Conservatives win second round of elections in Iran
By DPA,
Tehran : The conservatives have won the second round of Iranian parliamentary elections and expanded their absolute majority in the legislative body, state media reported Saturday.
Due to low voter turnout of around 25 percent, in the capital Tehran reportedly even less, the results for the remaining 82 of the total 290 seats were announced sooner than expected.
The conservatives had secured 60 percent in the first round of elections held March 14 and expanded their domination after the second round by at least a further five percent.
Tipaimukh dam, trade to top Delhi-Dhaka talks
By IANS,
Dhaka : A "congenial ambience" between Bangladesh and India would be of help when issues like Tipaimukh dam, trade and transit are taken up during the visit of Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to New Delhi in the coming week.
Political and diplomatic observers see a congenial ambience in place with an Awami League government in Dhaka and a Congress-led government in Delhi. Their historical ties could help smoothen the edges on contentious issues, The Daily Star said Sunday.
UN to impose new sanctions against Iran: US
By Xinhua,
Washington : The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are considering new sanctions against Iran after the Islamic republic failed to give a positive response to suspend its controversial nuclear programme, the US State Department said Monday.
"We are disappointed that we have not yet received a response from Iran," State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos told reporters.
"We agreed in the absence of a clear, positive response from Iran (that) we have no choice but to pursue further measures against Iran."
Egyptians, Hamas seek respite between Israel, Palestinian factions
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Sulaiman discussed on Tuesday with the visiting delegation from Hamas Movement the Israeli response to Egypt's earlier ideas on effectuating a period of calm between Israel and Palestinian factions.
Israel had affirmed its readiness to implement Egypt's ideas if Palestinian factions signed on to them.
Islamic countries supports Iran’s bid for UN Security Council membership
By IRNA,
Vienna : Islamic Countries Inter-Parliamentary Union (ICIPU) in a meeting Monday in Geneva on the sidelines of IPU Conference in its closing communique voiced support for Iran's bid for UN Security Council membership.
The ICIPU members had earlier in the day unanimously supported the idea of Iran's membership at the UNSC at the meeting and the strong support of the Islamic countries was reflected in the ICIPU communique as an official record.
The United Nations Security Council would on Friday, October 17th, chooses its five temporary members for a two-year period.
UNDP Bangladesh director quits following staff resentment
By IANS
Dhaka : Manoj Basnyat, the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) country director to Bangladesh, has quit before the end of his tenure due to a vote of no-confidence from his staff after many of them were laid off.
"His departure comes hot on the heels of a vote of no confidence in him by his staff in a recent survey and several unofficial government complaints about his interference in development projects," The Daily Star newspaper said Friday.
UN Sec-Gen urges Lebanon, Israel to seize opportunity for permanent ceasefire
By NNN-KUNA,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that Lebanon and Israel have an opportunity in the coming months to move away from confrontation by making further progress in the implementation of ceasefire resolution 1701 which put an end to the 2006 summer war.
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.
NATO Kills Two Afghan Kids in Kandahar
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : A NATO military report states that soldiers of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) killed two Afghan kids and seriously injured one adult when attacking the civil vehicle where they were traveling in the southern province of Kandahar.
According to the version of events, the troops were patrolling and fired at a vehicle of civilians approaching the ISAF checkpoint under NATO and US command.
The NATO force "deeply regrets the results of this event that will be fully investigated", states the military report.
Execution of heroin smugglers
By SPA,
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia : Firas Faisal Al-Aghbar (Syrian) and Firas Hussein Maktabi (Syrian) were executed in Tabuk city in Tabuk region today after being convicted of receiving heroin pills, said a statement released by the interior ministry.
The culprits were convicted by the court, and the verdict was approved by the cassation court and the supreme judicial council.
The statement confirmed the determination of the Saudi government on ensuring law and order and severely punishing the criminals.
Arab League has to sholder responsibility towards Gaza strip siege – Assad
By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : President Bashar al-Assad has held discussions with the Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa on the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories and Iraq.
Al-Assad and Moussa also discussed the next meeting of the Arab Ministerial Council on the level of foreign ministers scheduled for late November.
The president expressed Syria's deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli siege and practices.
PML-N ministers resign from Pakistan cabinet
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : A day after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif announced his party's withdrawal from the cabinet, nine federal ministers of the party Tuesday submitted their resignations over disagreement on the issue of sacked judges.
The resignations come six weeks after the PML-N joined the coalition government led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The ministers took oath of office March 31.
Blair optimistic on Gaza ceasefire
By DPA,
Cairo : Former British prime minister and Middle East special envoy Tony Blair Monday said "elements were in place" for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking after a meeting with Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak in Cairo, Blair stressed that any agreement must be predicated on an end to weapons smuggling into Gaza and an end to the blockade of the territory.
Coming food crisis will test Arab governments’ ability
By WAM,
Dubai : It is in the immediate interest of the Middle East that food prices be controlled so the crisis can be resolved before it?s too late, a UAE paper editorialised Monday, saying that increasing protests will test Arab governments' ability to reconcile.
''So the growing food price worry catapults into a global demon threatening, if not stopped, to present mankind with a show of that rare historic moment when people's most basic concerns ? food, hunger, survival ? trigger enough unrest to alter the course of history,''according to Khaleej Times.
