Obama backs women’s rights in speech to Muslim world
By DPA,
Cairo : In a speech to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims from Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama called on predominantly Muslim countries to support the education and employment of women.
"I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal," Obama said. "But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous."
UAE signs nuclear energy pact with US
By IANS,
Manama : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US have signed an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al-Nahyan signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) Monday.
Hamas calls on West to end boycott
By DPA,
Gaza City : A fragile truce took hold in the Gaza Strip Thursday, ending months of deadly violence and prompting Hamas to call for an end to the Western boycott against it.
The truce - the result of months of indirect, Egyptian-led negotiations between Israel and the radical Islamic movement ruling Gaza - took effect at 6 a.m. (0300 GMT) Thursday.
Although Israel negotiated the truce with Hamas indirectly, internal Israeli critics have charged the deal grants legitimacy to the radical Islamic movement and recognition of it as the de-facto ruler of the Strip.
Four insurgents killed, five held in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Four suspected Taliban militants have been killed and five others detained during an operation by the US-led coalition forces in southern Afghanistan, a military statement said Sunday.
The military operation was carried out Saturday targeting the Taliban's roadside bomb network in southern province of Zabul, the statement said.
Mubarak had name stitched into suit stripes
By IANS,
London : Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak had his name stitched into the stripes of swanky custom-made suits for around 10,000 pounds per suit.
UAE CB governor says no de-pegging
By WAM
Dubai : Governor of the UAE Central Bank Sultan Bin Nasser Al-Suwaidi said the UAE is not de-pegging its currency from US dollar or even re-evaluating it.
In a statement to WAM, Al Suwaidi said: "why should there be a long-term solution for a short-term problem." The Governor said no political pressures whatsoever are placed to maintain the pegging policy.
"Currency policy is not a game, rather it needs a lot of deliberation and in-depth consideration of all causes to produce a final conclusion", stressed Al Suwaidi.
Southeast Asia can play important role in West, Muslim world
By Xinhua,
Jakarta : Southeast Asia can play a vital role in bridging the gap and settling the worrisome misunderstandings between the West and Muslim world, the Jakarta Post daily on Thursday quoted the Secretary-General of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Surin Pitsuwan as saying.
"I am confident that the road to reconciliation between the West and the Muslim world runs through Southeast Asia," Surin told audience during the third International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS).
67 Pakistanis were detained at Guantanamo: Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sixty-seven Pakistanis were detained at Cuba's Guantanamo Bay prison managed by Central Intelligence Agency of the US following the 9/11 terror attack, a minister has informed the National Assembly.
According to a written reply submitted to the lower house of the parliament Thursday, 67 Pakistanis were taken to the Guantanamo Bay prison facility. However, as a result of the government's efforts, so far, 62 of them had been released, Dawn News reported.
3 Iraqis wounded in bomb attacks targeting U.S. patrols
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Three Iraqis were wounded in two attacks targeting the U.S. patrols in Baghdad on Monday, a well-informed police source said.
"A roadside bomb detonated near a U.S. patrol in Baghdad's eastern neighborhood of Baladiyat, wounding three bystanders," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack, which apparently missed the U.S. military vehicles, caused damages in several nearby shops, buildings and civilian cars, the source said.
Mubarak had told US not to topple Saddam: WikiLeaks
By IANS,
London : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had advised the former US vice-president Dick Cheney not to dethrone Saddam Hussein, according to leaked US cables.
Zia went into hiding before border guard mutiny: Hasina
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hinted at a probe against opposition leader Khaleda Zia who she says was "hiding for three days" before the country's border guard troopers mutinied in February last year.
Repeating a charge that she had made on the floor of the National Assembly last year, Hasina told a meeting of her party leaders Monday: "Why she went out from her residence riding a black-tinted glass car just before the BDR mutiny? Did she know what will happen at Pilkhana?"
US troops arrest senior Iranian militant in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The U.S. military said Wednesday that its troops arrested a senior member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force (IRGC-QF) at Baghdad International Airport.
A military statement said that the suspect is involved in "facilitating Iranian weapons shipments into Iraq."
It said that the suspect was moving under the cover of working for an organization involved in rebuilding Iraqi Shiite religious sites.
The captured suspect was also carrying an "unspecified amount" of cocaine, according to the statement.
Inflation in Gulf to touch 8 percent in 2008: IMF
By IANS
Dubai : The inflation rate across the Gulf nations is likely to touch 8 percent this year, up from 7 percent in 2007, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"The factors driving inflation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), especially in Qatar and the UAE (United Arab Emirates), are housing rents, and a substantial increase in food prices," the Khaleej Times Wednesday quoted Mohsin S. Khan, IMF director of the Middle East and Central Asia, as saying at a conference organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi.
Malaysians urged to help Pakistan’s quake victims
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia Lt Gen (Rtd) Tahir Mahmud Qazi appealed to generous Malaysians to provide food, medicines, tents and warm clothes to thousands of quake victims in his country.
Early Wednesday, the victims were made homeless when an earthquake struck South Western Pakistan.
Tahir, in a statement on Friday, said the disaster left 300 dead, more than 15,000 people homeless and 2,000 houses destroyed.
He said the homeless were subjected to sub-zero temperature and lacked shelter, food and clean drinking water.
Talk of Balochistan ‘too much’ for Pakistani envoy
By IANS,
New Delhi: "It is too much!" remarked Pakistani High Commissioner Shahid Malik after an Indian speaker blasted Islamabad over the crisis in Balochistan.
And much to the diplomat's discomfort, another speaker, this time from Pakistan, compared Islamabad with Kabul in terms of security concerns and terror threats.
An exasperated Malik was prompted to say: "It is too much."
