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| January 20, 2006 | Friday | Zilhaj 19, 1426 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
New anti-US airstrike protests in Pakistan WANA, Pakistan, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) Thousands of people took to the streets in fresh protests Friday, a week after a US airstrike killed four alleged Al-Qaeda militants and 18 innocent civilians, witnesses said. In Wana, the main town in the South Waziristan tribal area, around two thousand tribesmen marched through a main marketplace chanting "death to America", "Allah is great" and "stop killing innocent Muslims." One tribal elder told the crowd that "there are 70,000 Pakistani soldiers on our borders, but our army is not protecting us, it is injustice" . Separately, lawyers in Multan city boycotted courts to protest against the air strikes and what they called the pro-US policies of President Pervez Musharraf. "The US attack is a threat to the country's sovereignty. It seems our rulers have mortgaged Pakistan's independence with the United States," a lawyer from the High Court Bar Association told the rally.(Posted @ 15:55 PST)
Former Pentagon expert jailed for giving secrets to Israel ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - A US court on Friday sentenced a former Defense Department specialist to 12 years and seven months in prison for giving classified information to an Israeli diplomat and two pro-Israeli lobbyists. Lawrence Franklin, who had worked as a top analyst, was also fined 10,000 dollars. Franklin has been working with government investigators and his lawyers are negotiating to get the sentence reduced. He was free on bail pending these talks.(Posted @ 23: 22 PST)
Mouland, Rodgers take Pakistan Open lead KARACHI, Pakistan, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) Welshman Mark Mouland and England's Chris Rodgers stood firm to share the second round lead in the Pakistan Open which is making its debut on the Asian Tour. Rodgers enjoyed a bogey-free round as he fired an eight-under-par 64 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133 while Mouland shot an equally impressive 65 at the Karachi Golf Club. Local hope Shabbir Iqbal was four strokes off the pace in tied fourth position after a 67 together with Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh who shot a 69.(Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Aziz opens trading at New York Stock Exchange NEW YORK, Jan 20 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday became the first Pakistani head of government to open trading on the world's largest equities market at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSC). Aziz opened the trading by ringing the traditional bell at exact 0930 hrs local time. He also held a meeting with John Than, Chief Executive of the New York Stock Exchange, and NYSC members.Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday said after the success of its first Euro bond that was oversubscribed, Pakistan would consider floating its next bond in the US market for onshore US investors this year. The Prime Minister, who was at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to open trading on world's largest equities, told its Chief Executive John Than that Pakistan would consider floating it in the US market. Aziz said Pakistan has introduced numerous reforms in the capital market and strengthened its Security and Exchange Commission.(First Posted @ 20:50 PST Updated @ 23:45 PST)
U.S Relief Forces make record in relief operation ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP): Taking advantage of Thursday's clear skies, U.S. helicopters flew their 3400th mission and delivered 232 tons of humanitarian assistance, making a new one-day record. This is 132 tons over the UN daily requirement. This brought the total amount of relief supplies transported to over 9000 tons. "These milestones tell us that we are on track," said Col. Bob Johnson, Commander Task Force Eagle, the U.S. helicopter relief force. "But what really matters is knowing there is a 30-day supply of food at the distribution centers," he added. Currently 12 U.S CH-47 Chinook helicopters are flying relief supplies out of Muzaffarabad and Chatter plain airfield to the Neelum, Jehlum, and Allai valleys.(Posted @ 20:30 PST)
First major contingent of NATO troops leaves ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP): The first major contingent of NATO forces deployed in the earthquake affected areas left Pakistan after providing necessary rescue, relief and rehabilitation assistance to quake survivors. A 171-member batch mainly army personnel from Spain returned back to their country by aeroplane after completing a three-month mission in earthquake affected areas. The remaining personnel of NATO Forces will depart Pakistan by first week of February after successfully completing their relief operations in quake hit Bagh.(Posted @ 20:25 PST)
Ahmadinejad meets Palestinian faction leaders in Syria DAMASCUS, Jan 20 (Reuters) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on a visit to regional ally Syria, pledged support to Palestinian factions at a meeting with their leaders in Damascus on Friday, a Palestinian group said. "The Iranian president stressed that Iran strongly stands behind the Palestinian people and their just struggle," Maher al-Taher, senior official of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said. Taher said Islamic Jihad leader Abdallah Ramadan Shallah was among those who attended the 90-minute meeting with Ahmadinejad. Also present was Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Ahmed Jibril, leader of the PFLP-GC pro-Syrian faction.(Posted @ 20: 23 PST)
Iran confirms pulling money out of Europe accounts TEHRAN, Jan 20 (Reuters) A senior Iranian official confirmed on Friday that Iran, which could face sanctions over its atomic programme, was transferring its assets from European accounts to other foreign banks. Iran's ISNA student news agency quoted central bank governor Ebrahim Sheibani as saying esrlier on Friday that Iran had started transferring funds. ISNA specifically asked whether the money was being moved to Asian accounts but Sheibani's answer sidestepped whether the assets would head east or not.(Posted @ 20:20 PST)
Pakistan bus crosses into India, marks third road link AMRITSAR, India, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) A bus from Lahore arrived in Amritsar Friday, marking the launch of a third bus link between the arch-rivals. Passengers were given a rousing reception from crowds gathered at the Wagah border post in Punjab when the bus rolled onto Indian soil at 11:27 am (0557 GMT), witnesses said. Indian officials showered rose petals on the bus, which was decorated with garlands, and on the 26 passengers, among them 15 Pakistani officials and a number of journalists and artists. The vehicle then continued its journey to Amritsar, site of the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine. The south Asian neighbours have also agreed to start a fourth bus link connecting Amritsar with the Pakistani city of Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, who founded the Sikh religion. Renowned Pakistani folk singer Reshma was also aboard the Lahore-Amritsar bus. "I got my air ticket cancelled to avail of this rarest of rare historic privileges," she said after delighting the gathering at Wagah with her songs.(First Posted@12:30 PST Updated @ 20:18 PST)
