Syrian, Turkish interior ministers discuss bilateral cooperation
By NNN-SANA,
Ankara : Interior Minister Maj-Gen Bassam Abdul-Majeed has held discussions here with his Turkish counterpart, Beshir Atalay, on cooperation in measures to combat drug trafficking, organised crime and illegal migration.
During the meeting Wednesday, Abdul- Majeed stressed the necessity for combating terrorism, stressing that Syria was among the first countries which suffered from terrorism.
In a statement to reporters, Abdul-Majeed indicated that his current visit to Syria was within the framework of boosting the existing bilateral relations, considered to be exemplary.
Roadside bomb kills US airman in Baghdad, military says
By SPA
Baghdad : The U.S. military says an American airman has been killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, according to AP.
A brief statement says the airman was on a patrol around noon when the attack occurred Thursday in a central area of the capital.
The identity of the slain airman has not been released pending notification of relatives.
The death raises to at least 4,012 members of the U.S. military who have died since the Iraq war started in March 2003. That's according to an Associated Press count.
Israeli troops kill 2 Jihad gunmen in West Bank raid
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Invading Israeli troops killed two Islamic Jihad gunmen and seriously wounded a third one on early Monday during a raid on the West Bank town Jenin, local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website.
The Israeli special forces killed the gunmen in an exchange of fire which developed during an arrest operation for wanted militants in the town. Israeli troops found rifles and ammunition on the bodies of the militants, according to the report.
UAE opens ‘green’ service station
By IANS,
Dubai : A government-owned oil company in Dubai has launched the first ever eco-friendly service station in the Middle-east.
Sarkozy sends letter of support to Afghan leader
By KUNA,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sent a letter of support to his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, who was the target of an assassination attempt in Kabul Sunday, Sarkozys office announced Monday.
EU condemns attack on US Consulate in Istanbul
By KUNA,
Brussels : The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union, "strongly condemned" Wednesday the armed attack near the US Consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul in which three policemen and three gunmen have been killed.
The EC "sends its condolences to the colleagues and friends of the policemen who have been killed in the exchange of fire and also to the Turkish authorities," EC spokesperson, Amadeu Altafaj Tardio, told reporters here.
He wished a speedy recovery to the injured policemen.
Hamas releases 10 Fatah leaders
By KUNA,
Ramallah : The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas on Saturday announced releasing 10 Fatah leaders in Gaza, including Ibrahim Abu Al-Naja.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri said the release came in response to local and Egyptian mediations.
Abu Zahri told reporters that Hamas called upon the Palestinian Authority to complete the process of releasing political prisoners in the West Bank, as well as halting political arrests and releasing political detainees.
Iran criticises US offensive in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iranian ambassador to Iraq has strongly criticised the US military operations in Baghdad's main Shia bastion of Sadr city that killed many civilians.
"We criticize the pounding of cities and the siege of people, which will aggravate the situations and make things worse," the Iranian envoy Hassan Kazemi Qomi told a news conference at the Iranian Embassy here late Saturday.
Iran invited to regional security conference
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Iran is to be invited to join a South Asian regional security conference centred on Afghanistan, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Friday.
Miliband said the meeting was a follow-up to the international conference on Afghanistan held in Paris June 2008 and co-chaired by the European Union presidency, United Nations secretary general and the Afghan government.
"The Iranian interest in Afghanistan is very direct - they have got a massive drugs problem coming out of Afghanistan.
Indian foreign secretary to visit Pakistan in March
New Delhi/Islamabad : The India-Pakistan foreign secretary level talks are expected to resume in March next in Islamabad, senior diplomats from both sides said...
Rocket hits BBC bureau in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : One rocket hit the roof of the BBC bureau, leaving a 3-by-5 foot hole.
At least seven other rocket explosions were heard. But US authorities did not confirm any strikes inside the Green Zone, which includes the US Embassy and much of the Iraqi government.
The rocket salvos from Sadr City have come in response to a US air strikes on Sadr City, the Baghdad stronghold of the powerful Mahdi Army led by Iraqi anti-occupation leader Moqtada al-Sadr.
"It caused structural damage but no one was injured," said Patrick Howse, the BBC bureau chief in Baghdad.
Pakistan releases 45 Indian fishermen
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Friday freed 45 India fishermen as a goodwill gesture, officials said.
Iran prepared to face ‘asymmetrical’ threats: Guards chief
By IANS,
Tehran : The chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IGRC) said Wednesday that his troops are well prepared to face any kind of "asymmetrical" threats be they political, cultural or military, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"The enemies of Iran are not capable of posing any direct threat or taking open action" against the country, IRGC commander Major General Mohammad-Ali Jaafari said Tuesday during a meeting of senior IRGC officials.
Suicide bomber kills 12, wounded 18 in Mardan
By NNN-APP,
Peshawar : A suicide bomber blew himself up on Sunday at busy PRC market in a cantonment area in Mardan district, killing at least 12 persons and injuring 18 others, police said.
The suicide bomber, thought to be a teenager, blew himself up in front of the gate of a bakery while he was trying to enter it. Police said that four security personnel were killed in the attack. Eyewitnesses said that blood and human flesh littered the ground outside bakery shop while smoke billowed into the sky.
Hardline cleric vows to bring Islamic sharia to Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A pro-Taliban cleric reiterated his pledge Friday to struggle "till death" for enforcement of Islamic sharia law across Pakistan, asking his supporters to be ready for sacrifices.
"The more sacrifices we offer, the more quickly Islam will spread," Maulana Abdul Aziz stressed in his Friday sermon at Islamabad's Red Mosque, which was brimming with people, including hundreds of students from local Islamic seminaries.
