Mullah Omar, supreme leader of Afghan Taliban to Appoint High-Level Team for US Talks
New Age Islam News Bureau
21 Jun 2013
Photo: Israel used Palestinian minors as human shields, detain and torture Reuters / Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
Pakistan
• Mullah Omar, supreme leader of Afghan Taliban to Appoint High-Level Team for US Talks
• Security forces recover Karachi-bound arms in Khuzdar
• Pakistan rejects Afghan allegations of terror sanctuaries
• Suicide attack at Shia madrasa kills 14 in Peshawar
• 13 people lose their life to violence in Karachi
• MQM MPA killed in Karachi
• Militants kill pro-govt militiamen in Bajaur: Officials
• TTP accepts responsibility for Peshawar convoy attack
• National flag hoisted in Tirah
Arab World
• Jordan Teens Think ‘Honour Killings’ Justified
• Suicide bomber kills three at Iraq vote count
• Head of Al Azhar University declares protests against Morsi legitimate
• U Turn! Saudi cleric withdraws fatwa on ‘sin city’
• Lebanese Shiites in Gulf fear backlash over Hezbollah Syria role
• Egypt Rebel group launches anti-Mursi mobile game
• Egypt values Hosni Mubarak family fortune at $1.2 billion
• Iraq says proxy war over Syria threatens its neutrality
• Kiss on the cheek back in the Saudi Eastern Province as deadly respiratory disease panic fades
• Rebels seek arms, no-fly zone from ‘Friends of Syria’
India
• Madrasas to launch campaign to save water
• Journalist Ashish Khetan Writes to CJ of Allahabad High Court, Questions the Detention of Muslim Youth under Terror Charges
• US-Taliban peace talks: Pakistan's political fortunes set to revive, India concerned
• Hurriyat proposes Indo-Pak summit on Kashmir
• CBI looking into allegations of Modi hand in 2003 encounter
• Need to isolate syndicate of terrorism in Afghanistan: India
• Shias of Lucknow write letter of condemnation to Pak PM on Shia killings in Pakistan
• India wary as Haqqanis may join peace process
• Peaceful Iraq calls for greater business cooperation with India
• Ishrat case: CBI to include crucial recorded conversation in charge sheet
• Visiting Indian leader urges KTT, Jeddah to build educational institutions
• India, Pak should take steps to remove non-tariff barriers: Indian High Commissioner
South Asia
• Taliban negotiator says possible ceasefire on the cards
• Taliban Talks Could Depend on Detainees
• Appeal for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mollah’s death: 7 amicus curiae appointed
• Afghan peace bid stumbles on protocol row
• Gayoom and his legacy – the major obstacle to consolidating Maldives democracy
• 19 Jamaat-Shibir men charge sheeted
• Maldives Immigration Department dismisses reports of expat system “flaw”
• Myanmar monk lashes out at Time magazine
• Extremism Rises among Myanmar Buddhists
Southeast Asia
• Beleaguered Indonesian Shiites Banished following pressure from Sunni clerics
• Manila summons envoys in Mideast over Sexual abuse scandal of stranded women
• Religious teachers at rehab centre get higher jail terms for inmate’s death
• HIV Awareness Growing in Papua
• Drug Abuse Jeopardizes Indonesian Youth
• Call for RCI into ‘Red Bean Army’
Europe
• Palestinian children tortured, used as shields by Israel: UN
• Abu Qatada treaty ratified by UK Parliament
• One woman in three a victim of domestic violence, Asia and the Middle East most-affected: WHO
• Spain arrests 'Syria jihadist suspects' in Ceuta
• Russia throws its weight behind Karzai
• U.K. court orders sanctions against Iranian bank lifted
• UNHCR lauds KSA for aid to refugees
North America
• US says Taliban office in Qatar must not be seen as embassy
• US does not rule out talks on Taliban prisoner swap
• Return of Taliban: Kissa Kerry-Karzai-Kayani Ka
• Kerry’s overseas trip starts with tough Syrian, Afghan issues
Mideast
• Hamas passes law against co-ed education, Christian schools in Gaza fear closure
• Iran’s UN envoy denounces attacks against Afghan civilians
• Iran to decide on attending Geneva II after details emerge: Araqchi
• Gaza ‘collaborator’ sentenced to death, says Hamas
• India has desire for success, says Israel ambassador
• Israeli killed by guard at Jewish holy site in Jerusalem
• Islamic banks’ share set to rise in Turkey
Africa
• Gaddafi interpreter says Libya funded Sarkozy campaign
• Detention of foreign nationals held in Libya a "stain" on the government's post-Qadhafi record
• Darfur displaced in ‘terrible’ conditions
• African refugees face dilemma in Morocco
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Pakistan
Mullah Omar, supreme leader of Afghan Taliban to Appoint High-Level Team for US Talks
June 21, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Mullah Omar, the supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban, will appoint a high-level team for formal talks with the United States following progress in ‘exploratory talks’ with American officials in Qatar, a spokesman for the group said on Thursday.
Talking to The Express Tribune via phone, Suhail Shaheen, the spokesman for the Taliban political office in Doha, Qatar, said that the Taliban team currently present in the Gulf state will only conduct preliminary talks with the US officials. He added that the key issues would be discussed during formal dialogue at a later stage.
Taliban sources say that nearly 30 Taliban representatives, including six members of the top leadership, are currently in Qatar. They include Syed Tayeb Agha (the head of the team), Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, Haji Muhammad Zahid Ahmadzai, Maulvi Nek Muhammad and Sher Muhammad Stankazai.
The Taliban spokesman said the group will hold talks with the US first since it is the major party to the conflict in the conflict in Afghanistan. The Taliban also seek to resolve certain other issues, such as the release of their members in US custody.
“We will ask for the immediate release of our prisoners … the Taliban are willing to discuss the exchange of the lone US soldier in our custody for the release of Taliban detainees,” Shaheen said, adding that the release of prisoners would build much confidence ahead of formal talks.
The Taliban captured US Army Sgt Bowe Bergdahl in 2009.
Deadlock over prisoners is believed to be one of the reasons that led to the breakdown of the US-Taliban dialogue in Qatar in March last year.
Asked when the Taliban will talk to the Karzai-backed peace council, Shaheen said, “The time is not ripe for such talks,” and added it would happen later.
In reply to a question, he maintained no talks with the US were planned on Thursday as a section of the media had reported earlier.