Five Al Qaeda terrorists escape from Yemen jail
By IANS,
Sana'a : At least five terrorists of the Al Qaeda have escaped from a prison in Yemen, the country's official news agency Saba reported.
Australian teenager in Syria denies terror links
Sydney: An Australian teenager feared to have joined a terrorist organisation in Syria has written on Facebook that he is doing humanitarian work there.
Oliver...
NATO trucks caused Rs.100 bn damage to roads: Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Heavy NATO containers, trundling through Pakistan to Afghanistan, caused Rs.100 billion worth of damage to the country's roads, said a minister.
Iranian president to visit Turkey to improve strained ties
Ankara : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is expected to pay his first visit to Turkey Monday in a bid to improve bilateral ties between...
Bangladesh to solve problems through discussion: Hasina tells Modi
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday called up Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his party's...
Pakistan steps up offensive against Taliban in Buner
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces Wednesday stepped up the offensive against the Taliban fighters in the restive North West Frontier Province's Buner district with helicopters being used to reach mountainous areas.
"Security forces' troops dropped down by helicopters on mountains as operation continued in Buner and remote areas," the News International reported.
Security forces, backed by artillery, gunship choppers and jet fighters, are targeting the militants in Buner.
Pakistani military Wednesday took control of a key town in Buner district, a media report said.
New provinces vital for Pakistan’s existence: MQM chief
Islamabad : Leader of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party Altaf Hussain Wednesday pressed for creation of new provinces in the country and warned...
Damascus slams Turkey’s authorisation of military action in Syria
Damascus: Syria attacked the Turkish government's latest decision to authorise potential military action in Syria, terming it an act of violent aggression against it.
In...
Hasina argues with judge, falls sick in court
By IANS,
Dhaka : Ailing former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina got into a row with the judge during hearings in a corruption case and then complained of severe headaches and pain in her ear.
She accused judge Firoze Alam of being "impatient" when it came to hearing the defence lawyers in a graft case in which she is an accused.
"I am going blind. I can't see with my left eye and can't hear in my left ear. I'm suffering from an unbearable pain in my injured ear and from terrible headaches resulting from that pain," Hasina, 61, was quoted as saying in The Daily star Wednesday.
Iranian researcher receives Japanese cultural badge
By IRNA,
Tokyo : An Iranian economist and researcher on Japan won a Japanese cultural badge for the first time in the country's history.
The Japanese government has awarded Mohammad Naqizadeh in recognition of his concerted efforts in the field of promoting research on Japan.
The official ceremony of granting the badge to Naqizadeh will be held in Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 7.
During the event, the Japanese Emperor will also present the awards of three Japanese scientists who have grabbed Noble Prizes in chemistry and physics.
Pakistan: Benazir’s mission comlpeted, democracy restored in country, says President
By NNN-APP,
Nawabshah, Pakistan : President Asif Ali Zardari said that democracy has been completely restored in the country and we have completed the mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
He was talking to PPP members of National and Provincial assemblies and party office bearers at VIP Lounge of Nawabshah Airport on Friday.
President Zardari said PPP does not believe in the politics of revenge with opponents and that is the reason why PPP tried to bring political forces of the country on one platform.
Islamabad banks on domestic borrowing for budget deficit
By IANS,
Islamabad : Islamabad is banking on domestic borrowing to finance an over Rs.1 trillion budget deficit, an official said.
Malaysian woman allowed to revert to Buddhism
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : In a landmark decision, a Malaysian court Thursday allowed a Chinese woman who had converted to Islam to revert to Buddhism.
In what is being described as a first for Malaysia, Judge Othman Ibrahim of a Penang Shariat court, that deals with cases under Islamic jurisprudence, ruled that he had no choice but to declare that Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah was "no longer a Muslim as she had never practised the teachings of Islam".
Arab League seeks compromises in Sudan-ICC crisis
By DPA,
Cairo : In an effort to avoid possible prosecution of the Sudanese president on genocide charges, an Arab League committee formed during an emergency meeting Saturday is trying to draw up a conciliatory statement to solve the crisis between Sudan and the International Criminal Court (ICC), diplomatic sources said.
The cirsis erupted when ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court Monday to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on suspicion of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Bangladeshi court indicts 65 in violence case
Dhaka : A Bangladeshi court is all set to start trial of 65 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir in a...
Pakistan: govt to stand undeterred against terrorism, says Minister Sherry
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman Thursday reiterated the firm resolve of the government to stand undeterred against terrorism.
“The government and the people of Pakistan cannot be terrorized from blasts. Nobody would be allowed to challenge democracy and solidarity of the country,” she said while condemning the unfortunate incident of blast at Islamabad Police Line.
Syrian opposition meets in Kazakhstan for peace talks
Astana : A majority of Syrian opposition negotiators meeting this week behind closed doors in this Kazakhstan' capital have signed a joint document calling...
Jordan’s Foreign Minister meets US Secretary of State in Washington
By NNN-Petra,
Washington : Jordan's Foreign Minister Salaheddin Al-Bashir has held discussions here with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the current developments in the Middle East, particularly with regard to efforts exerted to push the peace process forward.
At least 17 Taliban rebels killed in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan National Army (ANA) and police forces launched a joint operation Friday targeting Taliban rebels in southern Afghan province of Eland killing at least 17 rebels, said an official on Saturday.
