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7 April, 2005 Thursday 27 Safar 1426 Welcome to DAWN, Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper. Updated round-the-clock, with a major update before 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT).

to return to the regular issue please click here. Police up alert level in Jerusalem amid fear of attack on holy site JERUSALEM - In a bid to prevent riots, Israel has decided to close the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday, Israeli media reported Thursday morning. The decision comes amid reports that Jewish hardliners want to hold a rally in the compound on Sunday to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Nissan, which proceeds the Passover holiday. The northern branch of the Islamic movement in Israel has called on its followers to flock to the compound to protect it from Jewish extremists. (DPA) (Posted 14:40 PST) Iran school hostage drama over as gunman surrenders TEHRAN, April 7 - A gunmen took teachers and young children hostage in a school in Tehran on Thursday has given himself up and his captives have been freed, an AFP journalist at the scene said.The man surrendered to the security forces about two and a half hours later and the estimated 200 hostages at the school were freed without bloodshed, an interior ministry spokesman saidadding that the gunmen was thought to be a soldier but the reasons for his action or any demands were not known. (AFP) (Posted @ 14:40 PST) Rome struggles with masses as state leaders arrive for funeral VATICAN CITY, April 7 - Roman authorities battled to deal with waves of pilgrims in the already saturated city, as lucky thousands in the sealed-off queue waited to see Pope John Paul II's body on the last day of public viewing Thursday. Catholics worldwide awaited for the pontiff's final testament due to be made public by the Vatican later Thursday, while state leaders began arriving for Friday's funeral, expected to be the largest gathering of world leaders since the 2000 Millennium Summit. (AFP) (Posted @ 14:40 PST) Peace buses set off to cross Kashmir divide SRINAGAR, India/MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, April 7 - Buses set off from the capitals of Indian and Pakistani Kashmir on Thursday, carrying passengers bound for the other side of the divided territory for first time in nearly 60 years, in a major boost for the peace process between the nuclear rivals. Two Indian buses, decorated with orange marigolds, were sent off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from Kashmir's main city Srinagar, bound for Muzaffarabad in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. In Pakistani Kashmir, passengers boarded a green and yellow bus bound in the other direction across the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) dividing Kashmir. "The caravan of peace has started," Singh told thousands of Kashmiris who had gathered in a heavily guarded stadium in Srinagar in freezing rain. "Nothing can stop it." (Reuters) (Posted @ 14:40 PST) Saudi says al Qaeda weaker, attacks still possible RIYADH, April 7 - Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef said in remarks published on Thursday that the Gulf state had dealt a blow to al Qaeda but did not rule out more attacks in the world's top oil exporter. "I cannot say operations have ended, although they (militants) have been weakened. We will continue to fight them," the state media quoted Prince Nayef as saying. "They may still surprise us (with attacks) anywhere in the kingdom." (Reuters) (Posted @ 14:40 PST) Kashmir bus sets off from Pakistani city MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, April 7 - A bus set off from the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir on Thursday carrying passengers bound for the Indian side of the territory for first time in nearly 60 years. The bus, part of a historic service linking the Himalayan region divided since 1947, was carrying 30 people heading to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. It left after a ceremony that included a reading from the Koran. About 30 minutes earlier, another bus left Srinagar with passengers travelling to Pakistani Kashmir. (Reuters) (Posted 14:40 PST) Militants attack Kashmir bus, passengers safe -TV NEW DELHI, April 7 - Militants tried to attack a bus carrying passengers from Indian Kashmir to Pakistani Kashmir on Thursday, but were stopped by security forces and no passengers were hurt, Indian television channels reported. At least four television channels reported firing, and some said a grenade had been thrown at one of the buses crossing towards Pakistan, near Singhpura in Indian-controlled Kashmir. But NDTV news channel said authorities had told them it was a case of accidental fire, without elaborating. (Reuters) (Posted @ 14:40 PST) Ousted Kyrgyz leader says fled to prevent civil war BISHKEK, April 7 - Ousted Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev said in a pre-recorded resignation speech on Thursday that he had fled the country in order to prevent civil war. The ex-Soviet republic's parliament was due to vote later on Thursday to accept his resignation, formally ending his rule and smoothing the way for new presidential elections on June 26. "In the toughest moment of my life I made the only right decision, I prevented civil war, I did not stain my hands with the blood of my compatriots, I did not allow the country to split apart," he said in the video, shown to stony silence in a packed parliamentary chamber. (Reuters) (Posted @ 12:20 PST) Qazi stable after bypass surgery LAHORE, April 07: Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal President and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Qazi Hussein Ahmed is stable after bypass surgery he had yesterday (Wednesday) at a local private hospital. However, doctors are not allowing visitors to see Qazi Sahib. This is the second time Qazi Hussein has heart surgery. He had undergone a bypass surgery at a London hospital some 13 years back. (PPI) (Posted @ 12:20 PST) New Zealand 64 for two, lead by 127 at stumps on fourth day against Sri Lanka NAPIER, New Zealand, April 7 - New Zealand were 64 for two in their second innings for a lead of 127 runs over Sri Lanka when bad light stopped play 10 minutes early on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at McLean Park here Thursday. James Marshall was not out 33 and Paul Wiseman yet to score. Sri Lanka were all out for 498 in their first innings, in reply to New Zealand's 561. (APP/AFP) (Posted @ 12:20 PST) Dr Ishrat, Dr Salman Shah to deliver speeches at conference on Pakistani education on April 15 WASHINGTON, Apr 7 - The Asia Programme of Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars will be hosting a conference on 'No Child Left Behind-the Crisis in Pakistan's Education System,' on April 15. Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr. Ishrat Husain will deliver opening remarks, while the Dr. Salman Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs will give keynote address. The opening remarks will be made by Robert M. Hathaway, Director, and Woodrow Wilson Center.' Munawar Noorani, chairman, Fellowship Fund for Pakistan, will chair the panel on deliberations entitled: 'Alternative Strategies to Educational Reform.' (APP) (Posted @ 12:20 PST) Gunman takes children hostage in Tehran school TEHRAN, April 7 - A man armed with an assault rifle took teachers and young children hostage in a school in Tehran on Thursday, witnesses and an AFP journalist said. Gunshots could be heard from the area as Iranian Special Forces surrounded the Raz boys' primary school in the north of the capital. Witnesses said the gunmen, possibly a soldier, was armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle. (APP/AFP) (Posted @ 12:20 PST) Pakistan stresses comprehensive reform of UN; calls for negotiated outcome of September Summit NEW YORK, April 7: Pakistan has reiterated its call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations and underscored the need for a negotiated outcome of the Summit in September 2005 reflecting a balanced consensus on all major issues. Pakistan's views were articulated by Ambassador Munir Akram in the Plenary meeting of the General Assembly today, which began its consideration of the Secretary-General's Report on UN reform: "In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all." He also cautioned against divisive moves on the issue of Security Council expansion and called upon members to unite for a consensus solution that would work for all."Let us make a real effort to create a United Nations that responds to the interest and aspirations of all the peoples of the United Nations," Ambassador Akram underlined. (APP) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) Teachers, preachers from four South Asian nations to visit Kentucky from May 8 to June 4 WASHINGTON, Apr 7 - A group of 13 religious scholars, teachers and preachers from South Asia will be visiting Louisville, Kentucky, from May 8 to June 4, sources stated. The programme sponsored by the University of Louisville in collaboration with the State Department, is entitled 'Islamic Life in the United States,' to be held at the Muhammad Ali Centre. The countries represented in the delegation will be: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.From Pakistan, the delegation will comprise Sardar Iqbal Khilji, Dr. Qurratul Ain and Professor Khawaja al-Qama. (APP) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) Four die in grenade blast in Vietnam HANOI, April 7 - Four people were killed and one person seriously injured when a grenade exploded by accident in the northern Vietnamese province of Hoa Binh, police said Thursday. It was unclear how the device came into their possession, they said. (APP/AFP) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) Up to 40 feared dead in Congo ferry accident KINSHASA, April 6 - Up to 40 people are missing and feared dead after two overloaded ferries capsized while crossing the swollen Congo river, United Nations and government officials said on Wednesday. (Reuters) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) Buses set to cross Kashmir divide despite attack SRINAGAR, India April 7 - India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Kashmir on Thursday to send off a historic bus journey across the divided region, a day after an attack by militants trying to derail the popular peace-building move. (Reuters) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) South Korea cuts troop numbers in Iraq, merges units SEOUL, April 7 - South Korea, which has the third largest contingent of foreign troops in Iraq, will cut its military presence there by 270 troops to 3,270, defence ministry officials said on Thursday, adding deeper cuts were not planned. (Reuters) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) Developing nations fault Annan on new reform plans UNITED NATIONS, April 7 - Secretary-General Kofi Annan's sweeping U.N. reform proposals are drawing harsh criticism from developing states wary of too much emphasis on security and too little on poverty and inequities in the global financial system. The comments came during a General Assembly debate on Wednesday that continues on Thursday. Nations spoke publicly for the first time on Annan's report last month on overhauling the United Nations in time for a summit in September on development, security and human rights. (Reuters) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) 'Fake bomb' driven into Windsor Castle 72-hours before royal wedding LONDON, April 7 - Police said Thursday they will investigate a second security breach at Windsor Castle after a "fake bomb" was apparently driven through the grounds just 72 hours before Prince Charles was due to hold a wedding reception at the estate west of London. An undercover reporter said he and a photographer infiltrated the castle's muli-million pound (dollar, euro) security Wednesday, while Queen Elizabeth II was there, by