Islamic Forum of Sierra Leone Calls for Sectarian Tolerance
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 March 2013
Arab World
• Decade After Invasion, Wave of Iraq Blasts Kill 56, Wounded 200
• Egyptian police arrest top Gaddafi aide in Cairo
• Syrian Rebels Pick U.S. Citizen to Lead Interim Government
• Sunnis Who Backed Saddam Chafe Under Shiite Rule
• Twenty Six Killed in Syrian Attack: Monitoring Group
• 10 Years Later, an Anniversary Many Iraqis Would Prefer to Ignore
• Near and dear ones pray for the thousands of ‘martyrs’ in Syria
• Saddam's spectre lives on in Iraqi landmarks
• Syrian rebels 'use chemical weapon'
• Ten years on: ElBaradei criticises Iraq war
Africa
• Moroccan Islamic Party Promotes Interfaith Dialogue
• Blasts at Nigeria Bus Park kill at least 20
• In Senegal, a new president confronts an ancient tradition: child beggars
• Rwanda: Muslim Youth Urged to Promote Peace
India
• India, Egypt ink seven pacts after PM holds talks with Morsi
• China asked to cease activity in PoK: Antony
• Egyptian Prez Morsi accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan
• Pak against handing of Dawood aide to India
• 107 Pakistani nationals missing in Maharashtra
• Srinagar attack carried out by Pakistani militants: Police
• Pakistani intruder shot dead in Tarn Taran
• NIA announces Rs 10 lakh reward for info on Hyderabad twin blasts
Pakistan
• Textbook biases show when Muslim students ask non-Muslim high achievers to convert
• Pakistan Taliban captures rival militant group's headquarters
• Lal Masjid operation was not my sole decision, says ex-PM
• Asma Jahangir's name proposed for Punjab's interim Chief Minister
• Pak SC holds Rehman Malik in contempt of court
• JuD cannot collect Eid-ul-Azha hides: Pakistan authorities to court
• Qari Abdul Hai had anti-Western agenda
• Bombers strike Pakistan court complex, 4 killed
• Pakistan issued visas to 3000 US nationals
• Senate body wants Lahore arsonists punished
• Ajoka pays tribute to Bhagat Singh
South Asia
• Karzai Opponents Talk to Taliban
• Detained BNP lawmaker charged with sodomy in jail
• India not following fencing rules: Bangla
• Bangladesh opposition shutdown leaves one dead
• MDP: S C bench be replaced, inclusion of educated foreign judges
• Students in Maldives protest shuts down school over teacher shortage
• Sri Lankan minister calls for deportation of Maldivian asylum seekers
Europe
• UN blames rise in violence against Afghan women on culture
• Scottish church allows Muslims to pray in premises
• UN experts demand immediate end to Israeli settlements
• Condemn Systemic Violations and Renew the UN Special Rapporteur’s Mandate
• World powers, Iran hold fresh exchange on nuclear proposals
• Blair: Iraq uprising would have been 'worse than Syria'
• Faiths united in hope for Francis
North America
• Global Jihad, Al Qaeda Expands to Africa, Beyond
• US will not block European efforts to arm Syrian rebels, John Kerry says
• Bloodshed, faltering economy overshadow Pakistan elections: global media
• Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension'
• Iraq turns blind eye to Iran arms flights to Syria: US
Southeast Asia
• Rohingya refugees import 'mail-order' brides
Mideast Asia
• Islamic Forum of Sierra Leone Calls for Sectarian Tolerance
• Israel to Urge Joint US Airstrikes against Syria
• Separatist marches challenge Yemen's reform conference
• Netanyahu warns of 'enormous threats' in region
• Iran, P5+1 review proposals in Istanbul meeting: statement
• Palestinian hunger striker's mother addresses letter to Obama urging son's release
• Many Israelis Wary of Obama, but Are Ready to Listen During Visit
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Sheikh Umar F.S.Kanu-Sunni, Maulana Saeed-Ur-Rahman-Ahmadiyya, Sheikh Tejan-Sillah-Shia
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Islamic Forum of Sierra Leone Calls for Sectarian Tolerance
By Alhaji Mohamed
Mar 18th, 2013
The Forum for Islamic Organizations an umbrella organization that comprised of the main Islamic sects in Sierra Leone (Sunni, Shia and Ahmadiyya) has called for Sectarian Tolerance in a meeting held at the Iranian Consulate Office over the weekend in Freetown.
In his remarks the Chairman of the occasion who doubles as the President Alhaji Issa Catco Kamara said that as Muslims we should concentrate more on Islamic Unity which is enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) than promoting hate speeches on air about other sects. He appealed to all to sensitize the Islamic Community to promote unity rather than disunity amongst the Islamic Ummah.
Alhaji Issa Catco Kamara emphasized that the organization will promote Islamic Unity and understanding amongst the sects in Sierra Leone as we all believe in the 5 (five) pillars of Islam. He encouraged all to unite even though there are smaller differences but that should not tear us apart as the Holy Prophet Muhammad left a unified Ummah.
In his contribution Sheikh Tejan Sillah Shia Spiritual Head described the occasion as a remarkable one because this is the first time to put the three (3) main sects together to talk about the hate speeches on the airwaves on some radio stations especially the Voice of Islam Radio Station. He emphasized that there is no Development without Unity and that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized on the unity of the Ummah which is enshrined in the Holy Qur’an.
