Iran’s ambassador confers with former Lebanese president
By IRNA,
Beirut : On the eve of former Lebanese president Emile Lahoud visit to Tehran, Iran's ambassador to Beirut conferred with him Monday.
In the meeting, the two sides considered the latest developments in Lebanon and region.
Mohammad Reza Sheybani after the meeting told IRNA "Lahoud's trip to Tehran is an appreciation to his efforts during his presidency and his resistance against the US and Israel campaigns.
Emile Lahoud accompanied by his wife and son departs for Tehran Monday evening October 27.
Pakistan denies border firing
By IANS,
Lahore/Amritsar : Tension prevailed at the Pakistan-India border after loud explosions were heard on the Indian side near the Attari-Wagah check post. However, Pakistan denied Saturday that its forces were responsible for the blasts.
The denial came at a flag meeting in the wee hours Saturday with the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers saying they were not responsible for the explosions that were heard on the Indian side around 10.30 p.m. Friday.
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) had opened retaliatory fire after the explosions were heard.
Turkish army kills 11 PKK rebels south east Turkey
By KUNA
Istanbul : The Turkish army announced Wednesday that its forces killed 11 armed elements of the PKK in armed clashes that took place south east of the country, after less than two weeks of military ground operations that were launched by Turkish troops against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.
World Food Programme warns of drought in Syria
United Nations: The World Food Programme (WFP) warned Tuesday that a potential drought would further cripple the already fragile food security situation in Syria,...
PCB claims previous regime mishandled money
By Omar Khalid,IANS,
Karachi : The top brass of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claims that it has unearthed a major scam involving the previous regime which they said had cost the PCB almost half a billion rupees.
A PCB spokesman said Friday that massive irregularities have been discovered in the construction of Far End Pavilion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. According to him, constructed work that started Feb 7 was to be completed by Aug 31.
Musharraf to set date for 1st National Assembly session’s by Thursday: minister
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf is likely to announce date for the 1st session of the National Assembly by Thursday, the Law Minister said Monday.
Victors of the February 18 parliamentary elections are demanding early summoning of the National Assembly session to elect the new Prime Minister.
The elections were mostly won by opposition parties Pakistan Peoples Party of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Air India evacuates around 2,200 Indians
By IANS,
New Delhi: Air India Wednesday said it has brought back 2,200 Indians from Tripoli, the capital of strife-torn Libya, since it began evacuation operations Feb 26.
Jordan’s king urges Israeli FM to set proper conditions for peace
By SPA,
Amman, Jordan : Jordan's King Abdullah II has told Israel to set the conditions necessary for peacemaking so that an agreement with the Palestinians can be reached this year.
Abdullah's remarks came in a meeting Sunday with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, his royal palace said. The king also held separate talks with U.S. President Bush, the Associated Press reported.
A developing Islamic University in Rotterdam
By Jan Felix Engelhardt,
Rotterdam, Netherlands - Tural Koç is feeling rather pleased with himself. The administrative head of the Islamic University of Rotterdam (IUR) has just taken a major step towards gaining state approval for his university. Following close consideration of content and formal requirements, the Dutch accreditation authority has now granted official recognition to the first IUR course.
Libyan government wants militias to leave Tirpoli
Tripoli : The Libyan interim government Thursday called for all militias to leave Tripoli since their presence " threatened the city and the safety...
Blair calls for ending Israeli occupation, removing checkpoints in West
By NNN-KUNA
Ramallah : Quartet special envoy Tony Blair stressed Thursday the importance of ending the Israeli occupation and removing all military barriers and checkpoints in the West Bank, in order to achieve true peace.
In a press conference held in Nablus, which Blair was visiting for the first time, the former British premier said he clearly understood the tragedy that the Palestinians went through in the city, brought about by occupation and checkpoints.
Overseas Pakistanis remittances soars by 22.44%
By APP
Islamabad : Overseas Pakistanis remittances during the current fiscal year seven months jumped up by 22.44 percent.SBP spokesman, Syed Wasimuddin told that the overseas Pakistanis remittances during July 2007 to January 2008 amounted to $3.62 billion, while $2.95 billion were received in the same period previous year, PTV reported.
Bulk of the remittances came from the Pakistanis residing in US, Saudi Arab, Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperative Council countries.
Sharif calls for ‘managed’ pullout from Afghanistan
By IANS,
Ankara : Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday called on all concerned parties to strive to maintain regional peace and security as NATO...
Musharraf for raising Pakistan’s image
By NNN-APP
London : President Pervez Musharraf has urged members of the Pakistani community living in Britain to raise the image of their country of origin by dispelling its negative impression through honesty, hard work and as law-abiding citizens.
The President made these comments when a delegation of PML-Q led by its UK Chief Asif Shahzad met him at his Central London hotel on Friday evening.
UN calls on Afghan gov’t to punish those responsible for journalist murder
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The United Nations on Monday called on the government of Afghanistan to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of a BBC journalist who was brutally killed in the troubled Helmand province of Afghanistan.
"We urge the Afghan authorities to leave no stone unturned in search of those responsible for this murder," Nazifullah Salarzai, a spokesman of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), told newsmen at a news briefing here.
Kuwaiti-Cuban ministerial committee holds first meeting
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : The Kuwaiti-Cuban ministerial committee has held its first meeting here.
Finance Minister and Acting Commerce and Industry Minister Mustafa Al-Shimali headed the Kuwaiti side while the Cuban delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation Marta Lomas Morales.
