Indian Army finds tunnel near Pakistan border
Jammu: Indian troops have discovered an incomplete underground tunnel leading from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir, the defence ministry said Saturday.
The tunnel was discovered...
10th Dubai Airport Expo opens
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The 10th edition of the international Dubai Airport Expo was opened here Sunday.
The three-day event was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
The exhibition will showcase the latest technologies in the global airport industry. Professionals will share their expertise on enhancing operational efficiencies of airports.
Iran summons Danish envoy as cartoon row resurfaces
Tehran (ANTARA News) - Iran summoned Denmark's ambassador to protest the reprinting on Wednesday of a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed that caused bloody riots in the Islamic world two years ago, the state run IRNA news agency reported.
The cartoon, one of a series of 12 cartoons first published in September 2005 that sparked protests in early 2006, was reprinted in at least 17 Danish newspapers a day after Danish police foiled a murder plot against the cartoonist.
Iran to use new mine-sweeping system in Gulf
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Iran will soon put into service a new mine-sweeping system in the Persian Gulf, navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said Saturday.
Pakistani government and Islamic militants agree on prisoner swap
By DPA,
Islamabad : The government and Islamic militants were set to exchange dozens of prisoners Wednesday ahead of a formal peace deal between the sides in Pakistan's restive tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, media reports said.
The prisoner's swap was agreed to between the militant commander Baitullah Mehsud and the tribal elders, who are holding negotiations on behalf of the government in South Waziristan.
Pakistan keen on Manmohan’s visit this year
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday again invited Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit Islamabad and expressed the hope that he will come here later this year to quicken the pace of peace process between the two countries.
"It has been decided that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit this year," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee after concluding review of the fourth round of the composite dialogue between the two countries.
Pakistan: Sindh province CM sets up body to ascertain causes of fire eruptions
By NNN-APP
Karachi : Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Rtd) Abdul Qadir Halepota has, while taking notice of fire incidents in various parts of Karachi, particularly industrial areas, ordered immediate setting up of a committee, headed by DCO Karachi.
The committee will review the fire incidents in detail and prepare its report.
The Chief Minister directed all the concerned organisations to extend full support to the committee.
He also directed inspection of factories to ascertain whether effective steps had been taken or not to prevent fire eruptions.
Pakistani troops kill 20 militants
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan army said Wednesday it had killed at least 20 Taliban militants in the lawless tribal region along the Afghan border.
Helicopter gunships and artillery pounded several positions of rebels in Bajaur district, where the military and paramilitary troops are carrying out a major offensive against Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters since early August.
"Eight among the killed were foreigners," army spokesman Major Murad Khan told DPA.
The term "foreigner" is mostly used to refer to Al Qaeda linked militants of Arab and Central Asian origin.
US plane forced to land in Iran
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian military jets forced a US Falcon plane with five senior US military officials on board to land in Iran, Fars news agency reported Tuesday.
The plane, which was coming from Turkey, had illegally entered Iranian airspace and was, therefore, forced by the Iranian jets to land at one of the country's airports.
The report did not say when and where the plane was forced to land.
Fars added that the five generals were interrogated by Iranian intelligence forces.
Mother, three kids burnt to death in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A woman and her three children died in a fire in a Pakistani village in Punjab province, Geo News reported Sunday.
Avoid Bangladeshi tanneries, Human Rights Watch says
By IANS,
Barcelona : Buyers at an international leather fair in Italy should only buy goods from tanneries that comply with health laws and labour rights, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.
New Pakistan intelligence chief takes over
Islamabad: Lt. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar has taken over as the head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), succeeding retired Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam, who retired...
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.
Emirates unveils new environment programme
By IANS,
Dubai : Emirates Airline has announced a series of initiatives as part of its efforts to ensure environmentally clean flight operation by reducing emissions and waste, WAM reported Friday.
The programme called Environment, unveiled Thursday, includes adoption of a new policy by the luxury airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to foster staff awareness of clean environment and increased recycling of resources and training of personnel.
Iran just years away from nuclear capability, UK says
By BERNAMA,
British Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell passes through an Israeli checkpoint during his visit to the West Bank city of Hebron in this December 22, 2008 file photo. REUTERS/Nayef HashlamounLONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Britain believes Iran is just years away from developing a nuclear capability and London is prepared to go it alone with tougher sanctions if necessary, a minister said on Wednesday.
Four injured in gunfight in Bangladesh Rifles headquarter
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least four civilians were injured in a gunfight that broke out at Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters here Wednesday morning, media reports said.
"The four injured civilians were admitted to hospitals with bullet wounds," Xinhua reported witnesses as saying.
Residents close to the BDR headquarters said they heard sounds of gun shots and mortar shells Wednesday morning.
The army has been called to put down the trouble.
‘US cannot win against Taliban, if it loses information war’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Saying we are losing the "information war" against the Taliban, Richard Holbrooke, US special representative, has said winning the information war was key to the success of American strategy in Pakistan as it faces a resurgent Taliban.
"Concurrent with the insurgency is an information war. We are losing that war," he said while testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday on the US policy for Pakistan.
Mosques in Britain opt for ‘open days’ to explain faith
London: Over 90 mosques across Britain are opening their doors to visitors to allow Muslims to "explain their faith beyond the hostile headlines".
The...
