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| April 16, 2006 | Sunday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 17, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners: PM ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners and the visit of Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud will further consolidate the unique relationship and bolster collaboration in all areas including economy, trade and investment, defense, security and education. He was talking to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the Prime Minister House. The two leaders held a one on one meeting for thirty minutes and were later joined by members of Saudi and Pakistani delegations comprising federal ministers and senior officials. The two leaders discussed the avenues available for the expansion of bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments and issues concerning Ummah. Prime Minister Aziz said, "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound in religious, emotional, historical and cultural ties." The visit of Saudi Crown Prince will impart further depth to the strategic relationship enjoyed by the two countries, he added. He emphasized the need to promote interfaith, inter civilization dialogue to ensure better understanding between the Islamic World and the West. Observing that Islam, which is a religion of peace, brotherhood and compassion and teaches moderation and tolerance, the Prime Minister said it is misunderstood in many parts of the world. He said Muslims need to work harder to project Islam in its true perspective.(Posted @ 22:00 PST)
Saudi Crown Prince leaves after two days visit ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP): Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud left here Sunday after two days visit of Pakistan. The Saudi Crown Prince was given a warm send-off at Islamabad International Airport, as he was seen off by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Defence Minister, Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Services Chiefs and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.(Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Culprits behind Nishtar Park tragedy to be caught: President KARACHI, April 16 (APP)- President General Pervez Musharraf while expressing deep sorrow and grief over the Nishtar Park tragedy Sunday said that a high level probe is underway and those behind the dastardly act will be apprehended and awarded stern punishment. Addressing the ulema here at the Chief Minister House he said he had been personally pained that the ugly incident took place on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un- Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him). A high level enquiry is underway to apprehend the culprits behind this suicidal attack, he said. President Pervez Musharraf said Islam does not permit sectarianism and extremism. Islam teaches that killing of an individual is the murder of entire humanity, he said and our religion also teaches tolerance, amity and brotherhood. Referring to the strike calls he said they affect the country's economy and the poor. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf said government is endeavouring to attract investment, but such incidents create hurdles. The President expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the Nishtar Park tragedy and said he had especially flown into Karachi from Islamabad. President Musharraf said he is a true Muslim and does not believe in dissensions and added that we will have to shun such an approach. The President asked the Ulema to play their role in rooting out extremism. Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul- Ebad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Sindh Minister for Religious Affairs Manzoor Panhwar, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Dr. Aamir Liaquat, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Director General Rangers Sindh Major Gen. Javed Zia, Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Jehangir Mirza and Ulema including Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Haji Muhammad Hanif Tayyab, Shahid Ghauri, Maulana Kaukab Noorani, Shah Turab-ul- Haq were also present on the occasion.(Posted @ 23:25 PST)
Explosion in Istanbul suburb injures around 30 ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) _ An explosion that police suspected was caused by a bomb blast in an Istanbul suburb injured some 30 people Sunday, police said. Police said they suspected the blast was caused by a percussion grenade, a type of explosive that usually makes a loud noise but causes limited damage. The Anatolia news agency reported, however, that one of the injured was in serious condition, and that the windows of nearby businesses were shattered by the force of the explosion. Anatolia said the bomb was left in a trash container. Istabul's chief of police was investigating the blast site, and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital, Anatolia said. Kurdish militants have left bombs in Istanbul and threatened more attacks after widespread recent rioting in Turkey's Kurdish-populated southeast.(Posted @ 23:19 PST)
