Syrian, Turkish interior ministers discuss bilateral cooperation
By NNN-SANA,
Ankara : Interior Minister Maj-Gen Bassam Abdul-Majeed has held discussions here with his Turkish counterpart, Beshir Atalay, on cooperation in measures to combat drug trafficking, organised crime and illegal migration.
During the meeting Wednesday, Abdul- Majeed stressed the necessity for combating terrorism, stressing that Syria was among the first countries which suffered from terrorism.
In a statement to reporters, Abdul-Majeed indicated that his current visit to Syria was within the framework of boosting the existing bilateral relations, considered to be exemplary.
Four Palestinian children die in Israeli strike
By RIA Novosti,
Gaza : At least five Palestinians, including four children and a militant, were killed on Monday as Israeli tanks shelled a residential area in the northern Gaza Strip, local health officials said.
The four children, aged between five and one, were found dead in the ruins of their home in the town of Beit Hanoun, their mother was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Indonesian volcano erupts for second time
By DPA,
Jakarta : Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra Monday erupted for a second time, forcing more than 20,000 people to remain in evacuation centres, officials said.
The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre said Sinabung's second eruption occurred at 6.30 a.m. (2330 GMT Sunday), belching a column of smoke up to 2,000 metres into the sky.
The 2,451-metre-high volcano erupted for the first time in more than four centuries early Sunday, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents from its slopes.
Seven killed as Taliban attacks Afghan parliament
Kabul: All seven Taliban militants who staged a spectacular attack on the Afghan parliament here on Monday were killed in a gun battle with...
Kuwait PM arrives in Washington, praises solid ties with US
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah has said here that his visit to the US is aimed at meeting with President George W.Bush to exchange views over a host of bilateral relations.
Speaking to KUNA on arrival at the Andrews Air Force Base at Prince George's county in Maryland near Washington for a three-day visit Wednesday, Sheikh Nasser said he was happy to be in Washington to meet Bush "to discuss and exchange views over the distinguished bilateral relations."
Sacked judges to be restored: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's political roller coaster continues. Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has declared finally that the judges sacked after President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency last year would be reinstated.
The issue had threatened to split the ruling coalition. Zardari initially agreed to their reinstatement as part of a constitutional package to be introduced in parliament and then backed off.
ICC rejects PCB’s legal claims on hosting World Cup
By IANS,
Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the legal claims of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on hosting matches of the 2011 Cricket World Cup (ICC CWC).
ICC said it has formally responded to PCB's legal notice, seeking to clarify factual inaccuracies and misunderstandings in the PCB's claim.
ICC moved World Cup matches from Pakistan last month because of security apprehensions following which the PCB sent a legal notice to the ICC against the ruling.
US embassy in UAE issues terror alert
By IANS,
Dubai : The US embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned its citizens in this Gulf nation of potential terrorist acts ahead of the American Independence Day celebrations July 4.
"The embassy (in Abu Dhabi) and consulate general (in Dubai) wish to advise Americans that potential exists for terrorists to plan and carry out violent actions in the region, including the UAE, and for this reason Americans should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in public places," a message posted on the embassy website Tuesday said.
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.
Iranian navy launches first indigenously built warship
By DPA,
Tehran : The Iranian navy Friday launched its first indigenously built warship, the news network Khabar reported.
The 94-metre-long Jamaran was launched in the presence of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Gulf in southern Iran.
Jamaran is also the name of the district in northern Tehran where Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini resided from the 1979 revolution until his death in 1989.
The warship is equipped with torpedoes and radar, the TV report said.
Twin suicide bombings kill two policemen in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Two suicide bombings targeting the police headquarters in southern Afghan province of Kandahar Sunday killed two policemen and injured 29, police said.
The first explosion occurred at around 2 p.m. (GMT 0930) inside the compound while the second blast took place a few minutes later, it said.
Afghan police and Canadian troops based in Kandahar have cordoned off the area and started investigating the incident.
No group or individuals have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Taliban claims responsibility for twin blasts in E Pakistan, warns of more attacks
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)spokesman Maulvi Umar Thursday claimed responsibility for two blasts in eastern Pakistan, private TV channel Ary One World reported.
Maulvi Umar also asked the security forces to stop their operations in the northwestern part and tribal areas, said the report.
He warned that more attacks would be conducted in other places if the operations were not terminated.
Up to 45 people were killed and 60 others injured in two suicide blasts in Wah Cantt in Punjab province on Thursday, the state-run PTV reported.
UN lauds UAE for labour reforms
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The UN has lauded the efforts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for improving the conditions of its migrant workers engaged in various sectors, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The global organisation hoped other countries in the region would follow the UAE example.
Peter Sutherland, special representative of the UN secretary general, in a letter to UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the UAE played an important role at the conference on migration issues that began in Athens Wednesday.
Israeli-Palestinian negotiation agenda outlined earlier in Annapolis conference
By Xinhua
Ramallah : U.S.-hosted peace conference of Annapolis has outlined the timetable of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks which resumed in December, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Saturday.
"The negotiation schedule had specified all the issues which will be discussed, including Jerusalem, security, water, borders and prisoners," Erekat told Voice of Palestine radio.
British aid worker killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Taliban fighters killed a British woman aid worker for "spreading Christianity," Monday as she was going to her office in the western part of Kabul, officials said.
The attackers, who were riding on motorbike, fled the area after the shooting, interior ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary said.
Bashary had earlier said that the aid worker was from South Africa and was working with an aid organization that was helping disabled people in Afghanistan.
