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| January 11, 2006 | Wednesday | Zilhaj 10, 1426 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Death toll in hajj stampede reaches 345: health minister At least 345 hujjaj died at the stampede in mina on the occasion of the symbolic stoning of the devil on the third and last day of this ritual said Saudi Health Minister Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Maneh. Some 289 other pilgrims were wounded in the accident due to "unruly pilgrims, and a problem of luggage," he told reporters. (Posted @ 19:53 PST Updated @ 20:54 PST)
Kashmiris' sacrifices to win them their right to self-determination: PM MUZAFFARABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday reiterated Pakistan's desire for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute and said sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people will not go in vain. "We want a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people," he said while speaking at a relief camp during his visit to Muzaffarabad to meet and express solidarity with quake-stricken people on the second day of Eid. Begum Aziz, Information Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmed, Education Minister Javed Ashraf Qazi, Health Minister Nasir Ali Khan and Federal Relief Commissioner Major Gen. Farooq Ahmed Khan accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit to Thuri Park relief camp, some three kilometres from Muzaffarabd. (Posted @ 19:54 PST)
Mani describes Karachi a great venue for cricket KARACHI, Jan 12 (APP): The Chairman of International Cricket Council (ICC) Ehsan Mani described Karachi as a good venue for all brands of cricket. "ICC members attending their first-ever meeting in Karachi must have taken good impressions about the city," he told a questioner at news conference after ICC meeting here. "I have been in Karachi few times in recent past and felts quite good for the bustling city. "Karachi got all kinds of facilities for staging Test and One-day Cricket,'. He expressed the hope there will be regular cricket in Karachi in coming years. (Posted @ 20:26 PST)
ICC to review Shabbir's case on Jan. 21 KARACHI, Jan 12 (APP): An experts committee of International Cricket Council (ICC) will be meeting in Dubai on January 21 to review the case of Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed regarding his suspect bowling action, ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said Thursday evening. He was speaking at a news conference after ICC's quarterly board meeting and meeting regarding television rights in India. (Posted @ 20:20 PST)
Cold spell claims 12 more lives in northern India, toll 181 LUCKNOW, India, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - At least 12 more people froze to death in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said Thursday, as a cold wave that has gripped north India since the weekend showed signs of easing. The latest deaths pushed the national cold death toll to 181, according to figures compiled by police and officials across northern India. The worst affected area was Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous and one of its poorest states, where the death toll stood at 145, police spokesman Amrish Mehrotra told AFP in the provincial capital Lucknow. (Posted @ 20:02 PST)
New cold wave forecast for quake hit areas ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Another cold wave is expected in the quake zone from early next week, Director General Meteorological Department Dr Qamar uz Zaman Chaudhry said. Talking to BBC he said Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Jhelum valley, Kaghan, and Balakot are likely to receive huge snowfall and rain from January 14 to 17. Temperature of quake hit areas in this winter would remain lower than routine, he added. (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
G8, Asian countries talk about protecting transport from terrorists TOKYO, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Transport ministers from 14 countries including the Group of Eight industrialized nations met Thursday to devise ways to better protect against terrorist attacks. The two-day talks hosted by Japan are aimed at improving security against attacks on sea, air and land transportation. "It is our responsibility to send out a strong political message that we are determined to keep up the fight against terrorism," said Kazuo Kitagawa, Japan's transport minister and chair of the meeting. (Posted @ 18:45 PST)
Three Likud ministers quit Israeli cabinet-official JERUSALEM, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Three of the right-wing Likud party's four cabinet ministers resigned on Thursday in a move that will have no direct impact on the viability of Israel's caretaker government ahead of the March general election. "Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu has handed over the letters of resignation to the cabinet secretariat in Jerusalem," a party statement said. The resignations go into effect in 48 hours. (Posted @ 18:37 PST)