Sheikh Tejan Sillah quoted the verse in the Holy Qur’an from Sura Al-Imran verse 103 which reads “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided” Yusuf Ali. He reiterated that there is only one God, one Prophet, Quibla, Prayer, Zakat, Ramadan and called on all to promote Islam to benefit the Nation as the Prophet was sent to the whole humanity and not the Muslims only.
The Amir of Ahmadiyya Maulana Saeed-Ur-Rahman encouraged all to unite in peace as Islam stands for peace. He said that there are so many religions in the country but they are not fighting amongst themselves and according to him he sees no reason why we should fight on minor differences forgetting about the Major things that unites us in the Submission to the will of Allah.
Mr. Maulana Saeed-Ur-Rahman Amir narrated a Hadith from ‘The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman)‘ of Sahih Muslim 0177 which reads “It is narrated on the authority of Usama b. Zaid: The Messenger of Allah may peace be upon him) sent us to Huraqat, a tribe of Juhaina. We attacked that tribe early in the morning and defeated them and I and a man from the Ansar caught hold of a person (of the defeated tribe). When we overcame him, he said: There is no god but Allah. At that moment the Ansari spared him, but I attacked him with my spear and killed him. The news had already reached the Apostle (peace be upon him), so when we came back he (the Apostle) said to me: Usama, did you kill him after he had made the profession: There is no god but Allah? I said. Messenger of Allah, he did it only as a shelter. The Holy Prophet observed: Did you kill him after he had made the profession that there is no god but Allah? He (the Holy Prophet) went on repeating this to me till I wished I had not embraced Islam before that day.
The Spiritual Head of the Sunni Alhaji Fuad S. Kanu pointed out that the main reason for accepting the position in the forum is because we all share the Kalima and the rest of the five pillars of Islam. He called on all Sunnis’ to support the group to promote Islamic Unity and development in the country and appealed to all those who are promoting hate speeches for each other to stop forthwith as that will promote hate and violence amongst the sects in the country.
Alhaji Fuad S. Kanu admonished all to hold on the Holy Qur’an and the practices of the Holy Qur’an and cited several verses in the Holy Qur’an which emphasized on the Unity of the Ummah. He admonished all to unite for peaceful cohesion amongst the various sects despite disagreeing with some of their principles which does not warrant the killing of each other to accept by force ideas or principles.
Addressing the meeting Iranian Cultural Chancellor, Muhamad Ghezel Sofla refuted claims made by the panellists of the program AWARENESS at the Voice of Islam that the Shia have their own Qur’an. He emphatically challenged anyone to come out with the said Qur’an and show the whole world and denounced hate speeches on the radio.
The Secretary General Alhaji Madani Kabba Kamara earlier gave a brief background of the organization and program which attracted several Islamic organizations from the Sunni, Shia and Ahmadiyya. Also delivering speeches at the program were Hon. Haja Afstau Kabba, Haja Capt. Folorosho King, RSM Alhaji Ibrahim Sesay, Lawyer Abdul Rahman King and Sheikh Mohamed Salieu Bah.
http://www.cocorioko.net/?p=45132
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Arab World
Decade After Invasion, Wave of Iraq Blasts Kill 56, Wounded 200
March 19, 2013
Iraqi officials say a relentless wave of bombings has rumbled across Baghdad and nearby towns, killing at least 56 people and wounding more than 200.
The more than a dozen attacks Tuesday mostly car bombings highlight increasing sectarian tensions in Iraq a decade after the war began.
The attacks came on the eve of the anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion, which started before dawn on March 20, 2003.
One of the deadliest of the attacks hit near a main gate to the heavily-fortified Green Zone, which houses major government offices and the embassies of several countries, including the United States and Britain.
Police and hospital officials provided the casualty toll. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to talk to the media.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/decade-after-invasion-wave-of-iraq-blasts-kill-56/article4525426.ece
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Egyptian police arrest top Gaddafi aide in Cairo
Ahmed Gadhaf Al-Dam is wanted for crimes against humanity carried out during reign of Moammar Gaddafi
19 Mar 2013
Egyptian police have arrested a close aide and cousin of former Libyan ruler Moammar Gaddafi in Cairo’s Zamalek.
Police, in coordination with INTERPOL, surrounded the residence of Gadhaf Al-Dam early on Tuesday morning.
Al-Dam was holed up behind iron-barred doors and windows and gun fire was reported at the scene.
Gadhaf Al-Dam defected to Egypt at the beginning of the Libyan revolution in 2011.
The new Libyan administration has long been demanding his repatriation to face trial for alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the Gaddafi era.
