EU seeks to boost partnership with Afghanistan and Pakistan
By EuAsiaNews,
Luxembourg : Foreign ministers of the 27-member European Union gave Tuesday the green light for the adoption of an EU Action Plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan .
"Turning the page in Afghanistan and Pakistan is a formidable challenge. It can only be done through concerted national, regional and international action. The conflict in Afghanistan cannot be solved without addressing the complex problems in Pakistan. Pakistan must be part of the solution," said the EU foreign ministers in a statement following their 2-day meeting here.
Kazakh president comes to India Jan 23, n-deal on the way
By IANS,
New Delhi : India and Kazakhstan are set to invigorate their ties when they sign a nuclear pact and other economic agreements during the four-day visit of the energy-rich Central Asian country's President Nursultan Nazarbayev that begins Jan 23.
“The visit will further consolidate and provide fresh impetus to the bilateral relations,” the external affairs ministry said here Wednesday while announcing his visit.
This will be the fourth visit by Nazarbayev to India since 1992.
Pakistani executed in Saudi Arabia
By IANS/AKI,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia Tuesday executed a Pakistani national in Medina city for trafficking heroin.
7 killed in missile attack in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Seven people were killed and two injured in a missile attack in northwestern Pakistan's tribal area Monday morning, Geo TV reported.
The attack was launched by unidentified people on the office of a radical outfit at Bara in Khyber district, said the report.
No group has claimed responsibility for the missile attack.
Security forces, which had launched an offensive Saturday against pro-Taliban rebels in Khyber tribal region Saturday, secured the Bara town and some of its surrounding areas Sunday.
Indonesia makes film on Obama’s childhood
By IANS,
Jakarta : An Indonesian filmmaker is producing a film on US President Barack Obama, depicting the childhood days he spent with his mother in the Southeast Asian country in the late 1960s.
The film will hit the screens during Obama's visit to Indonesia next month and is expected to improve the "already good" relations between Indonesia and the US, Damien Dematra, the film's co-director, was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
Three policemen killed in Iraqi suicide bombing
By Xinhua,
Baquba (Iraq) : A suicide bomber Monday struck a joint US and Iraqi foot patrol in Iraq's Diyala province, killing at least three policemen and injuring 12, a police source said.
The suicide bomber blew up his explosive laden vest among US and Iraqi security personnel who were patrolling in Tapo Street in Baquba city, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, a police source said.
The US troops have sealed off the area.
Saudi Arabia, France share points of view on regional, int’s issues
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia and France have reiterated here that their points of view regarding various regional and international issues were identical especially regarding ways of dealing with the political crisis in Lebanon.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, in a joint press conference with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner Monday, said the talks touched on the peace process in the region, the Lebanese presidential crisis, the situation in Iraq and the Iranian nuclear dossier.
Riots in Jerusalem after Palestinian man found hanged
Jerusalem : Rioting occurred overnight in the Arab districts of East Jerusalem after the body of a Palestinian driver was found hanging in a...
From McDonald’s to Coca-Cola: Indians Lead Boycott of US-Israeli Brands in Solidarity with War-torn...
Sumaiya Ali, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: It has been more than seven months since the Israel-Gaza war began, exposing the world to unimaginable horrors coming from the war-torn...
Iran agrees with IAEA over taking ‘practical steps’
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has agreed to take seven "practical steps" as part of its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a...
Bahrain qualified to lead the region in currency trading
By NNN-BNA,
Manama : Bahrain is qualified to lead the region in currency trading thanks to its status as a regional banking and financial hub as well as the availability of favourable infrastructure, laws and legislation in the kingdom, Arabcom group chief executive Katia Tayar said.
Studies show that vigilance and close follow-up of international economic and political news are recommended in currency trading, she said in a statement to Bahrain’s Al Waqt Newspaper.
Roadside bomb kills five Iraqi soldiers
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least five soldiers were killed and as many military personnel injured after a roadside bomb exploded Friday in an Iraqi town, police said.
Israel says it will not accept a nuclear Iran
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel has reiterated it will not accept a nuclear Iran in its neighbourhood and will rule out no option in dealing with it.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak made this statement while meeting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Monday night.
According to reports from the meeting, Barak urged the US to continue to impose sanctions on Tehran.
Israel regards Iran as its primary existential threat, given Tehran's nuclear ambitions coupled with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statements that the Jewish state should be erased from the map.
Pakistan, Afghanistan to activate border management commission
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to activate a Joint Commission on Border Management to check illegal cross-border movement, authorities said.
The joint...
Israeli premier rejects ministers’ plea for ceasefire in Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel's prime minister has rejected appeals by his defense and foreign ministers for an immediate halt to the country's military operations in the Gaza Strip, an Israeli newspaper reported on Monday.
Jinnah remembered on birthday
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Tuesday paid tribute to Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the country, on his 136th birth anniversary.
Displaced Pakistanis live in appalling conditions, says rights group
By IANS,
Islamabad : More than two million Pakistanis who have been displaced by the ongoing war between security forces and militants, but who have not got admission into any relief camp, are in appalling condition as they have no access to government aid, the Amnesty International has said.
The government must ensure the ethnic Pashtuns fleeing the fighting in northwest Pakistan do not face discrimination in receiving assistance, the Online news agency said Saturday, citing the rights group Amnesty.
Israeli killed in Gaza rocket attack
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : A Palestinian rocket struck a college campus in southern Israel on Wednesday, killing one person and lightly wounding a second, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted medics as reporting.
Twenty-two Qassam rockets were fired towards the southern town of Sderot and communities in vicinity of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, the report said, adding that 11 of them were launched within several minutes and landed in and outside Sderot.
One of the rockets hit factories in the Shaar Hanegev industrial zone, causing damage.
Saudi Arabia can be an interlocutor with Pakistan: Tharoor
By IANS,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia, with its close ties with Islamabad, could be a "valuable interlocutor" in improving India's ties with Pakistan, India's Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said here Sunday.