“American officials have not contacted us for talks on Thursday,” the Taliban spokesman said. Asked when the preliminary talks would start, he said it was possible they could take place on Friday (today), the day after or within a week.
He, meanwhile, ruled out chances of a ceasefire to smooth the dialogue process, saying that the Taliban would retaliate as long as they were attacked by foreign forces in Afghanistan.
“It is not an easy enough issue to resolve in the first meeting,” said Shaheen.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/566233/peace-dialogue-mullah-omar-to-appoint-high-level-team-for-us-talks/
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Security forces recover Karachi-bound arms in Khuzdar
SYED ALI SHAH
21 Jun 2013
QUETTA: Levies force recovered huge quantity of weapons during a search operation on main RCD highway in Khuzdar district of Balochistan on Friday.
A levies official who took part in operation, not wanting to be named, told Dawn.com that two suspects were also taken into custody during the operation.
He said the arrested persons were smuggling weapons from Quetta to Karachi adding that two rocket launchers , 91 mortar shells, 47 detonaters, and other weapons were seized from their vehicle.
The arrested suspects were shifted to an unknown location by security forces for further investigations.
The RCD highway links Quetta with Karachi.
http://dawn.com/news/1019733/security-forces-recover-karachi-bound-arms-in-khuzdar
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Pakistan rejects Afghan allegations of terror sanctuaries
June 21, 2013
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Thursday categorically rejected Afghan accusations over existence of terrorist sanctuaries on Pakistani soil in the United Nations Security Council, reiterating peace and stability in Afghanistan is a key constituent of Islamabad’s foreign policy.
“I reject most emphatically (Afghan) Ambassador (Zahir) Tanin’s argument – root, trunk and branch – that terrorist sanctuaries exist in Pakistan and some elements continue to use terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy,” Pakistan’s permanent Ambassador to the UN Masood Khan said during the 15-member Council’s debate on the report of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
“No, sir, this is not true; and you know this is not true,” he said looking towards his Afghan counterpart. “And this is not good diplomacy. By using such arguments, you cast aspersions on our sincerity.”
Khan said that Pakistan operates as one state where all institutions of the state have consensus that terrorism is a threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan and therefore both countries should work together to eliminate this scourge.
“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is a key constituent of Pakistan’s foreign policy, which is supported by all state institutions.”
The ambassador insisted that success of the policy requires reciprocity, trust and goodwill. He made it clear that his rejoinder was not a tit-for-tat response.
“I have said this to highlight that terrorists operate on both sides of the porous border. Many attacks against Pakistan are planned on Afghan soil. That is why we need more aggressive policing and surveillance of the border. This will also help stop the shelling. We must not allow terrorists manipulate and divide the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
Insisting that political trust needs to be built, Khan said that the joint commission, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister and the President of Afghanistan, is the best forum for pursuing this objective.
Earlier, the Afghan ambassador spoke of about continued acts of terrorism in his country, saying the people of Afghanistan “are still the main victims of this heinous (that) continue to exist in Pakistan’s soil and some elements continue to use terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy.”
http://tribune.com.pk/story/566116/pakistan-rejects-afghan-allegations-of-terror-sancturies/
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Suicide attack at Shia madrassa kills 14 in Peshawar
June 21, 2013
PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber blew himself up in Gulshan Colony, Peshawar, killing 14 and leaving 32 injured, Express News reported on Friday.
The Hussaini Madrassa in the area was the target of the blast. The interior of the madrassa was destroyed. There were around 40 people inside the madrassa at the time of the blast.
The madrassa has the capacity to hold up to 80 people. People inside the madrassa were preparing for Friday prayers at the time of the blast.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/566372/4-injured-in-peshawar-blast/
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13 people lose their life to violence in Karachi
21 Jun 2013
KARACHI: In the ongoing spree of violence 13 people, including two cops and workers
of political parties, were gunned down in separate incidents across the city on Thursday.
Activist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was shot dead in a targeted attack near Islam Chowk, Orangi Town. Pakistan Bazaar police said that victim, 32-year-old Mohammad Kalim alias Commando, was returning home after participating in referendum at Nine Zero, when unidentified armed assailants targeted him.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\21\story_21-6-2013_pg12_5
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MQM MPA killed in Karachi
June 21, 2013
KARACHI: Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) MPA Sajid Qureshi was shot dead in Nazimabad, Karachi, Express News reported on Friday.
According to initial details, unidentified armed men opened fire at Qureshi’s car when he was returning home after Friday prayers.
Qureshi was a member of the Sindh Assembly.
The MPA’s body has been shifted to a nearby hospital.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/566380/mqm-mpa-killed-in-karachi-2/
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Militants kill pro-govt militiamen in Bajaur: Officials
June 21, 2013
KHAR: Militants armed with guns and rockets killed two members of a pro-government militia and wounded two policemen in Bajaur, officials said Friday.
The militant attack came just days after US officials said they hoped to open peace talks with the Afghan Taliban in Doha, capital of the Gulf state of Qatar.
About a dozen insurgents attacked the homes of two tribal elders near Khar, the main town in Bajaur, late Thursday, administration official Abdul Haseeb said.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/566370/militants-kill-pro-govt-militiamen-in-bajaur-officials/
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TTP accepts responsibility for Peshawar convoy attack
ZAHIR SHAH SHERAZI
21 Jun 2013
PESHAWAR: The proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant organisation accepted responsibility on Thursday for the attack on a military convoy on Wednesday in Peshawar in which at least six military personnel had died.
Speaking to Dawn.com from an undisclosed location TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan said that security convoy was attacked in retaliation to the killing of its senior leader Waliur Rehman in a US drone strike on May 29. Ehsan claimed ‘around 80 per cent of intelligence and ground information was being provided by Pakistani authorities to facilitate drone attacks and it is for this reason they will continue targeting security’.
Full report at:
http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019526/ttp-accepts-responsibility-for-peshawar-convoy-attack?view=print
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National flag hoisted in Tirah
21 Jun 2013
LANDI KOTAL: Security forces hoisted on Thursday the national flag at the historic Bagh Markaz in Tirah Valley, marking a wipe-out of militants from their stronghold.
A statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations said that the Bagh-Maidan area was cleared of militants after a successful operation by security forces.
“The task of cleansing Bagh-Maidan from terrorists has been successfully completed and forces have hoisted Pakistani flag atop the historic mosque at Bagh, which is commonly referred to as Bagh Markaz,” said the statement.
