UN Security Council protests attack on peace force in Darfur
By SPA
New York : UN Security Council members on Wednesday criticized Sudanese troops for shooting at a UN-African Union supply convoy in Darfur, the first such an attack since the joint force's deployment to try to end the ethnic conflict in that region.
Jean-Marie Guehenno, UN undersecretary general for peacekeeping operations, told a closed-door session of the 15-nation that a local Sudanese commander took responsibility for the shooting on Monday, which critically injured a driver of the convoy.
Militants storm Kabul hotel, 13 dead
By IANS,
Kabul : Thirteen people, including six attackers, were killed and eight injured overnight when Taliban guerrillas stormed a luxury hotel here frequented by foreign nationals.
Rice to visit London this Wednesday
By KUNA
London : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will pay a brief visit to London on Wednesday, February 6, for talks with senior British officials covering major international issues including Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, the US embassy here confirmed Monday.
During her talks with her British counterpart David Miliband, Rice will focus on the latest developments in Iraq, the relatively improved security situation and how to ensure long-term stability of the country, officials said here.
Pakistan to give equal response if India strikes: Kayani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's armed forces would give an equal response within a few minutes if India carried out any surgical strike inside the country, army chief General Parvez Kayani said here.
In a meeting here Monday with President Asif Ali Zardari, Kayani told him of operational preparedness of the armed forces. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the growing tension between India and Pakistan following the Mumbai terror attacks.
Etihad Airways unveils new partnerships with six airlines
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) flagship carrier, Etihad Airways, Wednesday unveiled Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which brings together like-minded airlines...
Pakistani forces arrest senior Al Qaeda leader, kill 19 militants
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces, who are engaged in a major offensive in the North Waziristan tribal region, have arrested a senior Al Qaeda leader...
Pakistan: nuclear programme govt’s top priority, says PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday reiterated his government’s determination to keep the country’s nuclear programme on top of its priorities.
Speaking to engineers and scientists of Khushab Nuclear Complex, the Prime Minister said it is appreciable that Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) completed its projects without any foreign assistance.
He expressed the belief that future projects would also be completed in time according to international standards.
UAE to lead Arab Parliament
By IANS/WAM,
Cairo: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected president of the Arab Parliament for a three-year term during the first session of the pan-Arab body here.
‘Normalisation of ties between India-Pakistan urgently needed’
Islamabad : The Pakistani prime minister's key advisor, Sartaj Aziz, has said normalisation of Indo-Pakistan relations is urgently needed to reduce tensions on the...
UAE exhibition opens in Romania
By IANS/WAM,
Bucharest : An exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opened here.
Romanian Culture Minister Hunor Kelemen, UAE ambassador to Romania Yaqob Yusuf Al Housni and other officials attended the opening ceremony.
Paintings, traditional handicrafts were showcased and documentaries were screened Thursday.
Pakistan polls to decide fate of over 23,000 candidates
By IANS,
Islamabad : The fate of 23,079 candidates in the race for Pakistan's National Assembly and provincial assembly seats will be decided Saturday.
A third of families displaced are returning to Mosul – UNHCR
By NNN-KUNA,
Geneva : The United Nations High Commmissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that about a third of some 1,000 families displaced in Iraq's Al Hamdaniya area have returned to their homes in Mosul.
According to the displaced families remaining in outlying villages, those who have returned to Mosul did so mainly out of concern for their job security, or for education reasons.
Many seem also to be commuting to Mosul, from villages no further than 40 kms away.
Ahmadinejad offers US access to Iran’s nuclear scientists
By DPA,
New York : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has offered the US and other Western powers access to scientists working in his country's nuclear programme, according to a report by the Washington Post Thursday.
The offer - a confidence-building measure - was broached by Ahmadinejad while speaking with Post editors at the United Nations Wednesday.
He added that Iran would seek to buy enriched uranium from the US to use for medical purposes. A rejection, he was cited as saying, would only prove that Iran needed to enrich its own uranium.
Cabinet nod for amendments in air agreement with Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
New Delhi : The government Thursday gave its approval to the proposed amendments in the India-Saudi Arabia air service agreement.
Both sides had held talks earlier and agreed Jan 23, 2008 to modernise the air service agreement signed in 1973 to boost bilateral trade and promote tourism.
UN ready to help Pakistan probe Bhutto killing
By IANS,
New Delhi : The United Nations (UN) is ready to assist Pakistan in conducting a probe into the assassination of Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said here Friday.
But he indicated the world organisation was not in favour of an independent investigation into the attack.
Israeli offensive continues for 16th day, 38 killed on Sunday
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Israeli army continued military air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip on Sunday for the 16th successive day, killing 38 Palestinians, and wounding 80 others, medics and witnesses said.
Gaza emergency chief Mo'aweya Hassanein told reporters that 38 Palestinians were killed on Sunday during a series of airstrikes and tanks shelling on dozens of targets, including houses allover the Gaza Strip.
Release of kidnapped soldier plays key role in Gaza truce
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : The release of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit plays a key role in resolving the security situation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Monday.
Barak made the remarks during a meeting at his Tel Aviv residence with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, whose visit to Israel on Monday may lead to progress in terms of the Shalit issue, as Suleiman serves as the main contact with Hamas and the soldier's kidnappers, who abducted Shalit in a cross-border raid in June 2006.
Krishna, Khar talks begin
By IANS,
Islamabad: The talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar began here Saturday.
World’s smallest Koran on display at Dubai Bride show
By IANS,
Dubai : The smallest copy of the Koran, the Islamic holy book, on display at The Bride Show here drew huge crowds at the recently concluded exhibition.
Almost one-third the size of its closest competitor, the 'miniature' Koran contains 10,000 lines engraved on sapphire measuring 58mm by 98mm which can be worn as pendant or a ring by brides and grooms on the wedding day, WAM news agency reported Monday.
US aerial attack kills 16 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 16 people, including two women and a child, have been killed and around a dozen injured as a US drone attacked a house in Pakistan's tribal area along the Afghan border.