Mohammad Hussein Andiwal, the provincial police chief told Xinhua that the clean-up operation was launched early Friday morning in Nad Ali district of Helmand where the joint forces engaged with a group of Taliban militants and killed at least 17 of them.
"Fire fight last for around three hours during which only one ANA soldier got injured," Andiwal said.
Pakistan was not informed about attacks — FM
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Thursday that it was not forewarned of Wednesday's airstrike in the bordering tribal region that, according to Pentagon, killed at least six people, including foreign militants, and wounded seven others.
Federal Foreign Minister Shah Mehmoud Qureshi, addressing a press conference here, said that Islamabad was not forewarned about Wednesday's US airstrike inside Pakistani territory.
He said that countries much respect each other's sovereignty, adding that cross-border incursions will be unproductive and will not help improve the situation.
Arab, South American foreign ministers conclude two-day meeting
By NNN-KUNA
Buenos Aires : The Arab foreign ministers and their South American counterparts concluded their two-day meeting here to prepare for the upcoming summit scheduled to be held in Qatar later this year.
The foreign ministers agreed that the next Arab-South American summit, the second since the 2005 Brazil summit, be held in Qatar in the fourth quarter of the year at a date to be proposed later.
Pakistan has yet to take effective action: India
By IANS,
New Delhi : Days after India presented a fresh dossier on the alleged involvement of Hafiz Saeed in the Mumbai attacks, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Monday asked Islamabad to honour its anti-terror pledge and take "effective steps" to dismantle the "infrastructure of terrorism" on its soil.
Mumbai attacks prove terrorism is today’s greatest challenge: Israel
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Tzipi Livni condemned Thursday the terrorist attacks across Mumbai, saying they underscored once again that terrorism is the "greatest challenge" the world faces today.
"There is nothing which justifies the unforgivable murder of innocent civilians and as such the international community must work together in the ongoing war against this despicable and evil phenomenon," she said in a statement by her office.
Pakistan verdict a vote for change, democracy: US senators
By IANS
New Delhi : The US sees the poll verdict in Pakistan as "a vote for change and a vote against religious parties" and is ready to engage with new leaders, said a team of American senators who flew in here after observing elections in that country.
They also supported an increase in economic assistance to Pakistan to deal with the dangers of extremism and religious radicalism and made a pitch for recasting the US policy on Pakistan based on issues and not personalities.
Libyan PM rejects talks with armed Islamist group
Tripoli : Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni has ruled out any negotiations with the Libya Dawn Islamist armed alliance, saying the government will launch...
Indian workers stranded in Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
Dubai : Ninety Indian workers have been stranded in Saudi Arabia after their Saudi sponsor flouted the terms of the contract they had signed in India.
The workers each paid around Rs.100,000 ($2,300) to their recruiter in India after they were promised jobs with a salary of 1,000 Saudi riyals ($267) a month as food preparers and cashiers in Saudi Arabia, the Arab News reported.
Malaysian kids to be raised in parents’ religion at marriage
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government has decided that children should be raised in the religion which their parents had at the time of marriage, even if one of the parent later converts.
The decision by the cabinet Thursday emanates from the case of Indra Ghandhi, an ethnic Indian mother of three. She separated from her husband who embraced Islam, The Star newspaper said.
Conversions in multi-religious Malaysia have caused social strife and legal complications.
India, Pakistan walk the tired road to peace
By M.R. Narayan Swamy, IANS,
The India-Pakistan meltdown took place only days ago. But it seemed one was reading an old novel with a jaded storyline. Except that the leading protagonists were new.
It would be naïve to put the diplomatic disaster in Islamabad last week to the undiplomatic conduct of the host foreign minister or the errors on the part of the Indians.
That would amount to confining a hugely complex and complicated India-Pakistan relationship to the actions of a few individuals.
Mubarak to be taken to Cairo for trial
By IANS,
Cairo : Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak will be put on trial in the capital Cairo, BBC reported.
Iraqi journalist killed in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : An Iraqi journalist was shot dead in central Baghdad on Thursday, Iraqi journalists' Union told Xinhua.
"Qasim Abdul Hussein al-Eqabi, a journalist working for the local al-Muwatin newspaper was killed when unknown gunmen in two cars showered him with bullets near the National Theater in Karrada neighborhood," Jabbar Tarrad, the new chief of the Iraqi Journalists' Union told Xinhua by telephone.
India denies violating Pakistani airspace, ‘technical intrusion’, says Zardari
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : India Sunday denied allegations that its fighter jets had violated Pakistani airspace, even as Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari described it as a "technical incursion" and media "overhype".
Media reports were rife in Pakistan early Sunday saying that Indian fighter jets had violated its airspace late Saturday night and early Sunday in Lahore and Pakistan-administered Kashmir sectors, and an emergency was declared at the Pakistan Air Force airbases at Shorkot and Sargodha.
UAE’s mineral water export up 38 percent
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: UAE's mineral water export rose by 38 percent to about 107 million dhirams (about $13 million) in 2010 compared to the figure in the previous year.
Iraq urges world to write off debt at conference
By SPA,
Dubai : The international community should lend more support to Iraq by writing off its debts at a conference in Sweden this week, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh said in remarks published on Tuesday.
