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| September 21, 2006 | Thursday | Sha'aban 27, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Pakistan elected to IAEA Board of Governors ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Pakistan has been elected un-opposed to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the term 2006-2008. Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Anwar Ali will represent Pakistan on the IAEA Board of Governors during the new term. According to PAEC here on Thursday, the election was held at the 15th IAEA Annual General Conference now in progress in Vienna (Austria) from 18-22 September. (Posted @ 22:02 PST)
Ahmadinejad says Iran does not need nuclear bomb UNITED NATIONS, Sept 21 (AFP) Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday his country does not need and is not seeking to build a nuclear bomb. Repeatedly questioned about Iran's controversial nuclear programme during a press conference at the UN headquarters, Ahmadinejad said: "The bottom line is, we do not need a bomb, not like what others think." Later he added: "We are not seeking a nuclear bomb, let me make that clear." (Posted @ 21:54 PST)
Rights group says abuses common in Azad Kashmir ISLAMABAD, Sept 21 (Reuters) A U.S.-based human rights group on Thursday accused Pakistani security forces of using torture and other rights abuses in Azad Kashmir. "Most incidents of politically motivated torture recorded by Human Rights Watch involved the ISI, or the police acting on the military's behalf," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report, referring to the military's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). In the 71-page report on Azad Kashmir, HRW noted that there had been a reduction in infiltration of militants into occupied Kashmir, but it was still taking place. Pakistan's government swiftly rejected the report. "It is heavily biased and it contained factual errors," Junior Minister for Information Tariq Azeem Khan told a news conference. "We totally reject this report." (Posted @ 21:40 PST)
US has sharp eye on Pakistan tribal deal: General WASHINGTON, Sept 21 (AFP) The US General in charge of NATO in Afghanistan Thursday said a peace deal between Pakistan and tribal elders could yet bring peace to restive border regions, despite being savaged by US critics. General James Jones, the supreme commander of allied forces in Europe, warned his men were closely watching results of the pact in Waziristan and he would return to Islamabad in 30 days to discuss its impact. "If all of the words (in the agreement) are backed up, then we should see a positive development," Jones told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (Posted @ 21:35 PST)
India-Pakistan have another opportunity to resolve differences: PM Aziz ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday said the resumption of Indo-Pak composite dialogue was a positive development, which would give another opportunity to resolve the outstanding disputes between two countries. Talking to the outgoing Indian High Commissioner Shivshankar Menon, Aziz said sustainable peace in South Asia will have a positive fallout in the region’s political, diplomatic, economic, defence and security fields. Shivshankar Menon, the Foreign Secretary designate, had called on the Prime Minister at the PM House to pay a farewell visit. Aziz said the meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will augur well for the settlement of disputes and improvement of the relations between Pakistan and India. He said Pakistan was a peaceful country and wants to settle all disputes with India amicably. (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
U.N. expert says torture in Iraq maybe worse now than under Saddam GENEVA, Sep 21 (AP) Torture in Iraq may be worse now than under Saddam Hussein, with militias, terrorist groups and government forces disregarding rules on the humane treatment of prisoners, the top U.N. anti-torture expert said Thursday. Manfred Nowak, the United Nations' special investigator on torture, was presenting a report on detainee conditions at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay as well as to brief the U.N. Human Rights Council on torture worldwide. Some allegations of torture were undoubtedly credible, with government forces among the perpetrators, Nowak said, citing ``very serious allegations of torture within the official Iraqi detention centers.'' Iraq's government is ``currently facing a generalized breakdown of law and order which presents a serious challenge to the institutions of Iraq'' such as police and security forces and the legal system, the U.N. report said. (Posted @ 20:54 PST)
Five police officers killed in Chechnya ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, Sep 21 (AP) Gunmen shot and killed five police officers Thursday in a daylight attack in Chechnya's provincial capital, law enforcement officials said. In the region of Ingushetia, west of Chechnya, five police officers were wounded when assailants fired on them from a passing car with grenades while they were searching a house in the town of Malgobek, said a spokesman for the Ingush Interior Ministry. (Posted @ 20:44 PST)
Clash leaves four Taliban dead, one policeman wounded in Afghanistan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Sep 21 (AP) Police clashed with militants who tried to set fire to an oil tanker in southern Zabul province on Wednesday, killing four of the suspected Taliban, a police official said Thursday. (Posted @ 20:42 PST)
