Hindu temple in Malaysia adopts school
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The managing committee of a Hindu temple in Malaysia has adopted a school for people of Indian origin. The move has been welcomed by a newspaper that has urged other shrines to emulate it.
Arulmigu Veera Muniswarar temple committee in Gunung Hijau, Batu Gajah, Perak state, has adopted the Tamil school.
Students will be provided with textbooks and school material, and the committee will help with transport for the poor pupils, committee adviser R. Damodaran said.
Armed clashes kill and injure civilians in Tripoli, Lebanon
By NNN-Petra,
Beirut : Fighting broke out Monday morning between pro- and anti-government supporters in Lebanon's second largest city, Tripoli.
Armed clashes with automatic machine guns and rocket attacks centred in Jabal Mohsen killing a number of people and 42 were wounded, mostly civilians.
Meanwhile, rival political groups, mainly the March 14 Forces and Hezbollah, traded accusations with each party blaming the other for sparking the armed conflict.
Senior insurgent leader killed in eastern Afghanistan
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : Maulawi Abdul Malik, a senior insurgent leader, has been killed in eastern Afghan province of Logar during an operation led by Afghan troops, the NATO-led military said here.
he operation was conducted on May 27 to disrupt bomb-making cells and operations throughout the region, according to a statement of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
The ISAF said the militant's group is linked to the burning down of two girls' schools and threats to locals attending English and computer courses.
Bangladesh parties urged to end deadly cycle of crimes
New York: With no end in sight to politically motivated violence and other abuses in Bangladesh, authorities need to ensure their response respects the...
UN nominates Kuwaiti woman as it envoy
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : The UN has nomniated a Kuwaiti woman as its envoy for youth and information and communication technology.
Manar Al-Hashash has already e,barked on her new work under the umbrella of the Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technology under the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' Economic and Social Section.
She will focus on the dissemination of technology in communities in order to improve the living standards of people and to promote development.
Bangladesh asks UN to settle sea boundary with India, Myanmar
By IANS,
Dhaka: Bangladesh has officially asked for arbitration under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Seas for its maritime boundary dispute with India and Myanmar.
"We have decided to go for arbitration as the issue was not resolved through bilateral discussion with the two neighbours in the last 35 years," Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told reporters here.
Bangladesh opposition party denies Al Qaeda link
By IANS,
Dhaka : A key Bangladesh opposition party has denied any link with a recent "Al Qaeda threat" to wage an intifada in the...
Bomb explodes near UN office in Afghanistan; 2 wounded
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : Officials say a bomb exploded about 150 yards (meters) from a U.N. office in eastern Afghanistan, wounding two people.
Gen. Mohammad Ayub, the provincial police chief of Khost province, says a man carrying the explosives intended to put them under a bridge but they detonated early. The attacker survived Sunday's blast but is in serious condition in the hospital. A woman passing by was wounded, the Associated Press reported.
Brown formally launches Muslim women advisory group
By IRNA
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Thursday used an Islamic feast reception at his office to formally launch the National Muslim Women's Advisory Group (NMWAG) that was set up last November.
"Muslim women have a huge role to play in helping us build a stronger, better society. That is why I am delighted today to mark the official launch of the National Muslim Women's Advisory Group," Brown said.
Dubai to join Earth Hour movement
By IANS
Dubai : The city plans to turn off thousands of lights for one hour March 29 as part of the Earth Hour programme initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
The WWF has called on households and businesses around the world to turn off lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour of a March evening in order to promote electricity conservation and lower carbon emissions.
Dubai is the first Arab city to declare its support for the Earth Hour.
Palestinians, Syrians to take joint military action against IS
Damascus : Visiting Palestinian envoy to Syria Ahmad Majdalani said on Thursday that an agreement has been reached with the Syrian authorities on forming...
Obama turns to Indian-American to be bridge with Muslim world
By IANS,
Washington: President Barack Obama has chosen the son of an Indian migrant couple from Bihar to help bridge the cultural divide in US relations with Muslims inside and outside America's borders.
As Obama's new special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Rashad Hussain, both a Quran scholar and an ardent North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, will be the face of the president's new approach to engage the Islamic world.
At a time when the US is fighting two wars in Muslim nations, changing perceptions will take time, says Hussain, 31.
EU asks Israel to end ‘collective punishment’ of Gaza
By DPA
Brussels : European Union Commissioner for external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner Monday called for an end to Israel's fuel blockade of Gaza, describing it as a case of "collective punishment."
"The recent decision to close all border crossings into Gaza as well as to stop the provision of fuel will exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and risks escalating an already difficult situation on the ground," she said in a statement.
Nawaz Sharif pulls of Pakistan’s ruling coalition
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif Monday pulled his party out of the country's ruling coalition in protest against the government's failure to reinstate senior judges sacked by then president Pervez Musharraf in November last year.
Addressing a crowded press conference, Sharif said his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had been forced to take this decision. He also announced the party's decision to field a candidate for president.
Kuwait to boost bilateral relations with Cambodia
By NNN-KUNA,
Phnom Pehn : Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has held discussions with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on ways to bolster bilateral relations mainly in the fields of oil, gas, investment and the establishment of joint cultural exhibitions.
The meeting at the Foreign Ministry headquarters here Monday also discussed how the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) could aid Cambodia in various long-term development-related projects, with an invitation offered to Kuwaiti investors in the Cambodian mining industry.
Pakistan PM: Cultural Ministry to ensure transfer of confiscated antiquities
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Culture to make necessary arrangements for the transfer of confiscated antiquities of Pakistan origin from Italy and United Kingdom.
He said the ministry should send a two-member technical delegation to make all the necessary arrangements for the transfer of the confiscated antiquities from the two countries.
