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Pentagon plans to send Special Forces to Iraq: Report

Washington : The US Defence Department is planning to send Special Forces to Iraq which is witnessing a massive renewal of violence, media reported...

Pakistan to prepare data on terrorists

By IANS, Islamabad : Pakistan plans to have a consolidated data bank on terrorists.

Bangladesh to send envoy to protest Myanmar’s entry into its waters

By Xinhua, Dhaka : Bangladesh will send its foreign secretary Touhid Hossain as special envoy to Yangon on Wednesday to lodge Dhaka's protest against the presence of Myanmar vessels within Bangladesh's maritime zone, a top official said. Foreign Advisor of the Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury summoned Myanmar Ambassador in Dhaka U Phae Thann Oo at the Foreign Ministry Monday afternoon and conveyed the government's decision.

Israel to send cash to Gaza to allow PA employees get paid

By Xinhua, Ramallah : Palestinian Authority (PA) employees in Gaza will receive complete salaries this month after Israel accepted to send 72 million Shekels in cash to the besieged territory, Palestinian official said on Saturday. Jehad al-Wazeer, head of the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA), expected that Israel will allow the entry of the cash to Gaza very soon" so the banks will be able to pay full salaries for the employees."

Australian Soldier injured in Afghanistan fire

By Xinhua, Canberra : An Australian soldier in Afghanistan was seriously hurt while trying to extinguish a vehicle fire, Australian defense spokesperson Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said here on Wednesday. The injured soldier received immediate medical assistance at the incident site near the Australian base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan Province on Tuesday. He was then airlifted to a nearby International Security Assistance Force hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The soldier was a member of the Reconstruction Task Force and his family has been notified.

Obama urges quick formation of new Afghan government

Washington : US President Barack Obama has urged Afghan leaders to move faster toward forming a new government, days ahead of their planned visit...

UN chief Ban calls for urgent aid to Gaza

By DPA, Davos : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Thursday called on the international community to provide quick assistance for the people in conflict-torn Gaza Strip. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, in Switzerland, Ban issued a so-called flash appeal for urgently needed assistance worth $613 million in order to help the 1.4 million Gaza residents. "Everywhere I went, I saw evidence for critical humanitarian needs," Ban said in reporting on his recent fact-finding visit to the Gaza Strip after the intense three-week Israeli air strikes.

910 militants, 82 soldiers killed in North Waziristan

Islamabad : At least 910 militants and 82 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in operation Zarb-i-Azb in North Waziristan, the military said Wednesday. The statement...

US says concerned at ‘provocative actions’ in Pakistan

By IRNA, Islamabad : The US Mission to Pakistan is concerned about the continued provocative actions and false allegations against US personnel working to implement the new partnership between the leaders of Pakistan and the United States, the US embassy said Thursday. Pakistani authorities recently briefly detained US petsonnel and their vehicles in different parts of the country for what they say using fake number flats for their diplomatic cars.

EU hopes next Pakistani president will strengthen democracy

By IANS, Brussels : The European Union (EU) has said it hopes the future president of Pakistan and the government can work together on developing and strengthening democracy in Pakistan, respecting institutions and the rule of law, EuAsiaNews reported Tuesday. The EU will continue supporting Pakistan on this path, said a statement issued by the current French EU Presidency late Monday. The 27-member European bloc expressed its firm belief that strengthening of democratic institutions of Pakistan will also consolidate regional stability and cooperation.

UN human rights chief slams Pakistan school attack

Geneva : UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, has condemned the Taliban attack on a Pakistani school which killed at...

UN agency seeks US$22 million to feed cyclone-hit Bangladeshis

By NNN-UNNS Dhaka : The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed for $22 million to continue feeding more than 2 million Bangladeshis affected by Cyclone Sidr which tore through the South Asian nation late last year. In the aftermath of the Nov 15 storm, WFP has been providing relief assistance to over 2.2 million Bangladeshis through a $52 million emergency operation. The agency needs the additional $22 million to meet the immediate food needs of vulnerable people in the cyclone-affected areas.

Morocco to close 1,250 mosques

By IANS, Rabat (Morocco), Aug 11 (IANS) The Moroccan government will close 1,256 mosques found to be "unsafe" to avoid the repeat of a minaret collapse that killed 41 people in February this year. Mohammed VI, the king of Morocco, ordered all the country's mosques to be examined after a centuries-old minaret of a mosque in Meknes fell during Friday prayers. Meknes, an ancient city, is on the Unesco's World Heritage list.

US to slow Europe missile plan if Russia reviews Iran policy

By IANS, Tehran : Washington has indicated that it is willing to slow plans to deploy a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe if Moscow agreed to join the West to pressure Iran to stop its nuclear programme, a media report said. Senior Russian officials have insisted that contrary to US claims there is no evidence that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons programme. As a signatory to the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), Iran is legally allowed to master nuclear technology to produce electricity, MehrNews quoted a media report as saying.

Israeli wounded in fresh missile attacks on southern Israel — spokesman

By KUNA, Gaza : One Israeli was wounded in renewed Palestinian missile attacks that targeted southern Israel on Monday, a spokesman of the Israeli Army said. He told Israel Radio up to 10 missiles were fired from Gaza, crashing in several locations in the south of Israel and wounding one Israeli. Five of the missiles crashed into the industrial zone in the southern town of Sderot. A rocket harmlessly crashed into a grocery store and another hit a nearby cemetry.

Mohamed Morsi wins Egyptian presidency

By IANS, Cairo : The Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi was Sunday declared the winner of Egypt's presidential election run-off.

Bangladesh gas contracts awards to foreign firms spark protest

By IANS, Dhaka : Thirty persons, including 10 policemen were injured in a clash Wednesday when activists of Left parties protested award of oil and gas exploration contracts in the Bay of Bengal to foreign firms. The activists belonged to the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, a combine of six Leftist parties and groups and their students wings, Star Online reported.