Air strikes target Gaddafi compound in Tripoli
By IANS,
Tripoli : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's residence in Tripoli was attacked early Tuesday, Xinhua reported.
UAE to participate in Palestine investment conference
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it will participate in the Palestine Investment Conference which seeks to highlight investment opportunities in Palestinian economy, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Tuesday told a consultative committee meeting that a number of public and private sectors in the UAE would participate in the conference, slated for May 21-23 in Bethlehem.
Indian techie jailed in Pakistan returns home
By IANS,
Mumbai : Mumbai's Bhavesh Parmar, who had boarded the Samjhauta Express in a state of depression seven years ago, returned home Friday after he was released from a jail in Pakistan.
Bangladesh charges British official with terror funding
By DPA,
Dhaka, April : Investigators Tuesday formally charged the head of a British charity and 10 Bangladeshi agents with financing terrorism in the guise of operating a religious school in Bangladesh.
A court in southern Bhola district accepted the report on last month's cache of arms recovered from a madrassa (religious school) and orphanage run by the Green Crescent charity, accusing its voluntary organisation head Faisal Mostafa and his 10 Bangladeshi associates.
Nine killed in clashes near Yemen’s presidential palace
Sana'a: Nine people -- six soldiers and three attackers -- were killed as armed clashes erupted between Yemeni security forces and unidentified gunmen near...
Pakistani engineer abducted in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Taliban militants Saturday abducted a Pakistani engineer working for an Afghan road construction company in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, a senior police official said.
"The Pakistani national was a road engineer and worked for an Afghan road construction company. Armed Taliban militants abducted him after injuring his Afghan driver. He was involved in the reconstruction of the Kandahar-Gereshk road," provincial police chief Syed Aqa Saqib told Xinhua.
He did not give more details.
Iranian nuclear talks substantive, says EU
Vienna: The talks between Iran and six world powers in Vienna is "substantive and useful", a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton...
Dhaka sending serving officers to 1971 victory celebrations in India
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has for the first time sent three serving army officers, on an invitation from India, to participate in the Victory Day celebrations in Kolkata to mark the surrender of Pakistani forces in 1971.
Tuesday is Bangladesh's "Bijoy Diwas", the victory of the joint India-Bangladesh forces, before whom 93,000 officers and men of the Pakistan Army surrendered.
The delegation comprising three serving officers along with their spouses and 14 freedom fighters has been invited to attend the four-day programme in Kolkata.
Iraqi govt imposes two-day curfew on Baghdad
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi government Thursday imposed a curfew throughout Baghdad until Sunday morning.
Major-General Qassem Ata, spokesman of the Law Enforcement operation, told KUNA security authorities have decided to impose a curfew on individuals, vehicles and motorcycles all over Baghdad until Sunday morning.
Sources at the Baghdad Operations Command said the curfew was a preventive measure against possible violent actions.
Baghdad was a scene Thursday of armed clashes.
Imran Khan launches anti-government march from Lahore
Islamabad : Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) chief Imran Khan Thursday started an anti-government march from the eastern city of Lahore.
Khan, a former cricketing icon, told...
Two killed in Myanmar sectarian riots
Yangon : Two people have been killed during clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar's second-largest city of Mandalay, police said.
Gunmen kill 10 at Nigerian pub
By IANS,
Abuja: At least 10 people have been killed and several others seriously injured by unidentified gunmen at a drinking joint in Nigeria's Plateau state, Xinhua reported.
U.S. vice president claims terror, rockets kill hopes for Palestinian state
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Visiting U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney claimed on Sunday that "terror and rockets" against Israel killed not only innocent civilians, but also hopes for a Palestinian state.
The establishment of a Palestinian state "needs more efforts and painful concessions by both sides," Cheney said at a joint press conference held in this West Bank town with Palestinian President Madmoud Abbas.
Women play vital role in Pakistan: Khar
By IANS,
Islamabad : Women in Pakistan are more empowered than those in other developing countries, said Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.
No breakthrough in PPP, PML-N talks
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's leading ruling coalition partners, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have failed to reach an agreement to reinstate superior court judges as a senior American official reached London for possible mediation.
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.
Afghan women getting jailed for ‘moral crimes’
By IANS,
Kabul : The Afghan government should take urgent steps to halt an alarming increase in women and girls imprisoned for “moral crimes,” Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.
Russia seeks US explanation over post-2014 Afghan presence
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The terms and goals of the projected US presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014 need to be clarified, the Russian foreign ministry said Thursday.
Suicide attack kills 15 in eastern Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : A NATO spokesman says a suicide attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed 15 people and wounded 25 others.
Maj. Martin O'Donnell said there were NATO troops in the area of the attack Tuesday but there were no alliance casualties.
He said the insurgents opened fire before a suicide bomber blew himself up in Khogyani district of Nangahar province.
Alliance medics were treating the wounded, the Associated Press reported.
Pakistan ideal for foreign investment: minister
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro lauded the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for promoting business and investment in the country and said Pakistan was an ideal place for foreign investors.
“Pakistan offers great economic opportunities to both local and foreign investors with handsome return on their investments,” he said at an LCCI reception Thursday night.
He said Lahore Chamber has always played an active role in supplementing government efforts particularly for the economic growth and prosperity of the country.