Full report at:
http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019582/national-flag-hoisted-in-tirah
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Arab World
Jordan Teens Think ‘Honour Killings’ Justified
21 June 2013
AMMAN: Belief that so-called honour killings are justified is still common among Jordanian teenagers, a Cambridge University study revealed yesterday.
The study by researchers from the university’s Institute of Criminology found that almost half of boys and one in five girls interviewed in the capital, Amman, believe that killing a daughter, sister or wife who has “dishonoured” or shamed the family is justified.
“Researchers surveyed over 850 students, and found that attitudes in support of honor killing are far more likely in adolescent boys with low education backgrounds,” a statement said, adding that the research is published in the criminology journal Aggressive Behaviour.
“Importantly, the study found that these disturbing attitudes were not connected to religious beliefs.”
Between 15 and 20 women die in so-called “honor” murders each year in the Arab kingdom, despite government efforts to curb such crimes.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455692
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Suicide bomber kills three at Iraq vote count
21 Jun 2013
A suicide bomber killed three people at a vote counting centre west of Baghdad after polls closed in provincial elections but did not damage any ballots, officials said on Friday.
At around 9:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday, a militant dressed as a policeman walked into the main vote counting office in Anbar provincial capital Ramadi and blew himself up, security, medical and election officials said.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/74570/World/Region/Suicide-bomber-kills-three-at-Iraq-vote-count.aspx
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Head of Al Azhar University declares protests against Morsi legitimate
New Age Islam News Bureau, June 21, 2013
Cairo: Contrary to what the Islamist and extremist clerics believe and preach, the head of Al Azhar University of Egypt, Dr Ahmad Tayyib has declared protests against Egyptian president Morsi legitimate and said that fatwas that say that those protesting against him are kafirs and apostates are invalid. He said that peaceful opposition of any legal leader is acceptable and lawful under Islam. He criticised the clerics of Egypt who had earlier declared anti-Morsi protesters kafirs and rejected their stand saying their point of view was misleading. The opponents of President Morsi have announced nationwide protests against him on June 30 under Tamarrud (rebellion) campaign. They have demanded President Morsi to leave his post. The opposition has claimed that they were going to organise protests bigger than those organised against former President Hosni Mobarak in 2011. They have announced that they will hold demonstrations against President Morsi in front of his Presidential palace. They are demanding a mid-term election. The pro-Morsi groups have also announced to hold a Million March in front of Mosque Rabia Al Aduyah next Friday in reaction to the proposed protest meetings against Morsi.
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U Turn! Saudi cleric withdraws fatwa on ‘sin city’
June 20th, 2013
A Saudi cleric who had issued a fatwa (religious edict) earlier this week barring travel to Dubai has decided to withdraw his statement.
Sheikh Mohammad al-Shanar issued his fatwa via Twitter last week, stating the spread of “immoralities” in the Emirati city as the reason behind his fatwa.
However, in a statement issued Wednesday, the cleric said: “Following my fatwa, there have been plenty of reactions by many people, including honest scholars who are well-informed of daawa (preaching of Islam).
Full report at:
http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/u-turn-saudi-cleric-withdraws-fatwa-%E2%80%98sin-city%E2%80%99-500758
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Lebanese Shiites in Gulf fear backlash over Hezbollah Syria role
21 June 2013
Lebanese Shiites living in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries fear they may become the target of backlash over Hezbollah’s military support for the Syrian government in the ongoing conflict.
The GCC has recently issued a statement warning that it will take measures against those loyal to the Lebanese Shiite movement, Hezbollah.
“The GCC will take measures against [those] in the GCC countries affiliated with Hezbollah in regards to their residencies as well as their financial and business transactions,” said the statement.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2013/06/21/Lebanese-Shiites-in-Gulf-fear-backlash-over-Hezbollah.html
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Egypt Rebel group launches anti-Mursi mobile game
21 June 2013
Supporters of the Tamarod (Rebel) campaign have created a mobile application to promote its initiative to gather 15 million signatures for a petition to withdraw confidence from Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, the Youm 7 daily reported.
The game, which runs on the Android phone, shows a campaigner running down the street to collect signatures.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/entertainment/2013/06/21/Playing-to-win-Egypt-Rebel-group-launches-anti-Mursi-mobile-game.html
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Egypt values Hosni Mubarak family fortune at $1.2 billion
Jun 21 2013
Cario : Authorities in Egypt have valued the wealth of former dictator Hosni Mubarak, his wife and their two sons at USD 1.2 billion, the state prosecutor said today. It is the first time that an official source has given a figure for the Mubaraks' wealth, the subject of speculation
since a popular uprising in February 2011 toppled the regime. "Reports from the Administrative Surveillance Authority, the Illicit Gains Authority and the Central Accounts Authority (three bodies responsible for monitoring public institutions) proved" the family had nine billion Egyptian pounds, said Mahmud al-Hefnawy, a representative of the state prosecutor.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/egypt-values-hosni-mubarak-family-fortune-at--1.2-billion/1132020/
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Iraq says proxy war over Syria threatens its neutrality
20 Jun 2013
Iraq is being buffeted by both sides in the civil war raging across its border in Syria and Baghdad's official policy of neutrality is at risk as the conflict spirals into a region-wide proxy war, its foreign minister said.
After two years of fighting that has killed more than 93,000 people, Syria's turmoil is dragging its neighbors into a deadly confrontation between Shi'ite Iran supporting President Bashar Al-Assad and Sunni Arab Gulf nations backing Syrian rebels.
In Iraq, there had been a sharp spike in sectarian attacks in Shi'ite and Sunni neighborhoods, putting renewed strain on its own fragile ethnic and confessional make-up, with a Shi'ite majority and disaffected Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/74514/World/Region/Iraq-says-proxy-war-over-Syria-threatens-its-neutr.aspx
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Kiss on the cheek back in the Saudi Eastern Province as deadly respiratory disease panic fades
21 June 2013
People in the Eastern Province have again started greeting friends with the traditional kiss on the cheek, and face masks in public are becoming rarer, as panic subsides over the outbreak of a deadly respiratory disease that hit the country last year.
“We continue to kiss each other when we meet relatives and friends, and we organize evenings without wearing masks or taking any precautionary measures,” said Badr Abdullah, as he bought groceries at a shopping centre in Hofouf, the main city in Al-Ahsa. “At the beginning, panic hit us. But now, the situation is back to normal,” Abdullah said.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455713
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Rebels seek arms, no-fly zone from ‘Friends of Syria’
20 June 2013
DUBAI: Rebel fighters appealed on Thursday to the “Friends of Syria” group which is to meet this weekend to provide them with heavy weapons so they can protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster.
