“Great Israel is not the future” …White House
By Joe Macaron, KUNA
Washington : The White House said on Thursday that Greater Israel is not the future of peace process, just one week ahead of President George W. Bush trip to the Middle East.
"Greater Israel is not the future; if you want to safeguard as a homeland for the Jewish people, there needs to be a Palestine that is a homeland for the Palestinian people", said White House National Security Adviser Stephan Hadley in a press briefing attended by KUNA.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade accuses Hamas of assassinating one of its leaders
By KUNA
Gaza : Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of the Fatah movement accused Hamas on Thursday of being behind the assassination of one of its leaders in the town of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip who collapsed during his detention in a prison run by the latter.
The brigade reported that Abdullah Qishtah, 27, was arrested with a group of leading Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades yesterday in the governorate of Rafah at the hands of the Hamas movement. He was placed in a prison it runs on Rafah that was raided by the Israeli planes this evening.
Death toll from Turkey bombing rises to 5, 110 hurt
By SPA
Diyarbakir, Turkey : The death toll from a bomb explosion in southeast Turkey's largest city has risen to five, including three children, and the number of injured stands at 110, security sources said on Friday.
Eight of the injured are in a serious condition and the death toll could increase further, they said.
The bomb, which exploded in the centre of Diyarbakir on Thursday evening, targeted a military service vehicle that had been carrying 46 army personnel as it passed near a school. The bomb was set off by remote control, Reuters reported.
Israeli Attacks Kill Five in Gaza and West Bank
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : At least five Palestinians were killed and more than 50 were wounded on Thursday, after the Israeli Army attacked the West Bank and Gaza, according to security sources.
One of the attacks took place in the town of Kan Yunis, in southern Gaza, where a tank opened fire against a house, killing a woman and her three children, two of whom were members of Islamic Jihad.
At least nine people, including children, were wounded in the same operation, the sources added.
Over 20 Violent Deaths in Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : At least 20 persons died and over ten were wounded in violent incidents the last few hours in Iraq, security sources reported.
The first incident occurred in Baquoba, Diyala province, when a woman laden with explosives went off at the passport office, taking the lives of ten persons and wounding 8 others, said Captain Mohammad Rghu.
Afghan Blast Kills One US Soldier
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : One US soldier died, and another two were injured when an explosive device detonated in their vehicle in the Afghan province of Khost, Pentagon sources reported Thursday.
The incident took place Wednesday, and the two wounded soldiers were taken to a US base to receive medical treatment.
In the meantime, the Afghan interior ministry reported that about 200 alleged rebels died in clashes with the army during the occupation of the southern locality of Musa Qala.
Dubai to host global education conference
By SPA
Dubai : A major international educational conference slated to be held from January 22 to 24 in Dubai will explore the future of education in the Arabian Gulf, the UAE news agency "WAM" reported.
The Forum will be addressed by Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali, the UAE Minister of Education as well as experts from the UK, Germany, the US, Jordan, Canada, India and Scandinavia.
Hadley on Bush Trip to Middle East
By SPA
Washington : U.S. President George W. Bush will travel to the Middle East next week in an attempt to encourage “broader Israel-Arab reconciliation” and reaffirm U.S. support for its allies in the region, a senior administration official said Thursday.
National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said Bush’s trip “will be an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring commitment of the United States to the security of our friends and allies in the Middle East, especially the Gulf nations.”
Saudi official attends Arab Conference on mining in Cairo
By SPA
Cairo : The First International Conference of Mining and Quarries Economics in the Arab World concluded its deliberations here yesterday.
The conference was organized by Egyptian Scientists Association in cooperation with Saudi-Egyptian Mining Services Establishment. A large number of Arab experts in the field of mining and mineral resources attended the conference.
The delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the conference was headed by Under Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dr. Sultan Jamal Shaoli.
Bush to seek Middle East Peace on Trip
By SPA
Washington : President George W. Bush is committed to a diplomatic push for peace in the Middle East, the White House said Thursday ahead of the president’s visit to the region next week.
“He’ll be talking about Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation, as well as Israeli-Arab reconciliation, and the overall situation of … Middle East regional security,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.
Iranian FM holds talks with Pakistani counterpart
By IRNA
Islamabad : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki held bilateral talks with Pakistani caretaker Foreign Minister Inam-ul-Haque, the state-run television said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad on a day-long visit.
He was received at the airport by senior Pakistani officials and Iranian diplomats.
The Iranian Foreign Minister condoled the death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated on December 27 after she addressed an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi, the PTV reported.
Leader: Iran must have produced nuclear energy long ago
By IRNA
Yazd : Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Thursday that Iran must have produced nuclear energy several decades ago to meet the growing need to electricity.
The Leader said that Iran needs to produce 20,000 megawatts electricity in the next 20 years from nuclear energy to keep up with growing demand and the economic development plans.
The Leader said that Iran needs to produce 20,000 megawatts electricity in the next 20 years from nuclear energy to keep up with growing demand and the economic development plans.
Scotland Yard team in Pakistan to help probe Bhutto’s killing
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : A team from Britain's Scotland Yard arrived here Friday to help Pakistani authorities probe the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, a day after President Pervez Musharraf said he was "not fully satisfied" with the investigation done so far.
The small team from the Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Command will meet officials from Pakistan's Interior Ministry to discuss modalities of the probe and to be briefed on the investigation conducted so far.
Pakistan crisis to figure in Bush meetings in West Asia
By NNN-PTI
Washington : Issues of violence in Pakistan including the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto and extremism will figure in the visit of the President George W Bush to the West Asia starting next week.
Bush is scheduled to embark on a nine-day visit to Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
US ready to hold fourth round of talks with Iranian, Iraqi govts – Crocker
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker has said that the American side was prepared to contest the fourth round of talks with Iraqi and Iranian governments on the security situation in Iraq.
Crocker told reporters during his visit to Abu Nawas Street Thursday that his country was ready to hold a new round of talks with Iraqi and Iranian sides on security in Iraq alluding to the continuing dialogue with the Iraqi government to determine the date of talks in the fourth round.
Libya won’t support further sanctions on Iran if nuclear file goes back to UNSC
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Libya has hinted it will not support further sanctions on Iran if its nuclear file goes back to the Security Council and stressed at the same time that it is seeking closer relations with Washington.
Israel will not halt military operations during Bush’s visit
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel does not intend to minimize military operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the upcoming visit by US President George W. Bush to the region, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronot said.
According to the newspaper Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Minister of War Ehud Barak do not intend to issue any orders to the National Security Council to cut down military operations during the visit.
WFP distributes food aid to suffering Iraqis in Iraq, Syria
By NNN-KUNA
Rome : The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the start of the process to provide necessary emergency food aid for more than one million displaced Iraqis inside Iraq and in the Syrian lands to confront the crisis caused by the ongoing violence.
The programme said in a statement Thursday distributed from its headquarters here that the humanitarian operation will cost USD 126 million and will continue until the month of December of the current year.
Brown holds talks with Iraqi PM
By NNN-KUNA
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki here as efforts to achieve enhanced security and stability in Iraq continues.
The two prime ministers discussed Thursday the current developments in Iraq and the plight of the British hostages -- who have now been captive for more than six months -- at a meeting in Downing Street, Brown's official spokesman said.
