27 Pakistani commandos hurt in accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty-seven Pakistan Army commandos were injured Monday when the vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
UAE, Peru discuss economic cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Peru have held talks over economic cooperation between the two countries.
Iran condemns Israel’s insolent, outrageous, unprovoked threats
By IRNA
UN HQ., New York : Iran on Thursday condemned Israel's continued "insolent, outrageous and unprovoked" threats against Iran.
"... I wish to inform you that the Israeli regime has continued with its insolent, outrageous and unprovoked threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran," read a letter that Iran's Ambassador and permanent representative to the UN Mohammad Khazaee sent to the UN Security Council President Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo.
Full text of the letter, a copy of which was made available to IRNA New York office on Friday, is as follows:
"Excellency,
Explosion rocks Kabul
By Xinhua,
Kabul : An explosion rocked this Afghanistan capital Kabul Wednesday morning. No officials were immediately available to make comment. window.onload = function() {var...
Officials give final touches to Pakistan poll preparations
Islamabad, Feb 17 (IANS) Pakistan's Election Commission and political parties gave final touches to arrangements for the crucial 10th general elections Monday. More than 80 million people are eligible to vote and elect members for the national and provincial parliaments.
"Nobody will be allowed to create a law and order situation anywhere in the country," caretaker information minister Nisar Memon said Sunday as the security forces were put on high alert after Saturday's blast in tribal areas that killed 47 people.
India-Pakistan talks begin; Islamabad still hedging bets over Mumbai
By IANS,
New York : The Indian and Pakistan foreign ministers began crucial talks Sunday with India focusing on terror emanating from across the border and Islamabad still hedging its bets over action against the 26/11 Mumbai terror perpetrators.
Hours before External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the New York Palace hotel Sunday, Islamabad's top diplomat suggested that it was willing to take action, but could not take to court a "half-baked" case against alleged 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
Lightning kills eight in Bangladesh
Dhaka : Eight people were killed and 15 others wounded in series of lightning strikes in different districts of Bangladesh Saturday, authorities said.
Most of...
Iran President visit to Baghdad indicates strong support for Iraqi govt
By NNN-IRNA
Baghdad : Leader of Iraq Al-Tavafogh Front in a meeting with Iran's ambassador to Baghdad said President Ahmadinejad's visit to Iraq indicates Iran's strong support for Iraqi legal government.
In the meeting, Adnan al-Dalimi called for expansion of ties in all fields between Tehran and Baghdad.
He said Iran, in the region, has an special position and importance and its effective role in the area cannot be ignored.
D8 to boost intra-trade, enhance economic cooperation
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : The Developing 8 countries (D8)will focus on pushing intra-trade and enhancing economic cooperation as its a direction in the future, the grouping's Secretary-General Dipo Alam said here on Sunday.
There had been a progress in terms of trade where the total trade of D8 countries in 2006 amounting to 750 billion U.S. dollars globally increased to 1 trillion U.S. dollars last year, he said in an interview on the sidelines of the 11th Session of the D8 council of Ministers.
Iran produces 70 kg high-grade enriched uranium
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said Monday that Iran has so far produced nearly 70 kg of 20 percent enriched uranium.
Malik urges US to halt drone attacks
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has urged the US to halt its drone attacks in the country, a media report said Wednesday.
In an interview with a private TV Channel, Malik said all the parliamentarians and the entire nation have condemned the attacks. The US must accept Pakistan's demand to halt the drone attacks.
He added that "Pakistan can catch Osama Bin Laden if US provides us information" about his whereabouts.
Malaysia’s Ibrahim vows to topple Badawi government
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has again threatened to topple Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government, saying he is "on track", despite being haunted by a sodomy charge.
He told media Monday that he would succeed despite attempts to "demonise and intimidate" him through the charge filed by a political aide last month that he said was meant to stop him in his track to bring the government down by mid-September.
Pakistani PM condemns suicide blast in tribal region
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani strongly condemned the suicide attack on Thursday morning in northwestern Khyber tribal agency, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
The government was committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and such incidents will not deter the government from its determination to fight this menace, Gillani said.
The official news agency said the suicide attack injured 15 people and some of them are at critical condition.
Palestinian, Israeli negotiators to meet in Washington
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian and Israeli peace negotiators will meet in Washington in 10 days with representatives from the U.S. administration attending the meeting, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday.
Spokesman Nabil Abu Rdineh said the forthcoming meeting was aimed at giving a stronger push to the staggering peace talks between the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and Israel.
Abu Rdineh warned that there is not much time left for the two sides to come to an accord.
Christians in India express concern over abuses of blasphemy law in Pakistan
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Indian Human Rights and Freedom of Faith activist Dr. John Dayal, who met with Mr. Abdul Basit, High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi, recently has urged the Paksitan government to release the ailing Aisa Bibi, facing a death sentence and in jail since 2009 under the notorious Blasphemy laws, and to allow her to come to India where local groups have volunteered to take care of her urgent medical condition.
55 abducted frontier corps personal released in Pakistan
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Fifty-five paramilitary troops taken hostage by tribesmen in Pakistan's troubled Kurram Agency were released today after negotiations between a local jirga and officials.
Shia Turi tribesmen abducted the 55 Frontier Corps personnel in Piwar area of Kurram Agency yesterday. Turi tribal elder Ali Akbar said they had mistaken the paramilitary personnel for members of the rival Suni Mengal tribe.
It makes sense for Pakistan, Iran to firm ties: Daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran "have a need of friends in the world" and it makes strategic sense for both countries to firm up ties, said a daily Thursday.
Two killed, 18 wounded in Iraq violence
By DPA
Baghdad : At least two people were killed and 18 wounded in violent attacks across Iraq, the US military and media reports said Saturday.
In the city of Kut, some 180 km southwest of Baghdad, a police officer was killed and eight were injured during intense clashes between militants and Iraqi forces late Friday, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said.
