Indian Supreme Court Gives Muslims Right to Adopt a Child despite prohibition in Muslim Personal Law
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 Feb 2014
Mohammed Al Murr meets Iranian President Dr Hassan Rohani during the Conference of Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. — Wam
India
• Indian Supreme Court Gives Muslims Right to Adopt a Child despite prohibition in Muslim Personal Law
• No request to US to track down Dawood Ibrahim: Govt
• Pakistan militant resurfaces, ignites Indian fears of attacks
• Will be tough to tackle collusive threat from Pak, China: IAF
Arab World
• Mixing Religion with Politics Is Muslim World’s Problem: FNC Speaker
• Iraqi Interior Ministry: 45 Takfiris Killed in Two Days
• UAE Muslim Scholars Issue Fatwa against Living on Mars
• Child soldiers victims of an expanding practice by al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria
• Jordan's guardianship over Al-Quds holy sites a 'red line'
• ISIL Fighters Behead Four Syrian Kurds
• Suicide bombers target Iranian centre in Beirut, kill four
• Bahrain sentences Shia protester to death, jails 8
• Iraq to allocate $1 billion for Anbar reconstruction
• KSA among top favourite ‘Halal holiday’ destinations
• MQM demands to impose emergency in Pakistan
• Bhagat Singh’s village to become a heritage site
• Pak, Iran for joint efforts against terrorism
• Balochistan CM asks scholars to help end sectarianism
• Deadlock in talks persists, Rashid says awaiting Taliban response
• MQM Chief terms killing of FC men as barbarism
South Asia
• Afghan Taliban rejects Dubai peace talks as 'anti-jihad'
• China Says It Will Win West Over to Its View on Tibet and Xinjiang
• Maldives, President’s new goals: Islamisation and partnership with Beijing
• MDP will reform the judiciary, pledges Nasheed
• PM Sheikh Hasina for realistic education, training for army
Mideast
• Top Iranian MP: Baha’i are Mossad and CIA spies
• Palestinians: Keep Religion on ID Cards
• Israeli lawmaker storms Al-Aqusa compound
• Chechens killed in Istanbul in the name of Russian intel, prosecutor claims
• Zarif: Final Iran deal within 6 months still possible
North America
• No military solution to Syria, considering renewed options: US
• US to offer Taliban prisoners exchange to free Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl
• Canada Must Protect the Children of the Central African Republic
• Muslim Students Association prays for rain at service
• US soldier convicted of Iraq rape, murders found hanged in prison
Southeast Asia
• Islam really under siege in Malaysia, says Dr M
• Dismayed at religious violence in central Africa: Islamic Party of Malaysia
• Ease curbs on non-Muslim worship spots, group tells Putrajaya
Europe
• Far Right targets Legoland after park hired by Muslim cleric for kids' Halal fun day
• Syrian government using cluster bombs against its people, rights group says
• Brotherhood secretary-general cannot claim asylum in UK: London
• Prince Charles’ visit boosts Saudi-UK ties
• Ban Ki-moon: Geneva 2 Sound Way to Solve Crisis in Syria, Talks Should Continue
• Terror watch: Dawood, IM, JeM on UK’s sanctions list
Africa
• Mali's northern rebels agree to confine their fighters
• Libya ex-rebels from Zintan give MPs ultimatum to quit
• Iran’s Presidency over OIC Parliamentary Union Strengthens Muslim Solidarity
• Niger Opposes Western Sanctions against Iran
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/indian-supreme-court-gives-muslims/d/35831
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India
Indian Supreme Court Gives Muslims Right to Adopt a Child despite prohibition in Muslim Personal Law
Dhananjay Mahapatra,TNN | Feb 19, 2014
NEW DELHI: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has given Muslims the right to adopt a child despite their personal law prohibiting it.
The apex court said on Wednesday that the laws of land has to get primacy over personal law till the country achieves Uniform Civil Code as provided in Article 44 of the Constitution.
The SC bench said the right to adoption is conferred by a law and operation of this cannot be stultified by a personal law dictate.
The SC judgment comes on an 8 years old petition by Shabnam Hashmi who had approached the apex court after being refused permission to adopt.
Though the SC said all individuals have a statutory right to adopt a child, it said the time is not ripe to declare the right to adopt a fundamental right.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Supreme-Court-gives-Muslims-right-to-adopt-a-child/articleshow/30662143.cms
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No request to US to track down Dawood Ibrahim: Govt
PTI | Feb 19, 2014
NEW DELHI: Government on Wednesday said it has not made any request to the US to track down the country's most wanted fugitive Dawood Ibrahim.
"No formal request has been made by this ministry to the US government," minister of state for home Mullappally Ramachandran informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
The government's response came in reply to a question of Shiv Sena member Anil Desai, who asked whether it is a fact that government has made a request to the US government to track down the wanted terrorist.
Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde had recently said that Dawood is in Pakistan and joint efforts with the US were being made to nab him.
"As per our information, Dawood is in Pakistan. When I went to America last year to discuss inland security, I met the attorney general who looks after the FBI.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-request-to-US-to-track-down-Dawood-Ibrahim-Govt/articleshow/30672332.cms
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Pakistan militant resurfaces, ignites Indian fears of attacks
Reuters
February 19, 2014
NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani hardliner blamed for an attack on India’s parliament that brought the nuclear rivals to the brink of war has resurfaced after years in seclusion, setting off alarm bells in New Delhi.
Twice since the end of December, Indian authorities have issued an airport security alert, warning of an attempt by members of a Pakistan-based militant group called Jaish-e-Mohammad, or Army of Muhammad, to hijack a plane, with smaller airfields most at risk.