But the British embassy in Kabul later said that one of the its nationals was killed in the city.
Bahrain king arrives on first India visit
By IANS,
New Delhi : King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain arrived here Tuesday on a three-day state visit at the head of...
U.S.-led military kills dozen insurgents, detains 2 in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces have killed over a dozen insurgents in response to an attack in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan and detained two militants in central province Ghazni, the Coalition said Wednesday.
Protests over power cuts in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Protests erupted in several Pakistani cities over prolonged and unannounced power cuts during Ramzan, a media report said Sunday.
Soltanieh: IAEA never used ‘non-compliance’ in Iran’s case
By IRNA,
Vienna : Iran's IAEA envoy Ali-Asghar Soltanieh said Wednesday that the IAEA has never used the 'non-compliance' in reference to Iran's case.
"The term can be used against a country only if inspectors are banned from activity, gathering information, taking samples and so on," Soltanieh said during the NPT Review Conference and its Preparatory Committees in Geneva on Wednesday.
Muslims protest in Athens over anti-Islam film
By IANS,
Athens: Muslim protesters took to the streets of the Greek capital to denounce a film deemed insulting to Islam, and briefly clashed with police, Xinhua reported.
Mending fences with India a priority: Pakistan
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Trying to remove "a trust deficit" between India and Pakistan, including on the Kashmir issue, is one of Islamabad's priorities, says Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, but concedes there are no quick fixes for it.
The new civilian-led Pakistan government, however, is committed to continuing the process of a composite dialogue with New Delhi, he said here Friday after an hour-long meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.
Afghan president calls on Taliban chief to give up militancy
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Sunday called upon the Taliban's leader Mullah Mohammad Omar to give up fighting and help in rebuilding the country.
"As an Afghan, I call on Mullah Mohammad Omar Akhund, Mullah Brother and Mullah Abdul Razaq Akhund to give up fighting, return home and play a role in reconstruction of Afghanistan," he told newsmen at a press conference after touring Poland, New York and London.
Mullah Brother, Mulllah Abdul Razaq and Mullah Mansoor are said to be close aide to Omar.
Pakistan: 8 killed in blast targeting military bus in Rawalpindi
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed and about 10 injured Monday when a bomb ripped through a bus ferrying security personnel near the Pakistani armys headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
The explosion occurred at 7.15 AM outside the gate of the army's National Logistics Cell in R A Bazar, a high security area as it is located very close to the General Headquarters.
Gunmen kill nine Iraqis from same family
By SPA
Samarra, Iraq : Gunmen shot dead nine members of an Iraqi family after storming their house in the village of Awja, north of Baghdad, on Thursday, police said, according to Reuters.
"They attacked the house at 4 a.m. and opened fire," said a policeman who was at the scene but who declined to be named. "They killed the husband, his wife and their seven sons. We don't yet know why."
Speaking from a hospital in nearby Tikrit, where the bodies were brought, another policeman said the dead included a seven year old boy.
Suicide attack kills 3 policemen in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A suspected suicide bomber on Thursday attacked a police station in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least three policemen, local media reported.
The bomber detonated explosive in a car in the police station in Mingora, main town of the restive Swat valley of North West Frontier Province, and also injured more than 20 security personnel.
The suicide bomber managed to take his explosive-laden car inside the heavily-guarded police station at around 1 a.m., when most of the security men were asleep, News Network International (NNI) news agency said.
Boko Haram leader killed in clashes, claims Nigerian military
Abuja: Nigerian forces have killed a man claiming to be the leader of Islamist Boko Haram militants, Abubakar Shekau, the country's defence authority said...
France condemns attack against Israeli children
By KUNA,
PARIS : France on Friday condemned an attack Thursday against Israeli children in which one child died and one was injured.
Although details remain sketchy, the attack by a group of alleged Palestinians, apparently wielding an axe, left one thirteen-year-old dead and a seven-year-old wounded near an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.
"France expresses its horror after the attack carried out in the West Bank which caused the death of one Israeli child of 13 and wounded another of seven, " the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
At least ten people killed in election-related violence
By SPA
Islamabad : At least ten people have so far been killed and several others injured in election-related violence in Pakistan Monday, officials said.
By and large, polling is underway peacefully all over Pakistan.
A woman was killed in exchange of fire between rival political workers in Gujrat. Another person was killed in exchange of fire in Sialkot district. In most incidents exchange of fire claimed the lives.
The polling was temporarily suspended at some points where violence hit. However, it resumed shortly.
India welcomes Pentagon report on Pakistan pandering to militants
New Delhi : India Tuesday welcomed a Pentagon report that points fingers at Pakistan for allowing Afghan- and Indian-focused militants to continue to operate...
Pakistani man survives acid attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : A 29-year-old banker, known for his "good looks", has miraculously survived an acid attack here in the Pakistani capital, a doctor said.
Iranian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad
By SPA,
Islamabad : Iranian foreign minister Mottaki arrived here today on an official one-day visit.
The sources of the Pakistani foreign ministry said Mottaki will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmoud Qureishi, and will also meet with Pakistani President Asef Zaradai and Premier Yousef Gailani.
The talks will focus on bilateral relations and issues pertaining to the project of natural gas pipeline.
Turk Army Bombs Iraqi Kurdistan
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The Turkish army bombed Thursday alleged positions of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) in the northern Iraqi mountainous zone, security force sources reported.
Turkey has deployed thousands of soldiers along the border with this Arab country, where the PKK has bases and refuges.