They also considered progress with reconciling ethnic groups in Iraq, and rebuilding the country's shattered economy.
Arab-Iranian dialogue needs serious willingness on agreement to be productive
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Abdel Rahman Al-Attiyah has said that the success of any Arab-Iranian dialogue depended on the willingness of seriousness to reach an agreement.
In a press statement marking the new year here Thursday, Al-Attiyah said that the Gulf-Iranian relations were "good" but it lacked the spirit of dialogue based on genuine political will to address the central issues involved in establishing good neighbourly relations and to ensure full peace, security and stability in the region.
Jordan’s King calls on Israel to stop taking unilateral measures
By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Jordan's King Abdullah has called on Israel to stop prolonging and take any unilateral measures that will stand against the peace process in the Middle East.
The King's comment came in a statement issued by the Royal Diwan office Thursday after the King held a joint meeting in Aqaba city with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Arab FMs’ extraordinary meeting on Lebanon “Arab responsibility”
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Egyptian-Saudi call for an extraordinary meeting for the Arab Foreign Ministers on Lebanon was prompted by "the Arab responsibility toward the deteriorating conditions in an Arab sister country," Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said.
Talking to reporters Thursday, Abul-Gheit highlighted the importance of the Sunday meeting saying it would offer a good chance for discussing means of supporting the Lebanese conflicting powers so as to elect a new president.
Switzerland mediates Hamas-Israel talks – paper
By NNN-KUNA
Geneva : Switzerland has mediated the talks held in camera by Hamas and Israel during the past few months, according to a report by the Le Temps correspondent in Israel Serge Dumont.
These exchanges announced later by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were also admitted by Mahmoud Al Zahar, the foreign minister of the sacked government of the hard-line Hamas movement.
World Food Programme announces state of emergency to aid Iraqi refugees
By NNN-KUNA
Damascus : The World Food Programme has declared a state of emergency to allocate USD 126 million to aid more than a million Iraqi refugees who are unable to get basic food.
Pippa Bradford, WFP Country Representative in Syria, said in press release Thursday that such a step would help over 750,000 people who are in great need for food especially for the 360,000 Iraqi refugees on the Syrian borders.
Four suspected Babbar Khalsa terrorists held
By IANS
New Delhi : Four suspected militants from the outlawed Babbar Khalsa International planning to carry out a terror strike in the capital have been arrested, police officials said Friday.
According to the police, sleuths of the special cell apprehended Baljeet Singh of Mohali, Bikar Singh of Sangrur, Kulwinderjeet Singh of Ludhiana and Trilochan Singh of Panchkula Thursday and recovered 124 live cartridges and four pistols.
Aussie lawyer wants on action taken against Dr Haneef
By NNN-Bernama
Melbourne : The lawyer for and Indian doctor wrongly suspected to be a terorist by Australian police called on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to declare that they have completed their investigation and that they do not intend to take any further action against him, local media report.
After Australia's Federal Court last month upheld a decision to return the doctor's visa, the AFP had released a statement saying it was still investigating Dr Mohamed Haneef.
Abu Sayyaf commander, suspected bomber arrested
By DPA
Zamboanga City (Philippines) : A commander of the Abu Sayyaf Group, one of the Islamic militant outfits in the Philippines, and a suspected bomber were arrested in separate operations in the southern Philippines, police and military officials said Friday.
Major Eugene Batarra, a regional military spokesman, said Tuatin Anahalul, an Abu Sayyaf commander, was arrested Thursday at his hideout on Igat Island in Zamboanga del Sur province, 825 km south of capital Manila.
Iranian FM arrives for day-long visit to Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived here Friday morning to pay an official day-long visit to Pakistan.
Mottaki is expected to meet Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro and Foreign Minister Inamul Haq, according to the Iranian embassy.
Turkish diplomat stabbed in Moscow
By Xinhua
Moscow : An employee of the Turkish Embassy in Moscow was stabbed on Thursday, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.
An alarm call came at 11:56 a.m. Moscow time (0856 GMT) to the Moscow district police station from an emergency station, where the wounded Turkish diplomat sought medical advice.
"The man was stabbed in the right hand, and he was let go after the first medical aid," the police source said.
Dutch university rejects Iranian students for nuclear concerns
By Xinhua
Brussels : A Dutch university will no longer enroll students from Iran because the Dutch government is concerned Iranians could gain nuclear expertise from the Netherlands, Dutch newspaper Trouw reported Thursday.
The Twente University of Technology, located in the eastern Dutch city of Enschede, has informed three potential Iranian students in writing that they cannot study at the university. One of them had already received confirmation of a grant.
Lebanese PM denounces Hezbollah leader’s remarks
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Premier Fouad Seniora on Thursday denounced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's remarks, local Naharnet news website reported.
In a statement released by his office, Seniora said Nasrallah's remarks revealed the real purposes of his party, which aim at changing the current political system and torpedoing the Taif agreement.
"Those who seek partnership should rather seek middle solutions instead of setting conditions and clinging to it," Seniora added.
Israeli army kills 9 Palestinians in Gaza
By Xinhua
Gaza : A Fatah prisoner in a prison in Gaza border town of Rafah was killed on Thursday afternoon, increasing the Palestinian toll in a daylong of Israeli air and ground strikes against militant groups in the Gaza Strip to nine while around 30 others were wounded, witnesses and hospital officials said.
A Fatah leaflet said Israeli aircraft bombed a prison in Rafah in the afternoon, killing a Fatah member. The Israeli military also confirmed this.
Over 30 people wounded in blast in SE Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Over 30 people were wounded in an explosion in southeastern Turkey on Thursday, Turkish private NTV reported.
Local sources told Xinhua that the explosion was a result of a bomb attack targeting a military personnel bus in southeastern province of Diyarbakir.
The attack took place when the vehicle was passing near Dedeman Hotel in Diyarbakir's Yenisehir district, the source added.
Iran’s top leader says not to resume ties with U.S. at current time
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Thursday that now it's not the appropriate time to resume diplomatic ties with the United States since it cannot "benefit" Iranian people, the state media reported.
Governor: four killed, 68 wounded in blast in Turkey
By Xinhua
Diyarbakir, Turkey : Diyabakir Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu said on Thursday that four people were killed and 68 others wounded, including four in serious conditions in a blast in Diyarbakir city of southeastern Turkey.
However, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that four people were killed and 52 others wounded, including six in serious conditions in the blast in Diyarbakir.
Erdogan said that Turkey's fight against terrorism will continue with determination both on national and international dimensions.
Bush to discuss Bhutto murder on Middle East peace trip
By Arun Kumar, IANS
Washington : US President George W. Bush will discuss Benazir Bhutto's assassination during a trip to the Middle East next week as he sees the situation there as a struggle between the forces of terrorism and freedom.
"I would say to you that the killing of (former Pakistan premier) Benazir Bhutto is another example of extremists recognising the danger that those who advocate democracy represent to their future," Bush's National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said Thursday.
Scotland Yard team to arrive in Pakistan Sunday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : A counter terrorism team from Britain's Scotland Yard will land here Sunday evening to assist investigations into the assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, an interior ministry official said Friday.
He said Scotland Yard had deputed a small team of officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism Command for Pakistan.