Indian officials have said the alerts followed reports of increased activity by Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the outlawed militant group.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140219196203
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Will be tough to tackle collusive threat from Pak, China: IAF
Written by Manu Pubby | New Delhi | February 19, 2014
Faced with a sharp fall in the number of its operational fighter squadrons that is expected to worsen over the next few years, the Indian Air Force has informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence that it will be difficult for it to handle a “collusive threat from Pakistan and China but it has made plans for the contingency”.
A senior IAF officer has told the committee that the current squadron strength of combat aircraft stands at 34 against the authorised 42 and even with the induction of all Su 30 MKI fighters on order, this would not increase over the coming years unless the medium multirole combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal is signed.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/will-be-tough-to-tackle-collusive-threat-from-pak-china-iaf/
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Arab World
Mixing Religion with Politics Is Muslim World’s Problem: FNC Speaker
(Wam) / 19 February 2014
FNC Speaker Al Murr and delegation visits Iranian Shura Council, invites Ali Larijani to visit UAE.
Federal National Council (FNC) Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr has said the problem of Muslim world lies in mixing up the religion with politics, adding that the problems of many Muslim countries were attributed to this phenomenon.
The religion has set general rules that are viable for all times and places.
Al Murr said, “The nation state is a developing organisation. When we think to cooperate with the Muslim states, we have to cooperate with those which have provided civil peace and capable to display leadership and development felt by citizens.”
He stressed the need for preserving the sovereignty, adding that the civil peace and development are the prerogatives of better Islamic cooperation.
The remarks were made when Al Murr and an FNC delegation visited the Iranian Shura Council. They were received by Ali Larijani, Chairman of the Iranian Shura Council. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the UAE-Iranian relations.
The visit comes on the sidelines of the 9th Conference of Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which kicked off in Tehran on Tuesday. The UAE is represented by the FNC delegation.
Al Murr said he hoped the conference would discuss the issues of development and services, but regretted that the Muslim world passes through problems and differences. He hoped that this period will be a temporary one in the history of Muslim Ummah.
He cited the opinion of Islamic scholar, who discussed the issue of susceptibility to colonisation, “When a state has pillars, resources and ideas, and fail to develop its scientific and military system, it is enticing others to colonise it, as they will find it a soft target to grab.”
He wished well to the Islamic Republic of Iran during this critical era to bring all parties to build a modern state that calls for peace and plays a reconciliatory role with both Saudi Arabia and Egypt to tackle all crises. He referred to the growing trade and economic ties between the UAE and Iran. Al Murr stressed the importance of reaching a just and permanent peace deal between Palestine and Israel to set up a sovereign Palestinian state.
On his part, Larijani thanked the UAE for its keenness on strengthening the bilateral relations, describing the ties between the UAE and Iran as historic.
He said he was assured of the health of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and he wished him speedy recovery. Larijani said the Muslim states should have trade exchange and avoid differences that should not be allowed to turn into enmities.
He welcomed the visit of Al Murr, noting that such visits could contribute to developing of the bilateral relations.
He underlined that the government of President Dr Hassan Rohani looks forward to developing more cooperation ties with the neighbouring countries.
Al Murr invited Larijani to visit the FNC.
For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes, and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/government/2014/February/government_February92.xml§ion=government
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Iraqi Interior Ministry: 45 Takfiris Killed in Two Days
February 19, 2014
A total of 45 fighters affiliated with the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) terrorist group have been killed in Western Iraq in the last two days, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.
In a Tuesday statement, the ministry said that two foreign nationals – an Afghan and a Syrian – had been among those killed, Al-Manar reported.
The Iraqi army is currently carrying out a major military operation in Iraq's violence-stricken Anbar province.
According to the government, the campaign aims to flush ISIL fighters out of the area.
Recent months have seen an uptick in violence across Iraq.
Although most attacks go unclaimed, Iraqi authorities usually blame Al-Qaeda-linked armed militiamen.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921130001030
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UAE Muslim Scholars Issue Fatwa against Living on Mars
One-way trip to Mars prohibited in Islam
Ahmed Shaaban / 19 February 2014
Fatwa committee under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment in the UAE says such a journey poses a real risk to life.
Promoting or being involved in a one-way trip to the Red Planet is prohibited in Islam, a fatwa committee under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment in the UAE has ruled.
“Such a one-way journey poses a real risk to life, and that can never be justified in Islam,” the committee said. “There is a possibility that an individual who travels to planet Mars may not be able to remain alive there, and is more vulnerable to death.”
Whoever opts for this “hazardous trip”, the committee said, is likely to perish for no “righteous reason”, and thus will be liable to a “punishment similar to that of suicide in the Hereafter”.
The committee, presided by Professor Dr Farooq Hamada, said: “Protecting life against all possible dangers and keeping it safe is an issue agreed upon by all religions and is clearly stipulated in verse 4/29 of the Holy Quran: Do not kill yourselves or one another. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.”
Late in April 2013, Mars One, a Dutch company, invited volunteers to fly and live on the Red Planet, but there is no technology so far that would enable a return trip from Mars to Earth. The company is planning the first such trip to Mars in 2023 and another crew every two years afterwards with the goal of establishing a permanent human colony.
The applicants must be aged between 18 and 40 years and in good physical condition. They have to pay only $38 for the trip. Thousands of volunteers, including some 500 Saudis and other Arabs, have reportedly applied for the mission which costs $6 billion. The committee indicated that some may be interested in travelling to Mars for escaping punishment or standing before Almighty Allah for judgment.
“This is an absolutely baseless and unacceptable belief because not even an atom falls outside the purview of Allah, the Creator of everything. This has also been clearly underscored in verse 19&20/93 of the Holy Quran in which Allah says: There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant. (Indeed) He has enumerated them and counted them a (full) counting.”