"We feel Saudi Arabia has a long and close relationship with Pakistan and that makes Saudi a more valuable interlocutor to us," Tharoor told Indian journalists here.
He was responding to a question on whether India will seek Saudi Arabia's support to influence Pakistan to address India's concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistani territory.
Bangladesh parties work overtime to finalise candidates
By IANS,
Dhaka : Political party officials within the two major alliances are working overtime to complete the selection of candidates for the ninth general election as the campaign kicks off later this week.
Media reports Monday indicated persisting differences among the alliance partners, some of whom have made unilateral announcements of their lists. The election is Dec 29.
‘NATO must launch operations beyond its borders’
By IANS,
London : The NATO secretary general has said the alliance must be prepared to launch new military operations outside its own territory after it pulls out of Afghanistan.
Pakistani Senate condemns Israel
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Senate on Friday passed a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning Israel for its barbaric military aggression against Palestinians in Gaza.
The resolution, read out by leader of the House Raza Rabbani, said the Israeli aggression has caused thousands of civilian casualties and caused large scale damage to property.
"Israeli aggression in Gaza violated principles of the UN charter, international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention," the resolution said.
Zardari denies ISI hand in Kabul attack on Indian mission
By IANS,
New York : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari - his eyes set on the presidency - has denied the involvement of his country's intelligence agency in the bloody suicide bombing at the Indian embassy in Kabul.
Zardari also told Newsweek in an interview - conducted before the departure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from the ruling alliance - that his country could learn from India's coalition politics.
Kuwaiti PM concludes visit to Philippines
By NNN-KUNA,
Manila : His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah concluded on Saturday his official visit to the Philippines and the last leg of his eight-stop Asian tour.
The tour also saw him in Brunei, Japan, South Korean, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
While in the Philippines, His Highness Sheikh Nasser met with the President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, delivering to her a letter from His Highness the Amir of Kuwait.
US credits Pakistan for defusing crisis; denies arm twisting
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : A relieved US has credited Pakistani leaders for defusing the growing crisis over reinstatement of the former chief justice, downplaying its own role in the compromise and denying any arm-twisting over aid.
"Well, of course, the Pakistanis themselves resolved the difficulties that were manifest over the last several days," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters Monday, parrying a question whether she had linked continued US aid to a deal.
TTP discusses extending truce in Pakistan
Islamabad: The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has met to decide on extending the ceasefire in Pakistan and the progress of peace talks with the government,...
Israelis use phone, SMS to warn Gazans of bombs: Report
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli Army has launched "roof knocking" operations by which the occupants of the buildings in Gaza they are about to bomb are warned beforehand, Israeli media reports said Friday.
The warnings, issued by telephone, voice-mail or SMS, were intended as a means of limiting civilian casualties in the conflict, the Haaretz newspaper said. Civilians were given 10 minutes to leave the premises.
An Israeli Army spokesman declined to confirm the reports or respond to questions about such tactics being used in its ongoing confrontation with Palestinian militants.
OIC chief stresses important Jeddah meeting for Palestinians
By KUNA
Jeddah : Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ikmaleddine Ihsan Uglo stressed on Sunday the significance of the extraordinary session of the Foreign Ministers Expanded Executive Committee of the OIC for supporting the Palestinian people.
Uglo was speaking during the inaugural session of the meeting, condemning the Israeli blockade on the defenseless Palestinian people, including the closure of border crossings.
Gilani to attend UN conference in Brazil
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will attend the upcoming UN conference on sustainable development in Brazil June 20-22.
Israeli FM says rigid time frame may undermine peace deal
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Monday that a rigid timetable for Israel and the Palestinians to forge a peace agreement may lead to negative results.
"The timeframe for reaching the agreements is important, but the content is even more so. Rigid timeframes may lead to unreal expectations, disappointments and violence," Livni told a U.S. congressional delegation led by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Russia accuses Libya of training Syrian rebels
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia's envoy to the UN has accused Libya of running a training centre for Syrian rebels combating the "legal government" of President Bashar al-Assad.
President attends Iftar-dinner with Pakistani community
By NNN-APP,
New York : President Asif Ali Zardari Friday evening attended an Iftar-dinner hosted by Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani.
The event arranged at the hotel where the President is staying and was attended by a large number of Pakistanis, mostly the Pakistan Peoples Party workers, who brought with them portraits of their late chairperson Benazir Bhutto and banners.
The hall resounded with slogans of “Jeay Bhutto” and “Zinda hae Bibi zinda hae” as President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in the hall.
More housewives get HIV than sex workers in Malaysia: report
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : HIV infections among women in Malaysia are on the rise and more housewives than sex workers have been found to contract AIDS, according to a new report that has health planners worried.
With an average of 12 Malaysians testing positive for HIV daily, Malaysia has one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the East Asia and Pacific region. What is more worrying is that the trend is gaining a feminine face, mainly through heterosexual transmission.
New disclosures link LeT to Mumbai, Pakistan under pressure to act
By IANS,
New Delhi/Chandigarh/Islamabad : With indications that Pakistan may be close to admitting the links of militants operating from its territory to the Mumbai mayhem, India Wednesday renewed its call to Islamabad to take action against the perpetrators of the carnage.
At the same time, India ruled out a military attack against Pakistan and reaffirmed its policy of using diplomatic channels to get Islamabad to hand over those involved in the terror strikes.
Pakistan reinstates judge to ease political tensions
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday reinstated the country's sacked top judge ahead of a showdown with opposition parties and defiant lawyers that threatened the stability of the country.
The announcement was made by Gilani in a televised address to the nation.
Iftikhar Chaudhry, who was sacked by former military strongman Pervez Musharraf, would take over as chief justice of the Supreme Court Saturday, immediately after the present top judge retires.