Gadhaf Al-Dam, who was also coordinator of Egyptian-Libyan relations during the Gaddafi era, has large investments in Egypt.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/67215/Egypt/Politics-/BREAKING-Egyptian-police-arrest-top-Gaddafi-aide-i.aspx
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Syrian Rebels Pick U.S. Citizen to Lead Interim Government
By ANNE BARNARD
March 19, 2013
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Syria’s main exile opposition coalition elected a naturalized Syrian-born American citizen early Tuesday to be the first prime minister of an interim Syrian government, charged with funneling aid to rebels inside Syria and offering an alternative to the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
By choosing Ghassan Hitto, 50, an information technology executive who lived in Texas until recently, the Syrian opposition coalition concluded months of contentious efforts to unite behind a leader, under pressure from the United States and its allies, which demanded that the opposition set up clear chains of command as a condition of increasing aid to the rebels.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/syria-warplanes-hit-lebanon-for-
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Sunnis Who Backed Saddam Chafe Under Shiite Rule
18 March 2013
By Roy Gutman, McClatchy Newspapers
A group of Sunni tribal leaders gather in protest against the killing of Hamid Ahmed Shahab, a local police captain, in Ramadi, Iraq, June 6, 2011. Residents of this Sunni-dominated area have accused Iraqi Army units, who answer to leaders in Baghdad’s Shiite-led government, of shooting civilians, meddling in local politics, raiding homes with little justification and detaining residents indefinitely. (Photo: Max Becherer / The New York Times)Shortly before noon every Friday, men and boys with prayer rugs in hand tromp by the thousands through the main highway junction in the city of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, head down lanes meant for vehicular traffic and stake out patches of pavement. Soon they're prostrating themselves as far as the eye can see.
Full report at:
http://truth-out.org/news/item/15169-ten-years-after-iraq-invasion-sunnis-who-backed-saddam-chafe-under-shiite-rule
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Twenty Six Killed in Syrian Attack: Monitoring Group
March 19, 2013
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Twenty-six people were killed in a rocket attack near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Tuesday, a human rights monitoring group with a network of sources of the ground said.
"Sixteen Syrian regular army soldiers were killed in Khan al-Assal," Rami Abdelrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told Reuters. "Ten more died in hospital but I cannot confirm if they are civilians or soldiers."
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/19reuters-syria-crisis-soldiers.html?ref=europe&gwh=22D42577151BE8B28ADB274D0CDE1AD3
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10 Years Later, an Anniversary Many Iraqis Would Prefer to Ignore
By TIM ARANGO
March 19, 2013
BAGHDAD — The war that arrived a decade ago is still too painful and too controversial to be taught to schoolchildren or subjected to serious academic study at universities, and the local news media are too busy reporting on the latest bombings, protests and political disagreements to care much about an anniversary.
So as historians, pundits and former government officials in Washington and London produce a wave of reminiscences on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq — symposiums have been held, books written, new studies published on the conflict’s toll, human and financial — Iraqis are more concerned with the present.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/many-iraqis-prefer-to-ignore-10th-
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Near and dear ones pray for the thousands of ‘martyrs’ in Syria
March 17, 2013
DEIR EZZOR — Mohammed Assad stands over the grave of his eldest son, buried beside a see-saw in a public park in Syria’s eastern city of Deir Ezzor.
“God will punish Bashar (Al-Assad, the president) and his people for turning our public parks into cemeteries,” he says.
Men, women and children, and sometimes fighters barely out of adolescence — every day Al-Mashtal park in the city becomes the final resting place for new victims of the conflict that has torn Syria apart for over two years.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130318157373
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Saddam's spectre lives on in Iraqi landmarks
March 18, 2013
BAGHDAD — The soaring half domes of the Martyr Monument stand out against the drabness of eastern Baghdad, not far from where Saddam Hussein's feared eldest son was said to torture underperforming athletes.
Saddam built the split teardrop-shaped sculpture in the middle of a manmade lake in the early 1980s to commemorate Iraqis killed in the Iran-Iraq War. The names of hundreds of thousands of fallen Iraqi soldiers are inscribed in simple Arabic script around the base.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130318157437
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Syrian rebels 'use chemical weapon'
March 19th, 2013
Syrian state media says rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad have fired a chemical weapon in the north of the country.
"Terrorists launched a missile containing chemical products into the region of Khan al-Assal in the province of Aleppo, killing 15 people, mainly civilians", Sana news agency said.
The government routinely refers to rebels as "terrorists".
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21841217
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Ten years on: ElBaradei criticises Iraq war
A decade after the start of the Iraq war, Mohamed ElBaradei, who was International Atomic Energy Agency chief at the time, wonders if the world has learned its lesson
19 Mar 2013
“Ten years on: Iraq war remains a global act of deception,” Mohamed ElBaradei, the Egyptian opposition leader who was director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) when the war began, has said via Twitter.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/67196/Egypt/Politics-/Ten-years-on-ElBaradei-criticises-Iraq-war.aspx
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Africa
Moroccan Islamic Party Promotes Interfaith Dialogue
By Hind Al-Subai Al-Idrisi
March 17, 2013
Like other countries in the Middle East, Morocco witnessed a popular movement that fell short of a revolution. But citizen demand for government reform did lead to a number of changes. These changes included a referendum over a new constitution, limiting the Moroccan monarch’s authority, as well as elections, which led to a victory for the Justice and Development Party, an Islamic political party.
While many people feared an Islamic political party might not respect the faiths of non-Muslim nationals, Morocco is showing its commitment to promote coexistence between Moroccans of different faiths under the Justice and Development Party.
Full report at:
http://www.albanytribune.com/17032013-out-of-the-spotlight-moroccan-islamic-party-promotes-interfaith-dialogue-oped/
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Blasts at Nigeria bus park kill at least 20
Kano, Nigeria, March 19, 2013
A series of blasts targeting buses full of passengers in Nigeria's second city of Kano killed at least 20 people on Monday, but the toll was expected to rise, a rescue official and a security source told AFP.