Confirmed human bird flu cases in Turkey reach 18-TV ANKARA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The number of people who have tested positive for bird flu in Turkey has risen to 18, NTV television reported on Thursday. Turkey's Health Ministry said in a separate statement that latest laboratory tests showed three more people had tested positive, including Hulya Kocyigit, the 11-year-old girl who died last week. Initial tests had shown she did not have the disease. Previously the authorities had said 15 people had tested positive for bird flu, including the two dead siblings of Hulya Kocyigit. (Posted @ 18:14 PST)
Awais Ghani for serious talks on Balochistan situation ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Governor Balochistan, Awais Ghani has said that whatever incidents are taking place in Balochistan, a very ordinary minority is involved behind it. Talking to BBC he said, the Kohlu District is the area of Marris. It is a very big district from the point of view of its area. But, its total population is only (97,000) ninety seven thousand. 80 per cent people in this area are in favour of development policies of the government. He said, Bijrani tribe which is the major sub tribe of Marri tribe, Zarkoon Pushtoon tribe, Mulani tribe, Kithrani tribe, all these tribes led by their respective Chiefs are the supporters of development policies of government. They requested the government to start development schemes, construct roads, garrisons, cadet colleges. He said, there are only (18000) eighteen thousand Kithranis who reside in Kahan Tehsil and it is a sub tribe. The problem does exist only there, he added. To a question he said, actually, all these tribes have formally come and approached the President General Pervez Musharraf. They demand development in the area. For the same purpose, the President went there and he announced a big development package. He further said, it has been policy of the government to give preference to political dialogue. That is why, series of dialogue was going for the last one and half year. Actually, it was the government which initiated the dialogue process. However, dialogue should be held seriously so that it could yield any final result. To another question about holding dialogue with Nawab Akbar Bugti to peacefully resolve the issue he said, the government will certainly hold dialogue provided talks are held seriously. But, for this purpose, the militancy, violence and centres of terrorism should be closed, he added. He said, Bugti tribes abducted six police men in June. One FC personnel has also been kidnapped. "We have been sending messages to Nawab Akbar Bugti for their release. We said that only then we will talk. They are, however, not releasing them. We demand their release first. The government has sources to get them released by force. But we want to do it peacefully." As far as rocket attacks are concerned the government will retaliate to it, he added. (Posted @ 18:13 PST)
Pakistan tribal leader denies Indian support NEW DELHI, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Nawab Akbar Bugti has denied claims by President Pervez Musharraf that his group is being supported by New Delhi, the Hindu newspaper reported. In a satellite-phone interview from Dera Bugti the elderly, white-bearded Nawab said: "What is the need for us to take anything from anyone. The weapons we are now using flowed into this region when the United States financed the jihad in Afghanistan. It was the Inter-Services Intelligence which distributed them to Afghanistan, Iran, Jammu and Kashmir -- and to us in Baluchistan." The cost of acquiring weapons was minimal because of their easy availability, he added. Bugti warned that Baluchistan insurgents would continue attacks on both existing and future pipelines. "India-Pakistan peace is something for them to deal with, not us. We want our rights -- a fair share of the revenues from our country's resources," he told the Hindu. (Posted @ 14:00 PST)
Four-way meet on Iran nuclear crisis in London next week: Lavrov MOSCOW, Jan 12, 2006 (APP/AFP) - Officials from Russia, China, the United States and the EU will hold "urgent consultations" on the Iran nuclear crisis in London next week, Interfax reported Thursday quoting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. "The Iranian side has removed the seals from a plant for enrichment of uranium and urgent consultations need to be held," the agency quoted Lavrov as saying in an interview with Moscow Echo radio station. "These consultations will take place next week," he said. The report said the meeting would take place in London and would include officials from Russia, China, the United States and the three European Union countries leading negotiations with Iran on the nuclear issue. (Posted @ 17:15 PST)