Flood-hit Pakistanis facing serious health risk
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : Of the 20 million people displaced by floods in Pakistan, at least 10 percent are facing serious health risks as hundreds of skin disease and diarrhoea cases have been detected in the flood-hit areas across the country.
Amidst reports of a cholera outbreak in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, two cases have been reported and samples collected for tests by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"However, they cannot be called cholera patients at this stage but cases of acute diarrhoea," sources told IANS.
Zardari condoles journalist’s death
By IANS,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed "deep grief and sorrow" over the abduction and murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad and ordered an investigation into the killing.
French aid worker released in Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : A French aid worker who was kidnapped by suspected Al Qaeda gunmen three months ago in Yemen has been released, Xinhua reported.
Raul Castro Meets with Iran Special Envoy
By Prensa Latina,
Havana : President Raul Castro met with Iran´s Industry and Mining Minister Ali Akbar Mezharabian, who was the bearer of a message from President Mahmud Ahmadineyad to the Cuban head of state.
According to an official statement released Thursday in Havana, Raul Castro asked Ahmadineyad´s special envoy to give his best regards to the Iranian leader.
The Cuban President also reiterated Cuba´s condemnation of the Israeli brutal aggression on Gaza.
Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on coordinated efforts to curb ectremism
By NNN-APP,
Kabul : Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on the need for broad-based and coordinated efforts to curb the twin menace of militancy and extremism that pose a grave challenge to the security of both the countries.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, talking to journalists along with his Afghan counterpart Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta after talks here on Friday said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing the common challenge of terrorism and extremism.”
Hamas storms Fatah-affiliated university in Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Islamist group Hamas has taken control of the Al-Azhar University in Gaza, associated with rival movement Fatah, who were forced out of the Gaza Strip last year by Hamas, a deputy principle said Monday.
A deputy principal at Al-Azhar, one of Gaza's largest universities, told journalists that police took over the university campus early Monday, denying entry to both students and university staff.
No danger of Talibanisation in Punjab, says governor
By IANS,
Lahore : The governor of Pakistan's Punjab province has said there is no danger of Talibanisation in the area.
Governor Salman Taseer said the situation in Punjab is under control and there is no danger of Talibanisation in the province, the Online news agency reported Tuesday.
He said the ongoing military operation in the Swat Valley will continue till its logical end (when the Taliban threat is neutralised) and urged people to help the Pakistan Army.
The people of the province are generously contributing to help the displaced civilians, he added.
Pakistan gets new fighter planes from US
By IANS,
Islamabad : With an eye to India, Pakistan Monday received the last of 18 F-16 fighter jets from the US.
Bangladesh plans major defence purchases
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is planning major purchase of weaponry, equipment and hardware for its armed forces, including anti-tank and anti-ship missile systems, aircraft for maritime patrol, frigates, tanks and helicopters, the parliament was told.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government said it needed to strengthen the country's defence system, The Daily Star reported Monday.
Get your act together, army chief Kayani tells Zardari
Islamabad, March 9 (IANS) Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has reportedly asked President Asif Ali Zardari to get his act together in view of the deteriorating political and security situation in the country, media reports said Monday, as former president Pervez Musharraf has thrown his full weight behind the military.
"Pakistan's deteriorating political situation has activated the previously very low-profile Kayani," Asia Times Online said, adding that the situation in Pakistan is "fast becoming untenable".
Sarkozy vows more support, long-term commitment for Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday expressed determined support for Afghanistan and its fight against Taliban militias, and he also said France would double its aid to Afghans in the 2008-2010 period.
Speaking at the opening of the international conference here, the French leader said that aid to Afghanistan would be multiplied by two to USD 165 million over the next two years.
Sarkozy blasted the Taliban insurgency and practices by members of the militias and he said they had "taken hostage" Afghanistan.
Jordanian FM, Russian envoy discuss Mideast developments
By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Jordanian Foreign Minister Salah al-Din Al-Bashir has held discussions here with the Russian envoy for the peace process in the Middle East, Alexander Sultanov, on efforts to push forward the peace process.
Al-Bashir said Monday that Jordan supported enhanced Russian role in the peace process, mainly in this critical situation, which requires intensifying international efforts to push forward talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Musharraf hails launching of new frigate and Sino-Pakistani ties
By SPA
Islamabad : Launching of the frigate "PNS- Zulfikar" in collaboration with China will greatly enhance Navy's capability to safeguard Pakistan's territorial waters and help its modernization, President Pervez Musharraf said.
In a press statement, he welcomed the launching of the frigate in Shanghai, China.
Applauding the launch, the President said that the development of the frigate project was another landmark achievement testifying close Pakistan-China friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
EU declines to comment on headscarf issue in Turkey
By KUNA
Brussels : The European Union declined Thursday to comment on a parliament vote in Turkey on the Muslim headscarf saying it is an internal matter for Turkey.
"On this issue I dont have any particular comment to make and the reason for that is that there is no EU legislation on the issue of wearing of the headscarf," Krisztina Nagy, a spokesperson for the European Commission, told journalists here today.
Afghanistan, Pakistan will fight extremists together: Karzai
By SPA
Kabul : Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai on Sunday expressed confidence that his government would work closely with the new Pakistani Prime Minister to fight extremism plaguing both countries, Pakistan's English Daily "The News" reported.
"There is no doubt that continuation of the war on terrorism is a priority for Afghanistan and there is no doubt that Pakistan suffers at the hands of terrorism," Karzai told a press conference.
11 more PKK rebels killed in southeastern Turkey
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Eleven more rebels from the outlawed Turkish Workers Party (PKK) were killed by the Turkish troops in southeastern Hakkari province, the Turkish military said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 11 rebels were killed in an ongoing operation of the Turkish army backed by fighter jets and helicopters in Hakkari province which borders Iran and Iraq, said the statement.