Echoing the same, Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Al Ashmawy said there is no debate in this issue. “Almighty Allah said in verse 2/195 in the Holy Quran: Do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction.”
Sheikh Mohammed Yusuf, Imam of the Amena mosque, said: “Man’s life is not his or her own property; it is God’s creation, and therefore suicide is prohibited in all religions, and of course by law.”
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2014/February/nationgeneral_February150.xml§ion=nationgeneral
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Child soldiers victims of an expanding practice by al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria
Feb 19, 2014
CAIRO – A recent spate of videos showing children and teenagers in Syria attending al-Qaeda-linked training camps has raised alarm among activists and observers, who say this practice by al-Qaeda affiliates Jabhat al-Nusra and the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) exploits children and turns them into fighters.
One such video, which appears to show a 4-year-old boy being taught to fire a weapon by fighters from ISIL, has sparked condemnation and calls for immediate action to end this practice.
In the video, posted anonymously on a jihadist website under the header "A message from one of the cubs of ISIL," the child wears a black mask and fires an AK-47 rifle amid shouts of encouragement from bystanders.
He introduces himself as the namesake of ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, saying he is from Uzbekistan and belongs to ISIL, while men with Gulf accents ask him to repeat the phrase "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant."
Another video shows boys under the age of 18 undergoing military training in an ISIL camp in Deir Ezzor called "Ashbal al-Khilafa" (Cubs of the Caliphate), their faces covered with black masks.
Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda's branch in Syria, has its own child recruitment camps, such as one called "Ashbal Jabhat al-Nusra" (Cubs of Jabhat al-Nusra) in eastern Damascus, as shown in a video it broadcast last week. The video shows dozens of children younger than 10 years old being taught the group's interpretation of Sharia.
Devastating effects
In a recently- published report, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the suffering of children in Syria since the start of the conflict as "unspeakable and unacceptable."
The February 4 report, which covers the period from March 2011 to November 2013, accuses all parties to the conflict in Syria of committing grave violations against children and says that armed opposition groups are recruiting children.
The recruitment of child soldiers in wartime has devastating effects on the psyche of a child, Egyptian child psychologist and Ain Shams University lecturer Enas al-Jamal said.
"This child grows up on violence and the use of force, while internally suppressing fear that could erupt at any time after he is moved away from the fighting," she said.
Children who have been recruited need special psychiatric care and rehabilitation, al-Jamal said.
"However, the difficulty in rehabilitation stems from the fact that they were subjected to comprehensive brainwashing that turned them into killing machines convinced of the legitimacy of murder and suicide via suicide bombings," she said.
Children 'have no choice'
Al-Qaeda and its affiliates seek to recruit children for several reasons, said Cairo University psychology professor and family relations consultant Waliyuddine Mukhtar.
"The first is that children, especially those under 10 years of age, cannot think for themselves; in other words they are controlled and have no choice," he said. "Thus, saturating them with jihadist ideology and ideas, especially persuading them to carry out suicide operations, is very easy compared to doing the same to older [recruits]."
"As a result, years from now, a new generation of youth will emerge and pose a very serious threat not only to Syria but to surrounding countries as well," he added.
Al-Qaeda also recruits children because they generally tend to imitate adults in situations of warfare and fighting, Mukhtar said.
These child recruits must be removed from the arena of weapons and undergo rigorous psychotherapy so they can be reintegrated into a family environment and subsequently into the community, he said.
"Otherwise, should the Syrian conflict end without these children undergoing therapy, a generation of criminals will emerge in non-wartime," he said.
A lost generation
The al-Qaeda camps are an attempt to brainwash children and create a generation that has been taught to use violence and is physically and psychologically prepared to obey orders in the name of "jihad" and religion, experts said.
"Al-Qaeda's focus on spreading these videos and images carries two messages," said al-Qaeda affairs specialist Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Ahmed, who is retired from the Egyptian military.
"The first urges older youth to volunteer to join its ranks," he said. "The second brainwashes those who subscribe to its ideology into pushing their children to join the fold under al-Qaeda's banner as soldiers from childhood."
In Syria, this practice goes beyond the recruitment of legal minors, Ahmed said, as the ISIL video reveals that now even children under the age of five are being recruited and trained.
News about the setup of training camps for children in Syria, in particular Al-Zarqawi's Cubs, "is a very serious indicator that requires immediate and precise action," he said.
Al-Qaeda is well aware that shelling these camps is not an option for its foes, especially as these children are unaware of what they are doing, "and that is why it has publicised [them]," he said.
Orphans and the children of foreign fighters
ISIL fighters set up Al-Zarqawi's Cubs camp in Ghouta, Rif Dimashq, said Tariq Abdo, co-founder of "No more recruitment or use of children in armed action in Syria," a Syrian youth initiative working on the ground to curb this practice.
"Entering [the camp] or even getting close to it is almost impossible," he said. "The training cycles for children are very long compared to the cycles for young men and adolescents trained by ISIL and Jabhat al-Nusra."
No one can say anything conclusive about the identities of these children or their parents' whereabouts, he said, but the disappearance of many of the children who lost their parents in opposition-held areas "increases the likelihood that ISIL recruited them and merged them with other child soldier recruits at Al-Zarqawi's Cubs camp."
These groups also recruit the children of jihadists fighting in the ranks of ISIL, including the children of Arab and foreign fighters "who came to wage 'jihad' in Syria," Abdo said.
This has become public knowledge in opposition-held areas, he added.
Abdo's initiative works with international human rights organisations and the UN to curb this practice and to identify the actual number of child recruits in the ranks of armed jihadist groups, which it estimates is at least 300 at ISIL bases and training camps, he said.
"Many children under the age of 15 were observed performing guard and surveillance duties alongside adult fighters," Abdo said.
