Hasina orders fresh probe into terror attacks in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Newly elected Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered fresh probes into terror attacks, including an attempt on her life, by suspected Islamist militants as the nation prepares for a coordinated effort to combat terrorism.
Hasina juxtaposed the twin problem at the cabinet meeting she chaired, targeting in the process her political rivals - former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her Islamist allies who governed the country from 2001 to 2006, The Daily Star newspaper said Tuesday.
23 suspected terrorists killed in Pakistan: Army
Islamabad : At least 23 suspected terrorists were killed Monday in aerial strikes on terrorist hideouts in the country's tribal region of North Waziristan,...
Lebanon denounces Israeli threats in letters to UN
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora has sent two letters to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, denouncing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, a statement from his office said Saturday.
The statement said that one of the letters was "in relation to Israeli threats and violations," while the other was "in relation to cluster bombs".
Pakistan summons envoy from India for consultations
Islamabad : Pakistan summoned its High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit for urgent consultations on the upcoming visit of Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar...
Indian education group – Vinayaka Missions University – to invest RM100 million in Iskandar...
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : One of India's leading education groups, the Vinayaka Missions University, is keen to invest RM100 million to set up an engineering, technical and management branch campus in Iskandar Malaysia.
By 2015, the VMU group has earmarked RM220 million to be invested in various education-based projects as part of its expansion plans in Malaysia.
"The concept of educity or Iskandar's education-hub ambitions appeals to us and VMU is keen to be part of this development, said VMU Pro-Chancellor, Dr. S Sharavanan.
Turkey lifts ban on world’s largest blog service
By DPA,
Ankara : Turkish Internet users regained access to millions of blogs Tuesday after a court ordered a temporary reversal of a ban on a blog hosting website imposed Friday.
The move reopens access to Blogger, a blog hosting service owned by Google. The service was banned by a court after a Turkish station complained that some 60 blogs were illegally showing videos of Turkish football matches.
Attempts to visit the site diverted users to a notice in English and Turkish explaining that access had been suspended.
Hamas ends talks with Egyptian officials on Gaza truce
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Moussa Abu-Marzouq, deputy political chief of the Islamic Hamas movement, on Wednesday ended talks with senior Egyptian officials on a truce deal with Israelis and left for Syria, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
Abu-Marzouq and Egyptian Intelligence chief Omar Suleiman tackled Egyptian efforts to help reach a ceasefire between Palestinians and Israel in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, the report said, without noting whether there is progress on bridging differences between the two sides.
Israel and Syria to Continue Talks
By Prensa Latina,
Tel Aviv : Representatives of Israel and Syria will continue their indirect peace conversations next week, possibly in Turkish soil, as reported by official sources here Wednesday.
The two parties announced the exchange three weeks ago, and the mediation was made by Turkish authorities.
Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said that the Israeli government would keep its position to continue the conversations.
Iranian FM upbeat on reaching a nuclear fuel swap deal
By IRNA,
Munich : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki expressed cautious optimism on reaching a nuclear fuel exchange agreement.
Taking part at the "night-owl debate" of the 46th Munich Security Conference late Friday night with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Mottaki said,
"The most important point is the political will. Personally, I feel this will is there."
"I personally believe that we have created a
conducive ground for such an exchange in the not so distant future. We are approaching a final agreement that can be accepted by all parties," he added.
100 Palestinians Killed in Four Days
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : At least 100 Palestinians have been killed and over 300 wounded in the Israeli offensive of the last four days against the Gaza Strip, where still another two people were killed in a bombing on Sunday.
The Health Ministry in Gaza said there are 15 children among the dead, including a six month-old baby, and another 312 people were wounded in the land and ground onslaught intensified on Thursday.
Four tourists, guide killed in Yemen blast
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen) : Four South Korean tourists and a Yemeni tour guide were killed when a bomb went off near a historical site in southeast Yemen Sunday, police and medics said.
Police officials told DPA that four other Koreans and three Yemenis were injured in the explosion that occurred on a mountain overlooking the historical city of Shibam in the Hadhramout province.
They said the bomb went off as a three-car convoy carrying nine Korean tourists drove on a rugged road leading to the Mountain Suhail near Shibam, around 900 km from the capital Sana'a.
Third UN team arrives to probe Benazir killing
By IANS,
Islamabad : A third UN team has arrived here to probe the December 2007 assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
The six-member team is scheduled to meet former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and other political leaders, as also officials of the interior ministry and the law enforcement agencies.
Pakistan had earlier this year sought a UN probe into Bhuttto's killing after its own investigations and one by Scotland Yard failed to make headway.
100 militants killed in northwest Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At Least 100 Islamic militants have been killed in two separate clashes with security forces in northwest Pakistan, officials said.
Military troops, backed by gunship helicopters and artillery fire, targeted rebel positions Thursday in the Tangkhata area of Bajaur district in the country's lawless tribal region.
"Up to 90 insurgents, most of them foreign fighters, died," said a security official, requesting anonymity.
Egypt protesters defy curfew; Baradei says no going back
By DPA,
Cairo : Anti-government demonstrators defied a curfew to protest Monday morning in Egypt's capital, demanding President Hosny Mubarak step down from office after three decades of rule.
23 killed in Iraq suicide bombing
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 23 people were killed in Iraq Monday when a suicide bomber blew himself up among a group of people collecting salaries near a military base, Xinhua reported.
Netherlands donates over $40 mn for Bangladesh education
By DPA,
Dhaka : The Dutch government will provide Bangladesh with 30 million euros ($42.1 million) to promote public education in the South Asian country where illiteracy is still high, the Netherlands embassy in Dhaka has said.