Muslims join campaign for more democracy in UK
London, Feb 5, IRNA – British Muslims are being urged to back a campaign for democratic renewal launched by POWER2010 ahead of the UK’s forthcoming general election.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it was urging everyone to vote to strengthen local democracy and “fix the disconnect between parties and the voters.”
“British Democracy is clearly in difficulties. For too long political power in this country has been locked away in the hands of a small number of people at the centre,” the MCB said.
ISIS inspiring Pakistani militants, says expert
Islamabad : The ISIS in Iraq is influencing Pakistani militants, with at least one group declaring allegiance to the insurgents, a Pakistani security analyst...
Moroccan king announces constitutional reform
By DPA,
Rabat : Morocco's King Mohammed VI announced constitutional reform boosting the powers of parliament and guaranteeing human rights, following demonstrations demanding more democracy.
UN concerned about deteriorating situation in Yemen
Sanaa: The UN Security Council has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in northern Yemen, calling for implementing the existing ceasefire agreements.
"The members of...
US Convoy Blasted in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A car bomb exploded against a US military convoy in the western Afghan Afghan province of Herat, wounding three, military sources reported Friday.
The attack occurred when the convoy carrying vehicles was leaving Heart airport, reported the Afghan security official Qadir Afgha to media.
One US soldier and two others from different nationalities were wounded as well as two vehicles damaged.
Spokesmen from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by NATO reported the two wounded people are out of danger.
Amnesty International releases second edition of Manual to combat injustice
By A. Mirsab,TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Amnesty International has recently published second edition of ‘Fair Trial Manual’ to help combat injustices around the world. The first edition of ‘Fair Trial Manual’ was published in 1998 primarily to support Amnesty International staff and members. The first edition was overwhelmingly accepted around the world which benefitted number of lawyers and activists who fight for injustices meted out to innocents. Due to the increased demand the first edition had to be published in 15 languages.
Terror attack on NATO complex in Afghanistan
Kabul : At least four people were killed when militants mounted an audacious attack on a NATO complex in Afghanistan, an official said Monday.
The...
Five arrested for links with Karachi blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : Five people have been arrested by the authorities in connection with the series of bomb blasts Monday in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, IRNA news agency reported Wednesday.
Two people were killed and over 40 injured in seven blasts that rocked the Sindh provincial capital of Karachi Monday, officials said.
No insurgent group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The blasts occurred in an area mostly inhabited by ethnic Pashtoons.
Militant clashes kill nine civilians in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least nine civilians, including women and children, were killed Thursday in clashes between Taliban rebels and security forces, while a compound used by militants was destroyed in Pakistan's troubled Swat district, media reports and officials said.
The civilians died when mortar shells hit their houses in several areas of Matta sub-district.
The Dawn News television channel said five members of a family were killed when a stray shell struck their house in Darmai village, while another four people were killed in a similar incident in the Sambat area.
President Ahmadinejad officially welcomes Indonesian counterpart
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad officially welcomed his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Tuesday morning.
President Yudhoyono arrived here Monday afternoon heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation.
He was welcomed at Mehrabad International Airport by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammad Soleimani.
The official welcome ceremony was held at Presidential premises downtown Tehran.
Children in Pakistan villages not given polio drops
Islamabad : Hundreds of children below five years of age have not been given polio drops in villages in Pakistan's Dadu district during successive...
Half trained British troops being sent to Afghanistan
By NNN-APP
London : The British Army may rush half-trained troops to the battlefields of Afghanistan, says a report in the Thursday edition of respected daily ‘The Times.’
According to the paper, nearly 1,000 new army recruits face having their combat training cut by half so that they can be rushed to Afghanistan.
The “exceptional” measure is being proposed by senior officers to meet a serious shortage in manpower, said the daily. It would affect those infantry battalions being earmarked to fight in the country next year.
Russia dismisses EU sanctions on Syria
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia will not participate in the European Union (EU) sanctions against Syria and will not allow the inspection of ships sailing under its flag, an official said.
One civilian killed, four wounded in car-bomb blast in Afghanistan
By SPA
Kabul : One civilian was killed and four others were wounded on Tuesday when a car bomb exploded in the southern city of Kandahar, DPA quoted police sources as saying.
"One civilian was killed and another four were wounded when a bomb, which was placed inside a car and was parked by the side of the road, was exploded by remote control," Abdul Qader, a police official at the site of the attack, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.
Israel announces indirect peace talks with Syria
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel and Syria will begin indirect peace talks, after an eight-year break, under Turkish auspices, simultaneous statements from Ankara, Jerusalem and Damascus said Wednesday.
"Both sides have declared their intention to hold these talks openly and in good faith," a statement of the office of Israeli prime Minister Ehud Olmert said.
"They decided to hold a serious and continuous dialogue, with the intention of arriving at an embracing peace treaty, in accordance with the framework (laid down by the 1991) Madrid peace conference," the statement continued.
Asif Zardari in Lahore to meet Nawaz Sharif
Lahore:Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari Saturday met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.
The former president reached Sharif's residence...
Iran-IAEA cooperation enjoys proper pace; Hosseini
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has had a proper pace, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Sunday.
"Iran-IAEA cooperation is aimed at removing outstanding ambiguities and is taking place within the framework of their action plan," Hosseini stressed during his weekly press conference.
He made the remarks commenting on statements by the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei who recently said cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog should promote and get a quicker pace.
Pakistan coalition to announce decision on Musharraf impeachment
By DPA,
Islamabad : Leaders of Pakistan's coalition Thursday were set to announce their "decisive decision" on the impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, a move that could send the country into yet another political crisis.
Asif Ali Zardari, head of the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif held marathon consultation sessions over the last couple of days and a "consensus" was reached early Thursday.
Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said a joint statement to be issued Thursday afternoon would bring "good news" to the nation.
Khamenei congratulates Iranian scientists on satellite launch
By IANS,
Tehran : Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has complimented Iranian scientists for their success in sending the first domestically-produced satellite into orbit, IRNA reported.