The troops sent by Ankara have attacked those targets through small-scale operations in the country's interior zone, and also with air actions.
Pakistani PM gets confidence vote from parliament
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Saturday took vote of confidence from the parliament and even opposition groups declared support to him.
The major opposition group Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and other small groups also announced support to Gilani as the confidence vote was tabled by the speaker of the National Assembly for the house consent.
600 shops gutted in Kabul market fire
By IANS,
Kabul: A huge fire razed two markets in Kabul Sunday and turned over 600 shops to ashes, police said.
Pakistan successfully test fires ballistic missile
By IRNA
Rawalpindi : Pakistan on Friday conducted a successful training launch of Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), the army said.
The Ghauri (Hatf V) ballistic missile has a range of 1300 kilometers, a statement from the army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.
"A Strategic Missile Group (SMG) of Pakistan Army's Strategic Force Command (ASFC) conducted a successful training launch of Ghauri (Hatf V) Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)," the statement said.
Iran’s presidential election campaigning enters final day
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's presidential candidates are winding down their campaigning on the final day before Friday's voting with thousands taking to the streets in scenes reminiscent of the 1979 revolution.
Current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has used poverty to attract votes while his closest rival, former prime minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi, has focused on corruption and the economy. Mousavi, 67, has openly criticised Ahmadinejad, calling him a "liar", and accusing him of misappropriating some $1 billion in oil revenues.
US media warns of dangers after Musharraf exit
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US media Tuesday warned of the dangers posed by the added uncertainty caused by Pervez Musharraf's resignation as Pakistan president to US efforts against Al Qaeda with one daily raising the spectre of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.
"The United States has a keen national-security interest in the affairs of Pakistan due to its nuclear arsenal and the fact that it borders India - which is also a nuclear power," the Washington Times said in an editorial.
Bomb explosion kills deputy dean of Iraqi college
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : A bomb explosion killed a deputy dean of a college in Mosul University in northern Iraq on Monday, a local police source said.
Professor Faris Younis, deputy dean for scientific affairs in the college of agriculture, was killed when an explosive charge planted in his car detonated in the afternoon, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast took place while Younis was leaving home from his college in northern the city, some 400 km north of Baghdad, the source said.
Jordan says Hamas-Fateh unity crucial for peace
Amman : Jordan's Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour Saturday said unity among the Palestinian factions is crucial to render peacemaking efforts a success.
Commending the reconciliation...
Israel to give up ‘some settlements’ for peace push
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would agree to give up "some settlements" in the occupied West Bank in order to...
Hosseini: Iran’s doctrine provides no room to diversion in nuclear program
By IRNA
Manama : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said here Wednesday that in Iran's doctrine there is no room for diverting Iran's peaceful nuclear program towards other objectives.
Hosseini made the remark in a meeting with Bahraini Vice Speaker of parliament and the head and members of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Commission of Bahrain's parliament.
Hosseini made the remark in a meeting with Bahraini Vice Speaker of parliament and the head and members of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Commission of Bahrain's parliament.
Pakistan’s former ruling party to sit in opposition
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's former ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) announced on Saturday that it would sit in the opposition and play an active role in the parliament.
"We accepted the election results despite rigging complaints and will set new traditions of tolerance and positive politics," the PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said after chairing a meeting of central leaders and newly elected members of the parliament here.
Sheikh Hasina’s ailments caused by 2004 grenade attack: US doctors
By IANS,
Dhaka : American doctors attending to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina have said that her poor vision and blood pressure problems as well as allergies are the result of a grenade attack on her rally here four years ago.
"The US doctors said that three of the complications except for the hearing problem are late consequences of the grenade attack," Hasina's personal physician Modasser Ali told The Daily Star newspaper.
Hasina is currently undergoing treatment in the US, which Ali oversaw before returning here.
One NATO Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A British soldier from (ISAF) International Security Assistance Force died in Afghanistan by Afghan rebels attack in the Helmand province, NATO sources confirmed Tuesday.
The event occurred in Nahri Sarrj district when ISAF convoy detonated a bomb in their passage through the area, noted the release spread in Kabul.
After the blast the soldier was evacuated and died during the flight to the field hospital.
Medvedev, Abbas to discuss Middle East peace process
By RIA Novosti,
Sochi (Russia) : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will meet his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday to discuss the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks, a Kremlin source said.
Abbas, who is currently on a three-day visit to Russia, will meet Medvedev in the southern Russian city of Sochi. The previous meeting between the two leaders was held in Moscow in April 2009.
The talks will focus on the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, which have seen a lack of progress due to the Jewish outpost expansion in the West Bank.
ISESCO condemns Israeli atrocities in Gaza
By IINA,
Rabat : The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has strongly condemned the horrific massacre perpetrated by the Israeli forces in Bait Hanoon in Gaza, killing a Palestinian woman and her four children. In a statement, ISESCO said that the Israeli occupation authorities’ crimes against the Palestinian people and their continuous bombardment and artillery incursions inside the Palestinian territories constitute a breach of international law and the Geneva Convention.
Cruising on a fictional world
Enjoy a dose of light fiction to beat summer heat. From heartaches to thrillers and from graphic travelogue to Vipassana journey - take your pick from this vibrant assortment of books IANS has on offer this weekend.
1. Book: Never Kiss Your Best Friend; Author: Sumrit Shahi; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 206; Price: Rs.195
Philippines, Kuwait ink three agreements
By NNN-PNA,
Manila : The Philippines and oil-rich Kuwait sealed Friday night three agreements to further enhance their bilateral and trade relations, and bolster cooperation in the area of investments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheik Nasser Al Mohammad Al Ahmad Al Sabah witnessed the signing of the agreements in Malacañang last night.