Prince Sultan plants sapling at Shakarparian ISLAMABAD, Apr 16 (APP): Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud planted a sapling here at Shakarparian on Sunday. Various head of states and governments had so far planted 102 saplings during their visits to federal capital. Accompanied by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud planted a "Pinus Roxburghii" sapling, popularly known as Pine. Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud was received at Shakarparian by Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao and Chairman Capital Development Authority, Kamran Lashari. The CDA Chairman briefed the Prince about the development plan of the federal capital.(Posted @ 23:16 PST)
Top Hamas MP arrested in Jerusalem JERUSALEM, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - The newly elected parliamentary deputy Mohammed Abu Teir was among seven Hamas members arrested by Israeli police in annexed east Jerusalem on Sunday, security sources said. Abu Teir, who was the number two candidate on Hamas's list in January's parliamentary election, was detained one day after police issued a prohibition order against a planned rally by the radical Islamist movement in the city's Zur Bakher neighbourhood.(Posted @ 22:55 PST)
U.S. military reports death of three Marines in Anbar province BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) _ Three U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team Five died due to enemy action in Anbar province west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Sunday. The Marines, whose names were not released pending notification of family members, died on Saturday, a statement said. No more details were provided.(Posted @ 22:52 PST)
Seven construction workers shot dead in northern Iraq MOSUL, Iraq, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - Gunmen shot dead seven construction workers and wounded three others in the restive northern Iraqi city of Mosul Sunday evening, police said. "They had finished working on a damaged police station and were traveling home in their car when they were ambushed by gunmen and shot dead," a police officer said.(Posted @ 22:50 PST)
15 people kidnapped from two Baghdad businesses BAGHDAD, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - Gunmen, some dressed in police uniforms and driving police cars, kidnapped 15 employees from two Baghdad businesses Sunday afternoon, security sources said. At 4 pm (1200 GMT), assailants, dressed in police uniforms and driving police cars, barged into the Al-Warka investment firm in the upscale eastern Baghdad district of Zayuna and took away 12 employees, a security source said.(Posted @ 22:18 PST)
Iraqi gunmen open fire on bus, killing five BAQUBA, Iraq, April 16 (Reuters) - Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying civilians north of Baghdad on Sunday, killing five and wounding four, police said. The attack took place in the volatile town of Baquba, some 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad. Ethnically mixed Baquba has been hit several times by sectarian violence. There was no immediate word on why the gunmen opened fire on the bus.(Posted @ 22:16 PST)
Iraqi gunmen kill seven in Mosul - police MOSUL, Iraq, April 16 (Reuters) - Gunmen killed seven labourers working in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, police said. A police official said he suspected they were killed because they worked for the police department.(Posted @ 22:14 PST)
Iran announces US$50 million aid to Palestinians TEHRAN, Iran (AP) _ Iran on Sunday said it would give the Palestinian authority US$50 million (euro41.34 million) in aid, state-run television reported. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki announced the aid package during a conference held in Tehran in support of the Palestinians. The promise of funds comes a few days after the United States and Europe announced they were cutting aid to the government led by the Islamic Hamas. Mottaki said the decision was made based on Iran's firm and long-standing policy of supporting the Palestinians, the broadcast said. ``Cutting the West's financial aid to Palestine would not affect the will of the Palestinian people,'' he was quoted as saying. This was the first time that Iran has specified a figure in aid to the Palestinians. In the past, it has said that it would give the Palestinian authority funds to compensate for the lack of funding from the West.(Posted @ 22:05 PST)
Seven Afghan civilians killed in battle KABUL, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - Seven civilians were killed during intense fighting between coalition forces and insurgents in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province, the US military said Sunday. The battle featuring coalition close-air support and artillery fire erupted late Saturday in eastern Kunar province, where coalition and Afghan troops last week launched one of their biggest operations in months against Taliban insurgents. "Initial reports indicate that seven civilians were killed and three were wounded near the fighting," a US military statement said. "An investigation is under way."(Posted @ 22:02 PST)
Ten hurt in Turkish match violence ISTANBUL, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - Ten people were hurt, including four police officers, when fighting broke out Saturday after Turkish league leaders Fenerbahce's heavy loss away to Manisa Vestelspor, according to press reports. Fenerbahce suffered their worst defeat since 2000 when they lost 5-3 at the western Turkish outfit. And visiting fans were enraged when the stadium announcer used the loudspeaker system to call on Manisa supporters to shout "Fenerbahce, you won't be champions" after the final whistle was blown. The Istanbul club's fans tore up seats and threw them on the pitch leading to clashes between police and sections of the crowd.(Posted @ 20:45 PST)
