At UN, Obama opposes Palestinian statehood
Indian PM's meet with Iran prez may upset US
Militants attack army copter, Pak Gen Javed Iqbal injured
Snap militant ties or we’ll act: US to Pak
Assassination of Rabbani a senseless act of violence: Barack Obama
Islamic Sharia Law Court Opens in Belgium
Prospects of Religious Freedom Appear Grim in Islamic Maldives
Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to New York over Palestinian UN bid
Saudi woman teacher excels at MEA education forum
Anger in Nigeria over video of woman being raped
Bharatpur ‘riots’ earn Sonia Gandhi rap for Gehlot
Untold story of Bharatpur riots: Attack on Maulvi, a man who cried wolf
Syrian forces kill six as US 'readies for Assad fall'
11 dead as boat sinks off Indonesia
UNICEF says 4 children killed in Yemen crackdown
Turkey: 4 women killed in suspected Kurdish rebel attack
Pakistan Terrorist Court: Seven get death sentence in Sialkot
Yemen: Explosions rock Sanaa despite cease-fire order
Afghans protest Rabbani's assassination
Ex-Afghan leader's assassin waited days to see him
Rabbani killing may impact reconciliation process
Pessimism Fills Kabul During Mourning for Slain Peace Council Chief
Libya to announce new government in '7-10' days
Qaddafi Calls New Libya Government a Propped-Up ‘Charade’
US building drone bases to strike Somalia, Yemen: report
Sharia misunderstood, says Australians grand mufti
President Asif Ali Zardari wants Pak to speak Chinese!
Pasha meets with CIA head in US, FBI director lands in Pak
Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani shot down coup call
India seeks to revive hospital on Afghan border
NIA ‘close to cracking’ Varanasi Delhi High Court blast case
2 Kishtwar youths brought to Delhi
J&K militancy to blame for sour ties, says Imran Khan
IUML Chief says Mehbooba praised Modi
Oxford University to offer environmental studies scholarship to Maldivians
“Make use of historic moment”, Adhaalath Party urges Maldivian President
Egypt bars terror group from forming political party
Delhi HC ups compensation for blast victims, directs govt. to pay Rs 10 lakh
2 HC blast accused brought to Delhi from Kishtwar
U.S. Says Pakistan's ISI Using Group for 'Proxy War'
No US ultimatum on Haqqani network: Hina Rabbani Khar
ISI seeks week's time to submit reply on Shahzad's killing
PM Sheikh Hasina hopes Bangladesh, India will work out Teesta water deal
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sayedee in tribunal dock to face war crime charges
J&K encounter victims’ kin in HC against DGP
‘Al- Qaeda agent 199’ held for making extortion calls
Interlocutors’ Mission Kashmir comes to an end
Pak qawwali singer Maqbool Sabri dead
American hikers free after posting bail, leave Iran
Arab Spring at risk if no Mideast deal: Sarkozy
Bombers hit government buildings in Iraq’s Anbar
Iran won’t 'retaliate' for nuclear scientist killings
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claims Balochistan attack
Iran 'about to free' US hikers jailed for spying
Make LoC irrelevant, says former PoK premier Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary
Pakistan delegation pleads for release of fishermen from both nations
Terror plotter Rana seeks a fresh trial
Saudi Prince Alwaleed Rebuts Claim of Rape in Spain
Saudis hire 180 J&K docs in three days
Big writers should have big hearts: Taslima to Rushdie
Renowned Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir remembered
Pakistani team to meet Anna Hazare for tips on anti-graft crusade
Al-Jazeera boss Wadah Khanfar steps down
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/at-un,-obama-opposes-palestinian/d/5524
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At UN, Obama opposes Palestinian statehood
Sep 22 2011
United Nations : President Obama declared his opposition to the Palestinian Authority’s bid for statehood through the Security Council Wednesday, throwing the weight of the US directly in the path of the Arab democracy movement even as he hailed what he called the democratic aspirations throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
“Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the UN,” Obama said, in an address before world leaders at the General Assembly. “If it were that easy, it would have been accomplished by now.” Instead, Obama said, the international community should continue to push Israelis and Palestinians toward talks on the four intractable “final status” issues that have vexed peace negotiations since 1979: the borders of a Palestinian state, security for Israel, the status of Palestinian refugees who left or were forced to leave their homes in Israel, and the fate of Jerusalem.
Less than an hour after Obama spoke, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France stood at the same podium in a sharp repudiation, calling for a General Assembly resolution that would upgrade the Palestinians to “observer status,” as a bridge towards statehood.
For Obama, the challenge in crafting the address Wednesday was how to deal with the incongruities of the administration’s position: the president who made peace between Israeli and Palestinian a priority from day one, who still has not been able to get peace negotiations going; the president who opened the door to Palestinian state membership at the UN last year ending up threatening to veto that very membership; the president who was determined to get on the right side of Arab history ending up, on the wrong side of it on the Palestinian issue.
White House officials say that Obama has been keenly aware that he, like no other US president, stood as a potential beacon to the Arab street as the ultimate symbol of the rewards of democracy. But since he is the US President, he has had to put US interests first.
So Obama’s entire 47-minute address appeared balanced his efforts in support of democratic movements against his efforts to stand behind Israel, US’s foremost ally. Obama called this year “a time of transformation.” This year alone, he said, “more individuals are claiming their universal right to live in freedom and dignity.” He hailed the democratic movements in the Ivory Coast, in Tunisia, in South Sudan. Of Egypt, where former president Hosni Mubarak fell after 30 years, Obama said, “we saw in those protesters the moral force of non-violence that has lit the world from Delhi to Warsaw; from Selma to South Arica-and we knew that change had come to Egypt and to the Arab world.”
He hailed the Libyan toppling of Col Muammar Gaddafi, and threw his weight behind the protesters in Syria. But, he said, Palestinians must make peace with Israel before gaining statehood themselves.
Several times as Obama spoke, the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, seated in the room, put his forehead in one hand. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation after the speech, calling it a “badge of honour” when both leaders met later in the day.HELENE COOPER
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/at-un-obama-opposes-palestinian-statehood/849844/
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Indian PM's meet with Iran prez may upset US
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi: A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in New York may unsettle the Americans but India will seek to reaffirm the importance of the relationship.
In a statement on Wednesday before leaving for New York,Singh said the UN should take on a leadership role in a world beset by numerous challenges.Attending the UN General Assembly after two years,Singh said it was imperative for all the countries to act together to address these challenges.
He said,The west Asia,north Africa and Gulf regions have seen major upheavals and there is uncertainty about the shape of things to come in this crucial part of the world in the period ahead.The Palestine question remains unresolved.Terrorism and non-traditional threats to international security are threatening states and international political and social order.
Singh will hold bilateral meetings with presidents of South Sudan and Sri Lanka and prime ministers of Nepal and Japan,apart from Ahmadinejad.Meanwhile,India and Iran just cleared a difficult patch because of payment problems with the oil shipments coming from Iran.
On the region,PM will get Iranian views on the Arab Spring,where Saudi Arabia has hinted that Tehran was behind protests in Bahrain and the Syrian crackdown by Assad had Iranian support.The Iranians,however,saythe Saudis are funding many of the Arab protests.
The PM will also make the customary push for Indias membership of the UN Security Council.The United Nations must be seen as an impartial,credible and effective body.I will stress the need for early reform of this unique organization,particularly an expansion of its Security Council, he said.
Times of India
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Militants attack army copter, Pak Gen Javed Iqbal injured
Sep 22 2011
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army general commanding troops in the former Taliban stronghold of Swat was injured when militants fired at his helicopter in the countrys restive NW on Wednesday.
The helicopter carrying Maj Gen Javed Iqbal,the General Officer Commanding for Swat valley,was fired at in Nusrat Dara area of Upper Dir district at 11.30am,TV news channels reported.
Iqbal,who has played a key role in directing operations against the Taliban,sustained minor injuries to his right leg.The helicopter was not damaged.The general was flown to Rawalpindi by the same helicopter.
He was in a stable condition,the channels reported.There was no word from the army on the incident.No group claimed responsibility for the attack.Reports said officials had blamed the attack on the Pakistani Taliban.
Times of India
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Snap militant ties or we’ll act: US to Pak
Sep 22 2011
Washington : Accusing Pakistan’s military-run ISI of using the Haqqani network to carry out a “proxy war”, US has warned Islamabad to cut ties with the terror group and help eliminate its leaders or it will act unilaterally.
In what amounts to an ultimatum, the US administration has indicated that the US will act unilaterally if Pakistan does not comply, The Washington Post reported. Quoting officials, the paper said the message was delivered in high-level meetings and public statements over the past several days reflecting Washington’s view that the year-long strategy of using persuasion and military assistance to influence Pakistan’s behaviour has been ineffective.
According to the Post, White House officials and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta are said to be adamant in their determination to change their approach to Pakistan. The report comes as Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen told a meeting here Tuesday night that in his discussions with Pakistan army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, he had pressed Islamabad to end its links with the Haqqani terror group.
