2, 000 Child Soldiers Recruited In Central African Republic: UNICEF

Days after Canadian writer and broadcaster Tarek Fatah's lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia was cancelled without explanation, the anti-Islamist activist has been approached by students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to present a lecture on their campus.

According to Tarek, he was not provided any concrete reasons for the cancellation of his lecture at Jamia.

"I was given no official reason but what I hear is that some university students had hinted that they did not want to hear my lecture and had threatened to create problems. The vice chancellor did not, it seems, want problems on the campus because of me and decided to call off the lecture. I had staunchly opposed the inclusion of Sharia law in Canadian family law and have been a critic. I suppose people might have taken an exception to this stand," Fatah said.

The writer has now been invited to talk at the School of South Asian Studies of JNU.

"The students have approached me and I would like to go there towards the end of this month, after my trip to Dhaka. Discussion and discourse are very important. Otherwise a nation becomes dictatorial. It is unfortunate that I was stopped from speaking in a democratic country like India," he added.

Fatah's lecture was cancelled on Thursday morning. A notice was posted informing of the cancellation was put up on the university website and notice boards. The vice chancellor at Jamia Millia Islamia could not be contacted for a comment.

The Jamia administration has been accused of becoming more and more wary of criticism or controversies. It has imposed fines on students protesting against fee hikes in hostels. Student union elections, too, have been on hold for the past seven years.

In February, teachers and organizers of a theatre fest had stopped a play by DU students over the use of abusive language.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Tarek-Fatah-invited-to-JNU-for-lecture/Article1-1044060.aspx

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Terrorism from Pak, Afghan on agenda for talks: Hamid Ansari

April 14, 2013

On Board Special Aircraft: The issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan and ways to get access to further trade with resource-rich Tajikistan will be on the agenda of Vice President Hamid Ansari's talks with Tajik leadership.

"One area of common interest between two of us and of high priority is the problem of terrorism emanating from the territory between us and them -- which means Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Tajikistan has enormous interest in the stability of Afghanistan. We have the same kind of interests, same kind of concerns. So this is an area where cooperation and exchange has taken place on a continuation basis. And it is also an area of convergence," Ansari told media persons accompanying him.

He said both the countries have suffered due to terrorism across their borders. "They have suffered on their own from terrorism, very considerably. Therefore, they are very sensitive to the issue of terrorism. Just as we have suffered from terrorism across our borders, they have suffered from terrorism across their borders.

This case, terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. So they have concerns about various kind of extremists movements which they have managed now to bring under control. It remains a live issue," said the Vice President.

He said the two sides exchange information on the issue of terrorism and there is a working group that meets on counter-terrorism.

Ansari is on a four-day visit to Tajikistan to discuss ways to boost country's bilateral ties with the central Asian nation.

He said both the nations have good relations.

"Our relations with them are good, extremely good. Politically very good relations, commercially modest. The total trade turnover is about USD 34-35 million. We have rendered a good deal of assistance to them in a variety of small projects and that assistance is continuing," he said.

Ansari said the withdrawal of international security forces from Afghanistan in 2014 is being watched by every country.

"As far as the withdrawal from Afghanistan of ISF is concerned this is something everybody is watching. We are also watching. Let us see how things shape up," he said.

The Vice President hoped there will be development of trade with the central Asian nation and India was working on finding an easier access for trade exchanges.

"Trade will develop. Our main problem is not only with Tajikistan but with all the central Asian states is of access. We do not have a line of entry to central Asia," he said.

Ansari's visit is a part of India's connect Central Asia policy, unveiled last year, aimed at greater political, economic and people-to-people engagement with Central Asian nations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

This is the first ever visit by an Indian Vice-President to Tajikistan, a hydrocarbon and minerals-rich nation.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/terrorism-from-pak-afghan-on-agenda-for-talks-hamid-ansari_842093.html

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Samjhauta blast: Pak victims stuck in Delhi

Dwaipayan Ghosh, TNN | Apr 14, 2013

NEW DELHI: For 27-year-old Ashok and 15-year-old Pramesh Kumar, brothers who are Pakistani nationals, the evening of February 18 six years ago is etched in memory. The Samjhauta Express blast left them virtually crippled, with no means to return to Sind. Ashok had a miraculous escape though his burn wounds remain a concern for the doctors at Safdarjung Hospital who have been treating him for a long time.

The Indian government had allowed them to stay back by extending their visa on the basis of documents produced by their guarantor, a cousin from Punjab. Today, the two brothers, their mother, Shakuntala Devi, and their three sisters are a worried lot even as help from unknown quarters keep them going. Our visas have expired after our guarantor pulled out six months ago. The passport needed renewal too. It was then that people from across the city pitched in with help,'' said Ashok.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Samjhauta-blast-Pak-victims-stuck-in-Delhi/articleshow/19534120.cms

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Six Muslim Burmese, including four kids, rotting in Amritsar jail

RAGHAV OHRI

Apr 14 2013

Chandigarh: They ‘strayed’ into Indian Territory and were arrested by Punjab Police in 2008. For not possessing valid documents, a trial court awarded them six months in jail in March 2009. They served their sentence. But four years on, a Burmese couple and their four children continue to languish in a transit camp in Amritsar Jail.