Free Syrian Army spokesman Louay Meqdad also urged Western and Arab ministers who are to meet in Doha on Saturday to impose a no-fly zone over opposition-held areas of the war-torn country.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455614
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India
Madrasas to launch campaign to save water
New Age Islam News Bureau, June 21, 2013
Agra (India): Madrasas in the famous city of Agra have started the campaign to save water at a time when underground water level is said to be alarmingly low. Though they have no course material or book for this purpose, their aim is to make the madrasa students aware of the importance of water conservation. They will hold special classes for this purpose where the madrasa teachers will use charts and posters to make students realise the significance of every drop of water. Of course, they will also use references from the Quran and hadith to stress on the importance of conservation of water and its judicious use. Rain water harvesting system will also be set up in madrasas in the region to preserve rain water. According to statistics available, about 5500 students study in 170 madrasas in the area where they receive education in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and the Quran.
Recently, a meeting of the Ulema of Katra Neel in Agra was held in which apart from the social problems, the low level of ground water was also discussed. Ulema were of the view that if children were taught the importance of water conservation it will yield good results in future as 15 blocks of Agra have been declared ‘Deep Zones’. There is a severe scarcity of water in summer in the block. In this situation, water can be saved by creating awareness among the children and each one can save two to six litre of water every day. But many people are careless. The mufti of the city Abdul Habib Roomi said that the next generation should be made to change their attitude towards wasting water. Maulana Arshadul Rahman said that only formulating laws for saving water will not help but we should make ourselves and others aware of this issue. Maulana Masrur Qazi said that the effort of the madrasas in saving water will also inspire other communities to come forward.
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Journalist Ashish Khetan Writes to CJ of Allahabad High Court, Questions the Detention of Muslim Youth under Terror Charges
New Age Islam News Bureau, June 21, 2013
New Delhi: Senior investigative journalist Ashish Khetan has reportedly written a letter to the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court and raised some questions on the detention and arrest of Muslim youth under terror charges. Mr Khetan has in his reports proved that Muslim youth have been framed in terror cases in a planned way. Earlier, he not only questioned the arrest of Muslim youth and chargesheets against them in German Bakery blast case but also has filed a writ petition in Mumbai High Court requesting a re-investigation of the case. According to him, the ATS showed haste in arresting Muslim youth and arrested them without any solid evidence against them ignoring the requirements of justice.
While working with Tehelka, Ashish Khetan had carried out a sting operation into the Naroda Patia, Gulbarg Society and Best Bakery massacres during the Gujarat pogrom in 2002 and had exposed the real culprits. It was on the basis of his report that the Supreme Court had set up a judicial commission leading to the conviction of Babu Lal Bajrangi and Maya Kodnani. Though he is not associated with the Tehelka now, he has continued with his mission of exposing falsehood and injustice through his website Gulail. Presently, he is investigating the cases of Muslim youth arrested in terror cases during the last ten years. Recently, he has presented his investigative report on seven bomb blasts between 2005 and 2008 to the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court. He has also requested the honourable Chief Justice to intervene in the cases of the arrested Muslim youth in various terrorism cases in UP because, according to him, the behaviour of the police towards these accused has been partisan. Mr Khetan has carried out an independent investigation into these cases and tried to find out if the Muslim youth lodged in various jails in UP are really terrorists or innocent. During his investigation, Mr Khetan has claimed that mostly Muslim youth belonging to poor Muslim families have been arrested under terror charges.
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US-Taliban peace talks: Pakistan's political fortunes set to revive, India concerned
Indrani Bagchi, TNN | Jun 20, 2013
NEW DELHI: A prospective Afghan political deal crafted by Kerry and Kayani threatens to sink Karzai. As the Taliban set up an office in Doha to start peace talks with the US dressed up in their old flag and named the Islamic emirate of Afghanistan, in one fell swoop, the gesture has marginalized Hamid Karzai, presaged a future Taliban role in the Afghan government and revived Pakistan's political fortunes with the US.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-Taliban-peace-talks-Pakistans-political-fortunes-set-to-revive-India-concerned/articleshow/20686702.cms
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Hurriyat proposes Indo-Pak summit on Kashmir
June 20, 2013
Terming the protracted Kashmir-issue as a "political" one, the moderate Hurriyat Conference on Thursday proposed an Indo-Pak summit on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to address the issue in the larger interest of friendship, peace and prosperity in the region.
"We propose an Indo-Pak summit wherein the leadership of the two countries along with Kashmiris can sit together to move forward and address the Kashmir (problem)," Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said addressing a seminar at Amalgam headquarters in Srinagar.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/Hurriyat-proposes-Indo-Pak-summit-on-Kashmir/Article1-1079630.aspx
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CBI looking into allegations of Modi hand in 2003 encounter
TNN | Jun 21, 2013
AHMEDABAD: The CBI has for the first time submitted before a court that it is investigating "relevant points" of the allegations about the role allegedly played by chief minister Narendra Modi, former minister Amit Shah and top IB police officer Rajinder Kumar in the Sadiq Jamal Mehtar fake encounter case.
Sadiq was killed near Galaxy cinema in Naroda in January 2003. After the encounter, the city crime branch had dubbed him a terrorist out on a mission to kill Modi and other saffron leaders to avenge the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBI-looking-into-allegations-of-Modi-hand-in-2003-encounter/articleshow/20691474.cms
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Need to isolate syndicate of terrorism in Afghanistan: India
PTI | Jun 21, 2013
UNITED NATIONS: India has called for concerted actions to root out syndicates of terrorism, including al-Qaida, Taliban and LeT from Afghanistan, noting that security situation remains fragile in the war-torn country.
During a special briefing on Afghanistan, deputy ambassador to the UN Manjeev Puri said the security situation in Afghanistan remains fragile as demonstrated by a number of high-profile terrorist attacks over the last two months.