“We covered a full range of issues focusing on the danger of the Haqqani network, the need for the Haqqani Network to disengage... specifically the need for the ISI to disconnect from Haqqani and from this proxy war that they’re fighting,” he said during his address at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace here.
He added, “The ISI has been doing this ... supporting proxies for an extended period of time. It is a strategy in the country and I think that strategic approach has to shift in the future.” The meeting with Kayani that took place in Spain lasted for over four hours.
The US blamed the Haqqani network, one of the most feared Taliban and al-Qaeda linked groups fighting in Afghanistan for last week’s attacks on the US embassy and NATO headquarters in Afghan capital Kabul.
American officials have suggested in the past that ISI has maintained links with Haqqanis to guarantee that Islamabad has a stake in any future political settlement in Afghanistan once US troops withdraw.
Washington has also vowed to put “as much pressure as possible” on Islamabad to control insurgent groups on its side of the border.
Meanwhile, world leaders, jarred by the brazen assassination of top Afghan leader Burhanuddin Rabbani on Tuesday in Kabul, said his death would not derail Afghan peace process, the US military said the attack signalled that the Taliban was changing tactics by moving off the battlefield to go after high-profile targets elsewhere.
“Strategically, they’re significant,” said Mullen, referring to a series of Taliban suicide bombings over the summer that killed, among others, President Karzai’s half brother and recent bold attacks near the US embassy and NATO headquarters in the Afghan capital.
Mullen and Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, who together addressed a Pentagon press briefing here, said the assassination tactic was a “concern” and US commanders were working with Afghan forces to try to thwart the Taliban. “The bottom line still remains that we are moving in the right direction,” Panetta said.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/snap-militant-ties-or-well-act-us-to-pak/849861/
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Assassination of Rabbani a senseless act of violence: Barack Obama
Sep 21, 2011
WASHINGTON: Terming the assassination of former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani as a "senseless act of violence", US President Barack Obama has said the attack will not deter America from helping Afghanistan on its path to safety and prosperity.
Obama met his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and offered his condolences to the people of Afghanistan, shortly after the attack.
The US President said the killing was a "senseless act of violence" that would not crush the Afghan drive for freedom.
"I think we both believe that despite this incident, we will not be deterred from creating a path whereby Afghans can live in freedom and safety and security and prosperity, and that it is going to be important to continue the efforts to bring all elements of Afghan society together to end what has been a senseless cycle of violence," Obama said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Assassination-of-Rabbani-a-senseless-
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Islamic Sharia Law Court Opens in Belgium
Soeren Kern
21 Sep, 2011
An Islamic Sharia law court has been established in Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium.
The Sharia court is the initiative of a radical Muslim group called Sharia4Belgium. Leaders of the group say the purpose of the court is to create a parallel Islamic legal system in Belgium in order to challenge the state's authority as enforcer of the civil law protections guaranteed by the Belgian constitution.
The Sharia court, which is located in Antwerp's Borgerhout district, is "mediating" family law disputes for Muslim immigrants in Belgium.
The self-appointed Muslim judges running the court are applying Islamic law, rather than the secular Belgian Family Law system, to resolve disputes involving questions of marriage and divorce, child custody and child support, as well as all inheritance-related matters.
Unlike Belgian civil law, Islamic Sharia law does not guarantee equal rights for men and women; critics of the Sharia court say it will undermine the rights of Muslim women in marriage and education.
Full report at:
http://www.hudson-ny.org/2425/belgium-islamic-sharia-law-court
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Prospects of Religious Freedom Appear Grim in Islamic Maldives
21 Sep, 2011
Two years after political reforms, freedom of faith nowhere in sight.
MALÉ, Maldives — Visitors to this Islamic island nation get a sense of religious restrictions even before they arrive. The arrival-departure cards given to arriving airline passengers carry a list of items prohibited under Maldivian laws – including “materials contrary to Islam.”
After Saudi Arabia, the Maldives is the only nation that claims a 100-percent Muslim population. The more than 300,000 people in the Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago featuring 1,192 islets 435 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, are all Sunnis.
This South Asian nation, however, has more than 70,000 expatriate workers representing several non-Islamic religions, including Christianity.
Also, around 60,000 tourists, mainly from Europe, visit each year to enjoy the blue ocean and white beaches and normally head straight to one of the holiday resorts built on around 45 islands exclusively meant for tourism. Tourists are rarely taken to the other 200 inhabited islands where locals live.
Nearly one-third of the population lives in the capital city of Malé, the only island where tourists and Maldivians meet.
Full report at:
http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/23845/23856
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Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to New York over Palestinian UN bid
Sep 21, 2011
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to leave for New York early on Wednesday in a bid to make Israel's case in the face of a controversial Palestinian bid to seek full UN membership.
His departure comes just two days before Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is to petition the United Nations to grant membership to a Palestinian state on the lines which existed before the 1967 Six Day War.
Abbas, who arrived in New York on Tuesday morning, has said he will present the membership request to UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday afternoon after he addresses the General Assembly.
The move has angered Israel, which says a Palestinian state can only be established through direct negotiations.
Washington is also opposed to the manoeuvre and has vowed to block the request when it is put before the UN Security Council for a vote.
The Israeli leader will arrive early tomorrow and hold morning talks with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the opening session of the 66th UN General Assembly, with the focus expected to be on the last-minute diplomatic scramble to avert a major crisis over the Palestinian campaign.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israeli-PM-Netanyahu-flies-to-New-
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Saudi woman teacher excels at MEA education forum
Sep 21, 2011
JEDDAH: A Saudi woman secondary school teacher in Jubail has won an international award for the innovative educational methods she presented during the annual Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa Forum held in Jordan recently.
Noura Aldowaikh of the Secondary School in the industrial city of Jubail has got an opportunity to attend the Partners in Learning Global Forum to be held in Washington on Nov. 6.
“I received the award for my project ‘Ms. PC,’ which highlights the importance of applying modern technology in education,” said Aldowaikh.
“I am looking forward to participating in the Washington forum, which will be attended by contestants from different parts of the world. It is an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other educators.
“I will also use this chance to highlight the educational renaissance being witnessed by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.”
Ali Al-Hekami, director general of the King Abdullah Public Education Development Project, congratulated Aldowaikh for the achievement and said it reflected the skills of Saudi women teachers and their ability to participate in international events.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article504388.ece
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Anger in Nigeria over video of woman being raped
Sep 22 2011
Lagos : In the grainy video, a Nigerian woman repeatedly asks her attackers to kill her as they take turns raping her at a university dormitory. The five men only promise to drive her home, pushing her back down each time she starts to stand up.
Authorities have dismissed the 10-minute video, which has ricocheted around the Internet in recent days. But Nigeria’s youth minister is calling for police to prosecute the men. Some Internet users disturbed by it are even offering rewards for information.
Activists in Nigeria say the video exposes an underreported epidemic of rape in the country, and they plan to march in the coming days to draw attention to the case.
“The perpetrators go further to record it and circulate it. It shows for me that they’re daring society to take action on it,’’ said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive director of a Nigerian women’s rights group called Project Alert.
The video had circulated for weeks around the campus of Abia State University near Nigeria’s southern oil-rich delta before being posted on the Internet. The men taking turns raping the woman who repeatedly asks to go home. “Please just kill me,’’ the woman cries several times. The men laugh.
Nigeria’s Youth Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has issued a statement calling for the police to arrest the men shown in the video.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/anger-in-nigeria-over-video-of-woman-being-raped/849841/
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Bharatpur ‘riots’ earn Sonia Gandhi rap for Gehlot
Sep 22 2011
CONGRESS president Sonia Gandhi has sent a stern warning to Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot demanding action against those responsible for the deaths of eight persons in a communal clash that broke out in Gopalgarh area of Bharatpur district last week.
A source said an angry Sonia has sent a “ tough” message to Gehlot for his failure to stop the unfortunate incident. He has also been told to expedite relief and rehabilitation of the victims and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
It is learnt that a land dispute between the Meo Muslims and the Gujjars turned violent and the police had to resort to firing to bring the situation under control. With most of the deaths allegedly taking place inside the mosque, there’s a strong hint that a particular community was targeted.
On Monday, the Congress sent a team to conduct a survey of the riothit area. The delegation comprising Lok Sabha MPs Vijay Bahuguna, Rashid Alvi, Viplov Thakur and Deepender Hooda submitted its report to Sonia on Tuesday.
The team examined the “ firing in the mosque” and also took note that all the persons killed belonged to the minority community.
Rajasthan chief minister Gehlot has already ordered a judicial probe as well as a CBI inquiry into the incident.
A source said there has been a strong demand from the Congress leadership for the removal of home minister Shantilal Dhariwal.
The team of parliamentarians met members of both communities and district officials during which the locals are learnt to have told them that the state government did not take preemptive steps to prevent the riots.
A Congress leader, who refused to be identified, also said that “ there have been police excesses” in the incident.