The reason: the six are awaiting verification of their citizenship.

However, their ordeal now seems to be coming to an end, after Lawyers for Human Rights International (LFHRI), an NGO, filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in Punjab and Haryana High Court, which came up for resumed hearing last week.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/six-burmese-including-four-kids-rotting-in-amritsar-jail/1102258/

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India offered Pak to work jointly in Afghanistan: Saran

 April 13, 2013

India had offered Pakistan to jointly work in Afghanistan, but there were no takers of this offer in Islamabad, a former top Indian diplomat has said.

"We have offered to Pakistan, we are willing to sit out with them and give a read out to what we are doing in Afghanistan," former

foreign secretary Shyam Saran said at an event organised by the Asia Society in Washington on Friday.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/northamerica/India-offered-Pak-to-work-jointly-in-Afghanistan-Saran/Article1-1043977.aspx

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Farooq demands restoration of internal autonomy in J-K

 April 14, 2013

A year ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, ruling National Conference (NC) seems to have hit the poll mode button, saying restoration of internal autonomy was the only solution to the political problems of the state.

"Jammu and Kashmir is primarily a political problem and needs to be resolved through peaceful political means.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/jandk/Farooq-demands-restoration-of-internal-autonomy-in-J-K/Article1-1044248.aspx

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Arab World

Historic mosque in Daraa destroyed in Syrian army shelling

14 April 2013

According to an amateur video shot and uploaded onto YouTube by activists, Syrian government forces allegedly destroyed the minaret of the historic Omari mosque in the western city of Daraa.

Daraa has been at the heart of fierce clashes between Syria’s government and opposition forces for the past two weeks.

In the video, the mosque can be seen at the end of a street with its towering minaret crumbling to the ground after an apparent bombardment.

The historic mosque is said to date back to the 7th century and has been the target of heavy shelling for several days, AFP reported.

“This regime of unrestrained barbarism targeted with tanks the minaret of the Omari mosque, a place full of symbols of civilization and spirituality and humanity,” the Syrian National Council (SNC) told AFP.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/14/Historic-mosque-in-Daraa-destroyed-in-Syrian-army-shelling-.html

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23 killed as Syrian forces attack rebel strongholds

April 14, 2013

Syrian government forces and aircraft attacked rebel strongholds across the country on Sunday, killing at least 23 people, activists said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said regime airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in the predominantly Kurdish village of Hadad in the northeastern province of Hassaka. It said at least 16 people, including two women and three children, were killed.

An activist reported plumes of black smoke rising over the town and continuous army fire from ground and air attacks. He spoke on condition that he be identified only by his nickname Abu Qasem by which he is widely known among his comrades because he feared retaliation on his family.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/23-killed-as-syrian-forces-attack-rebel-strongholds/article4617217.ece

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Over 1000 Hezbollah fighters arrive in Syria to back Assad forces

 14 April 2013

Over 1,000 members of the Lebanese Shitte militant group, Hezbollah, entered Syria in the past few days via waterways in the Mediterranean Sea, Saudi daily al-Watan reported on Sunday.

According to the report, around 1,200 fighters arrived to Syria's Tartus port in order to fight alongside regime troops.

The armed members who arrived from Lebanon to Syria committed "a hideous crime" in the town of Talkalkh, the daily said, adding that tens of thousands of fighters entered from Iraq to aid the Syrian regime.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/14/-Over-1000-Hezbollah-fighters-arrive-in-Syria-to-back-Assad-forces.html

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Saudi Prince Backs Letting Women Drive

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

April 14, 2013

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has indicated support of allowing women there to drive.

He says that would help the kingdom's campaign to cut down on the number of foreign workers.

Saudi Arabia follows an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam and bans women from driving.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/14/world/middleeast/ap-ml-saudi-women-driving.html?ref=middleeast&gwh=CD77AEE092324C7269383F9B89897EC0

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Gulf countries meet over Iran nuclear radiation fears

Reuters | Apr 14, 2013

DUBAI/KHOBAR: National emergency officials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries met on Sunday in Saudi Arabia to discuss the risk of radiation spreading over the Gulf if Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant is damaged by another earthquake.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck close to Iran's only nuclear power station last week, killing dozens of people but leaving the nearby plant undamaged, according to Iranian officials and the Russian company that built it.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Gulf-countries-meet-over-Iran-nuclear-radiation-fears/articleshow/19541279.cms

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New Saudi labour law won't affect genuine workers: Salman Khurshid

IANS | Apr 14, 2013

NEW DELHI/BERLIN: Saudi Arabia's new labour policy will affect only illegal immigrants and not genuine workers employed in the Kingdom, India's external affairs minister Salman Khurshid has said.