The meeting Monday reflected the determination of both countries to foster bilateral economic ties, a press release by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance said.
Yemeni Pres. says Palestinian reconciliation efforts must be boosted
By NNN-KUNA,
Sanaa : President Ali Abdullah Saleh stressed here that it was important to increase efforts to achieve Palestinian unity between Hamas and Fatah movements for the sake of Palestine's dream of establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Saleh's statement on Saturday came during his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad who conveyed to the President the latest developments occurring in the Palestinian territories.
Bangladesh: elections to be held in scheduled time, preparation on in full swing, says...
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government Hassan Ariff said, the upcoming parliament elections would be held in scheduled time and all necessary preparations have already been taken in this regard.
" There is no doubt about holding elections," he told reporters on Sunday at secretariat replying to a number of queries related to the objection of main political parties about holding elections under emergency.
Arab FMs to Palestinians: Make Up
By Prensa Latina,
Cairo : Foreign ministers of the Arab League of Nations (AL) called on Palestinian factions on Wednesday to leave their differences aside and support reconciliation, and strongly condemned Israeli blockade against Gaza.
During a special meeting convened at the AL headquarters in Cairo, the Foreign ministers tried to pave the way for talks among the 12 Palestinian groups, mainly the two most representative of them.
Israel, Palestinians to discuss core issues on Monday
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Heads of Israeli and Palestinian negotiation teams, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurei, will meet on Monday to begin talks on final-status issues of the conflict, local daily Ha'aretz reported on Sunday.
Israeli officials confirmed that the first meeting on final-status issues between the Israelis and the Palestinians would be held on Monday and would be attended only by the negotiation teams' heads.
No agreement yet reached on nuclear talks’ agenda: Tehran
By DPA,
Tehran : Tehran said Sunday that no agreement has yet been reached on the agenda of the scheduled nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers.
Israel arrests 6 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli forces arrested six Palestinians in the West Bank on Saturday night, Palestinian security sources said on Sunday.
Four detainees, including three teenagers, were arrested in Jenin during overnight raids at the houses, the sources added. The other two people was detained by Israeli troops who rolled into the holy city of Bethlehem, according to the sources.
Saudi airline halts services after $266 mn loss
By DPA,
Cairo : Saudi low-cost airline Sama is stopping its services amid heavy losses of $266 million, regional news network al-Arabiya reported Sunday.
The airline is based in the city of Dammam. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has been formally informed of the decision.
Sama has flown to domestic and international destinations since beginning operations in 2007, and is chaired by Prince Bandar bin Khaled bin Faisal. It competes with the state-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines and another budget carrier.
40 killed in Iran quake
By IANS,
Tehran : At least 40 people were killed in Iran Saturday when a 6.2 magnitude quake struck, authorities said.
Lebanese parliament to elect president
By RIA Novosti,
Beirut : Lebanon's parliament is expected to elect a new president on Sunday to end a political crisis that has threatened a new civil war in the country.
All of Lebanon's warring political leaders have agreed to vote for army chief General Michel Suleiman under a deal brokered in Qatar on Wednesday to end a 19-month political crisis which led to the worst violence the country has seen since 1990.
Pakistan election campaign ends
By IRNA
Islamabad : The three months elections campaign ended on Sunday as all major political parties, their leaders and independent candidates made last ditch efforts to reach out to the maximum number of voters.
They held public meetings, rallies, corner meetings and door to door contacts to persuade voters to cast their vote in their favour.
They also explained their policies and programs for the entire country and the respective constituencies to win the hearts and minds of the people.
29 Bangladeshis held in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : At least 29 Bangladeshis have been detained in Abu Dhabi for entering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and working without proper authentication.
Miliband slammed for Kashmir remark
By Dipankar De Sarkar,IANS,
London : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband was described as shallow and ignorant after saying Thursday the Kashmir dispute must be solved because the Pakistan-based terror outfit Laskher-e-Taiba “says its cause is Kashmir”.
The aims of the LeT, blamed for the Mumbai terror attacks, were much wider than Kashmir, a critic pointed out.
Clinton visits Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Kabul Saturday on a previously unannounced visit, an Afghan official said.
Iran starts operation of 492 new centrifuges
By IANS
Tehran : Iran has started operation of three cascades of 164 new centrifuges in Natanz nuclear plant, citing a source official news agency IRNA reported Friday.
The operation was part of the second phase of 6,000 centrifuges, which was announced by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Tuesday, the source told IRNA on condition of anonymity.
After visiting the plant on the occasion of National Nuclear Achievement Day Tuesday, Ahmadinejad said that operations have started for installation of 6,000 P1 generation centrifuges.
NATO chief rules out intervention in Syria, Iran
By IANS,
Washington : NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has ruled out the military alliance having any intention to intervene in Syria or Iran.
28 killed as Pakistan’s security forces pound militants’ hideouts
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : As many as 28 people were killed as security forces pounded militants' hideouts in Pakistan's tribal area on Wednesday, private DAWN NEWS TV channel reported.
The security forces pounded militants' hideouts with jets in Bajaur Agency, leaving 28 people, including three civilians, dead, said the report.
Backed by gunship helicopters, Pakistan Army and paramilitary Frontier Corps on Tuesday launched a joint major and first-ever ground operation against militants in Bajaur Agency.
Iraqi premier welcomes truce offer, offensive to go on
By DPA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki praised a move by radical Shia cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, to withdraw his fighters from the streets of Basra and other provinces but the government said an offensive to restore security in some areas would continue.