The agreements were on joint undertaking in energy projects, strengthening of health related services, and enhanced tourism investments and exchanges between the two countries.
Arab League condemns Israeli verdict to imprison Palestinian lawmaker
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League has condemned here the Israeli military court's three-year prison sentence against Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr Abdelaziz Duwaik and several of his colleagues.
The League stated that the court's verdict last Tuesday was not based on any legal documents or evidence that convicted the Speaker of any acts of terrorism against Israel.
3 ISAF soldiers die in Afghanistan as U.S. general takes command
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Three soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) died Tuesday in eastern and southern Afghanistan while U.S. Army General David D. McKiernan took charge of the multi-national force in Kabul, the ISAF said.
Two ISAF soldiers died during a patrol in eastern Afghanistan as another ISAF soldier died of wounds after an engagement with insurgents in the south, the military alliance said in statements.
One more ISAF soldier and one local national were wounded in the incident which occurred in the eastern region, the ISAF added.
Negotiations with Israel achieve no progress – Abbas
By NNN-WAFA,
Sharm El-Sheikh : President Mahmoud Abbas has said that negotiations with the Israeli side have achieved no progress yet and Israel continues its aggressive policy such as settlements and Judizing Jerusalem, siege, arrests and restriction on movements against Palestinians.
Two foreign channels for kids get Pakistan’s nod
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two foreign satellite TV channels, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, have been granted permission to air programmes in Pakistan, said a minister.
Australia says its FTA with ASEAN is biggest trade agreement
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : An Australian senior trade official said Tuesday that the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is the most comprehensive trade agreement that Australia has ever negotiated.
Australia was happy to see the conclusion of negotiations of the FTA with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean.
Palestinian unity the only guarantee to regain rights – Syrian President
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has said that Syria considers the restoration of Palestinian national unity as the only guarantee through which the Palestinian people can regain their rights and boost the Palestinian stance at peace negotiations.
Bungled suicide blast injures civilian in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : Only a civilian was injured in a botched up suicide attack in southern Afghanistan while six members of a family were killed as roof of their house collapsed due to heavy rains and snowfall in the eastern zone of the country on Thursday.
In the first incident, a suicide bomber blew up the explosives fastened to his body in Qalat, capital of the country's Zabul province, police officials and local said.
Pakistan looks to Iran to mitigate energy woes
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan plans to import gas and electricity from Iran to overcome the country's energy shortage, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Afghan soldier, over 50 Taliban killed in clashes
By DPA,
Kabul: An Afghan Army soldier and more than 50 militants were killed in separate clashes in Afghanistan as the Taliban have stepped their country-wide attacks, officials said Thursday.
In the latest operation, Afghan forces backed by international troops Thursday killed 25 Taliban militants, including foreign fighters, and wounded 10 others in a firefight in Bala Murghab district of the western Badghis province, the Afghan defence ministry said in a statement.
Four Afghan army soldiers were wounded during the operation, it added.
Nearly 200,000 killed since start of Syrian crisis: UN
United Nations: The UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, Friday said that more than 191,000 people have been killed in Syria between...
Al Qaeda has 6,000 suicide bombers in Iraq: Documents
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraqi security forces have found documents purported to belong to the Al Qaeda terrorist network in Iraq's Diyala province, which include names of 6,000 alleged suicide bombers in the country, an official newspaper said Tuesday.
"The documents reveal that 6,000 people, most of them Arab and Afghan nationals, were involved in suicide bombings in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003," Sheikh Sabah Shukr al-Shumary, the spokesman for the Awakening Councils of Baquba Clans, was quoted by al-Sabah newspaper as saying.
India intensifies pressure on banning JuD, wants fugitives back
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad/New York : With Pakistan dilly-dallying over banning a militant outfit suspected of plotting the Mumbai attacks, India Wednesday intensified pressure on Islamabad to proscribe the Jamat-ud-Dawa and to hand over fugitives from Indian law accused of major terror strikes in the country.
“There is already a pending request with the UN Security Council. It's a successor organisation to Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT),” Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told reporters in New Delhi when asked about Pakistan's response to India's demand for banning JuD.
Iraq executes 23 prisoners
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq has executed 23 convicted prisoners in the past five days, six of which were carried out Monday, the government said.
Pakistan offer attractive investment opportunities- Dr Lodhi
By NNN-APP
London, UK : Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Maleeha Lodhi has said her country has much to offer the world in terms of a rich cultural and spiritual heritage as well as attractive investment opportunities.
She was speaking at a ceremony organised by three British businesses to launch their Pakistan practices with an evening of Qawaali music at the Pakistan High Commission on Saturday.
27 militants killed in northwest Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 27 militants were killed Sunday in an operation carried out by Pakistani security forces in the country's northwestern Orakzai tribal agency, Dawn News TV channel reported.
Among the dead are 12 likely suicide bombers, the report said.
Pakistan's security forces have recently launched an operation against the militants in the area.
Fighting terrorism, developing economy, political stability my priorities, says Musharraf
By APP,
Beijing : President Pervez Musharraf has said that fighting terrorism, developing the economy and maintaining political stability are the priorities in his new term of presidency, adding that he is happy over the cooperation with China in the fight against terrorism.
“Fighting terrorism has more to do with acquisition of intelligence than with action. Action is easier than acquiring the knowledge and intelligence of where the terrorist is, who the terrorist is,” President Musharraf told China Daily in an interview.