Rafsanjani: Enemies’ Meddling Has Affected Iran-bosnia Ties
By Bernama,
Tehran : Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said on Monday that the enemies lowered level of ties between Iran and Bosnia, Iranian national news agency (Irna) reported.
Rafsanjani made the remarks in a meeting with the Bosnian Ambassador to Tehran Senahid Bristric.
Iran was very hopeful to play an active and constructive role in Bosnia after the war ended in the country but the enemies' plots lowered the level of such ties.
The current level of economic and commercial ties between the two countries is very low, Rafsanjani said.
Dubai’s ‘Car Free Day’ helps reduce carbon emission
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The fourth annual "Car Free Day" organised by the Dubai Municipality helped reduce 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
UAE to host nuclear disarmament conference
By IANS,
Budapest: United Arab Emirates (UAE) would host the annual conference of The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism in Abu Dhabi in June 2010, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
The announcement was made by the permanent representative of the UAE at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Hamad Ali al-Kaabi at the meeting of the Global Initiative in Budapest.
He said in his speech that UAE had exerted great efforts in combating nuclear terrorism and is now fully prepared to counter any expected terrorist actions.
UAE voices its concern in UN session over non-delivery of its aid to Palestinians
By NNN-WAM,
New York : The United Arab Emirates has condemned Israel's continuous policy of siege and closure in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as the main cause behind the unprecedented deterioration in the humanitarian economic and social situation in Palestine.
The UAE voiced grave concern over obstacles set by Israel in the way of delivery of its humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
Pakistan to screen degrees of government staff
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani authorities have been asked to verify the academic certificates of all government employees.
Three policemen killed by gunmen in Egypt
Cairo : At least three policemen were killed and nine others injured when gunmen opened fire at a security check-point in Egypt, an official...
Pakistan: govt condemns using media for negative diplomacy
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman has said that the Government of Pakistan condemns efforts aimed at using media for negative diplomacy as tensions between Pakistan and India are running high.
Commenting on reports published in a section of press about a so called hoax call to the President on November 28 she said all calls received in the Presidency are processed in accordance with an intricately laid down procedure.
Four Qaida militants killed in U.S. raid in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. troops killed four suspected al-Qaida militants and detained more than 20 others in a raid targeting al-Qaida network in Iraq's northern province of Ta'mim, the U.S. military said Friday.
The U.S. raid which was based on intelligence information conducted on Wednesday and took place along the Tigris River Valley in the western part of Ta'mim province, a military statement said.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad appoints new caretaker for economic ministry
By SPA,
Tehran, Iran : Iran's official news agency says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has replaced his economy Minister.
The IRNA report Tuesday says Hossein Semsami, a university teacher in economics, was chosen to be a temporary Minister of Economy and Finance. He will hold the post until a new minister can be named and confirmed by parliament.
The former economy minister, Davood Danesh Jafari, has been promoted to be an adviser to the president.
Ahmadinejad has made Cabinet changes five other times since coming to office in 2005.
Malaysian PM holds meeting over missing jet
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Thursday held a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces Mohd Zulkifeli Mohd Zin after objects believed related...
Malaysian parties beat up last dash for election
By Xinhua
Kuala Lumpur : Time is almost up as Saturday, the polling day of Malaysia's 12th general election, is nearing and political parties in the country were Thursday seen stepping up their last dash towards the final victory.
In recent days, more campaign posters and rallies have popped up around the country. Party leaders were seen busier in travelling from place to place to reinforce candidates of their parties. And words from the mouths of campaigners were more and more straight.
Arab states losing patience with Hamas, Fatah movements
By DPA,
Cairo : Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal chaired the opening of the Arab League Council in Cairo Monday evening amid signs that the 22-state body was becoming impatient with the continued political impasse between Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.
The meeting, which continues Tuesday, is expected to discuss the situation in the Palestinian Territories as well as ongoing violence in Darfur.
"It's about time that the Arab countries take a solid and decisive stance against those who shed Palestinian blood and deepen the Palestinian division," Faisal said.
Canada jails terrorist who had Pakistan links
By IANS,
Toront : Canada Thursday jailed its first terrorist - who had links with a terror camp in Pakistan - for ten and a half years under the new anti-terror law enacted after 9/11.
Twenty-nine-year-old software engineer Momin Khwaja, who was convicted of five terrorism-related charges last October, was handed down the first-ever conviction under the new terror law by a court in Ottawa Thursday.
TV host killed in Iraq bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad : A television presenter working for a channel in Iraq was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car blew up, Xinhua reported.
Three Pakistanis die in row over drain
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three people were killed after a gun fight broke out between their families over a drain in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a media report said.
South Asian bodies troubled by spying of Muslim Americans
By Arun Kumar,
Washington : A group of South Asian Organizations says it's deeply troubled by reports that US government agencies have engaged in surveillance...
Moussavi nephew among dead in Iran clashes
By DPA,
Tehran : The nephew of Iranian reformist opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi was among those killed during protests in Tehran, the opposition claimed Sunday - one of several people apparently killed during a day of demonstrations across the country which also saw at least 300 people arrested.
After a confusing day of rumour, denial and counter-rumour, there was no official confirmation of the death of Ali Moussavi. Some reports said he died after being shot in the chest.
Pakistan’s role in war on terror to top agenda of Gilani’s US visit
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Pakistan's role in the war on terror is expected to dominate the agenda when Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani undertakes his maiden visit to the US later this month during which Washington is likely to push him to do more to counter activities of militants in the restive tribal belt.