Al-Maliki said in a statement the move was a "step in the right direction" that would hopefully help with stabilizing security and creating a suitable climate for reconstruction.
Pakistani forces kill over 1,000 terrorists in 9 months
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have killed 1,114 terrorists since the launch of an anti-terror campaign following the deadly December 16 attack on an army-run...
Palestine PM says Israel to act on ground to ease Palestinians” suffering
By KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyadh said Sunday Israel should ease the suffering of the Palestinian people by acting on the ground to enable the Palestinian Authority (PA) honors needs of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Fayyadh said in a statement after meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak in occupied Jerusalem, that the Israeli statement over the removal of roadblocks and halting building of settlements should be materialized on the ground.
Red Cross stops work in Libya after staffer’s murder
Tripoli:The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has temporarily frozen its operations in Libya to assess the security situation after a Swiss staffer...
Pakistan names three-member panel to probe Mumbai attacks
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has named a three-member panel to probe the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The committee will be allowed to exchange information directly with Indian investigation agencies, media reports said Thursday.
The probe panel will be headed by Additional Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Javed Iqbal, and comprises Khalid Qureshi and Liaquat Ali Khan, Geo TV reported.
According to sources, the option of sending the commission to India would also be considered if the need arises.
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.
Iran says ElBaradei report approves its peaceful use of nuke program
By Xinhua,
Vienna : Iranian Ambassador to IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh said here Tuesday the report of the IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei approved that all atomic programs of Iran are for peaceful use and no nuclear-related military programs were found.
He reaffirmed that Iran had clarified all unresolved problems, saying that "we have made necessary explanations" to all questions and Iran would continue "cooperating with IAEA."
15 killed in Pakistan bus accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 15 people died in northern Pakistan Monday night when their bus fell into a ravine.
Pakistani analysts urge Pakistan and Afghanistan to end blame game
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani analysts have urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to end blame game as their tension is a destabilizing factor for the region.
Talking to IRNA, two prominent analysts said that any misunderstanding between the two countries would have negative impact on the future of both nations.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai while speaking at a joint press conference with British Prime Minster on Friday in Kabul again alleged that militants are still intruding into Afghanistan from Pakistani tribal area.
IAEA monitors safety of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant
By Xinhua,
Tehran : The International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) representative to Iran Christer Viktorsson said on Sunday that IAEA monitors the safety of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, in Iran's southern Bushehr province, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"Cooperation between IAEA and Iran on the security and safety of Bushehr nuclear power plant is in line with existing protocols and agreements," IRNA quoted Viktorsson as saying, adding that "Iran is now fully cooperating with IAEA to maintain safety of Bushehr nuclear power plant."
Car bombing in Baghdad kills two
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A car bomb went off in a Baghdad commercial street on Monday, killing two people and wounding five others, an Interior Ministry source said.
The explosion occurred before noon when a booby-trapped car parked near the Mission commercial compound in the thoroughfare of Mu'askar al-Rasheed in Baghdad's central neighborhood of Karradah, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast also damaged several nearby civilian cars and shops, the source said.
Israeli Army Kills Gaza Family
By Prensa Latina,
Ramallah : Israeli tanks attacked a locality in Gaza Strip, killing seven Palestinians, four children among them, and wounding about 20 others, medical sources informed.
The incursion was against Beit Hanun, one of communities most attacked by the Israeli army in northern Gaza.
The sources added the four children were brothers ranging from 1to 7 years of ages, and their mother also died when a projectile struck the house.
Iran n-plant to start operation by year-end
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran's first nuclear power plant at Bushehr will go into full operation by the end of this year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a Russian TV channel Sunday.
Pakistan-Eritrea enhanced cooperation in economic field stressed
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Eritrea have had close ties before and during the colonial days while Pakistan has always been supportive of Eritrea’s freedom and it was also one of the first countries to support Eritrea’s independence from Italian colonialism.
This was stated by Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry while talking to Wolde. G. Habte, Counsellor of Embassy of the State of Eritrea who called on him here at ICCI Tuesday.
Karzai gets approval for key plans at Afghan conference
By Farhad Peikar, DPA,
Kabul: The international community at a conference on Afghanistan here Tuesday gave more control over aid money to the Afghan government, but also approved a plan to hand over security responsibility to national forces by 2014.
The one-day conference, attended by around 70 international representatives, including 57 countries and 11 regional and international organisations, also tasked Kabul with political and economic reforms and improving governance, including the fight against endemic administrative corruption within specific timelines.
Third Russian planeload of aid for Palestinians this week arrives in Amman
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : A Russian cargo jet, laden with 80 tons of food and medicines for the Palestinian people, has landed at the Amman Civil Airport.
Mohammed Majed Al Eitan, the secretary-general of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, praised the Russian role in the peace process and its continued support for the Arab issues, the forefront of which is the Palestinian cause.
Israel Raid Kills 8 in Gaza
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : At least eight Palestinians died, among them one child, in a military operation Israel launched against Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours.
The offensive that began on Friday and ended on Saturday morning also left 25 people wounded, among them a girl in serious condition, Palestinian sources reported.
Early on Saturday morning about 15 tanks and two Israeli excavators went into Bureij, in the center of Gaza.
The incursion was preceded by an air raid in Jan Yunes where two soldiers from the Hamas Islamic Movement died.
Iraqi gov’t OKs signing deals with oil companies
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The Iraqi cabinet gave the green light for its oil ministry to sign contracts with international oil companies to develop oil fields in northern and southern of the war-torn country, an Oil Ministry official said on Thursday.