15 nabbed for molesting NRI girls on New Year
By IANS
Mumbai : Fifteen youths were arrested here late Thursday night in connection with the alleged molestation of two NRI girls from California on New Year.
Of those arrested, two had surrendered before the Mumbai police.
The police action comes more than 48 hours after the incident in which a rowdy group of New Year revellers allegedly ripped off the clothes of the two girls, who originally belong to Valsad in south Gujarat.
Musharraf denies that Pakistan government killed Bhutto
By DPA
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Thursday angrily denied allegations that his government orchestrated the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, saying she was repeatedly warned about threats from Islamic militants.
One CRPF Kashmiri constable detained for Rampur attack
By IANS
Lucknow : With suspicion gaining ground about the involvement of an "insider" in Tuesday's terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Rampur, the investigating team of the Uttar Pradesh police Thursday detained a CRPF constable from Kashmir for interrogation.
The constable hails from Baramula district in the Kashmir valley and was currently attached with the Rampur unit where seven CRPF personnel were gunned down during a pre-dawn attack by suspected Kashmiri militants.
Iran ready to expand cooperation with Iraq
By IANS
Tehran : Iran is ready to expand economic cooperation with Iraq, Minister of Economy Davoud Danesh-Ja'fari said here Thursday.
"Promotion of trade and economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq will lead to welfare of the two nations," the minister said while addressing a conference on opportunities and challenges before oil, gas and petrochemical industries of Iran and Iraq, IRNA reported.
Ja'fari said that Iran and Iraq, which possess rich oil and gas resources, could meet a large part of the world's demand for fossil fuel.
Five army officers get jail term for corruption
By IANS
New Delhi : An anti-corruption court of Jabalpur, in Madhya Pradesh, has ordered three years' jail each for five army officers after convicting them on charges of corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said here Thursday.
The convicted officers include Col. P.O. Ommen, Maj. E.R. Kumar, Lt. Col. P.K Rawal, Lt. Col. J.S. Virdi and Naib Subedar N. Prasad, said the CBI in a statement. Each of them was also ordered to pay fine of Rs.2,000 by the designated CBI court.
Woman serial killer may be involved in more murders
By IANS
Bangalore : The 43-year-old woman serial killer arrested on Sunday may have murdered at least 10 women, and not six as thought earlier, after relatives of some more missing women stepped forward to suggest she could be behind their murders.
The woman, Kempamma, was arrested from Kalasipalyam area in the heart of the city while she was trying to pawn jewellery she had stolen from her murdered victims.
Indian woman among two killed in US accident
By IANS
New York : Two female students - an Indian and a Nepalese - were killed in a van crash in northeastern Indiana in the US.
The victims have been identified as Sweety Mazumdar, 25, from Kolkata and Apsana Giri, 26, from Kathmandu. Both were students at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.
The van crashed along the snow-covered Indiana Toll Road Wednesday when the half a dozen passengers in the van were returning to Ohio from a holiday trip to Chicago.
Police arrest two men, crack Kuki chief’s murder
By IANS
New Delhi : Two people have been arrested for allegedly murdering K. Hangsing, self-styled commander-in-chief of Manipur's outlawed Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA,) here last November, the police said Thursday.
Sleuths of Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended Dec 21 Singh, 24, alias Meeta, a native of Punjab, and his accomplice Wahengbam Thoithoiba Meitei, 25, from Manipur, in connection with the killing of Hang at his brother's home in south Delhi's Srinivaspuri Nov 12.
Two Haj pilgrims die due to exhaustion
By IANS
Kanpur : Two Haj pilgrims have died and another slipped into coma soon after their return from Mecca to this Uttar Pradesh city.
They had been admitted to different hospitals in the city after they showed signs of extreme exhaustion during the flight.
Septuagenarian Bibi Mariam of Becongunj died at a private hospital as her blood pressure shot up and she complained of weakness on Wednesday.
Seminar on ‘Minorities: Detention, Torture & Discrimination’ on Jan. 5
By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: A seminar on "Minorities: Detention, Torture & Discrimination" is being organized here on January 5 from 10 a.m in Mulla Ramuzi Bhavan, M.P. Urdu Academy.
The seminar is being jointly organized by the National Confederation of Human Rights Organizations, (NCHRO), and Muslim Co-ordination Committee, Bhopal.
Muslims couples can divorce by mutual consent: Chennai Court
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
A family court in Chennai has granted divorce to a Muslim couple who wanted to nullify their nikaah by mutual consent.
Principal Judge P Devadass considered Islamic jurisprudence to see if it had any provision to dissolve failed marriages by mutual consent.
Hindus, Parsis and Christians are allowed to dissolve their marriage under Special Marriage Act of 1954. The court wondered if Muslims can do the same.
Ferry ready to take Russian hajj pilgrims remaining in Turkey
MOSCOW, January 3 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian ferry has arrived in Turkey's Trabzon to take back remaining 71 Russian hajj pilgrims, who got stuck there upon their return home, Russia's Consul General in Trabzon said on Thursday.
A large group of over 750 Russian pilgrims on their way home from a hajj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia had to stop in the Turkish Black Sea port of Trabzon over the suspension of ferry service due to poor weather conditions.
Stop Orissa violence: Mushawarat
By TwoCircles.net news desk
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM) President, Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, issued the following statement on Thursday, 3 January 2007, about the ongoing anti-Christian violence in Orissa:
Abu Salem’s judicial custody extended till Feb 4
By IANS
Hyderabad : A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Thursday extended underworld don Abu Salem's judicial custody till Feb 4 in a fake passport case.
Salem, who faces charges in several cases, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, was brought from Mumbai and produced before the judge in the Nampally Criminal Court complex here under tight security arrangements.
The court Dec 20 had remanded him to judicial custody for two weeks, which expired Thursday.
CIA agents killed Bhutto: Hilal War
'JKPPP will setup trust in memory of Benazir Bhutto, her father soon'
By News Agency of Kashmir
Kranti Dal demands removal of PDP minister
By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : Karanti Dal today holds protest demonstration against finance minister in coalition government at Kachi Chawani, demanding immediate removal of Tariq Hamid Karra from the state cabinet as he is speaking the language of militants.
Protesters led by Pritam Sharma City President Kranti Dal torched the effigy of Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra for his anti national utterances at the release function of Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s Calendar for year 2008.
Kashmir’s multi-crore Institute of Traumatology taking shape
CM reviews AIIMS level up-gradation of Jammu, Srinagar medical colleges
By News Agency of Kashmir
France supports British role in Bhutto murder enquiry
PARIS, Jan 3 (KUNA) -- France said on Thursday that it fully supported and "welcomed" the role of British police from Scotland Yard in the investigation into the murder of Pakistani opposition figure Benazir Bhutto.
The French Foreign Ministry said that a number of European countries had offered to help Pakistan in the enquiry and the government in Islamabad had accepted a British offer of assistance.
PDP gave Kashmir issue a realistic political, economic context: Karra
'Kashmir resolution part of Coalition Govt agenda'
By News Agency of Kashmir
227 Indians Died During Haj
DUBAI, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- As many as 221 Indian pilgrims died during the Haj this year due to natural causes, while six others were killed in road accidents, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported Wednesday.
The Indian Haj consul Suhel Ajaz Khan said that India sent 157,000 pilgrims that included 110,000 who came through the Haj Committee of India and while the rest arrived through the travel operators from various Indian cities.