The money will be spent for non-formal education under a project called Janashilon (Popular Education) in partnership with Friends in Villages Development in Bangladesh (FIVDB), a non-governmental organisation working in the education sector, under a five-year agreement.
Global immunization vision approved – Kuwaiti official
By NNN-KUNA,
Geneva : Committee A of the 61st World Health Assembly has endorsed the resolution on the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy, which received wide support, said Kuwait's Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Saif on Thursday.
The official was speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the meeting, which kicked off on May 19 and will conclude on the 24th of this month. The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organization.
Iraq replaces commander in Basra
By SPA,
Baghdad : Iraq's government replaced the Commander of Iraqi military and police forces in the southern city of Basra, Lieutenant-General Mohan al-Furaiji on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Mohammed al-Askary said Furaiji's mission in Basra had come to an end and a new general had been placed in charge.
UN Security Council slams killing of Palestinian teenager
United Nations : The UN Security Council condemned the abduction and killing of a Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem, underlining "the need to bring the...
Brussels Jewish museum shooter held in France
Paris: French President Francois Hollande Sunday confirmed the arrest of a presumed perpetrator of Brussels Jewish museum attack.
"All government is mobilised to monitor the...
Ahmadinejad ends “historic” visit, hails Iraq ties
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday wrapped up his two-day "historic" visit to Iraq, during which he hailed the brotherly ties with the former foe and lashed out at the United States.
The visit is part of the campaign of the Iranian president to scuttle the U.S. attempt to prevent Iran from spreading influence in Iraq and other neighboring countries.
Ahmadinejad was given a red-carpet welcome by his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani.
Haram Presidency mobilizes 15,000 personnel for Haj
Makkah : More than 15,000 personnel have been mobilized to start implementing the Haj plan of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two...
Two Bangladeshi leaders executed for war crimes
Dhaka : Bangladesh executed two political leaders, convicted of war crimes during the country's independence war in 1971, amid tight security early on Sunday.
Bangladesh's...
Folk artistes are a bridge between our nations: Pakistani singer Arif Lohar
By Jaideep Sarin,
Chandigarh : Folk artistes from India and Pakistan are a "bridge" between the countries and try and improve bilateral relations when things...
Philippine’s Muslim south to build its own security force
By Xinhua,
Manila : The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which rules the Muslim majority Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, is raising its own security force to "protect peace" in the autonomous region, the group's chief said Monday.
Nur Misuari said the 120,000-strong National Security Command would be responsible for maintaining law and order, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on its website.
The MNLF, which fought for self-rule for Mindanao for more than three decades from the early 1970s, was given autonomy in 1996 by the Philippine government.
Pakistanis, Bangladeshis blamed for British vote-rigging
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : The use of Biraderis - extended clan or tribal systems - by first generation Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims as well as their political masters is helping fuel widespread rigging of postal votes and other electoral malpractices in Britain, a report said.
Although the majority of those booked for electoral malpractices in Britain have been white males, the report by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, a national charity promoting democratic reform and constitutional change, says half of those convicted are Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.
UAE signs air services agreement with Jordan
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on air services with Jordan, WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The agreement allows unlimited capacities, frequencies and routes, as well as any type of aircraft whether owned or leased that are operated by designated airlines of both countries for passenger and cargo services.
The MoU was signed Wednesday by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Sulaiman Obaidat, head commissioner of the Jordanian Aviation regulation Authority.
Pakistan, China sign agreements worth $250 mn
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and China have signed a number of agreements worth about $250 million.
Pak-India tension reduced with positive developments in last 48 hours
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The Indo-Pak tension, which led to threats of possible war between the two adversaries, has reduced with positive developments within the last 48 hours, said an official here on Tuesday.
Federal Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in a policy statement, telecast live on televisions, cited contacts made by the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Chinese officials, and also the meeting between officials of the military of the two sides and of higher Pakistani officials with US authorities in Washington.
Bangladesh warns poll observers against taking sides
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh election authorities Monday warned poll observers of being blacklisted if they are found politically biased during the country's parliamentary voting, slated for Dec 29.
As many as 200,000 domestic and international observers are registered with the Election Commission to monitor the South Asian nation's first national elections in seven years, officials said.
More than 1,000 foreign observers are expected from the United Nations, European Union, Japan, the US, South Korea and India.
Voting ends in Afghan parliamentary elections
By DPA,
Kabul: Voting ended Saturday afternoon in Afghanistan's parliamentary election, the second in the country's recent history.
Yemeni University announces AIDS remedy
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Chairman of the Iman University Abdul Majeed al-Zindani has announced his university readiness to treat HIV-affected people.
The announcement was made at a press conference on the sidelines of the first international health conference that coincided with the sixth medical forum held recently in Yemen.
Al-Zindani said that after twenty years of search he and a medical team could produce a medication that will help cure the HIV- affected people.
He added the medication was produced under the supervision of the University of Abdul Aziz Bin Saud.
Official: 38 killed suicide attack on hotel in Pakistan’s capital
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Ministry has said that 38 persons including two foreigners have been killed in a suicide attack on a five-star hotel in the capital.
The ministry, in a statement issued Sunday, said that Saturday's suicide blast injured some 257 persons including 21 foreigners. The country has been put on red alert after the suicide blast, the statement said.
Pakistan mulls armed guards inside parliament
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government is considering to deploy armed security guards inside parliament for the first time in the wake of emerging threat of terrorism, an official said.