A security official said a pilotless US drone Friday fired two missiles at a house in Mohmmad Khel village in North Waziristan.
The compound that was demolished in the strike, belonged to an Afghan refugee, who is believed to regularly host insurgents launching cross-border attacks on US-led international forces in Afghanistan.
An academy to revive Pakistani province’s culture
By IANS,
Islamabad : An academy is being set up to promote the culture and traditions of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Gunfight at Bangladesh Rifles headquarter injures scores: Report
By IANS,
Dhaka : Gunfights took place inside the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters here Wednesday morning in which "scores of civilians were injured", a media report said.
The Daily Star reported Wednesday that "artillery and rifles were also reportedly fired. Scores of civilians were injured in front of the BDR headquarters."
Smoke billowed out of the BDR compound and a helicopter circled over the building, the report added.
The reason for the gunfight was not yet known.
Bangladesh registers 80 mn voters for December polls
By IANS,
Dhaka : Registering 80 million voters in 11 months, Bangladesh's Election Commission has announced completion of a major, contentious task ahead of the December parliamentary polls.
It was achieved with the help of the military and international agencies during a period that saw floods, landslides and a cyclone.
The process faced several obstacles. One of them was cancellation of orders for laptops and other hardware, sought to be purchased from India, after a court detected procedural lapses by authorities placing the order.
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.
Seven militants, security man killed in Pakistan clash
Islamabad : Seven suspected militants and one elite forces man were killed in an armed clash between security forces and suspected militants during a...
US President arrives in United Arab Emirates
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : US President George W. Bush arrived here Sunday on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of his Middle East tour, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
Bush is the first sitting US president to visit the UAE.
He was welcomed at the airport by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other senior government officials.
‘Zardari eyeing Pakistani presidency’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition has reached an agreement on turning the heat on President Pervez Musharraf to pave the way for Asif Ali Zardari, co-chair of alliance leader Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to ascend to the office, a newspaper report said Saturday.
In line with the new understanding between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), "both parties will build up immense pressure on Musharraf, leaving him with no other option but to resign without any condition", The News reported, quoting highly credible sources privy to the developments.
Tripartite coordination centre opened on Pak-Afghan border
By KUNA
Kabul : Afghanistan, Pakistan and ISAF troops celebrated opening of newly-constructed Khyber Border Coordination Centre during a ceremony on the border connecting Afghanistan's Nangarhar province with the tribal areas of Landi Kotal on the Pakistan side.
Zardari met Taliban leaders in prison: Report
By IANS,
London : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari recently met captured Taliban leaders in a prison to assure them that the outfit had his government's full support, a media report said Sunday.
Zardari also assured the Taliban prisoners that they would be released soon, The Sunday Times reported.
A senior Taliban source in regular contact with members of the Quetta shura (Taliban war council) told The Sunday Times that in early April, Zardari along with a senior Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) official met 50 high-ranking Taliban members at a prison in Pakistan.
A month after: BJP in generational battle
By Darshan Desai, IANS,
New Delhi : A month after its stunning election defeat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which once took pride in its disciplined cadre, has its top leaders tearing at one another in a blame game that is seen as a power struggle between two generations.
Blast at electricity office kills two Afghans
By KUNA
Kabul : Two Afghan employees of the electricity department were killed and at least eight more people were injured when a powerful bomb exploded inside the small building in southern Afghanistan, officials said here Saturday.
Claiming responsibility for the blast in Grishk district of Helmand province, purported Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said the target was a police officer named Razak Khan.
Ahmadi claimed claimed the officer was injured in the blast, but Afghan officials denied this.
Most Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr Monday
Jeddah : The majority of Muslims around the world celebrated on Monday Eid al-Fitr, a holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month...
Musharraf promises polls of international standards
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said elections scheduled Feb 18 would be held in a free and fair manner and according to international standards.
The polls will be held under the supervision of caretaker government and in free, fair manner and no one should doubt that, Musharraf said while talking to caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro in presidential camp office.
Iraq boosts police presence on Syrian border
By DPA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have boosted their presence along the country's border with Syria following a US raid inside the neighbouring country last week, reports said Sunday.
Syria had pulled police back from the border as a response to the US commando raid last Sunday that killed eight people in the village of Abu Kemal.
The raid reportedly targeted an Al Qaeda supporter responsible for smuggling fighters, weapons and money into Iraq, although no official clarification has been made.
Jewish colonizers attack, would Palestinian Legislator in West Bank
By NNN-WAFA
Ramallah : Jewish colonizers attacked and wounded on Friday a Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member in the West Bank(WB) city of south Nablus, sources said.
Dr. Siham Thabet's car was attacked by a group of colonizers near Yitzahar Israeli settlement as she was heading to Ramallah. Thabet was hit in the face and transferred to one hospital in Nablus.
In GAZA, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed on Friday morning a farmer in the northern Gaza Strip near the border with Israel, medical sources said.
Ban voices “optimism” on Iraq — Council president
By KUNA,
UNITED NATIONS : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Monday voiced "optimism" on Iraq, Security Council President Yuko Takasu of Japan told reporters following a council's closed-door meeting during which the UN chief briefed the members on his recent trip to Africa, Asia, and Europe.
"He (Ban) expressed optimism and continued interest and support of the UN on this," Takasu quoted Ban as telling the council during the informal meeting.
Pakistan confers award on Chinese envoy
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Saturday conferred the prestigious civilian award Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam on the Chinese envoy here.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari gave the award to Chinese diplomat Luo Zhaohui at a ceremony held at the President's House Saturday.
"As Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Luo Zhaohui has contributed significantly to further enhancing and deepening of the relations between Pakistan and China," a statement issued by the President's House said.
UAE launches power conservation project
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE is assessing the Emirates' carbon emission and has launched a project for conservation of power.
The ministry of environment and water will launch initiatives to lower energy consumption to reduce carbon emission and protect the environment, making it the first government department to implement such guidelines.