Gilani will be visiting Washington during July 27-30 at the invitation of US President George W Bush. This would be his first visit to the US since assuming office in March. Gilani is scheduled to meet Bush at the White House on Monday.
20 killed in Afghanistan suicide blast
By DPA,
Kabul : At least 20 deaths were reported Tuesday in a suicide bombing that was carried out in front of the US-founded Counterinsurgency Academy in Kabul, security officials said.
Vehicles belonging to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were also hit, they said.
The blast occurred in western Kabul near parliament and other government buildings.
The ISAF said police had cordoned off the area and an investigation would be conducted.
Britain vows support in Iraqi elections against terror
London : Britain will support Iraq's security forces in tackling terrorism and providing a "secure" environment for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, the British...
Pakistani foreign office bureaucrats in car scam
By IANS,
Islamabad : Key bureaucrats at the Pakistani foreign office are being probed for colluding with foreign diplomats in illegal sales of imported cars and depriving the country of millions of rupees in taxes.
Investigators have zeroed in on at least 58 instances of foreign office bureaucrats issuing bogus no objection certificates (NOCs) to enable diplomats to illegally sell their cars to Pakistani citizens and pocketing the money that would otherwise have to be paid in duties.
Were seven PMs wrong in facilitating separatists’ talks: Yasin Malik
New Delhi: Claiming seven past Indian prime ministers had "facilitated" meetings between Kashmiri separatists and visiting Pakistani leaders in India, JKLF leader Yasin Malik...
Six killed in mortar attack in Syria
Damascus: Six people were killed Thursday by a mortar attack in Syria's central province of Homs and a roadside bomb in the capital Damascus,...
First International Pharmaceutical conference in Riyadh
By SPA,
Riyadh : The First International Pharmaceutical Conference will be held here on Monday under the auspices of the Riyadh-based Armed Forces Hospital.
Baghdad Blast Kills 7
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A car bomb explosion in Karrada, in east Baghdad, killed at least seven people and wounded 11, among them three policemen, a local news agency reported Thursday.
According to Aswat Al Iraq, the blast hit around 8 p.m. last night near a shop that sells soft drinks and ice cream in the Karrada neighborhood. Four cars were destroyed in the blast.
Meanwhile, at least 18 civilians were killed Wednesday in Baghdad when a truck filled with Shiite militia rockets accidentally blew up, U.S. military officials said.
Bangladeshi shot dead, Indian injured in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : A Saudi muezzin opened fire at two expatriate workers in a mosque for failing to make a prayer call, killing a Bangladeshi...
Rs.2 bn for Pakistan highway projects
By IANS,
Islamabad : A sum of Rs.2.3 billion has been provided to a highway authority in Pakistan so that it can continue working on projects across the country.
Now iPhone users in UAE can view government bulletins
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : To improve communication between the government and the public, the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched a new service for iPhone and iPad users that will enable them view government information in Arabic and English.
The interactive service is expected to improve the government's e-services to investors, dealers and partners, among others. It will facilitate flow of people's feedback to the government, the SCA said Sunday.
State secretary: U.S. military band players more than diplomats deployed abroad
By Xinhua,
Washington : A U.S. State Department official Monday said the department is short of staff to fulfill the tasks of reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan, pointing out that the Pentagon has more musicians than diplomats deployed abroad.
"When I tell the 5,500 figure, the (military) generals are usually shocked," said Eliot Cohen, counselor to the state secretary, in his response to the Defense Department's "unlimited" demand for diplomats to reinforce the Iraq and Afghanistan reconstruction teams.
Iran, world powers to resume n-talks March 5
Tehran : Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers are set to launch a new round of expert-level talks on Tehran’s nuclear energy...
Saudi Aramco, is the largest business enterprise in the Muslim world
Jeddah – (IINA) January 30 – Saudi Aramco, the world’s top oil producer, is once again the largest business enterprise in the Muslim world, according to business strategy e-magazine Dinar Standard. Its DS100, a ranking of the Top 100 businesses in the 57 member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), is published annually. In 2007, there were 15 Saudi companies on the list. Turkish companies continue to dominate the list with 24 enterprises, followed by 17 from Malaysia, 15 from Saudi Arabia, nine from Indonesia, and seven from the UAE.
Syrian president to follow up on Palestinian dialogue
By DPA
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will follow up on the dialogue between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Sunday.
"President Assad will be in contact with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority leaders. He'll follow up the dialogue and the proposals in order to end the status of Palestinian internal division," al-Moallem said
He made the statement in a joint news conference with Arab League Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Mussa at the end of the two-day Arab summit hosted by Syria.
1.2 mn struck off voters’ list in Balochistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The names of 1.2 million people have been struck off the voters's list in Pakistan's Balochistan province as they were unverified, an official said.
Cabinet nod for amendments in air agreement with Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
New Delhi : The government Thursday gave its approval to the proposed amendments in the India-Saudi Arabia air service agreement.
Both sides had held talks earlier and agreed Jan 23, 2008 to modernise the air service agreement signed in 1973 to boost bilateral trade and promote tourism.
Russia bans Turkish Islamic sect Nurcular
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russia's Supreme Court has ruled that Turkish Islamic organization Nurcular is an extremist organization, and has banned its activities in the country.
The court granted a request by Russia's top prosecutors.
"The Supreme Court, having considered in a closed session the Prosecutor General's Office request to protect Russia's interests by ruling the activities international religious organization Nurcular extremist, and to ban its activities on Russian territory, decided to grant the office's request," the court said.