NATO”s Afghan forces “have reached their limit” — British General

By KUNA, London : Coalition forces in Afghanistan have "now reached their limit", according to General Sir Michael Rose, former commander of UN forces in Bosnia. He said Tuesday that NATO forces should consider forming local tribal militias to help stabilize the country. General Rose made his comments when writing for the military think tank the Royal United Services Institute, in central London. He warned that there are not enough combat troops to continue the momentum against the Taliban.

US accuses Pakistan of supporting Haqqani network

By IANS, Washington : Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen Thursday accused the Pakistani government of supporting the Al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network.

Hamas calls for unconditional factional dialogue

By Xinhua Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Sunday called for unconditional dialogue among all the factions to maintain the national interests of the Palestinian people. Ismail al-Ashqar, a Hamas lawmaker, told reporters that Hamas has been supporting the dialogue "since the first day" that it took over Gaza Strip. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah movement boycotted Hamas and banned any ties between his secular faction and the Islamic movement since Hamas routed his forces in last June and seized control of the Gaza Strip.

Petraeus vows ‘relentless’ pursuit of Taliban

By Arun Kumar, IANS, Washington : A Senate panel has approved the nomination of Gen David Petraeus to be the top US commander in Afghanistan after he assured lawmakers he would continue "relentless" pursuit of the Taliban. The full Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on the confirmation of Petraeus, named by President Barack Obama to succeed Gen. Stanley McChrystal after McChrystal resigned over a Rolling Stone magazine article in which he and his aides were quoted making disparaging remarks about administration officials and their allies.

Syria committed to just peace – defence minister

By NNN-SANA Damascus : Minister of Defence General Hassan Turkmani has renewed Syria's commitment to the just and comprehensive peace based on UN relevant resolutions and the land-for-peace formula. Turkmani was speaking at a military celebration for graduating Army high-ranking officers Thursday. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Army general commander, President Bashar al-Assad. The defence minister talked about the latest developments in the region, saying "the challenges faced by the Arab nation requires us to promote our level of responsibility."

Hamas says too early to judge Israel’s commitment to cease-fire

By Xinhua, Gaza : Hamas on Monday said it was too early to judge Israel's commitment to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire which took hold in the Gaza Strip since Thursday. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said it was also early to "judge Israel's commitment on lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip." Abu Zuhri said Hamas wants Israel to "allow the goods that were banned during the blockade like construction and industrial materials and fuel." Israel eased its restrictions on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, allowing more trucks carrying food products and cloths into Gaza.

Syrian FM to visit Lebanon to further ties

By Xinhua, Damascus : Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem will pay a visit to Beirut on Monday in a sign of a further thaw in ties between the two neighbors, less than 10 days after the two countries announced that they had agreed to establish diplomatic ties. It will be Muallem's first official visit to Lebanon since early 2005 after the assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafik Hariri, which was blamed on Syria by many. Damascus, however, denied any involvement.

Angelina’s donation for floods surpasses Zardari’s help

By IANS, Islamabad : Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has contributed $100,000 (about Pakistani Rs.8.5 million) for flood ravaged Pakistan, a move that surpasses President Asif Ali Zardari's Rs.5 million donation and the help extended by most other politicians. Some leaders have refused to disclose their contribution to the relief effort and claimed that their donation had gone directly to their party's fund. Dawn reported Wednesday that Jolie has contributed $100,000 while Zardari and Altaf Hussain, chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, claimed to have donated Rs.5 million each.

BSF kills two Pakistanis: Pakistan media

Islamabad : Two Pakistani villagers were killed Monday in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Punjab province, the media reported. Three others...

Hamas: Abbas-Olmert meetings waste of time

By Xinhua Gaza : Meetings between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Euhd Olmert were waste of time, Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said on Monday. Instead of stopping the "useless" discussions in response to the Israeli attacks on Gaza, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) "eagerly goes ahead in these meetings and this gives the Zionist enemy a green light and encourages it to expand targeting our people," Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan said.

Two killed, 40 wounded in North Lebanon clashes

By NNN-KUNA, Beirut : Two people have been killed and more than 40 were wounded in the clashes that broke out Wednesday morning between supporters of the majority and opposition in Bab Al-Tabbanah and Jabal Mohsen districts, in the northern city of Tripoli. Security sources said that a woman died of a heart attack after a bomb fell close to her. Many of the wounded have been taken to hospitals for treatment, they added. Fierce clashes are ongoing, with light and medium weapons, and missiles being used.

Incentives will not change its nuclear course: Iran

By IANS, Tehran : Iran Sunday said it will not call off its uranium enrichment programme in exchange for economic incentives, IRNA news agency reported. Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, during his weekly press briefing, urged the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) to acknowledge the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme and revise their policies. Hosseini said UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has given Tehran a clean bill that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

‘Gaza rebuilding might take 100 years if Israeli blockade persists’

Gaza: An international charity organisation Thursday warned that rebuilding the Gaza Strip following last summer's military offensive by Israel might take "100 years," if...

Java quake toll reaches to 64

By DPA, Pangalengan (Indonesia) : The toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Indonesia's Java island Wednesday rose to 64 Friday as rescuers searched for 37 people missing, officials said. The missing people were among dozens of residents who were buried after a torrent of rocks engulfed their houses in the West Java district of Cianjur after Wednesday's quake. About 31,000 houses were damaged and more than 25,000 people were displaced after the magnitude-7.3 earthquake, the National Agency for Disaster Management said.

At least 35 killed in Iraq suicide attack

By Xinhua, Baghdad : At least 35 pilgrims were killed and 65 others injured in a suicide attack south of the Iraqi capital Friday, a police source said. According to the police source, a female suicide bomber wearing explosive vest exploded herself among a procession of Shia pilgrims in Mussayab, 44 km south of Baghdad. Most of the victims were women and children, said the police official on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to disclose information.