"We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and convey our condolences to the government and people of Afghanistan," he said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Need-to-isolate-syndicate-of-terrorism-in-Afghanistan-India/articleshow/20695234.cms
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Shias of Lucknow write letter of condemnation to Pak PM on Shia killings in Pakistan
New Age Islam News Bureau, June 21, 2013
Lucknow: The All India Shia Hussaini Fund has written a letter to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressing Shia feeling of grief and anguish at the killings of Shias in Pakistan. General Secreatary of Shia Hussaini Fund, Syed Hasan Mehdi expressed concern on the fact that the target killings of Shias continued even after Nawaz Sharif’s government came to power. He further said that the situation has now come to such a passé that even hospitals, schools and funeral processions are not spared. The Hussaini Fund has demanded that the Pakistan government should protect the life and property of the Shias and other minorities of Pakistan. The copies of the letter have also been sent to the Prime Minister of India and the ambassador of Pakistan in India.
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India, Pak should take steps to remove non-tariff barriers: Indian High Commissioner
21 Jun 2013
India and Pakistan should take more steps to remove non-tariff barriers that have been an impediment to bilateral trade, outgoing Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal said.
“The Pakistan-India Joint Business Council meeting by the end of this month is likely to come up with more concrete proposals to expedite trade between the two countries”, Mr. Sabharwal said during a farewell meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/india-pak-should-take-steps-to-remove-nontariff-barriers-sabharwal/article4832996.ece
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Peaceful Iraq calls for greater business cooperation with India
Jun 20 2013
Baghdad : India and Iraq today agreed to revive bilateral ties and intensify cooperation by taking the relations beyond that of a buyer and seller, with Baghdad inviting New Delhi to invest more in the oil-rich Arab country, scarred by years of conflict. Allaying India's concern on the security situation in the country, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said "there are many places in the country which are peaceful and stable. We invite Indian companies to invest in such areas, like Southern Iraq".
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/peaceful-iraq-calls-for-greater-business-cooperation-with-india/1131707/
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Ishrat case: CBI to include crucial recorded conversation in charge sheet
DEVESH K. PANDEY
21 Jun 2013
Conversation relates to 2011 meeting to discuss ways to save police officers
The contents of a clandestinely recorded conversation to strategise ways to save the police officers whose names figured in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case would find a mention in the charge sheet to be filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation by July 4.
The conversation took place at a meeting purportedly chaired by the then Gujarat Minister of State for Home in November 2011.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ishrat-case-cbi-to-include-crucial-recorded-conversation-in-charge-sheet/article4834672.ece
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Visiting Indian leader urges KTT, Jeddah to build educational institutions
21 June 2013
The Jeddah-based Khak-e-Taiba Trust (KTT) honoured visiting Indian leader and member of the Congress Party Mohammed Khaleeq ur Rahman at its headquarters recently.
Rahman, who was on a month-long tour to the Kingdom, emphasized the need to build a knowledge-based institutional empire to serve the community at large.
“KTT is not new to me, I have been associated with it for a long time. I know its activities, and I consider the trust as the best forum to impart quality education to the deprived section of the society,” he said.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455697
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India, Pak should take steps to remove non-tariff barriers: Indian High Commissioner
India and Pakistan should take more steps to remove non-tariff barriers that have been an impediment to bilateral trade, outgoing Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal said.
“The Pakistan-India Joint Business Council meeting by the end of this month is likely to come up with more concrete proposals to expedite trade between the two countries”, Mr. Sabharwal said during a farewell meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/india-pak-should-take-steps-to-remove-nontariff-barriers-sabharwal/article4832996.ece
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South Asia
Taliban negotiator says possible ceasefire on the cards
Jun 20 2013
Islamabad : A key Afghan Taliban negotiator has said a ceasefire may be on the agenda during talks with the United States in the Qatari capital of Doha, where the militants have opened a political office.
Muhammad Naeem, who heads the Taliban's political office, said issues like a ceasefire could be discussed after the formal talks get underway.
"Ceasefire could be discussed during the talks," he said.
He indicated a major shift in the group's policy by hinting at possible talks with the government-backed Afghan High Peace Council.
"Our Qatar office is a second home for Afghans and we will listen to every Afghan. Every Afghan will be welcomed in our office," Naeem said when he was asked if the Taliban were willing to negotiate with the High Peace Council.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/taliban-negotiator-says-possible-ceasefire-on-the-cards/1131632/
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Taliban Talks Could Depend on Detainees
By CHARLIE SAVAGE
2013/06/21/
WASHINGTON — Two were senior Taliban commanders said to be implicated in murdering thousands of Shiites in Afghanistan. When asked about the alleged war crimes by an interrogator, they “did not express any regret and stated they did what they needed to do in their struggle to establish their ideal state,” according to their interrogators.
There is also a former deputy director of Taliban intelligence, a former senior Taliban official said to have “strong operational ties” to various extremist militias, and a former Taliban minister accused of having sought help from Iran in attacking American forces.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/world/asia/taliban-talks-could-depend-on-detainees.html
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Appeal for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mollah’s death: 7 amicus curiae appointed
21 Jun 2013
The Supreme Court on Thursday appointed seven senior lawyers as amicus curiae (friend of court) for legal opinions on whether the government’s appeal seeking death penalty for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah for his crimes against humanity is tenable or not.
The amicus curiae are: TH Khan, Mahmudul Islam, Rafique-ul Huq, M Amir-Ul Islam, Rokanuddin Mahmud, AF Hasan Ariff and Ajmalul Hossain, according to Deputy Attorney General Ekramul Haque Tutul.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/appeal-for-mollahs-death-7-amici-curiae-appointed/
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Afghan peace bid stumbles on protocol row
June 21, 2013
A fresh effort to end Afghanistan's 12-year-old war looked in trouble today after a diplomatic spat about the Taliban's new Qatar office delayed preliminary discussions between the United States and the Islamist insurgents.
A meeting between US officials and representatives of the Taliban had been set for Thursday in Qatar but Afghan government anger at the fanfare surrounding the opening of a Taliban office in the Gulf state threw preparations into confusion.
Full report at:
and lay on the ground today, although it appeared still attached to a flagpole.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/afghanistan/Afghan-peace-bid-stumbles-on-protocol-row/Article1-1079861.aspx
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Gayoom and his legacy – the major obstacle to consolidating Maldives democracy
By Ahmed Hamdhan | June 20th, 2013
The Maldives’ first multi-party presidential elections of 2008 ended Gayoom’s thirty year dictatorship and adopted democratic rule.
But, like many other nascent democracies, the threat exists that Maldives may not be able to sustain its democracy in its fullest sense.