Arab League warns of wide-scale Israeli aggression against Gaza
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Arab League has warned of a possible wide-scale Israeli military assault against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
A statement by the League during the anniversary of the 1994 Ibrahimi mosque massacre Thursday said that if wide-scale assaults were to occur, chances for a political solution would not exist anymore.
The league called on the international community to stop Israel from killing more Palestinians, adding that the siege of Gaza must end for the sake of all the innocent people trapped in the Strip.
Israel to expand operation against Hamas if necessary
Jerusalem:Israel will expand its operation against Hamas "if necessary", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening, as a massive manhunt for the killers of...
Hamas opposes Arabs, Muslims visiting Jerusalem
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement Tuesday announced that it opposes the visits of Arabs and Muslims to Jerusalem and to the holy site...
Over 500 persons effected by dengue in Shabwa
By SPA,
Shabwa, Yemen : A medical source said on Friday more than 500 persons have been affected by a dengue fever outbreak in Shabwa province, south-east of the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, Saba reported.
Deputy Director of the Health bureau in Shabwa Ahmed Saeed said the spread of dengue fever has increased in the province during the past two days, affirming the epidemic had infected more than 500 persons.
But he mentioned any deaths were not registered due to the illness.
Coalition of navies sets up new counter-piracy task force
By DPA,
Manama (Bahrain) : The US Navy's 5th Fleet Command which oversees all naval operations of the US-led coalition in the Middle East announced Thursday the establishment of a new task force specifically for counter-piracy operations.
Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) would be composed of naval ships and "assets" from more than 20 nations, the US military said in a statement.
US Navy Rear Admiral Terence McKnight has been named the commander of the new task force that is set to be fully operational by the middle of January.
‘Indian spy’ arrested in Pakistan
By IANS,
Lahore : A man alleged to be an Indian spy has been arrested in Pakistan, a media report said Tuesday.
The Pakistan Rangers Monday swooped on the suspected spy from Wagha area near Bedian in Punjab province, the Daily Times reported.
Rangers sources said the man had been identified as Rabi Paal. They added that "sensitive documents" and maps were seized from him.
The sources said Paal had no travel document or passport.
Pakistan plane crash: 58 bodies identified, DNA tests on others
By IANS,
Islamabad : Only 58 bodies of the 152 killed when an Airbus A-321 crashed in the Margalla Hills near this Pakistani capital have been identified, officials said Thursday, adding that DNA tests would be carried out on the others.
The bodies that could be identified have been handed over to family members, Geo News reported Thursday, when Pakistan observed a day of mourning for those killed in the country's worst aviation disaster.
Panel on Pakistani journalist’s killing gets phone record
By IANS,
Islamabad: A judicial commission probing the abduction and murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad has received his mobile phone record, a media report said Thursday.
Suicide attack kills 36 in Iraqi holy city
By DPA
Baghdad : A suicide bomb attack Monday near a Shia holy site in the southern Iraqi city of Karbala killed 36 people and injured at least 50, according to Iraqi al-Sharqiya television.
A woman bomber wearing an explosive belt blew herself up in a coffee shop in the car-free Mukhaim area, 300 metres away from the shrine of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, witnesses told DPA.
The scene of the blast is heavily fortified because of its proximity to the holy site, which receives hundreds of visitors everyday.
Chemical Ali will not go to the gallows alone: Iraq
By DPA
Baghdad : The Iraqi government wants to execute three aides of former president Saddam Hussein together - including his cousin "Chemical Ali" - who were sentenced to death for genocide, Iraqi media reported Wednesday.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as Chemical Ali, along with former defence minister Sultan Hashim and a former army chief of operations, Hussein al-Tikriti, were all sentenced to death in June for a genocide campaign against the Kurds in the 1980s.
Al-Majid earned the name Chemical Ali for gassing the Kurds in the brutal crackdown.
Iraq releases, then withdraws, early Baghdad poll results
By DPA,
Baghdad: Iraq's electoral commission Saturday released, then quickly withdrew, early results from Baghdad that showed Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's coalition leading in the capital.
Al-Sumaria television reported that the electoral commission had said the early results from Baghdad, which will be represented by 68 out of 325 seats in the new parliament, released earlier were "unofficial" and "should be discarded."
Official, preliminary results from Badghad would be released later in the day, officials from Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) said.
Clashes leave 3 troops, 10 militants dead in NW Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : At least three Pakistani troops and 10 militants were killed in Orakzai tribal area of the northwest Pakistan on Monday, state television reported.
PTV reported that militants attacked a security forces' vehicle with a rocket, killing three troops and injuring five others.
The troops returned fire and killed 10 militants and injured several others in Orakzai agency, the stronghold of Taliban militants.
Officials believed that militants from South Wazirristan tribal region have taken shelter in Orakzai tribal region.
Obama reaches out to Muslim nations with business exchanges
By IANS,
Washington: Keeping up his promise last year in Cairo, President Obama has announced plans to set up exchange programmes with business people throughout the Muslim world.
"The new beginning we seek is not only possible, it has already begun," Obama Monday told the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship with over 250 delegates from 50 countries, including six from India, attending.
‘Indian Muslims not attracted to Islamic State, Al-Qaeda’
By Ruwa Shah
New Delhi : Indian Muslims have little fascination for Islamic radical groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, say scholars and Muslim leaders agreeing...