Hamas bringing in arms from Iran – Israeli FM

By NNN-KUNA Gaza : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has said that Hamas was awaiting relative calm to receive more arms from Iran into the Gaza Strip. Livni was quoted by Israeli radio as claiming the arms were smuggled to Gaza via the Egyptian territories. Livni said she did not expect the Palestinians to halt negotiations because of security measures adopted by the Israeli government. She said Israel would continue military operations in the Palestinian territories as part of efforts to fight against "terrorism."

How can Pakistan envoy talk to separatists: Congress

New Delhi : The Congress Sunday asked why India was going ahead with foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan when the Pakistani envoy here...

Afghanistan to buy Russian arms

By IANS, Moscow : Afghanistan plans to buy modern weapons from Russia, Xinhua reported Tuesday. "Afghanistan definitely needs powerful national armed forces for the purpose of protecting its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the country's charge d'affaires in Russia Hafizullah Ebadi said. He added that the country has a right to turn to any country to meet its needs.

Pakistanis cannot afford to encourage intolerance

By Huma Yusuf As soon as I heard that gunmen had attacked two Ahmadi houses of worship in Lahore on 27 May, I posted a despairing comment on my Facebook page, condemning the violence and wondering out loud why we, as a nation, had let it come to this. Only later was I struck by the irony of my action: I had logged on to Facebook, a website recently banned in Pakistan for carrying blasphemous content against the Prophet Muhammad, to decry the murder of members of a community that has for too long been persecuted on charges of blasphemy.

Zia warns government against deal with India

By IANS, Dhaka : Ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India, opposition leader Khaleda Zia Friday warned of "a tough movement" against "any deal with India against the interest of the people". Zia also alleged that the country was "being governed from somewhere else". "We don't know who is now running this country. What I know is the government is not governing the country. The country is being governed from somewhere else," Khaleda Zia told a rally of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Kuwait sets up three real estate companies

By IANS, Dubai : The Kuwaiti government has set up three companies in the real estate sector with a combined total of 9 million Kuwaiti dinars ($33.6 million). The Al-Marzam real estate company is a closed company at KD5 million ($18.7 million) capital distributed into 50 million shares, with 100 fils per share, the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. One thousand fils make KD1 ($3.73). The second company, Al-Tadawol Gulf real estate company, was set up at KD1 million ($3.73 million) capital, distributed into 10 million shares, with 100 fils per share.

27 militants, five security men killed in Pakistan

Islamabad : At least 27 militants and five security personnel were killed on Thursday during a military operation in Khyber Agency, a tribal area...

‘Pakistan is Al Qaeda’s global base’

By Arun Kumar, IANS, Washington : Pakistan has become the nerve centre of Al Qaeda's global operations to plan attacks around the world even while the Pakistani Taliban are planning a "surge" of their own, according to a top American military commander. Senior leaders of Al Qaeda are using sanctuaries in Pakistan's lawless frontier regions to plan new terror attacks and funnel money, manpower and guidance to affiliates around the world, Gen. David Petraeus, US Central Command chief, said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

Uncertainty over Bangladesh poll dates persists

By IANS, Dhaka : Pressure tactics by the former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance have made holding of the delayed ninth general election in Bangladesh on schedule uncertain. While Zia and her Islamist allies want a two-month deferment of the polls, the military-backed caretaker government Sunday indicated that it could relax the time-table of the Dec 18 poll by a few days, but not longer than that. It also wants a firm commitment from the BNP that they would participate without further preconditions.

Bangladesh deploys over 40,000 soldiers ahead of polls

By NNN-PTI, Dhaka, Bangladesh : Bangladesh on Saturday deployed over 40,000 soldiers across the country to maintain law and order, as the intelligence agencies fear attacks by the militants ahead of the general elections on December 29. The troops will be stationed as "striking forces" alongside Bangladesh Rifles, coastguards, Rapid Action Battalion and armed police until December 31, the bdnews online quoted Home Ministry officials as saying.

Australian Government Commits To Helping Re-build Iraq

By Bernama, Canberra : Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said here on Monday that his government remained committed to a positive role in the reconstruction of Iraq. "There's no suggestion the Iraqi government doesn't want non-U. S. forces in its country," China's Xinhua news agency quoted Fitzgibbon as saying to a local media, adding that the Iraqi people have a democracy now and these things must go through the parliamentary processes.

David Cameron welcomes Gaddafi’s death

By IANS, London : British Prime Minister David Cameron Thursday welcomed the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's death, saying it was a day to remember all his victims, Xinhua reported.

Bangladeshi actor Bulbul Ahmed dead

By IANS, Dhaka : Veteran Bangladeshi film actor Bulbul Ahmed who portrayed memorable roles based on Bengali literary classics, including "Devdas", is dead. He was 69. Tabarruk Ahmed Bulbul died Thursday after fighting prolonged illness. "Actor Rahman, popularly known as Chunilal, left me several years back. And this time, Devdas has left me," said Chashi Nazrul Islam, director of the film "Devdas". Based on a novel by Saratchandra Chatttopadhyaya, "Devdas" starred Bulbul and created a stir among the audiences.

Yemen’s new government critical for transition: EU

Brussels : Formation of a new government in Yemen is a critical step in efforts for transition, the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini,...

Bush calls for end to violence in Sudan

By Xinhua Washington : The US will continue its efforts to end violence in the western Sudanese region of Darfur, President George W. Bush has said. "We will continue to deliver humanitarian aid. We will continue to enforce sanctions, tough sanctions, against the Sudanese government officials, rebel leaders, and others responsible for violence," Bush said at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Thursday.

13 militants killed in Nigeria

By IANS, Abuja: At least 13 militants have been killed by Nigerian military, Xinhua reported Wednesday.

Arab-American family slams United Airlines over discrimination

New York : An Arab-American family slammed United Airlines after its staff removed them from a flight in an incident that they claimed was...