In a message Tuesday in response to a letter from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed appreciation for the efforts of Iranian officials and scientists "for their efforts which made such a praiseworthy move possible".
"This is another sign that the hope that the Islamic Revolution has brought to hearts is true," he stated.
Somali president signs Sharia bill into law
By Xinhua,
Mogadishu : Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has signed a bill that will allow the implementation of Sharia or Islamic law in the country.
Since Somalia has now implemented the Sharia, there is no reason for the continuation of hostilities in the country, Ahmed said Wednesday after signing the bill into law.
The introduction of Sharia in the country has been a key demand of the Islamist groups.
The parliament last month unanimously endorsed the implementation of Sharia.
Now ‘Dirty Harry’ bullet to kill Taliban
By IANS,
London : A new bullet, which packs more punch and is called the "Dirty Harry round", has been developed for use against the Taliban in Afghanistan.
British troops who are using the SA80 rifle could use the 5.56 mm "Dirty Harry round" next year, Daily Express reported.
Soldiers had observed that their bullets had little impact at a distance of more than 1,300 feet even as the heavily armed Taliban guerrillas use heavier 7.62 mm ammunition and Russian AK-47 assault rifles.
India lifts ban on travel to Iraq
By IANS,
New Delhi: India Tuesday lifted the ban on grant of emigration clearance for Indians wishing to travel to Iraq, but added a cautionary advisory that they take care of their personal security while working or visiting the oil-rich Gulf country.
"The government of India has decided, in order to facilitate travel by Indian nationals to Iraq on work and/or for visits, not to extend the ban on the grant of emigration clearance, which had been issued under Section 31(1) of the Emigration Act, 1983," the advisory said.
Fatah rules out meeting between Abbas, Hamas’ Mashaal
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : A spokesman for Fatah on Monday ruled out that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may meet Hamas chief when he visits Syrian capital Damascus.
"President Abbas will visit Syria to meet President Bashar al-Assad to discuss situation in the region and the Arab-Israeli conflict," said Ahmed Abdel Rahman, spokesman for Fatah movement.
Sudan to free woman on death row for apostasy
Khartoum: Authorities in Sudan have agreed to release a woman, sentenced to death for abandoning the Islamic faith, after world leaders added their voices...
Pakistan launches indigenous armed drone
Islamabd : Pakistan launched an indigenously developed armed drone on Friday, test-firing laser-guided missiles, the military said.
The "Burraq and Barq" drone, which has impressive...
Erekat describes Israeli approval of new settlement houses as “very dangerous matter”
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Monday asked Israel to clear its attitude towards the peace process following its decision to build new settlements near Jerusalem.
"We were surprised with the Israeli decision to build 850 housing unit in a settlement in the north of Jerusalem," PNA negotiator Saeb Erekat told Voice of Palestine radio.
No deadline to restore judges, says Zardari
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said Wednesday his party will restore the sacked judges but it will be done through a "parliament act" and he cannot give any deadline for it.
"I am not in a position to give deadline, but we will restore the judges through a parliament act and we cannot do it in a haste," Zardari told a press conference here after chairing a meeting of his party's executive committee.
Fahim vows to work for strengthening Peoples Party in any capacity
By APP
Islamabad : Senior Vice President Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Makhdoom Amin Fahim Monday expressed his firm resolve to put his energies together for strengthening the party in any capacity.
Amin Fahim said he would extend full cooperation to the party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in maintaining unity in party ranks and moving it forward.
Majority of the people of Pakistan want him to become the prime minister: “But I will not say even a single word until my party takes a decision.”I am however greatful to the people of Pakistan”.
Pakistan must break links with terrorists operating in India: US experts
By Arun Kumar,
Washington : Citing the case of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, two US experts want...
Petraeus takes command, vows victory in Afghan war
By DPA,
Kabul : US General David Petraeus vowed victory over Taliban militants Sunday as he formally took command of NATO-led forces in a ceremony in Kabul.
"We must demonstrate to the people and to the Taliban that Afghan and ISAF forces are here to safeguard the Afghan people," Petraeus said at the International Security Assistance Force headquarters.
"We are in this to win, that is our clear objective," the new commander of 150,000 US and NATO forces said.
UAE group conducts 500 eye surgeries in Somalia
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : An international team of ophthalmologists, sponsored by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Red Crescent Authority, have conducted eye surgeries for over 500 Somali patients.
Iranian FM: IAEA nuclear report creates tough situation for U.S.
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday that a latest report issued by IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei on Iran's nuclear activities has created a tough situation for the United States, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Mottaki, addressing the students of the University of Science and Technology, said the reports released by 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and ElBaradei have approved the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities and have left American officials empty-handed.
Move to try war criminals countered by Bangladesh party
By IANS,
Dhaka : Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, has launched a campaign to counter the Sheikh Hasina government's move to try "war criminals".
Those who collaborated with the erstwhile East Pakistan regime in 1971 are referred to as "war criminals".
Terming the government move "anti-Islamic", the Jamaat distributed booklets and leaflets across the country claiming its party's top leaders were "innocent of any war crimes", The Daily Star said Thursday.
Bush endorses pause in troop withdrawals
By DPA
Washington : US President George W. Bush Thursday endorsed the recommendation of his top commander in Iraq to halt troop withdrawals once the surge ends in July, leaving open the possibility that 140,000 soldiers will still be in Iraq when he leaves office.
Bush offered his strong support to General David Petraeus, who called for a 45-day pause in troop reductions after the build-up ends to assess the effect of the increased US presence ordered last year by the president to quell violence and sectarian killings.
Pakistan facing international conspiracy: former army chief
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pointing a finger at the intelligence agencies of India, the US, Israel and Afghanistan, a former Pakistani army chief said Wednesday that an international conspiracy was being hatched against this country but Islamabad had the wherewithal to deal with the situation.