The Italian Police has confiscated 96 antiquities of Pakistani origin and handed over to Pakistan embassy in Rome, Italy.
UN upgrades security for staff, offices in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The UN has upgraded security for its staff and offices in Pakistan amid heightened tensions in the wake of terror attacks, a media report said Friday.
The families of the foreign staff have been asked to leave the country, Geo TV said.
The UN has also advised its staff to restrain their activities.
The security level has been upgraded to phase three after the recent suicide bomb attacks in Peshawar and Islamabad, the TV channel reported.
Pakistan’s coalition mounts pressure on Musharraf to quit
By DPA,
Islamabad : A senior leader of Pakistan's ruling party Sunday asked President Pervez Musharraf to "pack his bag and go" immediately as the governing coalition readied itself to start impeachment proceedings next week if the embattled leader refused to step down.
"Musharraf has lost the mandate of people and should tender his resignation," Senator Raza Rabbani, of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said after attending a meeting that prepared the final draft of the charge sheet against the former army chief.
Families dominate Gulf corporate boards: new research
By IANS,
Dubai : Powerful families dominate corporate boards in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with up to 100 percent board ownership in some of the region's public companies, says new research here.
The research, conducted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based merchant bank The National Investor (TNI) and Hawkamah, an institute of corporate governance, found that, on an average, 25-75 percent of companies researched have at least two board members from the same family, including 76 percent of Qatari companies and only 39 percent of Dubai-listed companies.
Muslims urged to open up, foster tolerance
By Xinhua,
Jakarta : Muslims worldwide must vigorously uphold Islam as a way to foster openness and tolerance, the leader of Indonesia's largest Muslim body said Friday.
"An effort of building a culture of peace and dialogue should be made to avoid the trend of aggression and ignorance that pervades the Muslim world," Hasyim Muzadi, chief of the Central Board of Nahdatul Ulama said.
"I am confident that if we work in concert, we may uncover an effective and durable solution to these problems," Muzadi told the International Conference of Islamic Scholars here.
Dhaka always stands against all kinds of terrorism, President tells Kazakh envoy
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : President Zillur Rahman today said Bangladesh is a peace-loving country and always stands against any form of terrorism.
He made the remark when Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Bangladesh Bakhitbek Shabarbayev paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the capital.
During the meeting, the President welcomed the envoy and mentioned that both the countries are committed to promote international peace and security.
Spain to send 500 more troops to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Madrid : Spain will send 511 more troops to join its contingent in Afghanistan, bringing the total to more than 1,500 soldiers, defence minister Carme Chacon announced Thursday.
The new troops will help train Afghan soldiers and provide security in Badghis province, the minister told parliament.
Spain was responding to the appeal of US President Barack Obama and of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Obama has pledged to send 30,000 additional US forces to Afghanistan, putting pressure on NATO's other members to follow suit.
Turkey launches new generation communication satellite
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkey has launched its new generation communication satellite "Turksat 3A" from the Kourou base of French Guiana, the semi-official Anatolia news agency has reported.
The report said that the satellite launched Thursday would be located in the orbit of 42 degree east longitude and the control of the satellite will be pursued in the Golbasi Satellite Ground Station near the Turkish capital Ankara.
The satellite, which has three uplink and two downlink beams, will replace Turksat 1C satellite, the report said.
Pakistani PM Gilani emerged as an active dynamic leader at the ASEM summit
By NNN-APP,
Beijing : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani with his active role in the 7th summit of Asia-Europe Meeting received a lot of appreciation from the leaders of the participating countries for effectively projecting his country’s position on the issues relating to war on terror and economic recession.
He was warmly received by the world leaders, since it was Pakistan’s first appearance at the level of head of government, after its formal admission in the group, comprising two continents, Asia and Europe that represents 60 percent of the world population.
Center for Media and Democracy Pakistan expresses satisfaction on voting process
ISLAMABAD, Feb 18 (APP): The Election Monitoring Secretariat of the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) Pakistan in its preliminary release congratulates the Pakistani nation on completion of the electoral process in a peaceful manner keeping in view the law and order situation of the country. Though there have been reports of some law and order incidents on the Election Day, the CMD is satisfied to note that the number of incidents of violence has been quite low.
Do not disturb, says Malaysian model who is to be caned
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Tired of the media glare and concerned groups who come inquiring, a Malaysian part-time model sentenced to caning for drinking in public has issued a "do not disturb" notice through her lawyers.
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, who was fined RM 5,000 ($1,468) and ordered to be given six strokes of the rotan after pleading guilty to drinking beer at a hotel, has appointed several lawyers to preserve her privacy and that of her family.
Kartika said she would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who disturbs her peace and that of her family.
Kuwaiti Committee to organise two regional confs. on women’s issues
By NNN-KUNA,
Abu Dhabi : The Kuwaiti Cabinet Committee on Women's Affairs plans to organise two regional conferences, one on the Arabian Gulf level and the other on the Arab level in December and February, advisor of the committee Dr. Ahmad Al-Bustan said on Friday.
"The first conference will debate the issue of social security while the other will discuss the negative aspects of Arab communities," Al-Bustan told KUNA following the second conference of the Arab Women Organisation (AWO) which came to a close here on Thursday.
Medics: Israeli army kills 68 Palestinians in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : The Israeli army killed 68 Palestinians and wounded 200 others on Saturday in a daylong large-scale military ground operation into northern Gaza Strip, hospital officials said.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance services in the Palestinian health ministry told reporters that the Israeli army on Saturday killed 68 Palestinians and wounded 200 others, many in serious condition.