China says six-nation talks on Iran’s nuclear issue reaches “important consenses”
By Xinhua,
Shanghai : A press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said here Wednesday that the six-nation talks on Iran's nuclear issue had reached an "important consensus" to formulate a plan to restart negotiations on Iran's nuclear issue.
The press release said that the attendant parties had profound and constructive discussions on the next steps, however, it did not offer any further information about what the consensus was.
No more Abbottabad-like incidents, Gilani tells US
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan wants new rules of engagement with the US and an assurance of "no Abbottabad-like unilateral action in future", Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Jordan and Morocco sign 19 agreements
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : Jordan and Morocco have signed here 19 agreements, protocols, executive programmes and memorandums of understanding to regulate cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
The agreements were signed Monday at the conclusion of meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Moroccan Higher Committee which were co-chaired by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and his Moroccan counterpart, Abbas Al Fasi.
Iran tells Obama to understand the ‘new Middle East’
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said that new US President Barack Obama should try to understand the "new Middle East which was emerging", Iran's IRNA news agency reported Wednesday.
Mottaki Tuesday said that the traditional ways of looking into Middle East issues would no longer work.
He added that the US administration needs to hire a new team of Middle East experts that would help the American president make logical decisions on topics relating to the Middle East.
Poll: 60 % women abused in Jordan
By Xinhua,
Amman : Six out of ten women in Jordan are abused, with one in four physically abused, a poll showed Monday.
Almost half of the women surveyed believed that physical violence is acceptable under certain conditions, said the poll.
The poll, conducted by the Jordan Center for Social Research, is about violence towards women in the kingdom, helping lift the veil slightly off the Arabian women.
Libya Blocks Presidential Statement on Middle East
By SPA
United Nations : The United Nations Security Council on Thursday failed to pass a presidential statement condemning the killing of eight Jewish students in Jerusalem after Libya insisted the text include mention of an ongoing Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Iran refuses to receive U.S. protest over ship incident
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran has refused to receive Washington's protest over the recent incident between Iranian and U.S. naval ships because it used the term "Gulf" instead of "Persian Gulf," the official IRNA news agency reported on Wednesday.
"Iran refused to accept the U.S. government's message due to the appearance of the world 'Gulf' instead of 'Persian Gulf' in it and rejected it," Ali-Akbar Rezaie, head of the No. 1 American Affairs Department at Foreign Ministry told IRNA.
OIC’s parliamentary union to shift from Dollar to Euro
Cairo – (IINA) January 28 – Euro will replace US dollar in all financial transactions of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) member states. The Union's Executive Bureau passed a resolution during its meeting yesterday to adopt Euro instead of the declining US dollar, according to a WAM report.
The dollar 'de-pegging' will not reflect on the contributions of the 57 OIC member countries, estimated to reach 128 million dollars this year.
HA/IINA
28 Jan 2008
1,500 trees planted in Abu Dhabi
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : More than 1,500 trees were planted Tuesday at a port in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Women banned from taking part in polls in Pakistan region
Islamabad : In a bizarre diktat out of sync with modern-day ethos, the Jirga (religious assembly) in Gilgit Baltistan -- an eight-hour drive from...
At leas Six girls die in accident near Islamabad city
By SPA
Islamabad : At least six laborer girls died and ten others were seriously injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles near Islamabad city Friday, police said.
A wagon carrying laborer girls coming from Kahota rammed into a government bus near Aliot.
The injured girls were rushed to the nearby hospital in Kahota.
The ill-fated girls were going to a factory to work.
EU okays sanctions against Libya
By IRNA,
Berlin : The European Union agreed Monday to slap sanctions on Libya over the deadly suppression of peaceful protests in that country, the bloc's presidency said in Brussels.
‘Pakistan uncertainty has Kashmir terrorists on the run’
By Vishnu Makhijani, IANS
New Delhi : Prolonged uncertainty over the situation in Pakistan, the drying up of logistical support from across the border and proactive operations by the security forces have seen them gain the upper hand over militants in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said Wednesday.
"There is total confusion among the terrorist groups operating in Kashmir. There is a feeling of 'What will now happen to us'?" the sources said.
Mujib’s killers seek re-trial by Bangladesh military court
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two former Bangladesh army officers, convicted of killing the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over 34 years ago, have sought re-trial by a military court.
The killings of then president who was also referred to as Sheikh Mujib, most of his family members and several political associates Aug 16, 1975 were "a revolt by army men, not any conspiracy", a lawyer for Bazlul Huda and A.K.M. Mohiuddin told a Supreme Court bench.
‘Talaq’ pronounced in anger haunt rural women in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Misinterpretation of Islamic laws is creating endless problems in rural Bangladesh, especially for women who have become victims of 'talaq' pronounced by husbands in a fit of anger and who later repent and want to be reunited with their wives, say NGOs working in the field.
Motahar Akand, senior deputy director of NGO Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), says the practice can be beaten by creating awareness among the people. Akand has worked with ASK in different places across the country to prevent misuse of Islamic laws.
Fayyad: forming a transitional gov’t would unify territories
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Salam Fayyad, prime minister of the Palestinian caretaker government, said Saturday that forming anew transitional government of national accordance would unify the Palestinian territories.
Fayyad told reporters in Ramallah that agreeing on forming an interim government of national accordance to prepare for new elections would be "a realistic introduction to unify the West Bank and the Gaza Strip."