Egypt’s presidential hopeful Sisi wins expat votes
Cairo: Egypt's presidential candidate and ex- military chief Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has won a landslide victory in the polling by Egyptians living abroad, the country's...
NATO to set up trust fund to improve safety of Afghan munitions depots
By Xinhua,
Brussels : NATO and Afghanistan on Wednesday signed a memorandum of cooperation supporting a trust fund project to improve safety and physical security at munitions depots in Afghanistan.
Belgium, Canada and Luxembourg will lead the 6.29-million-euro project which will be implemented over 24 months.
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Slovakia, Sweden and Macedonia have pledged funding for this project.
Bhutto’s widower kicks off Pakistan election campaign
THATTA, Pakistan (AFP) - The widower of slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto hit the campaign trail Saturday for the first major party rally since the former prime minister's assassination in December. Thousands of people were gathering at Thatta, a rural town in Bhutto's home province of Sindh, amid tight security following 40 days of mourning since she was killed in Rawalpindi.
Iran vows to react swiftly to any Israeli attack
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's reaction to any threat and aggression of Israel against its territory will be very swift and crushing, according to IRNA news agency.
Sheikh Qaradhawi urges calm over Danish cartoon
Doha – (IINA)February 20– Renowned Islamic scholar Yusuf Qaradhawi called Muslims worldwide for a calm, rational reaction to the reprinting of a Danish cartoon ridiculing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). "This is an insult to Muslims and an attempt to provoke them," Qaradhawi, the president of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, told Al Jazeera news channel. He also renewed the call to boycott Danish products as a demonstration of anger at the reprinting of the lampooning cartoon.
Pakistani rescued from rubble after 47 hours
By IANS,
Islamabad : A man was Wednesday pulled out alive from the rubble of a three-storied building that had collapsed in Lahore two days ago.
Pakistan threatens India to take Chenab dispute to World Bank
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : A fresh dispute is brewing between India and Pakistan over the issue of reduced water flow in the Chenab river as Islamabad Wednesday threatened to seek the World Bank's intervention on the plea that New Delhi had not responded to its "repeated complaints" on the issue.
India on its part argued that Pakistan had started to complain even before the agreed schedule between the two sides for filling up the low water level on the Chenab could begin.
Erekat says Palestinians not to accept open-ended peace negotiations
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Saturday that the Palestinian leadership can't accept having open-ended peace negotiations with Israel.
Erekat told the Saudi Arabian al-Sharq el-Awsat daily based in London that the Palestinians want to continue the peace talks with Israel until it achieves its goals, adding "we can't accept endless peace negotiations."
Two policemen killed, three injured in Israeli air-raid on Rafah city
By KUNA,
Gaza : Two Palestinian policemen were killed Friday while three others were injured during an Israeli air-raid on Rafah city, south Gaza Strip.
A Local media here said that an Israeli recon plane fire a missile on a police station in the center of Rafah leading to the mention casualties.
The source also said that the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The two fallen Palestinians were Mahmoud Abu Armana and Bassem Abu Shagfa, stated the media source.
Khaleda Zia calls Awami League a terror group
Dhaka: Bangladesh's main opposition leader Khaleda Zia Saturday called ruling the Awami League a terror group, media reported.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and...
Kuwaiti official urges chemical weapons deal enforcement
By Talal al-Kandari, KUNA,
The Lahai : A Kuwaiti nuclear official called here Monday for enacting pieces of national legislation aiming to implement an international deal on the prohibition of chemical weapons.
Dr. Muhammad Buzubar, deputy chairman of a Kuwaiti national committee tasked with following up contacts with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, made the call in remarks to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the 2nd extraordinary session of the Conference on States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
New pipeline planned to transport Iraqi gas via Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : A new Iraq-Turkey natural gas pipeline would be built to supply Iraqi gas via Turkey to the world market, local media reported Monday.
The new pipeline, parallel to the existing Kirkuk-Yumurtalik oil pipeline, aimed to transfer 10 billion cubic metres (bcm) of Iraqi natural gas annually to the Turkish and world markets, the report said.
Tense subcontinental ties detract from war on terror: Nawaz
By IANS,
Islamabad: Tense subcontinental ties will detract from Pakistan's war against terror on its western borders, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said Thursday.
"Prosperity of the people of India and Pakistan and sustainable peace and stability in the region can be ensured only if both countries enjoy good relations," Online news agency quoted Sharif as telling Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader's country villa at Raiwand on the outskirts of Lahore.
UAE reiterates support to Myanmar Muslims
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE Friday reiterated its support to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference call for protecting Muslims in Myanmar.
Photographer of drowned Syrian toddler was ‘petrified’
Ankara: The photographer who shot the heart-wrenching picture showing a Syrian toddler’s lifeless body washed ashore Turkey`s Aegean coast said she was "petrified", the...
ISESCO Chief: Russia’s relations with Muslim World peaks to highest level
By SPA,
Moscow : Secretary General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr Abdulaziz Al-Tuweijiri said Tuesday that the relations of Russia with the Muslim world have peaked to the highest level in history.
The Russian "Novosti" news agency reported that Al-Tuweijiri made these remarks at an international Applied Scientific Conference, currently in progress in Moscow.