Remove India, Pakistan border restrictions: Sikh pilgrims
By IANS,
Lahore: The border restrictions between Pakistan and India should be abolished for peace and prosperity in the region, said a group of Sikh pilgrims from India.
Anti-government protests hit Libya
By IANS,
London : Hundreds of people in the Libyan city of Benghazi took to the streets following the arrest of a lawyer who was an outspoken critic of the government, BBC reported Wednesday.
US still ‘plumbing’ A. Q. Khan network
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Notorious Pakistani nuclear scientist A. Q. Khan and his nuclear black market network may be out of business, but it's still a "matter of continuing interest" to the US.
"We've learned a lot. The network's broken up. It's out of business," state department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters Monday". "But I think we as well as others are still plumbing the extent of all of the A.Q. Khan network's activities."
Lebanese leader denies inciting unrest in Syria
By IANS,
Beirut : An anti-Syrian Lebanese politician has declined accusations that he was involved in financing and arming anti-government protests in Syria, Xinhua reported.
US gives aid for hydroelectric dams in Pakistan
By IANS,
Washington : The US has provided funds to Pakistan to complete construction of two hydroelectric dam projects in the country, a media report said Saturday.
Blast kills two NATO soldiers in Khost, SE Afghanistan
By KUNA,
KABUL : A bomb attack on NATO convoy killed two foreign soldiers and injured another in southeastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, said a military spokesman.
Without giving more details, the spokesman said two NATO soldiers were killed and a third sustained injuries in a bomb attack in Khost province.
Police headquarters in the same province confirmed the blast and said it was carried out by a suicide bomber.
Wazir Pacha, spokesman for the Khost police headquarters, said the bomber detonated his explosives-packed car close the NATO forces' convoy.
Roadside bombing leaves Afghan police dead, 3 others wounded
By Xinhua,
Kabul :One police was killed and three others were wounded while the police vehicle hit a mine planted in the outskirts of Spin Boldak district of southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Saturday evening, an official said.
It occurred at around 7 p.m. (1430 GMT) when police were patrolling on their vehicle in the highway linking Spin Boldak to Kandahar city, Sayehullah the border police commander told Xinhua.
Israeli premier apologizes to Mubarak over rightwinger’s remark
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israeli interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert telephoned Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak to apologize "in the name of the state of Israel" for a remark in which a hardline Israeli lawmaker told the Egyptian president to "get lost."
Avigdor Lieberman of the ultra-nationalist, opposition Israel Our Home faction in an address to Israel's Knesset (parliament) criticized Israel's leadership for agreeing to meet with Mubarak on a frequent basis in Cairo, while the Egyptian leader had declined to visit Israel in return.
Palestinians killed, wounded, arrested in Israeli incursion, attacks
By NNN-WAFA,
Gaza : A Palestinian died of his wound, two injured and three others arrested in attacks by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), medical sources said Friday.
Al-Shifa hospital said Usama al-Houbi was hit with a missile shrapnel when Israeli warplanes raided on Rafah, south Gaza Strip on Wednesday and died Friday of his serious wounds.
In BETHLEHEM, Israeli soldiers attacked a peaceful demonstration in the West Bank city of south Bethlehem, wounding two of the protesters, local sources said.
Interpol team arrives in Islamabad for Mumbai attacks probe
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The chief of global police agency Interpol arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for talks over Indian allegations of involvement of Pakistan-based groups in the Mumbai attacks.
The Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble met Interior Advisor Rehman Malik and will meet other officials to discuss with them "anti-terror investigation," reported the News Network International (NNI) news agency.
UAE backs global efforts to develop alternative fuels
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it would support efforts of the international community for developing sustainable energy sources, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
"The UAE is well aware of the important role alternative fuels like hydrogen, ethanol and others will play in fuelling the global economy and mitigating impact of climate change," Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, minister of environment and water said Wednesday.
Pakistan has no intention to enter into arms race — PM
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan is a peaceful country and has no intention of entering an arms race in the region, said Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday.
Speaking at a parade in the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS, he added that his country would maintain a minimum credible deterrence to ensure peace in the region and to maintain the ongoing process of the country's economic development.
Moreover, he said that Pakistan sought to promote its national interests as it believed in peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.
UK Government concerned over Gaza fuel cuts
LONDON, Jan 11 (APP)- The British Government on Friday expressed its deep concern over impact on Gaza of fuel cuts by Israel and demanded immediate lifting of these restrictions.
Twin bombings kill 13 in Baghdad
By IANS,
Baghdad : Thirteen people were killed Monday night when two powerful bombs exploded in quick succession in the Iraqi capital, Xinhua reported.
Verdict on Bangladesh war crimes accused Thursday
Dhaka : The verdict against Bangladeshi war crimes accused Zahid Hossain alias Khokon Razakar is expected Thursday, according to media reports.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)...
Death toll in Istanbul bombings rises to 17
By SPA,
Istanbul : The death toll in bomb blasts in Istanbul rose to 17 on Monday, Turkish broadcaster NTV said, and more than 150 people were wounded in an attack hours ahead
of a court case over banning the governing party.
NTV said the toll reached 17 after one person died from wounds sustained in the Sunday evening blasts in a working class neighbourhood in Istanbul. More than a dozen people were seriously injured in the two explosions.
138 bodies found after Turkey quake
By IANS,
Istanbul : At least 138 bodies have been found after a magnitude-7.2 earthquake hit Turkey's southeastern Van province Sunday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Monday.
Shoura (Consultative) Council’s works hailed
By SPA,
Riyadh : Vice-Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz has expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Shoura (Consultative) Council.