The parliament was facing grave security threats in the prevailing security situation; therefore the government was seriously considering the deployment of security guards inside the parliament, the Online news agency said quoting an unnamed parliament official Tuesday.
Pakistan, Britain to enhance defence ties
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Britain have agreed to increase cooperation in the defence sector and to consolidate the close relations between their navies.
The affirmation came during a meeting here Monday between visiting Royal Navy chief
Admiral Mark Stanhope and his Pakistani counterpart, Admiral Noman Bashir.
During the meeting, various aspects relating to further promotion of existing ties between the two navies came up for discussion, Online news agency reported.
U.S., Iraqi troops fight Shiite militants in S Baghdad, three killed
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : U.S. and Iraqi troops fought militants in a Shiite neighborhood on Tuesday, killing three people and wounding nine others, an Interior Ministry source said. The troops clashed in the morning with Mahdi Army militiamen who were armed with rocket-propelled grenades and machine-guns in the Abu Dsheer neighborhood which is a stronghold of follower sloyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The clashes resulted in the killing of three people and the wounding of nine others, the source said.
Suicide bombing at Pakistan army base injures three
By DPA
Islamabad : A suicide bomber attacked the entrance to a Pakistani army base camp Monday in the restive Swat valley in the northwest of the country, killing himself and injuring three soldiers, a military spokesman said.
The bomber blew himself up after being stopped at a security checkpoint in Kabal sub-district, site of the army's largest base camp in the Swat valley, around 11:30 a.m., said Major-General Waheed Arshad, the chief army spokesman.
"Three soldiers received minor injuries," he said.
Iranian trade team to visit Britain despite restrictions
By IANS,
London : An Iranian trade delegation will visit here next month to boost economic cooperation with their counterparts in Britain, IRNA reported.
Martin Johnston, director general of the London-based British-Iranian Chamber of Commerce, said the Iranian delegation will arrive here in the first week of February to hold trade talks.
Johnston said businesses between Iran and Britain grew in 2008 despite UN sanctions and other restrictions.
Ghei ends fifth, Muniyappa 15th at Selangor Masters
By IANS,
Petaling Jaya (Malaysia): Indian golfer Gaurav Ghei finished at tied fifth, his best of the season, at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters here Saturday.
It was Ghei's best finish of the season, and one that must have restored his confidence during a season during which he has been through a personal struggle.
Meanwhile, Gaganjeet Bhullar, the latest star of Indian golf, showed exactly why he is such a huge prospect as he fought his way up from tied 64th at the end of the third round to tied 32nd with a brilliant 67 on the final day.
Basiji students protest anti-Islam film
By IRNA
Tehran : Over 70 Basiji students of Tehran-based universities staged a rally in front of the Netherlands Embassy here to condemn the release of the blasphemous anti-Islamic film, 'Fitna', by a Dutch parliamentarian.
Chanting slogans such as 'Down with USA', 'Down with Israel' and 'Dutch Ambassador to Iran Should Be Expelled', the students protested the release of anti-Islam film.
Two released Japanese tourists depart Yemen
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Well-informed sources said that the two Japanese women tourists Keiko Mishima, 41, of Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and Shizuko Endo, 44, of Fukuoka, left Yemen on Friday morning a day after they were freed from their kidnappers in Marib province, 170 kilometers east of the capital, Sana'a.
The sources said to Saba, that Keiko Mishima and Shizuko Endo enjoy good health after they were kidnapped last Wednesday by gunmen in Marib.
France urges Europe to arm Kurds in Iraq
Paris: French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius Tuesday urged the European Union (EU) to arm Iraqi Kurds to fight Islamist militants who have overran country's...
Pakistan national leadership reiterates its resolve to eliminate terrorism
By NNN-Agencies,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira Friday said that Pakistani national leadership has reiterated the already existing consensus and commitment to eliminate terrorism and militancy from the country.
In a brief interaction with the mediamen after the conclusion of consultatory meeting of the political leadership which Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also attended, the Minister said that the national leadership strongly condemned the ongoing wave of terrorism in various parts of the country.
Qatar telecom operator finds place in Guinness Book
By IANS,
Dubai : Qatar's leading telecommunications provider Qtel finds a mention in the latest edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for auctioning off the world's most expensive mobile number.
Though the auction took place two years ago, it finds mention only in the 2009 edition, scheduled for release worldwide Thursday.
The number 666-6666 was auctioned for a record 10 million Qatari riyals ($2.75 million according to then exchange rates).
US pledges extra $25 mn for Pakistan flood victims
By DPA,
Islamabad : The US Thursday announced an additional $25 million in aid to help Pakistan deal with the worst floods in the country's 63-year existence.
The US, which sees Pakistan as a key ally in the fight against terrorism, has already provided $10 million for flood survivors.
It has also provided six helicopters to ferry relief items to four million people affected by the disaster, which has devastated millions of hectors of agricultural land, destroyed thousands of houses and killed more than 1,600 people.
Egypt’s Mubarak denies giving order to kill protestors
Cairo : Egypt's ousted president Hosni Mubarak told the Cairo Criminal Court Wednesday that he did not give orders to kill protestors during the...
Musharraf’s security enhanced after resignation
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan government will provide the best possible security to former president Pervez Musharraf, a senior official has said.
"We have received a request from the former president regarding security and we will provide him the best possible security according to the standard operating procedure," Dawn Wednesday quoted Rehman Malik, the adviser to the prime minister, as saying.
"The former president will be provided the kind of security he is demanding," Rehman added.