France welcomes Iraqi decision to reintegrate some Baathists
By NNN-KUNA
Paris : France has welcomed the decision by Iraq's parliament to allow for the rehabilitation of certain Baathists who did not hold senior positions during the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein.
The Iraqi parliament has now decided to allow lower level members of the Baath party to be reintegrated in jobs in the public service, and all former members will receive pensions, according to a new law.
Blast Kills Eight in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : At least 8 people died, including two policemen, and another 22 were wounded in a Thursday blast of an explosive-laden automobile in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, reported an official spokesperson.
Chief of the Kandahar provincial police office, general Sayed Aqa Aaqib, told media the explosion took place downtown when an attacker detonated the car bomb near a military convoy from the Canadian NATO troops.
Pessimism growing among Pakistanis: poll
By IANS,
Islamabad : Most Pakistanis have a dim view of their country's future and have no faith in the present government, an opinion poll says.
According to the poll by the US-based International Republican Institute, about 88 percent of Pakistanis feel thier country is heading in the wrong direction and 59 percent fear that 2009 will be far worse, reported the Dawn newspaper Friday.
The survey claimed that there was a high degree of pessimism and discontent in Pakistan and a majority of the people have no faith in the present government. The survey was conductd Oct 15-30.
Syria pledges efforts to find murderer of Hezbollah leader
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said Thursday that Syria would find the murderer of Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah as soon as possible.
Muallem made the remarks after meeting with his visiting Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, who came to Damascus following a trip to Lebanon where he attended the late commander's funeral.
Moughniyah was killed in a car bombing in a residential neighborhood in Damascus late Tuesday.
Egypt’s resorts safe for tourists
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Egypt's top resort areas in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, including Sharm el-Sheikh, are absolutely safe for foreign tourists, the interior ministry said Tuesday.
Hamas denies being informed of suspension of truce talks with Israel
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Ayman Taha, an Islamic Hamas movement's spokesman in Gaza on Saturday denied that the movement has been informed by Egypt that the talks on reaching a cease-fire with Israel were halted.
Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinian militant groups, led by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on reaching a cease-fire agreement, by which Israel stops its offensives and militant groups halt armed attacks on Israel.
Pakistan Tennis Federation to host tournament in war-torn Waziristan
By Omar Kalid, IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan's tennis bosses are planning to take the otherwise elitist sport to the war-torn, terrorist-infested region of Waziristan in the north-west of the country.
Israel to take more strict measures with Palestinians – Olmert
By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Israel has implied that it will take more strict measures with the Palestinians as punishment after Wednesday's attack in Jerusalem.
The Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said Thursday Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held, Wednesday evening, a series of meetings with government officials to discuss the situation of Jerusalem's Arab residents.
It said the Israeli government thinks the Arab residents use their residency rights to move freely into central Israel to carry out terrorist attacks.
Palestinian presidency condemns Israeli killings in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : The Palestinian presidency strongly condemned on Tuesday the Israeli massacres that were being committed against Palestinians in Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of 14 so far.
Presidential Spokesman Nabil Aburdaina said these "criminal acts" were harming the peace process, adding that the Israeli government had to "stop placing hurdles" in the way of negotiations with the Palestinians.
So far today, 14 Palestinians have been killed in eastern Gaza Strip, and dozens were wounded in Israeli air raids.
South Korean General named to head India/Pakistan observer group in Kashmir
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Major-General Major General Kim Moon Hwa as the head of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), his spokesman Michelle Montas announced Friday.
Maj.-Gen. Kim Gen. Repinc will succeed Major General Dragutin Repinc of Croatia, who ended his two-year mandate to the position earlier this year.
The 55-year-old general served as Deputy Chief Military Observer for the UNMOGIP operation from 1995 to 1997 as part of his extensive military career since joining the Korean Army in 1976.
Syrian president appoints ex-minister to form new government
By IANS,
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has appointed former agriculture minister Adel Safar to form a new government, Xinhua cited the official SANA news agency as stating Sunday.
Larijani: Iran’s policy based on supporting Iraq independence
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday that Iran's policy is based on supporting Iraq's independence and respecting Iraqi people's right to decide their own fate.
"To solve Iraq problem, Iraqi people and national leaders should be trusted and their country's sovereignty should be returned to them. Americans refusal to allow the Iraqi people to administer their own affairs might lead to a confrontation," Larijani further told UN chief's new special envoy for Iraq affairs Stephen de Mistura.
Toll in Pakistan mosque attack rises to 21
Islamabad : The toll in the terrorist attack on a Shia mosque in Peshawar city in northwestern Pakistan rose to 21 after an injured...
Netanyahu admits Israel’s aggressiveness: PM
Jerusalem: Israel inevitably resorts to "aggressive" military action sometimes to maintain security and quiet on its northern frontier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted Wednesday...
Hasina catches up with friends
By IANS,
New Delhi: Armed with a billion-dollar credit line and a clutch of pacts that have given a new dimension to bilateral ties, it was a day of catching up with longtime Indian friends for visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Day 3 of her first state visit to India started with a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan where the 61-year-old leader was conferred the prestigious Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
An unmentionable truce?
By Sadie Goldman with Jason Proetorius and IPF Staff,
A Hamas-Israel cease-fire could be on its way, but you wouldn't know it. No press conference will be held to announce it. Instead, quiet on Gaza's borders – no rockets going out, no Israeli fire going in – will serve as the declaration that the cease-fire has begun. But this quiet will come with a tension that at any moment the cease-fire could end. And once that happens, major confrontation can be expected.
The Cease-Fire That Shall Not Be Mentioned
Four gang war suspects killed in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least four gang war suspects were killed on Thursday in Pakistan's Sindh province during a gun fight with police.
Sindh police claimed to...
36 killed in Afghanistan bomb blast
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A powerful blast rocked the city of Kandahar in south Afghanistan Tuesday evening leaving 36 persons dead and over 60 injured, all of them civilians, officials said.