Kidnapped Afghan diplomat freed in Pakistan
By DPA,
Kabul : A senior Afghan diplomat, kidnapped by unknown gunmen over two years ago, has been freed in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan, the Afghan government confirmed Sunday.
Ensure safe recovery of abducted American: US to Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US has told Pakistan to ensure safe recovery of its national who was abducted from Lahore.
Warren Weinstein, 63, was kidnapped Aug 13 from his home in Lahore.
25 militants killed in Pakistani army offensive
Islamabad : At least 25 suspected militants were killed and seven hideouts destroyed in an offensive carried out by the security forces in Pakistan's...
Missile attack kills 20 in Pakistan’s tribal region
By DPA
Islamabad : Missiles fired from an unknown location killed 20 suspected militants in a house in the tribal Waziristan region in northwest Pakistan Sunday, according to local news reports.
There was no official confirmation of the attack, but DAWN TV reported three missiles hit the house of tribesman Noorullah in Shahnawaz village and locals said foreigners, suspected Al Qaeda fighters, were staying at the house at the time of the strike.
Pakistani military sources were not immediately available for comment.
Hezbollah accuses U.S. of declaring war on Lebanese opposition
By Xinhua
Beirut : A Hezbollah official for international affairs Nawaf Moussawi on Friday accused the United States of declaring war on the Lebanese opposition, vowing to defeat any aggression, state-run National News Agency reported on Saturday.
"The U.S. declares an unveiled war on the opposition which represents the majority of the Lebanese people," Moussawi said, stressing that the opposition is capable of confronting any aggression "whether it is political or non political."
NAM urges UN to resolve Palestinian problem
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The non-aligned countries have ratified their implacable solidarity with the cause of the Palestinian people and advocated for UN resolutions to be fulfilled to stop Israel's violations in the occupied territories.
A declaration adopted in this Iranian capital by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Committee on Palestine rejected in the strongest terms the blatant genocide committed daily by the Israel army against the Palestinian civil population.
The forum, led by Cuba as president, was attended by 11 of its 12 members, eight of them foreign ministers.
Sadr threatens ‘open war’
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Iraqi cleric Moqtada al Sadr has threatened "open war" if the crackdown by Iraqi and US forces against his loyalists continues.
The statement ratchets up the tension between the cleric and Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki.
The US troops have launched a major military offensive on Sadr's Mehdi Army militia and Maliki threatened to bar the cleric's mass movement from political life.
Pakistan minister offers to quit for Zulfiqar retrial
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Law Minister Babar Awan offered to resign in the Supreme Court Wednesday, a media report said.
Blair, Peres highlight importance to improve Palestinian economy
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Visiting Quartet's Middle East envoy Tony Blair met with Israeli President Shimon Peres Wednesday morning, highlighting the importance to improve the Palestinian economy.
Blair and Peres voiced their concerns about the Palestinians to reporters after the meeting, local daily Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Blair was quoted as saying that with all the reasons for concern over continuing rocket attacks, it was important to keep focus on economic potential as many industrial projects were making progress.
Pakistan join England in Super Eight stage
By IANS,
London: Pakistan secured a place in the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 as they defeated the Netherlands by 82 runs in a crucial Group B encounter at the Lord's here Tuesday.
Man of the Match Kamran Akmal hit a 30-ball 41 and skipper Younis Khan made 36 as Pakistan posted a formidable 175 for five in 20 overs.
Leggie Shahid Afridi then took four for 11, fourth best figures in T20 internationals, and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal bagged three for 20 to pack off the Netherlands for 93 runs in 17.3 overs.
Israeli teenagers’ killings draw global condemnation
Jerusalem: As bodies of the three missing Israeli teenagers were discovered near the West Bank city of Hebron Monday evening by Israel's security forces,...
More airstrikes in Gaza, Israelis to debate truce in Cairo
By DPA,
Gaza/Tel Aviv : Israel pressed on with both its air and ground offensive in Gaza Thursday as government officials were due to travel to Cairo to discuss Egyptian-French truce proposals.
Residents reported heavy shelling in the southern Gaza border town of Rafah overnight, as an Israeli military spokesman said Israel bombed another 15 smuggling tunnels running under the border with Egypt, as well as what he said was the house of a militant commander who oversaw the rocket attacks from the Rafah area at nearby Israeli targets.
Four killed in bomb blast in SW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed in a bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province on Wednesday, according to state television.
The blast occurred at a shop in Sibbi city, about 320 kilometers east of capital of Balochistan province Quetta, killing at least four and injuring other three, PTV reported.
The injured were taken to the nearest hospital and the police cordoned off the site after the blast.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
Explosion near army post kills soldier in north Lebanon
By DPA,
Beirut : An explosion shook the area near an army post Saturday in north Lebanon, killing one soldier, Lebanese security sources said.
The explosion occurred in Al Abedeh near the northern port city of Tripoli, the sources said. One soldier was killed in the blast. Other details were not available.
Northern Lebanon witnessed in May 2007 fierce battles between the Lebanese army and the Sunni fundamentalist Fatah al-Islam, who were holed inside the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al Bared on the outskirts of Tripoli.
Israel refuses any timed truce with Hamas
By KUNA,
GAZA : Israel on Thursday announced its rejection of any timed truce with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Political sources told the Israeli radio that Israel has never signed any agreement with Hamas and had not agreed on a timed truce.
They added that Israel reserves the right to respond to any breach of the truce and would adopt in the future the same approach it had done before. (end) zt.hs KUNA 051650 Feb 09NNNN
Iraq: five killed, 20 wounded in Fallujah blast
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : At least five Iraqis were killed and another 20 or so were wounded on Wednesday in three simultaneous bombings in Fallujah, 50 kilometers west of Baghdad.
An Iraqi security source, requesting anonymity, told KUNA in a phone call that three explosive devices blew up simultaneous in the city Wednesday morning, killing five people, among them four policemen, and wounding some 20 others, including 10 security men.