"The ministry received signal from the cabinet to negotiate with international oil companies to develop the oil industry and not wait for the controversial oil law which the parliament is facing difficulties to pass it," the official in the Oil Ministry media office told Xinhua.
Somali lawmaker killed in drive-by shooting
Mogadishu: A lawmaker died and another sustained injuries in Mogadishu on Saturday following a drive-by shooting, police said.
The lawmakers, Yusuf Dirir and his colleague...
Jordanian FM opens talks with his Hondurasian counterpart
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : Foreign Minister Salaheddin Al Bashir has opened talks here with his Hondurasian counterpart Edmundo Mercado on a number of bilateral agreements.
The agreements, expected to be concluded soon between Jordan and Honduras, covered cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and culture.
During their meeting Wednesday, the two ministers reviewed development of events in the region particularly the Middle East peace-making efforts.
Bashir affirmed Jordan's keenness to strengthen ties of cooperation with Honduras in various fields.
Pakistan could seek Kasab’s custody, India rejects idea
By IANS,
Islamabad/New Delhi : Pakistan said Saturday it might seek the custody of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist captured during the Mumbai mayhem, if its investigations require this, but India immediately nixed the idea.
"If Ajmal Kasab is needed for the investigation process, then India could be asked (to hand) him over," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters in Karachi.
India was quick to react, saying there was no way this could happen.
Rights group warns Pakistanis against travelling to India
Islamabad: As swine flu (H1N1 virus) claims nearly 1,000 lives in India, a rights group has advised Pakistanis against traveling to India.
A human and...
Iraq soon to be free of foreign troops — official
By KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi forces will be self-sufficient in the near future, said Iraqi national security adviser Muwafaq Al-Rubaie on Wednesday.
Al-Rubaie, who was representing the Primer Nouri Al-Maliki at the handover ceremony of the security dossier to the local forces, told reporters that he foresaw the day when Iraq would be free of foreign presence.
He expressed gratitude to every soldier who contributed to liberating Iraq from the former dictatorship, and for remaining to train the Iraqi forces as well as their ongoing support for restoring law and order to the country.
Afghani woman alleges fraud marriage by Major, Army starts probe
By IANS,
New Delhi : The Indian Army is probing charges that one of its
doctors allegedly duped a young Afghan woman into wedlock despite being
married, a senior army official said Tuesday.
A day after Kabul resident Sabra Khan met Home Minister P.C. Chidambaram
here seeking permission to prosecute Major Chandrashekhar Pant, the Indian
Army said that a probe has already been initiated into the charge.
"The matter is under investigation and further action will be taken based on
the facts emerging from it," Director General of Medical Services (Army) Lt.
EU wants to send observers for Pakistan polls
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan said Thursday that the European Union has approached the country for sending observers for the coming parliamentary elections scheduled to be held May 11.
Leading Architects Compete To Design One Of The World’s Tallest Towers
By Bernama,
Dubai : In what has been labelled as a unique internal design competition, Tameer Holding announced Monday that acclaimed designers Atkins will compete amongst itself across three of its leading design centres for the privilege of designing an iconic skyscraper intended to be developed on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Muslim D-8 Group urges quick resolution of Food Problem
By SPA,
Kuala Lumpur : The leaders of the Group of the eight Muslim developing countries (D-8) urged today the governments to work for solving the problem of food, and said failure to resolve this problem would have disastrous repercussions.
Addressing the summit's inaugural session, Malaysian Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi underscored the importance of regional and international cooperation for confronting the problems of oil and food.
The group is comprised of Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and Turkey.
Report: Over 80% Internet services recover in Egypt
By Xinhua,
Cairo : The Egyptian authorities said Internet services have restored more than 80 percent on Sunday, two days after several undersea cables in the Mediterranean Sea were cut.
An official source of the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology confirmed that the Internet capability has been gradually recovered in the day, the state MENA news agency reported.
On Friday, up to 80 percent of Internet services and call centers in Egypt were cut after the submarine cables were damaged south of Italy for unknown reason.
Nawaz Sharif will be PM: Shahbaz Sharif
By IANS,
Islamabad : "Nawaz Sharif will be your prime minister," said his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif as their party surged ahead in the Pakistan polls.
Pakistani Taliban targeted Danes after cartoons: officials
By AFP,
Islamabad : Pakistani officials said Tuesday an attack on the Danish embassy was likely a one-off linked to cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed and will not impact the new government's talks with the Taliban.
Investigators believe Taliban militants based in a tribal region on the Afghan border were responsible for Monday's suicide attack, which killed at least six people including a Danish national, a government official said.
In Bihar, NGO initiative for Muslim unity through Ramadan calendar
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net,
Ramadan is the most holy month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness for sins and salvation. Unfortunately, for many Muslims, it is also a month of confusion and conflict – from the beginning to the end of the month – to how long should be taraveeh or the night prayers, and when to begin and end fasting each day.
Travel curbs for US citizens in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: The US has imposed travel restrictions for its employees in Pakistan following huge protests against a US-made anti-Islam film.
UN chief slams terrorist bomb attack in Baghdad
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned "in the strongest terms" a bomb attack on a market in Baghdad that killed...
8th Int’l Petrochemical Confab to be held in Tehran
By IRNA,
Tehran : The Eighth International Petrochemical Conference will be held in the IRIB International Conference Center from May 17-18.
A group of high ranking officials and representatives of domestic and foreign companies will take part in the event.