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties ( PUCL) had also blamed the police for their role in the killings.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Untold story of Bharatpur riots: Attack on maulvi, a man who cried wolf
Sep 22 2011
Gopalgarh : The key to determining the events that led to the death of nine Meo Muslims in clashes in Bharatpur’s Gopalgarh on September 14 could lie with two figures, a Meo and a Gurjjar, both “underground” at the moment.
The Meo is a 47-year-old maulvi called Abdul Rashid, who was allegedly severely assaulted by the Gurjjars the day before the killings, which greatly agitated the Meos.
The Gurjjar is an unidentified man who burst into a meeting of the leaders of the two communities at Gopalgarh police station, screaming that Meos had shot and killed several Gurjjars in the main village square.
According to the Meos, the land dispute that government officials have repeatedly mentioned as lying at the heart of the unrest and firing, wasn’t the real issue.
Rather, it was the attack on Maulvi Rashid on September 13 night that inflamed the Meos. This is not disputed even by the Gurjjars and police in Gopalgarh.
What followed was mayhem that was exacerbated by poor policing, said many who saw the incident at close quarters, including several police officers themselves.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/untold-story-of-riots-attack-on-maulvi-a-man-who-
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Syrian forces kill six as US 'readies for Assad fall'
Sep 21 2011
Damascus : Syrian security forces killed six civilians during a raid on anti-government protesters amid reports the United States expects the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and more violence after.
Meanwhile, an activist group inside Syria announced its backing for a recently named National Council of opposition figures, underscoring the need for unity in the campaign to overthrow the regime.
Four civilians were killed in the central city of Homs yesterday, including a woman and an 11-year-old boy who died when their bus was fired on, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Another two died during searches carried out in the Damascus region.
The security forces closed roads into the city, where huge anti-regime protests were staged on Monday.
The demonstrations were dedicated to Zainab Homsi, whose mutilated body was handed to her family by the authorities, the activists said.
And state news agency SANA said the army had deactivated a 25 kg bomb placed near the oil pipeline that feeds the refinery in Homs.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/syrian-forces-kill-six-as-us-readies-for-assad-
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11 dead as boat sinks off Indonesia
21 September 2011
BALI — Indonesian police say a wooden boat carrying dozens of Balinese musicians has sunk in high waves, killing 11 people.
Rescuers are scouring the waters for 14 others still missing, including the captain.
Col. Agus Doeta Soepranggono says members of a traditional percussion troupe were heading Wednesday from Bali to the nearby island of Nusa Penida to perform at a cremation ceremony when their vessel capsized a half-hour into the journey.
Accidents at sea are common in Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands, in part because of overcrowding and poor safety standards.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/September/i
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UNICEF says 4 children killed in Yemen crackdown
Sep 21, 2011
GENEVA: The United Nations says four children were killed by live ammunition in two days of unrest in Yemen.
A spokeswoman for the UN childrens’ fund says 18 minors also were injured Sunday and Monday.
Marixie Mercado told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the casualties were confirmed by Unicef’s local partners in Yemen.
Mercado says Yemen is “on the verge of a humanitarian disaster” due to lack of food, safe water and the growing risk of disease in the country.
Yemeni medical officials say pro-regime forces have killed at least 60 people since Sunday as anti-government protesters step up their campaign to topple President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504150.ece
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Turkey: 4 women killed in suspected Kurdish rebel attack
Sep 21, 2011
ANKARA, Turkey: An official says suspected Kurdish rebels have attacked a van in southeastern Turkey, killing four female civilians.
Gov. Musa Colak said the van was attacked with gunfire and hand grenades in Siirt province late Tuesday. One of the assailants was also killed when a grenade exploded prematurely in his hand.
The attack occurred close to a police training school, leading to speculation that the assailants may have mistaken the van for a police vehicle.
Kurdish rebels, who are fighting for autonomy from Turkey, have stepped up attacks on military and police, killing dozens of members of security forces and at least three other civilians since July.
On Tuesday, a car bomb explosion in the capital Ankara killed three people and wounded 34 other people. No one has claimed responsibility so far.
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504530.ece
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Pakistan terrorist Court: Seven get death sentence in Sialkot
Sep 21, 2011
ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorist Court awarded death sentence to seven killers of two brothers in Sialkot.
Three policemen who silently witnessed two brothers lynching were given three years each.
The court announcing the verdict pronounced seven accused guilty of lynching two brothers Munib and Mughees last year in Sialkot.
In another development, Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court Tuesday stayed execution of attackers of General Headquarters of the army.
Armed terrorists on Oct. 9, 2009, had launched an attack on the headquarters and taken some army men hostage for 18 hours.
The attackers were ordered to appeal to the court before Sept. 19 or they would miss the hearing.
The bench ordered the convicts to appear in the court on Sept. 26.
http://arabnews.com/world/article504382.ece
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Yemen: Explosions rock Sanaa despite cease-fire order
Sep 21, 2011
SANAA: Raging battles between government forces and military units opposed to Yemen’s president killed 12 people in the capital as a crisis over a violent state crackdown on popular unrest drifted toward civil war.
Despite an order from the vice president for a cease-fire, the afternoon calm was broken by explosions and machine gun fire.
Witnesses said two mortars hit at the end of a street where thousands of protesters have camped out for eight months to demand an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year rule.
“The whole place shook with the explosion and clouds of dust shot up in the air when the second mortar hit,” protester Badr Ali said.
The death toll has risen to around 70 people since Sunday, when frustration boiled over at Saleh’s refusal to accept a mediated power transfer plan even after he suffered serious wounds in a June assassination attempt.
That has turned the violence prevalent in the street revolt against Saleh from shooting at protesters increasingly into a military showdown between forces loyal to him and troops and tribes who have defected to the opposition.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504398.ece
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Afghans protest Rabbani's assassination
Sep 21, 2011
KABUL: Hundreds of Afghans on Wednesday protested against the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, chairman of the government's peace council, whose murder threatens to fling the country into further turmoil.
President during Afghanistan's bloody 1992-96 civil war and a warlord with a chequered human rights record, the 71-year-old Rabbani was killed at home by a Taliban suicide bomber wearing explosives in his turban, police said.
Although there has been no official word from the Taliban, his killing deals a heavy blow to already remote hopes of an imminent end to 10 years of fighting between Islamist insurgents and the Afghan government backed by Western troops.
President Hamid Karzai was rushing back to Afghanistan on Wednesday, cutting short a visit to the UN General Assembly in New York after meeting US President Barack Obama as preparations were being made for Rabbani's funeral.
It was arguably the most high-profile political assassination since the 2001 US-led invasion dislodged the Taliban, two months after President Hamid Karzai's younger brother was killed in the Taliban's southern heartland.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Afghans-protest-Rabbanis-
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Ex-Afghan leader's assassin waited days to see him
Sep 21, 2011
KABUL: The suicide bomber who assassinated former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani insisted on meeting face-to-face with the ex-president and waited in Kabul for days to talk with him about brokering peace with the Taliban, an associate of Rabbani's said Wednesday.
Rabbani -- who headed a government council seeking a political settlement with the insurgents -- was killed Tuesday evening by a man who had claimed he was a Taliban leader wanting to reconcile with the Afghan government.
The assassination dashed hopes for reconciling with the Taliban and raised fears about deteriorating security in Afghanistan just as foreign combat troops are starting to pull out. Some U.S. and Canadian troops have left in recent months and all foreign combat forces are to go home or move into support roles by the end of 2014 when Afghan forces are to be in charge of protecting and defending the nation.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Ex-Afghan-leaders-assassin-waited-days-to-see-him/articleshow/10066222.cms
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Rabbani killing may impact reconciliation process
SANDEEP DIKSHIT
Sep 21, 2011
The killing of the former Afghan President, Burhanuddin Rabbani, is being seen as an attack on the attempted reconciliation process taking place ahead of the Bonn conference towards the end of the year.
The government sources expected some impact to the reconciliation process, in which Professor Rabbani was playing a leading role as Chairman of the High Peace Council. In fact, they noted their interaction with Professor Rabbani when he came to the country in July as part of the reconciliation process.
Diplomats here are waiting to see how the various parties in Afghanistan react to the assassination before analysing what his killing means for the troubled region. They noted the series of recent high profile killings beginning with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's half-brother and felt he was the tallest leader to have been killed by the Taliban so far.
Professor Rabbani was the second of the two tall leaders from the Tajik-dominated North-Western Afghanistan, who had withstood the Soviet forces as well as the worst years of Taliban rule, to be assassinated. The first was Ahmed Shah Masood, “the Lion of Panjsher Valley,” who was killed by the Al-Qaeda a few days before the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2471033.ece
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Pessimism Fills Kabul During Mourning for Slain Peace Council Chief
By JACK HEALY and ALISSA J. RUBIN
21 Sep, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan — The mourners arrived early on Wednesday morning, streaming into a hastily erected funeral tent here to honor Afghanistan’s latest martyr even as they declared the death of the cause he was killed pursuing: a negotiated peace deal with the Taliban.