The blasts that occurred close to Fallujah Court and Abed Bank caused material damage to the buildings and cars parked in the vicinity, the source added.
Canadian soldier killed in Afghan bomb blast
By DPA,
Kabul : A female Canadian soldier serving with NATO forces was killed and four others were wounded by a roadside bomb in the volatile southern region, officials said Tuesday.
Trooper Karine Blais was killed and four of her comrades were wounded when their armoured vehicle was blown up in Shah Walikot district of southern Kandahar province Monday afternoon, the Canadian defence ministry said in a statement.
UK appoints first representative to OIC
By IRNA,
London : Foreign Secretary William Hague Wednesday appointed Britain’s Consul General in Jeddah Kate Rudd as the UK’s first special representative to the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
The appointment came as Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister, Baroness Warsi, met with OIC Secretary General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in London to discuss common interests with the 57-member organisation.
Russia, Turkey set to diversify cooperation
By RIA Novosti
Ankara : Russia and Turkey, whose bilateral trade has already reached $22-25 billion, are seeking to establish a comprehensive partnership, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Turkish media on Monday.
The diplomat gave an interview to Turkey's CNN-Turk and NTV channels in the run-up to an official visit to Russia by Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan on February 19-20.
Pakistani militants return to destroy damaged school
By IANS,
Islamabad : A group of militants returned to destroy a school in Pakistan's northwest that was partially damaged during their previous attack.
Larijani: Iran believes in fair, logical dialogue
By IRNA,
Tehran : "The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes negotiations in principle and of course believes that any talks should be held within a fair framework and in a logical course," said Larijani in a meeting with Algerian ambassador to Tehran Mohammad al-Assin Waraqi here on Saturday.
Somewhere in his remarks, Larijani said Iran and Algeria share common interests in different domains especially in the political field and the grounds can be exploited in a good manner given close stances held by the two sides officials.
Bahrain sees 51.5 percent voter turnout in national elections
Manama : Bahrain registered 51.5 percent turnout in the parliamentary and municipal elections Saturday, notwithstanding the opposition's call to boycott the elections.
"The turnout today...
Sheikh Hasina to be released to seek medical care abroad
By DPA,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be released from detention so she can seek medical treatment abroad, officials said Wednesday.
Hasina, the leader of opposition Awami League, detained on corruption charges for nearly a year, is to be released Wednesday for eight weeks so she can obtain medical treatment abroad, said prison chief General Zakir Hussain.
She is due to fly to the US for ear and eye problems.
Hasina, who led Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001, has been held in a special jail set up on the grounds of parliament since July.
Saudi Shoura Council Chief meets Pakistan speaker
By IINA,
Cape Town : The Saudi Shoura Council President Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Homaid, who is currently on a visit to South Africa, received Pakistan Parliament Speaker Fahmidah Mirza at his guest residence here yesterday. Dr. Saleh welcomed and congratulated her on being elected as speaker of Pakistan Parliament.
Sheikh Bin Homaid also hailed the bilateral relationships between the two brotherly countries, wishing Pakistan constant stability and progress. On her part Fahmidah Mirza expressed appreciation of Saudi Arabia for its stand towards Pakistan and the whole Islamic world.
Kerala explores healthcare pact with UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : A visiting delegation from Kerala is discussing a proposed agreement on healthcare manpower with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government here.
The delegation, led by state Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi, was received by UAE Health Minister Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami here late Thursday.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two sides discussed ways of having a memorandum of understanding for training medical, nursing cadres and exchange of expertise in the first aid care and preventive medical sectors.
UN chief to visit flood-hit Pakistan Saturday
By IANS,
Islamabad : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will arrive in Pakistan Saturday to assess relief and rescue work in the flood-hit country, a media report said Friday.
Pakistan is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead and affected over 14 million people.
The secretary-general will assess losses due to the floods and oversee relief and rescue operations, Xinhua reported citing PTV.
Rockets hit home near Israel-Lebanon border
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Two Katyusha rockets fired from south Lebanon early Tuesday morning hit a house in an Israeli town near the Lebanese border, Xinhua has learnt.
Israel police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld confirmed that the fragments of two 122-mm Katyusha rockets were found in the western Galilee community of Shlomi. No injuries or damage were reported.
Sappers were sent to the area in search of more remains, Rosenfeld added.
Following the attack, Israeli army raised the level of alert along the northern border.
UAE to regulate NGOs working for disabled
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Non-Governmental Organisations working for the rehabilitation of disabled people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now come under the control of the ministry of social affairs.
An ordinance in this regard was issued Monday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of UAE, which aims to regulate private sector services in this category.
The regulation will contribute to the development of services for disabled people and their effective integration into the society, a statement from the ministry of social affairs said.
UN observer group looking into Pakistan ceasefire complaint
United Nations : The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is looking into Pakistan's complaints about ceasefire violations by India,...
Bangladesh sends aid for Japan quake victims
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Sunday gave a monetary aid of $1.46 million to Japan for its victims of massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami which jolted the country's northwestern region in March.
17 militants killed in Afghan operation
Kabul : At least 17 Taliban militants were killed in fresh military operations across Afghanistan, the country's interior ministry said Sunday.
The Afghan National Security...
Ready to give up presidency: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said he is ready to give up his post if his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and coalition partners so desire.
Indians, Chinese ignore video war against Anwar Ibrahim
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A night-long video war featuring the aide who has charged opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim with sodomising him is raging in the tiny Permatang Pauh constituency in Penang, where an electorate of less than 60,000 is swinging between the "propah" and the profane.
The video shows a handsome Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azlan repeating the charge and swearing by the Holy Qoran, media reports on the key by-election to the Malaysian Parliament say.