Ghulam Wali Wahdad, the police chief in south Afghanistan, told Xinhua that a lorry full of explosives was detonated in front of a building housing a Japanese road construction company in Kandahar city, leaving 36 people dead and 64 wounded.
Wahdad said the blast was very strong and damaged buildings some 100 meters away.
Ambassadors of Islamic countries ask Obama to address root causes
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Muslim world is hopeful of a change in US policy towards the Islamic world with arrival of the Obama administration, said ambassadors of prominent Islamic countries.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Ali S. Awadh Assery, Ambassador of Syria Riad Hussain Ismat, Ambassador of Iran Masha’s Allah Shakeri, Ambassador of Iraq Kais Shbhi Al-Yacoubi and diplomats of Morocco and Nigeria agreed that election of President Obama points towards long desired change.
A Pashto singer’s story: From Taliban clutches to London freedom
By Cynthia Chandran,IANS,
London : Named by the BBC website as one of the 10 most famous Britons who have never been heard before, Latif Nangarhari's is no ordinary story. It involves escaping from the clutches of the Taliban, a journey to Britain and finally being 'discovered' in a distant land. And, yes, it is a story of hope.
Today a British passport holder, he is a singing sensation in his native Afghanistan, a country which has seen more than three decades of war and from where he had to escape.
Security forces kill 4 insurgents, detain 76 in N Iraq
By Xinhua
Tikrit, Iraq : Iraqi security forces have raided villages in the northern province of Salahudin, killing four suspected insurgents and detained 76 others, a provincial police source said on Monday.
"A joint police and Iraqi Army force on Sunday raided a cluster of villages outside the town of Shirqat, some 280 km north of Baghdad, with the aim of chasing al-Qaida militants who killed four members of the local Awakening Council group," Colonel Hassan Ahmad of the province police command, told Xinhua.
Resistance Pounds Iraqi Army
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : A resistance armed command killed four army soldiers and wounded seven others in an attack against a military patrol nearby Al Bubali city, in the western Iraqi province of Al Anbar on Friday.
The Iraqi troops had the support of US helicopters, and their crew members confirmed to have killed six fighters.
The Iraqi Army reported six dead and 13 wounded among its troops in a string of insurgent attacks in the last 12 hours.
Abbas’ aide: Palestinians might unilaterally declare independence
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, warned on Wednesday that if the peace process doesn't achieve progress this year, the Palestinians might unilaterally declare an independent state.
"If the peace negotiations are still not moving ahead towards a permanent status agreement, the Palestinians will seek for declaring an independent Palestinian state unilaterally," said Abed Rabbo, who is member of the Palestinian team of negotiations with Israel.
Turmoil in Malaysian party after Badawi sticks to security law
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's reiteration he has no plans to abolish the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA) has led to turmoil in the party, led by an ethnic Indian, that supports the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).
Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) president M. Kayveas has been challenged by a senior colleague after his threat to withdraw from the BN came a cropper. Kayveas had made PPP's being in the BN conditional to the government abolishing the ISA before the elections in March this year.
Four Al Qaeda fighters killed in Yemen
Aden: Four Al Qaieda militants were killed in a US drone attack in Yemen's southeastern province of al-Bayda Monday, a military official told Xinhua.
"Missiles...
Afghan chopper crash kills four NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul: Four NATO soldiers were killed Monday when their chopper crashed in southern Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
"Four ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) service members died as a result of a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan today (Monday)," the ISAF said in a statement.
Three of the victims were Australian soldiers.
Troops from the US, Britain, Australia and Netherlands are currently stationed in southern Afghanistan.
Thousands of Malaysians to evacuate homes as police detonate bomb
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : Some 4,000 people living in the northern Tambun town in Malaysia's Perak province have been told to evacuate their homes while a bomb disposal unit attempts to detonate a live 1,000-pound bomb found in a nearby river, reports said Friday.
A fisherman discovered the bomb, believed to have been dropped during World War II, last week, prompting police to block roads leading to the area.
Major terror bid foiled in Pakistani city
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces foiled a major terror bid in Balochistan's Sibi city by defusing a roadside bomb Sunday, the day Eid Milad-un-Nabi...
Bangladesh border guards go on trial for mutiny
By IANS,
Dhaka : The trial of nearly 800 troopers of Bangladesh rifles (BDR), the country's border guard, began Tuesday, nearly a year after a mutiny led to the killing of 74 people, including 54 army officers.
The venue of the trial was the Durbar Hall at Pilkhana, the BDR Headquarters, where Feb 25-26 last year, hundreds of troopers had entered an officers' ongoing meeting and after a brief argument, gunned down many.
Among those killed in the first hail of fire was the then BDR Director General, Major General Shakil Ahmed.
Another terror attack near Karachi airport, militants flee
Karachi: Heavily-armed gunmen mounted a brazen attack near the Karachi international airport, within a day of a terror siege there that ended in a...
Yemen weapons factory blast toll climbs to 150
By IANS/AKI,
Jaar (Yemen) : The toll from the explosion at a weapons factory in Yemen has climbed to 150, a media report said.
Indian envoy meets Maulana Fazl ur Rehman
By IANS,
Islamabad: Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal Monday met Jamiat Ulema Islam (F) chief and Kashmir Committee chairman Maulana Fazl ur Rehman and discussed relations between the two countries.
Maulana Fazl ur Rehman welcomed the announcement of restarting composite dialogue between Pakistan and India and the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna to Pakistan and said that composite dialogue would benefit people of both countries and it would also be in the interest of the entire region, reported Online news agency.
Australia to train Pakistani troops in CI operations
By IANS,
Islamabad : Australia is to train a small number of Pakistani troops in counter-insurgency operations to enable Islamabad better take on the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the restive tribal region along the border with Afghanistan, it was announced in Canberra Wednesday.
Agreement on initially training some 70 troops came during a meeting between visiting Pakistani military chief Gen. Tariq Majid and Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
Italian MP wants international probe into Shahzad’s murder
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : An Italian lawmaker has demanded an international investigation into the killing of Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad.