In a message to Chairman of the Shoura Council, Dr Salih bin Humaid, Prince Sultan, after reading the 15th annual report of the Shoura Council, hailed the sincere efforts exerted by its members and lauded their role in the service of the country.
Nine killed, 65 wounded in Baghdad car bombings
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least nine people were killed and 65 others wounded as six car bombings struck the Iraqi capital, an interior ministry official said.
10 days into attacks, Gaza situation worsening
By Ofira Koopmans, IANS,
Gaza City : After 10 days of incessant Israeli airstrikes and two days of ground fighting, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly worsening, according to residents.
Residents of Gaza City, who have been without electricity for days, say they have only small amounts of drinking water. With even candles now a scarce commodity, Gaza City residents sit in the dark - many of them in winter coats as they keep windows open to avoid glass shards flying inside their homes from a possible nearby blast.
Calling off talks with Pakistan not mature reaction: Mehbooba
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday criticised the calling off of the India-Pakistan foreign secretary level talks, saying the "aggressive posture"...
9 killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Nine people were killed and over 50 people were injured Monday in an explosion in Mian Channu city of Pakistan's Punjab province, an official said.
Naeem, a doctor at the tehsil headquarter hospital, told Geo TV that nine people were killed.
According to reports, the blast took place in a house where children gathered to get religious education.
Several houses were destroyed in the blast that formed a huge crater.
Israel continues aggression in Gaza, executes air raids
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Army continued in the early hours of Sunday its operations in different areas of Gaza Strip, causing more causalities among Palestinians.
Israeli fighter jets executed this morning several air raids on the Strip, launching missiles that demolishes buildings.
An Israeli helicopter also targed Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, with two missiles. The camp was gravely damaged and several refugees were injuried and had to be hospitalized.
Houses in Beit Lahiya and Jabalia town were also attacked by Israeli fighter jets early Sunday.
EU”s anti-terror chief calls for a “European Islam”
By KUNA,
Brussels : The European Union's counter-terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove called here Wednesday for the development of a "European Islam" as a means to counter youth radicalization in Europe.
"We have to develop a European Islam. This is a big challenge," he told a seminar on countering youth radicalization, organized this evening by the Brussels-based think-tank of the European Policy Centre.
Kerchove, a Belgian, said that Imams (prayer leaders) must learn the language of the European country where they live and preach in.
Protest March in Lucknow against attack on Libya, Bahrain
By TCN Special Correspondent,
Iranian President launches Sri Lanka refinery work
By SPA,
Colombo : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a project to boost the capacity of Sri Lanka's main oil refinery on Tuesday, part of a $1.5 billion loan to the government as Iran extends its energy ties in South Asia.
Ahmadinejad's visit came as President Mahinda Rajapaksa, seeks closer ties with Asian countries.
Ahmadinejad, who visited Pakistan on Monday to seal a $7.6 billion pipeline deal, will travel later on Tuesday to India, which is also interested in the pipeline to feed its booming economy.
Not downgrading diplomatic ties with Britain, says Iran
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran is not planning to downgrade diplomatic ties with Britain or any European country, foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said Monday.
Police arrested eight Iranian staff members of the British embassy in Tehran Sunday, a move condemned by British Foreign Minister David Miliband.
The Fars news agency in a report said the eight local staffers were arrested for their alleged involvement in demonstrations over the June 12 presidential election. London says nine were arrested.
UAE Launches Complaints System To Improve Administrative Performance
By Bernama,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the second largest economy in the Arab world, has launched a new complaints system to collect complaints from the public, said Xinhua news agency quoting local newspaper The National's report on Monday.
The new system launched by the Labour Ministry is designed to increase transparency, accountability, fairness and to improve performances of ministry's staff, the report said.
U.S. says fight against extremism ‘shared goal’ with Pakistan
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The United States trusts the government of Pakistan as both countries have a shared goal of fighting extremism, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State said.
Pakistani soldiers killed 60 militants since last week, when a large-scale ground operation started against the Taliban in South Waziristan.
Pakistan to set up military courts for terror trials
Islamabad: Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif Friday said that military courts were being established for trials of terrorism related cases, media reported.
Asif said carrying...
No choice but to await Pakistan’s Mumbai response: Pranab
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : Cautioning against impatience, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Monday India has no choice but to wait for the report of Pakistan's probe into the Mumbai terror attacks.
"We won't get anything by simply losing our patience, so hardly we have a choice," Mukherjee told an Indian TV news channel when asked how long India would have to wait for the report on the attacks that New Delhi has blamed on elements operating from Pakistan.
Hamas calls on Arab League to help settle inter-Palestinian disputes
By NNN-Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, called on the Arab League (AL) committee, which helped resolve the Lebanese crisis, to visit the territory to help settle inter-Palestinian disputes.
In a statement on Saturday, Taher al-Noono, the spokesman for the Hamas government in Gaza, said that the AL committee "is invited tovisit Gaza and the West Bank to help end the status of internal Palestinian disputes and help lift the blockade imposed on Gaza."
Five killed in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least five people have been killed, including three pilgrims, and many injured in separate gunfire and bomb attacks in Iraq, said police.
Iraq’s Tariq Aziz to stand trial over deaths of 42 merchants
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's former deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz, along with seven members of the Saddam Hussein regime, will stand trial Tuesday over the deaths of 42 merchants executed in 1992.
The eight ex-officials are accused of ordering the execution of the merchants for increasing food prices at a time when Iraq was under international sanctions.
As Iraq started to feel the pinch of sanctions, prices in east Baghdad's Shurja wholesale market soared.
Saddam accused the merchants of manipulating prices. They were rounded up, given a speedy trial and then executed.
