded when two bombs went off in crowed area near the Bossaso port," said Abdiqani Isse, an eyewitness in Bossaso, over phone.
Bossaso is the commercial capital of the semi-autonomous Somali state of Puntland.
Kuwait-based Gulf Investment Corporation to invest in Yemen
By NNN-SABA,
Riyadh : The Kuwait-based Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) has announced its interest to invest in Yemen in partnership with a group of Gulf companies.
"The corporation is currently studying available opportunities in Yemen for carrying out joint gulf investments in the country," said GIC's deputy chairman of improving business Malek al-Ugail in a press conference held by the corporation on Wednesday here on the occasion of establishing the Gulf Fund.
International seminar on Hajj: A Model of Global Unity held in New Delhi
By RINA,
New Delhi: Iran Cultural House in New Delhi in collaboration with Hajj Committee of India organized an international seminar on “Hajj: A Model of Global Unity.” Speakers from India and abroad highlighted the aspects of Hajj that strengthen the unity of Muslim Ummah.
Economic diplomacy new watchword for Pakistan foreign secretary
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's missions abroad need to concentrate more on "economic diplomacy" in developing country-to-country relationship, particularly with the neighbours, new Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Saturday.
Pakistan being a developing country has to work more aggressively in deepening economic ties with its friendly countries, he said.
Bashir, who served as ambassador to China, assumed his new responsibilities Saturday replacing Riaz Mohammad Khan.
Pakistan: nuclear programme govt’s top priority, says PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday reiterated his government’s determination to keep the country’s nuclear programme on top of its priorities.
Speaking to engineers and scientists of Khushab Nuclear Complex, the Prime Minister said it is appreciable that Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) completed its projects without any foreign assistance.
He expressed the belief that future projects would also be completed in time according to international standards.
Pakistani delegation to arrive in India to discuss trade
Islamabad : A 25-member Pakistani delegation will leave for India Wednesday to attend the 4th meeting of India-Pakistan Joint Forum (IPJF) here Aug 7-8...
FIA registers case against former Pakistani minister
By SPA
Islamabad : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against former minister of state Mushtaq Victor on charges of human trafficking, officials said.
We have registered a case against Victor for his alleged involvement in human smuggling, FIA Director General Tariq Pervez said.
Officials said the Norwegian Embassy had submitted a complaint with the FIA in August 2006 against Victor for his alleged involvement in human smuggling. It had said that Victor had used his recommendation letters for sending people abroad illegally.
Two Al Qaeda men killed in US drone strike
Sanaa : A US drone strike killed two suspected Al Qaeda militants in Yemen's northern province of al-Jawf Wednesday.
The airstrike targeted a car, killing...
Ahmadinejad criticises new US nuclear policy
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday criticised the new US nuclear doctrine that excludes the Islamic republic from the list of non-atomic states against which the use of nuclear arms is prohibited.
The 50-page "Nuclear Posture Review" (NPR) released Tuesday, purportedly restricts the US from using nuclear arms against some non-nuclear countries.
The Iranian leader claimed the new US doctrine was adopted under pressure from the Israeli groups.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to be impeached
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition Thursday decided to impeach President Pervez Musharraf following his failure to win the trust of the newly elected parliament and also to reinstate the judges he had sacked after declaring an emergency last November.
"Good news for democracy in Pakistan!" Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that leads the ruling coalition, declared as he addressed a news conference to announce the impeachment move.
Somalia offers 45-day amnesty to Islamist militants
Mogadishu : With a major offensive against the radical group Al Shabaab under way, the Somali government Wednesday offered a 45-day amnesty to Islamist...
Pakistan installs satellite monitoring system on Afghan border
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan has installed a satellite monitoring system on its border with Afghanistan that will enable officials to keep a watch on activities along the border sitting in Islamabad, the interior ministry said Tuesday.
Rehman Malik, minister for interior, told the National Assembly that the system would not only check illegal cross-border movement but also get information of border and space violation by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Afghanistan.
Ershad may seek Hasina’s ‘blessings’ to escape punishment
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh president H.M. Ershad, held responsible by a court for usurping power through a military takeover, may seek Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 'blessings' to escape punishment.
A lawmaker whose Jatiya Party (JP) is a constituent of the ruling alliance, Ershad has told his brother G.M. Qader to speak to Hasina and 'negotiate' with the Awami League, The Daily Star newspaper said Friday.