Somali pirates seize Japanese, Iranian vessels
By Xinhua,
Nairobi : Armed Somali pirates have hijacked a Japanese tanker and an Iranian bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden, a regional maritime official said Thursday.
Andrew Mwangura, the coordinator of the East Africa Seafarers Assistance Program (SAP), said the pirates opened fire on the Iranian vessel before boarding it Wednesday night.
He added that about an hour later a Japanese tanker with 19 crew members was also attacked and seized near the same location.
Abu Dhabi to participate in London travel expo
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority will lead a delegation to the World Travel Market expo in London Nov 8-11, it was announced Saturday.
US Iranophobia campaign does not work
By IRNA,
Tehran : The Arab states in the region are not afraid of Iran despite US massive efforts to spread Iranophobia in the region, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, said on Monday.
He made the remarks commenting on a recent meeting in New York, held by the Group 5+1 members states and a number of Arab countries about Iran's peaceful nuclear issue.
Western states are trying to change their aggressive diplomacy into a public diplomacy and that is a sign of their failure, Qashqavi told reporters at his weekly press conference.
Death toll in Kuwait wedding fire rises to 44
By DPA,
Kuwait City : The death toll in a fire that broke out during a wedding ceremony in Kuwait has risen to 44, al-Arabiya news channel reported Sunday.
Some of the deaths were believed to have resulted because of a stampede that followed the fire in a women's tent at the wedding in the Ayoun area of Jahra, west of Kuwait City, Saturday night. At least 75 people were injured, al-Arabiya quoted Kuwaiti health minister Hilal al-Sayer as saying.
In Kuwait, men and women celebrate weddings separately and children attend the women's party.
Two from Kerala killed in Iraq
By IANS
Kozhikode (Kerala): Two persons from Kerala were killed in a missile attack in Basra, Iraq earlier this week.
They were working for a Kuwaiti firm supplying provisions to United States forces in Iraq, according to reports reaching here.
The attack reportedly took place Monday night and claimed three lives including that of a Sri Lankan national. The two persons, hailing from Kerala, were identified as Sureshan, 41, from Payyoli near Kozhikode and T.K. Muhammad Sali, 38, from Padanna in Kasargode district.
Pakistan opens new battleground against Taliban
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have opened a new battleground against the Taliban in the country's Ashrai Dara area in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), a media report said Thursday.
The authorities have also clamped an indefinite curfew Wednesday in Almas and Palaram areas, in the Upper Dir district of the NWFP, The Nation newspaper reported on its website.
Seven houses of the militants, including the house of militant commander Bakht Jahan, were set on fire, while three militants were captured in the overnight clashes, the report said.
Iraqi govt orders military operations in Mosul
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad :The Iraqi government has authorised wide-scale military operations in the northern city of Mosul to crack down on militants who have been targeting Iraqi Christians there.
The government reviewed in a meeting Tuesday the "painful" conditions in Mosul, as well as threats and attacks against the Christian citizens which forced them to flee, government spokesman Ali Dabbagh said in a statement.
The government, thus, ordered intensive military and security operations to restore order and security in Mosul, he said.
Qatar to have second highest per capita income: report
By IANS,
Dubai : The Gulf nation of Qatar will have the second highest per capita income in the world by 2009, next only to Luxembourg, according to a new report.
Per capita income in Qatar will cross $100,000 a year, according to the Bahrain-based investment bank Gulf Finance House’s (GFH) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Outlook for the third quarter of 2008.
The report attributed the reason for this rise in income to increased oil and gas revenues.
British TV to air Ahmadinejad, not Queen’s Christmas speech
By DPA,
London : Britain's Channel 4 television plans to air a speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Thursday as an alternative to the traditional Christmas Day speech by Queen Elizabeth II.
Ahmadinejad calls for peace and greater spirituality in the speech, Britain's Press Association (PA) reported Thursday.
The plan has prompted anger from Jewish and gay representatives as Ahmadinejad has called for the destruction of Israel in the past and said there were no homosexuals in Iran, where gays face the death penalty.
70kg bomb defused in Peshawar
By IANS,
Islamabad : A terrorism attempt was thwarted in Pakistan's Peshawar city when police defused a 70-kg bomb, Online news agency reported.
Iran despises possible new sanctions over nuclear program
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday vows to continue his country's nuclear program, saying the world powers could just "play with papers", apparently brushed off possible new UN sanctions pushed by the West.
Malaysia’s Abdullah Urges OIC To Launch Defence Against Extremism, Islamophobia
By Abdul Muin Abdul Majid, Bernama
Dakar : Malaysia urged the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to mount a defence against extremism and Islamophobia and strive to grow through self-reliance as it handed over the chairmanship of the grouping to Senegal Thursday after four-and-a-half years at the helm.
France’s Sagna to not fast during World Cup
Sao Paulo:France defender Bacary Sagna will not fast during the holy month of Ramadan which begins during the FIFA World Cup, pointing out that...
Germany’s Afghan campaign ‘failure’, says army general
By DPA,
Berlin : A German Army general called Berlin's efforts to help Afghanistan a "failure" Friday and demanded that Berlin roll out development aid Afghans could see.
The outspoken criticism by Hans-Christoph Ammon, who heads the army's commando section, was almost unprecedented in modern Germany and follows months of growing discontent among soldiers at Berlin policy.
Ammon said that compared to the US, Germany was spending "far too little" in Afghanistan. He also called on the West to open peace talks with moderate Taliban leaders.
UAE SMEs Explore Franchise Opportunities in Europe
By WAM
Dubai : Buoyed by a highly competitive business friendly investment climate and nurtured by government incentives, the small and medium enterprises in the UAE are eyeing matured markets overseas for franchising opportunities to maximize their growth potential.
Reflecting this trend, seven member companies of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders accompanied by the Establishment?s officials will participate in the Franchise Expo Paris.