Afghanistan braces for the worst in severe cold weather
By NNN-Bernama
Kuala Lumpur : With almost 2,000 people killed from the unprecedented severe cold weather since December, Afghanistan is bracing for the worst with the coming of spring next month.
Afghan diplomat at its embassy here Abdullah Shariat Kakar said the danger now was severe flooding in many parts of the country with the melting of snow at the outset of spring which is due to start on March 21.
Iran says it’ll continue with uranium enrichment
By IANS
Tehran : Iran Tuesday denounced Western criticism of its nuclear policy and said the upcoming Berlin meet could not stop the country's nuclear drive.
Criticising the proposed meet of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany - in Berlin, Iran government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said nothing could stop the Islamic country from pursuing its civil nuclear programme.
Rice heading for London talks on looming Afghan crisis
By IRNA
London : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is traveling to London next week to discuss the looming crisis in Afghanistan, it was reported Saturday.
Her visit comes amid the escalating row over Nato troop reinforcements and growing concern that the entire international stabilisation strategy is in danger of failing.
According to the Guardian newspaper, Rice will also be talking to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband about finding a new candidate for a proposed UN "super-envoy" to coordinate aid efforts.
Tight security at posh Karachi schools
By IANS,
Karachi : Police checkposts have come up in and outside schools located in posh localities of Pakistan's commercial capital following a string of terror attacks across the country, including bombings at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
Private security guards were on duty alongside checkposts that have come up at the schools located in Clifton, Defense and other posh areas, Geo News reported Tuesday.
Police and private security guards will be also be deployed on rooftops of schools from 6 a.m. till the time school gets over.
Obama to end US combat role in Iraq by August 2010
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama announced Friday that he will withdraw most US combat troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010, sharply reducing the American presence but keeping in place thousands of soldiers till the end of 2011 to support and train Iraqi forces.
Obama plans to keep about 35,000 to 50,000 soldiers in Iraq to help train and equip the Iraqis and participate in special counterterrorism missions. There are presently more than 140,000 US troops in Iraq.
Egyptian troops move to close Gaza border
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian border guards on Friday moved to close the Egyptian-Gaza borders as more Palestinians gathered at the border town of Rafah, the pan-Arab television al-Jazeera reported.
Egyptian security forces announced by loudspeaker on the Egyptian side of Rafah on Friday that the borders with Gaza would be closed from 1300 GMT, said the report.
Small scale violence has erupted between Egyptian riot police and Palestinians at the border town as some Palestinians hurled stones at the Egyptian troops.
Iraqi PM announces security plan for coming municipal elections
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki has announced a major security plan to ensure the smooth-running of the municipal elections, due in October.
The plan is likely to provide for slating an electoral day for each governorate rather than holding the elections nationwide in one day, Al-Maliki said in a televised meeting with leaders of the southern governorate of Basra Monday.
Turkey’s Erdogan or Erdogan’s Turkey?
By Mohammad Behzad Fatmi,
The Republic of Turkey has been a turbulent democracy since its very inception. The country has witnessed a number of coup d’état and continuous military dominance over elected governments resulting in limited civilian liberty, rare tolerance for dissent and utter disregard to the rule of law. It was in the year 2002 when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power with the promise and apparent determination to strengthen democracy, rule of law and freedom in the countrywhich gave hope to the people.But today after more than a decade, the country is standing at the same position (in a different form though), if not worse.
UNSC slams Bulgaria bombing
By IANS,
United Nations : The UN Security Council (UNSC) Thursday condemned the deadly bombing attack on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria.
Civilian killed in Afghanistan car bomb attack
Kabul: At least one civilian was killed Saturday as a car bomb went off in the western part of this Afghan capital, an official...
Urgent need to protect women, child rights in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : There is an urgent need for federal and government agencies and civil society organisations to unite in an effort to protect the rights of women and children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), experts have said.
Experts at the inaugural forum of institutions supporting protection of women and children in the UAE Wednesday called for legislation to counter violence against women, and proper implementation of the Children's Act to protect children.
Bhutto’s former bodyguard shot dead
By DPA,
Islamabad : Unidentified assailants gunned down a senior bodyguard of Pakistan's slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and her widower Asif Ali Zardari in the port city of Karachi on Tuesday, officials said.
Gunmen lying in wait attacked Khalid Shahenshah's pick-up truck as he drove close to his residence in an upmarket neighbourhood of Karachi.
Shahenshah sustained multiple bullet wounds and died in a hospital, said Ejaz Durrani, a spokesman for Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Television footage showed at least three bullet holes in the vehicle's windshield.
Disaster Management authority triggers rescue, relief activities in Balochitsan
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has triggered rescue and relief activities in Balochistan soon after an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck in northern parts of the province in the early hours of Wednesday. The quake caused devastation in the areas of Ziarat, Chaman, Pashin and some other adjoining areas resulting in 35 causalities in Ziarat and four in Pashin.
A number of injuries of different nature have also been reported from the affected areas, NDMA said.
Help Afghan police, NATO chief urges members
By DPA,
Brussels : NATO members states must give the Afghan police more training and better equipment to help them fight off insurgent attacks, the alliance's top official said Friday.
Two-thirds of all the uniformed personnel killed in Afghanistan are police officers, and there is an "urgent need to provide them with better training, infrastructure and equipment", NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told alliance defence ministers.
Pakistan rejects US offer for conducting geological survey
By IRNA
Islamabad : Government of Pakistan has rejected a proposal from the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to help in conducting Pakistan's geological survey and preparation of maps.
The ministry of defense has in a circular directed all departments not to accept such proposal from any foreign institution as it may be a security risk.
As per the circular, the US Geological Survey and the US Naval Research Laboratory had offered their services for conducting Pakistan's geological survey and preparation of maps.
