09 February 2005 Wednesday 29 Zilhaj 1425 Sistani set to mould Iraq's future: daily SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 8: Grand Ayatollah Syed Ali al Sistani, who was the architect of what appears to be a victory for Shias in last week's elections in Iraq, is now poised to shape the new government ... Guantanamo men tortured for false confessions: lawyer WASHINGTON, Feb 8: A Washington-based lawyer said on Monday that several Kuwaitis being held at the US Guantanamo Bay detention centre in Cuba for suspicion of terrorist activities were tortured into making false confessions. ... US agrees to repatriate French prisoners PARIS, Feb 8: The United States and France have agreed to repatriate the last three French citizens being held prisoner in the US military base of Guantanamo in Cuba, various sources told AFP Tuesday. ... CIA agrees to release papers on ties with Nazis WASHINGTON, Feb 8: The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has agreed to release documents related to its ties to former Nazi and SS officials during the Cold War, The New York Times reported on Monday. ... US threatens Syria with 'isolation' ROME, Feb 8: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Syria on Tuesday that if it wants to avoid being "isolated" it must end support for militants opposed to reconciliation with Israel. ... It's time for new chapter in ties with Europe: Rice - France urged to bury differences PARIS, Feb 8: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday flew into France, the centre of opposition to the invasion of Iraq, and urged the French to bury past disagreements and open "a new chapter" in the transatlantic alliance. ... Bush budget to hit programmes for poor: experts WASHINGTON, Feb 8: Vulnerable people who depend on the government for health care, housing and education will be badly hit by President George W. Bush's fiscal 2006 budget, advocates for the poor said on Monday. ... India shows interest in buying US jets BANGALORE, Feb 8: India has shown interest in buying fighter jets from the United States amid a 'huge expansion' in military relations between the two nations, US Ambassador David Mulford said on Tuesday. ... Accused shot at three times: Indian parliament attack NEW DELHI, Feb 8: Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani, sentenced to death and then acquitted in the 2001 Indian parliament attack case, was shot three times in the stomach outside his lawyer's house here on Tuesday night, witnesses said. ... Councillor shot dead in Kashmir SRINAGAR, Feb 8: Suspected Muslim militants on Tuesday shot dead a municipal councillor while separately Indian troops killed a suspected militant during a gunbattle in revolt-hit Kashmir, police said. ... EU accuses Iran of breaching nuclear deal GENEVA, Feb 8: Officials from European heavyweights Britain, France and Germany on Tueaday warned Iran about activities that verge on "breaches" of a deal to freeze nuclear fuel cycle work in talks that opened in Geneva. ... Blizzards paralyse life in Mideast AMMAN, Feb 8: Snow showers, heavy rain and high winds gripped Jordan and other Middle East countries on Tuesday, paralysing life in some areas but also bringing welcome relief to drought-hit regions. ... Khaleda assures US probe team of support DHAKA, Feb 8: Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has assured a US team of "full support" in its investigation into the Jan 27 grenade attack on an Awami League rally that killed five people, including former finance minister Shah Kibria. ... Nepal army ready for 'long fight' KATHMANDU, Feb 8: Despite peace overtures made this week to Nepal's Maoist rebels, the army's spokesman warned of a long and bloody battle before the guerillas are weak enough to be forced to the negotiating table. ... US-led fraud and corruption The Republican senators who have devoted their careers to mauling the United Nations are seldom accused of shyness. But they went strangely quiet on Thursday. ... US must recognize the reality of a 'united states of Europe' PRESIDENT Bush is scheduled to visit Brussels on February 22, and it may prove to be the most important foreign visit of his presidency. ...

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