Russia may back UN resolution if Iran continues enrichment
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Russia could support a new UN Security Council resolution on Iran if the Islamic Republic does not stop uranium enrichment, the Russian envoy to the UN has said.
"If Iran in the next few days does not stop the enrichment activities of its heavy water project then yes, Russia has taken upon itself certain commitments to support the resolution that has been drafted in the past month," Vitaly Churkin said Wednesday.
Erdogan blames world for not ‘giving Hamas a chance’
By DPA,
Washington : Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed the international policy of isolating the radical Islamist movement Hamas as a reason for the ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip.
Erdogan, who was Thursday the centre of controversy at the World Economic Forum in Davos after an angry exchange with Israeli President Shimon Peres, argued for engaging Hamas in the Mideast process in an interview with the Washington Post published Saturday.
‘Seasonal beggars’ flock to Indonesian cities for Ramadan
By DPA,
Jakarta : Ramadan is prime time for Muslims to give charitable donations, so it's not surprising the Islamic holy month is the most lucrative season for beggars.
Beggars, including many old people and women with young children, have been flocking to Jakarta for the beginning of Ramadan in early September.
Turkish ship crashes in Greek port
By IANS,
Athens : A Turkish ship with 213 people onboard crashed at a port in Greece, injuring 30 people of whom 20 were Britons, officials said.
Palestinians should not seek int”l pressure to push for ME peace — Netanyahu
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Thursday that Palestinians should not seek to impose international pressure on Israel to push for Mideast peace.
Pakistani MPs’ ‘constitutional dilemma’ as session begins Monday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : The stage is set for the noisy inaugural session of Pakistan's National Assembly or the lower house of parliament Monday with a shouting match expected between pro- and anti-Musharraf parliamentarians, particularly on the issue of taking oath under the amended constitution.
President Pervez Musharraf, after overthrowing the elected government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, amended the constitution and now the parliamentarians may have to take oath showing allegiance to the present constitution.
Egyptian President, Lebanese PM discuss developments in Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak discussed over the phone Saturday with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora attempts to convince Lebanese conflicting parties to accept an Arab plan to address the political conflict in Lebanon.
Both men discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and how to bring about implementation of the three-phase Arab plan which calls for the election of army commander General Michel Suleiman as president, forming a government of national unity and wording a fresh election law, state-run news agency (MENA) reported.
Shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist alleges torture
By DPA,
Baghdad : Muntadhar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who famously threw his shoes at then US president George W. Bush, Tuesday said he had been tortured with electric shocks while in custody.
Speaking to reporters after his release, al-Zaidi said Iraqi security forces also beat him, held his head under water to simulate drowning, then left him in the cold all night in the 24 hours after his arrest in December.
Turkey ready for ground operations in Iraq to fight PKK
By Xinhua
Ankara : The Turkish army was preparing for a comprehensive ground operation into northern Iraq against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in the coming spring, local Today's Zaman daily reported on Monday.
The Turkish military was currently developing its strategy for the operation, which would most likely be launched in the middle of March, said the report.
Bangladesh, India officials to discuss demarcation of sea territory
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Senior officials of Bangladesh and India will meet in Dhaka on Monday after nearly 28 years to discuss the disputes over their common maritime boundary, said a senior official.
The official from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Xinhua on Saturday that the meeting is taking place after New Delhi strongly opposed Dhaka's move to select international oil and gas companies to explore hydrocarbon at the blocks close to India's maritime territory.
World press body condemns Israeli hypocrisy over case against Palestinian journalists
BRUSSELS, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) denounced here Wednesday the charges levelled by Israeli prosecutors against two Palestinians journalists for broadcasting information subject to military censorship.
"We condemn these charges which just prove the hypocrisy and double standards applied by Israel in Gaza," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Israel uses the law to enforce its military dictate on journalists while it fails to implement the order of the country's highest court allowing media access to Gaza," he said.
Iranian FM urges patience, restraint on Tehran’s nuclear issue
By Xinhua
Davos, Switzerland : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki here Saturday urged the U.N. Security Council to be patient and show self-restraint on the Gulf state's nuclear issue until receiving the next report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) around Feb. 20.
"We advise the U.N. Security Council to exercise restraint. There is not much time left until the final report of the IAEA comes out," Mottaki told a panel concentrating on Iran's foreign policy during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.
Pakistan forms panel for 3G licences’ policy
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has formed a cabinet committee for the formulation of a policy to issue 3G mobile telephone licences.
Three soldiers killed in Yemen bomb attack
Damascus: At least three soldiers were killed and 12 injured Thursday in a bomb attack at a military base in Yemen, an official said.
"The...
Kerry says US intervention not about helping Iraqi PM
Washington : Secretary of State John Kerry stressed Thursday that any US intervention in Iraq to help stem the advances by Islamic militants is...
Terrorism cannot be fought only by using force: Gilani
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has spoken of "a new, multi-pronged strategy" to combat terrorism at home, making it clear that it could not be won only by using force.
Stressing the need for a political dialogue with the pro-Taliban tribals and militants who have been battling the government for long, Gilani told the New Straits Times: "The fight against terrorism cannot be won merely through short-term military, legislative or administrative measures."
Israeli Air Force plane crashes, two killed
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : An Israeli Air Force plane crashed some 30 minutes after taking off from a military air base in southern Israel Wednesday afternoon, killing a flight instructor and his 19-year-old student, the military said.
The plane was an Israeli Zukit, a military spokesman in Tel Aviv said. The student was identified as Ilan Carmi from central Israel.
The spokesman said search-and-rescue forces were called to the scene. Witnesses told Israeli media that they found parts of the plane dispersed across 200 metres, with two bodies lying nearby.
Iran not to support incentives that violate “nuclear rights”
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran will not support any package of incentives offered by world powers that violate Iran's "nuclear rights," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said on Monday.