The Dhaka High Court Thursday invalidated the seventh amendment to the constitution that had ratified Ershad's actions.
10 Palestinian militants killed, Gaza toll crosses 500
Jerusalem : At least 10 militants, who were trying to infiltrate into Israel through two tunnels, were killed Monday as the toll in Gaza...
Zardari, Fahim hold one-on-one meeting to resolve differences
By APP
Islamabad : Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) President Makhdoom Amin Fahim called on PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at the latter’s- house Wednesday evening. The one-on-one meeting between the two leaders continued for two hours and they discussed options to diffuse tension created between the party leadership, sources said.
Saudi Arabia draws up plan for gas exploration
By IANS,
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will explore more gas wells in the Red Sea, the official media reported Monday.
Pro-Taliban militants own up Pakistan blast
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pro-Taliban militants Monday claimed responsibility for a weekend suicide bombing that killed 13 people near an Army base in north-western Pakistan, saying it was carried out to avenge a US missile attack in a tribal area.
A bomber blew himself up Sunday in a military-run bakery near the Punjab Regimental Centre in the Mardan district of North-West Frontier Province. Among the dead were four soldiers, and more than 20 people were injured.
58 killed in Pakistan road accident
Islamabad : At least 58 people, including 21 women and 19 children, were killed when a passenger bus Tuesday collided with a truck in...
US’ diplomatic engagement is “a one-time deal” for Tehran – state department
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : The United States has confirmed that a State Department senior official will meet with Iranian nuclear negotiator in Switzerland and noted that this diplomatic engagement is "a one-time deal" for Tehran.
"This is an offer that outlined a very clear set of attractive incentives for the Iranian government to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing related activities," said State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack in a daily press briefing Wednesday.
100 hurt as workers, police clash in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : More than 100 people, including 17 policemen, were injured Saturday in a clash between police and garment factory workers in Bangladesh, Xinhua reported.
Violence broke out in Narayanganj district, 17 km southeast of Dhaka, when thousands of workers of the ACS Textiles took to the streets to demand reduction in work time from 15 to 11 hours.
The protesters damaged at least 25 vehicles and blocked a highway around 9 a.m., causing traffic jams. Police, who rushed to the spot, fired seven teargas shells and dozens of rubber bullets, to disperse the crowd.
Indian man rescued by Oman air force
Muscat: A Royal Air Force of Oman chopper has rescued an injured Indian national who was on board a commercial ship in Omani territorial...
Iraq war illegal, says Clegg
By IANS,
London : Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said the invasion of Iraq was illegal, throwing into confusion the coalition government's policy.
Clegg's comments Wednesday angered some Conservative MPs, many of whom, including Prime Minister David Cameron, had voted for the 2003 invasion, The Telegraph reported.
The Liberal Democrat leader was speaking in parliament while deputising for Cameron, who is on an official visit to the US.
Karachi shutdown continues over MQM chief’s arrest
Islamabad : The port city of Karachi continued with its shutdown Wednesday in the wake of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain's arrest...
India, UAE seek to improve cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have held discussions to explore more ways to promote cooperation and improve relations in areas of common interest.
Lebanese majority nominates Seniora as PM
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese majority March 14 bloc nominated caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Seniora to head the new government under the newly-elected President Michel Suleiman, The Daily Star reported on Wednesday.
"The March 14 leadership unanimously agreed to nominate Prime Minister Senior to form the next Cabinet", said a statement issued by the bloc at around midnight Tuesday.
The bloc said that it will inform Suleiman of its choice of premier on Wednesday when the new president begins consultation on the formation of the government.
Two missiles crash close to “strategic sites” in southern Israel
By KUNA,
Gaza : A pair of missiles unleashed from northern Gaza crashed close to "strategic sites" in southern Israel on Monday, the Israeli Army said.
The army spokesman said the rockets blew up near the two sites in the industrial zone of the town of Ashkelon.
He neither elaborated on nature of the sites, nor mentioned injuries.
Pakistan meets tax collection target of Rs.1,588 bn
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has reached its tax collection target of Rs.1,588 billion for the fiscal year 2010-11, a top official said.
Suicide bomber targets Pakistan prison van, kills 13
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 13 people, including police officers, were killed Thursday in a suspected suicide attack on a van carrying prisoners in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Provinces, media reports said.