Nine sailors killed in Sri Lanka blast COLOMBO, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - At least nine Sri Lankan sailors were killed in a landmine attack by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels, the military said Thursday. The sailors were travelling in a convoy of several vehicles as they returned to their posts after a vacation, an official said, adding that 13 other sailors escaped with injuries. "Eight sailors were killed on the spot and 14 others escaped with injuries and one of them died on the way to hospital," said an official in the northern town of Vavuniya when contacted by telephone. The incident is the fourth of its kind in the past three weeks. Thirteen sailors died in a similar ambush on December 23, and another 12 died in a mine attack four days later. On Saturday, 15 sailors died in a suicide attack which sank their gun boat in the north-eastern port district of Trincomalee. (Posted @ 17:03 PST)
Cricket-Tendulkar asks for larger sightscreens for Lahore test LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan 12 (Reuters) Sachin Tendulkar has asked for larger sightscreens in the first test against Pakistan starting on Friday. PCB's chief curator Agha Zahid said that although the sightscreens were of standard size used for international matches they were now being increased by three feet in height and width on an emergency basis. "The matter was brought to our notice by the match referee who requested that an exception be made and the Indians' request be accommodated," Zahid said. Tendulkar, who is 1.6 metres tall, faced similar problems with the sightscreens when India last played a test in Lahore in 2004 and lost. The England team which toured Pakistan late last year also had problems at the same venue sighting the slower balls from paceman Shoaib Akhtar which appear to be beamers to the batsmen but then start falling late. (Posted @ 14:10 PST)
Tareq Aziz has less than month to live: lawyer DUBAI, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Former Iraqi foreign minister and deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz may have less than a month to live after suffering a cerebral embolism, his lawyer told a newspaper Thursday. Tareq Aziz is "in agony and I do not expect him to live more than a month" following a cerebral embolism and heart problems, Badie Arif Ezzat told the Al-Hayat Arab newspaper. Ezzat did not say when Aziz was struck by the illnesses. He added that the former top official was being held by US forces in a room "reserved for dogs" that measures just two metres long and a metre wide. (Posted @ 13:50 PST)
U.S. fighting different kind of war: Bush WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (APP)- President George Bush Wednesday said the war on terror was "a different kind of war"-- one in which "the enemy is going to have to be defeated by a competing system in the long run." He said it is a kind of war "we've never faced before." "We're not facing a nation-state per se. We're facing a shadowy network of people bound together by a common ideology that -- by the way, the enemy knows no rules of war. They just -- they kill innocent people." He made the remarks at Kentucky International Convention Center Louisville, on the global war on terror. (Posted @ 13:45 PST)
Yasin Malik and Shabir Shah to be involved in talks with Indian Govt New Delhi, Jan 12 (APP): Indian government will involve Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Yasin Malik and Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chief Shabbir Ahmed Shah in the dialogue process on the vexed issue, media reports said. However, both Yasin Malik and Shabbir Shah denied having received any such invitation. Shabbir Shah meanwhile reiterated his party’s stance on the Kashmir issue, saying that it could only be resolved by involving the people of Kashmir. (Posted @ 13:40 PST)
Pakistani forces active in pursuit of terrorists: Spokesman WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (APP)- The State Department Wednesday said that Pakistani forces have been active in north and south Waziristan, in tracking down and hunting terrorists, over the past couple of years. Spokesman Sean McCormack said in the daily press briefing that Pakistan is "certainly to be commended for what is very tough duty" and that "they are operating in areas that for a hundred years Pakistani officials didn't travel into." "These were virtually autonomous zones." So, he stated, the Pakistani forces "are working hard in those areas to track down and capture or to get off the streets terrorists that might do harm to Pakistani citizens as well as others." In his opening statement, the spokesman drew attention to the signing of implementing legislation for the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, which he described as "very positive news,". He said the United States has a very successful Free Trade Agreement with Jordan and has completed Free Trade Agreements with Morocco, Bahrain, Oman "and, we're in negotiations with the United Arab Emirates." (Posted @ 13:20 PST)