"The matter requires urgent action by countries that care about the Syrian issue to put pressure on these groups to stop these abuses of children," he added.
Groups such as Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned the use of children in military operations and have demanded the UN take resolute measures to stop this practice, he said.
http://centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/main/2014/02/18/feature-02
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Jordan's guardianship over Al-Quds holy sites a 'red line'
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh downplayed an Israeli bill to impose Israeli oversight of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem).
"No Knesset member can replace the Hashemite guardianship of the holy sites in Al-Quds," Judeh told the Jordanian parliament on Tuesday.
The Knesset was due to hold a special session on Tuesday to discuss a proposal by Knesset member Moshe Feiglin to impose Israeli oversight of Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam's third holiest shrine,
However, the session was cancelled over the dissatisfaction of the Jordanian government and international bodies with the move.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/129202/jordans-guardianship-over-al-quds-holy-sites-a-red-line
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ISIL Fighters Behead Four Syrian Kurds
February 19, 2014
Activists reported that members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have beheaded four young Kurdish men under the pretext of supporting the rebel forces of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the al-Akrad Front, and for backing PKK members.
On Sunday, activists published on social media networks pictures of 4 young Kurdish men, among them a 16-year old boy, whom the ISIL beheaded in Azaz city in the Northern countryside of Aleppo, ARA News reported.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921130000810
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Suicide bombers target Iranian centre in Beirut, kill four
February 19, 2014
BEIRUT: A twin suicide bombing hit the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Wednesday during the morning rush hour, killing at least four people and wounding 70 in an attack targeting Iran’s cultural centre, security sources said.
Security sources said the blasts were caused by two suicide attackers, one in a car and the second on a motorcycle. The same tactics were used by suicide bombers who attacked the Iranian embassy in November.
A militant group linked to al Qaeda, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Twitter, saying the Iranian culture centre was the target.
The windows of a nearby orphanage were blown out by the blasts. Children were peering out and screaming “bomb, bomb.” Some were crying. A man working at a sweet shop opposite the bomb site said the blast shook the entire area.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/673632/suicide-bombers-target-iranian-centre-in-beirut-kill-four/
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Bahrain sentences Shia protester to death, jails 8
February 19, 2014
A Bahrain court Wednesday sentenced a Shia protester to death and jailed six others for life after they were convicted of killing a policeman a year ago, a judicial source said.
Two others were sentenced to five and six years in prison respectively on similar charges.
The officer, Mohamed Atef, died on February 14, 2013, after he was hit by a petrol bomb during clashes with protesters in a village near the capital.
In addition to killing the policeman, the nine defendants were also convicted of taking part in an "unlicensed protest".
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/94658/World/Region/Bahrain-sentences-Shia-protester-to-death,-jails-.aspx
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Iraq to allocate $1 billion for Anbar reconstruction
World Bulletin / News Desk
February 19, 2014
The government plans to allocate $1 billion for the reconstruction of the violence-wracked Anbar province in response to demands by local tribesmen, as Iraqi security forces continue to wage a wide-scale operation against militants in the western, predominantly-Sunni province.
"The cabinet has approved the tribesmen's demands as a step towards establishing stability and security in the province," Iraqi Finance Minister Safaadin Safi told a Tuesday evening press conference.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/129209/iraq-to-allocate-1-billion-for-anbar-reconstruction
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KSA among top favorite ‘halal holiday’ destinations
February 19, 2014
JEDDAH – Saudi Arabia is among the world’s favorite destinations for Muslim travelers, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
Malaysia tops the list, but Japan has also shown most improvement as it ramps up efforts to cash in on a growing market.
Saudi Arabia is on number five in this year’s top 10 rankings for “halal” friendly holiday destinations released by Singapore-based Muslim travel specialist Crescentrating.
The top ten in order are: Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Morocco, Jordan, Qatar and Tunisia.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140219196242
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Pakistan
MQM demands to impose emergency in Pakistan
February 19, 2014
Islamabad- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Nabeel Gabol has demanded the imposition of emergency in the country to improve law and order situation.
During a meeting of the National Assembly standing committee for Interior, he demanded the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to impose emergency as per Article 232 of the constitution.
Gabol reacted aggressively over the ongoing dialogue process with the Taliban and said it should be halted. He said that the country was in a state of war and there was no question for peace talks with Taliban.
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) rejected the demand during the meeting.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/19-Feb-2014/mqm-demands-to-impose-emergency-in-pakistan
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Bhagat Singh’s village to become a heritage site
MEENA MENON
February 19, 2014
His house and school near Lahore will be restored to their original condition
The Faisalabad government has proposed to develop Bangay, freedom fighter Bhagat Singh’s village, as a heritage site with a budget of Rs two crore as part of a plan to restore places of historical importance.
Malik Mushtaq Tiwana, district officer, human resource management, told The Hindu over phone that Bangay, 150 km from Lahore, would be developed with five other historical villages in the district. The cost of the project to be undertaken by the Lyallpur Heritage Foundation is Rs 12 crore.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/bhagat-singhs-village-to-become-a-heritage-site/article5704130.ece
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Pak, Iran for joint efforts against terrorism
2014-02-19
QUETTA: Pakistani and Iranian officials held a meeting on Wednesday underlining the need to make coordinated efforts to curb the menace of terrorism.
High level officials, from both sides, met to remove misunderstandings which had developed in the aftermath of abduction of five Iranian border guards on February 6 this month.
A Sunni militant group, Jaish-al-Adal (Party of Justice) had claimed the responsibility for kidnapping the Iranian guards.