posing as delivery men in a hired van with a bogus delivery note. In the back of the garish van -- emblazoned with the word "Thrifty" -- was a brown box clearly marked "BOMB", said Alex Peake, a reporter for the tabloid Sun newspaper. (AFP) (Posted @ 11:10 PST) China plans to build 40 new nuclear reactors in next 15 years BEIJING, April 7 - China plans to build 40 nuclear reactors within the next 15 years to achieve a new, increased target for generating capacity, state media reported Thursday from now until 2020, two to three 1,000 megawatt reactors will be put into commission every year, the China Daily said, citing the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. The goal is to boost combined capacity from the current 8,700 megawatts to 40,000 megawatts by the year 2020, the paper said, up from a previously announced 2020 target of 36,000 megawatts. (AFP) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) Indonesian troops kill four rebels in tsunami-hit Aceh province BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, April 7 - The Indonesian military said Thursday that it had killed four separatist rebels in the latest clashes in tsunami-hit Aceh province. The rebels were killed in two separate clashes in North Aceh district on Wednesday, said military spokesman Ari Mulya Asnawi.The separatist group Free Aceh Movement confirmed the death of members of its armed wing, the Acehnese National Army, in a statement. (AFP) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) Sri Lanka all out for 498 as Franklin rips into tail NAPIER, New Zealand, April 7 - New Zealand pace bowler James Franklin ripped through the Sri Lankan tail order to have the visitors all out for 498, 63 runs short of New Zealand's first innings total on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at McLean Park here Thursday. After the senior batsmen had steered Sri Lanka to a healthy 463 for five the last five wickets fell for just 35 runs. (AFP) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) Seven passengers pull out of historic Kashmir bus link SRINAGAR, India, April 7 - Seven passengers have pulled out of the first bus service to link divided Kashmir in more than half a century following an attack on a guest house complex where they were being housed, officials said Thursday. An official from the state road transport corporation said five of the 29 selected passengers had not collected their tickets and other two, a 36-year-old whose father had decided at the last minute he no longer wanted his son with him on the bus as it was too dangerous. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to flag off the service from Srinagar at 11:30 am (0600 GMT) Thursday. (AFP) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) At least 26 die in Mexico bus crash LA PAZ, Mexico, April 7 - At least 26 people died and some 15 were seriously injured following a head-on collision Wednesday between a coach and a truck in northwest Mexico, police said. (AFP) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) Crack found, but after NASA's OK, shuttle begins trip to launch pad Washington - The U.S. space shuttle Discovery began moving Wednesday from its hangar to its launch pad in preparation for a mid-May liftoff, the first since the shuttle Columbia broke up as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere two years ago. The moving of Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, came after a two-hour delay when the U.S. space agency discovered a hairline crack in the insulation around the external fuel tank. Engineers working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) determined, however, that the crack does not present a danger, given its small size and location, and did not need to be repaired, the space agency said. (DPA) (Posted @ 10:15 PST) Bush pays respects to pope in visit to St. Paul's Basilica ROME - U.S. President George W. Bush paid his respects early Thursday to Pope John Paul II, viewing and praying before the pontiff's body at St. Peter's Basilica shortly after his arrival in Rome. Bush was accompanied by first lady Laura Bush; former presidents George H.W. Bush, his father, and Bill Clinton; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; and White House chief of staff Andrew Card. (DPA) (Posted @ 09:45 PST) Tornadoes toss houses in two U.S. southern states WASHINGTON - At least three tornadoes touched down Wednesday during heavy thunderstorms that marched through Mississippi and Louisiana, lifting houses off the ground and causing other heavy damage in some communities. One person was seriously injured, and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour declared a state of emergency, CNN reported. The weather service received reports of 19 tornadoes, but some may have been the same tornado moving on a continuous track. Rooftops were blown off, trees were uprooted and utility polls toppled onto cars. Mobile homes also were damaged by the storms, news reports said. (DPA) (Posted @ 09:45 PST) 17 Colombian soldiers killed in rebel attack BOGOTA - At least 17 Colombian soldiers were killed Wednesday in an attack by leftists rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Colombian military said. (DPA) (Posted @ 09:45 PST) Karachi Stock up 171.05 points: KARACHI, April 07: At close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 7785.05, up 171.05 points from Wednesday close . (Bureau Report) (updated @ 16:40 PST) Forex Update: KARACHI, April 07: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs. 59.73 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (updated @ 16:40 PST) Founder: Quaid-I-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah Editor: Tahir Mirza The DAWN Group of Newspapers Haroon House, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Karachi 74200, Pakistan. Phone:+92 (21) 111-444-777   Fax: +92 (21) 569-3995 webmaster@dawn.com Note: Make sure to reload these pages so you're viewing the current version.

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