As the country reeled from the assassination of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, the head of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, scores of aging guerrilla fighters, tribal elders, politicians and red-eyed mourners filled the streets, to express the grief and pessimism stirred by his death.
Young men held freshly printed posters of Mr. Rabbani and carried banners that lauded those killed and maimed in years of fighting. Although some offered softer calls for unity and peace, many voiced darker sentiments. One demonstrator shouted that anyone who supported efforts to broker a deal with the Taliban to end a decade of war — Mr. Rabbani’s very cause — was “the enemy of Afghanistan.”
“The people of Afghanistan should now unite to break the jaw of the Taliban,” said Gen. Mohammed Amin, flanked by heavily armed guards.
Mr. Rabbani’s death threatened to exacerbate tensions among Afghanistan’s ethnic groups and further unravel support for the peace process, especially among the Tajik and Hazara ethnic groups from the heavily Pashtun south, who have long been leery of any deal with the Taliban.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/world/asia/pessimism-fills-kabul-during-mourning-for-slain-peace-council-chief.html?gwh=B9226993669FCCB928D8D940796689F9
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Libya to announce new government in '7-10' days
Sep 21, 2011
BENGHAZI, LIBYA: Libya's first formal government since Muammar Gaddafi's ouster will be named within 10 days, officials said on Tuesday, as world powers hailed the African state's fledgling leadership in New York.
With the new Libyan flag flying at the United Nations headquarters, interim government leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil thanked all countries who had helped the "success of the Libyan revolution," which he said cost at least 25,000 lives.
US President Barack Obama, meeting Jalil for the first time, was among those who feted the country's rulers in the wake of a more than six-month armed struggle to overthrow Gaddafi fighters, some of whom continue to resist.
"Today, the Libyan people are writing a new chapter in the life of their nation," Obama said, warning Gaddafi loyalists to lay down their arms, and promising that NATO-led air strikes would continue until they yield.
At a special summit, the United Nations and world leaders promised to help the new government with its campaign to take the remaining territory held by Gaddafi fighters and to move towards democracy and free elections.
"After four decades of darkness, they can walk the streets, free from a tyrant," Obama said, noting that "so long as the Libyan people are being threatened, the NATO-led mission to protect them will continue."
Libya's interim prime minister Mahmud Jibril unveiled the timeline for a new administration.
"I expect the government to be announced within a week, 10 days maximum from now," said the number two official in the National Transitional Council, the rebel body whose forces ousted Gaddafi.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Libya-to-announce-new-government-
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Qaddafi Calls New Libya Government a Propped-Up ‘Charade’
By KAREEM FAHIM and RICK GLADSTONE
Sep 21, 2011
MISURATA, Libya — As world leaders at the United Nations were embracing the rebels who overthrew him, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi broke nearly two weeks of silence on Tuesday, denouncing Libya’s new interim government and predicting its quick demise once NATO warplanes end their attacks on his forces.
“What is happening in Libya is a charade which can only take place thanks to the air raids, which will not last forever,” Colonel Qaddafi said in the message on Arrai television, a station in Syria that has broadcast a number of his statements since his opponents stormed Tripoli, Libya’s capital, nearly a month ago.
He has been in hiding ever since, and while the authenticity of his latest message could not be confirmed, it appeared to be the first broadcast in his own voice since Sept. 8. There was no indication of whether it had been prerecorded and no hint of his location.
“Do not rejoice, and do not believe that one regime has been overthrown and another imposed with the help of air and maritime strikes,” Colonel Qaddafi said in the broadcast.
The development came as international recognition of the Transitional National Council, the interim government, which began as a rebel movement against Colonel Qaddafi more than six months ago, took a quantum leap at the United Nations.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/world/africa/qaddafi-assails-libya-government-that-
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US building drone bases to strike Somalia, Yemen: report
Sep 21, 2011
WASHINGTON: The United States is building an array of secret new drone bases to conduct strikes against al Qaeda targets in Somalia and Yemen, according to the Washington Post.
One of the new installations is being set up in Ethiopia, a close US ally in the fight against the Shebab insurgency that controls much of Somalia, while another is being established in the Seychelles, the Post reported late Tuesday.
A small fleet of so-called “hunter-killer” drones – able to fire Hellfire missiles and satellite-guided bombs – already based on the Indian Ocean archipelago resumed operations this month after a pilot mission demonstrated that they could effectively patrol Somalia from there, it said.
The Post said the United States is also conducting drone missions over both Somalia and Yemen from the small African country Djibouti, seeking to weaken al Qaeda affiliates in both countries.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/21/us-building-drone-bases-to-strike-somalia-yemen-
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Sharia misunderstood, says new Australian grand mufti
Sep 21, 2011
Islamic religious law, or Sharia, is often vilified but is really about freedom and tolerance, Australia's new grand mufti says.
Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, who was elected to the role in voting by imams and sheiks from around the country on the weekend, also said sharia corresponded with Australian laws.
"The sharia law also calls for freedom, justice, right of speech and this is something we are very fortunate to have," Dr Mohamed told journalists in Sydney on Monday, speaking through an interpreter.
"These are all matters that we already implement here as Australians, and we're proud to have it as Australian values.
The Egypt-born scholar and author said controversial penalties under sharia law often attracted attention but they were a small part of the code.
But Dr Mohamed said he was a patriotic Australian and did not want to preach sharia in Australia but merely wanted people to understand it better.
Full report at:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8304126/sharia-misunderstood-says-new-grand-
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President Asif Ali Zardari wants Pak to speak Chinese!
By Badar Alam
Sep 22 2011
THE SINDH government in Pakistan has decided to introduce the Chinese language as a compulsory subject in the province’s schools in 2013. Sindh’s education minister Pir Mazharul Haq, who announced the decision earlier this month, said it was a positive offshoot of the growing bilateral ties.
“ Our trade and educational and other relations with China are steadily growing.
It is now necessary for our younger generation to have command over the ( Chinese) language,” he reportedly said.
While the educationists are divided over the decision’s likely benefits and the government’s ability to implement it in the next 18 months, insiders say it signals a big shift in the Pakistan government’s international relations, especially vis- à- vis China.
President Asif Ali Zardari has visited China more than six times since assuming the post in 2008. Two of these visits have come about in the past four months; the latest three- day trip started on August 30. His son and Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also visited China in September to participate in a meeting.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Pasha meets with CIA head in US, FBI director lands in Pak
22 2011
Washington : As pressure mounted on Islamabad to move against the Haqqani network, accused by US of carrying out a spate of attacks in Kabul, ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha rushed here to hold a quite meeting with the new CIA head Gen David Petraeus.
There was an “unpublicised” private meeting between the two here Tuesday, The Washington Post reported.
Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported that Pasha had met with Petraeus and CIA officials at the CIA headquarters and separately with senior White House officials at Pakistani Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani’s residence in Washington before leaving for Islamabad.
Meanwhile, FBI Director Robert Mueller visted Pakistan Wednesday. A Pakistani government statement said that Mueller met with Interior Minister Rehman Malik in Islamabad for talks on how to bolster counterterrorism cooperation.
US officials declined to discuss the visit, which comes one day after both countries agreed to limit the number of American troops in Pakistan.
Earlier Wednesday, suspected militants opened fire on an army helicopter flying in northwest Pakistan, wounding a regional commander inside the aircraft. The chopper was flying over the Dir region when it was attacked. Maj Gen Javed Iqbal was shot in the leg during the incident. Iqbal is the commanding officer in northern Swat Valley.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pasha-meets-with-cia-head-in-us-fbi-director-lands-in-pak/849856/
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Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani shot down coup call
Sep 22 2011
Islamabad: A military coup in Pakistan has become inevitable as the country is fast descending into chaos because of the failure of the political leadership,some top commanders feel.They reportedly aired their views during the last Corps Commanders meeting held in Rawalpindi on September 8,but were snubbed by army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
A few participants in the meeting had raised the issue of an army takeover,The News daily reported on Wednesday,quoting its sources.The Inter-Services Public Relations had issued no press release at the end of the meeting,the report said.
However,the daily also quoted an unnamed senior military official as denying that the military takeover issue was discussed,saying it was not true.The daily quoted sources as saying that a few participants of the meeting thought a military takeover was the only way to steer the country out of multiple crises,as the political leadership has failed the masses.
Kayani,together with some other commanders,urged restraint and patience,saying the civilian government should be given more time to tackle the issues,the report said.
Times of India
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India seeks to revive hospital on Afghan border
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi : Gearing up for the uncertain security scenario after the US downsizes presence in Afghanistan by 2014, India has formally approached Tajikistan to allow re-establishment of the famous Indian field hospital at Farkhor on the Tajik-Afghan border.
India had first set up this hospital in 2000-01 to service the Northern Alliance troops fighting the Taliban. The field hospital had even moved in and out of Afghan territory during the war. In fact, Ahmed Shah Masood was rushed to this hospital after being shot by his assassins, who had masqueraded as a television crew.