Haqqani network claims responsibility for Afghan suicide bombing blast
By Xinhua
Kabul : A leader of the Taliban-associated Haqqani network has claimed responsibility for the March 3 suicide bombing attack in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province which killed two NATO soldiers and two Afghan workers, the U.S.-led Coalition forces said Wednesday.
"Siraj Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani Network, took responsibility for the attack wounding dozens of Afghan civilians and promised more suicide bombings" in Khost province, it said in a statement.
Afghanistan Blast Kills one Soldier
By Prensa Latina,
London : One British soldier died and three others were wounded for a blast in Afghanistan, confirmed on Saturday the Defense Ministry.
According to the source, who evaded details, the four soldiers were members of the cavalry regiment in which Henry Prince was involved early in 2008, third in the line to the throne in this country.
The incident occurred last Friday night when the vehicle where they were traveling detonated a dynamite device during routine operations in Helmandsouthern province.
One Afghan was slightly hurt for the blast, added the Ministry.
UN Security Council calls for immediate ceasefire in Yemen
United Nations : The UN Security Council has called for full and immediate implementation of a newly agreed peace deal in Yemen to end...
Clashes in Anbar displace 300,000 Iraqis, says UN
By IINA,
New York : Violence in Iraq's Sunni-dominated Anbar province, where armed groups fully control one city and parts of another, has displaced up...
Musharraf meets Chinese Company Chairman
By SPA
Islamabad : China Mobile Communication Corporation Chairman Wang Jianzhou has met President Pervez Musharraf, said an official statement.
Musharraf said Pakistan and China enjoy a deep multi-faceted relationship that was being translated into deeper trade and economic relations.
The President welcomed Chinese company's investment in Pakistan and appreciated the development projects undergoing in the country with Chinese assistance.
Olmert vows not to resign despite bribery investigation
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday evening that he will continue to function as prime minister and will not step down despite ongoing bribery investigation against him.
Olmert made the remarks during a meeting with heads of southern Israeli communities and towns near the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, reported local daily Yedioth Ahronoth.
"There are those who believe that the launching of any investigation demands a resignation, but I don't adhere to this notion and I will not step down," Olmert was quoted as saying.
Syrian president highlights visit to France, need for peace
By KUNA,
Paris : Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad stressed in an interview here Tuesday the importance of his visit to France, set for July 12-14, which he said coincided with Paris' decision to break its old policy towards the Arab country and also came at a time when there were several positive regional developments.
50 injured in students’ clashes in Dhaka
By IANS,
Dhaka : Over 50 students of rival bodies were injured in a clash at a cultural function at a university campus, adding to the tension as Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary elections in December.
Leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir, student front of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest islamist party, Saturday attacked a cultural function of Udichi Shilpi Goshthi on the Jagannath University campus.
Pakistan government says elections will proceed despite bombing
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister said Sunday that crucial forthcoming elections remains on track despite another suicide bombing that killed at least 20 people at a campaign rally the previous evening, reported dpa.
With just more than a week before parliamentary polls on February 18, which are meant to usher in the return of civilian government after eight years of military rule, the country is bracing for more violence as political parties push ahead with final rallies.
Avoid civilian casualties in Libya: OIC
By IANS/WAM,
Jeddah: The 57-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Wednesday urged the parties involved in the Libyan crisis to take steps to avoid civilian casualties.
Accidental explosions kill 6 in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul, Afghanistan : Three accidental explosions in the Afghan capital have left six people dead and more than 20 wounded, including some counter narcotics police, Officials said Monday.
A policeman dropped a rocket-propelled grenade that exploded as his unit set off from Kabul on Monday on an opium poppy eradication mission north of the city, said Interior Ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary.
One policeman was killed and at least eight were wounded, said Dr. Ahmad Zia Aftali, chief of the hospital where the injured were taken for treatment.
UK retailers selling garments made by exploited Bangladeshis
By IANS,
London : A British charity says the country's top retailers are selling clothes produced under inhuman conditions in Bangladesh and has called for a government legislation “to stop British companies profiting from abuse”.
The charity, War on Want, has said in its latest report that workers in Bangladeshi factories are paid seven pence for an hour's work, forced to labour for 80 hours a week and on top of it, there are reports of physical and verbal abuse.
10 French soldiers killed near Afghan capital
By DPA,
Kabul : Ten NATO-led French soldiers were killed Tuesday morning in a clash with Taliban militants east of Kabul, officials said.
Taliban militants attacked the French soldiers' convoy in Saroubi district, some 50 km east of the capital Kabul, an army source who declined to be named told DPA.
He said more than a dozen other soldiers were also wounded.
A spokeswoman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) did not confirm the death toll but said its soldiers were involved in a combat outside of Kabul city.
FM: Iran works for dialogue among Lebanese parties
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Monday said Iran keeps constant contacts with all Lebanese parties and works for dialogue among Lebanese parties.
Mottaki made the remarks in a press conference here, adding that "our aim is not to interfere among Lebanese groups or in Lebanese affairs."
He hailed Doha dialogue, saying "the first fruit of Doha dialogue was the election of Gen. Suleiman as president."
Car bomb attack kills four in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Four people were killed and 17 others injured in a car bomb attack at a busy market place in western Iraq Sunday, the police said.
The incident took place in Haditha town in Iraq's western Anbar province, some 220 km northwest of Baghdad, an official said requesting anonymity.
The attack came two days after a series of bombings at Shia mosques in Baghdad in which 30 people were killed and over 100 others injured.
Yemeni rebels release 178 soldiers captured during fighting
By DPA,
Sana'a (Yemen) : A Shia rebel group that has fought the national army in northern Yemen for more than five years released 178 captured soldiers Tuesday, a ceasefire monitoring committee said.