Initial reports indicated that two suicide bombers rammed a car packed with explosives into a bus at the New Road station in Sabon Gari, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood in the majority Muslim city.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/africa/Blasts-at-Nigeria-bus-park-kill-at-least-20/Article1-1028614.aspx
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In Senegal, a new president confronts an ancient tradition: child beggars
By Whitney Eulich
Mar 19, 2013
Slowing to a stop at an intersection in the developing world, it’s not uncommon to look out the car window and see children – often clad in tattered clothes or without shoes – buzz into traffic to solicit donations.
The West African nation of Senegal is no different, except that many of these youngsters are "students" at informal religious schools called Daaras – and their begging is said to be a part of their Quranic education.
Full report at:
http://news.yahoo.com/senegal-president-confronts-ancient-tradition-child-beggars-164540761.html
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Rwanda: Muslim Youth Urged to Promote Peace
BY THÉOGÈNE ISHIMWE
17 MARCH 2013
The Muslim Initiatives Forum (MIF) has urged the youth from the Great Lakes countries to make a significant contribution in promoting peace and tolerance.
The call was made at the weekend during the Great Lakes Muslim Youth Conference at Islamic Cultural Centre in Nyamirambo, Kigali.
Full report at:
change, changing friends, neighbours before bringing other people on board.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201303180267.html
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India
India, Egypt ink seven pacts after PM holds talks with Morsi
PTI | Mar 19, 2013
NEW DELHI: In a bid to deepen ties and strengthen economic bonds, India and Egypt today signed seven key pacts including one on cyber security after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi held bilateral talks here.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in defence and in international forums like UN.
"President Morsi and I have just concluded extensive and very productive discussions... We agreed that his visit, at an important juncture for Egypt, offers us a great opportunity to renew our relationship and take it to a different level of engagement and cooperation," Prime Minister Singh said after concluding talks with Morsi.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Egypt-ink-seven-pacts-after-PM-holds-talks-with-Morsi/articleshow/19066232.cms
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China asked to cease activity in PoK: Antony
New Delhi, March 18, 2013
The government has conveyed its concerns to China about its activities in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and asked it to cease such activities there, defence minister AK Antony told Lok Sabha on Monday.
In written reply to another question in the House, he said government is not considering to withdraw troops from the Siachen glacier.
On the presence of Chinese soldiers in PoK, Antony said, "The government is aware of China undertaking infrastructure projects in PoK which are being executed by Chinese civil companies. Government has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in PoK and asked them to cease such activities."
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/China-asked-to-cease-activity-in-PoK-Antony/Article1-1028284.aspx
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Egyptian Prez Morsi accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan
Mar 19 2013
New Delhi : Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi was given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here Tuesday morning.
He was received by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He inspected the guard of honour and also met members of the Indian Cabinet.
During his stay in New Delhi, Morsi will hold delegation-level talks with Singh.
He will also meet Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/egyptian-prez-morsi-accorded-ceremonial-reception-at-rashtrapati-bhawa.../1090269/
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Pak against handing of Dawood aide to India
By Abhishek Bhalla in New Delhi
Mar 19 2013
PAKISTAN has been exerting pressure on the Thailand government not to hand over a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim to India, claiming that he is a Pakistani.
It’s been over a year since India gave substantial evidence to the Thai government to prove the Indian citizenship of Mudassar Husain Sayeed, alias Munna Jhingada, but Pakistan’s constant claim of him being a Pakistani has made his deportation to India a tough task.
Full report at: Mail Today
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107 Pakistani nationals missing in Maharashtra
Mumbai, March 19, 2013
Even as India is reconsidering its relations with Pakistan, the state government is clueless about 107 Pakistan nationals, who went missing after their visa got expired.
Moreover, 60 Pakistan nationals live in the state without any permit or visa, despite the local authorities being aware of their whereabouts.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/mumbai/107-Pakistani-nationals-missing-in-Maharashtra/Article1-1028610.aspx
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Srinagar attack carried out by Pakistani militants: Police
IANS | Mar 19, 2013
SRINAGAR: The March 13 suicide attack here, in which five CRPF troopers were killed, was carried out by two Pakistani LeT militants with support from terror commanders from across the border, a top police official said on Tuesday.
Five CRPF troopers and two militants were killed and nine others - three civilians and six CRPF personnel - were injured in the March 13 suicide attack in Bemina locality here.
Abdul Ghani Mir, inspector general of police (IGP) Kashmir zone, told reporters that the probe into the March 13 attack has been completed and the case stands solved.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Srinagar-attack-carried-out-by-Pakistani-militants-Police/articleshow/19066790.cms
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Pakistani intruder shot dead in Tarn Taran
March 19, 2013
A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by BSF personnel at Khemkaran sector in Tarn Taran district near Amritsar and heroin worth Rs.50 crore was recovered from his possession.