The attack took place on the outskirts of Bannu town, 200 km south of the provincial capital Peshawar.
According to the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) news channel, at least nine of the dead were policemen who were transporting the detainees.
A suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into the police vehicle when it was crossing a bridge, PTV said.
42 Boko Haram militants killed in Nigeria attack
Lagos : At least 42 Boko Haram insurgents have been killed in a clash with military forces in a failed attack in northeast Nigeria's...
Pakistani President, PM condemn Mumbai terror incidents
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Indian city Mumbai.
In their separate messages, Zardari and Gilani deplored the tragic incident which resulted in the killing of more than 100 people.
Zardari stressed the need for taking strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region.
Gilani urged the need for concerted efforts to make the region a peaceful place to live.
UN chief concerned over Syrian chemical weapon plans
By IANS,
Belgrade : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over the possibility of Syria using chemical weapons, calling such an action "reprehensible".
CJ suspects high-level involvement in Pakistan liquor smuggling
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
India intensifies efforts to evacuate citizens, ‘all national assets’ ready
New Delhi: With the situation worsening in violence-hit Iraq, India Saturday said it has flown in officials to three Iraqi cities to help evacuate...
Kuwait launches 100 m USD to alleviate food crisis in Muslim countries
By Abdul Muin Abdul Majid, NNN-Bernama,
Kuwait : Kuwait has set up a fund to help Muslim countries affected by the current food shortages and started the ball rolling with a 100 million USD contribution.
The creation of what is called the "Decent Living" fund was announced by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, when he opene the Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) at Bayan Palace here Tuesday.
Moroccan-born politician becomes first-ever Muslim mayor in Holland
Berlin, Oct 17, IRNA,A Moroccan-born politician has been elected the first-ever Muslim mayor of a Dutch city, news reports said Friday.
Rotterdam's City Council voted on Thursday for the 47 year-old Ahmed Aboutaleb who is presently the Dutch deputy social affairs minister and member of the Labour party.
The Dutch Interior Ministry has yet to approve Aboutaleb's nomination but is expected to give green light to it.
Aboutaleb who is due to assume his mayoral post in Rotterdam on January 1, 2009, was born in Morocco and moved to the Netherlands at the age of 14.
Iran rejects Moussavi’s request for memorial ceremony
By DPA,
Tehran: The Iranian government Tuesday once again rejected a request by opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi to hold a memorial ceremony for the victims in recent protest demonstrations, Fars news agency reported.
An interior ministry official said no permission has been issued for any gathering Thursday (July 30).
Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the head of the Etemad Melli party, had requested the ministry to allow a simple 90 minute gathering to commemorate the 40th day of the protesters' deaths in a public venue in northern Tehran.
‘Bangla border guards’ ammunition may reach Indian militants’
By IANS,
Dhaka : A former chief of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has said the ammunition and explosives that went missing during the troopers' mutiny could have been smuggled to militant groups in northeastern India, raising concerns in both countries.
"The missing weapons could reach the hands of terrorists and other criminals, and could even be smuggled to neighbouring countries' separatists like the United Liberation Front of Assam," Lt. Gen. (retd) Atiqur Rahman, a former BDR chief, told the Daily Star.
Iran regrets Russia’s decision to cancel arms deal
By DPA,
Tehran: Iran Thursday regretted Russia's decision to cancel an arms deal with the Islamic republic, ISNA news agency reported.
A car that goes 1,000 km with just a litre of fuel
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: A team of engineering students in the UAE have designed a car that could potentially travel up to 1,000 km on just one litre of fuel.
Osama bin Laden is dead: US reports
Washington, May 2 (IANS) Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been killed, US media reports said Monday.President Barack Obama is expected to make...
UAE to host global gold meet in April
By IANS
Dubai : Dubai is all set to host the 6th City of Gold Conference April 12-13, with over 500 delegates from the jewellery sector worldwide expected to participate, WAM news agency reported.
The two-day annual event is being organised in collaboration with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre at hotel Park Hyatt here. Around 20 international speakers will also take part.
The current state of the industry, challenges of price rise, supply crunch and competition from the luxury industry will be discussed.
Imran Khan all set for Lahore protest rally
Islamabad : Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan is all set for his protest rally in Lahore's Minar-i-Pakistan Sunday.
PTI leaders say rally participants will...