"The Houthis released 178 military men today," a source in the government committee monitoring a ceasefire with the rebels told DPA.
The freed soldiers were handed over to government representatives in the northwestern province of Saada, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Two Palestinians killed, 50 wounded as Israeli offensive enters 16th day
By KUNA,
Gaza : Two Palestinians were killed late Saturday night and early Sunday morning and some 50 others were reported wounded as Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip entered their 16th day.
Palestinian medical sources said Hanan Al-Najjar, 41, and an unidentified man were killed when Israeli places bombed the vicinity of a school in Khazaal town, setting it and a number of nearby houses on fire.
Some 50 people suffered from burns and were hit with shrapnel, and Palestinian ambulances and fire engines were fired at by Israeli troops, preventing them from reaching the scene of fire.
Three Yemen policemen killed in militant attack
Sanaa: At least three policemen were killed and one wounded when suspected Al Qaeda militants attacked a security checkpoint in Yemen's southern province of...
Pakistan brings home 136 students from Kyrgyzstan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Pakistani military aircraft Tuesday brought the first group of 136 students from violence-hit Kyrgyzstan home, a Pakistan minister said, adding that another plane had left to bring the others still stranded.
Information Minister Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira, who received the students at a military airbase in Rawalpindi, said the government will take all measures to bring all students from southern city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan where ethnic violence has claimed over 100 lives, Xinhua reported.
GCC Water Resources Committee convenes meeting in Riyadh
By SPA,
Riyadh : The Ninth meeting for the Water Resources Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be held here tomorrow.
The participants of the two-day meeting are scheduled to review a number of topics including preparation of a book on water in the GCC member states as well as a law pertaining to the preservation of the water resources and other related topics.
Kashmiri artists and ghazal lovers mourn Mehdi Hassan
By IANS,
Srinagar : As the news of Mehdi Hassan's death spread in Kashmir Wednesday, a pall of gloom descended on the artistic fraternity and ghazal lovers here.
Pakistan says committed to fight terrorism after Lakhvi’s release
Islamabad : Pakistan said on Friday that it would be improper to doubt its commitment to countering terrorism after India vehemently protested the release...
Toll in Libya clashes rises to 75
Tripoli : Nine more people were killed in violent clashes in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi between the renegade general Khalifa Hafter's forces...
US to slow Europe missile plan if Russia reviews Iran policy
By IANS,
Tehran : Washington has indicated that it is willing to slow plans to deploy a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe if Moscow agreed to join the West to pressure Iran to stop its nuclear programme, a media report said.
Senior Russian officials have insisted that contrary to US claims there is no evidence that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons programme. As a signatory to the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), Iran is legally allowed to master nuclear technology to produce electricity, MehrNews quoted a media report as saying.
No cash incentives in Dhaka’s economic bailout
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith has said the government would prefer giving subsidies instead of cash incentives as demanded by various sectors hit by global recession.
It would be unrealistic to offer cash incentives as bailout packages to exporters at this moment since the government has limited resources, he said Saturday.
Dhaka would seek more financial aid from multilateral donor agencies to tackle the downturn.
Hasina tells doctors she is innocent
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina underwent a medical check-up and told doctors she was innocent of corruption charges before she was sent back to jail, media reports said Friday.
This was her first medical check-up since she was detained on July 16 last year.
One of the doctors told The Daily Star newspaper that she spoke of being charged with false accusations in a bid to destroy her politically and exclude her from the next parliamentary polls.
US urges Turkey to limit operations in northern Iraq
By Xinhua
Washington : The US Friday urged Turkey to limit its operations in northern Iraq to precise targeting of the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
"We were notified and we urged the Turkish government to limit their operations to precise targeting of the PKK, to limit the scope and duration of their operations," White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said.
"We urged them to work directly also with the Iraqis, including Kurdish government officials, in determining how best to address the threat of the PKK," Stanzel said.
Jeddah energy meeting calls for greater transparency in oil market deals
By Xinhua,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia : An energy meeting focusing on rocketing oil prices concluded Sunday in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city of Jeddah, with a statement calling for "improved" transparency and regulation in oil production and financial markets dealing in crude oil.
The meeting, which came at a time when global oil prices hit a record near 140 U.S. dollars per barrel, got together the world's major oil producers and consumers, as well as leaders from big oil firms and international organizations.
Alarming rate of divorce among non-Malays in Malaysia
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The divorce rate among non-Malays increased from two percent to eight percent in the first five years since 2000 and was expected to reach 13 percent this year, said an official of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC)'s women's wing.
Wanita MIC chief P. Komala Devi said there was also an increase in the number of teenaged runaway brides, premarital pregnancies and young single mothers.
She said that these groups of people needed help, noting that most of them came from poor backgrounds.
Zardari elected Pakistan president
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari was Saturday elected the country's 13th president, defeating his two rivals from the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) factions with a big majority.
UN official kidnapped in Pakistan, driver killed
By KUNA,
ISLAMABAD : A UN official was kidnapped and his driveer was killed by unknown militants in the Southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan on Monday, said officials -- John Silva, the provincial chairman of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), was attacked in Chamman Housing Scheme area of Quetta, the provincial capital, as he neared his office.
Official sources told KUNA that at least six militants, two riding a motorbike and four in a car, opened fire at a UN vehicle, carrying the UNHCR's provincial chief.
Erdogan: Israeli aggression on Gaza “humanitarian crisis”
By KUNA,
Riyadh : The Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip is a "humanitarian crisis" and its continuation will bring more feeling of sorrow in the region, said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan here on Saturday.