Death toll rises to 18 in Baghdad twin bombing
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll of a double explosions outside a traffic police headquarters in central Baghdad on Wednesday rose to 18 and 52 people injured, an Interior Ministry source said.
"The toll of the car bomb and a roadside bomb attacks in Nahdhaarea rose to 18 killed and 52 injured," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack took place when a booby-trapped car detonated outside the headquarters near the al-Nahdha parking lot in central Baghdad on the east side of Tigris River, the source said.
Halt hostilities in Libya, says India
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Monday urged the West to stop bombing Libya and suggested negotiations instead to end the violent revolt against long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Russia takes measures to protect its facilities and citizens in Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia is taking steps to ensure the safety of its facilities and citizens in Iran following reports of a planned terrorist attack on the Russian consulate in Rasht, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
Iran said on Wednesday it had arrested a terrorist group that planned to blow up the Russian consulate building in the town of Rasht near the Caspian Sea.
Sharif brothers barred from polls, accuse Zardari of dirty tricks
By Muhammad Sajjad, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan teetered on the brink of political crisis Wednesday after the Supreme Court barred former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from contesting the polls and also declared null and void the election of his brother, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The verdict led to the fall of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in the country's most politically consequential province.
UAE, Portugal sign diplomatic representation pact
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Portugal have signed an agreement on diplomatic representation.
Abdul Rahim Yousef Al Awadhi, assistant to UAE foreign minister for legal affairs, and Miguel de Serpa Soares, director of legal affairs in Portugal foreign ministry, signed the Implementation Protocol of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on diplomatic representation here.
The signing of the MoU took place after two days of meetings and negotiations.
Palestinians see peace deal delay if Olmert quits
By SPA,
Ramallah, West Bank : A Palestinian negotiator said on Wednesday any peace deal with Israel would be delayed if a police investigation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert forced his resignation and a new election was held, Reuters reported.
Saeb Erekat described the case as an internal Israeli matter but said Palestinians were following developments closely.
"If they decide to hold a new election then we will be late another year. If (Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi) Livni takes over, we will remain the same," Erekat said, referring to Olmert's designated deputy.
Russia, NATO agree on transit of non-lethal cargo to Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti
Bucharest : Russia and NATO have agreed on land transits for non-lethal freight through Russian territory to NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan, Russia's envoy to NATO said on Friday.
"Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer exchanged letters on transits of NATO non-lethal cargo across Russia to Afghanistan during an official ceremony in Bucharest," Dmitry Rogozin said.
Pakistan urges new consensus on disarmament: Envoy
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan has called for a new consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation to respond to new realities and challenges and reaffirmed its opposition to arms race at regional or global level.
In an address at the U.N. Disarmament Commission, a subsidiary of the General Assembly on Monday, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United States Ambassador Munir Akram said that unless there was broad agreement on goals and parameters that needed to be pursued, it would be difficult to achieve breakthroughs, according to a message received in Islamabad.
UAE-Belarusian relations discussed
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates and Belarus have discussed their countries' bilateral relations.
Parliamentary elections begin in Israel
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israelis began voting Tuesday morning to elect their next parliament and premier.
About 5.3 million Israelis, out of a total of 7.2 million, are eligible to vote, which began at 7 a.m. and will run till 10 p.m. at over 9,200 polling stations across the country.
Thirty-three groups are competing for a share of the 120 parliamentary seats, and they must pass the minimum threshold of two percent of votes cast in order to be represented.
In the last general election in 2006, 31 parties registered to run but only 12 entered the legislature.
Gaza: What is with the Arab World?
Tehran, Dec 10, IRNA,As the world celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 10), Israel continues with its gross and systematic human rights violations in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Human Rights Day in the Islamic world coincided with Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice) though the occasion brought little joy for most of the 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip languishing without food, electricity and heating bracing for fresh Israeli raids.
Rockets fired near Kabul peace assembly, Karzai unhurt
By IANS,
Kabul : Two rockets fired by militants landed near the venue of a peace assembly or 'jirga' inaugurated by President Hamid Karzai in the Afghanistan capital Wednesday but there were no casualties, officials said.
The two rockets landed near the Intercontinental hotel close to the venue of the National Consultative Peace Jirga while Karzai was delivering his speech, but no one was wounded in the attack, Xinhua quoted a security official as saying on condition of anonymity.
Pakistan facing over 6,000 MW power shortfall
Islamabad: Pakistan is facing an electricity shortfall of over 6,000 MW, with many parts of Punjab province witnessing outages of 20 hours a day.
Un-announced...
US troops will pull out in three years under new deal – Iraqi FM
By NNN-KUNA,
London : American soldiers will withdraw from cities across Iraq next summer and all US combat troops will leave the country within three years, provided the violence remains low, under the terms of a draft agreement with the Iraqi government, it was reported here.
In one of the most detailed insights yet into the content of the deal, Hoshyar Zebari, the Iraqi Foreign Minister, told The Times newspaper that the US military would be barred from unilaterally mounting attacks inside Iraq from next year.
Osama hunt: Doctor’s sentence reduced by 10 years
Islamabad: The sentence of a doctor who helped the US track down slain Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was on Saturday reduced by...
Pakistani Sharif joins protesting lawyers
By IRNA
Islamabad : Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday joined around 1000 lawyers, who rallied for the restoration of deposed hief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary in Islamabad.
Riot police stopped the lawyers from heading to the residence of the former chief justice, where he has been under house arrest since November 3rd.
"Time will come soon when we will bring back the deposed chief justice and other judges to the courts, " Nawaz Sharif announced amidst anti-Musharraf slogans.