This is especially true after the coup orchestrated by the Maldivian security forces that ousted the first democratically elected President in February 2012. Added to this is the political activeness of dictator Gayoom, which in itself tends to heighten the prospect of Maldives falling back to a dictatorship.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/comment-gayoom-and-his-legacy-%E2%80%93-the-major-obstacle-to-consolidating-maldives-democracy-59929
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19 Jamaat-Shibir men charge sheeted
21 Jun 2013
Police on Wednesday submitted charge sheet against 19 local Jamaat-Shibir men in the case for attack on police.
The charge sheeted accused are Jamaat town unit assistant secretary Abdul Hakim, Shahabuddin, Ahsan Shakil, Nasim, Atiqur, Ashraful, Yeasin, Faruque, Al-Amin, Raki, Sufian, Belal, Hedayetullah, Imran, Abedur Shohel, Mohtasir Billah, Hasan, Ruhul and Rafiqul.
On June 9, district Jamaat-Shibir men brought out a procession in the town, protesting conviction of their three central leaders by International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). They also blasted 20 cocktails in Sutrapur area.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/19-jamaat-shibir-men-charge-sheeted/
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Myanmar monk lashes out at Time magazine
June 21, 2013
A monk accused of inciting violence against Myanmar's minority Muslim community is lashing back at Time magazine after seeing his image splashed across the cover with the words "Face of Buddhist Terror." Wirathu told the daily newspaper, The Messenger, on Friday his reputation would not be tarnished by the "biased" story.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/myanmar/Myanmar-monk-lashes-out-at-Time-magazine/Article1-1080093.aspx
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Extremism Rises Among Myanmar Buddhists
By THOMAS FULLER
2013/06/21
TAUNGGYI, Myanmar — After a ritual prayer atoning for past sins, Ashin Wirathu, a Buddhist monk with a rock-star following in Myanmar, sat before an overflowing crowd of thousands of devotees and launched into a rant against what he called “the enemy” — the country’s Muslim minority.
“You can be full of kindness and love, but you cannot sleep next to a mad dog,” Ashin Wirathu said, referring to Muslims.
“I call them troublemakers, because they are troublemakers,” Ashin Wirathu told a reporter after his two-hour sermon. “I am proud to be called a radical Buddhist.”
The world has grown accustomed to a gentle image of Buddhism defined by the self-effacing words of the Dalai Lama, the global popularity of Buddhist-inspired meditation and postcard-perfect scenes from Southeast Asia and beyond of crimson-robed, barefoot monks receiving alms from villagers at dawn.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/world/asia/extremism-rises-among-myanmar-buddhists-wary-of-muslim-minority.html?_r=0
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Southeast Asia
Beleaguered Indonesian Shiites Banished following pressure from Sunni clerics
Authorities' moved to evict the community from its refuge following pressure from Sunni clerics
By Amir Tejo, Camelia Pasandaran, Arientha Primanita & Ezra Sihite
June 21, 2013.
Surabaya/Jakarta. The bedraggled group of 162 men, women and children had since August last year been forced to live in squalor in a sports centre that was meant to be their temporary refuge, after a mob drove them out of their home village in Sampang district on Madura Island.
If they thought they had scraped the bottom of the barrel, they were proven wrong on Thursday when the authorities, also backed by a mob, once again ordered them relocated, this time to a market in Sidoarjo, on the East Java mainland.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/beleaguered-shiites-banished-once-again-2/
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Manila summons envoys in Mideast over Sexual abuse scandal of stranded women
21 June 2013
Allegations about some Philippine diplomats in the Middle East sexually exploiting their stranded women compatriots have provoked indignation among overseas Filipinos.
Many of them are urging lawmakers in Manila to expand their probe, saying that the alleged scandal is much wider than the picture drawn by Rep. Walden Bello in his exposé on Wednesday.
Bello named at least three diplomats in Jordan, Syria and Kuwait who were allegedly soliciting sexual favours from stranded Filipino women in exchange for a flight home, or were using the women for prostitution.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455718
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Religious teachers at rehab centre get higher jail terms for inmate’s death
BY RITA JONG
JUNE 21, 2013
Two religious teachers from the Muslim Welfare Organisation saw their 15 years' jail terms increase by 5 years, at the Shah Alam High Court today.
Mohammed Azizi Mohd Vello, 30, and Mohd Shuhaidi Mohamad, 31, had beaten and punched Megat Mohd Amirul Adha Sobri, to death for trying to escape from the rehabilitation centre.
The two teachers, who were supervisors at the centre, had also forced 60 other inmates to assault 22-year-old Megat, who was lying on the floor with his hands and legs tied. He was assaulted for about two hours.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/two-religious-teachers-slapped-with-higher-jail-terms/
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HIV Awareness Growing in Papua
June 21, 2013.
Efforts to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Indonesian provinces of Papua, which has among the country’s highest rates of infection, and West Papua are making steady though slow progress, say aid workers and government officials.
“People there believed that HIV/AIDS was a curse from God, but that’s no longer the general perception,” Setyo Warsono, a spokesman for the government’s National AIDS Commission (KPA), told IRIN.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/hiv-awareness-growing-in-papua-2/
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Drug Abuse Jeopardizes Indonesian Youth
By SP/Fana FS Putra
June 21, 2013
An official from the government’s anti-drugs agency says drug smuggling and abuse is putting the nation’s future in jeopardy as narcotics remain prevalent among Indonesia’s youth.
According to data from 2011 research by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), 2.2 percent of Indonesians, about 4 million people, consumed drugs and a 22 percent of this number, about 880,000 people, were school or university students.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/drug-abuse-jeopardizes-indonesian-youth/
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Call for RCI into ‘Red Bean Army’
BY KIMBERLY YEO
JUNE 21, 2013
There is a call to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the band of cybertroopers who call themselves the Red Bean Army (RBA), which has been allegedly causing disharmony among Malaysians.
Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) secretary Datuk Nadzim Johan said an RCI would establish who was behind the RBA.
"Based on our information, the RBA has been slandering the government since 2008.
"We want to know who is behind the RBA, who is funding them," he said.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/call-for-rci-into-red-bean-army/
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Europe
Palestinian children tortured, used as shields by Israel: UN
REUTERS
21 Jun 2013
GENEVA/JERUSALEM: A United Nations human rights body accused Israeli forces on Thursday of mistreating Palestinian children, including by torturing those in custody and using others as human shields.
Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 war, are routinely denied registration of their birth and access to health care, decent schools and clean water, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said.