He also affirmed that the existing cooperation between the Muslim world and Russia is stronger than it was in past years.
US seeks global support to defeat ‘horrible’ Taliban
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The United States wants the international community to come together to defeat Taliban extremists in Pakistan engaged in "horrific practices" like cutting off the ears and noses of those opposed to them.
"It's horrific, the practices that the Taliban are engaged in," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Tuesday when asked to comment on a report in Washington Post about the situation in Pakistan.
World powers urge Iran to reconsider nuclear deal
By DPA,
Berlin/Brussels : Top diplomats from the so-called "5+1" group of world powers expressed disappointment Friday at Iran's rejection of a compromise deal on the country's controversial nuclear programme and urged its leaders to reconsider.
"We urge Iran to reconsider the opportunity offered by this agreement to meet the humanitarian needs of its people and to engage seriously with us in dialogue and negotiations," said the officials from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the US - plus Germany after talks in Brussels.
Bahrain to host third Arab conference on human resources
By BNA
Manama : Bahrain to host on April 6 to 8 of the 3rd Arab conference on developing human resources titled further competition ability in Arab manpower.
The event is organized by the Bahraini ministry of labor in cooperation with Arab labor organization and Arab center for developing human resources in Libya. The conference aims to activate the Arab strategy for developing human resources. it will also discuss partnership in developing human resources , the employment , the economy of developing human resources, enabling woman in the development process and it issues.
Taliban calls for boycott of Afghan elections
By Prensa Latina
Kabul: The Taliban has called for a boycott of the Afghan presidential and provincial elections scheduled Aug 20 and warned it would launch fresh attacks if its diktat is not heeded.
In a statement to the media Friday, the rebels said people must boycott these elections as the polls are backed by the US.
"The Afghans must come together to free the country from the invading troops. To participate in the elections means to be sympathetic to the occupying troops. The supporters of the holy war must frustrate the false election process," it said.
Afghan drawdown: New conflict or back-door occupation?
By Vishnu Makhijani,
When, in mid-1945, the allied armies advancing across Western Europe were ordered to halt to enable the marauding Soviet forces perform the...
Iraqi warplanes pound IS positions, five killed
Mosul (Iraq) : Iraqi aircraft early Monday carried out strikes on strongholds of the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist organisation in and around the...
Thousands in Morocco protest Israeli attacks on Gaza
Rabat : Thousands of people from all over Morocco hit the streets of capital Rabat over the weekend to stage a mass national march...
Yemeni authorities bust Al Qaeda cell, arrest 11 members
By DPA,
Sanaa : Authorities in Yemen arrested 11 suspected members of the Al Qeada terrorist network in the capital, security sources said Thursday.
The suspects, detained in the past days, gave information during questioning about acts of terror carried out by the network.
Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister for Defence and Security Affairs Rashad al-Alimi is expected to hold a press conference to give more information about the arrests.
International forces’ mandate in Afghanistan extended another year
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council Thursday extended the mandate of the international forces in Afghanistan for another 12 months to pursue the training of Afghan national security troops.
The new mandate begins Tuesday amid a growing Taliban insurgency against NATO and US-led troops.
The council called on the international forces, known as ISAF, to increase the functionality, professionalism and accountability of the Afghan security forces. ISAF should encourage Afghan forces to become self-sufficient, accountable and ethnically balanced, the resolution said.
Hamas police detains Fatah armed wing spokesman in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The police of the deposed government of Hamas movement in Gaza arrested the spokesman of al-Aqsa Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah movement affiliated with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Fatah armed wing said in a statement that Hamas police forces arrested Abu Qusai, the spokesman of the group in Gaza, after the militant group broke an Egyptian-brokered truce between Hamas and Israel.
Pakistan-US strategic talks begin
By IANS,
Washington : Pakistan and the US here Wednesday began talks aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are co-chairing the dialogue.
Setting the dialogue in motion, Clinton lauded Islamabad's role in establishing peace in South Asia and termed Pakistan's security a top priority, Geo TV reported.
Referring to Pakistan's anti-terror operations, Clinton pledged full support, saying "Its struggles are our struggles."
Pakistan tribals clash over land, 47 killed
Islamabad : At least 47 people have been killed and 25 injured in a clash over a piece of land between tribal communities of...
Iran ready to open new chapter in ties with Yemen
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki in a meeting with his Yemeni counterpart here Saturday said Iran is ready to open a new chapter in ties with Yemen.
According to Foreign Ministry Media Department, Mottaki by referring to the strategic position of Iran and Yemen said, "Iran and Yemen's location on the two sides of the Persian Gulf create an appropriate opportunity to expand mutual cooperation and deepen sincere ties and create a new situation upon friendship and brotherhood."
India, Oman sign agreement on legal cooperation against crime
New Delhi : India and Oman Wednesday signed an agreement on legal and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and anti-terrorism.
The agreement was signed by...
Four killed in US drone strike in Pakistan
Islamabad : Four people have been killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan, a media report said.
Two missiles were fired on a...
Bangladesh GDP growth may dip to 4.8 percent
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) might dip to 4.8 percent, thanks to lower remittances from those living abroad and decline in readymade garment exports, the World Bank has said.
The projection for the current fiscal was 6.5 percent but the global financial crisis too has had an adverse impact, The Daily Star said.