While Masood could not be saved, the 25-bed field hospital had built a strong reputation and was seen as a symbol of the mutually beneficial relationship between India and the NA forces. However, after the Taliban were ousted, the hospital had been folded up. Nearly a decade later, it is back on priority list in the light of the fast-changing situation in the area.
It’s learnt that an Indian team held detailed discussions on this issue and a range of other proposals with their Tajik counterparts at Dushanbe few weeks ago. Also, both sides sorted out issues emerging from the nature of Indian presence at the Ayni airbase, 10 km from Dushanbe.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/India-seeks-to-revive-hospital-on-Afghan-border/850026/
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NIA ‘close to cracking’ Varanasi Delhi High Court blast case
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi : While admitting that there had been no breakthrough in Delhi High Court blast yet, top government sources said progress had been made in other cases of terror attacks being handled by the NIA.
With pieces of crucial evidence coming in, the NIA is reportedly close to cracking the December 2010 Varanasi blast case.
Officials also revealed that despite the “slow” progress, there had been a series of discussions in the Cabinet Committee on Security on establishment of a National Counter Terrorism Centre, on the pattern of a similar nodal agency set up after the 9/11 terror attacks.
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had announced setting up of the NCTC shortly after the 26/11 attack in Mumbai but there has been no consensus among members of the CCS on matter.
Government officials now confirm a tangible movement in creation of the nodal counter-terrorism body. “The progress has been slow but eventually the NCTC will come through,” they said.
With the Koodankulam protests bringing the issue of nuclear safety back to the forefront, government officials also said that the government was in the process of a “ thorough review” of safety parameters. “While we need nuclear power since it is the cheapest and cleanest form of power, all care will be taken for people in different zones of habitation around the plant,” an official said.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/NIA--close-to-cracking--Varanasi-blast-case/850000/
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2 Kishtwar youths brought to Delhi
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi, Jammu : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) brought two of the three teens arrested in connection with the September 7 high court blast to Delhi on Wednesday. Fifteen-year-old Shariq Ahmed was left in the custody of Jammu & Kashmir Police in Kishtwar.
The NIA sought transit remand for Aamir Abbas Dev, 19, and Abid Hussain, 16, on Tuesday evening — a day before the seven-day police remand for Aamir Abbas, and two days before the three-day extended remand for Abid ran out.
Aamir has been charged with committing a terrorist act and causing damage to life and public property. Abid has been accused of criminal conspiracy. The NIA told the Patiala House court that the two are part of a “larger conspiracy”, and will face charges under the IPC, UAP Act and Explosives Act.
“We told the court that they need to be questioned regarding their role and in order to unearth the larger conspiracy about the act,” said an NIA official.
To avoid the media and local people — who had once gheraoed Kishtwar police station after reports that one of the boys had died due to beatings — the arrested youths were driven to Jammu at night and put on a plane to Delhi this morning, NIA officials said.
Abid and Shariq, both Class 11 students of Islamia Faridia Higher Secondary School, were arrested on September 13 after six days of questioning in connection with the terror email sent to media houses soon after the bomb blast which killed 15 people and injured 80.
The police later arrested Aamir Abbas, a student of Moulana Azad University, for allegedly providing the email to Abid and Shariq.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/2-Kishtwar-youths-brought-to-Delhi/849995/
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J&K militancy to blame for sour ties, says Imran Khan
Ashis Ray
Sep 22 2011
London: Cricketer-turnedpolitician Imran Khan has blamed militancy in J&K for soured India-Pakistan ties and called for an end to it for a new relationship and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Any issue on Kashmir (between Pakistan and India) should be dealt with on the table.It should be a political settlement of Kashmir,no longer encouraging militancy or using militants to achieve your objectives, he said in reply to a question after a lecture at the London School of Economics on Tuesday.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf head was alluding to Pakistans support to militancy in Kashmir since 1989.
Imran Khan said that the militancy was not going to work and had caused enough damage between the two neighbouring countries.
We have to live with them (India) in a civilized manner. The Oxford alumnus also called for a new ties with India where we decide that all our problems will be decided politically.
Times of India
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IUML Chief says Mehbooba praised Modi
By A. M. Jigeesh
Sep 22 2011
PDP LEADER Mehbooba Mufti may not be telling the whole truth on what she said about Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi at the recent National Integration Council ( NIC) meet.
Mehbooba has denied praising Modi’s development record in Gujarat. But some of those who attended the meet contested her claim and said the truth is somewhat “hazy”. Mehbooba has demanded that the Centre publish the text of her speech.
Sources said minister of state for external affairs E. Ahamed, also the Indian Union Muslim League ( IUML) chief, had asked Mehbooba to verify the facts before endorsing Modi’s policies. Ahamed apparently reminded the NIC that over 30 judicial reports on investigation into riots and welfare of minority communities were still pending. He also urged the Union and state governments to take a decision based on the reports.
He is said to have reminded Mehbooba that Muslims in Gujarat were yet to get justice.
“My sister Mehbooba formed an opinion on the Gujarat government based on a comment by an industrialist. But judicial reports on the riots are still pending with the state government.
The victims are yet to get justice. She should have noted this fact too,” Ahamed reportedly said at the meet.
Mail Today
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Oxford University to offer environmental studies scholarship to Maldivians
By Minivan News
Sep 21, 2011
The Maldives High Commission in the UK has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Christchurch College at the University of Oxford to provide an annual scholarship for a Maldivian student.
The co-funded scholarship will be for one student to undertake postgraduate study in the field of Environmental Sciences, who would otherwise be unable to afford an Oxford education, with a place at Christchurch College.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry noted that the scholarship “was initially discussed during President Nasheed’s visit to Oxford University in December 2010 and has now materialised into a wonderful opportunity for outstanding Maldivian students.”
“The scholarship will encourage Maldivians to study in the field of Environmental Sciences with a view to enhancing the Maldives’ capacity to manage the specific threats the country faces
from climate change. On completion of their studies the scholars will return to the Maldives with exceptional expertise in this field.”
The formal MOU with was signed at High Commission in London by High Commissioner Farahanaz Faizal, and Simon Offen, Vice President Christchurch Association and
Deputy Development Director.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Faizal said “this a momentous day for the Maldives as it represents a valuable opportunity for young Maldivians to gain access to a world leading institution, shaping the great minds of tomorrow.”
http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief
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“Make use of historic moment”, Adhaalath Party urges President Mohamed Nasheed
By Ahmed Nazeer
Sep 21, 2011
Adhaalalth Party President Sheikh Imran Abdulla has joined opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali in sending a letter to President Mohamed Nasheed asking him to push for an independent Palestinian state at the UN Human Rights Council.
In the letter Sheikh Imran tells the President to assist the Muslim community in their efforts to make Palestine an independent state and a full member of the UN, and to make good use of the historic moment that came in the time of President Nasheed and vote in favor of Palestine.
Sheikh Imran urged the President to do this for the rights of the citizens of Palestine who have “lived in grief for 63 years, who have been pushed away from their own land and have suffered so muchh catastrophe.’’
Meanwhile, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also issued a statement saying that the party supports Palestine becoming an independent state, and thanked the government and foreign ministry for the work they are contributing to resolve the issue.
“The MDP would like to note, with gratitude, that one of the key objective of the Maldives foreign policy was to assist Palestinian citizens and to further the recognition of Palestine as an independent state,’’ the statement issued by the MDP Secretariat said.
The party said that the government had spoken in favor of Palestine at the UN Human Rights Council and that the party was proud of it.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/adhaalath-calls-president-to-make-use-of-the-historical-
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Egypt bars terror group from forming political party
By OREN KESSLER
09/21/2011
Al-Gamaa al-Islamiyya waged violent campaign in 1990s culminating in Luxor massacre.
Egypt has barred an Islamic extremist group with a history of violence from forming a political party. Cairo rejected al-Gamaa al-Islamiyya's request on Monday, citing the group's platform as contravening regulations against forming explicitly religious parties.
"The decision is unjustified ... We are shocked," the organization's leader Abdel-Akher Hamad told the Associated Press. He said the group's platform calls for the implementation of Sharia law just as the Egyptian constitution, which specifies Islamic jurisprudence as the primary source of legislation.
In the 1990s al-Gamaa al-Islamiyya waged an armed insurrection against the Hosni Mubarak government and symbols of foreign influence in Egypt. Its attacks killed hundreds of soldiers, civilians and tourists - its 1997 Luxor massacre killed 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians, and prompted Cairo to wage an uncompromising crackdown on homegrown terrorism.
Following Mubarak's ouster in February, Egypt's ruling military council removed restrictions on forming new political parties. Judicial committees have been set up to accept applications for new parties, which are considered legal within 30 days unless authorities express objections.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=238793
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Delhi HC ups compensation for blast victims, directs govt to pay Rs 10 lakh
Sep 21, 2011
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the central and Delhi governments to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those killed and those permanently incapacitated in the Sep 7 blast at the Delhi high court.
A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said the compensation amount "should be equally shared by the (two) governments".