US welcomes Pakistan announcing poll date, decision on Scotland help in BB death probe
WASHINGTON, (APP): The United States on Wednesday welcomed Pakistan announcing February 18 as a certain date for parliamentary polls, which have been rescheduled from January 8 in the aftermath of assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and expressed the hope that all political parties would be able to fully participate in the election.
“The important thing is that they have a date certain for the elections,” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino noted.
Scotland yard team to assist probe into Bhutto’s killing
By NNN-PTI
London : A five-member crack team of British counter-terrorism police is expected to reach Islamabad by the weekend to assist the Pakistani security agencies probing the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto which has been marred by controversies and government flip-flops.
The Scotland Yard said it would send a five-member team of officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command to Pakistan.
Pakistan troops seize 52 militants in Swat Valley
By DPA
Islamabad : Pakistan security forces Thursday captured 52 pro-Taliban militants in the restive Swat Valley in the country's northwest as militant commanders gave the government an ultimatum to pull out from the area or risk an "all-out war."
"Security forces have apprehended 52 suspected militants during search operations in the Shakardara area of Swat Valley this morning," a statement by the Pakistan army said.
Report: Iran’s FM to visit Pakistan
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki will pay an official visit to Pakistan on Friday during which he is scheduled to pay tribute to the assassinated former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the official IRNA news agency reported Thursday.
According to the report, Iran's embassy in Islamabad said Mottaki will hold talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro as well as his Pakistani counterpart Inamul Haq during the day-long trip.
Erekat: Israel’s settlements, checkpoints in W Bank harm Mideast peace process
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Thursday that Israel's settlement activities and the remaining army checkpoints in the West Bank harmed the Middle East peace process.
In an interview with Voice of Palestine radio, Erekat said the continuation of settlement activities in the West Bank harmed the peace process and delayed the progress of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks that were relaunched in November 2007.
Mideast violence mounts on the eve of Bush visit to the region
By Saud Abu Ramadan, IANS
Gaza : Violence between Israel and the Palestinians had recently mounted amid preparations for the visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to Israel and the region next week, where he is scheduled to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to push forward the peace talks between them.
Qassam rocket hits N Ashkelon, furthest distance ever
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : A Qassam rocket fired by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning fell at an open field in northern Ashkelon, the furthest distance a rocket has struck yet, local media said.
According to a Yedioth Ahronoth report, there were no damages or injuries reported in the incident. But Israeli police bomb squad was called to the scene in Ashkelon, and is looking into the possibility that the rocket fired was a Katyusha, as sappers claim that the area is out of Qassam range.
Israeli troops storm Nablus in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Israeli forces on Thursday stormed West Bank city of Nablus using more than 70 tanks and armored vehicles, witnesses and Israeli sources said.
Israeli sources said the soldiers opened fire at a Palestinian militant and wounded him in the Old City district. Later, the soldiers stormed Rafidia hospital and surrounded other hospitals in search for the wounded gunman.
The sources added that four people were arrested in the operation which has been going on since dawn. The army imposed curfew on the Old City.
Ongoing Israeli army operation in Gaza kills at least five
By Xinhua
Gaza : Five Palestinians were killed on Thursday morning during ongoing Israeli army operations in southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis, witnesses and paramedics said.
Four of the dead were from one family, medical sources said. They were killed when their home in Bani Suhaila area in the east of Khan Younis came under Israeli artillery shelling.
Seven civilians killed in Iraq violence
By DPA
Baghdad : Seven civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence in Iraq Thursday, according to security sources and media reports.
In Arbil, in the northern Kurdish region, city police department chief Abdel-Khaleq Talaat told reporters that an element belonging to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces shot at a family, killing four of them on the spot and wounding two.
Talaat described the Peshmerga militant as "mentally deranged." The militant had stormed into the family's home and opened fire.
Thirteen convicts executed in Iran
By DPA
Tehran : Thirteen convicts, including one woman, were executed in Iran, the daily Iran reported Thursday.
Eight convicts, including a serial killer and a woman who reportedly had killed her husband for infidelity, were hanged Wednesday in Evin prison in the capital Tehran.
Five other convicts, all drug-traffickers, were hanged Wednesday in Qom, south of Tehran, and in Zahedan, in south-eastern Iran.
All 13 were executed after the country's Supreme Court confirmed their initial death sentences.
Class 10 boy shoots junior at Madhya Pradesh school
By IANS
Bhopal : A Class 10 boy shot dead a Class 8 student with a locally made illicit revolver following a quarrel in the school in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district Thursday.
The incident took place at the Chorabarry Higher Secondary School, 40 km from Satna district headquarters, during the school examinations, reports reaching here said.
The Class 10 boy attacker has been arrested, the police said.
Pakistan troops seize 52 militants in Swat valley
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan security forces on Thursday captured 52 pro-Taliban militants in the country's restive north-west valley of Swat, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) reported.
"Security forces have apprehended 52 suspected militants during search operations in the Shakardara area of Swat valley this morning," a statement by the Pakistan army said.
Governor of Makkah Region patronizes MENA-EX 2008
By SPA
Jeddah : Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region, will patronize the activities of the International Exhibition for Mineral Exploration & Applications (MENA-EX) during the period from 22 to 25 January 2008.
The Exhibition is organized by "Ozone" in collaboration with The Saudi Geological Survey, The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, The Ministry of Transport and Saudi Mining Company "MAADIN". This Exhibition will be organized at Jeddah International Centre for Exhibitions and Conferences.
Iranian Envoy meets Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister
By SPA
Islamabad : Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mashallah Shakeri has met Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Ahsanullah Khan and discussed with him matters pertaining to promoting bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, according to an official statement.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the pace of progress on Iran-Pakistan-India or IPI gas pipeline project and reiterated the desire of their leaderships for its early implementation for the benefit of the entire region.
UAE Education Minister meets Zardari
By SPA
Islamabad : The Education Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mubarak Al-Nahayan has met Asif Zardari, widower of the assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at her family home in the Sindh province, and condoled him on her sad demise, officials said.
The Education Minister arrived at the Moenjodaro airport in Sindh in his special plane where he was received by Bhutto's Pakistan People s Party (PPP) leaders and senior government officials.
Palestinian President to visit Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Riyadh : President Mahmoud Abbas, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of The Palestine Liberation Organization and Chairman of the Palestinian National Authority, will arrive here Saturday on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During his visit, the President will meet the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to discuss bilateral relations and a number of issues, particularly the Palestinian cause.
King Fahd Complex for Holy Quran excels in its mission
By SPA
Madinah : King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran is devoted to the service of the Holy book and the Prophet's (May Peace be Upon Him) Teachings. It also received all attention and care of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Pakistan Army says 52 militants captured in northern Pakistan
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistani troops Thursday captured 52 suspected militants in the northern lush-green Sawat valley, the military said.
These militants were apprehended in Shakardara area of Sawat valley on Thursday morning during a search operation, the military said in a statement.
The arrests were made three days after eight people including a politician of the ruling party were killed in a bomb explosion.
Group rivalry behind Kuki chief’s murder, two arrested
By IANS
New Delhi : Two people have been arrested for allegedly murdering Kumai Hang Shing, 'commander-in-chief' of Manipur's outlawed Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), here last November, police said Thursday.