The conference aims to prepare the ground for getting familiar with Iranian petrochemical industry and to provide investment opportunities in this respect.
One Palestinian killed, 4 hurt in Gaza tunnel collapse
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian man died after an underground tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip border town of Rafah collapsed over night, Palestinian security sources said on Tuesday.
The sources said Ramadan Rabie went missing after a tunnel between the Egyptian border and the Gaza Strip collapsed, adding that his body was found on Tuesday.
Palestinian paramedics also extricated four men suffering from severe suffocation and transported them to a hospital.
Several Palestinians have been killed in similar incidents this year.
Islamabad-Istanbul train link from Aug 14
By IANS,
Islamabad : A freight train link between Islamabad and Istanbul via Tehran is to be launched Aug 14, Pakistan's independence day.
The train will run from Islamabad's Margala Station to Istanbul's Haydarpasa Station via Tehran Station, APP news agency reported, quoting railway officials here.
Iran would provide trans-shipment facilities at its Zahedan station on the border with Balochistan.
For this, Iranian Railways would provide a train including empty wagons 30-60 minutes before the arrival of the train from Pakistan.
50 rebels killed in Syrian army ambush
Damascus : At least 50 rebel fighters were killed in an army ambush in Syria's southern province of Daraa, media reported Sunday.
The Syrian government...
Indian Haj pilgrims stranded for 80 hours as plane held up in Fujairah
Jeddah Indian Haj Mission’s flawless and excellent services for the pilgrims got tainted with the 11th hour mess caused by the country’s national carrier Air India that resulted in pilgrims being stranded for nearly 80 hours in Jeddah.
Malaysian Indian Congress elections this year
By IANS,
Singapore : The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) will hold its organisational elections, postponed due to the country's general elections May 5, later this year.
Gaddafi looks to ‘friends’ in West for solution: Report
By DPA,
Cairo/Tripoli: Muammar Gaddafi is in talks with Western "friends" to find a "dignified solution" to the conflict that is gripping Libya, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported Saturday.
Palestinian President arrives in UAE within tour in region
By NNN-KUNA
Abu Dhabi : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Sunday in United Arab Emirates within a tour his making in the region.
The Palestinian president will brief UAE's president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nuhayyan on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and current developments in the Middle East, according to UAE news agency (WAM).
Abbas was received at the airport by Labour Minister Dr Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi, a number of senior officials and Khairy Al Aridi, Ambassador of Palestine, WAM said.
Pakistan braces for turmoil as Zardari’s hold loosens
By Nadeem Sarwar,DPA,
Islamabad : Fears are growing that the Pakistani opposition's planned march on Islamabad this week might throw the nuclear-armed country into chaos and put the political future of pro-Western President Asif Ali Zardari at risk.
The political confrontation could also drive Pakistan away from its fight against extremism and efforts to overcome its economic crisis, two prime concerns Western governments want the Islamic country to focus upon.
Musa Abu Marzuq: Hamas accepts ceasefire
By IRNA,
Tehran : Hamas number two official Musa Abu Marzuq on Sunday confirmed that the Palestinian movement has accepted a one-week truce in Gaza.
In a televised speech in Demascus, he said the ceasefire has been declared to permit the Zionists forces to pull out of Gaza.
12 killed in Iraq attacks
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 12 people were killed and 23 injured Friday in separate attacks across Iraq that mainly targeted security forces, police said.
In the northern city of Mosul, six soldiers and one policeman were killed in a series of attacks that also left seven people injured.
One child was killed and three civilians injured when gunmen attacked a residential neighbourhood in Kirkuk, which lies 250 km north of Baghdad.
NATO Raid Kills Afghan Civilians
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : Over a dozen civilians, among them women and children, were killed by a NATO air raid in Nuristan province, eastern Afghanistan, the government's sources reported.
Those people died while abandoning homes in the district of Wanwegal, after announcal of an operation by security forces against insurgent groups, provincial governor Tamim Nuristani stated.
According to Nuristani, the air raid took place after several rebels attacked a military base of the occupying forces in that region.
Pakistan congratulates Obama, sees improved ties
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's president, premier and opposition leaders Wednesday congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama on his watershed win, saying they were looking forward to promoting peace and stability in the region with his cooperation.
"President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed the hope that Pakistan-US relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll," said Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, reported the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
Mubarak, family barred from leaving Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo : Egypt's Prosecutor General Abdel-Mageed Mahmoud has ordered the freezing of assets of former president Hosni Mubarak and his family and banned them from travelling abroad.
Pakistan arrests 74 Indian fishermen
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Seventy four Indian fishermen were arrested after they strayed into Pakistani territory, authorities said Wednesday.
Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency arrested 74 Indian fishermen in the southern port city of Karachi and confiscated 13 boats for violating sea territorial limits, Dawn TV channel quoted a MSA spokesman as saying.
Pakistan and India, which have fought three wars since 1947, share the waters in the Arabian Sea, and there has been controversy over the maritime boundary between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Election Commission rejects further delay in election
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : No chance of further delay of elections, as law and order situation in the country is in total control, Secretary of the Election Commission Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad said Friday.
Talking to Geo News, he said, printing of ballot papers have been completed. Provincial chief secretaries have been asked to provide reports of sensitive polling station.
West unable to guarantee nuclear fuel supply for Iran
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday that the West is not able to guarantee the supply of nuclear fuel for Iran.
Asked by reporters about the recent statement by Iran's envoy to IAEA that if Iran receives its supply of nuclear fuel, Tehran will change its course of action, he said there are no rules or regulations at the international level which can provide such guarantees and even the IAEA has been unable to do so.