Relief, rehabilitation activities continue in quake hit areas ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Relief operations continued in full swing in the earthquake affected areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP on Eid day. The weather was clear, and the army and host of NGOs, political and social workers distributed Eid gifts among the quake affected people. (Posted @ 12:50 PST)
UN agency gives warm clothing to young Pakistani quake survivors: report UNITED NATIONS, Jan 12 (APP)- UNHCR has started distributing warm clothing to vulnerable young survivors, UN sources Wednesday said. UNHCR teams made the difficult journey to Danna village, travelling some 30 kilometres north of Muzaffarabad over curved roads beset by landslides to tent villages to provide winterize tents. Overall, it distributed some 25,000 plastic sheets, 250,000 blankets and 17,000 mattresses to more than 100,000 people in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP. In the first phase, the agency distributed three blankets per person, two plastics sheets per tent and mattresses for sick women and children. In the second phase UNHCR is distributing around 40,000 kerosene stoves to the earthquake survivors, along with fire-fighting equipment and a mass information campaign to inform camp residents of fire risks and prevention. (Posted @ 12:45 PST)
India has to show flexibility to resolve Kashmir dispute-Hurriyat NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (APP): Hurriyat Conference Wednesday said India has to show flexibility in its stand on Kashmir for resolution of the vexed issue.The dialogue process to solve Kashmir dispute would derail if its pace was not accelerated, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq warned while addressing an Eid congregation at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, reports Press Trust of India news agency. "We feel there is no need for Line of Control dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan and free movement of people of Jammu and Kashmir across the border should be ensured", Mirwaiz added. Flaying India for rejecting President Musharraf's proposal for delimilitarization and self-rule, he said New Delhi should discuss and deliberate with Islamabad these ideas. "For the last three years, the peace process is going on but the progress as well as the process is very slow. We know we have to proceed step by step but it needs to be speeded up," Hurriyat Chairman stressed. (Posted @ 12:30 PST)
Australia and East Timor sign gas revenue-sharing deal SYDNEY, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Australia and East Timor signed an agreement to share billions of dollars in revenue from Timor Sea oil and gas deposits Thursday. Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the agreement would increase impoverished East Timor's revenues from the Greater Sunrise gas field from six billion US dollars to 10 billion. This is in addition to an estimated 15 billion dollars East Timor will receive from other deposits in a sector of the Timor Sea known as the Joint Petroleum Development Area covered by an existing agreement, he added. Australia played a key role in East Timor's independence from Indonesia in 2002. (Posted @ 12:20 PST)
Japanese parliamentarian visits AJK quake hit areas MUZAFFARABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Japanese Parliamentarian and Ex-President Democratic party of Japan Katsuya Okada visited quake- hit Muzaffarabad on Eid day. He was accompanied by the Corps commander Rawalpindi Lt-Gen. Salahudin Satti. They also visited Tandali tent village set up by the Japanese Government. Addressing the survivors Katsuya assured that Japan will continue its assistance for the rehabilitation of the quake hit areas. Gen. Salahudin said a comprehensive reconstruction plan has been chalked out for the quake devastated areas. Talking to newsmen he said over 350 Army relief teams were engaged in relief operations round the clock and had constructed 150,000 shelter houses made of CGI sheets and wooden planks. He said efforts were being made to provide waterproof sheets and heating facilities in tentage villages. Mr Katsuya okada said the tent village had 191 winterized tents in which some 80 families were residing. Mr Katsuya went round the tentage and distributed Eid gifts among children. (Posted @ 12:10 PST)
Man knifes worshippers at Moscow synagogue MOSCOW, Jan 12 (Reuters) - A young man wielding a knife and shouting "Heil Hitler" ran amok in a synagogue in central Moscow on Wednesday, wounding eight people, witnesses said. A U.S., an Israeli and a Tajik citizen were among the eight wounded. "He stabbed a security guard and ran into the synagogue and started stabbing," said a witness. Racist attacks have mushroomed in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. (Posted @ 12:00 PST)