Aseefa to pick up slain mother’s flag: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari has said that his younger daughter Aseefa Bhutto will pick up the flag of her slain mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
10 die in drone strike in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed Wednesday when a US drone launched two missiles in Pakistan's northwest tribal belt, a media report said.
Libyan diplomat to Tanzania commits suicide
Dar es Salaam: The acting Libyan ambassador to Tanzania, Ismail Nwairat, committed suicide Tuesday afternoon, Tanzanian government announced Wednesday.
A statement issued by Tanzanian ministry...
At least 18 miners trapped in Turkey
Ankara : At least 18 miners were trapped inside a coal mine in central Turkey's Karaman province following a landslide triggered by an accumulation...
Karzai could be ousted with US nod: report
By IANS,
London : Four political rivals of Hamid Karzai have gathered in Washington in a move that could end with the Afghan president's ouster, according to a report Friday.
Three former ministers and a serving governor - who are “believed to be challenging Karzai” - are in Washington for talks this week with the new administration headed by President Barack Obama, the Independent reported.
They are ex-foreign minister Dr Abdullah Abdullah, ex-finance minister Dr Ashraf Ghani, ex-interior minister Ali Ahmad Jalali and the governor of Nangahar province, Gul Agha Sherzai.
Maliki needs time to prevail : US official
By NNN-KUNA
Washington : A US official said on Friday that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki needed time to prevail, but had asserted his authority over the army, which followed his orders.
"It will take a long time before the Iraqi prime minister prevails, the important thing is he took the first step in asserting authority and the Iraqi army followed his orders," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Lawrence Butler.
"It is a long way to go before criminal organisations are reduced," he added.
US to supply fighters to Pakistan
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The US will supply fighter aircraft to Pakistan in an effort to intensify the fight against militants in the country's tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, a media report said.
The assurance came from US officials at a bilateral security cooperation working group meeting held in Rawalpindi Friday, Iranian Press TV reported Saturday.
The warplanes to be delivered by June 2010 include F-16 fighter jets, Lockheed P3C maritime surveillance aircraft and Cobra helicopters.
Miliband to take up humanitarian situation in Gaza with Israel
By IRNA,
London : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband says that he intends to take up the humanitarian situation in Gaza caused by nearly three years of Israeli blockade with the Zionist regime when he visits the Middle East next week.
"I will certainly discuss the situation in Gaza with the Israeli Government. We have discussed the situation of the Gazan MPs in the House (of Commons) before, and I will certainly raise that, too," Miliband said.
ISESCO takes part in symposium on Prophet’s biography in Spanish writings
By NNN-KUNA
Rabat : The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) will support and take part in a symposium on the Prophets biography in Spanish writings, which is to due to be held from 22 to 24 April.
The symposium will be jointly held with the faculty of arts and humanities (Sidi Mohammed bin Abdellah University in Fez), the supreme scientific council in Morocco, the Islamic cultural centre in Madrid and the Spanish cultural centre in Fez.
Bangladesh: PM launches Saturday National Services Pilot Project
By NNN-BSS,
Kurigram (Bangladesh) : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to launch the epoch-making National Service Pilot Project (NSPP) Saturday from Kurigram to fulfill another pre- election pledge of providing jobs to the country's unemployed youths.
The administration and concerned authorities have completed all preparations to launch the historical programme of providing jobs at the door steps and the people from all walks in the society are eagerly waiting for welcoming Sheikh Hasina in Kurigram.
Israel demolishes house of Palestinian attacker
Jerusalem : The Israeli army and police forces demolished overnight the east Jerusalem family home of a Palestinian suspected in perpetrating a deadly vehicular...
40 Tamil schools to be rebuilt in Malaysia
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Forty Tamil schools will be rebuilt across Malaysia this year, a minister said.
Human Resources Minister S. Subramaniam Wednesday thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Najib Tun Razak for considering the Malaysian Indian Congress's request for additional allocation of $13.54 million under the second stimulus package.
Bangladesh toll is 61 dead, Hasina vows action
By IANS,
Dhaka : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday vowed to book the instigators of the bloody 33-hour mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel, saying "a certain quarter must be involved" in the massacre of over 60 army officers who headed the paramilitary unit.
"Nobody could have staged the rebellion alone. A certain quarter must be involved behind the incident. Everyone was not involved but a group was," she told a group of relatives of BDR officers who were either gunned down or bludgeoned during the insurrection that was put down Thursday evening.
Seven killed in bombing of Pakistani police bus
By DPA,
Islamabad : Seven people, most of them law enforcement officers, were killed Thursday when a roadside bomb hit their bus in Pakistan's restive North-West Frontier Province, officials said.
An earlier report quoting media said some 13 people were killed in the attack.
"Suspected Islamist militants detonated a remote-controlled explosive device when the prison van was crossing a bridge over the Kurram River, killing six policemen and a passerby," a senior police officer, Waqas Hasan, said.
Blast attack on convoy of Afghan governor kills 3 police, 1 civilian
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : A suicide blast attack on a convoy of provincial governor in southwestern Afghan province Nimroz Wednesday left three guarding policemen and one civilian dead, the governor who survived in the life attempt told Xinhua.
India frees 88 Pakistani fishermen for Ramadan
New Delhi: India said on Friday it has released 88 Pakistani fishermen lodged in Gujarat jails, following a decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed...
20 die, 50 hurt in Iraq blasts
By IANS,
Baghdad : The toll in two bomb blasts in Iraq's Kut city Tuesday has risen to 20, Xinhua reported.
A roadside bomb and an explosives-laden car went off within seconds of one another in the al-Amil district of Kut, the capital of Wasit province, some 170 km southeast of Baghdad.
Over 50 people were wounded in the blasts around 5.30 p.m. The target of the attack was not immediately known.
Army official: Iran missiles deter potential enemy attack
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force Nour-Ali Shoushtari said on Saturday that Iran's new long-range missiles have deterred potential enemy attack, Iran's English-language Press TV satellite channel reported.