"Genuine workers don't need to worry. It will impact only those who don't have proper work permit," Khurshid told IANS in the course of a brief chat in Berlin where this correspondent who had travelled with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week.

Khurshid said Indian workers play an important role in Saudi Arabia's economy and the Kingdom's authorities recognise this.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/New-Saudi-labour-law-wont-affect-genuine-workers-Salman-Khurshid/articleshow/19540972.cms

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Another Iraqi polls candidate killed in Baghdad

April 14, 2013

BAGHDAD: A roadside bomb killed an Iraqi provincial elections candidate and three other people north of Baghdad on Sunday, bringing the number of candidates killed in attacks to 14, officials said.

Najm al-Harbi was on travelling to Baquba on a highway in Diyala province in his personal vehicle when the bomb exploded, killing him, two of his brothers and a bodyguard, a police lieutenant colonel and a doctor said.

An official from Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak’s office confirmed Harbi’s death, and said he was the head of the deputy premier’s list in Diyala province.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/another-iraqi-polls-candidate-killed/

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Mubarak Appears at Trial, Which Ends Abruptly in Egypt

By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and MAYY EL SHEIKH

April 14, 2013

CAIRO — Former President Hosni Mubarak sat up, waved and even smirked as he appeared at a hearing on Saturday to open his retrial on charges related to the killing of protesters at the end of his rule.

The appearance in court was the first time that Mr. Mubarak, 84, had been seen in public in nearly a year, and it was brief. The presiding judge, Mustafa Hassan Abdullah, ended the session almost as soon as it began by recusing himself, citing a conflict of interest, presumably because he had ruled in related cases. The postponement was not unexpected; procedural delays for one reason or another are common in Egyptian trials.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/world/middleeast/judge-in-hosni-mubaraks-case-

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Saudi beheaded for machinegun murder

Saudi Arabia's interior ministry announces the beheading of a citizen convicted of killing a man with a machinegun; AFP counts 34 executions in the gulf kingdom this year so far

 14 Apr 2013

Saudi authorities on Sunday beheaded a citizen in the western city of Medina after he was convicted of shooting dead another man, the interior ministry said.

Sultan bin Rashid al-Mutairi had been found guilty of using a machinegun to kill Mused bin Nayer al-Mutairi after a dispute between the pair, the ministry said in a statement carried by the official SPA news agency.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/69192/World/Region/Saudi-beheaded-for-machinegun-murder.aspx

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North America

A Muslim College Mixes Subjects to Achieve an American Feel

By MARK OPPENHEIMER

April 14, 2013

BERKELEY, Calif. — I was a bit late for my meeting last week with 19-year-old Mussab Abouabdalla, who I hoped would explain to me why anyone would attend Zaytuna College, an unaccredited three-year-old Muslim institution with about 30 students and not even 10 professors. I found Mr. Abouabdalla at Caffe Strada. He had arranged his books on the table as if to answer my question.

By his right hand, on a neat stack, was the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Beneath it was the quadrivium, the Renaissance curriculum, comprising arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. And at the bottom was the trivium, comprising grammar, logic and rhetoric, traditionally taught before the quadrivium. These seven arts were once the basis of a European education, and they have recently become popular with some Christian home-schoolers.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/13/us/at-zaytuna-college-western-traditions-alongside-koran.html?_r=0

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Kerry urges Abbas to find right PM, as Fayyad quits

US Secretary of State John Kerry regrets resignation of Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad

14 Apr 2013

Top US diplomat John Kerry regretted the resignation of Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad and urged Palestinians Sunday to find the right person to take on the tough job and work with the US.

Fayyad quit after months of tensions with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, and only days after talks with Kerry who visited Israel and the Palestinian territories last week seeking to map out the contours of a new peace plan.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/69213/World/Region/UPDATE-Kerry-urges-Abbas-to-find-right-PM,-as-Fayy.aspx

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Pakistan

Imran Khan's party admits presence of Kashmiri jihadi forces in Pak

Apr 14 2013

Islamabad : Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's party has acknowledged "Kashmiri jihadi forces" active in Pakistan as one of key factors driving "terror and lawlessness" within the country.

The 'Naya Pakistan Plan', a document posted on the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf's special website created for the May 11 polls, lists six factors in its section on internal security that "drive terror and lawlessness in varying degrees".

These factors are "Taliban resistance movement in Afghanistan; Pakistani Taliban trying to enforce their interpretation of Shariah; Kashmiri jihadi forces working from

within Pakistan; sectarian violence, particularly Shia-Sunni killings; ethnic terrorism and violence, for example in Karachi; real and perceived disenfranchisement of Balochistan".