Sleuths of Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended Dec 21 Malkit Singh alias Meeta, a native of Punjab, and his accomplice Wahengbam Thoithoiba Meitei, from Manipur, in connection with the killing of Hang at his brother's home in south Delhi's Srinivaspuri Nov 11.
Five terrorists die when planting bomb in a car in Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti
Kabul : Five suspected terrorists were killed when mining a car in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, the local Tolo television said.
The TV channel quoted a policeman in Kandahar as saying that "extremists were mining a car they were planning to use for an act of terror when a blast went off killing all the five on the spot."
Last year, suicide bombers conducted over 150 explosions in the country killing over a hundred civilians.
59 Russian hajj pilgrims await return home in Turkey’s Trabzon
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : Over 700 Russian hajj pilgrims stuck in Turkey's Trabzon have been delivered home, with another 59 Russians still waiting for a ferry, Russia's Consul General in Trabzon said on Wednesday.
A large group of Russian pilgrims on their way home from a hajj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia had to stop in the Turkish Black Sea port of Trabzon over the suspension of ferry service due to poor weather conditions.
Diplomat Alexander Tolstopyatenko said 741 Russian tourists and over 30 vehicles had already been transported home.
Pakistan reports progress in investigation of Bhutto’s murder
By RIA Novosti
Islamabad : Progress has been reported in the investigation of the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, local media said on Wednesday referring to the country's police spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema.
Pakistan was plunged into turmoil last Thursday following the killing of Bhutto, who had twice been the country's prime minister and was about to run in parliamentary elections January 8 as leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
Yemen, Kuwait sign judicial cooperation agreement
By NNN-SABA
Sana'a : Minister of Justice Ghazi al-Aghbari and Kuwaiti Minister of Justice and Social and Labour Affairs Jamal al-Shihab have signed here an agreement for judicial and law cooperation between Yemen and Kuwait.
The agreement Wednesday stipulates handing over and transmitting convicted people of negative freedom sentences, acknowledgement of judicial norms, formal contracts, judiciary reconciliation and implementing them.
Israel seeks Bush’s blessing for “free hand” in West Bank
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel is seeking to reach an understanding with the US Administration that would safeguard "Israel's security interests in a future final-status agreement with the Palestinians," according to the Israeli daily "Haaretz."
Dhaka now ready to send ex-premiers abroad for medical treatment
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's interim government, accused of blocking medical treatment abroad for ailing and detained former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has said it is willing to send her, as well as her rival Khaleda Zia, abroad provided they seek permission.
Hasina's Awami league (AL) and Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said they would not apply for permission.
Media reports said Thursday that they fear that the government wants to send them out of the country to curb political dissent.
Palestinian authority condemns Israeli military escalation
By KUNA
Gaza : The Palestinian National Authority on Thursday condemned anew Israel's military escalation in Gaza Strip and affirmed the stepped-up action posed a serious threat to diplomatic efforts.
Israeli forces invade Nablus
By Zakaria Al-Tilimis, KUNA
Gaza : Israeli forces are executing Thursday a wide-scale military operation in Nablus, northern Gaza Strip, and camps neighboring it.
Eyewitnesses told KUNA more than 50 Israeli military vehicles invaded the city, imposing a curfew in a number of its districts and surrounding its hospitals.
They added that the Israeli forces set up military checkpoints in the city, especially at the entrances of hospitals and the old town and are checking the identification cards of Palestinians.
Five Palestinians killed in Israeli attack
By KUNA
Gaza : At least five Palestinians were killed when Israeli tanks fired shells at a home in Al-Qarara town south of Gaza on Thursday, eyewitnesses said.
Ibrahim Fayath, a resident of the town, told KUNA an Israeli tank fired two missiles at the house of his cousin, Ahmad Fayath, in Al-Zana district and that led to the killing of at least five people.
Fayath added that the attacked home was seriously damaged and that he saw Palestinian paramedics taking two bodies out of it.
Many body parts are still under the rubble, he pointed out.
Israeli settlement hit with Palestinian-fired missile
By KUNA
Gaza : A missile was launched Thursday from Palestinian-controlled territory in Gaza Strip at the southern Israeli settlement of Ashkelon, according to the Israeli Army.
An army spokesman told Radio Israel that the missile exploded without causing any casualties or material losses.
He also said Israeli soldiers killed early Thursday a Palestinian militant in Abasan town south of Gaza, where the Israeli Army intruded Wednesday evening.
Palestinian dies, 10 injured in Israeli air raids
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian citizen was killed and ten others were injured when Israeli warplanes staged on early Thursday a series of air raids targeting the eastern parts of Khan Yunis town, southern Gaza Strip.
According to Palestinian witnesses, the Israeli warplanes launched seven air raids, firing several missiles that targeted civilian positions in the towns of Abasan and Suheyla, in the south of the strip.
Al-Qaeda North Africa wing claims responsibility for suicide attack
By KUNA
Algiers : Al-Qaeda North Africa wing claimed responsibility on Wednesday for the deadly suicide bombing in Algeria according to a recording aired by Al Arabiya television.
The speaker who identified himself as Salah Abu Mohammad, a spokesman of the group, said a suicide bomber rammed a truck laden with at least 500 kg (1100 lbs) of explosives into a police facility.
No way to mollify radical jihadists — Huckabee
By KUNA
Washington : There is no way to mollify radical jihadists who wage a "holy war" of terrorism, leading Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said on Wednesday.
"This is, in fact, a holy war on the part of the jihadists," the former Arkansas governor said in an ABC "Good Morning America" interview on the day before the Iowa caucuses. "This does not represent all of the Islamic faith".
Such people represent a radical portion of Islam, "and that is why it is so dangerous, because there is no mollifying of the radical jihadists," Huckabee said.
Over 20 Violent Deaths in Iraq
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : At least 20 persons died and over ten were wounded in violent incidents the last few hours in Iraq, security sources reported.
The first incident occurred in Baquoba, Diyala province, when a woman laden with explosives went off at the passport office, taking the lives of ten persons and wounding 8 others, said Captain Mohammad Rghu.
Egypt Allows Palestinian to Cross Rafah
By Prensa Latina
Cairo : Egyptian authorities Wednesday allowed some 2,200 Palestinian pilgrims, who were stranded at an Egyptian port for five days, to return to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing.
The decision was announced after a meeting held by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with his Egyptian peer Hosni Mubarak, said official sources.
According to eyewitnesses, the Palestinian pilgrims crossed the border post closed by Israel since mid June when the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, took control of Gaza.
Israeli Soldiers Shoot a Woman to death
By Prensa Latina
Gaza : Israeli soldiers kill a woman and wounded other seven Palestinians in Erez bordering passage, at the northern of Gaza Strip, security sources reported on Monday.
Those persons were coming back from the pilgrimage to La Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, by the frontier of Jordan and Israel and when some of them got closer to the demarcation line the Israeli soldiers opened fire, noted witnesses who went there to welcome their relatives.
Dhaka seeks food for disaster relief, not funds
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh has said it would request donors to give food grains instead of funds for disaster relief after the Nov 15 Cyclone Sidr to help curb rising food prices at home.
It also decided to allow open market sale at private outlets to curb the rise of rice prices by one or two taka ever day. One US dollar fetches around 60 taka.