Somalia bomb attack toll rises to 19
Mogadishu:The death toll from car bomb blast in the southern Somali town of Baidoa has risen to 19 while at least 20 others were...
Thirteen militants killed in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Thirteen militants were killed and five injured Saturday when Pakistani security forces bombarded militant hideouts in the country's northwest, the army said.
Security forces used cobra helicopters in the operation and a huge cache of explosives in a town in the Swat valley was also destroyed in the bombardment, it said.
One soldier was also killed in the operation.
Assamese cultural activist invited in Bangladesh event
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati: In what can be termed as a landmark endeavour, Guwahati-based cultural activist, documentation consultant and curator of the Guwahati International Music Festival, Aiyushman Dutta, has been invited to join a first-ever documentation project of the centuries-old ‘Dol Purnima Utsab’ of the Bauls to be held from March 14-17 in Kushtia, Bangladesh this year.
Israel warns of abduction of Israeli travelers in Egypt’s Sinai
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : The Counter-Terrorism Bureau of Israeli National Security Council Tuesday issued a warning that terror cells in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula were planning a kidnapping attack on Israeli citizens.
The Counter-Terrorism Bureau urged the Israelis traveling in the peninsula to leave immediately.
"Terror cells are devising for some time now the kidnapping of Israelis in Sinai, and may execute an abduction attack very soon," said a statement posted on the bureau's website.
UAE leaders congratulate Mubarak of Crossing Day
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory cable to President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on the Crossing Day.
Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also cabled greetings to the Egyptian leader.
Mottaki: Israel unable to make new adventure against Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday that Israel is not in a position to take any new adventure against Iran, semi official Fars news agency reported.
Addressing the press after attending the 17th joint economic conference of Iran and Pakistan, Mottaki said that in case of any offense against Iran, Israel will receive a deserving response.
The Israeli regime is still reeling from its "crushing defeat" in its 2006 war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon, he said.
Militants destroy NATO trucks in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Suspected Islamist militants torched an oil tanker and six lorries carrying US and NATO supplies in Pakistan's restive north-west early Friday, police said.
The pre-dawn assault took place at a petrol station and a truckers' inn on the outskirts of Peshawar city, a key transit point for supplies meant for the Western forces battling the Taliban insurgency in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Iranian, Pakistani institutions sign MoU on cooperation
By IRNA,
Islamabad : The Tehran-based Forum on Proximity among the Islamic Schools of thought and International Islamic University of Islamabad inked Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of educational and research, a IIUI statement said.
The International Islamic University was represented by Dr. Anwar Hussain Siddiqui while Iranian side was represented by Hojatoleslam Ali Asghar Owhadi, Deputy Chairman of the Forum on Proximity among Islamic Schools of Thought for cultural affairs.
Hafiz Saeed won’t be arrested: Pakistan
By IANS,
Lahore: A defiant Pakistan said Tuesday it would not arrest Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, named by India as the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, till adequate proof was provided of his involvement in the carnage.
"We cannot arrest him till adequate proof is provided. There is no proof," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told a private TV news channel in an interview.
Bangladesh sending a male Taslima as Dy High Commissioner in Kolkata?
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: Some Muslim intellectuals of West Bengal have jointly sent a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina urging her not to send to India a controversial Bangladesh writer – who is known for his blasphemous writings – as Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, India because such appointment will be against the public interest and against the interest of Government of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh backs Sri Lanka on human rights issue
By IANS,
Colombo : Bangladesh Tuesday said it will back Sri Lanka on the human rights issue, the Sri Lankan President's Office said, reported Xinhua.
Israel executes incursion into E. Rafah
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli forces executed an incursion into the eastern district of Rafah City, south of Gaza Strip, early Saturday, eyewitnesses said.
The force was backed by tanks, vehicles, and military aircrafts and executed its operation amid heavy firing, they added.
Witnesses told KUNA a large number of Palestinian activists from different groups clashed with the force, which was stationed around Gaza international airport.
Clashes are ongoing and sounds of explosions can be heard as missiles are being fired by the Israeli tanks, they added.
Abdullah leads in Afghan presidential election
Kabul: Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah was leading in the partial results, the country's Independent Election Commission (IEC) chairman announced Sunday.
"The IEC had tallied...
Tourists stranded as snow covers Pakistan hill town
By IANS,
Islamabad : Hundreds of tourists were stuck in their vehicles as heavy snowfall blanketed Murree, a hill station near here.
Australian court rules in favour of mosque in Cairns
By Neena Bhandari, IANS,
Sydney : Upholding the right to freedom of religion as an integral part of the Australian community, the Queensland Planning and Environment Court has cleared the way for the first mosque to be constructed in Cairns in the state of Queensland.
"It is in the public interest that persons who choose that faith, just as those who choose any other faith, have access to a safe and reasonably comfortable place of gathering and worship," Judge Keith Dodds was quoted as saying in the local media.
Hamas says four members arrested by pro-Abbas forces
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : The Islamic Hamas movement denounced Saturday that its four members were arrested by Palestinian security forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah in the West Bank.
Hamas said in a statement sent to the press that the detentions took place in Bethlehem, Tulkarm and Qalqilya, which were carried out by the forces loyal to President Abbas.
Two of Hamas supporters were taken from the street, one was arrested after being summoned to a security office and the fourth was arrested from his house, the statement explained.