"The progress that has been made in developing military equipment, weaponry and long-range missiles has added to our ability to prevent an enemy attack," Shoushtari was quoted as saying.
Iraqi premier pledges offensive against ‘outlaws’
By DPA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Thursday the next few days would see crackdowns against criminals in areas under their control, and urged the political group of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to rid itself of outlaws.
More violent attacks were, meanwhile, reported across Iraq.
Al-Maliki launched an offensive codenamed Charge of the Knights against fighters of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia March 25 in the southern city of Basra.
Terrorism still a concern in Bangladesh, says US envoy
By DPA,
Dhaka : The US government believes that Islamist militancy is still a major concern in Bangladesh, the US ambassador in Dhaka said Sunday.
"We do have disturbing indications. There continues to be a threat in Bangladesh and my government does believe that there is a threat," James F. Moriarty told reporters in the South Asian country.
Referring to the recent seizure of arms caches in remote villages and the capture of members of militant outfits, the ambassador said these demonstrate that terrorism remains a concern in Bangladesh.
ISIS inspiring Pakistani militants, says expert
Islamabad : The ISIS in Iraq is influencing Pakistani militants, with at least one group declaring allegiance to the insurgents, a Pakistani security analyst...
Zardari signs up for body organs donation
By IANS,
Islamabad: Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday became the first Pakistani president to donate all his body organs, after signing a landmark bill to regulate transplant of human organs in the country.
The president made the announcement of "donating his whole body" after his death as he inked the document in a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Zardari said he took the decision in the light of his late wife, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's philosophy of living for others, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
UAE warns of rough seas
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE meteorology agency has issued a warning against venturing into the sea due to high tide.
School topper gang raped in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A girl who topped the class 10 examination was gang raped in Lahore, a media report said.
Two men gang raped the teenager in Shahkot area of Lahore, reported Geo News.
Restriction on US officials’ unfettered movement at Islamabad airport
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has restricted the hitherto unfettered movement of US and UN officials at the international airport here, citing misuse of the facility that was granted in the wake of the 9/11 terror attack.
"All US officials and diplomats will now have to go through normal airport checks at the Islamabad airport as the government has decided to withdraw the extraordinary concession offered to them after 9/11 by former president Pervez Musharraf," The News said Wednesday.
Talks will fail if Hasina is not released: Awami League
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Awami League has linked the success of any dialogue with Bangladesh's caretaker government to the release of its detained chief Sheikh Hasina, who is ailing and wants to go abroad for medical treatment.
A senior leader of the party was Saturday quoted as saying that a dialogue with the government would be meaningless if Hasina was not sent to the US for treatment.
The party has launched a campaign, beginning with a signature drive, to press the demand that Hasina, a former prime minister, be released on parole.
Egyptian journalist quits state TV
By IANS,
Cairo : A woman journalist has quit her job with Egypt's state-run Nile TV saying that she did not want to be part of their "propaganda machine".
US Drone Planes Kill 15 in Pakistan
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : US planes with automatic pilots launched rockets against houses in the northern tribal Pakistan district of Bajaur, bordering with Afghanistan, killing 15 people, reported different sources in the capital.
According to Geo TV station, two US spy planes flew over Damadola locality for two days and launched a missile that destroyed a home, a nearby mosque and a boarding house.
The US army, that occupies the neighboring Afghanistan, is the only one in this Asian region with Drone type planes.
Terror strike near Karachi airport
Islamabad : Heavily-armed gunmen mounted a brazen attack near the Karachi international airport, within a day of a terror siege there ending in a...
Shari’a in favour of minority rights in Egypt
By Sara Khorshid
Over the past decades, numerous polls have demonstrated that the majority of Egyptians want shari'a-or Islamic principles-applied to parts of their country's legal system. Egypt's constitution reflects this: Article 2 of the constitution states that shari'a is the principle source of legislation.
Iraqi forces kill 25 Islamic State militants
Baghdad : Twenty-five militants of the Islamic State (IS) were killed Friday in Iraq's Anbar province, a senior officer said.
Police and the army, backed...
Dozens of Taliban fighters killed in Afghanistan: Police
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan police official said Monday their forces backed by international troops killed and wounded dozens of militants after Taliban fighters attacked police posts in western Afghanistan.
Around 200 Taliban fighters attacked police posts in Bala Murghab district in Badghis province Sunday night, Abdul Raouf Ahmadi, spokesman for the police force in the western region, said.
Border incursions during high-profile visits mysterious: IAF chief
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Marshal Arup Raha said Saturday it was "mysterious" how border incursions take place during high-profile...
Israel, Palestine trade accusations amid violence
By DPA
New York : Israeli and Palestinian officials traded harsh words during a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting, which heard that military actions on both sides have killed 108 Palestinians and three Israelis in the past month.
"There is no balance and no justice in the continuation of such a situation in the occupied Palestinian territory," Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said Wednesday. "Once more, Israel remains unaccountable for its human rights violations and its grave breaches of the fourth Geneva Convention."
Obama aides acknowledge Pakistan’s progress toward political stability, anti-militant success
By NNN-APP,
Washington : The White House officials are making a case for a narrow war effort in insurgency-hit Afghanistan and stress sustained support for key ally Pakistan, which has achieved more political stability and challenged Taliban militants effectively, according to a report Friday.
The Washington Post reported as top American advisers weighed various options for a way forward in Afghanistan, that White House aides welcomed progress in Pakistan in terms of anti-militant success and political stabilization.
Libyan PM’s office attacked
Tripoli : Libya's new Prime Minister Ahmed Maitiq's office was attacked by a grenade Wednesday, but he was not in the building.
The office was...
Pak’s PPP takes power, facing challenge to remain united
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's political scenario is unfolding as Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is taking over power from the caretaker government.