Three Sri Lankans dead in hotel blasts in Bangladesh
By DPA,
Dhaka : The death toll from a suspected gas cylinder blast in a hotel in Dhaka has risen to three as a Sri Lankan national succumbed to severe burn injuries, officials said Saturday.
Hospital authorities said Samontha Lake, a Sri Lankan national, died overnight due to blasts in the hotel which also shook buildings early Monday leaving a hotel staff member dead and nearly 50 people injured.
Lake, a Sri Lankan systems engineer, arrived in Dhaka last week on a business trip and was staying at the hotel which was shattered by twin explosions.
Iran to continue cooperation with IAEA
By NNN-Bernama
Beijing : Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said here Thursday that Iran will continue its positive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"Countries which intended to impose sanctions against Iran and put the country under pressure have achieved no success yet," Jalili told IRNA upon his arrival in Beijing.
"International developments and Iran's rational attitude will not let any country to use various means including sanctions or pressures," he added.
Israel reopens Gaza crossings
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel reopened on Sunday the commercial crossings linking it with the Gaza Strip after a few days of closure.
Israeli Yedioth Internet news said the crossings were opened following series of contacts between Egyptian and Israeli security officials.
The reopening of crossings would allow passage of 80 trucks loaded with goods, equipment into Strip, Israel said. Despite repeated Palestinian violations of the agreed upon truce, Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai decided Saturday that the Gaza crossings will be reopened on Sunday, according to the report.
Iraq: Suicide bombing wounds 21 in front of school
By SPA
Baghdad : A suicide bomber detonated his explosives in front of a high school in Iraq's Diyala province Tuesday, wounding 21 people, police said.
Students, teachers, bystanders and at least one policeman were among the wounded in the 8:30 a.m. attack in the provincial capital, Baqouba, according to a police officer quoted by the Associated Press.
Hamas threats West Bank forces with response
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Thursday vowed to respond to actions by security forces, loyal to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, against its supporters in West Bank.
"The security services and the unrestrained trouble makers of Fatah have planted thorns and they will be blamed when the regret is harvested," a Hamas spokesman, with his name withheld, in West Bank said in a statement sent to the press.
Basra: heavy fighting in Iraq’s southern oil hub
By Xinhua
Beijing : Residents of Basra are afraid to leave their homes after heavy fighting broke out in Iraq's southern oil hub Tuesday, and a military official said a major operation has been launched against armed groups in the city.
"Basra is half empty. There are no vehicles and no one is going to work. People are afraid to go out," said a military official in the city, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Rival factions from Iraq's Shiite Muslim majority and criminal gangs have been competing for control of Basra.
UAE launches free hospital for kids
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Over one million children from across the world will now be able to receive free health care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after the government established the first ever free hospital for children.
The hospital has been built under the UAE's "Giving" campaign and aspires to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged children worldwide, officials said Tuesday.
The 120-bed hospital consists of specialised wards for paediatrics, gynaecology, emergency, surgery, intensive care units, where a team of 50 doctors, technicians and other staff are set to work.
Moderate quake jolts northwestern Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A moderate earthquake on Saturday jolted Pakistani capital Islamabad and parts of its northwest, the country's seismological department said.
The 5.4-magnitude earthquake was felt at 08:55 a.m. local time (GMT0355) and was centered 440 miles from the northwestern city of Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province.
There was no report of damage or casualties.
British schoolgirls flee to Syria to join IS
London: British schoolgirls as young as 15-16 years are believed to have fled to Syria via Turkey to join the Islamic State (IS) jihadi...
Iraq’s Sadr declares renewal of ceasefire, U.S. welcome
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraq's radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered on Friday to extend the six-month-old ceasefire of his Mahdi Army militia, and the U.S. military hailed the decision.
"Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered that the activities of the Mahdi Army will be suspended for another six months," Hazim al-Araji, a top aide for Sadr read out the Sadr statement during the ceremony of Friday prayer in Kadhimiyah neighborhood in northern Baghdad.
Arab summit opens
By IRNA
Damascus : Annual summit of the Arab League opened continuing in Syria's capital Damascus on Saturday.
Some 11 heads of states from the 22-member organisation were present at the summit on Saturday.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan were among those sending low-level delegations to the two-day gathering.
In his inaugural address, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied his country was meddling in Lebanon.