UAE, Bangladesh hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi has held talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Banks in UAE remain financially strong: central bank governor
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : National and foreign banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to enjoy a strong financial position, according to the governor of the country’s central bank.
In a statement Saturday, Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, governor of the UAE Central Bank, said the ownership of deposits was distributed in such a way that the citizens own 75 percent of the deposits, while Arab nationals and the other expatriate residents own eight percent and 17 percent respectively, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.
Pakistan court seeks records of tortured MQM activist
By IANS,
Islamabad : A court in Pakistan Tuesday sought medical and police records of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activist who was allegedly tortured...
Dhaka makes long-term plan to dredge ‘dying’ rivers
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered two dredgers for two rivers, which feed the country's principal ports at Chittagong and Mongla, to keep them fully navigable.
It is part of a long-term plan to revive the country's 310 'dying' rivers, many of which have not been dredged since World War II.
Directing the authorities concerned Tuesday to immediately formulate a complete action plan for dredging the country's silted rivers, she said no single project should exceed 15 years.
India protests China-assisted dam in Pakistani Kashmir
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Friday protested against the proposed 7,000 MW Bunji hydroelectric project being built in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir with Chinese assistance.
"The government of India lodged a protest against the construction of (the) project located in a part of Jammu and Kashmir under the illegal occupation of Pakistan," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters here.
Four killed in Afghanistan suicide attack
Kabul: At least four people were killed and seven others injured Saturday in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan.
"A terrorist detonated his explosive-laden rickshaw...
Protest leaders meet Pakistan Army chief
Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leaders Friday met the Army Chief Raheel Sharif to find a solution to end the...
Iran supports Syria’s right to restore Golan
By NNN-SANA,
Tehran : Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Manouchehr Mottaki affirmed on Saturday Iran's support of Syria's right to restore the occupied Syrian Golan, saying "the occupied Golan is Syrian land that should be returned to Syria."
In a joint press conference with Chairman of the political bureau of Hamas Khalemd Mishaal in Tehran, Mottaki pointed out that Israel is in no position to dictate terms for withdrawal from the occupied Arab lands, including the Golan.
Pakistan starts offensive against Taliban, Al Qaeda
By DPA,
Islamabad : A senior Pakistani official said Saturday government forces had started a much-awaited ground offensive against Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgents in the lawless South Waziristan tribal region along the Afghan border.
"Our ground troops have started action in various areas of South Waziristan. They are being supported by the air force," Sama television quoted Tariq Hayyat Khan, the security head of the tribal region of which South Waziristan is a district, as saying.
The offensive will continue until the terrorists are eliminated, he added.
700,000 people attend Istanbul protest rally on Gaza
By IINA,
Istanbul : Israel’s tank and troop assault on the Gaza Strip prompted widespread protest rallies across the Muslim world yesterday. The biggest rally of the day was held in Turkey where hundreds of thousands of people spilled into streets of Istabul to protest against Israeli action as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) began diplomatic effort to end the sufferings of Gazans. Organizers of Istanbul rally said there were as many as 700,000 people in the 180,000-square-meter venue.
Hamas police bans Palestinian dailies circulation in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Police of ruling Hamas movement in Gaza Strip has banned on Monday the circulation of three major Palestinian dailies in the strip, a Hamas interior ministry statement said.
The three major Palestinian dailies, al-Quds, al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida, which are printed in West Bank, were allowed by Israel through Erez crossing on the border between northern Gaza Strip and Israel.
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,...
Britain’s Brown says to pull troops from Iraq from May 31
By Xinhua,
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Thursday that the country will start pulling troops out ofIraq on May 31, 2009 at the latest.
Brown told lawmakers that Britain "will start a rapid withdrawal of our troops" at the latest by May 31, 2009.
Netanyahu to meet Egyptian president
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope that the stalled peace process between Israel and Palestine would resume next week.
"I was told that the Palestinian President intends on renewing talks, and I will be very glad if the venture comes to fruition next week," Netanyahu
said adding that Israel wants peace in its own interests.
Netanyahu will meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak next Monday to discuss ways to resume talks with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Xinhua reported.
Gulf becoming less attractive for expat workers
By IANS,
Dubai : The Gulf is losing its attraction for expatriate workers because of the rising cost of living, according to a report from Moody's Investors Service.
The report said that though the governments in the region were trying to cushion the effects of sky-rocketing inflation on their citizens through price controls on basic commodities, rent caps and salary hikes, such action was making the governments rely more and more on their oil budgets, the Arab News reported citing Moody's.
13 killed in Iraq bomb attacks
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 13 people were killed and eight injured in separate bomb and gunfire attacks in Iraq Thursday, said police.
US opposes China-Pakistan nuke deal
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The United States has said it would oppose a proposed nuclear deal between China and Pakistan as it requires a specific exemption from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) like the US deal with India.
"This appears to extend beyond cooperation that was grandfathered when China was approved for membership" state department spokesman P. J. Crowley told reporters Tuesday when asked on what grounds it woild oppose the deal when it had opened the door to such agreements with the US-India deal.
New clashes in Jerusalem, West Bank
By DPA,
Jerusalem: Groups of young Palestinians rioted Saturday in the old city of Jerusalem and the West bank after Israeli police closed both areas to devout Muslims seeking to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Temple Mount.
Five of the rioters were arrested.
Arab youths tried to break through Israeli police controls at the Nablus Gate in the old city of Jerusalem. Another was arrested after attacking a police officer while trying to reach the prayer area.
Other clashes occurred at different gates of the Temple Mount, though no injuries were reported at those sites.
US think tank fears for Haqqani’s life
By IANS,
Islamabad : An American think tank is worried about the life of Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani, who is neck-deep in the 'memo scandal' these days, Geo News reported.