Washington to host Israeli-Palestinian peace talks Wednesday
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is to travel to Washington Tuesday night for another round of peace negotiations with Palestinians under the auspices of US officials scheduled for Wednesday, the Israeli foreign ministry said.
Former Palestinian premier Ahmed Qureia would represent the Palestinian side in the three-way talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, US Vice-President Dick Cheney and national security advisor Stephen Hadley.
US takes Musharraf’s revelation on arms diversion seriously
By IANS,
Washington : The US has said that it is taking very seriously former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf's claim that arms provided by it to fight Islamic terrorists were moved to bolster defence against India instead.
State Department spokesman Ian Kelly Monday said: "We take very seriously any allegation of using US-origin military assistance for purposes other than we had already agreed to and that we had intended them for."
Iranians hold shoe-throwing contest in capital’s university
TEHRAN, December 26 (RIA Novosti) - A shoe-throwing competition using a portrait of George Bush as the target took place on Friday in Iran's capital, Tehran, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
Iranians in the capital were invited to throw their shoes at a poster of U.S. President George Bush after the country's traditional Friday Muslim prayers were over. The event was held at Tehran University.
Once there were enough direct hits and the portrait became shabby, the crowd tore the poster down and ripped it to pieces.
3rd Indo-Pak calendar launched in Islamabad
By TCN News,
Islamabad: 3rd Indo-Pak ‘Calendar for Peace & Love’ was launched in Islamabad on January 15 at Curiosity Junior School. The calendar was launched along with a discussion or “Sharing the hopes for a peaceful co-existence”.
Iran state TV says targeted by Israel in Gaza
By ANTARA News/Reuters,
Tehran : Iran`s English-language state Press TV television station said the building housing its office in Gaza was targeted by Israeli forces on Friday, but that there were no casualties.
"Israeli forces have targeted Press TV and al-Alam television stations in the Gaza strip," the satellite station said on its website. Al-Alam is Iran`s Arabic-language television station.
"No casualties in attacks on Press TV, al-Alam stations in Gaza," it said in a headline, giving no further detail.
Zia’s son, seven others to be tried for graft
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's anti-corruption commission (ACC) has pressed charges against former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman, one of her former ministers and six others in a bribery case to hush up the murder of a local entrepreneur.
The anti-graft body said Tuesday that the eight were involved in receiving and giving the bribe to hush up the murder of Humayun Kabir Sabbir, a director of the Basundhara Group.
They worked to ensure that Shafiat Sobhan Sanvir did not have to face charges of killing Sabbir whose body was found outside a building July 5, 2006.
Iraqi PM says militias in Basra worse than Al-Qaeda
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki said Saturday Shiite militants in southern Iraq were worse than Al-Qaeda organization, a remark showing his determination to crack down on outlawed militias in Basra coupled with Maliki's calls on tribes to join the fight.
Al-Maliki, a Shiite himself, was speaking in a meeting with tribal leaders in Basra who voiced full support for the Prime Minister in his endeavor to impose order in the southern city.
Pakistani President to administer oath to new cabinet on Monday
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf will administer oath to the new federal cabinet Monday afternoon at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, an official source said.
The summary for the new cabinet has been received at the President House from the Prime Minister Secretariat, following which the Aiwan-e-Sadr announced to hold the ceremony on Monday (March 31).
The ruling coalition is yet to announce the number of ministers and their portfolios.
Iran summons Dutch ambassador over controversial Quran film
By IINA
Tehran : Iran’s Foreign Ministry yesterday summoned the Dutch ambassador to protest against the controversial film Fitna (strife) by a Dutch politician, state radio said. Iran denounced the film by Geert Wilders as “heinous” and urged European governments to stop any further broadcasting of the 17-minute-film which depicts Islam as a violent faith. A senior diplomat from Slovenia, which currently holds the European Union presidency, was also summoned, the broadcast continued.
Iranian, Algerian Presidents issue joint statement
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Algerian counterpart President Abdelaziz Bouteflika have underscored the need for further expansion of bilateral relations.
The two presidents stressed it was important to ensure that the agreements already signed by the two sides are implemented.
Expressing their satisfaction over the current level of bilateral cooperation, the two leaders called for cooperation in the areas of housing, infrastructures, cement and pharmaceutical industries, manufacturing vehicle parts, and oil and gas.
Lebanese presidential elections postponed again
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday postponed a parliamentary session scheduled Tuesday to elect Lebanon's president to April 22, local NBN TV reported.
The parliamentary session for electing a new president scheduled on Tuesday was postponed till April 22, Berri was quoted in a statement as saying. It is the 17th postponement since Sept. 25.
The statement said that Speaker Berri would set a prior date "in case a positive development takes place."
Hungarian peacekeeper abducted in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairao : A Hungarian officer affiliated with the peacekeeping forces was abducted in Egypt's North Sinai by Bedouins, official source told Xinhua Thursday.
Rubber tapping before school for Malaysian Indian girl
By IANS,
Seremban (Malaysia) : The Malayasian Indian Congress (MIC) is collecting money to help student Margatha Ambiga, who has to wake up early morning and work on a rubber plantation for three hours before going to school, so she can support her family.
Ambiga has to get up at 3 a.m. and go to a rubber estate about 10km away, and help a neighbour tap rubber for three hours before returning home at 6am, cleaning up and then going to her school.
Military death toll rises in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Kabul : More American and coalition troops died in Afghanistan last month than during any other month since the American-led invasion began in 2001.
IRNA reporter in Kabul said that it is the latest evidence of a strengthening Taliban insurgency that has menaced NATO forces and reclaimed control over some southern and eastern parts of the country.