Pakistani leaders condemn suicide blast in capital

By Xinhua, Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday strongly condemned a suicide attack happened earlier the day in the capital. Musharraf asked the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough inquiry into the blast to bring the culprits to justice and reiterated the government's commitment to root out terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Musharraf also directed the local administration to provide every possible medical care to the injured.

Dubai Metro completes one year of operation

By IANS, Dubai : The Dubai Metro will celebrate its first anniversary Thursday, with over 30 million passengers having used the train service during the past one year.

Abbas re-elected as Fatah chief

By Xinhua, Bethlehem (West Bank): Delegates at Fatah's general conference Saturday re-elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as the leader of the party. The election was unopposed and the members applauded when Tayeb Abdel Rahim, a Fatah official, announced that Abbas would continue to be the general leader of Fatah. Othman Abu Gharbeya, chief of the convention, officially confirmed the decision.

Afghan troops kill six Taliban militants

By Xinhua, Kabul : Six Taliban militants have been killed in fighting with the security forces in Afghanistan's northwestern Badghis province, officials said Monday. "In chasing Taliban insurgents, the troops of Afghan national army engaged them (militants) in Balamurghab district Sunday, killing six rebels and injuring eight others," military officer Jalandar Behnam said Monday. There was no casualty on the side of the government troops. A rocket fired by the militants hit a house, killing a man and a woman, he added.

Former Kuwait Amir Sheikh Saad passes away

By IINA, Kuwait City : Former Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Saad Abdullah Al Sabah has died yesterday evening after a long illness, the royal court announced. He was 78. Sheikh Saad was buried this morning at the cemetry of Sulaibikhat, north of Kuwait City, amid a large number of people, led by the Amir and top officials, who performed prayers for the soul of the deceased before the burial procedures. Sheikh Saad suffered from colon problems and battled cancer.

Two Israeli soldiers killed in wide-scale armed clashes with Palestinians

By KUNA Gaza : An Israeli incursion into the eastern fringes of Gaza city and Jabaliya on Saturday resulted in the death of at least 15 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers, medical sources and Israel Radio said. The medical sources said Israeli warplanes fired missiles in the direction of a group of civilians on Al-Qarm Street east of Jabaliya inflicting a number of deaths and injuries. More than 15 Palestinians were killed and 35 others were hospitalized as a result of Israeli attacks and Israeli-Palestinian clashes in the northern part of Gaza, they said.

Pakistan anti-polio drive halted

Islamabad: Pakistan's anti-polio drive has been halted for security reasons in Khyber-Pakhtunkwa province where over 2.9 million children were expected to be administered the...

Saudi Arabia deports 23,000 Indonesian migrant workers

By NNN-Antara, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) : The Saudi government deported 23,644 Indonesian migrant workers (TKIs), most of which were women, in the January-December 2008 period, Indonesia`s Consul General here Abdullah Mansyur said on Tuesday. Mansyur said that most of the deported TKIs had entered the country illegally. Some had used only `umroh` (minor hajj) visas and stayed until the hajj pilgrimage season came, thus overstaying their visas. The Indonesian consul general said that most of the illegal TKIs had no official immigration documents such as passports and other identities.

Five militants killed in Pakistan

By DPA, Islamabad : The Pakistani armed forces said Sunday that troops killed five militants in the ongoing anti-Taliban offensive in the tribal region near the Afghan border. Around 30,000 soldiers launched the operation, codenamed "Path to Deliverance", Oct 17 in the South Waziristan district, which was described by the US as the most dangerous place on earth, littered with Taliban and Al Qaeda sanctuaries.

Britain asks citizens to review travel plans to Pakistan

Islamabad : The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised its citizens to review their planned trips to Pakistan in view of the...

Shakib ranked as world’s best Test, ODI, T20I all-rounder

Dhaka: Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hassan has been ranked the best all-rounder in One-Day Internationals (ODI) once again. The latest ranking means he is now...

India willing to work for reconstruction of Iraq

By IANS, New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday called for "cross investments" between India and the Arab countries in the energy sector and expressed the government's willingness to work for reconstruction of violence-torn Iraq.

Ship with over 300 migrants sinks off Yemen

By DPA, Sana'a (Yemen) : A ship with around 300 Somali and Ethiopian migrants aboard capsized in the Gulf of Aden Saturday, Yemen's interior ministry reported. The ministry said in a statement that coast guard authorities rushed rescue teams to search for survivors. "The fate of most of the passengers remains unknown," it said.

Obama to hold talks with Karzai in Kabul

By SPA, Kabul, Afghanistan : U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama praised American troops while having breakfast with them in Kabul on Sunday, ahead of an expected meeting with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai. Obama and other senators traveling with him met with many soldiers and sailors from their respective constituencies, said Lt. Col. Dave Johnson, a U.S. military spokesman. The food was great, but the company was better, Johnson said. Traveling with Obama were Sens. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, and Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island.

Lebanon against full-blown war with Israel

Beirut: Lebanon Thursday called for avoiding a full-blown war with Israel, a day after a Hezbollah attack killed two Israeli soldiers in Shebaa Farms...

EU desires swift formation of stable, functional government in Pakistan

By APP Islamabad : The European Union Monday greeted the Pakistani people for their commitment to democratic development, rejection of extremist forces and hoped swift formation of a stable and functional government. A declaration on behalf of the European Union on the conduct of the general election in Pakistan, released simultaneously from Brussels and Islamabad, welcomed the holding of February 18 general election. “The elections provide a basis for a new democratic development in Pakistan,” the declaration said.

Israel’s foreign minister drafts regional peace plan

Jerusalem: Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has drawn a plan for achieving peace between Israel and its neighbours which includes ceding land for a...