Chief Secretary Balochistan, Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, led the Pakistani delegation whereas Deputy Governor Sistan-Balochistan, Ali Asghar Shikari, represented Iran in the meeting.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1088085/pak-iran-for-joint-efforts-against-terrorism
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Balochistan CM asks scholars to help end sectarianism
2014-02-19
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has called upon religious scholars and intellectuals to play their role in promoting religious and sectarian harmony.
The chief minister was speaking at the Ettihad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Conference organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs here on Tuesday.
He said the country was passing through a difficult time and it was the responsibility of religious scholars and intellectuals to spread the message of peace as they did in past when the country faced similar situation.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammad Yousuf, Chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Hafiz Hamdullah, Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Deputy Secretary Syed Arif Shah and around 60 renowned religious scholars of different school of thoughts also spoke at the conference.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1087966/balochistan-cm-asks-scholars-to-help-end-sectarianism
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Deadlock in talks persists, Rashid says awaiting Taliban response
February 19, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The deadlock in talks between the committees formed by the government and Taliban persists.
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid says the ball is in the court of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the government is waiting for their response.
The information minister adds the future course of action will be decided after a response is received from the Taliban.
Earlier, member Taliban committee, Professor Ibrahim said no contact has been made from his side with the government committee thus far.
Talking to Geo News, Professor Ibrahim said he could not say how things would improve and the peace process could only make headway through talks.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-138368-Deadlock-in-talks-persists,-Rashid-says-awaiting-Taliban-response-
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MQM Chief terms killing of FC men as barbarism
February 19, 2014
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday urged the nation to unite against terrorism.
Talking to Pakistan Ulema Council leader Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi by telephone, he said that his party had already been pressing for a solid decision to cope with the terrorism.
Hussain and Ashrafi condemned killing of 23 Frontier Corps soldiers and Major Jehanzaib by the Taliban and termed it an example of barbarism.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-138308-Altaf-terms-killing-of-FC-men-as-barbarism-
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South Asia
Afghan Taliban rejects Dubai peace talks as 'anti-jihad'
February 19, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban condemned the ongoing peace efforts launched by one of their Dubai-based leaders as “anti-jihad and a move to favour the US and its puppets” on Wednesday.
President Hamid Karzai had welcomed the peace initiative by Agha Jan Mutasim, a former Taliban cabinet minister and a close aide of Mullah Omar, and had described the move as a good omen for the political setup in Afghanistan.
However, the Taliban in their first formal reaction disowned the Dubai peace process and said that they have nominated specific negotiators and have a political office in Qatar.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reiterates to all stakeholders that it has neither entrusted Agha Jan Mutasim with a responsible position nor can he represent it,” said Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/673651/afghan-taliban-reject-dubai-peace-talks-as-anti-jihad/
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China Says It Will Win West Over to Its View on Tibet and Xinjiang
Reuters, February 19, 2014
China has “time on its side” to win over Western opinion to its point of view on the restive regions of Tibet and Xinjiang, a senior official wrote on Wednesday, vowing with unusually strong language to ignore foreign pressure on human rights.
Zhu Weiqun, chairman of the ethnic and religious affairs committee of the top advisory body to parliament, acknowledged this would be a difficult task but said dissenting voices were beginning to be heard in the West.
“As China becomes more involved in international affairs, and as Tibet and Xinjiang further open to the world, more and more Westerners will have an understanding of Tibet and Xinjiang that better accords with reality,” Zhu wrote in a lengthy article on the government-run website Tibet.cn.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/china-says-it-will-win-west-over-to-its-view-on-tibet-and-xinjiang/
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Maldives, President’s new goals: Islamisation and partnership with Beijing
Feb 19, 2014
Malé ( AsiaNews / Agencies) - The return of an increasingly conservative and fundamentalist vision of Islam in terms of domestic policy, hand in hand with a strengthening of diplomatic and trade relations with China on the international stage. This is how analysts and experts describe as the first three months of government of President Abdulla Yameen , elected on 17 November to lead the Maldives archipelago of over 1,110 Indian Ocean islands. The priorities set by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for 2014 include a block of all religions except Sunni Islam; adherence to the principles of Islam; and the legitimization of the fatwa or legally binding judgments issued by the Islamic Fiqh Academy. The ministry has also signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia, which provides for the allocation of a fund of more than 100 thousand dollars, for the "common goal" to develop and improve the study of the Koran and the Muslim religion.
Full report at:
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Maldives,-President-Yameen%E2%80%99s-new-goals:-Islamization-and-partnership-with-Beijing-30333.html
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MDP will reform the judiciary, pledges Nasheed
By Ahmed Naish | February 18th, 2014
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is seeking a parliamentary majority to reform the judiciary, former President Mohamed Nasheed said last night.
Speaking at an event in Vilimalé to launch the campaign of MDP candidate Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Ahmed, Nasheed said the Supreme Court feared that the opposition party would secure a majority in the People’s Majlis.
“They have summoned the Elections Commission there and are intimidating [commission members] for one purpose. They know the extent to which Supreme Court judges and other judges are tied to various politicians. They do not want the judiciary to be reformed because they want to remain in their posts, enjoy their undue advantages and keep engaging in corrupt activities for eternity,” Nasheed said.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/mdp-will-reform-the-judiciary-pledges-nasheed-77906
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PM Sheikh Hasina for realistic education, training for army
February 19, 2014
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised the importance of realistic education and training programmes for the Bangladesh armed forces in the modern world.
She made the statement while addressing a Graduation Ceremony of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at Mirpur Cantonment here on Wednesday, reports BSS.
The prime minister said: "The role of the armed forces has become multi-dimensional in the backdrop of the changed security scenario in the present-day world. This should be reflected realistically in their education and training programmes.”
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/feb/19/pm-realistic-education-training-army#sthash.NlZtz8NC.dpuf
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Mideast
Top Iranian MP: Baha’i are Mossad and CIA spies
February 19, 2014
Tehran ramps up persecution of community with accusations of international espionage.