"After a brief encounter last night with Pakistani intruders, during search, the dead body of an intruder, 10 kg heroin, a mobile phone loaded with Pakistani SIM and one German-made 30 mm calibre automatic loaded pistol were found on the spot," a BSF official said.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Amritsar/Pakistani-intruder-shot-dead-in-Tarn-Taran/SP-Article1-1028720.aspx
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NIA announces Rs 10 lakh reward for info on Hyderabad twin blasts
PTI | Mar 19, 2013
HYDERABAD: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the accused in the twin blasts at Dilsukhnagar here on February 21, claiming lives of 17 persons and injuring over 100.
On the direction of ministry of home affairs, NIA had taken over the probe into the twin blasts case from Andhra Pradesh police, and its Hyderabad branch had registered two FIRs on March 14 in connection with the case.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NIA-announces-Rs-10-lakh-reward-for-info-on-Hyderabad-twin-blasts/articleshow/19069948.cms
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Pakistan
Textbook biases show when Muslim students ask non-Muslim high achievers to convert
By Mashal Usman
March 19, 2013
KARACHI: Intellectuals from a number of fields came together to point out the horrifying prejudices found in text books in Pakistan at a talk on ‘Biases in Textbooks and Education Policy’ organised by the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) on Monday.
“I have heard of cases where Muslim students ask non-Muslim high achievers: Why don’t you convert to our religion,” recalled Karamat Ali, the executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research. “And it is not just Muslims and Hindus, but also Shias who are given this treatment. This is because of the horrifying myths about people of other faiths that we fill our children with.”
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/522886/textbook-biases-show-when-muslim-students-ask-non-muslim-high-achievers-to-convert/
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Pakistan Taliban captures rival militant group's headquarters
Mar 19 2013
Islamabad : The Pakistani Taliban have captured large tracts of the Tirah Valley in the restive Khyber tribal region of northwest Pakistan after weeks of fierce fighting with the Ansar-ul-Islam, a rival militant group.
Militants of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan captured the headquarters of the Ansar-ul-Islam and hoisted their flag on the building in Bagh area of Tirah valley yesterday, several media reports said today.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-taliban-captures-rival-militant-groups-headquarters/1090335/
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Lal Masjid operation was not my sole decision, says ex-PM
March 19th, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday said the Lal Masjid operation in July 2007 was not his sole decision.
He stated this while recording his statement with the Lal Masjid commission of Justice Shahzado Sheikh of the Federal Shariat Court from Pakistan’s High Commission in London through a video link.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/03/19/lal-masjid-operation-was-not-my-sole-decision-says-ex-pm-2/
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Asma Jahangir's name proposed for Punjab's interim Chief Minister post
Mar 19 2013
Lahore : After being dropped from the Pakistan Peoples Party's list of candidates for the position of caretaker premier, rights activist Asma Jahangir has been proposed by the party for the post of interim Chief Minister of Punjab province.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/asma-jahangirs-name-proposed-for-punjabs-interim-chief-minister-po.../1090298/
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Pak SC holds Rehman Malik in contempt of court
March 18, 2013
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the indictment of former Interior Minister Rehman Malik for contempt of court for interfering in a probe into alleged corruption in a state-run steel firm, after rejecting his mercy plea.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said Malik's response to a contempt of court notice issued to him last year was unsatisfactory.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan/Pak-SC-holds-Rehman-Malik-in-contempt-of-court/Article1-1028318.aspx
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JuD cannot collect Eid-ul-Azha hides: Pakistan authorities to court
Mar 19 2013
Lahore : Pakistani authorities have informed a court that the Jamaat-ud-Dawah it is not allowed to collect the hides of sacrificial animals as the group was listed as a terrorist organisation under a United Nations Security Council resolution in 2008.
The Punjab Home Department informed the Lahore High Court yesterday that the JuD was barred from collecting hides on the instructions of the federal Interior Ministry.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jud-cannot-collect-eidulazha-hides-pakistan-authorities-to-court/1090285/
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Qari Abdul Hai had anti-Western agenda
Amir Mir
March 18, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The arrest of Qari Abdul Hai aka Qari Asadullah alias Talha, the former ameer of the Sindh chapter of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and the incumbent ameer of the Lashkar-e-Omar (LeO) is being described as a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-terror drive of the law enforcement agencies.
He was wanted in several major terrorist assaults targeting the western interests in Pakistan, especially the Americans. The Sindh Rangers have arrested him from University Road area of Karachi in a raid the other day. Considered to be a close associate of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) founder Riaz Basra, Qari Abdul Hai was also involved in the January 23, 2002 abduction and subsequent beheading of a senior American Journalist Daniel Pearl.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-165989-Qari-Abdul-Hai-had-anti-Western-agenda
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Bombers strike Pakistan court complex, 4 killed
Mar 19, 2013
ISLAMABAD: At least four people were killed and 30 wounded as two suicide bombers attacked a court complex in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar on Monday.
Officials said one of the attackers was killed at the entrance as policemen posted inside the complex intercepted the two while entering the highly secured area.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Bombers-strike-Pakistan-court-complex-4-killed/articleshow/19055371.cms
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Pakistan issued visas to 3000 US nationals
By Zahid Gishkori
March 19, 2013
A senior official of the Interior Ministry told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the government issued these visas to Americans on one-year extension basis. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan issued over 3000 visas to US officials during the last two years, a Senate panelwas told on Tuesday.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/523118/pakistan-issued-visas-to-3000-us-officials/
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Senate body wants Lahore arsonists punished
By Ijaz Kakakhel
March 19th, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Harmony on Monday asked the government to arrest those involved in the Badami Bagh incident, in which about 200 houses of Christian community were set on fire.