"The world is expecting Iraq to (implement) reforms and show progress," he told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat.
"And now it is time for the outside world to fulfil its promises through action to support it, especially in what concerns writing off debt and compensations the Iraqis are paying for the crimes of Saddam Hussein."
Iraq signs gas deal with Pakistani energy firm
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq has signed a deal with a Pakistani energy company to explore for natural gas in eastern Iraq, Xinhua reported.
Indonesia releases prisoners to commemorate Independence Day
By DPA,
Jakarta : Indonesia marked its Independence Day Sunday with reduction of jail sentences for tens of thousands of prisoners, including convicted Australian drug traffickers.
More than 55,000 prisoners who have completed at least one-third of their sentences were granted reductions ranging from several weeks or months.
At least 5,700 inmates will walk free, said Untung Sugiyono, director-general of correctional institutions at the justice ministry.
Pakistan to retain nuclear deterrence: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Dismissing apprehensions about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear assets, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday said they formed the cornerstone of the country's deterrence strategy and would be retained at all costs.
"No amount of coercion, direct or indirect, will ever force Pakistan to compromise on its core security interest", APP quoted Gilani as saying during a meeting of the central executive committee and the federal council of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party.
Pakistan elects senators
By IANS,
Islamabad : The polling for 45 Senate seats, including four newly-added seats in the upper house for minorities, was held in Pakistan Friday.
Rice angry over Beirut bombing attack on U.S. embassy vehicle
By Xinhua
Riyadh : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice here Tuesday was angry over a bombing attack on a U.S. embassy vehicle in Beirut earlier in the day, expressing her "outrage" at the incident.
Rice, who accompanied U.S. President George W. Bush in Riyadh on an eight-day Mideast tour, voiced her "outrage" at a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal.
"I want to state the outrage of the United States against the terrorist attack that took place in Lebanon today," Rice told the reporters.
Act against Haqqani network, Clinton tells Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday told Pakistan to act against the Haqqani network, a militant group that the US blames for attacking its interests in Afghanistan.
20 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least 20 militants were killed and 22 Pakistani soldiers injured in a gun-battle in the northwest tribal region early Thursday.
US sends first envoy to fight Muslim misperceptions
By ANTARA News
Washington : The United States is seeking to dispel Muslim misperceptions about it by sending its first envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday.
Sada Cumber, a Pakistani-born businessman from Texas, was named by President George W. Bush last week as special envoy to the 57-member OIC to promote understanding and dialogue with Muslim countries.
Egyptian man sets himself ablaze in front of parliament
By IANS,
Cairo : A man set himself on fire in front of the Egyptian parliament protesting "terrible living conditions", a media report said.
Hosseini urges group 5+1 to be realistic
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini here on Sunday urged members of the Group 5 1 to be more realistic and adopt legal approach.
Talking to reporters during his weekly press briefing, he said the Western governments campaign against nuclear rights of the Iranian nation will get nowhere.
Group 5 1 consists of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- China, Russia, France, Britain and the US -- plus Germany.
Shahbaz Sharif back as Punjab chief minister in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Supreme Court of Pakistan has restored Shahbaz Sharif, brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, as the chief minister of eastern Punjab province, Dawn News reported Tuesday.
Bangladesh govt. delinks itself from appointment of Supreme Court judges
By KUNA
New Delhi : The military-backed caretaker government of Bangladesh has decided to create a body headed by the Supreme Court chief justice to recommend judges for appointment in the Apex Court.
"The interim cabinet in its weekly meeting Tuesday night decided to create a Supreme Judicial Commission headed by the chief justice to ensure neutral and credible appointment of Supreme Court judges," news agency Press Trust of India reported Wednesday from Dhaka, quoting a government spokesperson.
30 injured in clashes in front of US embassy in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo : At least 30 people were injured in clashes in front of the US embassy in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, the state TV reported Thursday, quoting the Eygyt's health ministry.
Five killed in Yemen car bombing
Aden: At least five soldiers were killed and several others injured when a car bomb exploded Wednesday evening at a military base in Yemen's...
Iran n-deal to benefit all: President Rouhani
Tehran : Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said the final deal on Tehran's nuclear programme will benefit all sides and will boost regional...
Gunmen attack Pakistan charity, three dead
By IANS,
Islamabad: Gunmen stormed an office of a charitable organisation in Pakistan Sunday night, killing at least three people and injuring six others.
Pakistani government on back foot on immunity ordinance
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan government finds itself on the back foot in its bid to legitimise an ordinance granting immunity to politicians, military officers and bureaucrats charged with corruption with most members of a parliamentary panel seeking an open debate rather than in-camera hearings.
Afghani gov”t, NATO troops, Taliban observe Peace Day
By KUNA,
Kabul : The International Peace Day is being observed here on Sunday, as is the case in the rest of the world, where the president's call for troops not to engage in operations against militants were met with an announcement by Taliban that it too would observe a conditional ceasefire on this day.
Spokesperson of the United Nations' Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA), in a press conference last week, urged all warring parties to observe peace on that day.
Pakistani fashion retailers eye e-commerce to woo Indian markets
By Shilpa Raina,
Karachi : Pakistan might not yet have granted India the long-promised most favoured nation (MFN) status but that hasn't dampened the enthusiasm...