At least 11 killed in Iraq car bombing BAGHDAD, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - At least 11 people were killed and 30 wounded in a car bomb explosion Sunday in the mixed town of Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, an interior ministry official said. The blast occured near a market in the town, which lies in an area known as the Triangle of Death, the official said. Earlier a security official had said the explosion was near a Shiite mosque in Mahmudiyah, 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Baghdad.(Posted @ 20:42 PST)
Maoists kill 10 policemen in attack in eastern India NEW DELHI, April 16, 2006 (AFP) - Heavily armed Maoist rebels killed 10 police officers Sunday morning in an attack in India's eastern Chhattisgarh state, an official said. "A group of Naxalites (Maoist rebels) traveling in a bus opened fire and 10 persons have been killed," B.K.S. Ray, a senior state home ministry official, said on the private news channel NDTV. Ray said four others were seriously injured in the attack on a police post in the southern part of the state, bordering neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. "Despite security arrangements, these things keep happening so we are on high alert," Ray said.(Posted @ 18:52 PST)
Pakistanis find H5N1 bird flu on another farm ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Reuters) The highly deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has been confirmed at another Pakistani poultry farm, an Agriculture Ministry official said on Sunday. Authorities confirmed outbreaks of the H5N1 virus at two poultry farms in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) in February. The new outbreak was discovered on a farm near the capital, Islamabad. "It was an small farm and we have already destroyed a total 3,500 chickens there," Mohammad Afzal, the ministry's livestock commissioner, told Reuters. Pakistan has had no human cases of the disease (Posted @ 15:40 PST)
Pope calls for 'serious' talks with Iran over nuclear threat VATICAN CITY, April 16, 2006 (AFP) Pope Benedict XVI used his traditional Easter Sunday peace message to appeal for "serious and honest" talks to end the nuclear standoff between Iran and the West and counter "the threat of terrorism." "May an honourable solution be found for all parties, through serious and honest negotiations," said Benedict, who did not mention Iran by name. (Posted @ 15:20 PST)
Iran says US 'not in a position' to attack TEHRAN, April 16, 2006 (AFP) Iran's foreign minister said Sunday that the ongoing violence in Iraq meant United States was not in a position to confront the Islamic republic over its disputed nuclear programme. "We are trying to find a diplomatic solution for our (nuclear) problem, and the United States should be aware that it is not in a position to create another crisis in the region," Manouchehr Mottaki told the official news agency IRNA. "More than three years has passed since the United States invaded Iraq and after all these years they are now asking for help," he said, implicitly referring to Washington's request for talks with Tehran on the insurgency. (Posted @ 13:40 PST)
Islamic Jihad says rocket attacks, suicide bombings in Israel to continue GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) The leader of the Islamic Jihad militant group on Sunday said rocket attacks and suicide bombings against Israeli targets will continue, despite an Israeli offensive in the northern Gaza Strip. In a statement posted on the Islamic Jihad Web site, Ramadan Shallah said his tiny violent group considers rocket fire a ``direct threat'' to Israel. ``Therefore firing rockets will continue,'' he said. (Posted @ 13:40 PST)
Chinese official hold nuclear talks with Iran TEHRAN, April 16, 2006 (AFP) A senior Chinese diplomat has held talks with Iran's top national security official, Iranian television reported Sunday, amid mounting international tensions over the Islamic republic's nuclear drive. The report said China's assistant foreign minister, Cui Tiankai, met with Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani as well as nuclear negotiator Javad Vaid (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
US analysts detail war planning against Iran WASHINGTON, April 16, 2006 (AFP) The United States began planning a full-scale military campaign against Iran that involves missile strikes, a land invasion and a naval operation to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz even before the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, a former US intelligence analyst disclosed Sunday. William Arkin, who served as the US Army's top intelligence mind on West Berlin in the 1970s and accurately predicted US military operations against Iraq, said the plan is known in military circles as TIRANNT, an acronym for "Theater Iran Near Term.". (Posted @ 11:50 PST)