There were reports attributing the price rise to India, which has hiked its export price. India had pledged 500,000 tonnes of rice for the cyclone victims.
Son of Bhutto Named PPP Chairman
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : The son of assassinated Pakistan former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was elected on Sunday as president of the People's Party of Pakistan, the group which was led by his mother.
After his appointment was announced in the southern city of Naudero, 19-year old Bilawal Bhutto read the will of the late opposition leader.
The PPP vice presidential post is now in the hands of Asif Ali Zardari, Benazir Bhutto's widower.
"It has been decided that Bilawal should be the president and Mr. Zardari the co-president," a party official said.
Stay calm ahead of polls: Pakistani newspaper
By IANS
Islamabad : An influential Pakistani newspaper Thursday appealed for calm ahead of the general elections, now rescheduled to Feb 18, warning that "indiscretions" by politicians could enable anti-democratic elements to get an upper hand.
"Let our leaders note that their indiscretions could complicate the situation and things could get out of control, thus giving anti-democratic elements an opportunity to cancel the election," Dawn noted in an editorial headlined "A plea for sanity".
Israeli troops kill two gunmen in raid in Gaza
By SPA
Gaza : Israeli troops killed two Palestinian gunmen on Thursday during a raid into the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.
A military spokeswoman was quoted as saying by Reuters that the troops had come under attack by armed Palestinians east of the town of Khan Younis.
Palestinian medical officials were not immediately allowed to approach and identify the bodies.
Meanwhile, Hamas group said several of its fighters were wounded in clashes with Israeli troops.
Scotland Yard invited to probe Bhutto’s assassination
By SPA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf says investigators from Scotland Yard would probe the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in a terrorist attack on December 27.
In a televised address to the nation Wednesday night, Musharraf said the British team could assist the local investigation agencies in carrying forward the probe to determine the perpetrators behind the crime.
Musharraf said there was a need for expert advice in this regard, and thanked British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for the assistance.
180 persons tried for counterfeiting official documents
By IRNA-Saba
Sana'a : The Specialist Penal Court began on Tuesday its first session to try 180 persons accused of counterfeiting official documents and certificates as well as issuing forging stamps of governmental authorities during 1997-2005.
Moreover, some of them have been also accused of bribery and using illegal influence to replace official documents with another faked ones in addition to misusing their high positions to ease forgers works.
Position on cause of Bhutto’s death remains same: Pak govt
By IRNA-PTI
Islamabad : Pakistan's caretaker government Tuesday clarified that it still stood by the "factual position" that ex- Premier Benzair Bhutto died of a skull fracture and not from a bullet wound, a contention challenged by the party of the slain leader.
Palestinian pilgrims return home
By IRNA
Gaza City : Palestinian pilgrims who had been stranded in Egypt on their way home from Mecca arrived in Gaza City on Wednesday.
Over 2,000 Palestinian pilgrims had been stranded in Egypt for about a week on their way from the Haj pilgrimage because Israeli objection to their return to Gaza through its own border crossings.
They returned home through the Rafah border crossing, which is run by Egypt and Hamas.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh thanked Egypt and said Saudi Arabia had also helped ensure the pilgrims' return home.
21 killed in new year Afghan violence
By IRNA
Kabul : Roadside bombs and military operations in Afghanistan killed 21 people, including a coalition soldier and 14 Talibans, officials said Wednesday.
A roadside bomb hit a US-led coalition vehicle Wednesday in eastern Khost province, killing a soldier and an Afghan interpreter, the coalition said in a statement.
Two other soldiers were wounded.
Death toll of attack on funeral procession rises to 36
By IRNA
Baghdad : Death toll rose up to 36 when a suicide bomber targeted a funeral procession for a victim of another bombing.
Iraqi Interior Ministry official said on Wednesday that the suicide bomber killed 36 people and wounded 32.
The Shia funeral, in the mixed eastern neighborhood of Zayouna, was for Nabil Hussein, an Iraqi killed Friday in a car bombing in central Baghdad's Tayaran square, the official said.
Iraqi police surrounded the funeral bombing site, while ambulances worked to transport the wounded, the official said.
Dubai cares helps 9,000 chidren from Nahr El-Bared return to school
By NNN-KUNA
Dubai : Some 9,000 children from the Nahr El-Bared camp in Lebanon, destroyed in recent fighting, are now able in the new year to return to studying in temporary schools located in Beddawi and Nahr El-Bared areas thanks to Dubai Cares' donation of USD 1.277 million, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said.
Suicide bombing kills four Iraqis, wounds 18
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Four Iraqis were killed and 18 others were wounded in a suicide bombing in Baqouba, which targeted a checkpoint manned by operatives of the Al-Sahwa (awakening) group.
Director of operations at the Ministry of the Interior Major General Abdel-Karim Khalaf said Wednesday that the explosion appeared to have targeted members of the Al-Sahwa.
Israeli Defence Minister threatens to continue attak on Gaza
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barrak has threatened to continue the military operation in the Gaza Strip, saying that it had proven to be successful in confronting Palestinians.
In a statement to Radio Israel Wednesday, he said: "Israel will not back out from a wide-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, although it is not excited about it."
On Tuesday night, Israeli forces killed seven Palestinians from three different factions in attacks by tanks and air strikes. Another 10 Palestinians were wounded.
No negotiations with Israel if settlement expansion continues – Abbas
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that negotiations could not be held with Israel in light of continuing expansion of settlements, which he described as the "hurdle" created following the Annapolis Conference.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday, he said he discussed this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in their last meeting, adding that the latter promised to instruct all ministers to suspend settlement-related activities.
Algerian suicide bomb kills at least three, injures seven
By NNN-KBC
Algiers : A suicide attack Wednesday has killed at least three people in the Algerian city of Naciria, east of Algiers, police say.
They say the bomber detonated his car near a police station. At least seven people were also wounded in the attack.
There has been a upsurge in violence in Algeria in recent months. About 40 people died in suicide attacks against a UN building in Algiers in December.
Al-Qaeda's North African wing said it carried out that attack - whose victims included 17 UN staff.
Pakistani elections postpond to Feb 18
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Pakistani Chief Election Commissioner Justice ® Qazi Muhammad Farooq Wednesday announced a 40-day delay in the poll, setting a fresh date of National and Provincial Assemblies elections for February 18, 2008.
Giving reasons, the Chief Election Commissioner described that unrest after PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on Dec 27 as main reason behind the delay.
Report: blast hits Istanbul, two people injured
By Xinhua
Ankara : An explosion occurred in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul Wednesday, injuring two people, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The blast took place in a garbage can in the Kucukcekmece district in Istanbul, but the cause of the explosion was unknown, said the report.
The injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment, said the report, adding that Turkish police and health teams have rushed to the scene after the explosion.
Israel to deploy over 10,000 policemen to secure Bush’s visit
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel will deploy more than 10,000 policemen to secure U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the country next week, local daily Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Jerusalem police chief Aharon Franco was quoted as saying that the three-day visit, which will start next Wednesday, will see a total of 10,450 police officers on the streets of Jerusalem to safeguard President Bush and his entourage.
Syria hits back at France over Lebanon
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem on Wednesday hit back at France in their row over the political crisis in Lebanon, saying his country has decided to suspend contacts with Paris in this regard.