Israeli officials hold Hamas responsible for border attack
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Wednesday that Hamas is to be held responsible for the attack in an Israeli terminal bordering the Gaza Strip.
"Hamas controls Gaza and can stop any terrorist activity launched from there," Livni said after meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. "Israel will not deal with the question of which organization carried out the attack. Hamas is the one responsible."
Russia, China veto UNSC draft resolution on Syria
By IANS,
United Nations : Russia and China, two permanent members of the UN Security Council, Thursday wielded their veto power over a Western-proposed draft resolution on Syria, Xinhua reported.
No linkages with Headley, claims Pakistani Army
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistani Army Wednesday termed as "false and fabricated" media reports that three of its serving officers had assisted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Coleman Headley in executing the 26/11 Mumbai mayhem.
"The allegation is false and fabricated. It aims to malign the Pakistan Army and the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence," a spokesman of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Divorce your wife, Malaysian Indian lawmaker told
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Indian lawmaker M. Manoharan has been confronted with an unusual threat -- he must divorce his wife within seven days.
If he fails, the former leading light of the banned Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) has been told that a damaging video clip of his wife with an unidentified man would be posted onluine, China Press said Saturday.
Manoharan has lodged a police report. But The Star newspaper said he had declined to comment.
Irish boat repeats determination to break Israeli siege of Gaza
By IRNA,
London : Despite Israeli threats, the Irish-registered Rachel Corrie remains determined to break the three-year siege of Gaza and directly deliver its cargo of desperately-needed aid on Saturday morning.
The 1200-ton cargo ship, named after the 23-year-old American activist crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003, escaped being impounded during the massacre of nine passengers by Israeli commandoes when attacking the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on Monday.
EU confirms dispatch of confidential letter by Israel
By Nawab Khan and Talal aL-Kandari, KUNA,
Brussels : European Union sources confirmed here Friday that Israel sent a letter to the EU Council and the 27 EU member states two months ago with proposals and ideas to upgrade ties between Tel Aviv and Brussels.
Asked by KUNA about the contents of the Israeli letter, the EU sources said it is a "confidential letter" and declined to give details.
The EU Council which represents the member states was still discussing a common reply to the Israeli letter, said the sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
More than 593,000 pilgrims arrive in Madinah
By SPA,
Madinah : The Secretariat of Hajj Committee in Madinah has disclosed that the number of pilgrims, who arrived in Madinah until Saturday amounted to 593,926.
The report issued today disclosed that the number of pilgrims, who departed from Madinah until yesterday amounted to 374,630 pilgrims, showing an increase of 32% in comparison with the last year.
On the other hand, the number of pilgrims who are still remaining in Madinah amounted to 219,204 pilgrims, at a rate of 24% less than the last year.
Smart City Dubai not to withdraw from Smart City Kochi
By IANS,
Kochi: A board of directors meeting of the proposed Rs.1,500 crore Smart City Kochi concluded here Monday without taking any decision on the fate of the IT project.
At the same time, the developer Smart City Dubai said it has no plans to pull out from the project.
UEFA congress begins in Istanbul
By IANS,
Istanbul : The 36th Congress of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) began in Istanbul Thursday with participation of representatives from 53 member associations.
Modi-Sharif bilateral meeting in Ufa on Friday
Ufa (Russia): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to hold a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on Friday - in a...
Pakistan’s senate Defence team arrives in UK
By NNN-APP,
London : A fourteen member delegation of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Defence headed by Senator Nisar A. Memon, has arrived here on a four day visit of UK.
During the course of its visit, the delegation will visit Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Defence manufacturers Martin-Baker and hold meeting with House of Commons Defence Committee and attend briefings at the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The Senators will also travel to Belgium to visit the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) headquarters in Brussels.
Govt committed to wipe out terrorism, says Zardari
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said Pak Government is committed to fight terrorism till restoration of peace in region.
The President was talking to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti and ANP chief Asfandyar Wali, who jointly called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The meeting focused on country's law and order situation especially in the tribal areas and the strategy required to fight terrorism and extremism.
Explosion on Pakistan-Afghan border kills six militants
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least six suspected pro-Taliban militants were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan, officials said.
"The explosion hit the vehicle carrying pro-Taliban militants when they were heading from the tribal district of Bajaur Agency towards Afghanistan," a local intelligence officer said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said more than half a dozen insurgents were also injured in the explosion.
‘Pakistani economy very sick’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's economy seems to be "experiencing a near-death experience", a daily said Thursday, urging sensible planning instead of senseless borrowing.
Seven killed in three Israeli air strikes on Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : Seven Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded on Thursday in three airstrikes on Palestinian militants in different Gaza Strip areas, medics and witnesses said.
Two militants from al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas movement's armed wing, were killed and four others wounded in a fresh Israeli air strike on Zeitoon neighborhood in southern Gaza City on Thursday evening, witnesses and medics said.
Jordanian King holds talks with Palestinian President
By NNN-Petra,
Amman : King Abdullah II has held talks here with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the latest developments related to negotiations between the Palestinian and Israelis and efforts to advance these negotiations.
During the meeting Tuesday, within the process of coordinating efforts ahead of Abbas’ expected visit to Washington, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s support for the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to achieve real progress in the peace process through serious negotiations that tackle all final status issues.