Iraq”s neighbors back Baghdad”s political, security efforts
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Delegations participating in the Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighboring Countries of Iraq Tuesday supported the Iraqi government's efforts in broadening the political process and reinforce political dialogue, while confronting those fomenting violence nationwide.
‘Iran may return to former nuclear policies if talks fail’
Tehran: Iran may return to its nuclear policies before the interim deal last November if nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers fail...
Assailants injure Afghan District Governor
By SPA
Kabul : Two unknown armed men attacked a district governor in Afghanistan's western province of Herat, wounding the official and killing his son, while two other assailants were killed after they attacked a jail in the same province, DPA quoted police sources as saying on Sunday.
"The district governor of Guzara was on his way to the office when two men from a car opened fire on his vehicle, wounding him and killing his son," provincial police chief Mohammad Juma Adeel told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.
Western ‘threats’ will not break Iran’s will: Iran
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday the latest Western "threats" would not break the will of Iran nation to continue its nuclear work, state television network IRIB reported.
Ahmadinejad was referring to a plan by the United States and the European Union to freeze the assets of the Iranian Melli (National) bank, the major bank in Iran both for local and foreign transfers.
10 mn Pakistan voters not on electoral roll
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over 10 million eligible voters in Pakistan are missing from the draft electoral rolls, a media report said Saturday.
25 dead in Saudi blaze
By IANS,
Riyadh : Twenty-five people, among them women and children, have died in Saudi Arabia after a huge fire broke out at a wedding party.
Gaza violence mounts as talks on a truce with Israel continue
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Violence in the Gaza Strip has mounted on Monday leaving seven people killed and more than ten injured as leaders of Gaza militant groups headed for talks in Egypt on a truce with Israel.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance services in the Palestinian health ministry said that seven people were killed, including a mother and four of her children in an Israeli strike on northern Gaza Strip.
Kuwait expedites preparations for Arab Economic Summit
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Kuwaiti Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shimali has said Kuwait was expediting preparations for hosting the planned Arab Economic Summit.
"The just-ended 81st session of the Arab ministers of finance and economy has agreed to hold the economic summit in January, 2009," the minister said in statements to KUNA here Thursday.
Taliban announces unilateral ceasefire in Pakistan’s tribal region
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A Taliban commander in Pakistan's tribal region Bajaur has announced a unilateral ceasefire, a television channel reported Tuesday.
Maulana Faqir Mohammad, a local Taliban leader in Bajaur tribal agency, has made the announcement on the radio, Dawn News TV channel quoted sources as saying.
More than 1,000 people have been killed since July during the fighting between Pakistani security forces and the militants in the Bajaur agency on the Afghan border.
Feb 18 election victory of democracy, moderation: Pakistan President
By NNN-APP
Rawalpindi : President Pervez Musharraf said the Feb 18 election was a victory for the democratic process and moderation in Pakistan and would serve as a stabilizing factor.
Talking to US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Michael Burgess who called on the President here at the President’s Lodge Friday, he said the elections could prove to be a major stabilizing factor in Pakistan.
The President emphasized the need to continue with the goals of political stability, economic growth and the need for fighting terrorism.
US Air Force Bombs Somalia
By Prensa Latina
Nairobi : US Air Force bombed on Monday an alleged guerrillas' base of the Islamic Courts Union in a Somali area near Kenya's border.
The military operation was executed on Sunday morning at about 03:00 local hour when a US plane targeted three bombs over three objectives of Dhole locality, two of them houses, said a tribal leader.
According to Dhole's tribal chief Abdullahi Sheikh four civilians died during the attack.
A guerrilla's sources also confirmed the incursion.
I was betrayed by Zardari: Nawaz Sharif
By IANS,
New Delhi : Declaring that he felt "terribly let down" by ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif who pulled out of the ruling coalition this week says he will not compromise on getting the sacked judges reinstated.
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.
Hand over murder plot suspect: US to Iran
By IANS,
Washington : The US Monday urged Iran to either hand over or prosecute a suspect in the alleged assassination plot on the Saudi ambassador to Washington, Xinhua reported.
In PM’s Kabul visit, a message of long-term support amidst insecurity
By Devirupa Mitra, IANS,
Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas killed in airstrike
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement's armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, Monday claimed that an Israeli soldier kidnapped by its fighters was killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza Strip.
In a statement sent to media through e-mail, the group said four of its fighters who succeeded in kidnapping the Israeli soldier were also killed in the attack.
"As the group was about to leave the area and take the kidnapped Israeli soldier, an Israeli warplane fired a rocket at the group and killed the soldier, and the fighters," the statement said.
Obama to grant request for more troops in Afghanistan: Report
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama is set to approve sending thousands of soldiers to Afghanistan to bolster the fight against the Taliban, CBS News reported Monday.
CBS News, citing "informed sources," said Obama will approve most of the 40,000 additional soldiers requested by General Stanley McChrystal. Obama for weeks has been holding high level meetings with his top advisors to plot a new strategy for Afghanistan.
Pakistan vows to take anti-Taliban operations to logical conclusion
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Monday reiterated that the anti-Taliban operations being conducted in the country's restive northwest would be taken to their logical conclusion, even as the military reported major successes in the militant's Swat stronghold.
"The government had to resort to the army operation to establish its writ" after the Taliban violated a peace accord with the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government, Gilani said while speaking to visiting US Senators Patrick Leahy, Mark Warner and Sheldon Whitehouse.
Rice, Miliband on surprise visit to Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her British counterpart David Miliband paid a surprise visit to Afghanistan Thursday amid increasing insurgency and rift among the NATO member states over the alliance mission in the country, according to an Afghan official who refused to be named.