He was responding to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who had accused Syria of preventing the election of a consensus president in Beirut.
Libyan rebels confirm Gaddafi’s son’s death
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Libya's rebel-led National Transitional Council (NTC) has confirmed the death of Muammar Gaddafi's younger son Khamis.
Pakistan Army to compensate families of airstrike victims
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Army will compensate families of people killed in airstrikes in northwestern Khyber Tribal Agency, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Wednesday offered apologies to the families of people killed during airstrikes against militants in Tirah valley of Khyber Tribal Agency.
The army said a total compensation of 20 million rupees (about $238,000) would be paid to the relatives of the victims.
Poll: majority of Palestinians support Abbas
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : A public opinion poll has revealed a jump in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' popularity and a majority of people opposes his resignation.
According to the poll, conducted by Near East Consulting Company, 73 percent of the people trust Abbas while 27 percent trust deposed Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haneya.
The poll was conducted between May 24-27 and involved 830 persons who were randomly selected.
30 killed in Egypt road accident
Cairo : At least 30 people were killed and 15 injured Monday in a road accident in Egypt's Aswan province.
The accident involving three mini...
17 killed in US drone attacks in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six suspected Al Qaeda members and 11 local militants were killed Friday as US drones fired around a half dozen missiles at two militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan, intelligence officials said.
Three Hellfire missiles targeted a house in the Zirki area of Mir Ali in the tribal district of South Waziristan, a known sanctuary for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters launching cross-border attacks on international forces in Afghanistan.
`Gilani didn’t seek Britain’s help to avert coup’
By IANS,
Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani did not seek Britain's help to prevent a military take-over in Pakistan, authorities said.
Thai Muslims want Dubai to expel ex-premier Thaksin
By DPA,
Bangkok : The leader of a Muslim community in central Bangkok plans to ask the emir of Dubai to eject fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after his supporters attacked people and property during anti-government protests, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
Manit Saengthong, leader of the Darrulaman Mosque community, told the Nation that it would ask Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to bar Thaksin because he uses Dubai "as a springboard to attack Thailand".
Iran decides to construct separate gas pipeline to Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : In a bid to reach a final solution to recurrent gas problems with Turkey, Iran has decided to construct a new pipeline to carry its natural gas to the Turkish market, local newspaper Today's Zaman reported on Tuesday.
Iran had enough reserves to double the gas provided to Turkey, said the report, quoting Ahmad Noorani, the undersecretary for economic and commercial affairs at the Iranian Embassy in Ankara.
Iran opposition to challenge Ahmadinejad in polls
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian opposition groups are preparing to mount a challenge to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in next June's presidential elections, local media reported Saturday.
Mehdi Karroubi, the 71-year-old head of the moderate Etemad Melli (National Trust) party, will most likely be the first to confirm his candidacy for the June 12, 2009 elections in a press conference Sunday.
Reformers are still hoping to persuade former president Mohammad Khatami to run for office, but the 65-year-old cleric has not yet decided.
Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes, pilot killed
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Pakistani Air Force trainer crashed Monday morning in a hilly area some 80 km west of capital Islamabad, killing its pilot, a PAF spokesman said.
Victims of Israel flotilla raid identified
By DPA,
Istanbul : Eight of the nine people killed in Monday's Israeli raid on an aid flotilla heading to Gaza have been identified as Turks, Turkish media reported Thursday.
The other victim is an American of Turkish origin, according to the reports.
The bodies were flown to Turkey Thursday. Funerals for several of the victims are scheduled to be held in Istanbul later in the day.
Turkey and Israel's once strategic alliance has mostly come undone following the deadly raid.
US general takes over NATO command in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : The American general who led the ground invasion of Iraq took command of the 40-nation NATO-led campaign in Afghanistan on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.
Army Gen. David D. McKiernan took charge of the 51,000-member International Security Assistance Force from Gen. Dan McNeill, who will retire from the U.S. Army after 40 years.
Addressing a change of command ceremony Tuesday, McKiernan said he was honored to walk alongside our Afghan brothers.
UNSC to stop illicit oil export from Libya
United Nations: The UN Security Council (UNSC) decided Wednesday to take measures to stop illicit crude oil export from Libya, requesting countries to prohibit...