Though anti-India groups like the banned Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Al-Badr Mujahideen openly operate from bases and camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Pakistani political parties have for long been reluctant to acknowledge that such organisations have a presence in the country.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/imran-khans-party-admits-presence-of-kashmiri-jihadi-forces-in-pak/1102324/

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Seven militants killed in Tirah, Khyber Agency during last 24 hours

April 14, 2013

RAWALPINDI: In the ongoing military operation in Tirah, Khyber Agency, the security forces have killed seven militants during the last 24 hours. According to an ISPR press release issued here on Saturday, two important hideouts of miscreants have been busted and areas of Kata Kanrai and Sniper Morcha in Sipah area have also been captured.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\14\story_14-4-2013_pg7_4

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Drone strike kills four in N Waziristan

Zahir Shah Sherazi

  14 April 2013

MIRAMSHAH: A drone strike in Datakhel area of North Waziristan tribal region killed four persons on Sunday, DawnNews reported.

Political administration sources told Dawn.com that the drone targeted a compound with two missiles killing at least four persons all of whom belonged to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group operating in the area.

The last drone attack in the region that place on Mar 22.

North Waziristan region is close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and is one of the seven regions in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), governed by tribal laws.

Attacks by unmanned US aircraft are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, which says they violate its sovereignty and fan anti-US sentiment, but US officials are said to believe the attacks are too important to give up.

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/drone-attack-kills-three-in-n-waziristan/

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Operations conducted in Karachi; terrorist attack foiled

April 14, 2013

KARACHI: The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of police conducted a raid operation in Karachi’s Surjani town area on Sunday and foiled a possible terrorist attack, DawnNews reported.

Following a tip-off from Aslam Mehsud, the alleged brain behind the Abbas Town bombing, police conducted an operation in the Surjani town area where they recovered a huge cache of weapons and ammunition along with an explosives-laden car.

The explosives-laden car was seized by CID personnel after an exchange of fire with the militants during which the approver, Aslam Mehsud was killed and two policemen were injured.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/cid-launches-operation-in-karachi-eliminates-terrorist-attack/

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TTP claimed attacks kill ANP candidate in Swat, injure another in Charsadda

April 14, 2013

PESHAWAR: A candidate for the upcoming elections belonging to the Awami National Party (ANP) , Mukaram Shah, was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Swat’s Manglawar area on Sunday whereas another ANP candidate Syed Masoom Shah was injured in a bomb attack near the venue if a party rally in Charsadda.

In the first attack in Swat an apparently remotely-detonated bomb targeted the vehicle of the ANP candidate, Mukaram Shah, in Banjot village  of Manglawar area in Swat. The vehicle was destroyed in the blast.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/anp-candidate-killed-in-swat-ied-blast/

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Militants destroy school in Bara

April 14, 2013

PESHAWAR: Militants on Saturday destroyed another primary school in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency and set ablaze two houses of the members of the peace militia.

According to official sources, militants had planted explosives in the boys’ primary school in Aka Khel area of Bara, which upon detonation badly damaged the school building. It is pertinent to mention that educational institutions were closed in Bara due to curfew. Militants have so far destroyed a total of 70 schools and educational institutions in Khyber Agency in the past three years. Meanwhile, militants set ablaze two empty houses owned by the members of the Aman Lashkar (peace militia) in the Aka Khel area.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\14\story_14-4-2013_pg7_3

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Three-month grace period: 890 Pakistani workers may not benefit from new Saudi rules

April 14, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Although Islamabad has lauded Saudi Arabia’s new labour policy, which allows a grace period of three months for foreign labourers in order to correct their labour status, it appears that some 1,470 South Asians  – including 160 Indians and 890 Pakistanis — hired by a Turkish company in the Kingdom may not benefit from the new rules.

Their case is pending before the labour ministry and the Pakistani workers cannot correct their status without a final decision by the relevant departments of the Kingdom, a number of Pakistani labourers told The Express Tribune. 

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/535384/three-month-grace-period-890-pakistani-workers-may-not-benefit-from-new-saudi-rules/

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Pak army to supervise printing of ballot papers for elections

PTI | Apr 14, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's army will supervise the printing of ballot papers which will have 11 security features to prevent fraud during the voting on May 11.

Troops were being deployed in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore for the printing of ballot papers, the Inter-Services Public Relations said yesterday.

"Army would be deployed where the ballot papers will be printed," it said in a statement.

The printing of ballot papers for the May 11 general election will be carried out under the army's supervision, state-run Radio Pakistan earlier reported.

Troops were seen taking up position near the printing press in the federal capital an hour after the announcement by the military's media arm.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pak-army-to-supervise-printing-of-ballot-papers-for-elections/articleshow/19539528.cms

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Pakistan's Rehman Malik gifted Shinde vintage gun

Harinder Baweja

 April 14, 2013

Some might say it’s a case of Pakistan pointing a gun at India while others see it as an instance of accidental fire.