Afghan officials are tight-lipped over the visit of the two dignitaries due to security concerns but said that they would call on President Hamid Karzai in the afternoon.
Iraq vows it will reveal security deal with US to neighbouring countries
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraq stressed it would display its proposed security pact with the United States to the neighbouring countries as soon as negotiations regarding the deal are completed.
The announcement came from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki during a telephone call with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, according to an Iraqi government statement on Friday.
During the call, Al-Maliki said that he would send delegations to countries neighbouring Iraq - including Turkey - to present the security agreement after receiving Washington's reply to the Iraqi proposed amendments.
Pakistan cancels leaves in armed forces
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Pakistan army has cancelled leaves of the troops amid the country's tensions with India, a news channel reported Friday.
The army and the air force have been put on high alert, private Geo TV channel quoted sources as saying.
Tensions between India and Pakistan developed after India accused Pakistan-based militant groups of involvement in last month's Mumbai terror attacks, which killed more than 170 people.
Hezbollah chief calls on Lebanon to build nuclear reactor
By DPA,
Beirut : Seyyed Hassan Nasarllah, leader of the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah, called on Lebanon's government to follow Tehran's footsteps and build a nuclear facility to generate electricity like the reactor in Bushehr, Iran.
"The cost of building the Bushehr reactor was less than Lebanon's investment in the electricity network. I call on the government to build a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, and then we can also sell energy to Syria, Cyprus and other countries in the region," he said.
22 Shias killed in Iraq bus attack
By IANS,
Baghdad : Twenty-two Shia Muslims on board a bus were shot dead by gunmen in western Iraq, Xinhua reported.
Bangladesh Islamists to counter 1971 `war crimes’ charge
By IANS,
Dhaka : Top leaders of Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), who have been detained, have said they will counter the charge of being engaged in targeting unarmed civilians during the 1971 freedom movement.
They have reportedly confessed to allocating Taka 6.6 million ($94,754) for a three-month campaign to counter the charge as government prepares to hold what it calls "war crimes" trial.
Anti-Qaddafi protesters storm Libyan embassy in Berlin
By IRNA,
Berlin : A small group of anti-Qaddafi protesters stormed the Libyan embassy in Berlin on Monday for the second time in less than a week, according to media reports.
PTI back to negotiation table
Islamabad : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced that his party has agreed to resume talks for the continuation of democracy,...
Eight US soldiers killed in Iraq
By IINA
Baghdad : ight US soldiers were killed in separate attacks in Iraq yesterday in one of the deadliest days for the US military in several months. In one attack, insurgents killed three US soldiers and their translator in Iraq's restive province of Diyala where a massive American and Iraqi military sweep has been targeting Al Qaeda militants for several months, according to AFP. The military said another soldier was also wounded in the blast. The Diyala attack that took place on Monday was announced by the military today.
Return Nefertiti statue, Egypt to tell Germany
By RIA Novosti,
Cairo: Egypt is set to officially ask Germany to return a 3,300-year-old statue as it is believed to have been illegally taken out of the country in the early 20th century, an official has said.
Egypt maintains that the priceless limestone bust of Nefertiti, queen of ancient Egypt and wife of monotheistic Pharaoh Akhenaten, was taken out of the country in 1914 through fraudulent documents. It has been on display in Berlin's Neues Museum since 1924.
Pakistan: 7 killed, 35 injured in bomb blast
By NNN-APP,
Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan : At least seven people including five policemen were killed and 35 others injured in a bomb blast in front of a hotel, adjacent to Polytechnic College on Multan Road here Sunday evening.
It is to be mentioned that FC personnel had been deployed in the college to maintain security during Muharram. Medical Superintendent, District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Ashiq Saleem said apparently it seemed to be a suicide attack.
Bahrain workers to get pay hike
By IANS
Dubai : Around 1,800 overseas workers in a Bahraini construction firm are expecting a rise in earnings after their employer assured them of a salary review within four days.
The workers have called off their nearly weeklong strike and decided to resume duties Friday.
The strike ended Thursday when hundreds of workers declared that they wanted to go back to work even if others did not, according to local media reports.
Saudi Arabia bars Nigerian planes carrying Pakistani arms
By Francis Kokutse,
Accra (Ghana) : Saudi Arabian authorities have refused to grant over-flight permits to Nigerian cargo planes carrying military equipment including armoured tanks...
Mass grave of about 30 bodies found south of Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi army soldiers found a mass grave containing more than 30 bodies in the town of Mahmoudiyah south of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Friday.
The troops discovered the site of the mass grave at a house in the town on Thursday and initial reports showed that the remains have been buried for more than a year, the military said in a statement.
The entire house has been declared as a grave site and the Iraqi troops are excavating the entire area, the statement said, adding that U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to investigate the incident.
Terror camps in Pakistan undermine war in Aghanistan: WSJ
By IANS,
New York : The existence of dozens of terror camps Pakistan mountains neighbouring Afghanistan is a major reason why the US-led war just across the border is foundering, the Wall Street Journal has said in a report from one of the camps.
While Pakistan's military is struggling to locate the camps and eradicate them, in part because many locals are sympathetic to the jihadis, the Journal located one camp a few kilometres from Peshawar.
Two children killed every day in Afghan war in 2010: Report
By DPA,
Kabul : At least two children lost their lives every day in the Afghan conflict in 2010, a rights group said Wednesday, blaming the Taliban-led insurgents for two thirds of the deaths.