Talking to a private TV channel, Gen. (retd) Mirza Aslam Baig said India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) the US' CIA, Israel's Mossad and Afghan Intelligence Agency Rawa were involved in a conspiracy against Pakistan and had imposed a war on the country.
Kuwaiti developer launches housing project on UAE island
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Kuwait's National Real Estate Company (NREC) has announced a four-tower residential project, worth 1.2 billion UAE dirhams (about $326 million), to be developed on Al Reem Island.
The waterfront Carina Views towers have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the middle-income professionals, the company said Monday.
NREC is a leading regional real estate investment and development company that owns and manages properties and assets across Kuwait, the Middle East and North Africa.
Carina Views is NREC's flagship development project in Abu Dhabi.
Turkish army says kills 150 Kurdish rebels in air strikes
By IRNA,
Ankara : Turkish air strikes in northern Iraq this week left more than 150 Kurdish rebels dead, the Turkish army said on Saturday.
"According to initial estimates, this operation allowed us to neutralize more than 150 terrorists," the army said in a statement.
A PKK spokesman said that only six rebels were killed and they were from a different faction.
Turkey has staged several cross-border raids into northern Iraq since last February in pursuit of the rebels.
Drone strike didn’t kill top leader: Pakistani Taliban
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban Sunday denied reports about the killing of its top commander Hakimullah Mehsud in an US drone strike in the country's northwest.
Lebanese Hezbollah slams Obama’s remarks
By IANS,
Beirut : The Lebanese Hezbollah Friday criticised US President Barack Obama's "appeasement" speech in Israel, saying the remarks were meant to "satisfy" the Jewish state.
Region to be unstable without Kashmir solution: Pakistani general
By IANS,
Islamabad : The subcontinent is likely to "remain unstable" without the Kashmir issue being resolved, says a top Pakistan Army general.
Britain criticises Israeli settlement plan in West Bank
London: Britain has denounced Israel's recent plan to build more settlement units in the West Bank, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced.
"I...
17 killed in road accident in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : At least 17 people were killed and 50 others injured when a bus overturned in Bangladesh's Tangail district, about 80 km northwest of capital Dhaka, early Saturday, police said.
The accident occurred at about 6:45 a.m. local time as the driver who was drowsing lost control over his steering. The bus overturned and fell on rail tracks, injured passengers said. Sixteen people died on the spot and one died on the way to hospital.
Charges dropped against Marine in Haditha case
By DPA
Washington : Prosecutors have dropped charges against a US Marine accused in connection with the killing of 24 Iraqi civilians near Haditha in 2005, officials said.
Lance Corporal Stephen Tatum faced court martial on charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and aggravated assault.
But they were dismissed "in order to continue to pursue the truth seeking process into the Haditha incident", according to a statement posted by the Marine Corps on the website of the Camp Pendleton, California Friday.
French FM sees continuing dialogue with Iran on nuclear issue
By John Keating, KUNA,
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said here Monday that he did not see the dialogue ending with Iran after reception of a letter from Iranian authorities which is expected in France later Monday afternoon.
The French Minister explained that he has not had the opportunity yet to read the Iranian letter which has been transmitted to Chief of the EU foreign policy Javier Solana and the other five members of the Six major nations addressing the Iranian issue.
Kuwait Finance House wins Islamic banking award
By IINA
Manama : Kuwait Finance House (KFH) was voted the Best Overall Islamic Bank in the World for last year at the most comprehensive Islamic Finance News annual poll. The announcement came during the awards ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where KFH was also announced the "Most Innovative Islamic Bank" and "Best Islamic Bank in Kuwait".
The awards were received by KFH Group Treasury Head Abdul Wahab Al Rushood.
Official: kidnapped Pakistan ambassador released
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan Tariq Azizuddin has been released, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said Saturday.
"The ambassador was recovered late Friday," confirmed Sadiq. "He is safe and sound."
Azizuddin was heading to the Afghan capital Kabul with his driver when he disappeared in the Khyber tribal district bordering Afghanistan on Feb. 11.
Pakistan is strongly fighting teerrorism, says Pakistan’s ambassador to US
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan s ambassador to the United States Mahmud Ali Durrani says Pakistan is strongly combating terrorism threat in its tribal region bordering Afghanistan and the militants are now under growing pressure.
The militants are under pressure as there has been a firm action and there has been no agreement of any kind, Durrani told the reporters in Washington, according to a message received in Islamabad.
Israel okays deployment of Palestinian forces in West Bank
By DPA
Tel Aviv : Israel will allow 600 foreign-trained Palestinian police officers to be deployed in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Tuesday.
The deployment is part of the revived peace process between Israel and the West Bank-based administration of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
It follows an earlier deployment of up to 500 Palestinian police officers in Nablus, the biggest Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, in November.
Israeli arms company successfully tests anti-Qassam missile
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli authority for development of weapons and military technology Rafael has successfully completed a series of test in the short-range missile defense system it is currently developing as part of the project code-named "Iron Dome", local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website on Monday.
The tests, which were carried out at a test ground in southern Israel, were successful, said the report, citing Israeli security sources.
30 Taliban surrender in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Thirty Taliban, led by a commander named Mullah Abdullah, surrendered Monday in Afghanistan's Herat province, Xinhua reported.
20 civilians killed, houses levelled into rubble in Sadr City
By IRNA
Baghdad : At least 20 Iraqi civilians were killed and 31 others wounded in indiscriminate bombardment of Sadr City by the US helicopters and tanks on Sunday.
The US troops invaded Sadr City district of Baghdad in an operation they said to control neighborhoods used by militias to fire rockets and mortars into the nearby Green Zone.
Inhabitants of the city have taken refuge in mosques and their houses have levelled into rubble.
An American Stryker squadron involved through southern section of Sadr City.
Karzai hails Obama, calls for new strategy against terror
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Wednesday congratulated Barack Obama on his victory in the US presidential elections and called for change in the strategy on war against terrorism.