Fifth constituency was represented by 41 MPs between 1981, 2006

By Kawthar Al-Ghanim, KUNA, Kuwait : The fifth constituency was represented by 41 members of Parliament (PMs) in the National Assemblies formed between 1981 and 2006. Khaled Al-Adwah is the number-one veteran representative of this constituency that groups the districts number 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 in the dissolved 25-constituency system. He had served for five legislative terms. Hadi Al-Huwailah, Fahad Al-Mai' and Marzoug Al-Hubaini were elected and served for four legislative terms. Rashed Al-Hujailan and Walid Al-Jeri were elected and served three times.

Over 50 terrorists killed in air strikes: Pakistan army

Islamabad : Pakistan army bombarded terror hideouts in the country's mountainous region of North Waziristan early Sunday and said over 50 militants were killed....

US keeps option to use troops to secure Pakistan’s n-arsenal

By Arun Kumar,IANS, Washington: President Barack Obama has reiterated his confidence that the Pakistani military is equipped to prevent extremists from taking over its nuclear arsenal, but would not rule out the option of sending US troops to secure them. As the US tries to strengthen Islambad as a partner, he also sees "a decided shift" in the Pakistan Army's recognition that extremism is a much more immediate and serious threat than the one from India that they've traditionally focused on.

Pakistan helping terrorists sneak into India: army chief

By IANS, New Delhi : Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor Friday accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir to enable terrorists to sneak into India. General Kapoor said the ceasefire violations at the LoC were "diversionary tactics" meant to enable terrorists to cross into India. "Ceasefire violations have increased because this enables infiltration to be carried out when the firing is on and (it) can be used as a diversionary tactic," Kapoor told reporters here.

Ahmadinejad officially welcomes Turkmen counterpart

By IRNA, Tehran : Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad officially welcomed his visiting Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. Ahmadinejad received Berdymukhamedov in his office in the presidential venue. The two presidents reviewed guards of honors after they listened to the anthems of the two countries played at the beginning of the reception ceremony. The Turkmen president arrived in Tehran Friday evening at the head of a ranking delegation. He is accompanied by all his cabinet members in his two-day visit.

Iraqi PM vows to capture killers of anti-US Shiite MP

By AFP, Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed on Thursday to capture the assassins of an anti-American Shiite MP, the first lawmaker to be killed in 18 months, and ordered a top-level investigation. Maliki said he appointed a panel headed by Interior Minister Jawad Bolani to probe the assassination of Saleh al-Ogayly, 41, in Baghdad's Sadr City district, a Shiite stronghold. "We reaffirm our determination to get at the hotbeds of terrorism and crime and arrest and prosecute the killers and bring them to justice," the prime minister said in a statement.

Gulf Cooperation Council condemns suicide bombing of Danish embassy in Islamabad

By Xinhua, Riyadh : The Cooperation Council for the ArabStates of the Gulf (GCC) Monday condemned the suicide bombing of the Danish embassy in the Pakistani capital Islamabad. Calling the attack an immoral violation against humans, a GCC statement said the bombing goes against the Islamic creed, which advocates tolerance. The GCC firmly opposes terrorism in all forms, said the statement, calling for respect for human rights and humanitarianism. The statement also says terrorism should not be stereotypically linked with a certain religion or a group of people.

US envoy starts talks in Israel

By DPA, Tel Aviv : US President Barack Obama's special envoy to the Middle East began talks in Israel Tuesday amid a deepening row over Israeli settlements. George Mitchell met Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak in the morning and was scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before travelling to the West Bank city of Ramallah Wednesday for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

133 Arab pilgrims died during Haj

Riyadh : A total of 133 foreign Arab pilgrims died, while 213 others have been admitted to hospitals during this Haj season, media reported...

78 abandoned buildings demolished in Abu Dhabi

By IANS/WAM, Abu Dhabi : The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM) has demolished 78 abandoned buildings as part of its campaign to rid the city of old and abandoned houses which distort its look.

Saudi official survives suicide bombing attack

By DPA, Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's deputy interior minister survived an assassination attempt when a man wanted on terrorism charges blew himself up in the minister's office, the official Saudi press Agency reported Friday. Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was meeting well-wishers for the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Jeddah Thursday when the man detonated an explosives belt, killing himself. The suicide bomber had announced he was giving himself up and wanted to meet the prince, who is responsible for security in the Kingdom.

Terrorists killed over 700 Iraqis in October

United Nations: At least 714 Iraqis were killed and 1,269 others wounded in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in October, UN spokesman...

Abbas blames Hamas for bombing Fatah leaders’ properties

Gaza : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday accused the Islamic Hamas movement of carrying out Friday's bombing attacks against properties of his Fatah Party's...

Palestinians chastise Ahmadinejad over Mideast talks remarks

By DPA, Ramallah : The Palestinian leadership has chastised Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for criticising the renewed Middle East direct peace talks, the Maan news agency reported Sunday. "The one who does not represent the Iranian people, who falsified election results, who oppressed the Iranian people and stole authority has no right to speak about Palestine, its president or its representatives," Nabil Abu Rudaineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, was quoted as saying.

TV: Pakistan’s ruling coalition finishes draft on Musharraf’s impeachment

By Xinhua, Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition has completed a draft statement regarding impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, which will be released later on Thursday, local TV reported. A four-member draft committee has completed the draft statement on Musharraf's impeachment and left for discussion with the coalition party leaders, private Geo TV channel said. The joint statement would be issued to media at 3 p.m. local time in Islamabad on Thursday, according to the TV channel.

Bus blast kills 12 in Baghdad

By Xinhua, Baghdad : Twelve people were killed and 35 wounded Sunday in a massive bus bomb explosion at a busy market in southwestern part of the Iraqi capital, officials said. A minibus packed with explosives went off in a busy market just before dusk, interior ministry officials said, requesting anonymity. All the victims were civilians. Several shops were also destroyed in the blast, officials said. Local residents were preparing for the meal to break their daily fast as part of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when the blast took place.