The demand came from minority senator Kamran Michael through a resolution, which was accepted by the committee. Condemning the incident, the senators said such type of incidents badly dame the country’s name at the international level. The resolution expressed solidarity with the Christian community and urged the government to arrest and give exemplary punishment to the perpetrators.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\03\19\story_19-3-2013_pg7_1
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Ajoka pays tribute to Bhagat Singh
March 19th, 2013
LAHORE: Ajoka Theatre pays tribute to Bhagat Singh by staging a play titled, “Mera rang de basanti chola” here on Monday at Alhamra. Written by Shahid Nadeem and directed by Madeeha Gauhar, the play depicts the life story of subcontinent’s famous freedom fighter of independence movement, Bhagat Singh, who fought till the end for the poor people who wanted to get rid of foreign rulers. The play started with devotees dancing at shrine of Baba Shah Jamal in Lahore; late the police came and collected information about Baba Bhoga. The play further showed Bhagat Singh imprisoned in the Central jail for throwing bomb on an assembly session. The play showed Bhagat while kissing the rope of hangman and embracing death.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\03\19\story_19-3-2013_pg13_4
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South Asia
Karzai Opponents Talk to Taliban
By KATHY GANNON Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan March 18, 2013 (AP)
Afghan opposition parties, frustrated with the government's lack of progress in making peace with the Taliban, have opened their own channel for negotiations with militant groups in hopes of putting their imprint on a deal to end 11 years of war.
Taliban and opposition leaders confirmed to The Associated Press for the first time that the parties opposed to President Hamid Karzai have been talking since the beginning of the year to the Taliban as well as the militant group headed by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a U.S.-declared terrorist.
Full report at:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/karzai-opponents-open-talks-taliban-warlord-18752384
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Detained BNP lawmaker charged with sodomy in jail
Mar 18 2013
Dhaka : A young male inmate has charged an opposition BNP lawmaker and a major 1971 war crimes accused with sexual assault at the high-security Central Jail here, officials said today.
The victim's father has filed a case alleging that Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury had assaulted his son Apel Mian who was appointed as aide to the BNP leader at Kashimpur Jail.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bangladesh-war-crimes-detained-bnp-lawmaker-charged-with-sodomy-in-ja.../1089839/
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India not following fencing rules: Bangla
Vijaita Singh
Mar 19 2013
New Delhi : The chief of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), who is here for bi-annual talks, alleged Monday that India was not following certain rules when it came to fencing its border areas.
Some patches of land, especially the riverine ones, which have not been fenced yet are a bone of contention both for security and administrative reasons between the two countries. India shares 4096.7 km-long boundary with Bangladesh, out of which 2520.610 km has been fenced and 2576 km is yet to be completed. India has decided to go for single row fencing in such patches.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-not-following-fencing-rules-bangla/1090118/
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Bangladesh opposition shutdown leaves one dead
March 19, 2013
Opposition supporters clashed with pro-government activists in Bangladesh, leaving one man dead amid reports of explosions of bombs and a train derailment blamed on the opposition during a nationwide general strike on Tuesday.
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, and its 17 other allies were enforcing the shutdown to try to secure release of 154 leaders and activists detained this month.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/bangladesh-opposition-shutdown-leaves-one-dead/article4525837.ece
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MDP: S C bench be replaced, inclusion of educated foreign judges
By Mohamed Naahee | March 19th, 2013
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s National Council has passed a motion calling on its parliamentary group to seek to abolish the existing Supreme Court bench and replace it with a new panel of judges, including foreign judges.
The call was made following the Supreme Court’s controversial rulings on Thursday overturning decisions made by parliament.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/mdp-demands-supreme-court-bench-be-replaced-inclusion-of-educated-foreign-judges-54812
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Students in Maldives protest shuts down school over teacher shortage
By Minivan News | March 19th, 2013
Students prevented teachers from entering Rathafandhoo Island School in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll on Monday, shutting the school for the day in protest over a three month teacher shortage.
Tenth grade students have been without an accounting teacher since January, despite the school sending a request to the Ministry of Education immediately after the position became available.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/student-protest-shuts-down-school-over-teacher-shortage-54768
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Sri Lankan minister calls for deportation of Maldivian asylum seekers
By MinivanNews | March 17th, 2013
A Sri Lankan Minister has reportedly called for the deportation of Maldivians who are currently seeking asylum in Sri Lanka.
Local media reported Minister of Technology Research and Atomic Energy, Patali Champika Ranawaka, as calling on the government of Sri Lanka to take action against Maldivians who are converging in areas within the country.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/sri-lankan-minister-calls-for-deportation-of-maldivian-asylum-seekers-54670
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Europe
UN blames rise in violence against Afghan women on culture
March 19th, 2013
UNITED NATIONS: Violence linked to culture was the main reason for a 20 per cent rise in deaths and injuries of females in Afghanistan last year, UN special envoy to Afghanistan Jan Kubis said on Monday.