"I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on winning the presidential elections and we hope there will be a change in the strategy of war on terror," Karzai told newsmen at a press conference here.
"The war on terror should be conducted in areas where the sanctuaries of terrorists and their training centres exist," and not in Afghan villages, he said.
Peace prize awaits `war president’ Obama in Oslo
By Mike McCarthy, DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama will have to put on his best balancing act when he arrives Thursday in Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, a week after ordering a major escalation of the fight in Afghanistan.
Receiving one of the world's most coveted and celebrated honours places Obama in the uneasy position of accepting the prize while defending his decision to deploy an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, making the inherited war there his own policy.
Kuwait, UAE hold talks
By IANS,
By WAM,
Kuwait City: Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tuesday discussed bilateral relations.
UN team quizzes doctors who treated Benazir Bhutto
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : A UN team probing the murder of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto Monday visited the hospital where she was rushed after the fatal attack on her life in December 2007 to collect details about her wounds and treatment, the Online agency reported.
The UN officials interacted with the staff of the Benazir Shaheed Hospital for more than two hours, the report said.
The team also visited the operation theater, the treatment room and the site where the doctors formally announced her death.
Erekat: Abbas, Olmert to meet in Jerusalem Wednesday
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat announced on Tuesday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Erekat told Palestinian radio "Voice of Palestine" that Abbas and Olmert will meet on Wednesday at the latter's house in Jerusalem to discuss the results of the peace talks held between the two sides in Washington last week.
Former Bangladesh ruler visits ancestral home in Bengal
By IANS,
Kolkata: Former Bangladesh head of state Gen. Hussain Muhammad Ershad Sunday arrived at his ancestral home in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district with his son Eric.
Emotional scenes were witnessed as Ershad's relatives received him on his first visit to Dinhata in 34 years with flowers and hugs.
Udayan Guha, son of the ex-Bangaldesh president's childhood friend and former state agriculture minister Kamal Guha, called on Ershad who is now spending time with his relatives at his ancestral home.
Pakistan: MQM says it is willing to talk on PPP,PML-N on govt formation
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : The Muttahida Qaumi Movement, a close ally of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, has indicated its willingness to hold parleys with the PPP and PML-N on forming a government.
For the "sake of national solidarity, prosperity and welfare of the people", the MQM is willing to forget the past and look forward to bringing stability to Pakistan, party chief Altaf Hussein told reporters at party secretariat in London.
Polling ends peacefully in Maldives parliamentary elections
Male: Polling ended peacefully in the Maldives parliamentary election despite the arrest of at least six people for minor violations, an official said here...
Pres Abbas, Pres Mubarak discusses Palestine issues
By NNN-WAFA,
Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) : Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday that he reviewed with Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak the outcome of his tour which included both Russia and the United States of America.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Mubarak here, Abbas said their talks dealt with the subject of calm and the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, stressing the importance of the Egyptian role in this field.
'We are still negotiating on the issues of the six final issues of the peace process.'
Pakistan Air Force assured of latest equipment
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will focus on ramping up indigenous capabilities and entering joint ventures with foreign manufacturers to ensure its air force acquires the latest equipment, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Thursday.
Speaking to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Qamar Suleman, Gilani said the government would also provide the necessary resources for upgrading its professional capabilities, APP reported.
IAEA sees progress on Iraq’s nuclear issue but mistrust remains
By NNN-KUNA,
Brussels : Mohamed ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has said here that an IAEA team is currently in Tehran to clarify with Iranian authorities the alleged "studies of weaponisation" of Iran's nuclear programme.
"IAEA's role is to verify Iran's past and future nuclear activity. We have made good progress, however we still have the so-called alleged studies of weaponisation," he told a press conference Wednesday after talks with EU officials.
Nawaz Sharif to contest by-elections in June
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif will take part in the by-elections scheduled in June, seeking an entry in parliament, media reports said Friday.
"By-elections for 30 national and provincial seats will be held on the same day. Polling would be held in the first week of June," the News daily quoted official sources as saying.
U.N urges more countries to host 180,000 refugees
New York : More than 30 humanitarian organizations launched an appeal on Monday for countries to take in around 180,000 refugees from the Syrian conflict, AFP reported.
US willing to back Afghan talks with Taliban
By DPA,
Washington : The US would support efforts by the Afghan government to open dialogue with with Taliban militants and other insurgents to end the violence, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
"They are an independent, sovereign state," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said. "If that's what they see in their best interest, we fully support it and we'll do whatever we can to help facilitate it."
Dhaka worried BDR ammunition could reach militants in India
By IANS,
Dhaka : A former chief of the Bangladesh Rifle (BDR) has said the ammunition and explosives that went missing during the troopers' mutiny could have been smuggled to militant groups in northeastern India, fuelling Dhaka's worries.
"The missing weapons could reach the hands of terrorists and other criminals, and could even be smuggled into neighbouring countries' separatists like the United Liberation Front of Assam," Lt. Gen. (retd) Atiqur Rahman, a former BDR chief, told the Daily Star newspaper.
Baitullah Mehsud alive, in hiding: Pakistan Taliban
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, said to be responsible for the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was not killed in a US drone attack but is in hiding as part of a "strategy", a spokesman for the group said Saturday.
Speaking to an Arabic TV channel, Tahreek-e-Taliban spokesman Hakeemullah Mehsud, a close relative of the militant leader, said a videotape would soon be released to prove that Mehsud was alive.
FM: Blast outside Danish embassy damages Pakistan’s image
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said on Monday that the blast outside Danish embassy in Islamabad has damaged the country's image.
The suicide car bombing at about 1:00 p.m. local time killed at least eight people, including two Pakistani policemen at the embassy, and wounded nearly 30 others.
Bashir visited the Danish embassy to express sympathies with the charge'd affairs over the deadly blast.
"The blast has damaged image of our country," Bashir told reporters outside the embassy building.