Taliban' storm police posts in Afghanistan, 14 casualties KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 16, 2006 (AFP) Suspected Taliban attacked three police posts in Afghanistan overnight, leaving 14 rebels dead or wounded, while soldiers killed four more in separate battles, officials said Sunday. Police said meanwhile they had arrested 15 suspected Taliban in a sweep Saturday of an area south of Kandahar city where 41 of the militants and six police were killed in a major day-long battle Friday. The police posts which are a couple of kilometres (miles) apart from each other on the country's main highway between Kandahar and the capital were attacked in a near-imultaneous strike late Saturday, police said. "For 30 minutes the Taliban were fighting with police last night. Fourteen Taliban wounded and killed," Zabul provincial police chief Mohammad Nabi Molakhel told AFP. A Taliban spokesman, Yousuf Ahmadi, confirmed the attack but said only two Taliban were killed along with nine policemen. Police said they had no casualties. Afghan and coalition soldiers killed another three Taliban Saturday after being ambushed while on a joint patrol in central Uruzgan province, a US military statement said. (Posted @ 11:40 PST)
Former officials warn against a US attack on Iran NEW YORK, April 16 (Reuters) A U.S. conflict with Iran could be even more damaging to America's interests than the war with Iraq, former White House counter-terrorism chief Richard Clarke wrote in Sunday's New York Times. In an op-ed article co-authored with Steven Simon, a former State Department official who also worked for the National Security Council, Clarke wrote reports that the Bush administration is contemplating bombing nuclear sites in Iran raised concerns that "would simply begin a multi-move, escalatory process." Iran's likely response would be to "use its terrorist network to strike American targets around the world, including inside the United States," Clarke and Simon warned. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Two women, seven children drown as rickshaw plunges into canal Rahimyar Khan, Punjab, April 16 (PPI): Nine persons including two women and seven children were drowned when their rickshaw plunged into a canal Saturday night. Rescuers fished out the bodies of two women and four children and were trying to find out bodies of three children when last reports came in. According to reports, the deceased were members of a family from Rawalpindi who were visiting relatives in Rahimyarkhan. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
British soldier killed in Iraq LONDON, April 16 (AFP) A British soldier was killed in a bomb blast in southern Iraq on Saturday, the Ministry of Defence said. The soldier died of injuries sustained in an attack involving an improvised explosive device. Three other soldiers were slightly injured. No further details of the attack were being released. (Posted @ 09:20 PST)
Ex NATO chief Clark: Rumsfeld 'should go' WASHINGTON, April 16 (AFP) A former NATO commander Saturday joined six other retired generals in calling for Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation. "I believe secretary Rumsfeld hasn't done an adequate job. He should go," General Wesley Clark told Fox News Channel in an interview. Clark said Rumsfeld and Vice President Dick Cheney had pushed the United States into Iraq, and said the invasion "had no connection" with the war on terror"."They pressed for this, they pressed for open warfare before the diplomacy was finished," said the retired general and Fox News analyst. "It was a tragic mistake, a strategic blunder." (Posted @ 09:15 PST)
Iranian suicide squads ready to hit US, British targets: report LONDON, April 16 (AFP) Iran has formed battalions of suicide bombers to hit American and British targets if its nuclear installations are attacked, The Sunday Times newspaper said. According to Iranian officials, 40,000 trained suicide bombers were ready to strike, the British weekly broadsheet said. The Special Unit of Martyr Seekers in the Revolutionary Guards was first spotted in March when members marched in a military parade. The force wore explosive packs around their waists and held detonators, the newspaper said. Doctor Hassan Abbasi, head of the Centre for Doctrinal Strategic Studies in the Revolutionary Guards, said that 29 Western targets had been identified. "We are ready to attack American and British sensitive points if they attack Iran’s nuclear facilities," he said in a speech, according to The Sunday Times. He said that some of them were "quite close" to the Iranian border in Iraq. In a tape recording heard by the respected weekly, Abbasi told the would-be martyrs to "pay close attention to wily England" and vowed that "Britains demise is on our agenda". (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Strong quake shakes Taiwan TAIPEI, April 16 (AFP) An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale rattled Taiwan early Sunday but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. US Geological Survey had put the quake's magnitude at 5.8, with its epicenter 260 kilometers south of Taipei. (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
China GDP grows 10.2 percent in first quarter BEIJING, April 16 (AFP) China's gross domestic product grew by 10.2 percent in the first quarter as compared with the same period last year, President Hu Jintao said in a speech given on state television Sunday. (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
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