The bench also said that those who suffered grievous injuries should be given Rs 3 lakh each. It also announced compensation of Rs 20,000 for minor injuries.
The bench had on September 14 issued notice and sought the responses of the two governments by September 21 while hearing a plea for giving appropriate compensation.
Delhi government's standing counsel Najmi Waziri had said before the bench on September 14 that compensation of Rs 4 lakh was announced for the next of the kin of those killed in the blast and Rs 2 lakh for those permanently incapacitated.
The counsel had mentioned that those seriously injured in the blast would to get Rs 1 lakh while in case of a death of a minor, the family would get Rs 1.5 lakh. "People who received minor injuries in the blast will be given Rs 10,000," the counsel had said.
Fifteen people were killed and several were disabled in the blast outside the Delhi High Court on September 7.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-HC-ups-compensation-for-blast-victims-directs-govt-to-pay-Rs-10-lakh/articleshow/10064084.cms
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2 HC blast accused brought to Delhi from Kishtwar
Sep 21 2011
New Delhi : The NIA today brought the two accused, who were arrested in connection with sending an email claiming responsibility for the Delhi High Court blast, to Delhi where they are likely to be questioned extensively.
The two – Abid Hussain and Amir Abbas Dev – were brought to the national capital by an NIA team led by DIG Mukesh Singh and are likely to be produced before a magistrate for further remand.
The third accused, Shariq Ahmed, is still in the custody of the Kishtwar police.
The team was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Doda) Muneesh Singh of Jammu and Kashmir Police who will be assisting the NIA in its probe, official sources said.
While Dev, shown arrested by NIA on September 16, was remanded to police custody on seven days, the other two – Shariq and Hussain – were arrested on September 13 and have been sent to police custody for 10 days.
The two were taken on a transit remand after which they would be produced before a magistrate in Delhi during which NIA would seek the court's permission for carrying out scientific tests on them and questioning them.
The probe had hit a roadblock when Dev retracted his earlier statement in which he had admitted to his role in the terror attack.
Dev has withdrawn his earlier "detailed statement" about his role in the blast, sources said, adding police was facing difficulty in corroborating his earlier statement as there were many loopholes.
The sources said Dev has now denied any connection with the blast. He is being questioned at length for his alleged role in sending an e-mail barely two hours after the September 7 blast.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/2-hc-blast-accused-brought-to-delhi-from-
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U.S. Says Pakistan's ISI Using Group for 'Proxy War'
Sep 21, 2011
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has accused Pakistan's intelligence agency of using the Haqqani Network to wage a "proxy war," hardening its criticism of Islamabad's ties with Taliban-allied factions fighting NATO and Afghan troops in Afghanistan.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that in a discussion with Pakistan's army chief that lasted about four hours, he had pressed Pakistan to break its links with the militant group.
"We covered ... the need for the Haqqani Network to disengage, specifically the need for the ISI to disconnect from Haqqani and from this proxy war that they're fighting," he said in a speech to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on Tuesday.
"The ISI has been doing this - working for - supporting proxies for an extended period of time. It is a strategy in the country and I think that strategic approach has to shift in the future."
Washington blames the Haqqani Network, one of the most feared Taliban-linked groups fighting in Afghanistan, for last week's attack on the U.S. embassy and other targets in Kabul.
It has in the past suggested that Pakistan's powerful Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) maintains ties to the network to guarantee that it has a stake in any political settlement in Afghanistan when American troops withdraw.
Accusing the ISI of using the Haqqanis to wage a "proxy war" goes further, and risks fuelling tension between Islamabad and Washington, which have been running high since al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in a surprise U.S. Navy SEALs raid in Pakistan in May.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/09/21/world/asia/news-us-pakistan-
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No US ultimatum on Haqqani network: Hina Rabbani Khar
Sep 21, 2011
Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has rejected the impression that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had given her an ultimatum to attack the Haqqani network, blamed for a recent attack on the US Embassy in Kabul.
“There are some misperceptions about the three-and-half hour meeting I had with Secretary Clinton...There were no ultimatums from either side,” Khar told reporters in New York.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/7773-no-us-ultimatum-on-haqqani-network-khar.html
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ISI seeks week's time to submit reply on Shahzad's killing
Sep 21 2011
Islamabad : Pakistani spy agency ISI has sought a week's time from the judicial commission probing the abduction and murder of journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad to submit a reply on the matter.
The Inter-Services Intelligence agency conveyed its position to the committee headed by Supreme Court Justice Saqib Nisar during a meeting held in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The panel had questioned officials of the ISI and Intelligence Bureau last month and asked the spy agencies to submit written replies to several questions.
Shahzad's widow and brother appeared before the commission and submitted their statements regarding his killing.
The commission was also informed that the password for Shahzad's laptop had still not been found.
Several journalists, including Jahangir Aslam, Amir Sohail, Azaz Syed, Farooq Nawaz and Abdul Salam Soomro, too submitted their statements to the commission.
Azaz Syed recommended that the commission should summon senior officials of the ISI regarding the killing, media reports said.
People who appeared before the commission also suggested that it should visit all the provinces to meet journalists facing different problems.
The commission announced it would hold its next meeting on September 27.
Shahzad was abducted while driving from his house to a TV station in Islamabad on May 29, two days after he alleged in an article that Al Qaida had infiltrated the Pakistan Navy.
His body, bearing marks of torture, was found the next day in a canal in Punjab province.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/isi-seeks-weeks-time-to-submit-reply-on-shahzads-
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PM Sheikh Hasina hopes Bangladesh, India will work out Teesta water deal
Sep 21, 2011
Hailing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to Bangladesh as “really successful,” Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina has expressed optimism that her country will be able to work out the Teesta water sharing agreement with India.
India and Bangladesh had inked various pacts during Dr. Singh’s visit early this month but could not sign a deal on the Teesta water sharing issue.
Ms. Hasina said she was not disappointed that the two sides could not sign the Teesta water sharing deal during the visit.
“I am not that much disappointed because I feel we can solve this problem bilaterally and I am very much optimistic about it,” Ms. Hasina, who is in New York to attend the 66th U.N. General Assembly, said at the Asia Society.
She said Bangladesh and India have developed an interim plan on sharing water.
Bangladesh “had a problem with India” over sharing of the Ganga waters but the countries resolved the issue and signed a 30 year treaty, she said, referring to the comprehensive bilateral treaty signed in December 1996 establishing a three decade long water-sharing arrangement.
Friendship and bondage
On her country’s relations with India, Ms. Hasina said the two share a common legacy through the legendary Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote the national anthems for both countries.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2472807.ece
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Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sayedee in tribunal dock to face war crime charges
Sep 21, 2011
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee was produced before the tribunal Wednesday morning to face the charges brought against him for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.
He was produced before the International Crimes Tribunal around 10:30am when the court resumed the hearing on charge framing against the Jamaat leader.
Earlier around 9:30am, a prison van carried Sayedee straight to the prison of the tribunal from the Dhaka Central Jail with tight security.
On Tuesday, the tribunal postponed the hearing on charge framing against Sayedee as he was reportedly 'unfit to travel' to the court from jail.
On September 13, the tribunal asked the prosecution to submit copies of video clippings on crimes allegedly committed by Sayedee by September 15.
The tribunal gave the order after defence counsels said the prosecution had not supplied the evidence to back their accusation on September 4, regarding 31 crimes allegedly committed by Saydee in Pirojpur in 1971.
Saydee was arrested on July 30 last year.
Four other senior Jamaat leaders and two BNP leaders are facing similar war crimes charges.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=32446
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J&K encounter victims’ kin in HC against DGP
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi : The families of three civilians who were killed after being kidnapped from their home at Bhaderwah in 1996 have moved the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking a probe into the “involvement of the Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda, in the killings”.
The petition, filed today, has sought a fresh investigation to “identify the actual accused”, and a probe by the CBI to unearth the truth behind the encounter.
Khoda was posted as DIG, Doda-Udhampur Range, at the time of the incident. He has been made a respondent in the case.
Petitioners Nazeera Begum and Shaheena Begum, wives of victims Fazal Hussain Dar and Mohammad Hussain, have cited the Crime Branch report that had indicted Khoda and called for an investigation by the CBI. Nazeera’s 17-year-old son Fareed Ahmad was also killed in the incident.
“A defective investigation was conducted by the investigating agency... (which) was dishonest in order to shield the actual culprits and the respondent No. 2 (DGP Khoda),” says the petition.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/j&k-encounter-victims-kin-in-hc-against-dgp/850033/
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‘Al- Qaeda agent 199’ held for making extortion calls
By Hakeem Irfan
Sep 22 2011
HELLO, I am agent 199. This is a call from the al- Qaeda. Either hand over ` 2 crore or perish with your family.” These lines may sound filmy but the message sent shivers down the spine of an east Delhi businessman, who received this call.
But when the police cracked the mystery, it transpired that his 22- year- old neighbour — who was envious of the businessman’s prosperity — had been making such threat calls to extort money. To this end, the accused had even planted explosives on his neighbour’s vehicle.