Despite an overall fall in annual civilian casualties in Afghanistan for the first time in several years, the United Nations said last month that more than 300 women and girls were killed and more than 560 injured during 2012.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/03/19/un-blames-rise-in-violence-against-afghan-women-on-culture/
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Scottish church allows Muslims to pray in premises
Mar 19 2013
London: In a rare gesture signifying communal harmony, a Scotland church has become the first in UK to share its building with Muslims, who pray five times a day there.
St John's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, now has hundreds of Muslims praying five times a day in their building as the neighbouring mosque was so small that they were forced to worship outside.
Sections of the main hall have been handed over by Indian-origin priest Isaac Poobalan to Chief Imam Ahmed Megharbi and his congregation and at busy times they even use the main chapel to pray.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/scottish-church-allows-muslims-to-pray-in-premises/1090287/
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UN experts demand immediate end to Israeli settlements
Mar 19, 2013
GENEVA — Israel must immediately begin withdrawing its settlers from the Palestinian territories, a UN expert told diplomats Monday, even as the new Israeli government appeared set to strengthen the hand of the Jewish settler lobby.
Israel must "immediately and without preconditions cease the settlement activity and to initiate a process of withdrawal from the settlements," Christine Chanet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, lamenting a "rampant annexation" of Palestinian territories.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130318157458
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Condemn Systemic Violations and Renew the UN Special Rapporteur’s Mandate
MARCH 18, 2013
This week, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran joined 16 other human rights organizations in a joint letter asking the United Nations Human Rights Council to renew the mandate Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Iran Ahmed Shaheed.
The organizations also urged the council to “Strengthen the resolution of the Human Rights Council by condemning the patterns of systematic violations committed in Iran and the continued crackdown on dissenting voices and repeated failure to investigate both current and longstanding violations.”
Full report at:
http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2013/03/shaheed_mandate/
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World powers, Iran hold fresh exchange on nuclear proposals
March 19th, 2013
BRUSSELS: World powers gave Iran fresh details on a proposed deal aimed at ending international concern over Tehran’s nuclear programme during talks in Istanbul, the European Union said Tuesday.
At the talks on Monday, experts from the five permanent UN Security Council members Britain, China, France, Russia and the US plus Germany “had technical discussions with Iran,” said a brief statement from a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/03/19/world-powers-iran-hold-fresh-exchange-on-nuclear-proposals/
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Blair: Iraq uprising would have been 'worse than Syria'
March 19th, 2013
Iraqis would have rebelled against Saddam Hussein if there had been no invasion and it would have been "a lot worse than Syria", Tony Blair has said.
Iraqis previously "rose up in large numbers and were killed in very large numbers", the former UK PM said.
Mr Blair also warned the West could pay a high price if it decided not to intervene in Syria.
He spoke to the BBC ahead of the 10th anniversary of the invasion, led by the US in coalition with the UK and others.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21839884
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Faiths united in hope for Francis
Mar 19, 2013
From Dutchess County’s mosques and synagogues to its churches and monasteries, local spiritual leaders said they would pray for the new pope and expressed hope that his leadership would promote one thing above all else — peace.
Argentine Jorge Bergoglio, 76, was elected pope Wednesday.
“All of us at Kagyu Thubten Choling Monastery pray for the long life and good health of … the next pope and pray that he will benefit many beings,” said Lama Norlha Rinpoche of the Tibetan Buddhist retreat based in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
Full report at:
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20130314/NEWS01/303140021/Faiths-united-hope-Francis
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North America
Global Jihad, Al Qaeda Expands to Africa, Beyond
By Erick Stakelbeck
Mar 19, 2013
WASHINGTON -- A recent study found American citizens make up more than half of those convicted for involvement with al Qaeda. Many converted from Christianity to Islam.
The stunning statistic is another sign that the face of al Qaeda is changing -- in more ways than one.
"They have these aspirations essentially to use Mali as a base to expand jihad across the entire part of Africa: North Africa, West Africa. And also from there, they can franchise into Europe," said Rudy Atallah, CEO of White Mountain Research and a former counterterrorism director for the Pentagon.
Full report at:
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2013/March/Global-Jihad-Al-Qaeda-Expands-to-Africa-Beyond/
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US will not block European efforts to arm Syrian rebels, John Kerry says
AFP | Mar 18, 2013
WASHINGTON: The United States will not oppose moves by some European nations to arm Syrian rebels battling President Bashar al-Assad, US secretary of state John Kerry said on Monday.
"President (Barack) Obama has made it clear that the United States does not stand in the way of other countries that have made a decision to provide arms, whether it's France or Britain or others," Kerry told reporters.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/US-will-not-block-European-efforts-to-arm-Syrian-rebels-John-Kerry-says/articleshow/19046284.cms
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Bloodshed, faltering economy overshadow Pakistan elections: global media
Anwar Iqbal
March 19th, 2013
WASHINGTON: A faltering economy, an acute energy shortage and widespread militant violence will be the main issues in the forthcoming elections in Pakistan, say the US media.
And, like the media in the United States, other international news outlets also noticed that the country reached an important milestone when the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government completed its full term on Sunday.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/03/18/bloodshed-faltering-economy-overshadow-pakistan-elections-global-media/
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Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension'
March 19th, 2013
US President Barack Obama has offered Iran a "practical solution" if it truly seeks peaceful nuclear capabilities rather than weapons.