UAE equestrian exhibition to open Wednesday
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) will open here Wednesday, WAM news agency reported.
Various programmes including folklore dances, art, poetry, handicraft and coffee brewing competitions, among others, will be organised at the event from Sep 30 to Oct 3.
Among the participants, 'The Musical Ride' team of the British Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment with 28 horses will lead the line-up at the equestrian event in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Iran threatens western powers with sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Iran could impose unilateral sanctions against western powers in response to measures to punish Tehran over its nuclear programme, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said.
"Any sanctions against our country are illegal," he said in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, reported by Iranian media Friday.
"We have not so far demonstrated a tough response to sanctions. Iran might impose sanctions against those states," Ahmadinejad said, without elaborating.
Iran vows to persevere on peaceful nuclear program
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran vowed Tuesday to continue its nuclear program, while rejecting to pursue nuclear weapons, the state television reported.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated the stance in a televised speech at a ceremony honoring Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.
Khamenei said that Iran is not after nuclear weapons but peaceful use of nuclear energy, the stance that the country "has announced a number of times."
Egyptian president supports Sarkozy’s proposal for Mediterranean Union
By DPA
Paris, April : Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak Tuesday reiterated his support for the proposal by his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, for a union of European nations and countries along the Mediterranean rim.
Sarkozy's foreign affairs advisor Jean-David Levitte told journalists that Mubarak had told the French president of his "resolute support" for the Union for the Mediterranean during a working dinner with Sarkozy.
Injured Pakistani Taliban leader surrounded: Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taliban leader and radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah has been wounded and has been surrounded by security forces, a minister has said.
North West Frontier Province Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour said the head of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) in Swat, Fazlullah, was injured and has been surrounded, Online news agency reported Thursday.
Bilour told a TV channel that top leadership of TTP Swat has either been arrested or killed and the situation in 80 percent of Swat was normal.
21,000 soldiers to safeguard Iraqi Shia religious festival
By DPA,
Baghdad: More than 21,000 Iraqi soldiers will provide security for Shia Muslims gathering in the city of Karbala in the coming days, a senior military officer said Monday.
Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims are expected to converge on the tomb of Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, who was killed in battle in Karbala in the year 680.
In contrast to previous years, US forces will not help maintain security for the pilgrimage, Lieutenant-General Othmanal-Ghanemi, head of security for the city, said.
Yemen to appoint four women as district managers
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Yemeni Local Administration Minister Abdul-Qater Hilal said that four women would be appointed in the positions of district managers in four provinces.
Hilal added that their appointment would be the first step to expand this policy in other provinces of the country, pointing that the appointments would be in the capital Sana'a and Aden, Taiz, Hodeidah and Ibb provinces.
He affirmed this experiment aims at strengthening the effective participation of women in political and administrative life and decision-making positions.
Scheffer reiterates NATO’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) secretary general Jaap De Hoop Scheffer on Thursday reiterated the military alliance's long-term commitment to Afghan mission.
"This visit means to show a few things and first of all the long-term commitment of the North Atlantic Alliance together with its partners to Afghanistan," the NATO chief told newsmen at a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here.
Al Sadr call for protest a sign of democracy in Iraq, Washington says
By NNN-QNA
Washington : The United States hailed the call made by Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr for a protest on the fifth anniversary of US invasion into Baghdad as being a sign of democracy that was not existing during the former regime in Iraq.
US state department spokesman Tom Casey said those who oppose the Iraqi government, including al Sadr supporters, can now protest freely in the streets of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities.
Two killed in Karachi blast
Islamabad : At least two people were killed and two others injured in an explosion in Pakistan's Karachi city Friday.
The blast took place near...
Palestinian death toll reaches 905 as Israeli attacks enter 17th day Monday
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : As the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip entered the 17th day on Monday, five Palestinians, including a children and two women, were killed in air raids on different areas in the northern districts of the Strip, bringing the death toll so far to 905.
Witnesses said the five Palestinians were killed in an air raid on the Zaitoun district, eastern Gaza City, as well as on the Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza.
Participants in Iraq”s neighbors conf. start closed-door session
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Delegations participating in the Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighboring Countries of Iraq convened for a closed-door session on Tuesday to discuss means to help the country overcome security-related problems and back the political process.
The session comes after the conference was inaugurated by His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe also addressed the conferees.
72-hour humanitarian truce begins in Gaza
Gaza : A 72-hour humanitarian truce brokered by Egypt between Israel and Palestine went into effect Tuesday in the Gaza Strip.
The start of the...
Libyan government rejects rebels’ truce offer
By IANS,
Tripoli : The Libyan government Friday turned down a ceasefire offer from the rebels, Xinhua reported.
What rebels offered was not peace, said a government spokesman.
Westerwelle warns of worsening Afghan security situation
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Wednesday warned of a further deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.
Talking to the press in Berlin, Westerwelle said, "We know that the harvest season is coming to an end (in Afghanistan). We know this could mean further tensions and a threat to the security situation."
The minister reiterated that his "serious view of the security situation" in Afghanistan had remained unchanged.
Bush fully briefed on India, Pakistan situation since Musharraf exit
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : President George W. Bush has been kept fully briefed about the situation in Pakistan and rise in violence across the border with India since the exit former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf.
"Yes, the president is kept fully briefed on it," White House spokesperson Dana Perino told reporters Thursday when asked if Bush was watching or been briefed about the situation in Pakistan since the exit of it key ally in Islamabad.
Pakistani forces closing in on Taliban: Army chief
By IANS,
Islamabad: The security forces are closing in on the Taliban in the South Waziristan region along the border with Afghanistan, the Pakistani Army chief has said.
Briefing a high level meeting here Friday about the operations, army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said they were successfully moving towards desired objectives, adding that the army was trying to minimise collateral damage in the operations that began last Saturday.