The low- intensity incendiary device attached to the complainant’s vehicle by accused Parvesh Kumar, who works as a supervisor in a construction company, exploded in the intervening night of August 12- 13. However, it didn’t cause any loss to life or property.
After the blast, Kumar sent two detailed letters to the businessman, asking him to either join the al- Qaeda or pay ` 2 crore. He also called the complainant several times from a SIM card acquired with fake identification papers and threatened to harm him and his family if the amount wasn’t delivered.
DCP Ashok Chand said: “ He owed some money to the businessman and was jealous of the latter’s prosperity. So he opted for extortion… He prepared the lowintensity incendiary device with the help of literature available on the internet.” “ He stuffed a glass bottle with three types of inflammable material. He then stuck the glass bottle on the fuel tank of the businessman’s vehicle, parked outside their house,” the DCP said.
The police said Kumar intended to cause major damage, hoping that the fuel tank would catch fire. “ He had thought that the victim would be too scared to inform the police thinking the al- Qaeda was ostensibly involved,” a police officer said.
Mail Today
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Interlocutors’ Mission Kashmir comes to an end
Sep 22 2011
THE interlocutors appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have announced an end to their assignment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The trio will submit a final report on a political settlement of the thorny Kashmir issue to home minister P. Chidambaram before October 12.
The report would reportedly address political aspirations of J& K within the frame work of the Indian constitution.
“ Our recommendations address political aspiration of people of J& K. Those political aspirations come along with several other aspirations, notably economic, social and cultural but the focus of our endeavor has been to seek a permanent political settlement,” chief interlocutor Dilip Padgonkar said, while addressing a press conference in Srinagar.
“ A solution which fell outside the purview of the constitution is not acceptable to certain regions and subregions of J& K let alone the other people of India,” he said.
He added that they were going to make recommendations only and it was for political stakeholders at the state and national levels to take them forward.
“ A great deal of work still needs to be done in order to arrive at the solution that is acceptable to all.”
Mail Today
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Pak qawwali singer Maqbool Sabri dead
Sep 22 2011
POPULAR qawwali singer Maqbool Sabri, a member of the renowned Sabri Brothers, died of cardiac arrest in South Africa on Wednesday.
“ Sabri, 69, was suffering from heart problems and diabetes, and had gone to South Africa for treatment two months ago,” his nephew Amjad Sabri said, adding, “ Arrangements are being made to bring back his body to Pakistan.” The singer was trained by his father, Ustad Inayat Sen Sabri.
The first public performance by the brothers was at the annual ‘ Urs’ of Hazrat Peer Mubarak Shah at Kalyana in Punjab in 1946.
The family later moved to Karachi following the partition in 1947. Besides having a huge fan following in India, the Sabri Brothers were the first exponents of qawwali to become famous in the West when they performed at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1975.
Mail Today
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American hikers free after posting bail, leave Iran
Sep 22 2011
Tehran : Two Americans jailed in Iran as spies left Tehran on Wednesday, closing a high-profile drama with arch foe Washington that brought more than two years of hope then heartbreak for the their families as the Islamic Republic’s hard-line rulers rejected international calls for their release.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA said Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal left Iran just as darkness fell in the capital. An Omani official said the men were flying to the capital, Muscat. He spoke on condition of anonymity.
The case of Bauer and Fattal, who were convicted by an Iranian court of spying for the US, has deepened strains in the already fraught relationship between Washington and Tehran. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was first to mention last week the Americans’ could be released, is in the US for a United Nations meet.
A convoy of vehicles with Swiss and Omani diplomats left Evin prison Wednesday afternoon with Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal inside. Switzerland represents US interests in Iran because the US has no diplomatic relations with Tehran.
The Iranian attorney of the two men, Masoud Shafiei, said, “I have finished the job that I had to do as their lawyer,’’ Shafiei said. He obtained signatures of two judges on a bail-for-freedom deal. A $1 million bail, $500,000 for each one, was posted.
Bauer and Fattal, both 29, were arrested along the Iran-Iraq border in July 2009 and sentenced last month to eight years each in prison. A third American, Sarah Shourd, was freed last year on bail. The three Americans have maintained their innocence. Their families and the US government said they were just hiking in Iraq when they accidentally strayed over the unmarked border with Iran.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/american-hikers-free-after-posting-bail-leave-iran/849850/
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Arab Spring at risk if no Mideast deal: Sarkozy
Sep 21, 2011
NEW YORK: French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on all parties to break the impasse in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to avoid it poisoning Arab countries’ evolution to democracy.
He spoke as Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malki said he was confident the UN Security Council would vote to recognize Palestinian statehood and urged the US to reconsider its veto threat as efforts to resolve the impasse appeared deadlocked.
As diplomats scrambled to contain a political crisis looming over this year’s meeting of the UN General Assembly, the Palestinian foreign minister said he believed at least nine of the 15 members of the Security Council would endorse the Palestinian move.
“We’re working toward it and I think we’ll manage it,” Al-Malki said after meeting his Venezuelan counterpart.
“We hope the US will revise its position and be on the side of the majority of nations or countries who want to support the Palestinian right to have self determination and independence,” Al-Malki said.
Speaking at a “Friends of Libya” conference at the UN General Assembly, Sarkozy also said that with Arab states finally moving toward freedom, the world had to be “careful that 60-year-old conflicts did not poison the construction of democracy.”
Sarkozy met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to hear his strategy after the Palestinian Authority chief announced his intention to apply for full statehood at the UN Security Council on Friday.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504394.ece
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Bombers hit government buildings in Iraq’s Anbar
Sep 21, 2011
FALLUJA, Iraq: Suicide bombers hit a municipal government complex in Iraq’s mainly Sunni Muslim Anbar province, killing at least two people and wounding 15 others, officials said.
Two suicide bombers wearing explosive vests and a third driving a car blew themselves up at the government buildings in central Ramadi, officials said.
Anbar, the vast desert province to the west of Baghdad that saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war, has been the scene of sectarian tensions in recent days after the killings of 22 mainly Shiite pilgrims.
“Two suicide bombers wearing vests blew themselves up at the government building. The other one was a car bomb on the other side of the complex,” said Mohammed Fathi, spokesman for Anbar Governor Qassim Mohammed. “So far we have two killed and 15 wounded. Three of the 15 were policemen.”
“The death toll could increase because some of the wounded are seriously wounded.”
Security sources also said the blast killed two people and wounded 15. Anbar Governor Qassim Mohammed put the wounded toll at 11.
Security forces “shot at one of them. He tried to escape and they shot him again, the second one moved forward, they shot at him and blew him up and the third blew himself up,” Mohammed said.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504263.ece
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Iran won’t 'retaliate' for nuclear scientist killings
Sep 21, 2011
VIENNA: Iran will not retaliate against its enemies who killed Iranian nuclear scientists but wants international action to help prevent further attacks, its envoy to the UN atomic agency said on Tuesday.
Ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh called the assassinations, which Tehran blames on Israel and other foes, a “crime against humanity” at an Iranian-organized media event in Vienna where the wife of one of the killed experts also spoke.
“We want not only our scientists, we want all scientists of the whole world, to be protected,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an annual member state gathering of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
But, Soltanieh said, “the Islamic Republic of Iran is not going to retaliate.”
In July, university lecturer Darioush Rezaie was shot dead by gunmen in eastern Tehran, the third murder of a scientist since 2009. One was killed in a car bomb, the second by a device detonated remotely.
Iran has said the attacks were the work of enemies that wished to deny it the right to develop nuclear technology which it says is aimed at generating electricity but which the West suspects has military goals.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article504289.ece
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Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claims Balochistan attack
Sep 21, 2011
ISLAMABAD: The sectarian militant outfit, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has accepted responsibility for Tuesday's gun attacks on Shiite Muslim pilgrims in Pakistan's Baluchistan province which left 29 people dead.
The bus carrying 45 pilgrims to the town of Taftan in Iran was attacked by militants in Baluchistan's Mastung district, about 50 km from Quetta, the provincial capital.
The attackers first stopped the bus and killed 26 Shia pilgrims. They later attacked an ambulance carrying injured people to hospital, killing three more.
The sectarian militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was banned by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2001.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Lashkar-e-Jhangvi-claims-Balochistan-
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Iran 'about to free' US hikers jailed for spying
Sep 21, 2011
Two US men jailed for eight years in Iran for spying last month could be released on Wednesday after bail is posted, their lawyer says.
Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were held in 2009 after crossing into Iran from Iraq, where they said they were hiking.
Lawyer Masoud Shafii said the pair, when released, would be handed over to the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran.
Iran's judiciary set bail at five billion rials ($400,000), reports said.
"I have got necessary signatures from judiciary officials for their release on bail. Hopefully the two will be freed today," said Mr Shafii.
He said there had been "a minor problem" with the bail money but that he hoped the situation would soon be resolved. He told AFP news agency that the money had been provided by the state of Oman.