The violence in Afghanistan has surged at the same time as the number of attacks and American deaths in Iraq have fallen.
Israeli FM warns Israel against non-compliance with Annapolis principles
By KUNA
Vienna : Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian National Authority Riyad al-Maliki that there was an international consensus represented in the Annapolis and Paris Donors conferences that underlines the need to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and to allow the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Malaysia to spend $13 million on Tamil schools
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government will spend 41.5 million ringgit ($13 million) to upgrade 40 Tamil schools in the country. The projects will begin in July.
"Thirty-one projects involve constructing additional buildings for schools while the rest involve upgrading," Malaysian Works Minister Mohamad Zin Mohamed was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper Thursday.
India seeks more Saudi investment in infrastructure, oil sectors
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Riyadh : India will seek more Saudi participation in developing its infrastructure sector besides changing its current buyer-seller relationship with the Gulf nation in the petroleum sector to a more participatory one, according to India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
"Our economy is growing at 8 percent and we require huge investments," Mukherjee said, briefing newsmen after an audience with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz here Saturday, the first day of his two-day visit.
Pakistan-India border saw $154,000 trade on single day
By IANS,
Islamabad : Goods worth more than $154,000 (Rs.14 million) were traded through the Pakistan-India border in Rawalakot on a single day Thursday, officials said.
US Navy ship fires at boat off UAE coast
By IANS,
Dubai : At least one person died when a US Navy ship Monday fired at a small boat off the coast of the UAE after it ignored the warnings and came too close.
Kurdish leader calls for independence referendum
Baghdad: The leader of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region Thursday asked the regional parliament to prepare for a referendum on the independence of the region...
Hindu housholds, temple attacked in Bangladesh
Dhaka : An around 3,000-strong mob attacked Hindu households and a temple in Bangladesh's Comilla district, media reported Monday.
The attacks took place Sunday after...
Avoid Pakistan, government tells pilgrims
By IANS,
New Delhi/Amritsar : The government Tuesday advised Indian pilgrims to avoid visiting Pakistan in view of the deteriorating security situation there. But the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) said it was awaiting clearance for Sikh devotees wanting to visit Pakistan for a festival next week.
The home ministry said in a statement that it was "not advisable for Indian pilgrims to visit Pakistan in the prevailing situation when frequent terrorist attacks are taking place in Punjab province of Pakistan, where all gurdwaras are situated".
Paramilitary troops withdrawing from SW Pakistan
By Amena Khokhar, KUNA,
Islamabad : Paramilitary troops have started withdrawing from two cities of the Southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan and the gap is being filled by police, a move to chase militant elements in the insurgency-stricken province.
The Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were seen vacating checkposts in Quetta, the provincial capital, Sunday evening, a police sources told KUNA. Similar, reports have also been received from Gwadar port city, the source said.
Coordination meeting of Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : The coordination meeting of Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees has held discussions on the state of refugees, the UNRWA's work, and the need to take a unified Arab stance in the upcoming meeting of the UNRWA Consultation Committee which will be held here on Wednesday.
The meeting Sunday included delegations from Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and the Arab League. The meeting's agenda includes discussing the UNRWA's report to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the letter from the Consultation Committee which will be directed to the UNRWA.
Cameron backs ‘military’ component for tackling IS
United Nations: British Prime Minister David Cameron Wednesday backed the inclusion of a "military" component in London's fight against the Islamic State (IS) Sunni...
Algeria’s Islamic Council warns of colonization campaign
By IINA
Algiers : Dr. Abu Omran Al Sheikh, head of the Algerian Supreme Islamic Council, said yesterday that the Christianization campaigns which target the Algerians come within the framework of the new colonization launched by the western countries against the Muslim world.
Abu Omran noted that this colonization can't be isolated from the situation in Palestine and Iraq and other Arab and Muslim countries which have become subject to economic, political and military pressures in some cases.
UAE, Chad discuss parliamentary friendship committee
By IANS/WAM,
Khartoum: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chad have discussed relations and explored the idea of establishing an Emirati-Chadian parliamentary friendship committee.
12 gangs identified in Karachi bank heists
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 12 gangs of robbers involved in bank heists in Pakistan's port city Karachi have been identified, police said.
Islamic University Official receives Ghanaian Delegation
By SPA
Madinah : Under Secretary of the Madinah-based Islamic University Dr Suleiman al-Khazi received here today the visiting Ghanian delegation led by minister of Akra state Ibrahim Kawi.
The delegation was briefed on the role of the university in spreading the Islamic culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr al-Khazi said the university, established in 1961, had graduated thousands of students.
He noted that the university is supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi Government.
US lawyer wants Bush revise policy towards Pakistan
By IRNA
Islamabad : Head of the United States National Lawyers Guild delegation, David Gespass urged the U.S. to change its policy towards Pakistan as it is 'damaging' the struggle for democracy and independence of judiciary in Pakistan.
Releasing a preliminary report of the delegation at a press conference David Gespass conceded that dual standard of U.S. foreign policy is explicit and has negative affect on Pakistan's politics on Friday.
Fresh Israeli strike on Gaza kills one Palestinian, wounds 46
By Xinhua
Gaza : One Palestinian woman was killed and 46 others were injured in a fresh Israeli strike near the abandoned headquarters of the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza City on Friday, the Doha-based al-Jazeera Satellite Channel reported.
The footage of al-Jazeera shows that many children who sustained wounds were rushed to hospitals to get treatment.
The report said the death toll may rise.
US says terrorists pose threat to Afghanistan
By NNN-APP,
Washington : The United States on Monday said violent extremists pose threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan and said the “complicated issue” of cross-border movement is fundamental to security of both countries.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack believed that Pakistan understood the threat posed by terrorists and the importance of engaging in counter terrorism fight.