17 killed in Turkey military chopper crash
By IANS,
Ankara: At least 17 people, including 13 soldiers, were killed and others wounded in Turkey's Siirt province Saturday after a military helicopter crashed in the morning, Xinhua reported.
Pakistan bans 1,000 websites over cartoon row
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan banned more than 1,000 web links and proxy sites containing "sacrilegious" cartoons of Prophet Mohammed and other hate materials, officials said Friday.
The fresh ban comes a day after Pakistan authorities blocked video sharing site YouTube and social networking site Facebook, where a group announced an online competition for cartoons of Prophet Mohammed to be held Thursday.
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.
Egypt seeking Palestinian factions’ responses to resume dialogue
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian factions on Saturday started to respond to Egyptian questions about their views, ideas and stances to resume inter-Palestinian dialogue.
Kayed al-Ghoul, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), said his group was "one of the factions which sent their responses to the Egyptian leadership."
Egypt is now waiting to get the whole answers to study them before inviting the factions, mainly the warring groups of Hamas and Fatah, into dialogue in Cairo, according to al-Ghoul.
UN closes offices in Pakistan after bomber kills five
By DPA,
Islamabad : The UN temporarily closed its offices across Pakistan Monday after a suicide bomber struck a UN World Food Programme (WFP) building in Islamabad, killing five people, including an Iraqi national, officials said.
The bomber disguised as a paramilitary soldier blew himself up inside the WFP office, located in one of the capital city's upmarket neighbourhoods which also contains the private residence of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Pakistan set to be one of most corrupt countries
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan seems to be racing to become one of the most corrupt countries in the world, a media report said Sunday.
Israeli incursion east of Jabalya in northern Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Israeli troops have intruded into the eastern outskirts of Jabalya north of the Gaza under intensive cover by military jets that are still flying over the area.
Several Israeli Military vehicles and tanks are taking part in the Saturday incursion together with commando units that are now positioned around the Martyrs' Cemetery firing at Palestinians' houses, witnesses said.
The incursion came a short time after an Israeli air raid that killed two Izz-Eddin Al-Qassam fighters in the area.
Over 100 rebels killed in Syria
Damascus : More than 100 rebels were killed Wednesday by Syrian troops in an ambush in the eastern countryside of the capital Damascus, media...
Catfight between Osama wives: Third accuses first of betrayal
By IANS,
London : The third and youngest wife of Osama bin Laden has accused his first spouse of betraying the Al Qaeda chief and revealing his location.
British couple killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
London : A Pakistani-origin British couple have been allegedly shot dead in Pakistan, when they went to resolve a dispute over their daughter's wedding.
Gul Wazir and his wife reportedly travelled to Pakistan to resolve a dispute over their daughter's wedding and were gunned down in Salehana village in Nowshera province, Sky News reported.
Wazir worked as a taxi driver and lived in Alum Rock area of Birmingham.
West Midlands Police confirmed the deaths, adding that an inquiry is being carried out by Pakistani authorities.
29 killed, 81 injured in Iraq attacks
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 29 people were killed and 81 injured in attacks that shook different parts of Iraq Thursday, security sources said.
In northern Iraq, 25 people died 43 were injured in a truck bombing in eastern Mosul. The vehicle blew up early morning in Kurdish-dominated Wardak village, security sources said.
Security forces defused a nearby second truck bomb before it could be detonated, the source added. The explosion damaged more than 12 houses.
Coalition air strike kills Afghan civilians
By KUNA,
Kabul : An air strike by the US-led coalition troops killed eight Afghan civilians and injured two others in western Afghanistan, the military said on Thursday.
Earlier, Afghan police reported the civilian casualties, but the foreign troops did not comment at the time.
A statement released from the coalition forces' Bagram base on Thursday morning, said that their convoy was on a routine patrol in Bakwa district of Farah Province when they came under fire from a number of houses.
Egypt presidential election in August or September: Suleiman
By DPA,
Cairo : Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman has said presidential elections would take place by August or September at the latest.
Manmohan asks Gilani to send ISI chief to India: report
By Muhammad Najeeb,IANS,
Islamabad : Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday requested his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to send the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief to India for exchange of information in connection with the Mumbai terror attack, a television report said.
The GEO TV report said the request was made when Gilani called Manmohan Singh Friday morning. However, there was no official word on it.
Saudi king launches energy initiative at oil summit
By DPA,
Jeddah : Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz opened a global oil summit Sunday, launching an initiative to help poor countries deal with soaring oil prices, including $500 million in soft credit, and vowing to pump more oil to meet any additional demand.
King Abdullah said the World Bank and donor organisations should convene as soon as possible to discuss mechanisms to implement the Saudi-proposed energy initiative for the poor.
Kashmir governor for vigil on Pakistan border
By IANS,
Jammu: The 64th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across the Jammu region Saturday, with Governor N.N. Vohra calling for vigil on the border with Pakistan.
Leading Al Qaeda member arrested in Yemen
By DPA,
Sanaa (Yemen) : Yemeni police have arrested a leading member of the Al Qaeda terrorist network holding an Asian nationality, a government website reported Thursday.
The defence ministry's website www.26sep.net said the detained man "is regarded as one of the dangerous elements of Al Qaeda organisation."
Quoting a "well-informed" police source, the report said the suspect provided "important information" during interrogation.
No more details about the suspect's identity or how he has been captured were available.
Bombing at Shia procession in Pakistan kills 30
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suicide bombing tore through a procession of Shia Muslims in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi Monday, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 80, officials said.