Pakistan rejects Bush threat to send US troops to hunt Al-Qaeda ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sep 21 (AP) Pakistan on Thursday vowed to not let foreign forces enter its territory, a day after U.S. President George W. Bush told CNN he would order American military action inside that country if Osama bin Laden or other top al-Qaida member was found to be hiding here. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam declined to respond directly to Bush's remarks, but reiterated President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's recent rejection of any foreign military forces stepping foot in this Asian nation. ``Any terrorist action to be taken inside Pakistani territory would be taken by Pakistan,'' Aslam said. ``He (Musharraf) has said that he would not allow any foreign troops to come inside our territory.'' (Posted @ 20:38 PST)
Thai coup leaders assume legislative powers BANGKOK, Sept 21 (AFP) Thailand's coup leaders have formally assumed legislative powers in the absence of a parliament following the ouster of the prime minister this week, they said in a televised announcement Thursday. (Posted @ 18:58 PST)
Indian troops kill five in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Sept 21 (AFP) Indian troops claimed killing five suspected militants in occupied Kashmir Thursday near the Line of Control, the police and army said. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)
Solution to terrorism's root causes can ensure peace: PM Aziz ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday said permanent solutions to the root causes of terrorism could ensure peace, cooperation, stability and prosperity in the world. Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day international conference on 'Emerging Political Map of Asia' here at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Aziz said Pakistan has been at the forefront of international war against terrorism and is committed to defeat it to ensure a safer world. He said there are seven fundamental challenges being confronted by Asia which include insecurity and instability, terrorism, poverty, inadequate resources, good governance, globalization, environment and natural resources which need a holistic approach to move towards a prosperous Asia. (Posted @ 18:02 PST)
Musharraf arrives in Washington WASHINGTON, Sept 21 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf arrived here on Thursday where he will meet President George W Bush and discuss bilateral matters, regional and global situation and issues of mutual concern. During the meeting, to be held here at the White House, the two leaders will review the progress made since the two countries entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement. The President during his two-day stay will have a working lunch with members of the US Congress. The US Vice President Dick Cheney and former US Secretary of State Richard Armitage will also separately call on President Musharraf. The President will also address the George Washington University and speak on "Emerging Pakistan - Challenges and Opportunities." He will also attend an interactive round-table conference at the Carnegie Endowment, besides addressing the Pakistani community. (Posted @ 17:20 PST)
US Secretary of State Rice calls on President Musharraf NEW YORK, Sept 21 (APP): The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday and discussed the situation in Afghanistan, Pak-India and the Pak-US relations. Musharraf informed Rice about his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Havana. He expressed satisfaction over the results of the meeting and said they made progress towards issues confronting the two countries. Musharraf hoped the two sides would be able to resolve their differences. He also informed her about the rationale behind the agreement signed between the provincial authorities and the tribal elders in North Waziristan. He said the government was pursuing a holistic approach, including military, administrative and infrastructure development plans. Both of them expressed satisfaction over the growing depth of relations between Pakistan and the United States of America, and reviewed the progress in their bilateral ties. (Posted @ 17:18 PST)
Israel kills five, including three Palestinian teenagers, in Gaza raids GAZA, Sept 21 (Reuters) Israeli forces killed five Palestinians, including three teenagers, in raids across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, medics said. An Israeli military spokesman claimed the three had been tampering with a rocket launcher when they were fired upon. Earlier, a woman, aged 35, died after soldiers stormed a house near the southern town of Rafah. The Israeli army had no comment. Israeli soldiers also killed an al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades activist during an exchange of fire in the area. (First Posted @ 11:55 Updated 16:20 PST)
Drive-by shooting kills up to eight on bus in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Sept 21 (Reuters) Unknown gunmen fired on a minibus in northern Pakistan’s Haripur town Thursday, killing up to eight people, including school teachers and students, police said. (First Posted @ 10:55 Updated 16:05 PST)
Landmine blast kills two policemen in India, 16 wounded MALDA, India, Sept 21 (Reuters) A landmine believed to be planted by Maoist guerrillas detonated in eastern India on Thursday, killing two policemen and wounding 16 others, police said. Six of the wounded were journalists accompanying the police party to cover the de-mining process in the jungles of West Midnapore district in West Bengal state. (Posted @ 16:00 PST)
Ten years needed to recover from Pakistan quake: UN ISLAMABAD, Sept 21 (AFP) Pakistan will need at least 10 years to fully recover from the damage caused by last year’s October 8 earthquake, a United Nations official warned Thursday. During her visit to the disaster zone earlier this week the official said Pakistani authorities and global aid agencies had already done a lot to help survivors of the quake but there were still major challenges ahead, including providing permanent shelter for people, re-establishing their livelihoods and rebuilding water, health and electricity systems in the affected area, she said. Around 33,000 quake victims were still living in tents almost a year after the earthquake, UN Resident Coordinator Jan Vandemoortele said. (Posted @ 15:10 PST)