He said there are concerns at the militants back and forth movement on Pakistan-Afghanistan border but acknowledged it s a complicated issue.
UN prepared to provide relief in violence-torn Basra: officials
By APP
United Nations : U.N. humanitarian agencies announced today that they are ready to provide assistance in Basra, where militant followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have been battling Iraqi and coalition forces.
Veronique Taveau of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) voiced concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in both Basra, in the country’s south-east, and Sadr City, a neighbourhood in the capital Baghdad. Half of the 3.2 million-strong population of these areas are children, she said.
Benazir income support programme to benefit down-trodden
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the Benazir Shaheed Income Support Programme would provide relief to the “poorest of the poor” and the down-trodden section of the society.
He was chairing a special meeting on Benazir Shaheed Income Support Programme at the PM House, which was also attended by Minister for Finance Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahnaz Wazir Ali, and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Salman Farooqi.
Baitullah Mehsud aide Omar arrested
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have arrested Moulvi Omar, a senior aide to Baituallah Mehsud, the chief of the Pakistani Taliban who is believed to have been killed in a US drone attack earlier this month.
Quoting official and intelligence sources, Online news agency reported that Omar, who carried a bounty of Rs.10 million, was arrested from a village in the Mohmand agency along the Afghan border Monday night as he was travelling in a car with two of his associates, including Waheed Gull and Hameed Gull.
Solidarity march for Gaza in Delhi Aug 9
New Delhi : Around 70 political and civil society organisations have come together in the national capital to express solidarity with Gaza and protest...
Pakistan to free 35 Indian prisoners on I-Day
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday announced plans to release 35 Indian prisoners Friday on the occasion of India's 61st Independence Day.
The measure is a goodwill gesture and part of Pakistan's strategy to improve relations with India, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said in a statement.
The group includes 34 fishermen captured by Pakistan's maritime security forces after they entered Pakistani waters in search of a bigger catch, and one civilian, who has completed his prison term for illegally entering and staying in the country.
New round of Iran n-talks pragmatic: China
Geneva : Diplomats participating in the new round of talks on Iran's nuclear programme have showed strong political will and a pragmatic attitude, China's...
US, Britain tried to block Bangladesh’s birth: book
By IANS,
New Delhi : The US and Britain tried to persuade a top advocate of Bangladesh to help roll back the country's liberation struggle in 1971, citing future threats from "Hindu majority India", says a book by a former Indian diplomat.
But Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury, who was based in London, not only rejected the Western interventions but personally conveyed the secret American move to then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.
Palestinian women protest in support of hunger striker
By IANS,
Ramallah/Gaza : Hundreds of Palestinian women Thursday celebrated International Women's Day by protesting in solidarity with a female hunger striker jailed by Israel.
Warrant issued to search Khaleda’s office
Dhaka : A Dhaka court on Sunday issued a warrant to search the office of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia after police...
Saudi king to allow only official fatwas
By DPA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has moved to block any issuance of public fatwas, or religious edicts, by clerics not officially appointed, a newspaper reported Friday.
"We have noted many violations that we cannot allow, thus it is our religious obligation to confront it firmly to protect religion, preserve unity and to prevent evil," the king said in the decree, published by the al-Sharq al-Awsat daily newspaper.
Only approved scholars would be allowed to issue public edicts, in the kingdom's first such large-scale reform of the religious rulings.
OIC condemns Israeli incursions, attacks in Gaza Strip
By APP
Geneva : The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Wednesday terming Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip a “severe blow to peace initiative and Palestinian-Israeli negotiations” condemned the incursions that caused heavy loss of life. Ambassador Masood Khan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, speaking on behalf of OIC at the Human Rights Council said Israeli attacks have served a severe blow to the peace initiative and Palestinian-Israel negotiations.
Lakhvi detained in new case; Indian parties seek action in 26/11
Islamabad/ New Delhi : Mumbai terror attack's alleged mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was sent by a Pakistani court to two-day judicial remand in an...
Pakistan parliament rejects call for PM’s resignation
Islamabad : Pakistan's parliament Thursday unanimously passed a resolution rejecting demands by PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT leader Tahir ul Qadri for the...
Death toll crosses 1,150 as Israel continues Gaza bombardment
Gaza City : Israel's military has struck numerous targets in the Gaza Strip after Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said his country needed...
32 killed, 47 injured in Nigeria twin blasts
Lagos: The Nigerian government confirmed Friday that 32 people were killed and 47 injured in twin suicide bomb blasts in the central north state...
Syrian Air Force destroys old war jets captured by IS
Damascus : The Syrian air force destroyed two timeworn war jets, which were captured by the Islamic State (IS) militants in an airbase in...
‘British Muslims join IS due to cuts in public services’
London : A student leader has blamed the British government's cuts to public services as the reason behind the Muslim youth travelling to join...
Citi Bank ties up with Bangladesh post office
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : American financial giant the Citibank, N.A. in Bangladesh has teamed up with the Bangladesh Post Office (BPO) to make easy payments for its clients in Bangladesh through thousands of post offices across the country.
The partnership with the BPO is set to create a new chapter in the history of financial management in Bangladesh, said Mamun Rashid, Citi country officer in Bangladesh, at a function arranged in capital Dhaka Sunday to sign an agreement in this connection.
Iran launches first communication satellite
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran Sunday launched its first communication satellite into space, Iranian state television reported.
The report said that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made the countdown for the Omid (Hope) satellite, which was launched on the Safir (Envoy) rocket.
Ahmadinejad termed the launching a great technological achievement for the Iranian nation.