Believe it or not, Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik, who visited India in December last year, gifted a non-firing vintage gun to his counterpart Sushilkumar Shinde – a curious gift, especially since LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and terrorism were high on the bilateral agenda.

According to an officer who was part of the talks between the two ministers, Malik proudly gifted the gun to Shinde, which led to some consternation among Indian officials, one of who wondered if a weapon could be accepted by the home minister.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/Pakistan-s-Rehman-Malik-gifted-Shinde-vintage-gun/Article1-1044092.aspx

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Pakistan's EC issues guidelines for polls

PTI | Apr 14, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's election commission today barred candidates from seeking votes in the name of religion or sect under new guidelines issued for the country's landmark May 11 general election.

The poll panel said the new guidelines were aimed at ensuring the "smooth and peaceful conduct" of the general election.

"Under the new guidelines' candidates will not seek votes in the name of religion or sect," state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistans-EC-issues-guidelines-for-polls/articleshow/19540855.cms

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Returning Officers were facing problems in Balochistan, says CJ

April 14, 2013

QUETTA: Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary has said that Balochistan was facing problems of good governance, sectarianism, law and order etc.“ROs are responsible for fair and transparent elections”, the top-most judge in the country said addressing Returning Officers at Balochistan High Court.Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said in such a situation the responsibilities of ROs double.He said ROs were representing judiciary and that it was the responsibility of constitutional institutions to ensure fair polls adding that female were equal to male and they should not be deprived of casting votes.“Main stakeholders in elections are voters”, he further said.Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said it was the responsibility of all institutions to support election commission in Balochistan since the province was facing challenges.  “Democracy can flourish through electioneering”, he said.

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/returning-officers-were-facing-problems-in-balochistan-says-cj/

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Pervez Musharraf MQM’s ideological ally: Farooq Sattar

April 14, 2013

KARACHI: MQM has acknowledged that former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is their ideological ally but there is no electoral alliance or seat adjustment with All Pakistan Muslim League. Deputy Convener of the party Dr Farooq Sattar expressed these views during an interview on the state run radio. He said Musharraf might be a dictator but he has a right to go to the people on the basis of economic performance during his tenure. Asked why MQM, which claims to be a democratic party, supports Musharraf, he said MQM has good relations and friendship with him. To a question he said MQM has fielded its candidates in different parts of the country and that would give better results in urban Sindh in the coming elections. Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\14\story_14-4-2013_pg12_2

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South Asia

Sheikh Hasina vows to maintain Bangladesh's secular character

Apr 14 2013

Dhaka : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to maintain secularism as Bangladesh's state policy, amid countrywide celebrations today to mark the Bengali New Year, seen by right-wing Islamists as "anti-Islamic" practice.

"Bangladesh will be a non-communal democratic country Our country will be run in keeping with the spirit of the Madinah Charter of our beloved Prophet Mohammad" that charted out principles of religious harmony and co-existence, Hasina said in a statement on the eve of the Pahela Baishakh.

Her remarks assume significance in the wake of recent large-scale protests by Islamist parties led by Jamaat-e-Islami demanding reinstatement of "absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah" in the constitution and capital punishment for those who would denigrate Islam and its prophet.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sheikh-hasina-vows-to-maintain-bangladeshs-secular-character/1102343/

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Services halted, Maldivian’s deprived of progress following “coup”: Nasheed

By Neil Merrett | April 14th, 2013

An array of services formerly provided by the Maldivian government have stopped since President Dr Mohamed Waheed came to power, former President Mohamed Nasheed has alleged.

Nasheed, speaking in local media, has accused the Waheed administration of depriving the Maldivian people of “one and a half years of prosperity” and progress since his government ended following the controversial transfer of power February 7, 2012.

Despite the criticisms, President Waheed has in recent days been touring North Maalhosmadulu Atoll to view developments such as sanitation and education projects that are currently being undertaken by the state.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/politics/services-halted-maldivians-deprived-of-progress-following-coup-nasheed-alleges-56181

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Afghan investigation finds 17 died in airstrike

April 14, 2013

KABUL: Both Taliban insurgents and the US military were to blame for an airstrike a week ago that killed 17 people, including a dozen children, during a fierce battle in eastern Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai said Saturday.   

Karzai made his comments after an Afghan investigation into the April 6 attack raised the civilian death toll from 11 to 17, including 12 children, four women and one innocent man. An American civilian adviser was also killed during the fighting.

The Afghan report says the US strike occurred after the Afghan intelligence service came under attack by militants during an operation to arrest two insurgent commanders in the Shigal district of Kunar province. The area is a major infiltration route for insurgents from sanctuaries in northwestern Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/04/14/afghan-investigation-finds-17-died-in-airstrike/

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Myanmar's Muslims fear toxic fallout of reform

AFP | Apr 14, 2013

YANGON: After generations as part of one of Asia's most ethnically diverse societies, Myanmar's Muslims fear they are becoming "scapegoats" of its reform process following a wave of religious violence.