Erdogan told the press before leaving Saudi Arabia that the world could not stand still and not react to what was occurring in the Gaza Strip.
Using brutal force against the innocent was unacceptable and the international community should do something about the situation, he said.
Iraq to file lawsuits over UN oil-for-food program
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government said Sunday that it would file lawsuits in U.S. courts against companies and individuals who benefited illegally from the UN oil-for-food program.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement posted on the government website that "the Iraqi government has decided to file lawsuits in U.S. courts against a group of companies and individuals that conspired to corrupt the United Nations oil-for-food program."
Westerwelle warns of worsening Afghan security situation
By IRNA,
Berlin : German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Wednesday warned of a further deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.
Talking to the press in Berlin, Westerwelle said, "We know that the harvest season is coming to an end (in Afghanistan). We know this could mean further tensions and a threat to the security situation."
The minister reiterated that his "serious view of the security situation" in Afghanistan had remained unchanged.
Turkish planes hit Kurdish targets in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkish jets have struck several targets of the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the Turkish army said Sunday.
Sources in the army said it carried out several operations Saturday and Sunday, targeting the PKK along the Turkish-Iraqi border. Operations against the PKK were also carried out inside Turkey, in the border area with Iraq.
The Turkish military has periodically bombed and shelled suspected PKK positions in Turkish-Iraqi border area in the past few months. In February, it also launched an eight-day ground incursion into Iraq.
200 killed in fresh Nigeria attack
Abuja: At least 200 people were killed in a fresh attack by insurgents in a border town of Nigeria, an official said.
Dressed in military...
Hamas ministry to censor Internet sites in Gaza
By DPA,
Gaza : The telecommunications ministry of the Hamas-run government in Gaza Strip will start blocking websites deemed unfit according to Islamic rules, an official said Sunday.
This was made possible after a deal was struck with the Palestinian telecommunications company, said Ihab al-Hussain, a
spokesman for the interior ministry in Gaza, adding that the plan went into effect last week.
It is not yet known which sites have been blocked.
Iraqi PM to file complaint against president
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Sunday that he will file a legal complaint against newly-elected President Fuad Masum for violating the...
Power outages affecting health in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : More and more people are suffering from psychological disorders in Rawalpindi due to chronic power outages, with electricity cut up to 16 hours a day.
Aussie experts may be sent to Pakistan to slow flow of insurgents to Afghanistan
By NNN-Bernama,
Melburne : Australian counter-terrorism experts may soon be sent to Pakistan to slow the spread of Islamic extremism and stem the flow of insurgents into Afghanistan, media reports here say.
Building on a counter-terrorism memorandum signed between Australia and Pakistan in 2005, the programme would be similar to existing policies developed between Australia and some Asia-Pacific countries and reflect the deepening relationship between the two governments, Fairfax newspapers say.
Two policemen killed in Karachi blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least two policemen were killed and eight people injured Wednesday in a blast that rocked a restaurant in Pakistan's port city of Karachi, media reports said.
At least 12 killed, one injured in Iraqi violence
By DPA
Baghdad : At least 12 people were killed, including civilians, and one wounded in separate attacks across Iraq, media reports said.
In Baquba, some 60 km north of Baghdad, four members of the same family were shot and killed by militants while on their way home, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said.
Interpol’s Bangladesh unit asks India to arrest ex-minister
By Raymond Kharmujai,
Shillong : Interpol's Dhaka unit has asked its Indian counterpart to arrest Salahuddin Ahmed, a former Bangladesh minister and joint secretary general...
Israel urges Lebanese to turn against Hezbollah in cellphone voice messages
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Israel sent voice messages to Lebanese mobile users in southern Lebanon and the capital Beirut, urging them to turn against Hezbollah, local Voice of Lebanon reported Thursday.
The messages vowed Israeli retaliation against any possible attack, and urged Lebanese to prevent Hezbollah from "establishing a state within a state".
The radio station said it received complains from Lebanese residents who received these messages.
Dhaka moves against errant ruling party cadres
By IANS,
Dhaka: Authorities in Bangladesh have launched a crackdown against errant cadres of the ruling Awami League who use political patronage and muscle power to get things done.
The home ministry has asked police to act strictly to curb crimes by activists or face disciplinary measures. On the radar in particular is the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the ruling party's student wing.
The instruction follows directions from the Prime Minister's Office to contain unruly BCL activists, The Daily Star reported Saturday.
Pakistan arrests five for Lahore blast
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Five people suspected of involvement in the twin bomb blasts in the eastern city of Lahore in March were arrested by the Pakistani security forces in separate raids, Geo TV reported Friday.
A team of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raided hideouts in Lahore and Gujaranwala in the Punjab province and arrested five terrorists, the report said.
However, another terrorist identified as Hamza, was still at large, it said.
OANA President condemns the killing of journalist in Gaza
By NNN-ANTARA,
Jakarta : The Organization of Asia Pacific News Agencies (OANA) has condemned the killing of Palestinian cameraman Fadal Shana who worked for Reuters news agency, as a result of an indiscriminate attack by Israeli forces in Gaza.
"Israeli forces have targeted vehicles and journalists who were clearly identified as such, with "Press" or "TV" markings. Fadal Shana was killed while filming Israeli tanks in central Gaza," said OANA President Dr. Ahmad Mukhlis Yusuf in a statement posted in OANA website (www.oananews.org), Sunday.