“Palestinian children arrested by (Israeli) military and police are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture, are interrogated in Hebrew, a language they did not understand, and sign confessions in Hebrew in order to be released,” it said in a report.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1019543/palestinian-children-tortured-used-as-shields-by-israel-un
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Abu Qatada treaty ratified by UK Parliament
2013/06/21/
The treaty agreed between Britain and Jordan, which is intended to pave the way for the deportation of Abu Qatada, has been signed into law in the UK.
The treaty will not come into force until other administrative formalities are completed.
The document must also be published in an official newspaper in Jordan and there must be an exchange of diplomatic letters between the two countries.
The treaty could then lead to the deportation of Abu Qatada next week.
The cleric has already indicated he will not challenge deportation if the treaty is passed because the document guarantees him a fair trial.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23000847
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One woman in three a victim of domestic violence, Asia and the Middle East most-affected: WHO
21 Jun 2013
GENEVA: More than one woman in three around the globe is a victim of domestic violence, with those in Asia and the Middle East most-affected by the scourge, the World Health Organisation said Thursday.
In what it billed as the first-ever systematic study of global data on the prevalence of violence against women and its health impact, the UN agency said 30 per cent worldwide faced such abuse at the hands of their partners.
“These to me are shocking statistics,” said Flavia Bustreo, head of the WHO's family, women's and children's health division.
“It's also shocking that this phenomenon cuts across the entire world,” she told reporters.
The WHO blamed taboos that prevent victims from coming forward, failings in medical and justice systems, and norms that mean men and women may see violence as acceptable.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1019544/one-woman-in-three-a-victim-of-domestic-violence-who
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Spain arrests 'Syria jihadist suspects' in Ceuta
AP | Jun 21, 2013
MADRID: Spanish police say they have arrested eight people suspected of recruiting jihadist militants for al-Qaida-linked groups in Syria.
The interior ministry said the arrests were made early Friday in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which is located on the northwest African coast, surrounded by Morocco on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Spain-police-arrest-8-with-suspected-links-to-al-Qaida/articleshow/20697424.cms
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Russia throws its weight behind Karzai
ATUL ANEJA
21 Jun 2013
Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai’s refusal to participate in peace talks with Taliban on grounds of contested sovereignty has led to an indefinite postponement of the dialogue in Doha that the Americans were keen to steer.
Itar-Tass news agency quoting sources close to the negotiating process reported the postponement of the talks. The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday that the visit to Qatar by the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins has been delayed.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/russia-throws-its-weight-behind-karzai/article4834504.ece
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U.K. court orders sanctions against Iranian bank lifted
HASAN SUROOR
21 Jun 2013
An Iranian bank whose British assets had been frozen for allegedly financing Iran’s controversial nuclear programme has won a significant legal victory with the Supreme Court ordering the government to lift the sanctions against it.
Tehran-based Bank Mellat, one of Iran’s largest private banks, had been fighting to have the sanctions lifted since 2009, denying any links with the nuclear programme.
In a strongly-worded verdict, likely to force the Treasury to review its sanctions regime, the court said singling out Bank Mellat was irrational and disproportionate.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/uk-court-orders-sanctions-against-iranian-bank-lifted/article4834506.ece
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UNHCR lauds KSA for aid to refugees
21 June 2013
The regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) yesterday organized a photo exhibition focusing on the Kingdom’s support for the UNHCR’s efforts to help refugees and the displaced people across the world.
The event marking World Refugees Day was held at the Kingdom Commercial Center in Riyadh and entitled “Family.”
It gave an insight into the humanitarian activities of the Kingdom, other Gulf countries and UNHCR. The relief assistance included shelters, food and medical care for refugees and the displaced. The event also described in pictures the plight of refugees in the Arab and Muslim world, particularly the situation in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Mali and Myanmar.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455709
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North America
US says Taliban office in Qatar must not be seen as embassy
21 Jun 2013
The United States said Thursday that the new Taliban office in Qatar must not be treated as an embassy, as it expressed relief that the nameplate on the office has been changed.
The Taliban's "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" nameplate on the office in Doha reportedly has been at the center of a battle between President Hamid Karzai and the United States over US contacts with the Afghan militant group.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/74554/World/International/US-says-Taliban-office-in-Qatar-must-not-be-seen-a.aspx
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US does not rule out talks on Taliban prisoner swap
AFP
21 Jun 2013
WASHINGTON: The United States is not ruling out discussions with the Taliban on a prisoner swap as it works to bring home the only US soldier held captive by the militants, a US official said Thursday.
As Washington works to schedule talks with the Taliban, there is a recognition that the Islamist militia will likely want to discuss the release of senior operatives held in the US military jail in Guantanamo Bay.
“We have not made a decision to transfer any Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay, though we anticipate, as I've said, that the Taliban will all raise this issue,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
Full report at:
http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019547/us-does-not-rule-out-talks-on-taliban-prisoner-swap
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Return of Taliban: Kissa Kerry-Karzai-Kayani Ka
Chidanand Rajghatta, TNN | Jun 20, 2013
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry scrambled to save a Washington-Islamabad sponsored deal to bring Taliban to the negotiating table -- and a suspected backdoor entry to Kabul -- after Afghan President Hamid Karzai threw a blue fit over the prospect of being dumped in the process.
Kerry twice called Karzai over the past 48 hours to mollify him after a huffy Afghan President spiked talks on a bilateral security deal with the US in response to the perceived American betrayal. US officials went into contortions to explain how Taliban came to arrogate for itself a leadership role for all of Afghanistan, calling itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan during the opening of what was meant to be a political office n Doha, Qatar to enable exchanges with US and Afghan officials. Instead, Taliban representatives unfurled a flag and a banner at the event and insinuated themselves as a government-in-exile, enraging Karzai.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Return-of-Taliban-Kissa-Kerry-Karzai-Kayani-Ka/articleshow/20686305.cms
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Kerry’s overseas trip starts with tough Syrian, Afghan issues
21 June 2013
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry begins an overseas trip by plunging into two tough foreign policy problems facing the Obama administration: unrelenting bloodshed in Syria and efforts to talk to the Taliban and find a political resolution to the war in Afghanistan.
Midway through his two-week trip to at least seven countries, Kerry also will try to gain traction on an elusive peace accord between Israel and the Palestinians and will visit India, the world’s biggest democracy and a rising power often viewed as a counterweight to China. He ends his trip attending a Southeast Asia security conference in Brunei.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/21/Kerry-s-overseas-trip-starts-with-tough-Syrian-Afghan-issues.html
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Mideast
Hamas passes law against co-ed education, leaving Christian schools in Gaza to fear closure
June 21st, 2013
A new law passed by the Hamas government in Gaza banning co-ed schools has left many Christians fearful that their schools are in danger of closure.