However, Finance Adviser (minister) Mirza Aziz rejected the analysis claiming that the GDP would actually cross six percent.
We have no terror links: Hindraf leader
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader, who was released after 18 months in a Malaysian jail, has denied the government's charge of having terror links, saying "ours is a people's struggle, we are not terrorists".
Hindraf legal adviser M. Manoharan said none of the four others leaders, who too were imprisoned and later released, had any links with Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Pakistan, Iran to cooperate on security
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Iran have vowed to work together for regional peace and stability besides agreeing to cooperate on security and border management.
Turkey intensifies military presence along borders with Iraq
By KUNA
Irbil : Turkey has deployed thousands of soldiers along its mountain borders with Iraq, said Iraqi Kurdish officials on Friday.
In a press statement, spokesman for Kurdistan military (Peshmerga) said Turkey has intensified its military presence through deploying armored vehicles, adding that Turkish warplanes had targeted a number of Kurdish areas for a few hours on Thursday, but no human casualties were reported.
Military chief calls for patience on Afghanistan
By KUNA,
London : The head of the British armed forces Monday called for patience over the mission in Afghanistan.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff, told the Society of Editors annual conference in Bristol, south west England, that success, particularly in the "ungoverned" borderlands adjoining Pakistan where radical British Muslims receive training in terror tactics, was vital.
Two Pakistani military officers shot dead
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead two military officers in Pakistan's northwest, according to media reports Sunday.
Police sources were quoted as saying that some armed men opened indiscriminate fire late Saturday night on military intelligence officer Aftab Alam and military transport battalion official Ameer Hamza in front of their homes in the military area at Nowshera, a garrison city some 100 km northwest of Islamabad.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but militants regularly target intelligence officials and security men.
80 Shias killed in Pakistan in November
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 80 Shia Muslims were killed in targeted attacks across Pakistan in November, a Shia organisation has said in a report.
Five die in clashes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts
By IANS,
Dhaka : Buddhist tribals Sunday prevented a minister and senior administration officials from visiting Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts where five people were killed in clashes.
The army was called in after houses in several villages besides a church, a pagoda and an office of a UN-funded project were set on fire. A statue of Lord Buddha installed at the Banani Buddhist Monastery was damaged and another statue was looted, New Age newspaper said Sunday.
Bahrain ruler pardons 225 prisoners
By IANS,
Dubai : Bahrain ruler King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Wednesday pardoned 225 prisoners ahead of the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The king’s move came following a meeting he held with leading religious figures in the country, the state-run Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported. Eid-ul-Fitr is to be celebrated in October this year.
According to the report, the prisoners who have been pardoned were not involved in criminal acts that harm the security of the nation and its citizens.
King Hamad has issued orders to adopt appropriate procedures to release the prisoners.
UN lauds UAE for labour reforms
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The UN has lauded the efforts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for improving the conditions of its migrant workers engaged in various sectors, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The global organisation hoped other countries in the region would follow the UAE example.
Peter Sutherland, special representative of the UN secretary general, in a letter to UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the UAE played an important role at the conference on migration issues that began in Athens Wednesday.
Pakistan cuts petrol price, hikes diesel
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Monday reduced the price of petrol but hiked diesel prices.
Pakistani woman politician shot dead
By IANS,
Islamabad : A senior woman politician in Pakistan's port city of Karachi was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants outside her residence late Saturday, a media report said Sunday.
Iran is ‘test case’ for nuclear co-operation: Brown
By DPA,
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Tuesday urged Iran to "make the right choice" in its current stand-off with the West over its nuclear programme and said Tehran could become a "test case" for co-operation between atomic nations and non-nuclear states.
Brown, in a speech in London, said Iran remained a "critical proliferation threat" while it continued to enrich weapons grade uranium and risked severe sanctions.
$300mn UAE aid to Morocco to tackle rising energy prices
By IANS,
Casablanca (Morocco) : United Arab Emirates (UAE) will give Morocco $300 million in aid to help the northwest African kingdom tackle the impact of rising energy costs, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted the aid to help ease the impact of rising energy prices, Morocco's ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation said in a statement Saturday.
18 insurgents killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Eighteen insurgents have been killed in Afghanistan's Nuristan province in a cleanup operation, an official said Monday.
Arab Foreign Ministers to Damascus
By Ulises Canales, Prensa Latina
Damascus : Foreign ministers from the 22 country members of the Arab League are heading to Syria to attend a ministerial meeting prior to the Summit on March 29 and 30.
The ambitious and complicated Summit agenda will cover key historic and current regional issues like the Arab-Israel conflict and the war in Iraq.
Also of interest are the latest Palestinian developments, the Arab Peace Initiative, Syria ó s demand to Israel to return the Golan Heights and its rejection of US unilateral sanctions.
Syria expects more efforts from Moussa in solving Lebanon crisis
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syria said on Sunday that it was waiting for the Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa to resume his efforts on pushing forward an Arab initiative aimed at ending the ongoing presidential crisis in Lebanon.
"The Arab plan is clear in its adoption of a no winner no loser stand which puts Lebanon on the road of health and stability because it will be the only winner," a foreign ministry official source was quoted as saying by the official SANA news agency.