At least 43 people died in Buddhist-Muslim clashes which broke out last month in central Myanmar where mosques were burned down and Muslim homes were destroyed.

The unrest — which followed a wave of religious bloodshed in western Myanmar last year — has instilled fear into the country's Muslims, some of whose families had lived peacefully alongside Buddhists for generations.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Myanmars-Muslims-fear-toxic-fallout-of-reform/articleshow/19537001.cms

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Former President Gayoom urges public to join PPM to protect democracy, Islam

By Neil Merrett | April 13th, 2013

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has urged Maldivians to join his Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) if they wish to safeguard democracy and the role of Islam in the country.

Speaking at a rally in the island of Fuvahmulah yesterday (April 12) to mark the official launching of PPM’s presidential campaign, Gayoom reportedly called on all Maldivians wishing for democracy to prevail in the nation to join with his party.

“Some people keep talking about parties forming coalitions, that they are forming alliances with others,” he was reported by Sun Online as saying.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/politics/former-president-gayoom-urges-public-to-join-ppm-to-protect-democracy-islam-56140

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Maldives President for constitutional reforms to curb “conflict” between state institutions

By Minivan News | April 14th, 2013

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has called for reforms to the current Maldivian constitution in order to reduce “conflict” between different government institutions while carrying out their respective mandates.

The president stated during a campaign speech on Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll Thursday (April 11) that he too had faced difficulties in carrying out constitutional duties as a result of such conflicts between the different branches of government.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief

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Hindu temple vandalised in Sylhet    

April 14, 2013

Unidentified miscreants vandalised six idols of a Hindu temple in Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet early Sunday.

Wasiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Zakiganj Police Station, said the miscreants entered Amolshid Kali Mandir by breaking the lock of its collapsible gate and vandalised the idols.

Informed by locals, Zakiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Titon Khisa and the OC visited the temple, reports our Sylhet correspondent.

The OC said, “We are trying to arrest the culprits.” However, no case was filed in this connection till Sunday afternoon.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/hindu-temple-vandalised-in-sylhet/

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Afghanistan survivor turns lens on horrific injuries in Syrian conflict

After stepping on a Taliban landmine and losing three limbs, Giles Duley now documents an all-too-familar tale of suffering on the border of Jordan and Syria

Peter Beaumont

 13 April 2013

Giles Duley, the award-winning photojournalist who escaped with his life but lost three limbs after stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan in 2011, recently returned to Kabul to document amputee victims of the war. Now he has turned his attention to Syrian war victims in Jordan, many of whom have suffered horrendous injuries during the conflict.

Duley came across 24-year-old Lubna during a visit to the Zaatari camp while documenting the work of Handicap International. He was struck by the plight of Lubna, who has been told she will not walk again.

Full report at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/14/giles-duley-syria-conflict-photographs

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Indian envoy’s car attack: Bangla launches probe

TNN | Apr 14, 2013

NEW DELHI: Three crude bombs exploded in front of the Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Pankaj Saran's car in Khulna, injuring the driver and a couple of others, on Friday.

The incident occurred when Saran was addressing the chambers of commerce in the provincial city.

MEA spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin, said the car was not the high commissioner's official vehicle but was hired for the occasion. "As per our information, nobody involved with the high commission was either injured nor was the car damaged in any form." The Bangladeshi government has launched an investigation.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Indian-envoys-car-attack-Bangla-launches-probe/articleshow/19536369.cms

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Southeast Asia

ASEAN and Indonesia Must Help With Rohingya Issue

Ezra Sihite, Rizky Amelia & Markus Junianto Sihaloho |

April 14, 2013

As ethnic and religious conflict rages against the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar, Indonesia has found itself taking on the role of both mediator and refuge country.

Aleksius Jemadu, dean of Pelita Harapan University (UPH), said that this has now become a cross-border problem that includes Indonesia and must be addressed by ASEAN.

Aleksius added that the conflict involving the Muslim-majority Rohingya ethnicity in Buddhist-majority Myanmar is a sensitive issue, but ASEAN must take the lead in solving it. According to the ASEAN Charter, an important pillar of the ASEAN community is its inclusiveness of all religions and ethnicities, he added.

“If Indonesia wishes to become a leader in this instance, it must take the initiative,” he said on Saturday.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/lifeandtimes/ASEAN-and-indonesia-must-help-with-rohingya-issue/585490

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Indian community told to get under BN umbrella for secure future

APRIL 14, 2013

KANGAR, April 14 — The Indian community needs to continue to be under the Barisan Nasional (BN) to ensure their future is secure, said Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu.

According to him, the government did not marginalise any community in the country to enjoy a comfortable living as each promise made to the people was fulfilled.