Death toll in Baghdad car bombing rises to 10
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The death toll from a car bomb attack in central Baghdad on Thursday rose to 10, with 50 others wounded, an Interior Ministry source said on Friday.
"The final toll from the Bab al-Sharji area car bombing rose to10 killed and 50 others injured," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack took place at about 2:00 p.m. (1100 GMT) when a booby-trapped car parking near the commercial building of al-Khaiyam in the crowded area of Bab al-Sharji detonated, the source said.
NATO soldier dies of wounds in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : One soldier with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) died of injuries sustained in the exchanging fire with insurgents in southern Afghan province of Helmand, said an ISAF statement released here on Wednesday.
The ill-fated soldier sustained injuries when the ISAF team was on a patrol in the Kajaki district of Helmand and died on Tuesday, the statement said.
It is ISAF policy to not release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
Images of drowned Syrian boy reveal migrant crisis
Ankara :The heart-rending images of a Syrian boy's washed-up body on Turkey's Bodrum beach has highlighted the growing migrant crisis and sparked international outcry,...
Israel politically dead after 33-day war – Larijani
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has said that Israel has become politically dead after its humiliating defeat in the 33-day war against Lebanon in 2006.
Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Foreign Minister of Lebanon Fawzi Salloukh who is currently in Tehran to attend the 15th meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) foreign ministers.
The meeting opened on Tuesday with inaugural speech of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
UAE, Netherlands discuss relations
By IANS,
By WAM,
Amsterdam: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and The Netherlands have held discussions on enhancing their relations.
Friday prayers cancelled in riot-hit Urumqi: Report
Dubai, July 10 (IANS) Friday prayers were cancelled in China's Urumqi city where riots have left at least 156 people dead and over 1,000 injured, a media report said.
"Chinese authorities have cancelled Friday Muslim prayers in Urumqi amid security concerns as troops try to keep control following days of deadly unrest in the city," Al Jazeera reported Friday.
Mosques in the city were ordered closed Friday, the report quoted an unnamed Chinese official as saying.
Russian minesweeper joins anti-terror drill on Black Sea
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The Zheleznyakov minesweeper from Russia's Black Sea Fleet has left the port of Novorossiisk to join a Turkey-led drill to prevent terrorism and smuggling on the Black Sea, the Russian Navy said on Tuesday.
In March 2004, Turkey proposed a new security initiative, Black Sea Harmony, as a move to improve communication and monitor suspicious vessels, and has invited other littoral states, including Russia and Ukraine, to participate in the operation.
Japan voices concern over Israeli settlement expansion
By KUNA
Tokyo : Japan voiced concern Thursday over Israel's plans to resume construction of some 750 housing units at the settlement in the vicinity of Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to immediately reverse the decision.
"Such measure in the controversial settlements might further undermine the momentum for peace and might have negative impacts on the current peace process between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Kazuo Kodama said in a statement.
IS video shows killing of Ethiopian Christians
Tripoli : The Islamic State (IS) terrorist group on Sunday released a video purportedly showing the execution of about 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya.
The...
Malaysian PM: Middle East issue should be tackled to ensure world energy security
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : The issues in the world's hotspots, like the Middle East, should be tackled in earnest to ensure the world energy security, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said here on Monday.
To ease uncertainty and fear of interruption of oil supply, earnest efforts should be made to tackle long-standing issues which lie at the heart of the world geopolitics now, Badawi said at the opening ceremony of the 13 Annual Asia Oil and Gas Conference.
Pakistan needs staggering $2bn for refugee relief
By IANS,
Peshawar: Pakistan needs a staggering $2.2 billion to rehabilitate the three million refugees who have been uprooted by the military's anti-Taliban operations in the country's restive northwest, Online news agency Friday quoted Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi as saying.
Talking to reporters during a visit to the Jalozai refugee camp near this North West Frontier Province (NWFP) capital, he said the US had given $300 million while Turkey had contributed $110 million.
Iran announces more nuclear achievements as U.S. threatens more sanctions
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran announced new "achievements" in its nuclear program on Tuesday as the United States warned that Tehran will face further international sanctions over its disputed nuclear work.
On the occasion to mark Iran's National Day of Nuclear Technology on Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country has tested a new advanced centrifuge and started to install 6,000 new centrifuges at Natanz nuclear plant, according to the official IRNA news agency.
IAEA deputy chief in Iran for more nuclear talks
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Olli Heinonen has arrived in Tehran for more talks over Tehran's nuclear program, Iran's Press TV satellite channel reported on Monday.
Heinonen is in Tehran once again to follow up on the talks he held with Iranian officials during a two-day official visit last week, the report said.
Saudi official stresses importance of rapproachment between Asian Mideast states
By KUNA
Sharm El-Sheikh : Prince Dr Turki bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Kabeer, the Under Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for multi-party relations, reiterated here on Saturday the importance of rapproachment between the Asian and Middle eastern countries in order to contribute in deepening cooperation ties at all levels.
His remarks came during activities of the Second Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED II) ministerial meeting, themed "Partnership in Action Towards a Better Future," which kicked off here with the participation of 48 states.
Israel carries eight air raids on Gaza early Monday
By IRNA
Gaza City : Israel carried at least eight different air raids on Gaza early on Monday, killing five Palestinians.
The dead are said to be either members of the Hamas government police force or the Popular Resistance Committees group.
Most of the aerial attacks targeted metal workshops across the territory and there are reports that the Israeli navy was involved in the bombardment.
More than 25 rockets were fired into southern Israel on Sunday, several reaching Ashkelon, a city of nearly 120,000 people, Tel Aviv radio said.