Two candidates fielded by assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's party PPP on Wednesday took oath as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, lower house of Pakistan's parliament.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza was elected as Speaker of National Assembly while Fazal Karim Kundi of the same party was elected as Deputy Speaker of National Assembly.
17 terrorists killed in Pakistan airstrikes
Islamabad : At least 17 suspected terrorists were killed on Friday when Pakistan military jets bombarded their hideouts in North Waziristan tribal agency.
According to...
Bangladeshi plane catches fire at Nepal airport, passengers safe
Kathmandu : A Bangladeshi aircraft caught fire while landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Monday afternoon, officials said.
Airport police said the wheels of...
Zardari backs Kashmir autonomy sans defence, foreign affairs
By IANS,
London : Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that heads the country's ruling coalition, backs Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's suggestion of greater autonomy for Kashmir but has added a rider - a joint India-Pakistan panel should decide on the state's defence and foreign affairs.
4,000 km-long cable system to link Middle East with Europe
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: Leading cable operators from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria have signed an agreement to build a cable network linking the region with Europe.
The multi-terabit cable system will provide robust bandwidth connectivity for the region's growing broadband community. It is expected to provide greater diversity for each of the operators and protect their services from disruption due to damage to undersea cable systems.
Palestinian kills 3 in Jerusalem bulldozer attack
By ANTARA News/Reuters,
Jerusalem : A Palestinian rammed a bulldozer into an Israeli commuter bus, cars and pedestrians on one of Jerusalem`s busiest streets on Wednesday, killing at least three people and wounding dozens, emergency services said.
Police said the driver of the bulldozer was shot dead by police and a soldier who climbed onto the vehicle.
20 detained in anti-terror raids in Istanbul
Istanbul : Turkish police detained at least 20 people in an anti-terror operation in Istanbul on Wednesday.
The semi-official Anatolian news agency reported that the...
Jordan criticizes new Israeli settlement plans
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan on Sunday voiced full refusal to Israeli plans on more settlements, which it said violates the international resolutions and poses threat to peace efforts."
The Israeli attempts to create new reality on the ground are clear violations of the international law and the Israeli commitments to the roadmap, which refuses any unilateral actions that might affect the final status issues," Nasser Judeh, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications said in a statement carried by the official Petra news agency on Sunday.
‘South Waziristan operations may regain investor confidence’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) said Sunday the military operations against the Taliban in South Waziristan may help regain investor confidence.
The operations will spark the confidence of local and foreign investors and change the sentiment in the stock market. This will also help the country combat unemployment, PEW said.
"If successful, like the previous operations in Swat, it will bring peace and economic activity will pick up," Online news agency quoted PEW President Murtaza Mughal as saying.
US authorizes delivery of training aircraft for Pakistan
By NNN-APP,
Washington : The United States on Wednesday authorized delivery of 20 T-37 trainer airplanes for Pakistan Air Force, which are expected to be delivered within next two months.
Pakistan had made the request for provision of the planes last year. In recent months Pakistan’s embassy in Washington, headed by ambassador Husain Haqqani, worked actively with the U.S. administration officials to expedite delivery of the aircraft, which are used for training purposes.
1,942 terror incidents in Pakistan in 15 months
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 1,942 terror incidents were reported in Pakistan during the last 15 months, claiming 1,395 lives, parliament was informed Friday.
Compensation of Rs.250 million was paid to the families of the victims, the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, was told during question hour.
Of this, Rs.103 million was paid in Punjab, Rs.99 million in the North West Frontier Province, Rs.70 million in Sindh, Rs.47 million in Balochistan and Rs.28 million in Islamabad.
UAE writes off $4 bln of Iraqi debts
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced here on Sunday that it has written off debts and interests worth four billion U.S. dollars owed by Iraq, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
The announcement was made by the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan while receiving visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, according to the report.
The debts written off were offered to Iraq at different periods, the report said, giving no further details.
Nine killed as terrorists attack Pakistan Army HQ
By IANS,
Islamabad : Half-a-dozen Islamists mounted an audacious attack on the Pakistan Army's headquarters in Rawalpindi Saturday, triggering heavy fighting that left four guerrillas, four soldiers and a civilian dead in a terror outburst that stunned the country.
After 50 minutes of intense fighting involving guns and grenades in the garrison city adjoining Islamabad, the military said it lost four men and killed four of the six militants who tried to storm the fortified complex after reaching there in a white Suzuki vehicle.
`Malaysian Indians not aware of economic opportunities’
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Indians are generally unaware of economic opportunities the government offers, including loans for farming and to start own businesses, two ministers from the community have said.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T. Murugiah, an ethnic Indian, blamed "lack of exposure" to the country's two million-plus ethnic Indian community for not being aware.
"After I was appointed deputy minister, I visited many ministries and discovered many opportunities open for all, not just Bumiputeras (the Malays).
Lebanese police chief rules out possibility of civil war
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Police Chief Gen. Ashraf Rifi has ruled out the possibility of a new civil war due to the political crisis, local Naharnet news website reported on Saturday.
"We don't have signs that any side wants" civil war, Rifi was quoted as saying after meeting Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir on Friday, adding the government's top priority is to prevent a civil war.
But he did not rule out new assassinations in Lebanon, saying that "There is always a possibility."
Mubarak’s assets not frozen in EU: Report
By IANS,
Cairo/Tehran : Egypt's foreign ministry has not requested the European Union to freeze the assets of ousted president Hosni Mubarak and his family members, an EU source said Friday.
Pakistani Minister formally launches APP Sindhi Language Service
By NNN-APP
Hyderabad, (Pakistan) : Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Nisar A. Memon Saturday announced to launch a nation-wide campaign for forging unity and homogeneity in the nation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of Sindhi News Service of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) held here at local hotel.
UAE sends 500 tonnes food aid to Somalia
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent 500 tonnes of food to Somalia as part of its humanitarian assistance to the poverty-stricken country during the holy month of Ramadan.