Speaking at the opening of the Perlis Indera Kayangan Indian Welfare Association in Arau near here last night, he said the 1Malaysia concept introduced by the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak needed to be appreciated by all communities.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/indian-community-told-to-get-under-bn-umbrella-for-secure-future/

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Malaysia’s Public Services Commission goes abroad in search of Malaysian talent

APRIL 14, 2013

MELBOURNE, April 14 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Public Services Commission (PSC) has gone abroad to seek for qualified Malaysians to be recruited to work in the diplomatic and administrative services.

Its chief assistant secretary Siti Jalilah Abd Manap said a selection examination was conducted simultaneously today in key cities of the world, involving about 60,000 young Malaysians.

The top 1,000 candidates will be short-listed for about 100 places which will be decided at the Assessment Centre in Kuala Lumpur, she told Bernama here at the Malaysia Hall where the test was conducted.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysias-public-services-commission-goes-abroad-in-search-of-malaysian-talent/

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Jambi records higher violence against women and children

Jon Afrizal

 April 14 2013

Jambi provincial administration’s Women and Children Empowerment Integrated Service Centre (P2TP2A) is allocating more resources to assistance for women and children to escape abuse, as violence against women and children is a serious problem in the province.

Violence against women and children is increasing in Jambi. As of April 13, 27 cases of abuse were registered by the center, 17 cases of violence against women and 10 child abuse cases.

“The violence they faced included physical and psychological abuse, sexual violence, and abandonment,” said P2TP2A head Nurbaiti on Saturday.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/14/jambi-records-higher-violence-against-women-and-children.html

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PAS non-muslim candidates not a threat for BN

APRIL 14, 2013

SUNGAI PETANI, April 14 — PAS’ strategy to field non-Muslim individuals as its candidates in the 13th general election is not a big threat for Barisan Nasional (BN).

Kedah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said he viewed the strategy as PAS’ response to the plan made by its ally, DAP, to field Malay candidates.

“When DAP decides to field Malay candidates in Kedah, it is somewhat threatening to PAS. So now, PAS is also planning to let non-Malay and non-Muslim individuals to contest on its ticket in Johor.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mukhriz-pas-non-muslim-candidates-not-a-threat-for-bn/

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Jakarta Gives Ultimatum to Aceh on Rebel Banner

By JOE COCHRANE

April 14, 2013

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government has given the leaders of the strife-torn Aceh Province until Tuesday to annul a bylaw passed last month that declares the banner of a former armed separatist movement as the province’s official flag and seal.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s government says the bylaw violates multiple national laws against separatism, an extremely sensitive issue in Indonesia given the secession of East Timor after a violence-plagued independence referendum organized by the United Nations in 1999.

While analysts said the dispute was unlikely to affect the 2005 peace agreement between the Indonesian government and now-defunct Free Aceh Movement, known as GAM, they also said the government feared it could stoke separatist sentiment in other parts of the country, including the restive eastern region of Papua.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/world/asia/jakarta-gives-ultimatum-to-aceh-on-rebel-banner.html?ref=asia&gwh=C29DDA078955C458CB0F837134EEC405

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Europe

Russia not to support new UN resolution on Syria

 April 14, 2013

Russia will vote against a new draft UN resolution on Syria, the Russian foreign ministry has said.

The draft document, prepared by a number of countries and to be voted soon at the UN General Assembly, is "obviously biased and full of conflicting terms", Xinhua cited the ministry

as saying in a statement.

The ministry said the resolution blames only the Syrian government for the crisis, completely ignoring external military, logistical and financial support for the opposition and terrorist activities of armed opposition groups.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Russia-not-to-support-new-UN-resolution-on-Syria/Article1-1044124.aspx

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Brahimi may quit as UN-Arab League envoy on Syria

ATUL ANEJA

April 14, 2013

The United Nations and Arab League envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi may be on the verge of quitting, frustrated by the relentless efforts of President Bashar Assad’s foes on seeking “regime change” in Damascus, instead of a diplomatic solution to end the festering crisis.

The website of Al Manar, affiliated with the Lebanese Hizbollah is reporting that Mr. Brahimi is likely to resign following his differences with the Arab League over Syria. The website cited the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS as saying that in his report to the UN Security Council that would be tabled on April 18; Mr. Brahimi will voice his serious disagreements with the League.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/brahimi-may-quit-as-unarab-league-envoy-on-syria/article4614425.ece

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Islamophobia Ends Swedish Politician Career

 14 April 2013

CAIRO – Becoming a victim of unfounded attacks and conspiracy theories about Islam, a Swedish Muslim has been forced to quit his duties with the Social Democrats party, bowing to calls to leave the governing board.

“The party leadership believes that having a mandate within the party and within Muslim civil society is incompatible,” Omar Mustafa, who also chairs Sweden’s Islamic Association (Islamiska förbundet), wrote in an open letter cited by The Local.de newspaper.