Muslim ban was ‘just a suggestion’, says Trump
Washington : Republican party's presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump has demoted his proposed Muslim immigration ban to a mere "suggestion".
In a radio interview with...
Iranian president arrives in Islamabad for stopover visit
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Monday morning on a stopover visit to the country.
Ahmadinejad is expected to meet Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani during his three-hour stopover.
The leaders of the two sides will mainly discuss their energy and electricity cooperation, local media said.
Eleven women candidates win on NA general seats
By APP
Islamabad : Eleven women candidates on the national assembly general seats have won the contest.
According to break-up, out of the winning women 5 belonged to PPP, two to PML-Q, 2 to PML-N, while one each from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and independent candidates, private news channel Geo reported.
Seven killed in suicide attack on police chief office: state TV
By IRNA,
Islamabad : A suicide bomb attack in a Pakistan's northwest city on Friday killed at least seven people and injured several others, state television reported.
Two police men were among those killed in the blast in Mardan, a city 60 kilometers northeast of Peshawar, the provincial capital of North West Frontier Province, PTV reported.
Private television put the death toll at 9, including four policemen and five civilians.
Doctors said that 20 injured were brought to Mardan District Hospital.
Several injured are in critical condition, they said.
U.S. helicopter crashes in Iraq, two soldiers injured
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A U.S. helicopter crashed south of Baghdad early on Sunday, wounding two American soldiers, the U.S. military said.
A military statement said preliminary indications refer to that the cause of the crash was due to a "mechanical failure."
The military will conduct an investigation to determine what happened, the statement said.
The wounded soldiers were transported to a medical facility for treatment, it said.
More than 67 U.S. helicopter have been crashed since the U.S.-led invasion to Iraq in 2003, according to media count.
Islamic organisation condemns Jerusalem attack
By ANTARA News/AFP
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia : The Islamic world`s biggest political bloc on Friday condemned the killing of eight Israeli teenagers in a Jerusalem religious school, saying it abhorred "violence and terror."
In a rare reaction to an anti-Israeli attack, the 57-member Organisation of the Islamic Conference expressed "grave concern over, and condemned the recent killings of students in the west Jerusalem," a statement released here said.
Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhury the rallying point for Pakistan’s judges
By IANS,
Islamabad : When former Pakistani military strongman Pervez Musharraf not once, but twice, sacked Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhury as the country's chief justice, little did he realise that he was setting in motion a chain of events that would see the judge literally change the nation's history.
Chaudhury's reinstatement Monday ended a lawyers' 'long march' that was threatening to spin out of control and take the country on the road to instability.
Abbas calls on Hamas to go for early elections
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday called on his rival Hamas movement to accept forming a unity government that prepares for holding early elections in the Palestinian territories.
Abbas' call was made in a speech he addressed in Ramallah earlier Tuesday to mark the fourth year anniversary for late leader Yasser Arafat who died in a French Hospital of a mysterious disease on Nov. 11, 2004.
"It is necessary to form a unity government that lift the blockade and prepares for presidential and legislative elections," Abbas said.
After India, France to sell 24 fighter jets to Qatar
Paris : France has agreed to sell 24 Rafale fighter jets to Qatar, while two similar sales were commissioned with Egypt in February and...
UAE President, Pakistan PM discuss bilateral relations
By SPA
Islamabad : Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro met yesterday the President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan.
An official statement said that both leaders exchanged views on bilateral issues and reiterated their resolve to further cementing the long-lasting brotherly relations between the two countries.
10 Afghan police, two civilians dead in suicide attacks
By DPA,
Kabul : Two suicide attacks in southern and western provinces of Afghanistan killed 10 policemen and two civilians, and wounded 30 others, officials said Monday.
A suicide bomber dressed in police uniform tried to enter the provincial police headquarters in Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province, but was stopped by security guards, said Daoud Ahmadi, spokesman for Helmand's governor.
The bomber scuffled with the guards before detonating his explosive-filled vest, he said.
Abu Dhabi tourism staff train in Singapore
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The staff of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) have undergone a five-day leadership-development training programme in Singapore, an official said Monday.
Some 27 senior ADTA staff, including 11 women managers, completed the "Moving from Managing to Leading" course which focused on key leadership and management issues and allowed the team to experience the successful Singaporean approach.
Iran protests to UN over Israeli threats
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini has said that Iran has sent a letter of protest to the United Nations over Israel's threats.
The letter was handed over to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council by Iran's permanent envoy to the UN, Mohammad Khazaei, on Friday.
In his April 7 statement, Israeli National Infrastructure Mminister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer threatened the Iranian nation with destruction.
US-Pakistan ties should go beyond terrorism: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Relations between the US and Pakistan should go beyond terrorism and cover areas of bilateral relations on a durable basis, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
IAEA ‘s deputy chief to visit Tehran Monday: Official
By IRNA,
Tehran : A concerned official said the IAEA deputy chief Olli Heinonen will visit Tehran on Monday April 21, 2008.
The official, who asked not to be named, told IRNA Friday that the aim of Heinonen visit to Tehran is holding talks to promote cooperation between Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The official did not deny the possibility of talks on purported studies, but underlined that upon Iran's viewpoint the issue has ended and Tehran had presented its evaluation on it.
Taliban attack Afghan foreign office, five killed
Kabul: At least five people were killed and many injured when Taliban militants stormed Afghanistan government's foreign office building here Saturday , sources said.
According...
Brown to urge NATO allies to commit more troops to Afghanistan
By KUNA
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was flying to Romania Wednesday for NATO's biggest summit, urging more countries to send fighting troops to Afghanistan and facing a row over the alliance's expansion to the east, British officials said.