Afghanistan to review law that discriminates against women
By IANS,
London : Afghan President Hamid Karzai has ordered an urgent review of a controversial new law that critics say might tolerate rape within marriage, BBC reported Saturday.
At the same time, Karzai rejected what he called the misinterpretation of the law by Western journalists.
His decision follows expressions of disquiet from NATO's secretary general.
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said he could not justify foreign troops dying in defence of universal values in Afghanistan, if those values were violated by its laws.
Preventive laws ‘unacceptable’, says Malaysian minister
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Striking a note at variance with his government's stance, a Malaysian minister agrees with the opposition and the legal fraternity that the Internal Security Act (ISA) is unacceptable.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Zaid Ibrahim, also a prominent lawyer, said: "I am against any unjust and harsh law, and ISA and OSA (Official Secrets Act) are unacceptable to me."
"In fact, I have stated my stand (on these laws) in my books," the de facto law minister of the country told the Nanyang Siang Pau newspaper.
Few non-Malays in Malaysian armed forces
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur: "A lack of patriotism" was one of the possible reasons for the small number of non-Malays in Malaysia's armed forces, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tuesday.
Palestinian authority, Egypt seeking sustainable calm – Erekat
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat has affirmed that the Palestinian side is exerting all possible effort to maintain the settlement talks and calm with Israel.
Egypt is also exerting intensive efforts to enforce a sustainable truce with the Israelis in the Palestinian territories to safeguard welfare and interests of the people in the Gaza Strip, Erekat said in remarks broadcast by Voice of Palestine Radio Monday.
UAE To Translate Federal Laws Into English For Expatriates
By Bernama,
Abu Dhabi : The Ministry of Justice of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started translating the country's federal laws written in the official language of Arabic into English for the convenience of expatriates living in the country.
Quoting a local newspaper, China's XINHUA news agency reported Saturday that the translating the UAE federal laws into English has become an urgent need, particulary since there are expatriates of more than 200 nationalities speaking various languages in the country, said acting Undersecretary of the Justice Minister Ali Ibrahim Al Houssani.
Two U.S. soldiers killed by roadside bombs in Iraq, military says
By SPA
Baghdad : Two U.S. soldiers were killed by roadside bombs in separate incidents in Iraq this weekend, the U.S. military said Sunday, according to AP.
One soldier was killed and another three were wounded on Sunday when a bomb exploded near their vehicle during an operation in southern Baghdad, the military said in a statement.
Units in that area are carrying out patrols along with the Iraqi army and police in order to disrupt terrorist and extremist elements operating in this section of the Iraqi capital, the statement said.
Pakistan: Musharraf pledges to work with new parliament to build democracy, fight terrorism
By NNN-APP
Washington : President Pervez Musharraf has pledged to work with the newly elected parliament to defeat terrorism, build a stable democratic government and sustain economic growth - three top tasks before the nation.
“Pakistan’s transition to democracy is essential to achieving reconciliation among our people,” he observed in an article in The Washington Post .
Turkish expatriates start voting for new president
Ankara : The process of voting for the next Turkish president has started for Turkish expatriates, Turkey's Supreme Election Board (YSK) said Thursday.
According to...
Taliban terror strikes Lahore, 25 dead
By IANS,
Lahore : Taliban terrorists laid siege to Pakistan's Lahore city Thursday morning with audacious and simultaneous attacks on three police establishments that killed 25 people including 10 of the attackers.
An unknown number of armed men - and probably a few women - dressed in military fatigues stormed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building in a thickly populated area, the sprawling police training school at Manawan, only 12 km from the Indian border, and the Elite Force training centre, another huge complex.
Saudi Public Campaign to build 20 Schools in Pakistan
By SPA,
Islamabad : The Campaign also provided financial assistance to many charitable institutions including its grant of $2million to UNICEF to build five health units in the affected areas and $2 million to World Food Programme (WFP) to buy flour sacs and distributed them to the affected families.
Malaysian Indian party mum on bids for its investment arm
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Thursday declined to comment on a bid, by a firm headed by an ethnic Indian, to take over its multi-million investment arm that has been in financial trouble.
"No comment. It is the company's decision," MIC president S. Samy Vellu told media when asked about the bid by businessman G. Gnanalingan to take over Maika Holdings Bhd, that is one of the larger business entities owned by ethnic Indians.
Bangladesh govt to set up 7 power stations in northern region
By NNN-BSS,
Rajshahi (Bangladesh) : The Bangladesh government has started setting up of seven power plants in six northern districts under Rajshahi division aimed at minimizing the power shortage.
Chief Engineer of Northern Distribution Division under Power Development Board (PDB) Latifur Rahman told BSS here Wednesday that tender documents were already received and evaluation works of those are progressing.
NATO creates “kill or capture” list for Taliban: German report
Berlin, Feb 10, IRNA -- NATO has created a "kill or capture" list for Taliban leaders, the weekly news magazine Stern reported Wednesday on its website.
The secret list allows NATO troops in Afghanistan to liquidate or capture mid-and high ranking Taliban members.
German and US special forces are reportedly involved in these secret operations.
A so-called "JPEL-list" (Joint Priority Effects List) indicates who will be included in the "c" (capture) category and who will be listed in the "k" (kill) section.
Main Peshawar school attack perpetrator arrested
Islamabad : One of the main perpetrators of the Dec 16 attack on the Army Public School in the Pakistani city of Peshawar has...
Gaddafi now a nervous wreck, says former aide
By IANS,
London : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has become a "psychological wreck" and was hiding in a "bomb-battered bunker" surrounded by his henchmen, according to a former aide.