Separated by a barbed wire, torn apart by politics: Families on the LOC
By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net
Hunderman Brok (Kargil) : A barbed wire can often represent the idea of security, but...
Deportation of Gaza aid ship passengers delayed
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The deportation of passengers and crew seized on board a Gaza-bound aid ship from Israel has been delayed because some of them refuse to sign waivers not to initiate legal proceedings, Israel Radio reported Sunday.
All potential deportees have been transported to Ben Gurion Airport, the report added.
The aid ship, the Rachel Corrie, was seized Saturday by Israeli Navy as it was on its way to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Mortar attacks on Iraqi capital’s protected zone
By DPA
Baghdad : Mortar shells pounded Iraqi capital Baghdad's fortified green zone Wednesday, killing a civilian and injuring four, while the Iraqi government gave Shia fighters in Basra 72 hours to lay down arms, according to media reports.
"Three mortar shells fell Wednesday morning on the green zone," a witness in the zone told the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency.
Another witness told the agency that a second mortar shell landed on a building opposite the ministry of foreign affairs in the protected area, killing a civilian and injuring four.
US drone attack kills 30 in Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 30 people were killed Monday when missiles fired from a US drone (pilotless aircraft) hit a training camp of Taliban militants in Pakistan's northwestern Orakzai tribal agency, a media report said.
Four missiles hit the camp where Pakistani and Afghan Taliban militants receive training, the News Network International (NNI) news agency said.
Behram Khan, an Afghan commander, was in charge of the camp, the NNI said.
This was the first US missile attack against suspected Taliban hideouts in the area.
ADB To Provide Pakistan With US$75 Mln For Farming
By Bernama
Manila : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide Pakistan with US$75 million in loans to help the country develop farming across the Potohar Plateau near Islamabad, China's Xinhua news agency quoted the bank as saying here on Thursday.
The loans will be used to build multipurpose dams, irrigation canals and drinking water supplies, said the lender in a press release.
Indian teacher in Qatar forced to quit over Modi caricature
Doha : A woman teacher in an Indian school in Qatar's capital Doha has reportedly been forced to quit her job after she posted...
Eight killed as nor’westers strike Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least eight people were killed and over 50 injured as northwester storms swept over Natore, Sirajganj, Bagerhat, Rajbari and Jessore districts in western Bangladesh Friday night.
Many of the victims died when trees fell on them, The Daily Star said Sunday.
India-Pakistan 1963 talks: CIC to see if files stay secret
By IANS,
New Delhi: The Central Information Commission (CIC) will "revisit" the material regarding talks between foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in 1963 to decide if it can be revealed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The decision came on an application filed by journalist Kuldip Nayar who had sought information from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) about the talks between the then foreign ministers of India and Pakistan - Swaran Singh and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto - in the wake of India-China war in October 1962.
South Korea to send troops to Afghanistan
By IANS,
Seoul : South Korea will send troops to Afghanistan to protect its civilian aid workers there, WAM news agency reported citing the Korean foreign ministry.
The decision came as Seoul plans to increase the number of its reconstruction workers to at least 130 in the war-torn country and operate an independent Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
Israeli defence minister gives Olmert ultimatum to leave
By DPA,
Jerusalem : In a dramatic announcement Wednesday, the leader of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's largest coalition partner called on the premier to turn the reins of government over to another member of his Kadima party, or else face early elections.
The announcement by Defence Minister and Labour Party leader Ehud Barak comes a day after a key witness in a corruption investigation surrounding Olmert testified how he handed the premier $150,000 in cash over a 15 year period.
Report on pilgrims in Madinah in post-Hajj period
By SPA,
Al- Madinah, Saudi Arabia : All government and private sectors participating in Hajj at Al -Madinah are proceeding ahead with their works for the post- Hajj season, by providing services for pilgrims coming to the city of the Prophet (BPUH) around the clock.
In its report, Al-Madinah's Hajj Committee Secretariat noted that the number of pilgrims, who arrived in Al Madinah until yesterday was ( 14,085 ), registering a percentage of 33 % lower than last year while about 216 pilgrims departed the city.
In Bihar, NGO initiative for Muslim unity through Ramadan calendar
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net,
Ramadan is the most holy month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month of seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness for sins and salvation. Unfortunately, for many Muslims, it is also a month of confusion and conflict – from the beginning to the end of the month – to how long should be taraveeh or the night prayers, and when to begin and end fasting each day.
Pakistan splurges Rs.6 bn on choppers for VIPs
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is to spend a whopping Rs.6 billion on purchasing helicopters for its VIPs at a time when the poor and needy are deprived of basic necessities.
The federal government is spending Rs.5.3 billion on five choppers, two of which will be used for VIPs and three for emergency services, including relief and rescue work.
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This apart, the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government has spent Rs.500 million on purchasing a helicopter for the provincial governor, The News reported Friday.
13 gunmen killed in overnight clashes in eastern Baghdad
By SPA
Baghdad : The U.S. military says security forces have killed at least 13 militants in overnight clashes in Eastern Baghdad.
It says Abrams tanks and drone-launched Hellfire missiles were used to quell attacks on U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, according to a report of the Associated Press.
But Iraqi police and hospital officials say seven civilians died when U.S. helicopters fired on homes and shops in Baghdad's eastern district of Sadr City early Saturday.