"Incentives that in anyway violate our interests and our rights will not be supported by us," Hosseini told a news conference broadcast and translated on Iran's English-language Press TV. He made remarks when asked about a plan by six world powers to offer a new package of incentives to coax Tehran to roll back its nuclear program.
One police officer killed in clash in SE Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : One police officer was killed in a clash during raids on suspected al-Qaida cells in southeastern province of Gaziantep in Turkey, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported Thursday.
During the operation, four police officers were also injured in the raids that targeted three separate houses belonging to the radical Islamic group.
According to Anatolia, two people linked to the group were killed while 18 people were detained during the raids in Gaziantepand Kahramanmaras provinces.
Gilani authorised me to speak on situation with India: Durrani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sacked Pakistani national security adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani has said he did not cross the "official brief" while speaking on Ajmal Kasab's nationality, adding that Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's directive authorised him to talk on the “evolving situation” with India following the Mumbai terrorist attack, a media report said Tuesday.
Durrani believes that "perhaps he was made a scapegoat", Geo TV reported.
Probably, Durrani said, the prime minister felt “left out” in taking key decisions, and this might be a reason for his dismissal.
Modi has tried to improve ties with Pakistan: Daily
Islamabad: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to improve ties with Pakistan, said a leading daily which noted that Modi's meeting with his...
Pakistan to switch to three-yearly budget
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has decided to switch to a three-yearly budget, making it perhaps the only country in the world to do so.
The decision to do away from the annual exercise was taken at a cabinet meeting Wednesday presided over by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and would be implemented from next June, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said at a media briefing.
Army claims 30 Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : An Afghan army commander in western Afghanistan claimed Thursday their forces supported by NATO warplanes killed 30 Taliban militants in fight that left three Afghan security forces also dead.
The clash took place in Bala Bulok district of south-western Farah province Wednesday when Afghan army and police conducted an operation after getting intelligence information regarding the presence of rebels in the area, army commander in western region, Jalander Shah Behnam said.
Younis slams Australia for reporting Ajmal’s action
By IANS,
Sydney : Pakistan captain Younis Khan has slammed Australia for reporting off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for 'illegal' bowling action during the second One-day International cricket.
Khan asked why do controversies always rear their head when Australia play sub-continental teams.
Ajmal, who played in the third match Australia won Monday, suggested it was a complaint from opposition all-rounder Shane Watson that led to the umpires reporting him over his action.
Fatah holds first conference in 20 years
By DPA,
Bethlehem (West Bank) : The Fatah movement of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas began its first party conference in 20 years Tuesday.
More than 2,000 delegates gathered in the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem for the three-day event.
Delegates are to adopt a new platform and re-elect Fatah's two main decision-making bodies, the 21-member Central Committee and the 120-member Revolutionary Council.
The 2,267 participants include many who have travelled from exile abroad, receiving rare Israeli clearance to enter the occupied territory.
Pakistan military kills 104 militants in two tribal agencies
By NNN-KUNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan military has reportedly killed 104 militants in the ongoing operations in two tribal agencies, close to Afghan border.
Citing military officials, local ARY news channel reported that troops have killed at least 104 militants in Khyber and Orakzai tribal agencies.
It said that the military jets bombed suspected militant hideouts in the two agencies.
In Khyber region, said the channel, about 45 militants were killed and over 70 others were wounded.
Preparations underway for presidential elections
By APP,
Islamabad : Preparations are underway for holding of presidential elections on September 6. The Election Commission has completed the printing of ballot papers, PTV reported.
The candidates in the run are contacting different political parties and consulting politicians and like minded people to seek support in their favour.
The election of the president will be held at a joint session of National Assembly and Senate in Islamabad and the four provincial assemblies.
The polling will continue from 10 a.m till 3 p.m without any break.
IAEA team in Tehran for talks
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : A high-level delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Tehran Monday for talks on nuclear issues.
Iraqi Shoe-Thrower to Go on Trial Dec. 31
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : The Iraqi Justice has set December 31 for the trial of the journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush amid denial of an alleged call for pardon.
Iraq´s higher Judicial Council spokesman Judge Abdul Sattar al-Berqadar pointed out that journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi will be tried in a public hearing based on article 223 of the Penal Code related to aggression against a foreign head of State during an official visit.
Pranab calls for increased India-Pakistan trade
By IANS,
New Delhi : Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday pitched for increased trade with Pakistan, saying it would help reduce tensions between the two neighbours and bring in higher investments to the south Asian region.
"A more economically integrated and rapidly developing region could generate a peace dividend. Extended trade relationships would reduce potential for conflict by creating strong constituencies for peace," said Mukherjee, addressing an Indo-Pak business meet here.
US seeks additional $200 mn for Pakistan’s displaced: Holbrook
By IANS,
Islamabad : America's top trouble-shooter for Afghanistan and Pakistan said Wednesday the White House has sought an additional $200 million over the $110 million already committed to assist the millions of civilians displaced by the Pakistani military's anti-Taliban offensive in the country's troubled northwest.
Senior Qaeda operative arrested in Iraq’s Anbar province
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has announced that Iraqi forces have detained the assistant of Abu Ayub Al-Masri, senior Al-Qaeda leader, in Al-Anbar.
The ministry said Thursday that the Iraqi forces managed to arrest Nazal Sabar Al-Jughaify, aka Abi Al-Jarrah, who is an assistant of Abu Ayub Al-Masri, and another Al-Qaeda senior leader in western Iraq on Tuesday.
The statement said the arrest took place in Al-Ramadi, Al-Anbar's largest city.
The arrestee was spotted and captured after two years of trying to track him down.
Syria releases names of killed foreign fighters
By IANS,
Damascus : A pro-government Syrian daily Tuesday published the names of 142 fighters from foreign countries killed in Syria over the past month, Xinhua reported.
More nuclear talks needed with Iran: IAEA
By IANS,
Vienna : Iran has provided an "initial response" to a planned international nuclear fuel deal, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Thursday, adding that more consultations were needed.
Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, said his country had a positive approach to the deal but that it asked for "important technical and economic amendments" ot the plan drafted by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei.
Abbas urges U.S. to help reach peace deal by year-end
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope on Sunday that the United States would help push Israelis towards striking a permanent peace agreement with Palestinians before the end of 2008.
Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice following their meeting in Ramallah, Abbas asked Rice to "help us to convince Israel of being committed to stopping settlements activities."
Army official: Iran missiles deter potential enemy attack
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force Nour-Ali Shoushtari said on Saturday that Iran's new long-range missiles have deterred potential enemy attack, Iran's English-language Press TV satellite channel reported.
"The progress that has been made in developing military equipment, weaponry and long-range missiles has added to our ability to prevent an enemy attack," Shoushtari was quoted as saying.
Heavy clashes break out in mountain Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Heavy clashes between pro and anti-government supporters broke out Sunday in mountain areas in central Lebanon, local New TV reported.
The violence started in mountain village of Aytat in Aley area, and expanded to other villages and then spread out to Chweifatcity where heavy gunfire exchange is taking place, according to the report.
The report said automatic rifles and RPGs were used in the battles, and huge sound of explosion could be heard in the area.
UAE, Vatican discuss relations
By IANS / WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Vatican have held talks over their existing relations and ways to boost cooperation between them.
India assures support for Palestinian cause to Abbas
By IANS,
New Delhi: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Friday ended his two-day unannounced visit to India with New Delhi pledging support to an independent Palestine state coexisting with Israel, and a $10 million support for development of the conflict-hit region.
Abbas met Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor Friday - a day after he had a dinner meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shorty after his arrival in New Delhi.
Tharoor reassured the visiting Palestinian leader of New Delhi's support for peace and development in the Middle East.
Saudi Information Official visits Brussels
By SPA,
Brussels : Under Secretary of Saudi ministry of culture and information for external relations Dr Salih Al-Namla met here today Roaf Van Hellmann, the President of Aghmon institute for diplomatic studies and international relations.
The Institute is an independent organ which is concerned with international relations and diplomatic affairs.
During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of cooperation between the Institute and the ministry.
Musharraf tells U.S lawmakers elections strengthen moderate forces
By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf told U.S lawmakers on Friday that the parliamentary elections have strengthened the moderate forces in the country.
Highlighting the importance of the 18 February elections in meetings with U.S legislatures, the President emphasized the need for harmonious coalition in the interest of peaceful governance, development and progress of Pakistan, a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Pakistan: conflict disrupting life, displacing people in northern areas
By NNN-IRIN,
Peshawar : Ahsan Khan, 35, has lived in Peshawar almost all his life. He never imagined he would one day consider moving away - but that day has come.
Because of ongoing hostilities between militants and government forces, the young businessman, his wife and two small children are seriously considering leaving the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
“There is just too much uncertainty. We now really fear extremist militants may one day walk into Peshawar,” Ahsan told IRIN.
Feuding Bangladeshi leaders exchange first greetings in 18 years
By DPA,
Dhaka : Former Bangladeshi prime ministers and arch political rivals Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia exchanged greetings Friday at a reception to honour the country's military. It was their first face-to-face meeting in 18 years.
Private television channels aired live footage of the two meeting at the Armed Forces Day reception in Senakunja in the Dhaka cantonment. They shook hands and exchanged small talk.
UAE signs pact with Korea for nuclear cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates and South Korea Tuesday signed an agreement for cooperation in the areas of nuclear safeguards, export controls and physical protection.
Arab League calls for pressuring Israel on Gaza unrest
By KUNA,
Cairo : The Arab League called on Saturday the international community, including the United Nations and European Union, to intervene and pressure Israel to bear responsibility for Gaza's carnage and precarious security situation.
The Arab League warned as well of grave consequences amid silence from the international community to events and human sufferings in the Gaza Strip, Arab League's Director of Secretariat Affairs Hesham Bader said in a press statement.
Israeli, Palestinian presidents meet on peace process
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli President Shimon Peres met with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, in a bid to push ahead the sluggish Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
"I am full of confidence the problems will be resolved. I feel both sides believe there is no alternative to peace," Peres said after giving Abbas a red-carpet welcome in his official residence in Jerusalem, adding that "Israelis have a burning desire to reach peace with the Palestinians."
Pakistan: Special Mehfil-e-Quran Khawani held at Awan-i-Sadr for peace, prosperity of country
By APP,
Islamabad : A Mehfil-i-Quran Khawani was held here at the Awan-i-Sadr on Sunday to offer special prayers for the peace, progress, prosperity, solidarity and integrity of the country. The participants which included Members of the Parliament, mostly women, also offered special prayers for the departed souls of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
They prayed for the success of PPP Co-Chairman and President-elect Asif Ali Zardari in his endeavors to make the country more strong, stable and prosperous.
Iraq says Russian firms will not get business privileges
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Tuesday that Baghdad welcomes Russian companies interested in doing business in the country, but will not offer them special privileges.
The minister spoke at a news conference in Moscow following talks with the Russian leadership.
"The doors are open for Russian companies to work in Iraq, but on conditions equal to other companies," Zebari told a news conference.
Israeli troops kill Palestinian teenager south of Bethlehem
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A Palestinian teenager was killed and another citizen was injured on Monday by Israeli troops' gunfire south of the West Bank town of Bethlehem, medics and witnesses said.
The medics said that Qusai el-Afandi, 17, was shot dead by Israeli gunfire as Israeli army forces stormed into one of the city's neighborhoods and surrounded the home of a wanted Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militant.
They said that another Palestinian was shot and wounded, adding that he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Candidate calls voters to elect those able to cooperate with gov”t
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Fourth constituency candidate Naif Al-Enizi called voters to elect those who are able to cooperate with the government and serve the people.
Al-Enizi said, in a seminar he held Friday evening, that members of the previous National Assembly had conflicts with each other and with ministers.
He called future members of parliament to focus in legislations and issuing laws that benefit the people.