Hundreds of Shia mourners were marching on the main M A Jinnah Road lined with multi-storey buildings when the attacker detonated his explosives close to the front of the procession.
"At least 30 people are confirmed dead and more than 80 others wounded," Hashim Raza Zaidi, the top health official in the province Sindh, of which Karachi is the capital, told Geo television.
Lebanese Parliament probes gov. policy statement
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : The Lebanese parliament started this evining a debate on the policy statement adopted by the new national unity government on Saturday.
In the onset of the debate which could last several days Prime Minister Fuad Siniora read the policy statement and asked the MPs to approve it and give confidence to his government.
"The formation of the current government opened a new phase in the history of the democratic system of Lebanon," Sinora told the legislators.
Palestinians fire makeshift missiles into Israel
By Xinhua
Gaza : Armed Palestinian groups on Tuesday continued firing home-made rockets into southern Israel, one day after the Israeli army withdrew ground troops from northern Gaza Strip.
Saraya al-Quds, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement, said it had fired two missiles into Sderot city in the Western Negev. Eight other rockets were fired at Kerem Shalom and Sufa crossings in the southeast Gaza Strip along the boundaries with Israel, according to a press release by the movement.
Need more evidence on Hafiz Saeed’s 26/11 role: Gilani
By IANS,
New Delhi: Even after New Delhi gave Islamabad seven dossiers about the role of Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 attacks, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has asked India for more evidence in order to act against him.
"We need further information about his role in that incident and at the same time we need more evidence to put him to task," Gilani told CNN-IBN news channel in an interview.
UN relocates hundreds of staff in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : The UN plans to relocate hundreds of its international staff in Afghanistan in the face of mounting Taliban attacks, officials said Thursday.
The decision came more than a week after Taliban militants attacked a UN guesthouse in Kabul, killing five of its international staff and three Afghan nationals.
"The UN is taking additional steps to reduce risks to its national and international staff serving in Afghanistan," the world body said in a statement released in Kabul.
UN asks Iran to erase doubts over its nuclear activities
By DPA,
New York: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon challenged Iran Monday to provide proof that its advanced nuclear programmes are for peaceful purposes.
"I encourage the president of Iran to engage constructively," Ban told the month-long review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that began Monday at UN headquarters in New York and was being attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"Let us be clear: the onus in on Iran to clarify the doubts and concerns about its programmes," Ban said.
EU calls on Israel to freeze settlement activity in occupied Palestinian lands
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : The 27-member European Union has condemned Israeli settlement in occupied Palestinian lands, describing such activity as illegal and an obstacle to peace.
"The EU considers that settlement building anywhere in the occupied Palestinian Territories is illegal under international law. This includes Israeli settlements in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank," said EU foreign ministers in a statement here Monday after a discussion on the situation in Palestine.
Islamic Sharia law zones set up across Britain
By IANS,
London: Islamists across Britain have launched a poster campaign, setting up zones where the Sharia law would be enforced, a media report said Thursday.
22 killed in fresh Yemen clashes
Sanaa : Fierce confrontations flared up between the Shia Houthi group and Al Qaeda-backed Sunni tribesmen in Yemen's central province of Al Bayda Monday,...
`Indian consulate staff in Afghanistan safe’
New Delhi : All staff in the Indian consulate in Afghanistan that was attacked Friday are safe, said Syed Akbaruddin, external affairs ministry spokesperson.
The...
Sarkozy vows more support, long-term commitment for Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday expressed determined support for Afghanistan and its fight against Taliban militias, and he also said France would double its aid to Afghans in the 2008-2010 period.
Speaking at the opening of the international conference here, the French leader said that aid to Afghanistan would be multiplied by two to USD 165 million over the next two years.
Sarkozy blasted the Taliban insurgency and practices by members of the militias and he said they had "taken hostage" Afghanistan.
63 killed in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 63 people were killed and some 185 were wounded in a spate of bomb attacks across Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday morning, an interior ministry source said.
Twin bomb attack kills 8 in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : A car bomb and a roadside bomb went off coordinately near a convoy of the governor of Nineveh province in the capital city of Mosul on Thursday, killing eight people and wounding 18 others, a provincial police source said.
The double bombing took place after midday and apparently targeted the convoy of governor Duraid Kashmoulah in the Bab al-Toub area in central Mosul, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Kashmoulah narrowly escaped unhurt and five of his bodyguards were among the wounded, the source said.
Valentine’s Day: Indo-Pak Peace Calendar released
By TCN News,
Chandigarh: On Valentine day, February 14, the 3rd Indo-Pak Peace Calendar was released here.
A discussion on ‘Sharing of hopes for mutual coexistence’ was also organised by Yuvsatta, Peace Club of Dev Samaj College of Education and Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak initiative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst – TC.
340 reporters covered int’l Palestine conference news
By IRNA,
Tehran : Some 340 Iranian and foreign reporters and photojournalists gave coverage to the tow-day Fourth International Conference on Palestine, which ended on March 5.
Announcing this, head of Information Dissemination Headquarters of the event, Ehsan Mirabzadeh said that they included 110 foreign reporters.
He described active presence of domestic and foreign reporters at the event as indicative of the media’s sympathetic efforts to reflect oppression of the Palestinians as well as the significance of the issue for world public opinion.
Suicide bomber kills at least 6 in Iraq’s Diyala province
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A suicide bombing struck a security checkpoint near a marketplace in a town in the volatile Diyala province on Wednesday, killing at least six people and wounding 18 others, a provincial police source said.
Jalili to give press conference Friday
By IRNA
Beijing : Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili is to give a press conference here on Friday afternoon.