Pakistan’s private TV channel blocked again
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistan government has allegedly forced a private television channel to go off air for some time after a strong critic of President Pervez Musharraf appeared on screen.
The latest move that has been received with strong condemnation from the media and rights groups is being seen as an indication that the government has still not let the press in Pakistan off its hook.
Bangladesh building collapse toll rises to 271
By IANS,
Dhaka : The toll in the building that collapsed Wednesday in the outskirts of this Bangladesh capital rose to 271 Friday, police said.
Six killed, 19 injured in Iraq attacks
By DPA,
Baghdad : Six people were killed and 19 others injured in separate attacks in Iraq, some of which targeted Shiite pilgrims, police sources and Iraqi media announced Wednesday.
Three people were killed and six others injured when militants attacked five separate homes with explosive devices at dawn in the area of Abu Ghraib, 20 km west of Baghdad, police said.
One of the homes attacked belonged to an Iraqi policeman.
Peshawar mayor among 12 killed in suicide bombing
By IANS,
Peshawar : The city mayor was among 12 people who were killed Sunday when a suicide bomber struck at a bustling livestock market close to this Pakistan frontier city, less than a fortnight after a massive bomb blast killed over 110 people here.
Police officer Liaquat Ali Khan said the bombing was targeted at Mayor Abdul Malik, who was wounded and taken to hospital where he died.
The attack took place outside the cattle market in the Adezai area, located 25 km south-west of Peshawar, the capital of restive North-West Frontier Province that borders Afghanistan.
Efforts on to reduce power outages: Pakistani minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : The government is taking steps to minimise the duration of power cuts, a minister said.
Pakistan’s Sharif party quits ruling coalition
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday announced that his Muslim League-N party is quitting the ruling coalition, putting the alliance at risk ahead of elections for the country's Presidency.
Sharif also announced to field candidate of his party for the Presidency and nominated a retired judge to challenge Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain leader Benazir Bhutto.
Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia to plead not guilty to murder charges in US court...
By APP,
New York : Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist, would plead not guilty at her arraignment in a federal court Thursday on an indictment alleging attempted murder and assault of U.S. agents during a interrogation session in Afghanistan in July, her lawyer said Tuesday.
The indictment of Dr. Siddiqui, 36, who is being held without bail at a high security federal detention center in Brooklyn, was announced on Tuesday afternoon. It contains no charges of terrorism.
24 killed in Syria blasts
Damascus : At least 24 people were killed and many injured Sunday when rebels' shelling targeted government-controlled districts in Syria.
At least 15 shells slammed...
Russia, Egypt eye deeper economic, military, cooperation
By IANS/ITAR -TASS,
Moscow : Moscow will host a meeting of the Russian-Egyptian commission on trade and economic cooperation March 28, according to a joint...
Four bodies found at Lebanon air crash site
By DPA,
Beirut : Four bodies have been recovered from the crash site of the Ethiopian Airlines plane that went down off the coast of Lebanon early Monday with 90 people on board, army sources said.
The aircraft, carrying 83 passengers and seven crew, crashed into the sea four minutes after taking off from Beirut's international airport, Transport Minister Ghazi Aridi said.
Lebanese army and rescue units were carrying out the search for survivors alongside a force from UN Maritime Task Force, which include two German boats.
Israel resumes limited fuel supplies to Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Tel Aviv : Israel eased the blockade to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday allowing fuel and medicine to be bought into the Palestinian enclave, local media said.
The blockade of fuel and goods to Gaza began Friday, when Israel halted fuel supplies and shut all border crossings with the Palestinian enclave in response to ongoing insurgent rocket attacks from the territory, controlled by Islamist group Hamas.
Ravi Shankar will be missed in India, says Pakistani daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pandit Ravi Shankar will be missed most in his motherland India, said a Pakistani daily Friday, adding that the sitar had been silenced forever.
Blast kills 5 in northwest Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five people, including a tribal chief, were killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast in northwest Pakistan's tribal area Friday, a local TV channel reported.
Xinhua quoted Geo News as saying that a roadside bomb exploded in Salarzai of Bajaur Agency when a car passed by, killing five people.
A tribal chief Sardar Malik Gul Shali was among the victims. The car has been completely destroyed in the blast, the channel said.
Security forces have cordoned off the area. The administration has confirmed the five deaths.
Europeans see China as biggest threat to global stability
By ANTARA News/AFP,
London : Europeans see China as a bigger threat to global stability than the United States, Iran or North Korea, according to a poll published Tuesday.
The Harris survey for the Financial Times showed that an average of 35 percent of voters in Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy saw China as the biggest threat to global stability, compared to 29 percent who thought the same of the United States.
In Italy, 47 percent of voters named China as the biggest threat, up from 26 percent in a similar poll last year.
175 Indians to return from Iraq
New Delhi : About 175 Indians will reach New Delhi Thursday from violence-hit Iraq, the government said Wednesday.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said...
Russia Completes Nuke Fuel Shipment to Iran
By Prensa Latina
Moscow : The eighth consignment of Russian nuclear fuel for the Iranian nuclear plant in the southern port of Bushehr completed the amount of the uranium fuel committed by Moscow, said a governmental source in this city.
The press office of Russia's Nuclear Federal Agency (Rosatom) confirmed that 82 tons of uranium had been delivered to the first Iranian nuclear reactor which is being built with the assistance of Russian experts.
Iran received the first shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Dec. 17
Obama urges Khalilzad to insist UNSC condemn rocket attacks on Israel –
By KUNA
United Nations : Democratic US Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama reportedly urged US envoy to UN Zalmay Khalilzad in a letter to make sure the Security Council issue no statement on the situation in Gaza without fully condemning the Hamas rocket attacks on southern Israel.
The move is meant to win the Jewish votes prior to the upcoming elections in Florida.
13 killed in Iraq violence
Baghdad : At least 13 people were killed and 37 injured in violent incidents across Iraq Sunday even as hundreds of thousands of Shiite...