"Syria has decided to stop cooperation with France on the Lebanese crisis," Muallem told reporters at a press conference.
Supreme Court retracts suspension of Islamabad officials
By IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistan Supreme Court has retracted its Oct 1 order suspending three police and administration officials involved in using force against journalists, lawyers and civil society activists during a demonstration the previous month, saying the issue should be settled departmentally.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar hearing the appeal of the officials Wednesday referred the issue to officials to the concerned departments for a settlement.
Delayed Pakistan polls could see loyalties shift
By IANS
Islamabad : The seven-week delay in holding Pakistan's general elections due to violence following former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination could see politicians shifting their loyalties.
"A major task for us in the intervening period will be to effectively stem large scale defections," The News Thursday quoted a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader as saying.
Hezbollah warns of measures against Lebanese government
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanon's Islamic militant group leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah has warned that the opposition led by them would take decisive measures against the government for "violations" in the country's politics.
The Hezbollah-led opposition will not be silent towards "the violations of the government", Nasrallah said Wednesday in an interview on Lebanese National Broadcasting Network (NBN TV). The interview was also shown on Hezbollah controlled TV station Al-Manar.
US welcomes British help in Bhutto murder probe
By Arun Kumar, IANS
Washington : The US has welcomed Islamabad's decision to seek British help in probing the assassination of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto and suggested that a UN investigation was unnecessary.
"The Pakistanis have just made a decision to ask Scotland Yard to get involved, and we think that that's appropriate. We welcome that," White House spokesperson Dana Perino told reporters Wednesday. "We don't see a need for an investigation beyond that at this time.
Request to Scotland Yard in Bhutto death probe ‘too late’
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS
London : The British government has announced it will help in investigations into the death of former Pakistan Premier Benazir Bhutto but Scotland Yard officers said it may already be too late to establish the exact circumstances of her death.
Israel protests as Egypt opens Gaza border
By DPA
Jerusalem : Tensions surrounding the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip has been heightened, as Israel killed six Palestinian gunmen in a military raid, and also expressed fury at Egypt for opening its border with Gaza to allow the return of hundreds of stranded pilgrims.
The Gaza-Egypt border crossing of Rafah has been shut down since the radical Islamic movement Hamas violently seized sole control of the Gaza Strip six months ago from security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, of the rival Fatah movement.
Suicide bomber kills three policemen in Algeria
By DPA
Algiers : An Algerian group linked to the terrorist network Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for a suicide strike by a car bomber who killed at least three police officers in northern Algeria.
Twelve people were reported wounded by the blast outside a police station in Naciria, a hotbed of Algerian militant groups about 50 km east of the capital Algiers. At least three police officers and the attacker were killed, the Algerian Interior Ministry said.
Yellow cabs an enduring landmark in Pakistani capital
By Joe Cochrane, IANS
Islamabad : There's never a taxi around when you need one. Except, of course, if you are in Pakistan's capital Islamabad.
A quiet, afternoon stroll through the city's tree-lined neighbourhoods or a quick walk between office buildings are invariably interrupted by the blaring horn of a dirty, dented yellow Suzuki Mehran and the frantic waving of its driver.
Coalition soldier among 25 killed in Afghan violence
By DPA
Kabul : A coalition soldier and his Afghan interpreter were killed in a roadside attack, while 18 militants and five security forces were killed and 30 other rebels were detained in clashes and other incidents in various parts of the country, officials said Wednesday.
Two more US-led coalition soldiers were wounded in the roadside bomb attack, known as improvised explosive device (IED) in the southeastern province of Khost on Wednesday, US military said in a statement.
Musharraf says Britain to assist Bhutto probe
By DPA
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that Britain would help investigate the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, whose slaying has forced the delay of crucial scheduled elections by six weeks.
In a televised address to the nation, Musharraf said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed to immediately send investigators from Scotland Yard amid conflicting official government versions and what he called "conspiracy theories" about Bhutto's slaying in a gun-suicide bomb attack last Thursday.
Musharraf calls for peace in Pakistan
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf called on his people Wednesday to maintain peace and stability in the country.
"I appeal to people to maintain peace and stability," said the president in a televised address to the nation.
Violence gripped many parts of the country after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination Dec 27, leaving 58 people dead and causing huge damage to many election and administrative offices.
Eight killed in Iraq suicide attack, 16 wounded
By DPA
Baghdad : A woman suicide bomber blew herself and eight other people up in Baquba, north of Baghdad, Wednesday, security sources and media reports said.
Two policemen and members of the government-backed Awakening Council in Baquba were among those killed in the attack near a patrol belonging to the council's forces in New Baquba.
At least 16 people were wounded in the incident, including civilians, the security sources said. Nearby buildings and vehicles were also damaged.
Security beefed up at key installations in Kanpur
By IANS
Kanpur : Security arrangements at key installations in Kanpur have been beefed up after Tuesday's militant attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Rampur, a top police official said here Wednesday.
Police officials Wednesday reviewed the security arrangements at the Kanpur airport, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Panki Power House and the widely known J.K. Temple in the city.
Pakistan welcomes international help in Bhutto murder probe
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan government Wednesday said it will welcome international assistance in the investigation into assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a top government official said here.
"The government is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation and is open to receiving assistance from outside," foreign office spokesman Mohammed Sadiq told reporters.
Maoists kill three CPI-M men in West Bengal
By IANS
Kolkata : The New Year began on a violent note for the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in West Bengal as suspected Maoists struck in three southern districts, killing three party members.
Pakistan elections put off to Feb 18
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan's Election Commission Wednesday announced Feb 18 as the new date for national polls, saying because of widespread violence and damage to election material offices polling was not possible as planned Jan 8. But both the major anti-establishment parties rejected the new dates as unacceptable to them.
"The elections will be held now on Feb 18 instead of Jan 8," Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq announced at a crowded press conference.
Live from Ayodhya
Why do we want to bind our love for each other or for God in monuments and mansions? God is eternal, all around us, He is within us and everywhere. So why are we fighting over mandirs or masjids?
By Nigar Ataulla (with inputs from Yoginder Sikand)
Eight Mumbai cops jailed for helping gangster escape
By IANS
Mumbai : A city court Wednesday sentenced eight police personnel - including a woman constable - to one-year jail term for helping a convict escape from custody 16 years ago.
In 1992, the cops - attached to the Local Arms Constabulary (LAC), the armed wing of city police - had escorted notorious gangster Bachchi Pandey on a visit to his relative when they "managed" his escape.
Pandey, a close associate of underworld don Chhota Rajan, had been arrested under the dreaded Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) act.
Crime rate on decline, but murders up in Delhi
By IANS
New Delhi : Despite a marginal decline in criminal offences, Delhi continued to be India's crime capital in 2007. A whopping 53,244 criminal cases - including 467 murders, 581 rapes, 1764 dacoity and other heinous crimes - were registered in the city during the year.
During the year, the capital also emerged more bloodthirsty compared to 2006 when 462 murders had taken place.
The 467 murders in 2007 meant Delhi registered 1.08 percent more killings than the previous year, according to Delhi Police annual crime statistics.