US having ‘significant’ dialogue with Pakistan, India, Afghanistan on regional stability
By NNN-APP,
Washington : The Obama Administration is continuing “significant” discussions with Pakistan, India and Afghanistan on ways to achieve regional stability, the State Department said.
Assistant Secretary of State P J Crowley cited senior American officials’ continuing engagments with the regional governments towards the goal of cooperation and stability.
Russia hails Hamas-Fatah Agreement
By ANTARA News/AFP
Moscow : Russia on Monday hailed the agreement cinched by the moderate Palestinian Fatah party and the Islamist movement Hamas.
"Moscow considers this confirmation of the Fatah`s and Hamas`s will for restoring Palestinian unity as an important event meriting support," the Russian foreign ministry said.
Spokesman: Security arrangement for Musharraf not changed
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said on Thursday that the security arrangement for President Pervez Musharraf has not changed.
Local media reported that Musharraf held an "extremely important meeting" with army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani late on Wednesday, and the commando unit deployed for Musharraf's security was also changed.
"No commando, no personal guards were changed," Athar Abbas told Xinhua at a U.N. peace-keeping mission seminar held in Islamabad.
Taliban has been attacking Pakistani schools for long
Islamabad : Although it was savagery at its worst, the Tuesday attack on a school by militants is not the first time terrorists have...
Who speaks for German Muslims?
By Loay Mudhoon
The German Islam Conference has achieved its first concrete result: Muslim religious education will be introduced as a subject in German schools from next year. The move was agreed upon by representatives of the state and its Muslim population – in spite of what was sometimes a bitter controversy. A number of Muslim participants wanted to see a different kind of religious education – the sort of neutral education about Islam which half the German states already offer.
No threat of India-Pakistan war: Musharraf
Lahore, Dec 26 (IANS) Former president Pervez Musharraf said Friday that there were no chances of a Pakistan-India war, adding that both countries should work for peace.
"India should not dare attack Pakistan... our forces are fully capable of meeting any challenges," the former army chief told reporters at the wedding ceremony of former foreign minister Khushid Mahmood Kasuri's son.
NATO airstrike on two hijacked fuel tankers kills up to 90: police official
By NNN-Agencies,
Kabul : NATO launched an airstrike on two fuel tankers hijacked by Taliban militants in northern Afghanistan, sparking a huge blast that killed up to 90 people, including 40 civilians, Afghan officials said Friday.
Officials said that at least 12 people were hospitalized.
Militants seized the two trucks, which were delivering fuel to NATO forces, around midnight near the village of Omar Khel in Kunduz province, and the alliance launched an airstrike when the Taliban fighters stopped the vehicles at a river crossing, Police Chief Gulam Mohyuddin said.
UAE condemns Dutch anti-Islam film
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has condemned launching of the Dutch film "Fitna" criticising the Koran and insulting Prophet Mohammed.
In a statement released Saturday, the minister deplored the film director's action of releasing it on the Internet, WAM news agency reported.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed on the universal need of religions tolerance and respect for others' faith.
Such action on the pretext of freedom of expression would only create hatred, he said.
Bush acknowledges challenge in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Washington : U.S. President George W. Bush acknowledged the challenge facing the U.S. military in Afghanistan Wednesday, saying June is a "tough month" there.
Speaking at a White House news conference, Bush said the rising U.S. casualties in Afghanistan can be attributed to the fact "that our troops are taking the fight to a tough enemy."
He also said June was "tough for the Taliban," too, since U.S. and coalition forces launched more attacks against the insurgents there.
Explosion in Gaza kills policeman, injures three others
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian policeman was killed while three others were injured last night due to an explosion near a police headquarters in the Gaza Strip, a local radio reported on Friday.
The radio station in Gaza said the policeman and his mates at the bombs squad were trying to dismantle an explosive device at the headquarters.
The dismantling was a failure and the bomb detonated ending Alaa Al-Ajala's life.
83 peacocks die of viral disease in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A viral disease called "Ranikhet" has led to the death of at least 83 peacocks in Pakistan's Sindh province, Geo News reported.
Suicide attack in Peshawar kills three, injures 13
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three people were killed and 13 others, all of them policemen, were injured Thursday in a suspected suicide attack in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP). This is the second suicide attack in the city in as many days.
Two motorcycle borne terrorists first hurled a hand grenade at the Ring Road in Peshawar and when policemen reached the area, a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing three people and injuring 13 policemen, Geo TV reported, quoting sources.
Two police mobile vans were also destroyed in the attack.
Musharraf booked for judges’ house arrest
By IANS,
Islamabad : Acting swiftly on a court order, police here have booked former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf for ordering the house arrest of the Supreme Court judges he had sacked after declaring an emergency Nov 3, 2007.
The "unprecedented first in Pakistan's history" could "actually see" Musharraf land in prison "or at the minimum turn his stay abroad into a permanent exile", The News said Tuesday.
Pakistani artists to get awards during their lifetime
By IANS,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government will ensure that artists are given performance awards during their lifetime.
Bangladesh orders probe into 2001 post-poll violence
By IANS,
Dhaka : A court here Wednesday directed the Bangladesh government to constitute a commission to probe violence against religious minorities in the aftermath of general elections in 2001.
Responding to a petition by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), an independent body, a high court bench asked the government to set up the commission within two months, the Star Online reported.