The new law, which mandates gender segregation in all schools, also bans men from teaching at girls’ schools. The law will likely force Christian educational institutions to close their doors to Muslim and Christian students alike.
Samer Badra, financial director of the Patriarchate Schools in Palestine, told Al-Akhbar, “Implementing the new education law will force Gaza’s Christian institutions to build new facilities and hire new employees to comply with the articles. That is something that the modest budget of our church-affiliated non-profit educational institutions can not afford.”
Badra stressed that the idea of gender segregation goes against the Patriarchate’s mission to teach students to co-exist and respect the opposite sex.
Full report at:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/hamas-passes-law-against-co-ed-education-leaving-christian-schools-gaza-fear-closure-501019
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Iran’s UN envoy denounces attacks against Afghan civilians
Jun 21, 2013
The Islamic Republic of Iran has condemned, and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan Thursday, Iran’s Ambassador to the world body Gholam-Hossein Dehqani expressed regret over the rising number of casualties in Afghanistan.
Part of the casualties is the result of operations carried out by US-led forces, he said, adding that Iran decries and demands an end to strikes against Afghan civilians under any pretext and by any party.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/06/21/310103/iran-slams-urges-end-to-raids-on-afghans/
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Iran to decide on attending Geneva II after details emerge: Araqchi
Jun 21, 2013
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Araqchi says Tehran will decide on its presence in the Geneva II conference on Syria after the details of the event are announced.
“After the plans, date and agenda of the international Geneva conference on Syria are established, the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide about participating in it,” Araqchi said on Friday.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/06/21/310120/iran-awaits-geneva-details-for-decision/
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Gaza ‘collaborator’ sentenced to death, says Hamas
20 June 2013
A Palestinian found guilty of “collaborating” with Israel has been sentenced to death by a military court in the Gaza Strip, the interior ministry of Hamas, which controls the territory, said on Thursday.
The defendant, identified only by his initials KC, was “condemned to capital punishment by hanging for collaborating with the Zionist occupier,” ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan announced on Facebook.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/20/Gaza-collaborator-sentenced-to-death-says-Hamas-.html
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India has desire for success, says Israel ambassador
June 21, 2013
Attributing the immense scope for innovation in India to its hunger for success, Israel's ambassador to India said the nuclear engine of 'lets do better' is pristine. Addressing students at the Management Development Institute (MDI) in Gurgaon on Thursday, Alon Ushpiz said the desire for success is common across groups and at the individual level in India.
The ambassador was the key note speaker on 'Creativity and Innovation: Learnings from Israel' during the induction of post-graduate students at the reputed business school.
Spread across one hour, his speech revolved around how scarcity gives rise to necessity, which eventually leads to innovation.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/gurgaon/India-has-desire-for-success-says--Israel-ambassador/Article1-1079938.aspx
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Israeli killed by guard at Jewish holy site in Jerusalem
2013/06/21/
(Reuters) - A security guard shot and killed a Jewish Israeli man on Friday at one of Judaism's holiest sites in Jerusalem, the Western Wall, which was immediately shut to visitors, police said.
The guard opened fire after the man, in an adjacent restroom, was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar," Arabic for "God is greatest", police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
Rosenfeld said the guard opened fire with his pistol because he suspected the man was a Palestinian militant. The victim turned out to be an Israeli Jew in his 40s.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/21/us-israel-shooting-idUSBRE95K06P20130621
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Islamic banks’ share set to rise in Turkey
21 June 2013
The participation banks’ share in the Turkish banking system, at 5 percent, is below expectations, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan said yesterday, as a participation bank Albaraka looks to found an Islamic insurance company if the legal basis is formed in the country.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/islamic-banks-share-set-to-rise-in-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=49187&NewsCatID=346
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Africa
Gaddafi interpreter says Libya funded Sarkozy campaign
2013/06/21/
Muammar Gaddafi's interpreter has said Libya helped finance Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign in France - an allegation Mr Sarkozy denies.
Moftah Missouri said Gaddafi had told him personally that $20m (£13m; 15m euros) were donated to the campaign.
The allegations against Mr Sarkozy, first made by one of Gaddafi's sons, are already being investigated.
However Mr Missouri was quoted by a French newspaper last year, saying he had been unaware of any such payments.
Le Figaro, a conservative daily, interviewed the former interpreter when he visited Paris in April 2012.
In the new interview, Mr Missouri said: "Gaddafi himself told me personally, verbally, that Libya had transferred about $20m."
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22993739
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Detention of foreign nationals held in Libya a "stain" on the government's post-Qadhafi record
June 21st, 2013
The treatment of foreign nationals held in Libyan holding centres is a "stain" on the government's post-Qadhafi record, Amnesty International said Thursday.
AI in a Thursday report said it visited holding centres in Libya housing "thousands" of foreign nationals, which the organization said were detained "solely for immigration purposes."
The report said most of the refugees were held without access to medical care or were otherwise subjected to ill-treatment or torture.
Full report at:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/foreign-nationals-held-libyan-holding-centers-tarnishes-reputation-post-gadhafi-libya-501024
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Darfur displaced in ‘terrible’ conditions
21 Jun 2013
KHARTOUM — Newly-displaced people in Sudan’s South Darfur are living in “terrible” conditions and need help to avoid a humanitarian disaster, a United Nations expert said on Thursday.
Mashood Baderin, the UN’s independent expert on human rights in Sudan, visited South Darfur’s Otash camp during his latest mission to the country.
“The difficult conditions facing people in the camp, especially women and children, was terrible,” he told a news conference in Khartoum.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130621170621
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African refugees face dilemma in Morocco
21 June 2013
Thousands of migrants living in Morocco, including hundreds of refugees who fled wars in Africa, face a bleak dilemma — whether to settle in this transit country with scant opportunities or brave the perilous journey to Europe.
“We do not know what to expect in the future,” says Blessing, a 13-year-old Congolese girl, at a refugee center in Rabat.
Morocco was hosting up to 25,000 sub-Saharan migrants at the end of 2012, the vast majority of whom at least initially were hoping to make it to Spain, non-governmental organizations say.
Gradually, however, the north African country is turning into a permanent home for these immigrants.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/455637
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