Eight Mumbai cops jailed for helping gangster escape
Mumbai, Jan 2 (IANS) A city court Wednesday sentenced eight police personnel - including a woman constable - to one-year jail term for helping a convict escape from custody 16 years ago.
In 1992, the cops - attached to the Local Arms Constabulary (LAC), the armed wing of city police - had escorted notorious gangster Bachchi Pandey on a visit to his relative when they "managed" his escape.
Pandey, a close associate of underworld don Chhota Rajan, had been arrested under the dreaded Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) act.
Crime rate on decline, but murders up in Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) Despite a marginal decline in criminal offences, Delhi continued to be India's crime capital in 2007. A whopping 53,244 criminal cases - including 467 murders, 581 rapes, 1764 dacoity and other heinous crimes - were registered in the city during the year.
During the year, the capital also emerged more bloodthirsty compared to 2006 when 462 murders had taken place.
The 467 murders in 2007 meant Delhi registered 1.08 percent more killings than the previous year, according to Delhi Police annual crime statistics.
221 Indians died during Hajj 2007
By TwoCircles.net news desk
Jeddah: 221 Indians died during Hajj of this year (1428 Islamic Hijri calendar) according Suhel Ajaz Khan, the consul for Hajj on Indian Consulate in Jeddah.
Most of these death were natural causes such as heart attack, six died in road accidents. Website of Jeddah’s Indian consulate list 144 names.
India sent 157,000 hajis of which 110,000 went through the Hajj Committee of India. 86 Indians are in Hospital being treated for various ailments.
Shamim and team win Tata Open Pro-Am golf
Jamshedpur, Jan 2 (IANS) Shamim Khan and his team won the pro-am event at the year opening Tata Open golf tournament at the Beldih and Golmuri golf courses here Wednesday.
Shamim (33) and his team comprising amateurs B.S. Marwah (37), Anil Kumar (35), Shashi Tiwary (32) and Sunil Prakash (20) shot a total of 137 to win the title.
In second place was the team led by Randhir Singh Ghotra (32). The four amateurs who made up Ghotra's team were B. Muthuraman (30), Rana Sinha (30), Sanjay Verma (25) and Ravi Parikh (38) shot a total of 130 points.
Muslim women to get training for leadership and skill development
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: The Women and Child Development Ministry has chalked out a plan to provide leadership and skill development training to Muslim women to improve their socio-economic status.
Muslim women who rank very low on literacy and employment participation will get training under the PM's 15-point programme. Training will provide them with confidence and skills to find jobs, start their own business, and interacting with government agencies.
Pakistan open to foreign help in Bhutto murder probe
Islamabad, Jan 2 (Xinhua) The Pakistan government is open to taking foreign help in investigating the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a foreign office spokesman said here Wednesday.
The government is committed to a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the incident that claimed the life of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson and former prime minister Dec 27, the spokesman said.
The announcement came shortly after a meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in the capital.
Pakistan elections postponed till Feb 18
Islamabad, Jan 2 (IANS) Pakistan's parliamentary elections have been postponed from Jan 8 to Feb 18 in the wake of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination, it was announced Wednesday.
"The elections will be now held Feb 18 instead of Jan 8," Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq announced at a crowded press conference here.
He said offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) across the country were destroyed in the violence that followed the Dec 27 killing of Bhutto in Rawalpindi.
Pakistani security forces kill 25 militants
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have killed at least 25 militants believed to be linked with the Al Qaeda terror network near the Afghan border, the military said Wednesday.
The fighting took place late Tuesday in South Waziristan where Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked militants have been operating, said army spokesman Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad.
He said security forces did not suffer any casualties.
Crude bomb found in Hyderabad park
Hyderabad, Jan 2 (IANS) A crude bomb was found in NTR Garden near the state secretariat here Wednesday, creating panic among people.
Police said the bomb was recovered around 4 p.m. and defused by the bomb disposal squad.
Following the recovery, the police have beefed up security at public places and all vital installations in the state.
The park, abutting the NTR Ghat on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake, attracts thousands of people every day, especially during evenings.
Middle East peace talks next week
Jerusalem, Jan 2 (Xinhua) The US is likely to hold a joint meeting with Israel and Palestine at a neutral venue next week to discuss the progress of the Middle East peace process, local daily Ha'aretz reported on its website Wednesday.
According to the report, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestine National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and US President George W. Bush will attend the meeting.
The summit will focus on accelerating Israel-PNA peace negotiations that was revived at the US-sponsored Annapolis Middle East peace conference in November 2007.
Israeli troops kill six militants in Gaza Strip
By DPA
Gaza/Tel Aviv : Armed Palestinians fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers on the Gaza Strip-Israel border early Wednesday morning, sparking a clash in which up to six militants were killed, the Israeli military and unconfirmed Palestinian reports said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman in Tel Aviv said the troops had encountered a group of militants who opened fired on them. The soldiers returned the fire, called in air support, and reported hitting several of the gunmen, she said.
Algeria takes over OPEC presidency
By IANS
Algiers : Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil has taken over the presidency of the 13-member Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for 2008.
Khelil, who succeeded United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamli as OPEC president, said he would focus on promoting dialogue between oil producing and consuming countries to ensure stability of the oil market, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Maoists kill two CPI-M men in West Bengal
Kolkata, Jan 2 (IANS) The New Year began on a violent note for the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in West Bengal as suspected Maoists struck in two southern districts killing two party members.
The leftist guerrillas shot dead Pahalan Kumar Majhi in Purulia district. The headless body of Sisir Chatterjee, a CPI-M zonal committee member, was recovered from Burdwan. The Maoist link was being probed into the second incident too. Both incidents occurred Tuesday.
Bourses link up in the US, Europe and Gulf
Dubai/Stockholm, Jan 2 (IANS) Decks are now clear for Dubai's state-owned stock exchange Borse Dubai Ltd (BDL) to acquire a stake in US equities exchange Nasdaq. In a related move, Nasdaq and BDL will take over the OMX group, which operates stock exchanges in Nordic and Baltic nations, thus linking markets in the US, Europe and the Gulf.
The board of Nordic and Baltic stock exchanges operator, the Stockholm-based OMX group, Wednesday recommended "unanimously" a takeover bid from BDL and Nasdaq, the DPA news agency reported.
Bangladesh Jamaat chief, deputy to be tried for murders
Dhaka, Jan 2 (IANS) The chief of Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), his deputy and seven others are to be tried for murdering two freedom fighters in 1971 in a case that harks back to the liberation movement against the then Pakistan government.
Jamaat's Amir Motiur Rahman Nizami, Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid and seven members of the country's largest Islamist party are accused of killing Osman Gani and Golam Mostafa alias Tukub Ali on Nov 25, 1971, barely three weeks before the country was liberated.
UAE to host Arab-West youth meet on women’s issues
Abu Dhabi, Jan 2 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host for the first time an Arab-West dialogue of young people that focusing on issues related to women, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Wadodah Badran, director general of the Arab Women's Organisation (AWO), made the announcement Tuesday while inaugurating an orientation programme for the participants of the upcoming meet.
Slated for June 2008 in the UAE capital, 26 young Arab men and women will interact with their western peers and exchange ideas on various social and economic issues.
No headway in investigation of attack on CRPF base
New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh police and government officials Wednesday continued to be clueless on the whereabouts of the terrorists who killed seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and a civilian in Rampur early Tuesday.