Press attache of Iran's Embassy in China told IRNA that more than 30 reporters, especially foreign correspondents in China, have signed up the list to attend the briefing.
Iran's nuclear issue, Iran-China relations and regional and international developments are expected to be the topics that will be touched in the press conference.
Abu Dhabi steps in with $10 bn to bail-out of Dubai World
By IANS,
Dubai : Peer emirate Abu Dhabi Monday had a pleasant surprise for the financial world Monday, stepping in with a $10 billion bail-out offer for Dubai World that is caught in a multibillion dollar debt crisis.
"The Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE Central Bank have agreed to provide important support," said Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee. He is also the uncle of Dubai's ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.
Tension along Bangladesh, Myanmar border, China counsels talks
By IANS,
Dhaka/Beijing : Bangladesh and Myanmar massed troops on their tense border over a row over oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal, with China asking them to settle their dispute through talks.
Beijing also offered to "contribute in an appropriate manner" to a resolution of their differences.
"We hope the countries will settle it through equal and friendly negotiations and maintain a stable bilateral relationship. As their friend, China will contribute in an appropriate manner," Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang as saying.
Israel’s missile interception testing successful
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : The Israeli Army successfully tested a special system to intercept Palestinian missiles launched from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel, according to the army.
An army spokesman told the Israeli radio Sunday "the test took place last week, and missiles launched from Gaza were intercepted and exploded in mid air."
"This system would be ready to be used in Israel a year from now," the spokesman said.
This announcement was made despite a truce between Israel and the Palestinians, in place since June 19.
Gunmen kill eight, kidnap 45 bus passengers in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Unknown gunmen killed eight people and kidnapped 45 in raids Friday on two minibuses in Pakistan's tribal region along the Afghan border, officials said.
Ten killed in bomb attacks in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 10 people were killed Monday and 45 injured as four bombs rocked separate locations here, television reports said.
Iraq's al-Iraqia channel said four were killed and 15 were injured in a blast in the bustling al-Alawi commercial district in central Baghdad.
Two further bombings occurred in Shiite-dominated suburbs, while the fourth attack involved a car bomb in al-Naria district, in southeast Baghdad, targeting an official of the Interior Ministry.
Why General Kiyani did not mount the tiger
By Rajiv Dogra, IANS,
Pakistan's army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, may have missed a historic opportunity to act and this may see him end up as a mere footnote in the country's turbulent history. Had he decided to stage a coup in the wake of the just-concluded lawyers' agitation for reinstating the judges sacked in 2007, he would have become the first Pakistani general in this millennium to do so.
Bangladesh garment workers demand wage hike
By IANS,
Dhaka : Dozens of people were injured Wednesday when striking garment workers clashed with police on the outskirts of Dhaka.
President Pervez Musharraf returns to Pakistan
By SPA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf returned to Pakistan Tuesday at the conclusion of his nine-day four-nation visit to European countries that took him to Belgium, France, Switzerland and United Kingdom, officials said.
The President was received at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala by caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro, National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, caretaker Minister for Information Nisar Memon and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani besides other senior civil and military officers.
Speed up relief in quake-hit Kashmir: Pakistan daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan needs to step up relief and rehabilitation in its Kashmir region where a devastating earthquake killed thousands in 2005, a leading newspaper said Sunday.
Turkey blocks Google services
By IANS,
Istanbul : Turkey has indefinitely shut off access to several Google services including Google Docs.
Turkey's Telecommunications Communication Presidency released an official statement Friday, saying it has blocked access to some Google IP (Internet Protocol) addresses "because of legal reasons", Xinhua reported.
Some Google applications may be completely inaccessible or take a long time to load, the statement said.
Two Palestinian activists killed in Israel raid on N. Gaza Strip
By KUNA,
Gaza : Two Palestinian activists were killed Saturday in an Israeli air raid on northern Gaza Strip.
Palestinian medical sources said an Israeli military plane fired a missile at a group of activists in Abu Safiya District, northern Gaza Strip, killing one activist immediately.
A second activist succumbed to his wounds just after being evacuated to hospital. Local radio quoted sources as saying that the activists were members of Saladin Brigades, the military wing of the National Resistance Committees.
Gulf oil earnings to touch record $562 bn in 2008
By IANS,
Dubai : Oil producing nations in the Gulf will earn a record $562 billion by the end of this year, as oil prices are expected to remain above $100 a barrel, according to a new report.
The London-based Centre for Global Energy Studies (CGES), in its monthly oil report for August, has said the combined oil export earnings of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will soar to their highest level of $562 billion this year even as they pumped at their highest level, the Emirates Business 24-7 newspaper reported.
Saudi mufti asks film protesters to stop violence
By IANS,
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's highest spiritual leader has called on the Muslims to denounce violence in protest of an anti-Islam video made in the US.
Morocco, modern Islam, and the future of Africa
By Ahmed Charai, IANS,
In the wake of unprecedented Islamist explosions and attacks across North Africa, the foreign ministers of 19 countries - including France...
Pakistan: President, PM condole Czech enjoy’s death in Marriot attack
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government on Monday condoled with Czech Republic on the tragic demise of its ambassador Ivo Zdarek, who was killed in a terrorist attack at Marriott Hotel.
President Asif Ali Zardari in his message to Czech President Vaclav Klaus expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Czech envoy.
He said, “We strongly condemn this despicable act in which a number of innocent people have lost their lives and many others were injured.”