Brown was missing his first weekly debate in the House of Commons since taking over at No 10 last year to arrive in Bucharest this afternoon in time for a series of key bilateral meetings ahead of the formal start of the talks, they added.
Missile attack in Pakistani tribal agency kills four people
By KUNA,
Islamabad : A missile attack Saturday in a Pakistani tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan, killed four persons including two Arabs and wounded two others, security sources said.
At least four missiles fired from Afghanistan hit the house of a local Taliban-linked tribal elder, Noor Khan, near an army camp in Wana, the main headquarters of South Waziristan tribal agency, the sources told KUNA.
They said the attack left four persons including two foreign nationals of Arab origin killed and wounded two others.
Restoration of ties with US not in agenda – Iran FM says
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Minister said here Friday at present time restoration of ties with United States is not included in Iran's foreign policy agenda.
Manouchehr Mottaki who was speaking to the press after casting his vote at run off round of the 8th Majlis elections, added, "Washington must have realized by now that ruling in the Middle East region resorting to military force and bullying of regional nations are absolutely impossible."
Indian family’s house destroyed in Qatar fire
Doha : A house belonging to an Indian family in Qatar was destroyed in a fire. The family, however, escaped unharmed, a media report...
Over 10,000 march in Brussels against Israeli massacres in Gaza
By IRNA,
Berlin : More than 10,000 people took to the streets of the Belgian capital Brussels to demonstrate against Israeli mass crimes in Gaza, the Belgian news agency Belga quoted organizers as saying Wednesday.
Protesters burned Israeli flags to voice outrage over the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
Around 50 organizations, among them the Belgian-Palestinian Union, had called for the mass demo.
Numerous major European cities have witnessed large scale protests against Israeli atrocities in Gaza over the recent days.
Iran unveils first indigenous drone
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran launched its first domestically-designed stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Sunday, Iranian news agency ISNA reported.
The drone, Karrar, was unveiled in a ceremony to mark the Defence Industry Day which was attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad among others.
The first indigenous drone equipped with turbojet engine is able to fly in remote areas at high altitudes for a long time and carry out various military operations including surveillance and bombing.
Civilian killed in Afghanistan car bomb attack
Kabul: At least one civilian was killed Saturday as a car bomb went off in the western part of this Afghan capital, an official...
Two suicide bombings kill 8 in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : Two suicide bomb attacks on Tuesday targeted Iraqi security forces in the city of Mosul, the capital of Nineveh province, killing eight people and wounding five others, a provincial police source said.
‘Lahore attack home grown, focus on Jaish and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi’
By IANS,
London : Security officials in Pakistan are focusing on the possible involvement of two terrorist groups other than the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the recent armed attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, a newspaper said Sunday.
Pakistani authorities now privately admit that the attack was home-grown, and are investigating not only the LeT, the militant group that was originally set up by the ISI intelligence service, but also the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Sunday Times reported.
Hamas calls on Palestinians to abduct Israelis
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Gaza : A senior Hamas official has called on Palestinian militants to kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to exchange them for Palestinians captured by Israel.
Senior Arab official warns of oil price hike if Iran attacked
By Xinhua,
Cairo : A senior Arab official warned that oil prices would jump to more than 200 U.S. dollars a barrel if Iran was militarily attacked, the Egyptian state MENA news agency reported on Sunday.
Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU) Ahmed Guwaili made the remarks in an interview with Egypt's Arabicdaily Al Gomhuria published on Sunday.
Guwaili said the Arab world and all the countries in the world would be affected if Tehran is attacked by military actions.
Israel sends aid for Chinese earthquake relief
By SPA,
Al-Quds (Jerusalem) : Israel is sending disaster relief to China, the Associated Press reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel says a plane is on the way to southern China carrying clothing, medical supplies, generators and tents for victims of the May 12 earthquake. Mekel estimated the shipment was worth $1.5 million (1 million euros) and said it was due to arrive in
China later Sunday.
According to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, This is the minimum that the State of Israel can do in order to express the friendship between Israel and the Chinese people.
Pakistan to release 101 Indian prisoners Wednesday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : One hundred and one Indian prisoners being released by Pakistan will cross the Wagah border Wednesday when Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be in New Delhi to discuss confidence building measures with his counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
Pakistan Sunday announced that that 99 Indian fishermen arrested for illegally entering into Pakistan's territory and two other prisoners who have completed their jail terms will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Wednesday.
Car bomb kills eight in Syria
By IANS,
Damascus : At least eight people were killed and 10 others wounded when a car bomb ripped through a Damascus district Saturday night, local media and activists said.
Russia ready for cooperation with NATO over Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti,
Tashkent : Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that Moscow is ready to cooperate with NATO on the Afghan issue, even as he has welcomed US President Barack Obama's plans to review US policy in the war-ravaged nation.
"We hope the new US administration will have greater success than the previous one in resolving the Afghanistan issue," Medvedev said Friday on the second day of his two-day visit to Uzbekistan.
Alert at Pakistan airports after terror threat
By DPA,
Islamabad : International airports in all major cities of Pakistan were put on alert Thursday following threats of suicide bombings by Islamic militants, officials and media reports said.
A state of emergency was declared at Islamabad airport, which was recently named after slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, following warning that a suicide bomber could strike the facility located just outside the capital city.
Israeli troops kill at least one Palestinian militant in Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Israeli troops have killed at least one Palestinian militant in a military operation in northern Gaza, local medical officials said Tuesday.
The Israeli military reported however that two militants had been killed and that small arms and antitank grenade launchers had been found on them.
Israel Defense Forces said the operation was carried out to counter "standard terrorist threats - sniper and missile fire and attempts to break through the border by militant groups."