In a video to the Iranian people, Mr Obama urged Iran to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community.
He said Iranians had paid a "high and unnecessary price" for Tehran's "unwillingness" to satisfy concerns.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21836928
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Iraq turns blind eye to Iran arms flights to Syria: US
US official calls on Iraq to randomly search Iranian planes to Syria claiming they have cause to be suspicious but instead 'avert their gaze'
19 Mar 2013
Baghdad is "looking the other way" as Iran sends military equipment through Iraqi airspace to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, a US official said.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, called on Iraq to randomly search Iranian planes flying to Syria, and said Washington had complained to "all levels of the Iraqi government" about the lack of inspection.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/67212/World/Region/Iraq-turns-blind-eye-to-Iran-arms-flights-to-Syria.aspx
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Southeast Asia
Rohingya refugees import 'mail-order' brides
Young men who have found refuge in Malaysia after fleeing violence in Myanmar are covertly getting brides from home.
Maher Sattar
17 Mar 2013
Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh - Shamsul Alam, has dabbled as a tailor's assistant and construction worker since fleeing to Malaysia from his native Rakhine State in Myanmar.
He recalls bitterly his gruelling 12-14 hour work days on construction sites before grabbing a quick meal and dashing off to the highlands in the hopes of evading the authorities.
But when he speaks about his intentions to marry, the 30-some year old Rohingya becomes much more poetic: "If a man wants to live, he must have a woman…People need companions to live on this earth."
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/03/201331291132937760.html
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Mideast Asia
Israel to Urge Joint US Airstrikes against Syria
'I hear over and over again' from Israel 'another war with Hezbollah is inevitable': US official
- Jacob Chamberlain
Mar 19, 2013
An anonymous Israeli official has told the Guardian that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to use time during President Obama's upcoming Israel visit to gain U.S. support for possible military strikes against Syria.
According to the reporting, Israel would like the U.S. to engage in airstrikes—or at least support strikes by Israeli forces—if it suspects that the Syrians were passing weapons to its Hezbollah allies in neighboring Lebanon.
Full report at:
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/03/18-1
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Separatist marches challenge Yemen's reform conference
Mar 19, 2013
SANAA — Yemeni leaders trying to end political upheaval and separatist demands met to chart a new constitution on Monday, the scale of their task underscored by protesters who marched in their tens of thousands in the south to demand their own state.
Stabilizing Yemen, a US ally grappling with Al-Qaeda militants, southern secessionists and northern rebels, is an international priority due to fears of disorder.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130318157461
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Netanyahu warns of 'enormous threats' in region
GUARDIAN NEWS SERVICE
March 19, 2013
The new Israeli government will use Barack Obama's visit to Jerusalem this week as an opportunity "to show our gratitude to the American people", said Binyamin Netanyahu before being sworn in for a third term as prime minister on Monday.
"Mr. Obama's visit will be an opportunity to thank him," Mr. Netanyahu said after warning that Israel faced "enormous threats" in the region and pledging to "guarantee the future of the Jewish people by guaranteeing the future of the state of Israel, the root of our existence".
The government was sworn in almost eight weeks after the election on 22 January, and just two days before Mr. Obama is due to arrive in Israel for his first visit as president.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/netanyahu-warns-of-enormous-threats-in-region/article4525494.ece
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Iran, P5+1 review proposals in Istanbul meeting: statement
2013-03-19
TEHRAN, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran said in a statement issued here on Tuesday that the Iran's experts and the P5+1 group reviewed proposals by both sides in their latest meeting in the Turkish city of Istanbul, Press TV reported.
In the statement, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the Iranian and the P5+1 experts discussed various aspects of proposals, adding that the discussions revolved around proposals presented by Iran during the meeting in Moscow in June 2012, and offers given by the P5+1 during the negotiations held in the Kazakh city of Almaty on February 26-27, according to Press TV.
Full report at:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-03/19/c_132246220.htm
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Palestinian hunger striker's mother addresses letter to Obama urging son's release
Mother of Palestinian hunger striker Samer Issawi addresses letter to President Barack Obama, a day ahead of his planned visit Israel and West Bank for first time since re-election in November 2012
19 Mar 2013
"I Mrs. Laila Tareq Issawi; the mother of Samer Issawi who is on hunger strike in the Israeli occupation prisons for 241 days, a new precedent in human history, call you; as the most important ally of Israeli as you describe yourself and the president of the most powerful country in the world as others describe you, to immediately interfere to save my son’s life which is under threat as I am writing these words and to have your hands blood free after Natanyahu has stained his with Samer’s blood.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/67225/World/Region/Palestinian-hunger-strikers-mother-addresses-lette.aspx
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Many Israelis Wary of Obama, but Are Ready to Listen During Visit
By JODI RUDOREN and ISABEL KERSHNER
March 19, 2013
JERUSALEM — Obama administration officials have made it clear that the top agenda item for the president’s visit here this week is to win the hearts of the Israeli people. He has a lot of work to do.
“I don’t trust him so much,” Rachel Burger, 65, said Sunday between errands at a Jerusalem mall.
“Deep inside, I think, he doesn’t like us,” said Moshe Haim, an Iranian immigrant who drives a taxi in Tel Aviv.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/world/middleeast/as-obama-prepares-to-visit-many-
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