Lebanon is, will remain strong with will of PPL – Suleiman
By NNN-KUNA,
Kuwait : Lebanon is strong and will remain so with the will of its people, said Lebanese Army Commander and presidential nominee General Michel Suleiman on Thursday.
Speaking to "Al-Qabas" newspaper, he said, "We have survived difficult phases and blows, but every time, the Lebanese people proved that they can overcome their wounds and pain with the support of their Arab brothers and friends around the world."
EU imposes new sanctions on 180 Iranian firms
By IANS/AKI,
Brussels : The European Union's "growing fear" regarding Iran's nuclear programme Thursday prompted the 27-member bloc to slap fresh sanctions on 180 Iranian companies.
Afghanistan hails Obama’s decision on troops pullout
Kabul: Afghan government Wednesday welcomed US president's plan to keep about 9,800 troops after 2014 in Afghanistan but virtually withdrawing all by the end...
Syrian opposition to visit Moscow
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Envoys of Syria's opposition will visit Moscow for talks April 17-18, the Russian foreign ministry said.
Nine killed in Pakistan blast
Islamabad: At least nine people including three security personnel were killed Saturday in two separate incidents in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
Spokesman Frontier Corps, Khan Wasey...
JuD says will continue to operate in Pakistan
Islamabad:The Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) Thursday said it would continue its "charity work" across Pakistan, in its official response to the ban imposed by the...
Pakistan president-elect Zardari guided by lucky stars
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's president-elect Asif Ali Zardari has bowed to warning by astrologers and put off his oath taking to Tuesday from Sunday after his convincing win in the presidential polls.
"Sep 6 to 8 are unfavourable dates for oath taking," newspapers flashed the prediction by astrologer A.S. Chaudhry in Islamic Pakistan where otherwise predictions are not given much weight.
A leader from Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said the party has set Tuesday for the oath-taking ceremony.
Is Zardari on the way out?
By IANS,
Islamabad : Is Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on the way out in the wake of the government's capitulation on the lawyers' demand for reinstating the Supreme Court and high court judges who were sacked in 2007?
Even if he stays, one thing is for sure: his reputation is in tatters and many of his powers could be taken away from the presidency and restored to the prime minister's office.
Suicide car bomber wounds 10 in northern Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : A suicide car bomb Tuesday hit a police patrol in the city of Mosul, the capital city of Nineveh province, wounding five policemen and five civilians, a provincial police source said.
The suicide bomber struck the patrol at the Mosul al-Jadida neighborhood, or New Mosul, in southern part of the city before midday, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The suicide bombing also destroyed a police vehicle and three nearby civilian cars, the source said.
2,000 banana plants hacked in Bangladesh village
By IANS,
Dhaka : Nearly 2,000 banana plants were felled in a Bangladeshi village.
The incident occurred Tuesday night at Bhotarpara village, the Daily Star reported Friday.
Report: Turkish police arrest 21 al-Qaida suspects in Istanbul
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Some 21 suspected members of al-Qaida were arrested in a large operation in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Friday, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The detainees had all received military training in Afghanistan and prepared for terrorist attacks in Turkey, according to the report.
Al-Qaida-linked Turkish militants carried out a series of suicide bombings in Istanbul in November 2003, targeting British and Jewish interests in the city and killing some 60 people.
Bangladesh court issues arrest warrants for 28 opposition members
Dhaka: A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants for 28 opposition activists in Bangladesh, including a top leader, in a case filed in connection...
Ancient Persian cairn wall found in Iran
By IANS,
Tehran : A cairn wall belonging to the Parthian Empire (247 BC - 224 AD) in ancient Persia was discovered in northern Iran.
Cuba Reaffirms Solidarity with Saharan People
By Prensa Latina
Havana : Cuba expressed solidarity with the struggle of the people of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) for their right to self-determination and independence, the newspaper Granma reported on Saturday.
During the recently-held 12th National Congress of the POLISARIO Front, Cuba expressed its solidarity with the people of that North African country.
Sanaa University to host Saudi-Yemeni Medical Conference
By SPA
Sanaa : Sanaa University will host by the end of April the Third Saudi-Yemeni Conference on the Diseases of Immunity and Allergy.
The participants of the Conference are scheduled to review the scientific and technological development in diagnosing and treating immunity deficiencies as well as issues pertaining to chest, kidney, and immunity organ diseases.
Dividing Jerusalem
By Uzi Benziman, CGNews,
On June 9, 1967, two days after Israel Defence Forces (IDF) troops reached the Western Wall, Anwar al-Khatib, the Jordanian official responsible for administering the Jerusalem district, was whisked away to the Ambassador Hotel in the eastern part of the city for a meeting with IDF General (res.) Chaim Herzog, who only minutes earlier had been appointed the military governor of the West Bank.
Iraqi cabinet gives green light to oil ministry to sign oil deals
By SPA
Baghdad : Iraq's cabinet has given the green light to the Oil Ministry to sign agreements with international oil companies to help increase the nation's crude output, ap quoted a ministry official as saying Wednesday.
The two-year deals, known as technical support agreements, or TSAs, are designed to develop five producing fields to add 500,000 barrels per day to the country's current 2.4
million barrels per day output.
IAEA probes Arab complaint about Israel weapons
By DPA,
Vienna : Arabic states have filed charges with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the weapons Israel used in its recent offensive in the Gaza Strip contained partially-enriched uranium, an official said Tuesday evening.
A letter containing the complaint was received by the IAEA Monday, an official of the UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna said.
The complaint letter was delivered to IAEA director Mohamed ElBaradei by the Saudi Arabian ambassador. Partially enriched uranium is often used in munitions because it is especially hard.