“The party leadership’s view isn’t only regrettable; it’s also a frightening signal to Muslims and other Social Democrats who are people of faith.

“I therefore feel that the party leadership doesn’t have confidence in me and have forced me to resign from all my duties in the party,” he added.

Full report at:

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/europe/462225-islamophobia-ends-swedish-politician-career.html

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Four Italian journalists held hostage in Syria freed, return home

AFP | Apr 14, 2013

ROME: Four Italian journalists held hostage in Syria for more than a week have been freed, Prime Minister Mario Monti announced on Saturday, and they were flown home from Turkey.

Italian media reported that the four, who worked for state television network RAI, arrived in Rome aboard a small government jet.

Monti earlier issued a statement announcing their release but giving no details.

He thanked the unidentified Italian officials involved for their "professionalism" in seeing through an operation "made all the more complicated by the extreme danger of the situation."

The four — three freelancers and a RAI reporter — had been abducted on April 4 while filming in northern Syria.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Four-Italian-journalists-held-hostage-in-Syria-freed-return-home/articleshow/19536096.cms

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Mideast Asia

Al Aqusa Foundation sponsored Islamist Children's Festival on Temple Mount

Muslim extremists say event is held in order to teach their children not to be Israeli.

 4/13/2013

The festival was sponsored by the Al Aqsa Foundation and the Institute for Development of Al Aqsa and the Holy Sites. The theme was the strengthening of ties to the Al Aqsa Mosque and the commitment to its "liberation" from "the Israeli occupation."

Events such as these were unthinkable before the Oslo Accords, which created a lax atmosphere regarding Muslim irredentism and anti-Israel incitement.

One of the girls participating in the event, Abrar Raed from the village of Turan in the Galilee, explained that she was participating in the festival "in order to send a message to the Israel occupation, that Al Quds [Jerusalem] belongs to us, and that no one can take it away from us, because we are the nation of Mohammed."

Attorney Zahi Najidat, the official spokesman for the Islamic Movement in Israel, explained that "Some people want to instill 'Israeliness' in their children, whereas we – through these and other activities – educate and raise a generation on love of the land, love of the holy places and love of Al Aqsa."

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/167062#.UWqOstLfCbs

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Iran has always assisted UN: Iranian foreign minister

 4/14/2013

Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the Islamic Republic has always played an effective role in assisting the United Nations in the settlement of regional problems.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always played an effective role in helping the UN resolve regional issues and problems and carry out its heavy duties,” Salehi said in a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Gary Lewis on Saturday.

The Iranian foreign minister added that Iran has always attached great significance to cooperation with the international body as one of its active member states and because of the importance and sensitivity of the developments in the region.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/04/14/298160/iran-has-always-assisted-un-salehi/

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Israel rejects plea for sick hunger-striker

April 14, 2013

RAMALLAH: Israel has rejected appeals to release to the West Bank a Palestinian prisoner on a life-threatening long-term hunger strike, Palestinian prisoner affairs minister Issa Qaraqea told AFP on Saturday.

Qaraqea said Israeli officials told him on Saturday that Samer Issawi, who has intermittently refused food for more than eight months, “is in critical condition and might die at any moment.”

Issawi, 33, was first arrested in 2002 and sentenced to 26 years for militant activity in the leftist Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. He was released under a prisoner swap in October 2011, but rearrested in July for violating the terms of the agreement by travelling to the Israeli-occupied West Bank from annexed Arab east Jerusalem.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\14\story_14-4-2013_pg7_14

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Yemen's national dialogue is blossoming online

Sunday, 14 April 2013

Since the commencement of Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference in 18 March, authors and commentators have produced thousands of articles, posts, and analyses on Yemen, its revolution, and its unknown future. Most, though, have ignored Yemen’s “virtual” revolution – the blossoming of its vibrant social media community. Far from the halls of Sanaa’s posh Movenpick Hotel that play host to the conference, Yemenis online are doing some talking of their own… and their prolific commentary may offer hope for Yemen’s future.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/alarabiya-studies/2013/04/14/Yemen-s-national-dialogue-is-blossoming-online-.html

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Iranian Army Tests Three New Missiles                         

  April 14, 2013

The Iranian Army announced on Saturday the successful testing on ground of three new missiles in recent military drills and the unveiling of a new personnel carrier next week.

The three types of missile were developed by the Army and Defense Industries, Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force Gen. Kioumars Heydari told press on Saturday.

However, the general did not provide further details about the characteristics of the missiles, their range and type of explosive they carry.

The new missiles were added to the arsenal that include Naze'at 10 middle-range missiles and Fajr missiles that have a 75-kilometer range, successfully tested during March war games in the central region of the Islamic Republic.

With regard to the new personnel carrier, general Heydari said that it would be unveiled during parades to be held throughout Iran on the National Army Day on April 18.

http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1307141&Itemid=1

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/2,-000-child-soldiers-recruited/d/11138