Al Qaeda’s Indian branch leader killed by US

Washington: Ahmed Farouq, an American who died in a US counterterrorism airstrike in January, was the deputy emir of Al Qaeda in the Indian...

There is no ‘absolute freedom’ for media: Badawi

By IANS, Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says there is no such thing as absolute freedom and that the media should not be ashamed of "self-censorship" to respect cultural norms. His support to what he termed as "ethical journalism" came even as his Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said that the government had decided to enact laws to engage bloggers in the cyberspace.

Saudi Arabis congratulates Muslims on Eid Al-Adha

By NNN-KUNA, Riyadh : Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques king Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and the Heir Apparent, Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz, on Monday congratulated the Muslim nation and the pilgrims on advent of Eid Al-Adha. The Saudi leadership, in an address made on its behalf by Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Anqari, affirmed unity of the nation and necessity of devotion for the religious services. The pilgrims, in the final stage of the annual services, performed prayers at the grand mosque in Holy Makkah early today.

Oman-India gas pipeline a most promising option

By H.S. Ramakrishna, Natural gas, a very highly consumed commodity in India, is at present supplied from two sources: domestic production and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Energy demand and supply projections indicate that by 2021-22, due to rising demand, India will also need to start sourcing natural gas from cross-border pipelines to fill the gap between demand and availability. In such a situation, India will have to examine its options carefully to minimise the cost of imports and consider appropriate sources of natural gas to keep the import bills under check.

Mideast direct talks ‘only way’ to peace: UN

By DPA, New York : United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Saturday endorsed next month's planned resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. A spokesman at UN headquarters in New York said that Ban believes that negotiations "are the only way for the parties to resolve all final status issues".

Pakistan increasing nuclear weapons: US

By Arun Kumar, IANS, Washington : The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has confirmed reports that Pakistan is increasing its nuclear weapons programme, but has provided no details. The confirmation came during a Senate Armed Services committee hearing Thursday when Democrat senator Jim Webb, an expert on defence issues, raised fears that Pakistan is adding to the nuclear weapons it traditionally has pointed toward India, and questioned whether US aid could be funding it.

Egypt prosecution to appeal Mubarak verdict

Cairo : Egypt's Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat Tuesday ordered an appeal against the dropping of a criminal case against ousted former president Hosni Mubarak,...

Three Israeli soldiers, four Palestinian militants killed in Gaza

By RIA Novosti, Gaza : Three Israeli soldiers and four Palestinian militants were killed in fighting near an oil terminal in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, the Israeli army and Hamas said. Israel suspended fuel deliveries to Gaza last Wednesday after militants attacked the Nahal Oz fuel terminal leaving two Israeli civilians dead. In a retaliatory measure, involving tanks and helicopters, Israeli troops killed at least seven Palestinians.

US-Iran security talks on Iraq postponed

By Xinhua Baghdad : Iran has postponed the fourth round of its meeting with the US over security in Iraq but has not given any reason for the postponement, an Iraqi foreign ministry source said. "We have learned that Iran asked the Iraqi government to delay the meeting with the Americans about security in Iraq," the source said, adding that Tehran has not given a new date for the meeting. The US embassy in Iraq was not immediately available for comment on Iran's postponement of the meeting scheduled for Friday.

Iran’s parliament to debate EU concession: Larijani

By IANS, Tehran : Iran's parliament will shortly debate the package of concessions presented by European Union foreign relations chief Javier Solana seeking to resolve the nuclear issue, speaker Ali Larijani Sunday said. Larijani said Tehran's stand that nuclear activities are its “sovereign right” remains unchanged in any negotiations with the West, IRNA reported.

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.

UNSC strongly condemns terrorist attack targeting ceremony attended by Karzai

By KUNA, United Nations : The Security Council on Monday "condemned in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack yesterday in Kabut that targeted an official ceremony attended by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Parliamentarians, diplomats and UN officials.Karzai escaped the assassination attempt but two people were killed in the attack and a dozen more were injured.

UNESCO lauds assistance of Saudi Committee for Palestinians

By SPA, Riyadh : Akio Arata, Chief of UNESCO Section for Bilateral Government Funding Sources has expressed appreciation for the Saudi Committee to Assist the Palestinian People for its continuous efforts to support education process in Palestine. In a letter to the Committee, Arata commended the grant of the latest 129 scholarships presented to Palestinian students to study abroad with an amount of SR 3,658,125. The Committee, however, supported the Palestinian Education process with SR134 Million through official Palestinian education bodies in coordination with UNESCO.

German firm to help integrate Qatar’s proposed rail network

By IANS, Dubai : Germany’s national railway company Deutsche Bahn will help the Gulf nation of Qatar in integrating its various proposed railway networks into a comprehensive and consolidated railway system. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to this effect between Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and Deutsche Bahn, according to a statement issued by Qatari Diar out of Doha. The new pact marks the launch of a multi-billion dollar national project through setting the railway integration project basis and developing a conceptual design for it.

’70 percent of British terrorism traced to Pakistan’

By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS London : Seventy percent of all terrorist incidents in Britain has their origin in Pakistan, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Monday. Arguing for greater Western engagement in Afghanistan, Miliband said it was imperative to promote both security and development in that country, one of the poorest in the world, for the sake of Britain's own security. "Afghanistan will become a failed state if the international community pulled out," Miliband told BBC. Its ability to tackle terrorists will "come back" to Britain, he said.

IMRC’s health camps sees 600 people examined in Hyderabad

By TCN News Hyderabad (Telangana): The Indian Muslim Relief and Charities (IMRC) organised a health check-up camp for about 600 people in Hasan Nagar locality...

Bangladeshi student leader succumbs to blast injuries

Dhaka : A student leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Thursday died of wounds suffered during an explosion while "making bombs" in a house...

Maldives deports 6,400 migrant workers in 2014

Male : Maldivian immigration officials deported 6,400 migrant workers in 2014 and are holding another 159 in detention, an official said Wednesday. Besides a handful...

Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills 15

By IANS, Islamabad : At least 12 tribal paramilitary troopers and three civilians were killed when a suicide bomber targeted their vehicle in Pakistan's restive northwest Wednesday, officials said. Thirteen troopers of the paramilitary Khasadar Force were injured in the attack in the Khyber agency's Jamrud district in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghanistan border.

Germany bans aid group linked to Hamas

By IANS/AKI, Berlin : Germany outlawed a charity group for having alleged links to Palestinian militant organisation Hamas, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere said. Authorities believe the Frankfurt-based Internationale Humanitaere Hilfsorganisation (IHH) has been funnelling money to Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organisation by the European Union, the United States and Israel.

Iran agrees to export natural gas to UAE

By Xinhua, Tehran : Iran signed a $2 billion gas deal with Crescent Petroleum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the English-language Press TV reported Saturday. According to the 25-year gas deal signed Friday, Iran will export natural gas from the country's Salman field to UAE, said the report. The agreed price of natural gas is reportedly four times the price Crescent Petroleum pays for importing gas from Qatar and more than five times the average weighted price for gas in the Middle East and North Africa.

US-Pakistan ties should go beyond terrorism: Gilani

By IANS, Islamabad : Relations between the US and Pakistan should go beyond terrorism and cover areas of bilateral relations on a durable basis, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.

Berlin denies role in freeing suspected Mossad agent

By IRNA, Berlin : The German government Monday claimed it had no role in the controversial release of a suspected Mossad operative wanted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his alleged involvement in the killing of a senior Hamas official in Dubai. Talking to media representatives in Berlin, deputy foreign ministry spokesman Stefan Bredohl stressed it was a purely judicial decision to free Uri Brodsky who had been extradited from Poland to Germany over the weekend for his logistic role in the killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.

Israeli PM Olmert hands in formal resignation

By DPA, Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert handed in Sunday evening his resignation to President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, after serving in the office for 33 months. Earlier in the day, the premier told his cabinet he was planning on handing in his mandate, following the election last week of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni as the new leader of his ruling Kadima Party. "This is not an easy decision and not a simple one," Olmert said to his ministers, adding that "I think I am acting in a suitable, statesmanlike and responsible manner, as I promised the Israeli public."

General petraeus submits preliminary Iraq report

By SPA, Washington : General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has submitted to Defense Secretary Robert Gates his initial recommendation on when to resume a U.S. troop withdrawal and at what pace, a senior military officer said Friday. The officer, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Petraeus was still analyzing the situation and had not yet submitted a final set of recommendations, which he is expected to do within the next week or so. The officer did not provide any specifics of Petraeus’ initial recommendations.

Arab envoys suggest Ban visit Gaza, Holmes there in mid February

By KUNA United Nations : A delegation of Arab envoys met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Tuesday to brief him on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and to urge him to intervene as Secretary-General of the world body and member of the Quartet. Algerian envoy Youcef Yousfi, the Arab group's current chairman, told reporters following the meeting that the delegation suggested to Ban to increase the UN role within the Quartet and invited him to visit Gaza to see for himself the suffering of the civilians due to the Israeli blockade.

NATO head vows continuing support for Afghanistan

By DPA, Brussels : NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen pledged continuing support from the military alliance for Afghanistan after voters chose a new parliament.

Iraqi governor survives two bomb attacks

By IANS, Baghdad : The governor of Iraq's Salahudin province Wednesday miraculously escaped two bomb attacks, but five of his bodyguards were wounded, Xinhua reported.

Palestinian president seeks early resumption of peace talks

Cairo: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Saturday called for a quick resumption of Egypt-mediated talks between Israel and the Palestinians that failed last week in...

Prosecutor asks court for ruling party’s closure for anti-secular activities

By SPA Istanbul : Turkey's chief prosecutor is seeking to disband the country's governing party and to bar Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan from holding public office, ap quoted a court official as saying. Erdogan's party has tried to chip away at the principle of secularism, by claiming that the constitutional description of secularism is «obscure,» Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya claimed in an indictment.

NATO artillery kills three children in Afghanistan

By Xinhua, Kabul : At least three children were killed and seven wounded Monday when artillery fire by NATO-led security forces accidentally hit a civilian compound in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktika, officials said. The incident occurred when the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) called for return fire after insurgents attacked one of its convoy in Gayan district of the province, the ISAF said in a statement. The artillery shell “accidentally” landed close to a civilian compound, killing at least three children and wounding seven, it said.

Pakistan to strongly retaliate any intervention into its territory

By NNN-APP Islamabad : Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Nisar A. Memon Saturday vehemently said that Pakistan would strongly retaliate any intervention into its territory from any side. Talking to the media persons here after addressing the International Hussainia Conference, the Minister expressed these views when asked about the possibility of US forces operation inside Pakistan.

Afghan district police Chief killed in roadside mine blast

By Xinhua, Kabul : A roadside mine planted by unknown persons near a government building in Marja district, Helmand province of southern Afghanistan, exploded, leaving district police chief dead and district chief wounded, an official said Sunday. Both the officials were going to wash hands at a nearby stream when they were struck by the mine Saturday evening, resulting in death of district police chief Haji Torjan and injury of district chief Juma Gul, Helmand's police chief Mohammad Hussein Andiwal told Xinhua.

Arab parliamentary conference due in northern Iraq historic – Talibani

By NNN-KUNA Irbil : Iraqi President Jalal Al-Talabani has described as historic the unprecedented holding of the conference for Arab parliamentarians in this northern Iraqi city this week. The president, addressing the inauguration of a new session of the National Assembly of Kurdistan (the local parliament) Monday, indicated that the holding of the conference in the predominantly-Kurdish city signalled unity and territorial sanctity of Iraq.

President condemns attack on Indian consulate in Afghanistan

New Delhi : President Pranab Mukherjee Friday "strongly" condemned the terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Afghanistan and said such attacks would not...