Alleged US spy shot dead in Miranshah MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Sept 21 (AFP) Authorities in North Waziristan’s Miranshah found the bullet-riddled body of an alleged US spy Thursday, officials said. (Posted @ 15:05 PST)
Dozens injured in Bangladesh during anti-government strike DHAKA, Sept 21 (AP) Riot police used batons Thursday to break up hundreds of protesters in Dhaka, injuring at least 30 people, witnesses said. The clashes occurred during an opposition-sponsored general strike sponsored by an alliance of 14 opposition parties, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , to demand reforms ahead of next year's national election as police beat back the protesters when they started smashing a few vehicles which were on the streets defying the strike call.(Posted @ 13:15 PST)
16 injured, 62 detained in Budapest violence BUDAPEST, Sept 21 (AFP) Sixteen people were injured and 62 detained early Thursday after Hungarian police clashed with protestors for a third consecutive night in Budapest, authorities said. No police were injured overnight, police said. Police early Thursday used tear gas against 200-300 protestors, in central Budapest, who were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany.(Posted @ 13:05 PST)
17 killed in two road accidents in north China BEIJING, Sept 21 (AP) Two trucks collided in north China, killing 12 people, while another five died when a bus burst into flames in a separate incident, state media said Thursday. The collision occurred Wednesday on a highway in Inner Mongolia, when one truck carrying 16 people hit another, Xinhua News Agency said. The second traffic accident happened Thursday morning in Mudanjiang city in Heilongjiang province, Xinhua said. Five people died and more than 20 were hospitalized, it said.(Posted @ 13:00 PST)
Tamil Tigers kill dissident, another dead in northern fighting COLOMBO, Sept 21 (AP) Sri Lankan army forces killed a Tamil Tiger rebel in the northern Jaffna Peninsula overnight, the military said Thursday. Elsewhere, suspected Tamil Tigers fatally shot one of their members who broke away from the separatist movement in the eastern Batticaloa district Wednesday night, a Defense Ministry spokesman said. Tamil officials were not reachable for comment on either incident.(Posted @ 12:10 PST)
Pakistani bus crash kills nine passengers, injures 23 KARACHI, Sept 21 (AP) A bus veered off a road and plunged into a water-filled canal, killing nine passengers, including several children, and injuring 23 in southern Pakistan on Thursday, police said. A mechanical fault caused the bus to lose control and crash near Makli, a town 80 kilometers southeast of Karachi, police officer Sikandar Shah said.(Posted @ 12:05 PST)
Italian soldier killed in Afghanistan road accident KABUL, Sept 21 (AFP) - An Italian soldier was killed and two others were lightly wounded when their armoured vehicle overturned on a steep incline on the outskirts of Kabul late Wednesday while the soldiers were on a routine patrol, the NATO-led force said Thursday. (Posted @ 11:30 PST)
Two killed in car bombing in Baghdad market BAGHDAD, Sept 21 (AFP) - Insurgents set off a car bomb in a market in Baghdad’s neighbourhood of Al-Hurriyah on Thursday, killing two people and wounding eight more, a security official said. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
Iran tells Italy it is ready for nuclear talks UNITED NATIONS, Sept 21 (Reuters) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told Italian leader Romano Prodi Wednesday he was ready for nuclear talks with major powers but that flexibility was needed on all sides. "Ahmadinejad indicated that Iran is willing to negotiate but there needs to be flexibility on both sides," Prodi said in a written statement issued after his meeting with the Iranian leader on the sidelines of a U.N. General Assembly meeting. (Posted @ 09:55 PST)
African Union extends mandate of Darfur force NEW YORK, Sept 21 (AFP) The African Union (AU) on Wednesday agreed to strengthen its peacekeeping force in Sudan's troubled Darfur region and to extend its mandate for three months until December 31. (Posted @ 09:42 PST)
Quartet backs Abbas efforts for Palestinian unity govt UNITED NATIONS, Sept 21 (AFP) The diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East voiced its strong support Wednesday for efforts by Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas to form a national unity government. A meeting of top officials from the Quartet - the United States, European Union, Russia and United Nations - also renewed temporary emergency financial aid for the Palestinian territories for three months.(Posted @ 09:40 PST)
Fewer tanks in Bangkok as Thai army reduces presence BANGKOK, Sept 21 (AFP) Fewer tanks patrolled the streets of Bangkok Thursday as the Thai army reduced their presence at key government facilities, but troops were not to be completely withdrawn, an army officer said. "As of now we have only two companies of troops - some 50 to 60 - deployed at Government House but total withdrawal is up to the army commander because there is not yet complete trust in the situation," he said. Sources said the Military Council for Political Reform, as the generals are calling themselves, were not fully at ease because some of ousted Prime Minister’s key ministers were gathering at air force bases. The group included Defense Minister General Thammarak Issarangkura Na Ayutthaya, Air Chief Marshall Kongsak Vantana and Police General Jumpol Manmai, who is the head of the National Intelligence Agency. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 125.38 points: KARACHI, Sept 21: At close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 10157.95, up 125.38 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Sept 21: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.87 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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