Islamabad braces for protest marches as Pakistan celebrates independence
Islamabad : As Pakistan celebrated its 68th Independence Day Thursday, supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) parties remained determined...
Iran makes arrests in scientist’s killing
By IANS,
Moscow: Iran has arrested several people in the killing of a nuclear scientist that Tehran blamed on Israel and the US, parliament speaker Ali Larijani told state-run Al-Alam TV.
Musharraf warns against presidency-parliament war
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has warned that a war between the presidency and the newly elected parliament would be catastrophic for the country, Washington Times reported Monday.
"I'm looking forward to working with this government for the full five years," Musharraf told Washington Times in an interview in Rawalpindi city Wednesday.
He scoffed at speculation in the Pakistani press that he would attempt to derail the results of the Feb 18 elections by using his constitutional powers to dismiss parliament or not call parliament into session.
Etisalat signs sponsorship agreement with Manchester City
By WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based communication services provider Etisalat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manchester City for a three-year sponsorship, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Manchester City FC (MCFC) CEO Garry Cook and Etisalat Chief Marketing Officer Essa Al Haddad signed the MoU, which precedes a full three-year strategic sponsorship agreement to be formalized later this year.
Pakistani state actors behind attacks in India: Rajnath Singh
Guwahati : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday said state actors from Pakistan are playing a role in destabilising India.
Mentioning the gun battle that...
Eight Muslim MPs elected in UK election
By The Muslim News,
The number of Muslim MPs has doubled to eight in the closest elections in decades and saw the first three Muslim women – all Labour - elected to the 650-member House of Commons.
In addition, the first Conservatives have gained their first two Muslim MPs but the possibility of adding a third were dashed after Zahid Iqbal failed in overturning Labour’s 3,000 majority in Bradford West, northern England.
8 militants detained during Afghan, Coalition combined operation
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Eight militants have been detained during an Afghan National Security and the U.S.-led Coalition forces' joint operation in eastern Afghan province of Paktia, said a Coalition statement issued here Friday.
The arrests were made after the combined force searched several compounds in Zadran District to target a Taliban militant, the statement said. "IED (improvised explosive device) components were discovered on the compounds and removed to prevent possible future use," it added.
Pakistan, Afghanistan to activate border management commission
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to activate a Joint Commission on Border Management to check illegal cross-border movement, authorities said.
The joint...
UN Security Council condemns terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Karachi
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistani cities of Islamabad and Karachi, and called for bringing to justice those behind these “reprehensible” incidents.
In a statement read out to reporters on Tuesday by Ambassador Le Luong Minh of Vietnam, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency for the month, the 15-member body reiterated “the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.”
Government committed to protecting journalists: Sherry Rehman
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government is committed to the protection of journalists and there would be no violation of media freedom and independence during its term, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sherry Rehman has said.
"The fundamental difference between an authoritarian system and a democratic structure is that democracies endeavour to strengthen institutions that support a representative order," Online news agency quoted her as saying on a report analysing media freedom in Pakistan in 2008.
Coalition forces kill 9 Iraqi civilians
By SPA
Baghdad, Iraq : Coalition forces killed nine Iraqi civilians and wounded three others near the town of Iskandariya, a U.S. military spokeswoman told CNN Monday.
There was one child among the dead and two children among the wounded on Saturday. The injured were treated at U.S. military hospitals.
Lt. Col. Maura Gillen, a U.S. Army spokeswoman, said coalition forces were pursuing suspected militants in south of Baghdad when the incident occurred. No additional details were provided, but Gillen said the incident is under investigation.
Yemen: eradicating onchocerciasis could take 10 years – NGO
By NNN-IRIN,
Sana'a : A local non-governmental organisation (NGO) has said it will take 8-10 years to eradicate onchocerciasis, a disease which leads to skin irritation and in some cases blindness, although much progress has been made in fighting the disease.
Isam Addin Awadh, head of the onchocerciasis control programme at the Charitable Society for Social Welfare (CSSW), told IRIN onchocerciasis was present in 34 countries, including Yemen.
Khalifa Foundation sends aid to Afghanistan
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian Foundation of the UAE has dispatched aid materials to be distributed to 1,500 needy families in Afghanistan.
Eight killed, 17 wounded in Iraq violence
By DPA
Baghdad : At least eight people were killed and 17 wounded, including militants of the Al Qaeda terrorist network in separate attacks in Iraq Saturday, Iraqi officials and media reports said.
In Samara, some 125 km north of Baghdad, joint US-Iraqi forces killed four Al Qaeda militants and wounded three, security sources told DPA.
Sources said Iraqi forces supported by US helicopters launched a military operation in al-Jalam area in the city and managed to detain the deputy leader of the city's Al Qaeda network.
Spain to pull troops out of Libya by October end
By IANS,
Madrid : Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon has said all of Spain's troops on the Libyan mission would return home by the end of October.
Pakistani President slams western meddling
By NNN-Xinhua,
Beijing : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf yesterday condemned attempts to undermine the Beijing Olympics and opposed the West's "superimposition" of democratic values and human rights on China.
"We are extremely glad that preparations for the Olympic Games are so outstanding," Musharraf told China Daily at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
"We condemn any attempt by anyone to undermine the process of Olympic preparations, especially the Olympic torch (relay)," he said.