OBAMA CONGRATULATES IRAQIS ON ELECTIONS, URGES ELECTED IRAQIS TO “BEGIN WORK”
By NNN-KUNA,
WASHINGTON : U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday congratulated the Iraqi people on holding "significant" provincial elections, and said it was important that the Iraqi councils get seated, select new governors "and begin work on behalf of the Iraqi people who elected them".
"Millions of Iraqi citizens from every ethnic and religious group went peacefully to the polls across the country to choose new provincial councils," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
No deal over Musharraf’s ouster: Rehman Malik
By IANS,
Islamabad : Some "friendly countries" played a role in the ouster of former president and military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has admitted but he stressed that "it cannot be termed as a deal".
"Few of our friendly countries levelled the surface for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan and negotiations were held with Musharraf on transfer of power with their reference. But it can not be termed as a deal," Malik told Ary News in an interview.
Roadside bomb kills 12 in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : A roadside bomb in the western Afghan city of Herat killed 12 people Monday, including two police officers, and injured 20, a police spokesman said.
The bomb was remotely detonated when the car of a district police chief passed by, the chief's spokesman Nor Ahmad Nikzad said.
The police chief, who is believed to have been the attack's target, was among the injured, Nikzad said.
The other injured were one other policeman and 18 civilians, he added.
UAE leaders greet Muslims on Ramadan
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : UAE leaders Sunday greeted Arab and Muslim leaders on the advent of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which may begin from Sep 1 in the Gulf region subject to the appearance of the crescent.
Sporadic violence in Karachi after MQM chief’s arrest
Islamabad: Unidentified persons torched four vehicles in the Pakistani commercial hub of Karachi Tuesday following the arrest of MQM leader Altaf Hussain in London...
Hezbollah denies planning to launch war inside Israel
By DPA
Beirut : The Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah denied Tuesday a report by the Iranian news agency Fars that it will launch an offensive within Israel itself if the Jewish state started a new war.
"We would not initiate war but in case they wage any war in the future ... there will be a counter-attack behind the front lines ... and for the first time since 1948 in Palestine itself," Fars quoted a Hezbollah politburo member as telling Syrian magazine al-Hakika.
Azerbaijan may cut oil production
By RIA Novosti,
Oran (Algeria) : Azerbaijan is ready to slash oil output by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) if the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) announces production cuts on Wednesday, the country's industry and energy minister said.
"We have a real possibility to cut (production) by up to 300,000 barrels per day," Natik Aliyev said.
"We currently produce 840,000 bpd and we will keep oil output in Azerbaijan at 540,000 bpd within the next few months," he said.
Six policemen killed in Iraq attacks
By DPA,
Baghdad: Six Iraqi policemen were killed and 12 injured Saturday in separate attacks near the Iraqi cities of Falluja and Kirkuk.
In Falluja, four policemen were killed and 10 wounded when a bomb targeted their truck, security sources told DPA.
In the northern city of Kirkuk, two policemen were killed and two civilians injured by a roadside bomb in the Huwaija area.
Earlier, in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, a bridge was blown up on the highway between Iraq, Syria and Jordan. A local police source told DPA that a loaded truck exploded on the bridge.
State religion and social reforms
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
No one will dispute the fact that social reforms are urgently needed with breath taking changes taking place all around in our society. But two questions become important in this respect: 1) what is the role of state and 2) what is the role of religion? There are people who insist that state should play an active role and usher in these reforms. Secondly there are people who think religion can hardly be helpful and instead it becomes an obstacle in social change.
Taliban cleric vows to impose sharia across Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Taliban-linked radical cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammed Sunday said existing judicial system of Pakistan was un-Islamic and vowed to impose sharia all across the country.
Sufi Mohammed, chief of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), termed judges, lawyers and pro-democracy clerics of Pakistan as "rebels".
Pipeline attack in Iraq halts oil exports
By IANS,
Baghdad : Insurgents blew up a major oil pipeline in northern Iraq, halting the country's oil exports via Turkey, a police source said Tuesday.
17 killed in US drone attacks in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six suspected Al Qaeda members and 11 local militants were killed Friday as US drones fired around a half dozen missiles at two militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan, intelligence officials said.
Three Hellfire missiles targeted a house in the Zirki area of Mir Ali in the tribal district of South Waziristan, a known sanctuary for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters launching cross-border attacks on international forces in Afghanistan.
No leads in Gayoom attack case despite arrests
By P.K. Balachandran, IANS
Colombo : Despite taking four people into custody, police in the Maldives are hunting for clues about the larger conspiracy behind the attempt on the life of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom three days ago.
"All we can say now is that we have arrested four people and investigations are on," Maldivian police spokesperson Sgt Ahmed Shiyam told IANS over the phone from Male Friday.
16 civilians killed in Baghdad
By IINA
Baghdad : Iraqi troops backed by US forces battled Shiite fighters in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood despite a cease-fire between the government and the militia. Hospital officials said at least 16 Iraqi civilians died and nearly 100 were wounded in the fighting.
The US military said that fierce fighting broke out overnight in Sadr City, a stronghold of fighters loyal to Muqtada Al Sadr. The fighting began after Iraqi troops backed by US soldiers and attack helicopters tried to advance into the area.
Special letter on ‘Beyond Fitna’ released
By IRNA,
Tehran : A special letter featuring reflections on the film 'Beyond Fitna' worldwide was published by the official website of Islam and Christianity NGO, ngoic.com.
The special letter was released following the production of the film 'Beyond Fitna' by an Iranian popular organization in reaction to the insulting film 'Fitna' (sedition).
'Beyond Fitna' was welcomed in more than 100 countries including Poland, the US, Russia, Chile, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan and Germany.