Up to 61 killed by heavy snow in Afghanistan
KABUL, January 11 (RIA Novosti) - Heavy snow has claimed up to 61 lives in Afghanistan covering some regions of the country with over two meters of snow, national TV channels said on Friday.
Five days of incessant snow have cut off thousands of people living in isolated communities. People have also been killed in the mountainous country in avalanches and road accidents.
Late on Tuesday the country health officials called on health workers to remain on a state of alert, with 30,000 already sent to various Afghan provinces.
Talabani: Turkish PM to visit Iraq soon
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a visit to Iraq soon to enhance bilateral ties.
During a meeting in his office with heads of Iraqi media organizations on Thursday, Talabani reviewed security, economic and political issues in Iraq in addition to his country's relations with neighboring countries, Talabani's office said in a statement obtained by Xinhua on Friday.
Roadside bombing kills 10 civilians in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Ten civilians were killed when the mini bus they took hit a roadside mine on a highway north of the Kandahar city, capital of southern Afghan province of Kandahar, on Saturday, said an Afghan official.
Matiwullah Khan, the provincial police chief, told Xinhua that it occurred at around 1 p.m. (0830 GMT) when the civilian mini bus running on the Kandahar-Uruzgan highway north of Kandahar city hit roadside mine, killing 10 passengers and wounding four others on board.
Iran to upgrade missile production unit
By Xinhua,
Tehran : A senior Iranian military officer has said the government is set to upgrade its missile production division in an effort to boost the Islamic country's defence capabilities.
Brigadier General Mehdi Farahi, head of the aerospace organization (AO) in the defence ministry, was quoted as saying that "the reforms are intended to promote efficiency and help fulfil the requirements of the country's armed forces," Press TV channel reported.
Cop hurt as bomb in manhole explodes in Peshawar
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Pakistani police officer was injured in Peshawar city Friday when a bomb hidden beneath a manhole cover exploded as soon as his vehicle by, a media report said.
Three killed in firing near Pakistan-Afghanistan border
Islamabad : Three people, including two women, of the same family were killed on Thursday in firing near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Sources said unidentified gunmen...
UAE to host debt management conference
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The UAE finance ministry will host an international debt management conference in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, the organisers said.
Israel postpones vote on controversial nation bill
Jerusalem : Israeli politicians decided Monday to postpone by one week a planned vote on a controversial bill due to political quarrels that could...
Key Taliban commander, over 20 militants killed in Afghanistan
Kabul: Over 20 Taliban militants, including a key commander Mullah Nurullah, were killed in clashes with security forces in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Wednesday,...
World leaders praise UAE for helping Libyans
By IANS/WAM,
Paris : The United Arab Emirtaes along with Qatar and Jordan have been lauded by world leaders for their participation in the international coalition for protection of Libyan people.
Ghani accepts audit in Afghan presidential election
Kabul : Ashraf Ghani, one of the two contenders disputing the Afghan presidential election, Friday accepted an audit of 43 percent of the votes...
China’s crackdown continues on Xinjiang Muslims; bans fasting in Ramadan
By A. Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Battling the continued terrorist acts in the country purported from Uighur Muslims, China has adopted a controversial move of banning millions of Muslims from compulsory fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is obligatory on every Muslim to observe for the whole month in the day time (from sun rise to sun set).
Nine killed in Afghanistan clash
Kabul: A clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants claimed the lives of nine people, including those of six insurgents, in the northern...
Israel bombs southern Gaza
By IRNA,
Gaza City : Israeli warplanes bombed southern Gaza Strip early Monday.
Palestinian officials said the warplanes hit a Hamas security compound in Khan Yunis that had already been struck three times.
IRNA reporter in Gaza City said that there is no report available on possible casualties in the air raids.
Egyptian president condemns anti-Islam film
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi Friday condemned the controversial US film that has stoked protests across the Middle East, saying it was an "aggression" on Islam.
Russia delivers third fuel shipment to Iran’s nuclear plant
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Russia delivered on Friday the third fuel shipment to the Bushehr nuclear power plant it is building in southern Iran, the country's official news agency said, citing officials.
IRNA quoted the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran as saying that 11 metric tons of low-enriched uranium had been delivered to the plant, which has been the focus of international attention over fears Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
Israel favours joint R&D ventures with China
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israeli cabinet has moved to strengthen bilateral trade ties with China by voting to support joint industrial research and development projects between the two countries.
Arab League urged to act on Darfur
By IRNA
London : A coalition of over 20 Muslim groups Friday urged the Arab League, meeting in Damascus, to do more to address the killings in Darfur.
"Arab nations must take a stand to prove their claim that they are not taking 'ethnic sides' in the violence in Darfur," said head of research at the London based Islamic Human Rights Commission Arzu Merali.
"The voice of Arab populations that have deplored the 200,000 deaths of Darfurians needs to be heard by their governments and acted upon," Merali said.
Commander: Iran’s naval forces ready to protect Gulf
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Commander of Iran's Navy Forces Habibollah Sattari said Wednesday that Iran's naval forces are fully ready to protect the entire Gulf, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Sattari told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to a naval base in Sirjan, a city in southern province of Kerman.
The forces will defend the territory of the country as well as the sea borders powerfully, the report quoted Sattari as saying.
He also said the country's naval forces are controlling and closely watching all movements in the region now.
UNHCR to mark World Refugee Day all over globe
By IRNA,
Tehran : The UN refugee agency, in its 60th year, will mark World Refugee Day, June 20, with a rich and varied program of events all over the world.