Abdullah Mattar Al Mazrouie, UAE ambassador to Yemen, said more than 500 tonnes of food supplies were sent from Sana'a to save time and energy. The quick response by the Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation was aimed at meeting the needs of Somali people during Ramadan.
Somali ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Hassan said the aid would help Somalis cope with the ongoing food crisis.
Israeli spokesman: Six Palestinian missiles launched at S. Israel today
By KUNA,
Gaza : A spokesman of the Israeli Army Thursday said Palestinians fired six local-make missiles from Gaza Strip on different areas of southern Israel, as the ceasefire seems to be taking its last breath.
A spokesman told Radio Israel the missiles were fired at different intervals, the last of which fired after noon today on the Western Negev region.
He added the missiles came hours after raids by Israeli jet planes on Palestinian targets in Gaza and the killing of a Palestinian in an attack on his home in Beit Lahya.
Pakistan admits involvement in Mumbai terror, guarded welcome from India
By IANS,
Islamabad/New Delhi : Ten weeks after the terror attacks in Mumbai that shook the world and sent India-Pakistan relations in deep freeze, Islamabad finally owned up that "a part of the conspiracy" was hatched in the country. It got a guarded welcome in India though officially New Delhi withheld comment till it could study the Pakistani dossier.
Egyptian court postpones trial of Morsi, 130 others
Cairo: A criminal court in Egypt Saturday postponed the trial of ousted president Mohamad Morsi and 130 other defendants in a jailbreak case till...
US using Pakistan airbase for drone attacks on Pakistanis: report
By IANS,
London : Pakistan is allowing the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to secretly use an airbase in southern Pakistan to launch attacks on its own militants, the Times reported Wednesday.
A Times investigation found that the CIA has been using the airfield in Shamsi, around 50 km from the Afghan border, for at least year - despite claims by Pakistan that its air bases are not used for drone attacks.
Terror strikes Pakistan again, 25 die in Lahore blast
By IANS
Lahore : At least 25 people were killed and more than 80 injured Thursday when a massive blast ripped through the busy high court area near Mall Road here, in Pakistan's second major terror attack in less than two weeks.
There was panic in this cultural capital of the country as the deafening explosion, which occurred around 11.40 a.m., shook the Lahore High Court and Supreme Court Registry buildings.
People could be seen lying motionless on the street; mangled cars and blood lay spattered around the blast site.
Aalishan Pakistan: Exhibition of products from across border
New Delhi : From textiles, jewellery and accessories to carpets, furniture and agro products -- the second edition of Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition, Aalishan Pakistan,...
Palestinian factions bicker over Sanaa accord
By KUNA
Gaza : The Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas has rejected anew statements by some officials of the Palestinian Authority considering the recently-brokered conciliation accord between Hamas and Fatah as an accord that should be followed by implementation.
Such statements breach the Sanaa declaration that explicitly stipulates that the Yemeni initiative constitutes a framework for dialogue, Hamas said on Wednesday in a statement, particularly alluding to a statement, made by Nabil Amr, the advisor of the Palestinian president, in this respect.
FM for resumption of Pakistan, India peace process
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday called for resumption of Pakistan, India peace process and enhanced anti-terrorism cooperation.
India suspended dialogue with Pakistan after the November Mumbai attacks, which killed nearly 170 people and injured over 300.
India blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the attack and some Indian leaders said that Pakistani intelligence agencies had helped in the attacks.
Lebanese army says any destabilization attempt will be punished
By Xinhua
Beirut : The Lebanese army said on Tuesday that anyone who attempts to destabilize Lebanon will be punished according to the law.
"The existing law should be implemented," the army's spokesman Col. Amin Saleh told Xinhua, referring to elements of rival groups who were engaged in violent clashes last week.
"Any one who tries to damage properties of the others will be arrested," he said, adding that "the task will be carried out by the Lebanese army and the security forces, each group will have to control its elements."
Russia condemns Taiwan’s referendum on UN membership
By Xinhua
Moscow : Russia has strongly condemned the Taiwan authority's declaration to hold a referendum on UN membership in the name of Taiwan March 22, saying it poses a grave problem for the world.
The decision of the Taiwan authority led by Chen Shui-bian to hold the "referendum", despite strong objections from the Chinese central government and the world community, will pose a severe threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and to the Asia-Pacific region, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said Monday.
IFJ delegation meets President, terms media environment forward-looking
By APP
Rawalpindi : A three-member fact-finding mission of the International Federation of Journalists met President Pervez Musharraf Saturday and termed the media environment in the country as “forward-looking”.Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary who is leading the delegation told the President that the expansion and openness of media will have a positive impact on democracy.
The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists is the world’s largest organisation of mediapersons.
Penang chief minister wants repeal of detention law
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A senior Malaysian politician has spoken in favour of repealing the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA) that the government says is needed to maintain public order and fight terrorism.
It is not possible to review the ISA to make it more human rights compliant as the act itself is "evil", said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of Penang state.
Lim, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary general, said those who want the act reviewed are "deceiving either themselves or the public".
Pakistani PM pays homage to Imam Hussain (AS)
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro said on Saturday that Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers set an example, through their supreme sacrifice, which will always be a beacon light for all Muslims.
In his 'Ashura' message he said the 10th of Muharram has a special significance not only in the history of Islam but also in other religions of the world.
US, Afghan, Pakistani military officials to meet shortly
By KUNA,
Kabul : Military officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States will meet in Kabul to discuss the bombings of June 10 near Gor Pario area in Afghanistan.
The US military in Afghanistan said on Thursday the tripartite meeting would be held at Bagram Airbase, located some 35 kilometres north of Kabul, the central capital of Afghanistan.
The first meeting of military officials of the three countries was held on June 24.
During the meeting, the officials exchanged their independently collected data.