Embrace Islam or face gallows: Afghan worker told
By IANS,
London : An Afghan Red Cross activist, who had embraced Christanity, faces death sentence handed down by a court in Afghanistan.
Iraqi electoral commission withdraws resignation
Baghdad : Avoiding repercussions of their move on the country's political process, the commissioners of Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) Sunday withdrew their...
Iran welcomes broad dialogue with Obama administration – Iran’s IAEA Ambassador
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : Iran would welcome a broad dialogue with US President-elect Barack Obama's administration, Iranian Ambassador to International Atomic Energy Agency Ali Ashgar Soltanieh said here.
Soltanieh said that if Obama makes good on his campaign pledge to drop preconditions on talks with Tehran, it could pave the way for a significant cooling of tension between the US and Iran.
"If these changes are really genuine, and not cosmetic, then there would be optimism that there would be a change" in US foreign policy, Soltanieh told reporters at the IAEA headquarters Monday.
Sarkozy promises to intensify air strikes in Libya
By IANS,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has promised to intensify raids against forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and to back rebels and protect civilians.
Ahmadinejad’s visit to disputed island irks Lebanon
By IANS,
Beirut : Lebanon has criticised the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the disputed island of Abu Musa.
Iran delivers proposals on global problems including nuclear to UN
By NNN-FNA,
Tehran : Iran on Wednesday delivered to UN chief Ban Ki-moon a package of proposals aimed at solving global challenges, including the nuclear issue.
The "incentives package" was handed over after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Tehran was ready to talk to world powers about global problems but ruled out any negotiations over Tehran's nuclear "rights".
The package contains "seven solutions on the (global) nuclear issue," the media director of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ahmad Khadem-olmella was quoted by ISNA as saying.
Blockade in Bangladesh to continue: Khaleda Zia
Dhaka : Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia announced Monday that her party will continue the blockade of the country, ending hopes...
Zayed Foundation pledges $1.9 mn for quake-hit in Pakistan
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works (ZFCHW) will grant Unesco over 4 million dirhams ($1.9 million) for providing educational assistance to people in areas hit by the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.
An agreement to this effect was signed here Sunday between the charity organisation and the UN body, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Cabinet clears bill on Bangladesh land boundary accord
New Delhi : The union cabinet on Tuesday cleared the bill to operationalise the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh which entails exchange of both...
Three killed in Pakistan sports stadium blast
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least three people were killed Tuesday when a blast occurred near a stadium in northwestern Pakistan's city of Peshawar, television reported.
The explosion took place outside Qayyum stadium of Peshawar, capital city of North West Frontier Province, when the concluding ceremony of an inter-provincial games was underway, sources said.
Three bodies have been recovered, said Geo TV channel.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
Arab initiative highly obstructed
By Xinhua
Beijing : Former Lebanese president Amin Gemayel said on Tuesday that an Arab initiative aimed at ending Lebanon's crisis is "highly obstructed," local Voice of Lebanon (VOL) radio reported.
"I do not personally encourage any meeting before things are clear," Gemayel said in an interview with VOL, referring to proposals for new meetings between the opposition and ruling coalition representatives in Cairo.
Iraq, US, Turkish tripartite committee to curb Kurdish party activities
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government spokesperson Ali Al-Dabbagh has said that the Iraqi, Turkish and US governments have decided to form a tripartite committee to follow up the issue of Kurdish Labour party threats on the stability and security of Turkey and Iraq.
Al-Dabbagh said in a statement Wednesday that the committee will draw up measures to curb the activities of this party on Iraqi lands or near the Turkish borders.
He said that the Turkish delegation to the meeting of the committee here is headed by the Minister of Interior Besir Atalay.
UN Security Council slams IS for persecuting minorities in Iraq
United Nations : The UN Security Council Tuesday condemned the persecution of minorities in Iraq by the extremist group Islamic State (IS) and warned...
Iraqi parliament passes 2008 budget, two other key laws
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi lawmakers approved three controversial bills, including the 2008 budget, on Wednesday, one day after the speaker threatened to dissolve the parliament because of frequent failure to adopt laws.
Over 70 Taliban killed in Pakistan’s northwest
By IANS,
Islamabad : After making considerable headway against the Taliban in three districts of the country's troubled northwest, the military has opened up another front in the Bannu district, killing some 70 militants in two days of fighting.
Quoting sources, Geo TV said more than 70 militants have been killed during two days of operation in Bannu's Baka Khel and Jani Khel areas.
Security forces were patrolling Bannu, while helicopter gunships and heavy artillery continued their pounding of militants' strongholds.
Move to abolish Malaysian security law gathers strength
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government has come under attack once again over the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA), not from a detainee's family but from the Malaysian Bar Council chief.
Noted jurist of Indian origin Ambiga Sreneevasan has criticised the government for extending, without citing sufficient grounds, detention of terror suspects held under the ISA. She said this had had a negative impact on the family of detainees.
Pakistan Commits to Kashmir Dialogue
By Prensa Latina,
Islamabad : Pakistan confirmed its commitment Wednesday to continue conversations with India to achieve results on the disputed Kashmir region.
In a TV press conference, recently appointed Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani said his government supports peace as a guarantee for regional stability.
"We want to have friendly relations with all countries, including India," insisted Gillani, who visited the Islamabad-controlled Kashmir area for the first time.