Ahmad Salek, chairman of Iran’s parliamentary cultural commission, on Tuesday accused his country’s Baha’i community of spying for Israel and the United States.
“I declare very explicitly that Baha’ism is an espionage organization which gathers intelligence for the CIA and Mossad, and there are abundant documents to prove this,” the Fars news agency quoted Salek saying.
Fars, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, reported in the same article comments Iran’s then-prosecutor-general Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi made in 2009: “We [as the state] offer a variety of services to the Baha’i sect in Iran and respect them as human beings, but not as insiders, spies, or a political grouplet supported by Britain and Israel to cause disturbance in Iran.”
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Top-Iranian-MP-Bahai-are-Mossad-and-CIA-spies-341857
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Palestinians: Keep Religion on ID Cards
February 19, 2014
The row that erupted shows that among Palestinians, opposition to recognition of Israel as a Jewish state remains widespread. It also shows what awaits non-Muslims in a future Palestinian state controlled by sharia Law.
Regardless of Abbas's motives, it is clear that Hamas and other Palestinians continue to seek and Islamic state where non-Musloms would be subjected to Sharia and enjoy fewer rights. Those who think that any Christian or Jew would be welcomed under an Islamic regime are living in a delusion.
Full report at:
http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4180/palestinians-religion-id-cards
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Israeli lawmaker storms Al-Aqsa compound
World Bulletin / News Desk
February 19, 2014
Israeli Knesset Member Moshe Feiglin on Wednesday morning entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the eyes of Israeli police and the protection of private guards, a Palestinian Al-Aqsa guard said.
"The Israeli lawmaker entered the compound under Israeli police protection and accompanied by television crews," guard Naser Qous told Anadolu Agency.
"Feiglin stood up at the Dome of the Rock Mosque and demanded that Palestinians be deported," Qous added.
Feglin was quoted by the Palestinian Wafa news agency as saying from inside the compound that the site was "for the Jewish people."
Palestinians, he reportedly added, "should be deported to Saudi Arabia, where they have their own place to pray."
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/129213/israeli-lawmaker-storms-al-aqsa-compound
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Chechens killed in Istanbul in the name of Russian intel, prosecutor claims
February 19, 2014
Five Chechens who were killed in Istanbul between 2009 and 2011 were done so in the name of Russia’s intelligence agency, according to a public prosecutor's indictment in the case.
Bakırköy Public Prosecutor Ahmet Demirhüyük demanded aggravated life sentences for three murder suspects, Temur Makhauri, Alexander Zharkov and Nadim Ayupov, on charges of premeditated murder.
In his indictment, Demirhüyük noted Russia was in pursuit of Chechen opposition leaders due to the war in Chechnya. Russia is also in a struggle with Chechen groups within Turkey, the prosecutor said.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chechens-killed-in-istanbul-in-the-name-of-russian-intel-prosecutor-claims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=62656&NewsCatID=341
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Zarif: Final Iran deal within 6 months still possible
February 19, 2014
A final deal to end the stand-off over Tehran’s nuclear programme can still be achieved by the middle of this year, despite scepticism from some Western powers, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday in Vienna.
Iran is holding a second day of negotiations with Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany. The aim is to reach a comprehensive deal that would restrict uranium enrichment and other nuclear activities in Iran for several years. In return, the world powers would lift all sanctions against Tehran.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/zarif-final-iran-deal-within-6-months-still-possible/article5706001.ece
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North America
No military solution to Syria, considering renewed options: US
Press Trust of India | Washington | February 19, 2014
The US has said that there is “no military solution” to the current Syrian crisis, but it is considering renewed options to resolve the conflict. “It is still our view, absolutely, that there is not a military solution to this conflict and that a negotiated political settlement is the only path forward for Syria. The Geneva process is the only way by which that is persuadable and achievable at this time,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters at his daily news conference.
“It is important that the two sides sit down across from each other, but the international community needs to focus on how we can move this process forward,” he said when asked about the breakdown of the talks between the ruling Assad regime and the opposition coalition in Geneva. “We, as a rule, are always looking at all of our options and reviewing old and new options when it comes to a situation in Syria. It should not be forgotten that the obstacle to progress here has been the regime. The opposition attended the Geneva talks and conducted themselves appropriately.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/no-military-solution-to-syria-considering-renewed-options-us/
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US to offer Taliban prisoners exchange to free Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl
Feb 19 2014
According to reports, the Obama administration has decided to resume talks with the Taliban group in Afghanistan in an effort to free American soldier in captivity.
The Obama administration is expected to offer the release of five Taliban prisoners held at the US detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, in exchange for the freedom of Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, The Washington Post reported.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was seized by militants in 2009 and he is believed to be held by Haqqani Network militants in Pakistan.
A new video of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was obtained by the US military earlier this year, nearly five years after he disappeared from his military base in Afghanistan.
US military officials have said that Sgt. Bergdahl is in diminished health from the effects of close to five years in captivity.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/us-to-offer-taliban-prisoners-exchange-to-free-army-sgt-bowe-bergdahl-2807
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Canada Must Protect the Children of the Central African Republic
February 19, 2014
In 1994, the world witnessed the Rwandan genocide, when at least 800,000 people were murdered over a 100-day period. The horrors were detailed in Romeo Dallaire's book, Shake Hands with the Devil. Canadians were outraged by the terror of those fateful months, and vowed "never again." Almost 20 years later, peacekeepers uncover a mass grave at a military camp in the Central African Republic's (CAR) capital, Bangui. And a top United Nations official warns of "ethnic-religious cleansing."
This most recent statement comes on top of previous warnings by French and UN officials -- who both stated that CAR showed elements of a potential genocide -- and innumerable atrocities, including execution, rape, sexual slavery, and torture.