Pakistan told to revoke suspension of rights
New York : The Pakistani government should rescind the suspension of fundamental rights and the grant of military authority for law enforcement in Islamabad,...
Embassies in Yemen reopen after closures over threats
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen) : The US embassy in this Yemeni capital reopened to the public Tuesday after a two-day closure prompted by threats from the regional branch of Al Qaeda, an embassy official said.
"The embassy reopened today and resumed its normal operation," the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The British and French embassies also reopened Tuesday, but their consular sections remained closed to the public, diplomats said.
Palestinians killed, wounded, arrested in Israeli incursion, attacks
By NNN-WAFA,
Gaza : A Palestinian died of his wound, two injured and three others arrested in attacks by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), medical sources said Friday.
Al-Shifa hospital said Usama al-Houbi was hit with a missile shrapnel when Israeli warplanes raided on Rafah, south Gaza Strip on Wednesday and died Friday of his serious wounds.
In BETHLEHEM, Israeli soldiers attacked a peaceful demonstration in the West Bank city of south Bethlehem, wounding two of the protesters, local sources said.
US Deaths in Afghanistan Hit 555
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A total of 555 US soldiers have died since October 2001's invasion of Afghanistan , confirmed Pentagon sources.
Washington has kept over 33,000 soldiers distributed in the UN International Assistance Forces, under NATO command and independent, and will now send thousands more.
According to statistics the last of those deceased occurred yesterday when an automobile exploded while the Pentagon convoy was passing near the fruit and vegetables market in Bati Kot district, Nangarhar southern province.
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 says China is interested to join Iran gas pipeline project
By IRNA,
Islamabad : China has shown interest to expand the multi-billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Thursday.
Speaking at a news conference on return from visit to China, the Foreign Minister said that discussions were also held with Chinese officials to lay oil pipeline between the two countries.
President Pervez Musharraf during his this week visit to China called for extending the India-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline to China.
Pakistan lawyers demand restoration of sacked judges
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Marking the first anniversary of chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's suspension, lawyers throughout Pakistan observed 'black day' Sunday and demanded immediate restoration of the sacked judges of the superior courts.
President Pervez Musharraf had March 9 last year suspended chief justice Chaudhry who was restored four months later by his fellow judges in the Supreme Court. However, Musharraf Nov 3 imposed emergency in the country suspending all judges of the high and supreme courts.
Eight die in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed and 30 injured Thursday when a massive blast tore through a bus stop in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar, a media report said.
10 members of wedding party killed in Pakistan
Islamabad : At least 10 wedding guests were killed and many others injured when high power electric wires fell on their van in Pakistan's...
Pakistani President, U.S army chief discuss security
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of United States, met President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed fight against militancy and regional security situation on Saturday, the President office said.
Both leaders also discussed matters relating to Pak-US bilateral relations, a brief statement from the Presidency said.
Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson were also present during the meeting.
Family meets Bangladesh war crimes convict facing execution
Dhaka: The family members of Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, who is facing execution for atrocities committed during the country's 1971 Liberation War,...
Major countries agree to negotiate with Iran
By Xinhua,
London : World major countries negotiating with Iran have agreed on a revamped offer of incentives to try to coax the country into rolling back its disputed nuclear program, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Friday.
"We've got an agreement on an offer that will be made to the government of Iran," Miliband said following a meeting of foreign ministers of five permanent members of the UN Security Council and of Germany held here.
The British foreign secretary said that the details of the offer could not be revealed so far.
Saddam clan chief killed, five civilians wounded in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : The head of the clan of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was killed Tuesday, while another five civilians were wounded in separate incidents in Iraq, police sources and media reports said.
Sheikh Ali al-Nada died when a bomb went off in his vehicle while he was driving to his house in the Awja area of the northern city of Tikrit, police sources told DPA.
Sources said the explosion also killed his driver and injured two of his relatives. Iraqi forces were seen deploying around the scene of the blast and preventing passers-by from entering the area.
Pakistan army kills 16 militants in northwest
By IRNA,
Rawalpindi : Pakistan security forces killed 16 militants, including two foreigners, in a troubled region in the country's northwest on Friday, the army said.
"As many as sixteen miscreants were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces," an army statement said.
The statement said that the Security Forces stopped a vehicle, suspected to be carrying miscreants at Sour bridge check post in Hangu district at 12:30 p.m., but occupants of the vehicle refused to get down from the vehicle.
Iraqi woman killed in Baghdad bomb explosion
By Xinhua
Baghdad : An Iraqi woman was killed and two people were wounded in a bomb explosion in northern Baghdad on Tuesday, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A roadside bomb detonated near a civilian car close to the Academy of Fine Arts in the al-Waziriya neighborhood, damaging the car and killing a woman along with wounding two civilians," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Also in the capital, the source said that police patrols have collected five unidentified bodies dumped in different parts of Baghdad during the past 24 hours.
Al-Aqsa tension mounts, official warns of religious war
Jerusalem: A senior Palestinian official on Sunday warned of a regional religious war that might break out as long as tension at the al-Aqsa...
Palestinian brigades attack S. Israel
By KUNA,
Gaza : Palestinian brigades continued here Friday launching rockets and mortars against the adjacent southern Israeli towns from across the Palestinian borders.
The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for firing two mortar shells at Nahel Oz military post, located eastern Gaza.
It added that this attack came to mark the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian catastrophe, "Nakba," and the continued Israeli aggression in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.