Nepal policemen missing after rebel attack KATHMANDU, Jan 12 (Reuters) - At least seven policemen were missing after a fierce battle with Maoist rebels in Nepal in the biggest clash since a guerrilla ceasefire ended 10 days ago, an army officer said on Thursday. The fighting began on Wednesday evening in the western Nepal town of Dhangadhi after the Maoists stormed a post where about 30 policemen were having dinner," the officer said. Reinforcements had been sent and the guerrillas, who wanted to storm a local jail, were repelled. "The situation is under control," he said. However, the independent Kantipur radio said 20 policemen were missing and three people, including a civilian, had been wounded. Dhangadhi, a Maoist stronghold, lies about 660 km (410 miles) west of Kathmandu on the border with India. (Posted @ 11:45 PST)
US threatens to take Syria to UN over Hariri murder inquiry WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday threatened to refer Syria to the UN Security Council again over the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, accusing the Damascus government of continuing to obstruct an international inquiry into the death. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Donors urged to give 1.5 billion to fight bird flu UNITED NATIONS, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - A UN official in charge of leading the battle against the avian flu outbreak on Wednesday called on donors to contribute around 1.5 billion dollars (1.25 billion euros) at the Jan 17-18 pledging conference in Beijing, sponsored by China, the European Commission and the World Bank. WHO warned that an outbreak of deadly bird flu sweeping across Turkey could become entrenched and spread into nearby states. (Posted @ 11:15 PST)
24 Haitian migrants die in truck SANTO DOMINGO, Jan 12(AFP) - Twenty-four Haitians including one woman suffocated to death in a truck taking them illegally into the neighbouring Dominican Republic and their bodies were thrown by a roadside, officials said Wednesday. The sealed truck carrying 69 people, including two children and six women, each of whom had paid about 50 dollars, crossed into the northern part of Dominican Republic from Haiti. Six people who survived the trip were in hospital, officials said. The bodies of 11 were left on the roadside while another 13 bodies were dumped 20 kilometers (12 miles) down the road. The others were found in the truck. (Posted @ 10:55 PST)
Tunnel discovered under US-Mexico border SAN DIEGO, California, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - US and Mexican authorities have discovered a 10.6-meter (35 foot) tunnel dug under the countries' border by suspected people or drug smugglers, US immigration officials said Wednesday. The tunnel was discovered when a cave-in of the earth around it exposed the route cut under the border at San Ysidro, near the southern California town of San Diego. "It's a tunnel about 35 feet long and 5.2 feet (one meter) wide with unreinforced earth walls," said Lauren Mack of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency."We found evidence, such as garbage and other items, that indicated that the tunnel was used recently," Mack said. (Posted @ 10:50 PST)
Bin Laden aide defies US military court on Guantanamo anniversary GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE, Cuba, Jan 12 (AFP) - Ali Hamza Ahmad al-Bahlul, a 37-year-old Yemeni and a former aide to Osama bin Laden on Wednesday told the war crimes tribunal he would boycott the hearings because he was not allowed to defend himself and did not recognise its authority. At the latest hearing, Bahlul declared in Arabic that he was boycotting the proceedings and set out his opposition to the US military court. He demanded that all Guantanamo detainees be designated prisoners of war, rather than "enemy combatants" which gives them fewer legal rights. Bahlul complained about the treatment of detainees and ended his speech with one word in English: "Boycott". Later, a separate panel started hearing the case of Omar Khadr, a Canadian who was 15 when he was detained in Afghanistan in 2002 and accused of killing a US military medic with a hand grenade during a battle. Khadr asked for his military defenders to be changed. Meanwhile, Amnesty International released fresh claims of torture and ill treatment of suspects and called for increased pressure on the US government for the prisoners to either be released or be given a fair trial.It repeated its view that Guantanamo should be shut down and an inquiry launched into the torture claims. (Posted @ 10:40 PST)
US troops kill six rebels in Iraq clash, seven bodies found BAGHDAD, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - US paratroopers battled with a group of insurgents in Iraq on Wednesday, killing six and wounding a seventh who was later detained, the military said. "While conducting an air-insertion mission, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers killed several insurgents, detained one and discovered a significant weapons cache today," it said in a statement released from Baghdad late on Wednesday. Insurgents started firing at the soldiers at about 10.45am (0745 GMT), prompting them to return fire. Two of the rebels killed in the clash had been wearing suicide vests, strapped with explosives, according to the military. The weapons also included