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/kirsty-duncan-/central-african-republic-children-dead_b_4809580.html
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Muslim Students Association prays for rain at service
BY KENDAL MITCHELL
2014-02-19
Members of the local Muslim community bowed, knelt and swayed their bodies toward the northeast corner of the room – in line with Mecca – praying to God for “ghaith,” the Arabic word for “perfect rain.”
As an unseasonably warm light flooded into the John Wooden Center’s Pyramid Room Friday, about 60 members of the Muslim community prayed to put an end to the drought affecting Southern California.
“I went (into the prayer) with strength of conviction that it will work and God will work for you,” said Nida Aslam, a third-year English student and the external vice president of the Muslim Students Association.
The prayer was part of the Muslim Students Association’s weekly service. The students added the “Salatul Istisqa” prayer – a rite asking God for rain during a prolonged drought – to their gathering.
Full report at:
http://dailybruin.com/2014/02/18/muslim-students-association-prays-for-rain-at-service/
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US soldier convicted of Iraq rape, murders found hanged in prison
2014-02-19
A former US Army soldier sentenced to life in prison for the 2006 rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and killing of her parents and sister, was found hanged in his cell, The Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday, citing prison officials.
The death on Saturday of Steven Dale Green, 28, at the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Arizona, was being investigated as a suicide, the paper said.
Green had been found hanging in his cell last week, according to the Times report.
A spokesman at the federal maximum-security prison could not immediately be reached on Tuesday afternoon to confirm the report.
Green was convicted in 2009 of the rape and murder of14-year-old Abeer Qassim Hamza al Janabi and the shooting deaths of her father, mother and 6-year-old sister in Mahmudiya, 20 miles south of Baghdad.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1088055/us-soldier-convicted-of-iraq-rape-murders-found-hanged-in-prison
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Southeast Asia
Islam really under siege in Malaysia, says Dr M
February 19, 2014
The constant fear Malaysian Muslims have of Islam being attacked in the country where they are the majority is a legitimate fear, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
The still influential former prime minister also accused the Malaysian Christian community of deliberately testing the tolerance of their Muslim countrymen by insisting on using “Allah” to call their God.
“It is a legitimate fear; if we lose our influence on the country, obviously lots of things which are offensive to Muslims will be found here,” he told reporters after officiating the Global Peace Foundation Chair for Global Peace at the International Islamic University Malaysia here.
Dr Mahathir said the respect Malaysians have for traditional values and customs will disappear should Malays lose political power and backed calls by certain Malay and Muslim rights groups here to rally to defend Islam.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/islam-really-under-siege-in-malaysia-says-dr-m#sthash.5fg0KwV1.dpuf
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Dismayed at religious violence in central Africa: Islamic Party of Malaysia
February 19, 2014
The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) expresses its dismay and concern about the recent sectarian attacks, violence and killings currently taking place in the Central African Republic (CAR). Many Muslim families have fled from their homes and some 50,000 third-country nationals have left the country. In the last year, approximately one million people have been displaced across the country, including some 85,000 new refugees that have fled to neighboring countries.
Full report at:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/254753
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Ease curbs on non-Muslim worship spots, group tells Putrajaya
FEBRUARY 19, 2014
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — The government should lift restrictions on locations for non-Muslim houses of worship if it is unable to gazette more such areas, a Chinese youth coalition said today.
Calling itself the Eight Major Chinese Youth-based Organisations (EMCO), it pointed out that the impending eviction of a church in Kepong was symptomatic of the lack of authorised locations for non-Muslim houses of worship.
“If the government is unable to provide space for the building of worship places, it should allow non-Islamic organisations to carry out religious activities in commercial centres, industrial areas and housing estates without bringing any nuisance to the community and people,” it said in a statement today.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/ease-curbs-on-non-muslim-worship-spots-group-tells-putrajaya#sthash.2VmWnk8W.dpuf
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Europe
Far Right targets Legoland after park hired by Muslim cleric for kids' Halal fun day
February 19, 2014
BRITAIN’S famous Legoland is being targeted by far right extremists after it hired out its entire children's park to a controversial Islamic cleric for a Muslim fun day.
The English Defence League and the neo-Nazi linked Casuals United are threatening a demonstration at the park in Windsor, Berkshire, on March 9 when thousands Muslim youngsters and parents will celebrate a day of “Halal entertainment”.
They have been inundating Legoland with abusive phone calls and messages on Twitter and Facebook calling for bosses to cancel the event.
The abuse became so upsetting for Legoland fans and staff that police asked the company to takes down its Facebook account while they investigated.
The park is being hired out exclusively to the Muslim Research and Development Foundation (MRDF) and its allied organisations.
The MRDF, based in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets, is run by Haitham al-Haddad, who has been banned from speaking at a number of British universities due to his anti-Western views.
Full report at:
http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/459970/EDL-Casuals-United-abuse-Legoland-Facebook-Twitter-Muslim-halal-entertainment-Legoland
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Syrian government using cluster bombs against its people, rights group says
February 19, 2014
The Syrian government is using banned cluster bombs on its own citizens as part of the civil war that has devastated the country, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.
The rights organization said that Syrian military forces used the weapons in attacks on Keferzita, a town north of Hama, last week.
"The rocket is the largest type of cluster munition rocket to be used in Syria and contains submunitions that are more powerful and deadly than other types of submunitions," Human Rights Watch said.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-government-using-cluster-bombs-against-its-people-rights-group-says-341881
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Brotherhood secretary-general Mahmoud Hussain cannot claim asylum in UK: London
February 19, 2014
Muslim Brotherhood members must be in the UK to claim asylum in the country, a UK Home Office source has told Ahram Online.