27 militants killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Twenty-seven Taliban militants were killed in fighting with security forces in Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
Iran rejects Israeli accusations over Bulgaria blast
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran Thursday rejected Israeli claims of Tehran's involvement in Wednesday's bus blast in Bulgaria which killed six Israelis.
Israel’s settlement policy threatens peace efforts – Egyptian Foreign Ministry
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Egypt has lashed out at Israel's declaration on plans to establish new settlements in the Jerusalem region.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Husam Zaki said in a statement Monday that such Israeli schemes flagrantly contradict current political dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli officials, in a bid to reach a viable settlement.
Settlements' expansion constitutes a breach of international laws, resolutions of the United Nations and undermines efforts for establishing the aspired just peace in the region, he said.
Iran sees not much change in ties with US if Barack Obama wins presidency
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Iran does not think there will be much change in terms of its relations with the United States should Democratic candidate Barack Obama become president, says Dr Ali Akbar Velayati, the Adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader for International Affairs.
Terror will not deter us from Afghanistan rebuilding: Krishna
By IANS,
New Delhi : In an oblique message to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Tuesday said that acts of terror will not deter India from the reconstruction of Afghanistan and paid homage to Indian diplomats killed in the attack on the Indian mission in Kabul last year.
"We are committed to fulfilling our pledges towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan and to cementing our traditional friendship with the Afghan people," Krishna said.
Abbas says future unity government to recognise Israel
Ramallah:Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced Saturday that the unity government, which will be formed within five weeks, will adopt his strategy of recognising Israel...
Amnesty criticises Malaysia’s rights record
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : International human rights organisation Amnesty International has slammed the Malaysian government for its failure to protect the rights of the people and pressed for urgent reform.
"The groundswell to demand the protection for human rights is evidenced by the two mass public assemblies, marches and minimum wage pickets in 2007," K. Shan, who heads Amnesty's Malaysia chapter, told the media at the launch of the Amnesty International Report 2008: State of the World's Human Rights.
UAE distributes 10,000 food parcels for Yemenis
By IANS,
Sana'a: The United Arab Emirates's Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian Foundation has distributed 10,000 food parcels among the needy families in Yemen's capital Sana'a.
Singapore Muslims To Become Organ Donors Automatically
SINGAPORE, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Muslims in Singapore will become organ donors automatically when the amendment to the republic's Human Organ Transplant Act (Hota) takes effect from August.
The amendment, which was passed by the Parliament yesterday, however, allowed them to opt out if they wanted to.
With the amendment, Muslims would automatically donate their organs such as kidney, liver, heart and cornea upon death.
OIC executiive committee expresses full solidarity with Sudan
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : The Organisation of the Islamic Conference's (OIC) executive committee met in Jeddah Monday to discuss an arrest warrant request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor against Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir on charges of war crimes in Darfur.
The executive committee meeting, held at ministerial level, issued a final communique following the emergency meeting expressing its full solidarity with Sudan under the leadership of Al-Bashir.
11 get death for Baghdad attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: Eleven people convicted of carrying out deadly attacks in Baghdad have been sentenced to death, Xinhua reported Thursday.
Jordan party slams parliament’s failure to sue Israeli leaders
By DPA,
Amman : Jordan's largest political party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), Saturday criticised the lower house of the country's parliament for its failure to submit a memorandum to the International Criminal Court (ICC) suing Israeli leaders on war-crimes charges.
"We are displeased over the abrupt decision go back on the idea which was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives last month," head of the IAF parliamentary bloc Hamzeh Mansour said in a statement.
Thousands of Palestinians, aid cross Egypt’s border with Gaza
By DPA,
Rafah (Egypt) : More than 7,000 Palestinians have crossed Egypt's border with Gaza since it was opened after Israel's attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, an Egyptian official said Saturday.
The official at the crossing in the border town of Rafah said that 4,378 Palestinians were granted entry to Egypt, while 2,737 crossed into the Gaza Strip.
Tons of medical supplies, food and other aid items have also been driven into Gaza, whilst Palestinians have travelled to Egypt for medical help, the official added.
First swine flu case detected in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The first case of infection of the influenza A(H1N1) virus has been detected in Bangladesh, the health ministry said Friday.
The case came to light Thursday after throat swab and nasal wash samples of a patient tested positive for swine flu, the ministry said in a statement.
The Bangladeshi national had returned from the US about four days ago, bdnews24.com reported citing health officials.