PA minister: Israel to free 150 prisoners on Aug. 25
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Minister of prisoners' affairs in the caretaker government headed by Salam Fayyad said Saturday that Israel will release 150 prisoners from its prisons on Aug. 25.
Ashraf el-Ajrami told reporters that his ministry holds intensive contacts to prepare the list of names of prisoners Israel wants to release as a goodwill gesture to President Mahmoud Abbas.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain withdraw ambassadors from Qatar
Dubai/Riyadh : Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain announced Wednesday they were withdrawing their ambassadors from Qatar which, they said, was...
Myanmar to take back refugees from Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Myanmar has agreed to take back all its citizens lodged in two refugee camps in eastern Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes said here Saturday.
NATO supply terminal attacked in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A supply terminal of Afghanistan-based North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces was attacked and eight containers were torched in northwest Pakistan Wednesday morning, TV channels reported.
Unknown militants launched rockets on the supply terminal located on Ring Road in Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province, the private Geo TV channel reported.
Dubai commits $19.6 bn to utility projects
By IANS,
Dubai : This West Asian metropolis has committed 72 billion dirhams ($19.6 billion) to fund its utility projects being implemented this year and which are under construction.
The investments are in line with directives from Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the face of soaring demand for electricity and water, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Pakistani fighter jets kill 30 militants
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani fighter jets and helicopter gunships Tuesday bombarded hideouts of the Taliban militants in the Waziristan region, killing at least 30...
Security forces kill five militants in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Security forces early Wednesday raided a hideout of militants in the Afghan capital and killed five people, witnesses and officials said.
An intelligence official, who declined to be named, told Xinhua that the operation was completed and five militants were killed. The forces arrested one militant, he added.
A resident of the area who witnessed the attack said the militants moved to the house about a week ago and that seven or eight men and one woman were living there.
Mass media enjoying full freedom: Bangladeshi President
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : President Zillur Rahman today said Bangladesh always encourage freedom of speech and media as it is a democratic country.
"Presently mass media in Bangladesh are enjoying full freedom," he said while a four-member delegation of International Press Institute (IPI) press freedom mission headed by David Dadge called on him at the Bangabhaban.
Other members of the delegation are Anthony Mills, Trine QSTLYNGEN and Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul.
Victims’ kins protest mosque plan at 9/11 site
By IANS,
New York : A community board has approved the construction of a mosque at the site of New York's World Trade Centre, which was destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attack, triggering protests by the victims' relatives in the city.
Relatives of 9/11 victims clashed with supporters of the proposed mosque near "Ground Zero", soon after members of Manhattan Community Board 1 approved the project with 29-1 votes. Nine members abstained the voting which concluded after four hours of debate.
Methodists become first UK church to boycott illegal Israeli goods
London, July 2, IRNA – Britain’s Methodists broke new ground this week by becoming the first Christian Church in the UK to boycott all products from illegal Israeli settlements as well as call for an arms embargo.
The decision, in response to calls from Palestinian Christians, a growing number of Jewish organisations, both inside Israel and worldwide, and the World Council of Churches, was made at the Methodist Church’s annual conference in Portsmouth, southern England.
Malaysian woman strikes yoga pose to win shopping vouchers
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Striking a yoga pose has won Malaysian Adriana Zuleika Azmi shopping vouchers worth RM 5,000 ($1,432) that she can spend with award-winning television personality Aznil Nawawi.
A participant had to walk into a Ogawa firm outlet and take a picture with any of the Ogawa products.
She struck a yoga pose on the Ogawa ezShape machine to win the grand prize in a contest, NST Online said Monday.
It did not specify which of the asanas from yoga, the system of mental and physical rejuvenation that has its roots in India, was performed.
Security improves in Iraq but problems still remain: UN
By DPA
New York : The security situation in Iraq remains tense despite a drop in violence over the last few months, the UN mission to the country has reported.
Though attacks fell overall in the second half of 2007, especially in the capital region, violence increased in other areas, and it remained unclear whether the reductions were long-term, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said in a report Saturday.
60 Bangladeshis arrested in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Sixty Bangladeshi workers have been arrested here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after their employers declared them absconders.
The workers were hiding in an apartment building in the Nadi Siyahi area when they were caught Wednesday on charges of violating labour and residency laws, the ministry of interior said.
Iran to resume natural gas exports to Turkey ‘in a few days’
By RIA Novosti
Ankara/Athens : Turkish television said on Wednesday that Iran would resume natural gas deliveries to Turkey within a few days following a halt in supplies earlier this week.
On Monday, Turkey's NTV television station quoted the country's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Guler as saying that Iran had suspended supplies of natural gas to Turkey due to a cold weather front which had brought a sharp fall in temperatures, as well as rain and snow, to the region.
Iran blocks BBC over Egypt coverage
By IANS,
London : British broadcaster BBC said Iranian authorities were blocking its Persian language television for showing news related to the mass protests in Egypt.
10 injured as plane makes emergency landing in Lahore
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were injured when a passenger plane made an emergency landing at an airport in Pakistan's Lahore city Friday, reported Xinhua, citing local media.
Aftab Sultan is Pakistan IB chief
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan government has named Aftab Sultan as the new director general of the domestic Intelligence Bureau (IB).
US to withdraw some of its troops from Iraq by next July – official
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : US Army would withdraw some of its troops by next July, US National Security Council Director for Iraq Brett McGurk said on Saturday.
During a meeting with Iraqi Vice President Tareq Al-Hashemi here, McGurk said the withdrawal would be followed by a 45-day assessment period in order to decide whether to carry on with the process or not, depending on security status.
He noted that should the withdrawal continues, it would be accomplished by withdrawing a brigade per month.