Supreme Leader says Muslims never falter in spotting their true enemies
By IRNA,
Tehran : Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Sunday that Muslims would never falter in identifying the main causes of any disagreement among themselves.
SIO condemns Israeli attack on unarmed Gaza aid ship
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) strongly condemned the attack of Israel on the Gaza aid ship convoy that was carrying aid to the war affected Gaza. In a condolence message from Istanbul, SIO President Suhail KK said the attack is “really inhuman,” demanded Israel to stop such activities.
In the condolence message from Istanbul, SIO President said: “It's really inhuman to kill 16 unarmed people by open fire while activists in the Freedom Flotilla were from non-violent groups like Free Gaza Movement or Turks.”
Over 30 Palestinian missiles fired on Israel Tuesday — Radio Israel
By KUNA
Gaza : Over 30 Palestinian missiles were fired late Tuesday from Gaza Strip towards southern Israel, Radio Israel said Wednesday.
An Israeli Army spokesman told the radio that the explosions where the missiles hit injured five Israelis, and one of the missiles landed in the Israeli town of Sderot, near Gaza Strip.
The attacks also caused power blackouts that lasted for hours in some Sderot areas, as one of Sderot's power lines was hit.
Pakistan names Shaha Mehmood Qureshi as new Foreign Minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan on Monday named Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi as the country's new foreign minister.
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi, born on June 22, 1956 in Murree, was elected as member of National Assembly on a Pakistan People Party seat from Multan in Punjab.
An agriculturist by profession, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978 from University of the Punjab followed by masters degree in 1983 from Cambridge University.
Air Seychelles revenues up 23 percent
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Air Seychelles Wednesday posted its third quarter revenues of $13.8 million, up 23 percent compared to the second quarter.
Pakistan government-Taliban meet likely in two days
Islamabad: Maulana Yousuf Shah, coordinator of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) committee, said Saturday that contact has been established with the shura and a meeting...
PPP’s Zardari stakes claim to form government
By Devirupa Mitra, IANS
Islamabad : Staking the claim of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to form the next government, Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday indicated his willingness to form a coalition with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party, but rejected the possibility of any role for the members of the previous government.
Zardari also spoke by telephone with Sharif, whose Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 65 seats was placed second in the tally. The two leaders are expected to meet Wednesday in talks over power-sharing.
Mottaki underlines importance of cooperation among members of IIPU
By IRNA,
Tehran : Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki underlined the importance of cooperation among Islamic countries parliaments and said the move started when unilateralism was dominant on international relations.
Secretary General of Inter-Parliamentary Union of member countries of Organization of Islamic Conference Ebrahim Oaf at the end of his tenure met with Mottaki here Wednesday.
Abdullah rejects Afghan presidential poll result
Kabul : Abdullah Abdullah Tuesday rejected the Afghan presidential elections preliminary result announced Monday, calling himself the winner.
"The preliminary result of presidential election is...
Mumbai attacks staged by outsiders: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were staged by countries "outside the region" - but did not specify which countries he was referring to.
"These savage terrorist attacks which killed so many innocent people were staged by (elements) from outside the region as regional people would never do such a thing," Ahmadinejad said in a live interview with state television IRIB.
17 Pakistanis deported from Greece
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 17 Pakistani nationals deported from Greece arrived in Lahore Thursday.
15th annual Islam Awareness Week launched in UK
By IRNA,
London : The latest Islam Awareness Week (IAW) in the UK was launched Monday with the theme of celebrating the best of Britain by promoting shared values.
The annual program, the 15th since it was initiated in 1994 as a national project of the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB), aims to remove misconceptions about Muslims and build links with other communities.
The collective efforts to enhance understanding were formally launched in the British parliament, with Minister of Justice Shahid Malik in attendance.
Legal loopholes led to Lakhvi’s bail: Pakistan court
Islamabad: Legal loopholes in the Mumbai terror attack case led to the granting of bail to its alleged mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, an Anti-Terrorism...
PPP’s Zardari stakes claim to form government
By Devirupa Mitra, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday staked his party's claim to form a government after it won the highest number of seats in the National Assembly.
"We have staked the claim on behalf of the PPP along with friends," he told reporters.
He, however, did not clarify who would be the prime ministerial candidate for the party. He said that would be decided "after talks" with supporting parties.
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.
Delhi, Dhaka to resume river water sharing talks
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will resume after more than three years talks with India on sharing of river waters in order to augment water availability and prevent erosion.
The talks will take place "soon" under the aegis of the Joint River Commission (JRC), Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen said Tuesday, Star Online reported.
"In the coming Joint River Commission meeting, the Teesta river water sharing issue will be given priority," the minister said after holding a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty.
Iran, Iraq ink agreement on environment protection
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian and Iraqi officials signed an eight-article agreement on cooperation in the field of environment protection, the official IRNA news agency reported.
The document was inked by head of Iran's Department of Environment Fatemeh Vaez-Javadi and Iraqi Minister of Environment Nermin Othman in Tehran.
Speaking to reporters prior to signing the agreement, the Iranian official said the document would facilitate Tehran-Baghdad cooperation for further protection of their natural resources.
Pakistan to seek UN help in hijacked crewmen release
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Friday said it may seek the help of the UN for safe release of the Pakistani crew on board a hijacked Panama-flagged cargo vessel.
Somali pirates hijacked the MV Suez ship off the Gulf of Aden early this month with 23 crew members from Egypt, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.
The ministry of foreign affairs is exploring avenues for seeking UN assistance for the release of Pakistani nationals, an official spokesman was quoted as saying by Xinhua.