State media quoted Mr Shafii as saying the handover would take place at 1500 local time (1030 GMT).
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15000563
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Make LoC irrelevant, says former PoK premier Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary
SHUJAAT BUKHARI
Sep 21, 2011
Pakistan will never accept any formula aimed at dividing Kashmir, says Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary
The former Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary, on Tuesday said the day was not far off “when the ‘Berlin Wall' will collapse and the two Kashmirs will unite forever.” He was referring to the Line of Control.
He became the first political leader of PoK to address a public gathering in the historic Lal Chowk. He is on a five-day “private” visit to Kashmir.
“I came to Kashmir with tears in my eyes and smile on my face.”
‘Freedom struggle'
He said the people across the LoC were in full support of the “freedom struggle” launched by the people of this side. “When I landed here, I right away visited the martyrs' graveyard. I assure you that their blood won't go waste and the sun of freedom would rise very soon,” he said. “People of this side would continue to receive moral and emotional support from PoK.”
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2471043.ece
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Pakistan delegation pleads for release of fishermen from both nations
Sep 21, 2011
It calls for South Asian agreement on fishing
For the first time, a Pakistani delegation travelled to Gujarat and Diu to interact with the families of the fishermen arrested and jailed for violating territorial waters. The team members appealed to both the Indian and Pakistan governments to immediately release the fisherfolk, demarcate the maritime boundaries and offer compensation to the families of those who have lost their livelihood.
The delegation called for a South Asian agreement on fishing so that there could be a system of registering fishermen from these countries and giving them licences.
Justice (retd.) Nasir Aslam Zahid, former judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and member of India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners; Iqbal Haider, former Law Minister; Karamat Ali, trade union leader and peace activist; and Jatin Desai activist from India, travelled over 1,000 km to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Veraval, Mangrol and Porbandar to meet the families whose sons or husbands are in Pakistani jails.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Justice Zahid said the fishermen were arrested under the Foreigners Act of 1947 and the maximum punishment was six months. By the time the sentences were handed out they had languished in jail for that period. The fishermen should be sent back by boat and not released at the Wagah border. There were some 512 seized Pakistan boats and after meeting the families, he said, he found out that these boats cost Rs. 35-40 lakh each. In addition, the families borrowed heavily to fund the boats and they were in dire straits after the bread winners were caught. In India, there were some 200 trawlers belonging to Pakistani fishermen.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2470979.ece
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Terror plotter Rana seeks a fresh trial
September 21, 2011
Pakistan born Canadian Tahawwur Rana, convicted of aiding Pakistan based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) held responsible for the November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, is seeking a fresh trial. Cleared of any involvement in the Mumbai attacks, but facing a stiff sentence for
providing material support to LeT in a foiled plot to attack a Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten, he has argued in new court filings that he should have been given separate trials for the two plots, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Rana's eight-day trial in Chicago last June featured the testimony of his childhood friend, admitted terror plotter David Coleman Headley, US-born son of a Pakistani father and an American mother who changed his given name of Daood Gilani in 2006 to scout targets for the Mumbai attacks without arousing suspicion.
Rana's lawyers argued in new federal court filings that Rana should be granted another trial because, if the Mumbai evidence were not put before jurors, the panel would not have convicted him on the other counts, the Sun-Times said.
Attorneys argue that prosecutors improperly sought to tie the two plots together, prejudicing jurors.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/americas/Terror-plotter-Rana-seeks-a-fresh-trial/Article1-748354.aspx
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Saudi Prince Alwaleed Rebuts Claim of Rape in Spain
By RAPHAEL MINDER
Sep 21, 2011
MADRID — The office of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, a billionaire investor and nephew of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, released documents to rebut an accusation that the prince raped a Spanish woman on a luxury yacht off the Mediterranean island of Ibiza three years ago.
The documents include a full travel agenda, passport visa stamps and witness statements about the prince’s whereabouts, all of which indicate that the prince was not in Ibiza in August 2008, when a 20-year-old model filed a police complaint accusing him of rape.
The case was closed in July 2010 by an Ibiza judge for lack of evidence, but that decision was appealed to a Spanish provincial court for the Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza. The provincial court ordered the Ibiza judge, Carmen Martín Montero, to resume the case and to summon the prince to appear.
The accuser, who has been identified only by her middle name, Soraya, said she was drugged at an Ibiza nightclub and then taken to the yacht and raped there. Traces of semen were collected when the woman went to the police. One of the woman’s lawyers, Javier Beloqui, said on Tuesday that “instead of documents, the prince should simply provide a DNA sample if he wants to close this matter,” so that it could be compared with the semen samples.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/world/middleeast/prince-alaweed-fights-back-
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Saudis hire 180 J&K docs in three days
Shenoy Karun
Sep 22 2011
Kochi: Saudi Arabias health ministry has hired 180 doctors in three days from Jammu & Kashmir during a recruitment drive in Srinagar.The Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Council (ODPEC),under Keralas labour ministry,along with a 24-member team headed by the director general of the Saudi health ministry,is overseeing the hiring.
Saudi Arabias medical recruitment attache in Delhi,Mohammed Syed al Ham Hum told TOI that his health ministry is planning to hire nearly 500 doctors from India.
The Saudis will interview potential candidates in Kolkata,Hyderabad and Bangalore over the next 20 days.We got this assignment through the Saudi medical recruitment attache based in Delhi.Most of the Srinagar doctors have done their education in Kazakhstan,Turkmenistan and China, G L Muraleedharan,managing director of ODPEC,said.
Times of India
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Big writers should have big hearts: Taslima to Rushdie
Sep 22 2011
New Delhi: Though she did not directly mention Rushdie, Taslima had also tweeted about sexist men.Sexist men r unappreciative, narcissistic, hateful wholl do anything on earth as long as it makes them think theyre smarter than any female, she wrote.
Responding to Rushdies shot, Taslima tweeted, Big writers should hv a big heart. No reason to be envious. It wasnt abt writing, it was abt whipped cream.
Taslimas tweets got numerous responses from her followers, many of these uncharitable towards Rushdie. She approvingly retweeted some responses, that is, forwarded these to her followers. One such tweet read: Ha ha, since thered be no 72 virgins for him, he wants to make the most of it before he probably turns 72.
Full report at: Times of India
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Renowned Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir remembered
Sep 21, 2011
Islamabad—Death anniversary of legendary Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir was observed here on Tuesday. Conferences and references were held in different cities of the country under the auspicious of literary organizations.
Thousands of people including poets, professors of universities and colleges and other people attended the references to pay tributes to the great poet.
The speakers lauded the services of the great legendary poet for promotion of Urdu language and poetry. Mir Taqi Mir was born in Agra on 1723. His real name was Muhammad Taqi and takhallus was Mir. He was the leading Urdu poet of the 18th century and one of the pioneers who gave shape to the Urdu language itself.
He was one of the principal poets of the Delhi School of the Urdu ghazal and remains arguably the foremost name in Urdu poetry often remembered as Khuda-e-Sukhan.
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=115336
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Pakistani team to meet Anna Hazare for tips on anti-graft crusade
Sep 21, 2011
NEW DELHI: Social activist Anna Hazare, who led one of India's biggest mass movements against corruption, will receive a Pakistani delegation at his home in Ralegan Siddhi, Maharashtra, on Wednesday to seek his opinion on starting a similar drive in their country.
The delegation constitutes three legal experts, including former Pakistan law minister Iqbal Haider. The meeting has been organised by the NGO Sarhad.
"The delegation will meet Anna Hazare at 1 pm and discuss starting a similar movement in their country because both have similar problems of corruption and terrorism," Sanjay Nahar, who heads Sarhad, said.
"We want to take his views on how this movement can be started in Pakistan," he added.
Hazare went on a 12-day fast in the capital last month demanding a strong anti-graft bill, attracting the support of massive crowds.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistani-team-to-meet-Anna-Hazare-for-tips-on-
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Al-Jazeera boss Wadah Khanfar steps down
21 Sep, 2011
The head of Arab broadcaster al-Jazeera, Wadah Khanfar, has stepped down after eight years in the post.
In a farewell message to staff, Mr Khanfar gave no reasons for leaving other than saying he had "decided to move on".
Mr Khanfar was appointed managing director in 2003 and was later promoted to director general.
His successor has so far not been announced. Al-Jazeera is owned by the Qatari government and based in Doha.
Al-Jazeera rose to prominence during US air strikes on Afghanistan in 2001 when it became the only network allowed to report from the country and the first to air recorded statements by Osama Bin Laden.
Its English network was launched in 2006.
The news network has been outspoken on subjects deemed as sensitive in the Arab world, however some analysts say it avoids criticism of Qatar and its Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia.
In December 2010, the whistleblowing site Wikileaks published US diplomatic cables alleging Qatar had tried to use al-Jazeera TV as a bargaining chip in foreign policy.
More US cables leaked in August described the channel as a tool in Qatari diplomacy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14995566
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/at-un,-obama-opposes-palestinian/d/5524