Obama pledges to ‘finish the job’ in Afghanistan

By DPA, Washington : US President Barack Obama said Tuesday he will "finish the job" in Afghanistan, as he contemplates a new strategy for the country that he is expected to announce "shortly". Obama has refused to be pinned down on when he intends to outline the plan after holding weeks of discussions with his war council, the latest of which took place Monday evening. US media reported Tuesday he will do so in a prime time address Dec 1.

Dismantling terror setup in Pakistan’s interest, says India

By IANS, New Delhi : Amid a wave of terror blasts in Pakistan, India Sunday said dismantling terrorist infrastructure was in Islamabad's own "interest". "We want development and peace in neighbourhood for stability. It is in the interest of Pakistan and international community to dismantle terror infrastructure," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here. Mukherjee said India wants peace and development in the neighbourhood. He was reacting to the recent spate of terror bombings in Pakistan.

Engage Syria for peace in Middle East: UAE daily

By IANS, Dubai : The incoming US administration must understand the role of key players in the Middle East if it looks forward to resolving the crisis there, WAM has quoted a United Arab Emirates (UAE) daily as commenting. ''It is imperative for the next US administration to fully comprehend the role played by key nations in the Middle East region. Without this understanding, any effort to address the challenging problems would prove futile,'' wrote Gulf News Sunday in its editorial.

Bangladesh President greets countrymen on new Bangla year

By NNN-BSS, Dhaka : Bangladesh President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed wished a happy New Bangla Year for all and extended his heartiest greeting and felicitation to the countrymen. Today (Monday) is new year for the country. In a message here yesterday on the eve of Bnagla New Year, 1415, he hoped that the new Bangla Year would enrich all of us with welfare-oriented thought in all spheres of our national life removing all sorts of disputes in the past as well as it would bring message of joy for all of us.

IS militants spread to Syria’s Kurdish town

Damascus : The Islamic State (IS) Tuesday spread to a southern district of the key Syria-Turkey border town of Kobane, as US-led air strikes...

Haqqani network claims responsibility for Afghan suicide bombing blast

By Xinhua Kabul : A leader of the Taliban-associated Haqqani network has claimed responsibility for the March 3 suicide bombing attack in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province which killed two NATO soldiers and two Afghan workers, the U.S.-led Coalition forces said Wednesday. "Siraj Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani Network, took responsibility for the attack wounding dozens of Afghan civilians and promised more suicide bombings" in Khost province, it said in a statement.

Bangladesh to probe charges against Grameen Bank founder

By IANS, Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government would investigate the alleged unauthorised fund transfer by Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus.

Asif Zardari consensus candidate of all political forces: Sherry

By APP, Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman said on Tuesday that Senator Asif Ali Zardari has emerged as the consensus presidential candidate of almost all political parties of the country. Addressing a media briefing here she said that the PPP presidential candidate has the credentials to serve the cause of the federation as well as strong parliamentary institutions.

Eight soldiers die in Yemen car bombing

By IANS, Aden (Yemen) : At least eight soldiers were killed and 20 injured when a booby-trapped car targeted a military patrol in Yemen's southern port city of Aden Sunday.

16 die in blast at Pakistani mine

By IANS, Islamabad : At least 16 people were killed in a massive explosion at a marble mine in Pakistan's northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, media reports said Tuesday.

Jordan, FAO sign agreement to fight bird flu in Middle East

By NNN-Petra, Amman : Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have signed an agreement to strengthen the regional coordination network to fight bird flu in the Middle East. The project aims to help Middle Eastern countries fight bird flu in the region and limit its impact on the poultry sector and rural economy as well as protecting the human population from contracting the disease.

Dubai commits $19.6 bn to utility projects

By IANS, Dubai : This West Asian metropolis has committed 72 billion dirhams ($19.6 billion) to fund its utility projects being implemented this year and which are under construction. The investments are in line with directives from Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the face of soaring demand for electricity and water, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Bush admin urged to ensure India avoids military confrontation with Pakistan

By NNN-APP, New Delhi : A leading American Newspaper Monday called on the Bush administration to use all of its influence to ensure that India’s leaders do not opt for a military confrontation with Pakistan in wake of terrorist attacks in Mumbai. “Washington’s most important role will be to urge the Indians and Pakistanis to step back from the brink,” The New York Times said in an editorial, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice flew to Brussels on her way to the New Delhi in an effort to defuse Indo-Pakistan tensions.

Militants behead Afghan man for ‘spying’

By IANS, Islamabad : Unidentified militants beheaded a 60-year-old Afghan man for allegedly "spying" for the US military based in neighbouring Afghanistan, media reports said. The body, identified as that of Wadeen, was found in Darpa Khel village, five km from Miranshah, in North Waziristan tribal area bordering Afghanistan, Xinhua reported citing a statement in the Daily Times. A piece of paper found near the body said the man was beheaded was spying for the US and that anyone else doing the same "would meet the same fate".

Kuwait sovereign wealth fund opposes code of conduct

By Xinhua Brussels : The Kuwait sovereign wealth fund chief, attending a trade conference in Europe, said Wednesday that a voluntary code of conduct for state-controlled investment apparatus would be no good to the economy. Bader al-Saad, managing director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, said his fund already met most proposed requirements on governance and transparency as called for by the United States and the European Union and that an official code of conduct would not help.

Unesco congratulates Nobel Peace Prize winners

Paris : Unesco Director-General Irina Bokova Friday congratulated India's Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai for winning the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize and praised...

India, Bangladesh to set up ‘border haats’ for trade

By IANS, Agartala: India and Bangladesh will soon set up 'haats' (markets) along their international border in the northeast to boost local business and trade between the two neighbours, officials said here Monday. Two 'border haats' would be set up along the Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya while eight such 'haats' would be established along Tripura's border with Bangladesh, senior officials and traders said at a summit on India-Bangladesh trade.
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