The commission should submit its report within six months of being formed, the bench of justice A.B.M. Khairul Haq and Mohammed Momtajuddin Ahmed said.
UAE hails Yemen’s efforts for reforms
By IANS/WAM,
Geneva : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has welcomed Yemen's current efforts to attain security, stability and build a unified state in which law and social justice can prevail.
16 Bangladeshi, Myanmar human traffickers sued
Dhaka : Two days after a boat carrying nearly 600 migrants was seized in the Bay of Bengal near Bangladesh's southeastern border with Myanmar,...
Zardari favours setting Kashmir issue aside
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, whose party is set to led the country's next government, has said the Kashmir issue should be set aside to focus on other aspects for improving relations with India.
"The idea is that we feel for Kashmir, the PPP has always felt for Kashmir. We have a strong Kashmir policy. We have always had one," he said.
Emergency lifted in Egypt after decades
By IANS,
Cairo : Through a declaration, Egypt's ruling military council Thursday lifted a state of emergency that existed for decades in the country.
Kasab’s ‘long lost mother’ turns up to meet police chief
By IANS,
Mumbai : Mumbai Police went into a tizzy last week when a woman claiming to be the mother of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir alias Kasab came to meet City Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor.
The purported 'mother' of the nabbed terrorist involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and currently in police custody, wanted to meet Gafoor at the high security police headquarters in south Mumbai.
"She spoke in Hindi with a heavy Punjabi accent and claimed to have some important matter to discuss with the police commissioner," said an official.
Dhaka opposition dissatisfied with Indian assurance on dam
By IANS,
Dhaka: Protesters here began a 'long march' against a dam across the border in northeastern India as Bangladesh's main opposition rejected Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assurance that no work would be started without holding talks.
Activists of Nirvik, an environmental organisation, Friday set out on a six-day 264 km march to Sylhet to mobilise public opinion against the dam project.
Kill suicide bomber before he strikes: Pakistani police
By IANS,
Islamabad : Target the suicide bombers before they are able to detonate the explosives strapped to their body, say Pakistani police after carrying out a research on suicide attackers' behavioural patterns.
Pakistan has been hit by a wave of terror attacks as its army stepped up the offensive against the Taliban fighters in the country's northwest.
"Be sharply attentive and alert and hit the suicide attacker before he hits his target," states the counter strategy issued for the personnel of law enforcing agencies.
Senior Hamas leader killed in Israeli airstrike
Jerusalem/Gaza: Israel Sunday killed a senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip, a military spokesperson said, in a fourth targeted strike on top Hamas...
Tehran, Ankara discuss broadening cultural, financial, banking cooperation
By NNN-IRNA,
Ankara : Tehran and Ankara are in talks over expansion of mutual cooperation in various fields, especially in the cultural, financial, banking and transportation sectors.
An Iranian politico-economic delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza Sheikh-Attar, is in Ankara for talks on the issues ahead of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Turkey visit to meet with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul in Istanbul.
65 husbands jailed for violating court orders
Riyadh: Courts in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh have sentenced more than 65 men to prison terms ranging from two days to three...
Fight for Basra a defining moment for Iraq: Bush
By DPA
Washington : The Iraqi offensive against Shia militias in the southern city of Basra is a "defining moment" in the country's future, US President George W. Bush said Friday.
"Any government that presumes to represent a majority of people must confront criminal elements or people who think they can live outside the law," Bush said after meeting with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
"This is a defining moment in the history of a free Iraq," he said. "There have been other defining moments up to now, but this is a defining moment, as well."
Arab League elects Egyptian foreign minister as new head
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : The Arab League has elected Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby as its new secretary general, Egypt's Nile News TV channel said Sunday.
Pakistani Parliament to discuss anti-terror strategy
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The government has summoned a joint session of the parliament to discuss the policy and strategy on the war against terrorism amid rising territorial and air violations by US forces and militancy in the country. Farhatullah Baber, the spokesman for the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), talking to media said that the government is committed to the supremacy of the parliament and for that a joint session of the parliament has been called to discuss the anti-terrorism strategy.
Five dead in Pakistan vehicle pile-up
By IANS,
Islamabad : Five people died Wednesday in a pile-up involving three vehicles in eastern Pakistan, a media report said.
Gunmen kill two officials in Yemen
Sana'a: Unidentified gunmen shot dead two officials in Yemen's southern province of Lahj Friday, a security official said.
"An official of the General People Congress...
Four Al Qaeda fighters killed in Yemen
Aden: Four Al Qaieda militants were killed in a US drone attack in Yemen's southeastern province of al-Bayda Monday, a military official told Xinhua.
"Missiles...
Al-Qaida faction accuses Lebanese Sunni leaders as “traitors”
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Leader of Fattah al-Islam, an al-Qaida inspired group, Shaker Abssi accused Sunni leaders in Lebanon of being "traitors" and receiving orders from the "Bush administration," Lebanon's As-Safir daily reported Wednesday.
In an audiotape statement published on a website which issues statements by extremists, Abssi said that Hezbollah, the Shiite opposition group, launched a sectarian war in May when "it took over west Beirut," which is considered as a Sunni stronghold.
Egyptian prosecutors demand death for Mubarak
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : The Prosecutors General's Office in Egypt has demanded a death sentence for former president Hosni Mubarak, the former interior minister and six other defendants.