material to make roadside bombs, mortar rounds and 400 pounds (180 kilograms) of homemade explosives. Separately, the US-led military said its forces found seven corpses Wednesday at the Rustimiyah sewage plant. "All of the bodies showed evidence of torture," it said. Finally, in the restive province of Al-Abar, a group of Iraqi soldiers and US marines found what they described as their biggest stash yet of mortars, artillery rounds, rockets and other explosives during a three-day sweep that ended on Wednesday. "This was our biggest find to date," 1st Lieutenant Antonio Agnone said in a statement. The overall hoard, found near the town of Hit, included nearly 500 rockets and artillery and mortar rounds, along with approximately 100 tank rounds, rocket propellant, fuses, and blasting caps -- the material used to make roadside bombs. A number of rifles and ammunition was also discovered. (Posted @ 10:35 PST)
Japan warns of avalanches as snow toll hits 77 TOKYO, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - The death toll from heavy snow in Japan reached 77 on Thursday as more elderly citizens died in the harsh weather, with officials warning that avalanches could bring further misery. More than 1,000 people have also been injured. Fifteen points around Japan have been hit by record snowfall. Troops have flown to remote villages by helicopter to lend a hand in clearing up from the blizzard. (Posted @ 10:25 PST)
Indian cricketers visit Imran's cancer hospital LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - India's cricket team met patients and handed out sweets at former Pakistan captain Imran Khan's cancer hospital on the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha Wednesday. Led by their skipper Rahul Dravid, the tourists stayed at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital for an hour. "It was a great gesture from the Indian team and a great boost for my hospital, staff and, above all, to the patients of the hospital," Khan told reporters.(Posted @ 22:15 PST)
15 killed in southwest Pakistan clashes QUETTA, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - Pakistani forces shot dead 12 suspected tribal militants in the country's unstable southwest Wednesday after a roadside bomb blast killed three soldiers, a government official said. The incidents near the Pirkoh gasfield, about 400 kilometres (250 miles) southeast of Quetta, were the bloodiest for months to rock the province of Baluchistan. The three paramilitary Frontier Corps soldiers died and three were wounded when their vehicle carrying food for the gasfield was hit a remote controlled bomb, district coordination officer Abdul Samad Lasi said.(Posted @ 21:55 PST)
11 Haitians migrants thrown to death SANTO DOMINGO, Jan 11, 2006 (APP/AFP) : Eleven Haitians were feared thrown to their deaths from a truck carrying about 50 illegal immigrants into the Dominican Republic, a relief agency said Wednesday. The incident happened late Tuesday in the northern sector of the border between the neighbouring countries which share Hispaniola island. Luis Luna Paulino, head of the government's National Emergencies Commission, said that according to accounts from other people in the truck the 11 were thrown onto the pavement after they became unconscious.(Posted @ 21:10 PST)
Czech military doctors return home from quake hit areas of Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Czech military doctors returned Prague after rendering humanitarian assistance mission in Pakistan. They also carried 10 Pakistani children suffering from congenital disorders who will be treated in Czech hospitals, Mission Commander Marek Kocvrlich said. The Pakistani children,the youngest of whom is three-month- old, are accompanied by some adult relatives. They should stay in the Czech Republic for about three months, Pragule daily Monitor reported. Five of them will be shifted to the Prague-Motol hospital, while others will be treated in the Bulovka facility and then in the Vinohrady Teaching Hospital in Prague. The Interior Ministry has earmarked 10 million crowns for their treatment within the Medevac project. The 30-member Czech team was arrived here several weeks after the earthquake. Along with their Dutch colleagues, Czechs have treated over 6,000 patients in a Dutch field hospital in AJK area of Bagh.(Posted @ 20:45 PST)
Six Australian tourists killed in Egyptian bus crash CAIRO, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - Six Australian tourists were killed when their bus overturned north of Cairo, injuring 25 other people, a security official said Wednesday. The driver lost control of the bus on the Cairo-Alexandria highway late Tuesday about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the capital during a rare rain shower, the official said on condition of anonymity. According to the official Mena news agency, 24 of the injured are Australians. The Egyptian driver of the bus, Mahmud Mohammed Hafez, was also hurt. The injured were initially taken to Cairo's Al-Haram hospital before being transferred to the Dar el-Fuad hospital, on the city's outskirts and one of the country's best, except one person who is in critical condition.(Posted @ 20:20 PST)