Saudi Arabia recruits Indian maids to ease labour shortage
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has started issuing recruitment visas for domestic maids from India under a new employment contract finalised by the two nations,...
217 Syrians executed by IS in Homs since mid-May: Report
Beirut : At least 217 people have been executed since May 16 by the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the east of the...
10 Mideast nations declare Wednesday first day of Ramadan
By DPA,
Amman : At least 10 countries in the Middle East decided Tuesday night that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will start Wednesday.
The decision was first adopted by Saudi Arabia's legal moon sighting panel, with other Arab and Islamic countries following suit.
Middle East countries celebrating the start of Ramadan Wednesday so far are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.
More Arab and Muslim states were expected to follow the Saudi lead.
New oil field discovered in Dubai
By IANS,
Dubai : A new oil field was discovered here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), WAM news agency reported Thursday.
UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the discovery will boost the country's oil production, strengthen the economy and provide a new source of income.
The study to determine the size of the oil reserve, energy production and economic benefits of the field was assigned to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Oil Affairs Department, the UAE prime minister said during a meeting with ministers and other dignitaries here.
Four policemen killed in Afghanistan attack
Kabul : At least four policemen were killed Wednesday when Taliban militants launched an attack on a security checkpoint in Afghanistan.
"A huge number of...
ISESCO Chief: Russia’s relations with Muslim World peaks to highest level
By SPA,
Moscow : Secretary General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr Abdulaziz Al-Tuweijiri said Tuesday that the relations of Russia with the Muslim world have peaked to the highest level in history.
The Russian "Novosti" news agency reported that Al-Tuweijiri made these remarks at an international Applied Scientific Conference, currently in progress in Moscow.
He also affirmed that the existing cooperation between the Muslim world and Russia is stronger than it was in past years.
New attack in Nigeria forces 3,000 to flee: UN
Geneva : A Boko Haram attack this week on the northern Nigerian town of Damassak has left 50 people dead and forced at least...
Pakistan cannot afford more bloodshed: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday condemned the killing of 23 security personnel by Taliban militants and said the country cannot afford...
Top Pakistan Army officers meet
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Army's top brass met Friday night with an agenda which the Dawn described as "extraordinary".
Libyan army moves towards recapturing Benghazi
Benghazi : The Libya National Army, supported by Major General Khalifa Haftar, has entered Benghazi for the first time in two months.
"A number of...
Pakistani forces tighten noose around Taliban, Swat peace accord totters
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani forces Monday tightened their noose around the Taliban on the second day of an air and land operation in the country's troubled northwest, prompting the militants to suspend an accord to restore peace in the area.
The security forces had killed 20 militants and had retaken the Lower Dir district on Monday, Geo TV reported. It quoted security sources as saying Taliban commander Qari Quresh was killed by Frontier Corps troopers in the Maidan area of Lower Dir.
Violence flares in Iraq, female al-Qaeda suspect held
By DPA
Baghdad : A fresh outbreak of violence in Iraq Thursday left 22 people dead and 14 others injured, including an attack on a family in the native village of former president Saddam Hussein and a shootout involving US forces, while a suspected female member of Al Qaeda was captured.
Nine people from one family were shot dead in the village of Ouja north of Baghdad, the police said.
Gunmen stormed in the early hours of Thursday the home of a building contractor and killed him and his wife and children, police sources told DPA.
Islamic Conference to meet in Pakistan on relief effort
By DPA,
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) : Muslim humanitarian aid agencies will hold a meeting in Pakistan next week to help coordinate relief efforts for the millions of flood victims there, the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) announced Wednesday.
The OIC, which has 56 member states, said the conference will be opened Sunday by Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. Red Crescent societies and other relief bodies from the Muslim world were invited to attend.
Fatah: we are not obliged to honor any truce
By KUNA
Gaza : Fatah's Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said, Thursday, that they will not be party to any truce with Israel.
This applies to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian people are suffering from siege and a series of assassinations of brigade leaders, in addition to incursions into Palestinian refugee camps, the statement added.
"We are not obliged to honor any truce or ceasefire in the West Bank or Gaza Strip," said the brigade.
US apologises over Afghan Quran burning
By IANS,
London : US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has apologised to the people of Afghanistan for an incident in which copies of the Quran were reportedly burned, according to BBC.
UK analyst blames US for Saudi invasion of Bahrain
By IRNA,
London : A British political analyst says the “invasion” of Saudi forces into Bahrain to suppress the democratic movement has taken place by the US support.
Pakistan prepares to deport Osama’s family
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is making arrangements to deport 16 members of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's family after their 45-day jail term ends Tuesday midnight, a media report said.
Pakistan: major reshuffle in cabinet after presidential election, says PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said there will be a major reshuffle in the federal cabinet after the presidential elections.
Talking to reporters at Parliament House on Tuesday, he said the cabinet was not expanded as the resignations of PML-N ministers were not accepted.
The Prime Minister said it was because of the joint struggle and cooperation of all democratic forces including PML(N), that President Musharraf, who was the biggest hurdle in the way of democracy, resigned.
Israel to resume fuel shipment to Gaza on Sunday
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel decided to resume fuel shipments to the Gaza Strip on Sunday in response to a petition filed by human rights groups with the country's High Court of Justice against the ongoing Gaza siege, local media reported.
According to a Jerusalem Post report, the amount of fuel supply by Israel will henceforth be in accordance to what was demanded by the High Court, which is 2.2 million liters per week.
However, the agreement to renew the fuel supplies did not satisfy the petitioners, who claimed that the above amount was not enough.