The patient is currently undergoing treatment in Dhaka, while his family members are kept under constant observation, it said.
Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr dates forecast in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah : An astronomer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has forecast the dates for the beginning of the Muslim holy month of fasting and for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
No response from Pakistan on Mumbai dossier: Chidambaram
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Thursday reiterated that it was yet to receive Islamabad's reply to its dossier pointing to the involvement of elements from Pakistan in the Mumbai terror attacks.
"We have not received any response to the dossier given to Pakistan," Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters here.
Asked whether it was possible that the two National Security Advisers (NSAs) had exchanged information about Pakistan's probe into the Mumbai carnage, he replied: "I have no idea. There has been no response as of now."
Abbas says latest peace talks brought nothing
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday the latest round of peace talks with Israel brought nothing.
"The negotiations are still in their beginning," Abbas told reporters in Ramallah.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiation crews met on Monday in Jerusalem to discuss the obstacles which delay the progress of the peace talks.
The two sides agreed to launch the talks last month after years of halt. The building of Israeli settlements in West Bank was one of the main obstacles.
Pakistan to act against LeT; no n-deal, or US role in Kashmir
By Arun Kumar
Washington : Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came to the US with a litany of complaints against India with the...
Pakistan may free non-combatant Taliban prisoners
Islamabad : The Pakistan government, along with the Pakistan Ulema Council, is considering releasing non-combatant Taliban prisoners without accommodating any demands from the militant...
200 killed in parts of Afghanistan because of severe winter weather
By KUNA
Geneva : The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said Friday that the harsh winter weather in the Western and Central Highlands Regions of Afghanistan over the past weeks led so far to 200 deaths. UN OCHA spokesperson Elizabeth Byrs told reporters that the provinces of Herat, Farah, Badghis, Ghor in Western Region and Dai Kundi were severely affected, with the majority of roads closed and the price of what food and fuel are available, rising steeply. Herat Airport, the main airport in the West, closed for a number of days.
Israel plans to build new settlement near Jerusalem
By KUNA,
GAZA : Israel plans to build a new settlement on occupied Palestinian land near Jerusalem in the West Bank, media reported here Sunday.
Haaretz Israeli newspaper said that Israel invested NIS 200 million, about USD 49 million, in the past two years to prepare the infrastructure for the construction of the settlement which will connect Ma'aleh Adumim settlement and East Jerusalem.
S.Arabia to USA: Arab Plan Still Valid
By Prensa Latina,
Riyadh : The government of Saudi Arabia defended on Sunday the validity of the so-called Arab Peace Initiative during talks with US Middle East envoy George Mitchell, according to official media.
According to SPA news agency, Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz received Mitchell, who also met with Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal after arriving from Jordan yesterday night.
China to give Pakistan trainer aircraft, 60 mn yuan
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : China has agreed to provide four trainer aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force and 60 million yuan ($9 million) for training the country's armed forces.
An agreement to this effect was signed Monday by Pakistani Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar and his Chinese counterpart Gen. Liang Guangile, Online news agency reported.
Earlier, a 17-member defence delegation led by Liang called on Mukhtar and exchanged views on bilateral defence cooperation, the strategic situation in the region and Pakistan's anti-terror efforts.
Abbas: It is time to end the human disgrace called “Nakba”
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the occupation of the Palestinian territories should finish and the human disgrace called "Nakba" should be put to an end.
Abbas made the statements in his speech to the Palestinian people to mark sixty years for what the Palestinians term as "Nakba" Day, the day when Israel was established in 1948.
Three Asian doctors killed in Nigeria
By IANS,
Abuja: Three Asian doctors - believed to be Chinese or South Korean nationals - have been killed by unidentified attackers in Nigeria, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Russia, Iraq sign cooperation memorandum
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari signed on Monday a memorandum of cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific and technical spheres.
"The memorandum, which we have just signed, will open doors for Russia for full-fledged participation in all projects and tenders to be held in Iraq," Zebari said.
EU open to new talks with Iran, foreign policy chief says
By SPA
Brussels : The European Union remains open to further talks with Tehran over its nuclear enrichment program, AP quoted the bloc's foreign policy chief Javier Solana as saying Monday, a day after Iran's foreign minister said his country was ready to negotiate.
Despite the approval of new UN sanctions against Iran last week, the international community wants to resume negotiations to resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear ambitions, Solana said.