An Egyptian newspaper reported yesterday that Muslim Brotherhood Secretary-General Mahmoud Hussain had applied for asylum in the UK.
It is believed Hussain fled to Qatar a few months ago.
He has reportedly instructed London-based lawyers to submit his asylum application to the Home Office.
The Home Office would not comment on individual cases but a spokeswoman said a person in Qatar, or any foreign territory, cannot apply for asylum in the UK.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/1/94637/Egypt/-Brotherhood-secretarygeneral-Mahmoud-Hussain-cann.aspx
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Prince Charles’ visit boosts Saudi-UK ties
February 19, 2014
Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, called on Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, second deputy premier and special envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Prince Saud Al-Faisal, minister of foreign affairs, on Tuesday.
Prince Charles arrived on a three-day tour of the Kingdom on Monday, his 10th trip to the Kingdom since his first official tour in 1986. The current tour is part of his four-day trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar and comes just under a year since he last visited the two countries.
The Prince of Wales, who is also expected to meet King Abdullah during this trip, will visit the historic sites here as well. He was received by Prince Muqrin at the King’s ranch in Janadriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, where the national festival for heritage and culture, Janadriyah 29, is currently being held.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/527956
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Ban Ki-moon: Geneva 2 Sound Way to Solve Crisis in Syria, Talks Should Continue
February 19, 2014
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Spokesman Martin Nesirky announced that Ki-moon is still convinced that the Geneva talks constitute the best way for solving the crisis in Syria, and stressed the need for continuing dialogue.
In a statement on Tuesday, Nesirky said the UN Secretary General still believes that Geneva 2 international conference on Syria is the only sound way and hopes that the talks will be resumed soon, despite what he described as "failure" of the 2nd round of the talks.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem said that the second round of talks at Geneva conference did not fail, contrary to the some media analysis or the reactions of the French and British foreign ministers.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921130000942
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Terror watch: Dawood, IM, JeM on UK’s sanctions list
Kounteya Sinha,TNN | Feb 19, 2014
LONDON: India's most wanted criminal, Dawood Ibrahim, figures prominently on Britain's latest list of banned terror groups facing financial sanctions along with Pakistan based groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
They are part of 52 international terrorist organizations proscribed under the Terrorism Act, 2000. Of these, two have been banned under powers introduced in the Terrorism Act, 2006.
A British treasury department document has named Dawood under his various aliases and with his last known address — White House near Saudi Mosque in Karachi. India's most wanted criminal has been on a consolidated list of asset freeze targets designated by the United Nations, European Union and the UK since November 2003.
The document has named JeM's splinter group, Khuddam Ul-Islam (Kul), as well. "JeM and KuI seek the liberation of Kashmir from India and the destruction of US and India. JeM has a stated objective of unifying the various Kashmiri militant groups.''
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Terror-watch-Dawood-IM-JeM-on-UKs-sanctions-list/articleshow/30650544.cms
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Africa
Mali's northern rebels agree to confine their fighters
Malian rebels agreed on Tuesday to confine members of their armed groups to barracks in U.N.-led preliminary talks in the capital, according to sources who attended and a copy of the agreement seen by Reuters.
The long-delayed meeting in the southern capital Bamako is a step in a series of negotiations designed to bring an end to recurrent Tuareg revolts in the West African country's desert north.
"It's a road map for confining the armed groups with a precise timetable," said M. Ould Mataly, a member of the Arab Mouvement of Azawad (MAA) who attended the talks.
A copy of the agreement seen by Reuters showed that around 30 sites across northern Mali would be chosen including Lere, Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/129207/malis-northern-rebels-agree-to-confine-their-fighters
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Libya ex-rebels from Zintan give MPs ultimatum to quit
February 19, 2014
Powerful ex-rebel militias from the Libyan town of Zintan gave parliament a tight evening deadline to quit on Tuesday, threatening to kidnap any lawmaker who ignored it.
"We are giving the (General National) Congress, whose mandate has expired, five hours to hand over power," said the militia commanders, indicating a deadline of around 1930 GMT.
Zintan, in the mainly Berber highlands southwest of Tripoli, was one of the bastions of the NATO-backed uprising that ousted and killed veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
It is where his son and former heir apparent, Seif al-Islam, is held awaiting trial.
The militias issuing the ultimatum included the Al-Qaaqaa and Al-Sawaiq brigades, both nominally loyal to the regular army.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/94596/World/Region/Libya-exrebels-from-Zintan-give-MPs-ultimatum-to-q.aspx
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Iran’s Presidency over OIC Parliamentary Union Strengthens Muslim Solidarity
February 19, 2014
Ugandan Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga in a meeting with her Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani in Tehran on Wednesday praised Iran for playing a very effective role in reinforcing solidarity among the Muslim states during its presidency over the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“Iran’s rotating presidency over the OIC Inter-Parliamentary Union will result in the reinvigoration of solidarity among Muslim countries,” Kadaga said.
Kadaga pointed to the status-quo in the Iran-Uganda relations, and said, “The government and parliament of Uganda want expansion of mutual cooperation between the two countries in agricultural, scientific and technological fields.”
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921130001051
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Niger Opposes Western Sanctions against Iran
February 19, 2014
Nigerien National Assembly Speaker Hama Amadou condemned the West's unfair sanctions on Iran, and hoped for finalizing a permanent nuclear agreement between Tehran and the world powers and removal of all embargos on the country.
On the sidelines of the 9th Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states' Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tehran on Tuesday, the top Nigerien parliamentarian voiced pleasure in sealing an interim agreement by Iran and the Group5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members Plus Germany) in Geneva, and described the West's sanctions on Iran as unfair.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921130001079
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/indian-supreme-court-gives-muslims/d/35831