Blair says Iran referral to UN 'seems likely' LONDON, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday it "seems likely" that Iran will be referred to the UN Security Council for resuming its nuclear fuel enrichment programme. Speaking in parliament, Blair recalled that Iran's feared pursuit of nuclear weapons -- denied by the Islamic Republic -- would be discussed by the British, French and German foreign ministers in Berlin on Thursday. "The first thing to do is to secure agreement for a reference to the Security Council, if that is indeed what the allies jointly decide, as I think seems likely," he said.(Posted @ 19:40 PST)
East Sudan rebels say army attacks ahead of talks KHARTOUM, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Sudanese armed forces attacked eastern rebel areas in an early morning raid on Wednesday, a week before negotiations were expected to begin to resolve the protracted conflict, rebel officials said. Sudanese army officials could not immediately confirm the attack during the Muslim holiday week of Eid al-Adha, but one army source told Reuters there had been tension between the army and the eastern rebels in recent weeks. "From the early morning the government troops attacked," said Amna Dirar, secretary-general of the eastern Beja Congress political party.(Posted @ 18:52 PST)
Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated with religious fervor ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated across the country with religious fervor. Earthquake survivors are also celebrating Eid in tent settlements. Hundreds of congregational prayers were held in various cities, towns and villages. Special prayers were held for progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the Muslim world and quick rehabilitation of the earthquake survivors, PTV reported. President General Pervez Musharraf offered the Eid prayers in Army Stadium Rawalpindi. In Islamabad the biggest congregation of Eid prayers was held at the Shah Faisal Mosque. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, envoys of Muslim countries, ministers, parliamentarians and citizens attended in large number.(Posted @ 18:18 PST)
Egyptian offical confirms bus crash that killed six Australians CAIRO, Egypt Jan 11 (APP/AP) _ A tour bus crashed overnight, killing six Australians and injuring at least 24 other people, Australian and Egyptian officials said Wednesday. The crash took place on the Cairo-Alexandria highway at about 10:45 p.m. (20:45 GMT) on Tuesday, said a spokeswoman for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs in a phone call from Canberra. The bus, which was carrying Australian police officers and family members, overturned in bad weather about 46 kilometers north of Cairo, said an Egyptian security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. The Australian spokeswoman said 24 people were injured, but the Egyptian official put the injured toll at 25. The Australian spokeswoman spoke on condition of anonymity according to ministry rules. In Australia, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told reporters: "There's been a very serious accident in Egypt in which a number of Australians have been involved." He said the Australian ambassador was on the scene and trying to assist. (First Posted @ 12:00 PST Updated @ 14:30 PST)
Moderate quake hits Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale jolted northern Pakistan Wednesday but there were no reports of casualties or damage, meteorologists said. The quake was felt at 10:49 am (0549 GMT) in several cities including the capital Islamabad and the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, which was devastated by a massive quake on October 8. The epicentre of the "moderate" quake was 200 kilometres (120 miles) northeast of Peshawar, Mohammed Akram, an official at the meteorological office in the northwestern city, told AFP. Seismologists said it was likely an aftershock of last October's huge 7.6-magnitude quake, which killed more than 74,000 people in Pakistan and in the Indian and Pakistani zones of Kashmir. Since the quake more than 1,500 aftershocks have rocked the region. The last major one, on December 29, measured 5.3 on the Richter scale. (Posted @ 12:30 PST)
Seven Russian soldiers killed in Chechnya MOSCOW, Jan 10, 2006 (APP/AFP) - Seven Russian soldiers have been killed and seven others injured in the latest fighting in Chechnya, an official from the war-torn province's pro-Moscow administration said Tuesday. Four soldiers were killed and five injured in 15 attacks by Chechen separatist rebels on Russian forces' outposts over a 24-hour period, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. An officer engaged in de-mining activities was killed by a mine blast on Tuesday in a suburb of the Chechen capital Grozny. (Posted @ 12:00 PST)
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