The same rocket was first tested last February under the name Kavoshgar (Explorer) 1 upon Ahmadinejad's direct order from a space centre in order to prepare for the launch of the Omid satellite.
Pakistan could seek Kasab’s custody
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan could seek the custody of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist captured after the Mumbai terror attack, for its investigation, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Saturday.
"If Ajmal Kasab is needed for the investigation process, then India could be asked (to hand) him over," Malik told reporters in Karachi, adding that at the moment it would be premature to say anything more.
Indian FM denies calling Pakistan President
By Xinhua,
New Delhi : Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Sunday denied he had made a call to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and expressed worry that "a neighboring state might even consider acting on the basis of such a call ".
Mukherjee said in a statement released by the Indian External Affairs Ministry website Sunday noon.
"I have seen several misleading stories about a hoax telephone call from me to President Zardari of Pakistan," he said.
Pakistani tortured by relatives in Britain
By IANS,
London : A 27-year-old Pakistani-origin man was beaten and physically tortured for three years by his relatives who regarded him as a financial burden, a British court has heard.
Yemen, EU discuss political dialogue
By SPA,
Sana'a : An official source in Yemen said that Yemen and the European Union (EU) had held a meeting of political dialogue in Sana'a attended by Interior Minister Rashad al-Alimi and Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi.
During the meeting, al-Alimi appreciated the level of security cooperation between Yemen and EU, confirming the importance of developing cooperation to combat the terrorism Phenomenon.
Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen offered safe haven in Sweden
By DPA,
Stockholm : Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has arrived in Sweden where she has been offered a safe haven, the Upsala Nya Tidning newspaper reported Monday.
The city council of the university city of Uppsala, north of Stockholm will pay Nasreen a monthly stipend of 5,000 kronor ($833) and pay for her accommodation during a two-year period, the report said.
Hajj Minister Meets Sri Lanka’a Hajj Delegation
By SPA,
Jeddah : Minister of Hajj Dr. Fuad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi received here today a delegation of Sri Lanka's Hajj Mission headed by Minister of Petroleum and Development of Financial Resources and Minister of Hajj Coordination Affairs Fawzi Abdulhamid.
During the meeting, they discussed topics concerning the management of affairs of Sri Lanka's pilgrims, their housing and accommodations.
Dr. Al-Farsi stressed the Kingdom's interest in providing the best services to all pilgrims.
Palestinian PM: Israel fails to meet peace obligation
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Saturday said the Israeli government failed to meet any obligation, especially ending settlement expansion in West Bank.
Fayyad told the Ramallah-based al-Ayyam daily after an international donor's meeting Friday in London to provide aids to the cash-strapped Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
Fayyad warned that the continuation of the settlement activities, inside what the Palestinians hope to be their future state, "will make the peace process meaningless."
No Iraq troops cut yet – Brown
By NNN-KUNA,
London : Britain's military force in Iraq will remain 4,100 strong for the "next few months", British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told the House of Commons.
He said that troop reductions will be made later as a "fundamental change of mission" occurs in the early months of next year.
Bangladeshis observe language day amid high security
By DPA
Dhaka : Tens of thousands of people gathered at a national memorial on a university campus in the Bangladeshi capital Thursday, marking the killing of a dozen protestors in police firing 56 years ago, officials said.
The protestors, students at Dhaka University, were Feb 21, 1952, gunned down by security forces while claiming their right to use their mother-tongue.
Modi calls Afghan president, meets party leaders
New Delhi: Even before formally taking over as the prime minister, Narendra Modi is on the job already as he called Afghan President Hamid...
PM condemns Islamabad blast
By IANS,
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday condemned the suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital that killed at least 46 people.
In a letter to his counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani, Singh said that such attacks were a grim reminder of the challenges both countries faced from destructive forces.
"Such attacks are a grim reminder of the challenges we face from destructive forces which have pitted themselves against the values of democracy and pluralism and the voices of moderation," said Singh.
Pakistani president: “Give us the drones and we will take out the militants ourselves”
By KUNA,
LONDON : Pakistani President Asif AIi Zardari has called on America to provide his country with an arsenal of drones and missiles to target militants blamed for the wave of violence rather than carrying out independent operations that violate the nations sovereignty.
In an interview with the Independent newspaper Wednesday, Zardari said Pakistan had made it clear that it was willing "to take out high-value targets on our own, and we welcome the technology and intelligence assistance that will give us the ability to succeed".
Two convicted for terror hanged in Pakistan
Islamabad : Two convicted terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Jhangvi were hanged Tuesday in Pakistan, a media report said.
The hangings took place in Karachi's central jail,...
Secretary general of Egypt’s ruling party arrested
By IRNA,
Beirut : Secretary General of Egypt's ruling party, Egypt National Front Party, Ahmed Ezz was arrested on Saturday afternoon when he was trying to flee Cairo.
Iran says it will cooperate with IAEA at highest level
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has said it would deepen its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency at the highest level in line with the Safeguards Agreement, official IRNA news agency said Saturday.
"Everything will go on within the framework of the Safeguards Agreement and on the basis of mutual agreement," deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (IAEO), Mohammad Saeedi told the news agency.
Tehran will continue with high-level cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, he added.
AL chief: Israel’s intransigence hinders talks with Palestinians
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa said the resumed Palestinian-Israeli talks have achieved no progress due to Israel's intransigence, the Egyptian state MENA news agency reported on Monday.
In an interview with the Qatari al-Sharq newspaper, Moussa saidthe Arab-Israeli conflict will not end unless the Palestinian issue reaches a solution.
But Israel refused to cooperate with the parties concerned, Moussa said, adding the construction of Jewish settlements in the disputed territory reveals Israel's bad intentions.