Straw says no more cases of CIA flights over UK LONDON, Jan 20 (Reuters) Britain denied on Friday it was involved in a cover-up of U.S. transfers of terrorism suspects and said it was not aware of any cases other than those ministers have already revealed to parliament. "I have given parliament clear answers, updated as information has become available to me," he Foreign Minister Jack Straw in the statement. (Posted @ 19:22)
Australia beat South Africa by 59 runs MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) A stunning spell of fast bowling by Brett Lee demolished South Africa and upstaged a record-breaking knock by team-mate Phil Jaques as Australia grabbed a 59-run victory in their triangular series one-day match here on Friday. Lee sparked a massive middle-order collapse, claiming 5-22 from 10 overs as South Africa surrendered meekly to reach just 186 with three overs remaining in reply to Australia's 245.(Posted @ 19:22)
Iraq vote results give Shi'ites close to majority BAGHDAD, Jan 20 (Reuters) Final results of Iraq's Dec. 15 election gave the Shi'ite Islamist Alliance 128 seats, 10 short of a majority in the 275-seat chamber, an Electoral Commission official told a news conference on Friday. The results, in line with expectations and earlier counts, gave the Kurdish bloc 53 seats and former prime minister Iyad Allawi's secular list 25, with two main Sunni Arab groups, the Accordance Front and the National Dialogue Front, securing 44 and 11 places respectively, the official said. The parties have two days to appeal before the results are certified as definitive.(Posted @ 17:42 PST)
Cricket-Pakistan's Sami doubtful starter for second test FAISALABAD, Jan 20 (Reuters) Pakistan's pacer Mohammad Sami is a doubtful starter for the second test against India from Saturday and is likely to be replaced by Mohammad Asif. Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq told a news conference on Friday there would be one or two changes in the side but did not elaborate on what these would be. Sources in the Pakistan team said Sami had come down with high fever and a sore throat and was unlikely to be fit for the match. "Asif is expected to replace him as he has been with the squad since the England series and is in good bowling form," the source said.(Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Bombs hit sealed off Baghdad ahead of vote result BAGHDAD, Jan 20 (Reuters) Four bombs hit security patrols in Baghdad on Friday as the city was all but sealed off ahead of the announcement of final election results and forces hunted kidnappers who have threatened to kill an American journalist. Two civilians were killed by a roadside bomb targeting a U.S. patrol and police reported three other explosions after they blocked off roads between Baghdad and the restive provinces of Anbar, Salahaddin and Diyala.(First Posted@15:20 PST Updated @ 17: 28 PST)
Bus plunge kills 52 in Occupied Kashmir JAMMU, Occupied Kashmir, Jan 20 (Reuters) An overcrowded bus plunged into a deep gorge near the town of Rajouri, 170 km north of Jammu city in Occupied Kashmir on Friday, killing 52 people, including five young children, police said. "All the dead have been extricated and the bodies handed over to the next of kin," a police chief said. The death toll could rise, with up to 15 people remaining in a critical condition in a Rajouri hospital. Rescue efforts had been hampered by the harsh terrain, officials said, with police and paramedics struggling to remove the dead from the wreckage and then haul the bodies up to the road.(First Posted@ 15:15 PST Updated @ 17:06 PST)
Nine killed in China pipeline blast BEIJING, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) Nine people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a gas pipeline blast in southwest China's Sichuan province, state media said. No further details were immediately available but an investigation was under way.(Posted @ 15:50 PST)
Kuwaiti ruling family anoints PM to replace ailing emir KUWAIT CITY, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) Kuwait's ruling family agreed Friday that Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah should become emir to replace the current ruler whose first days of power have been marred by his ailing health, a top family source said. The oil-rich emirate has been embroiled in political controversy, since Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah, named emir after Sunday's death of his predecessor, has been reported incapable of taking the oath due to poor health. It was not clear yet if Sheikh Saad will abdicate voluntarily. If he does, Sheikh Sabah will be officially appointed emir and will assume his powers after taking the oath before parliament. If not, the cabinet can refer the issue to the elected parliament.(Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Curfew in Nepal's capital, political leaders under house arrest KATHMANDU, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - Kathmandu was deserted Friday as police and soldiers enforced a daytime curfew declared by the Nepalese government after a round-up of political activists aimed at heading off anti-king protests. Kathmandu's picture-perfect Durbar Square, where seven opposition parties had planned to hold their rally early afternoon, was empty save for police,three holy cows and a troupe of monkeys. On Thursday, the security forces detained 107 activists and political leaders and cut mobile telephone services in a crackdown condemned by the United States, India, the European Union and Japan. Further detentions were reported early Friday.(Posted @ 12:45 PST)
Tomb unearthed in Rome dates from 1,000 BC ROME, Jan 19, 2006 (AFP) - A tomb containing a perfectly preserved funeral urn dating from a thousand years before Christ has been unearthed by archaelogists in Rome, the city's cultural superintendent said Thursday. The one-metre diametre hole contained "a funerary urn and seven terracotta vases in a perfect state of preservation," he said. "We have also found burned human bones and traces of animal bones, perhaps the remains of a funerary meal, as well as small bronze objects that we still have to examine," the official said. The tomb was discovered in the Forum of Caesar which contains the Temple of Venus, one of the main tourist attractions in the Roman ruins. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
Iran frees eight detained Iraqi border guards BASRA, Jan 20(AFP) - Iran on Thursday released eight Iraqi border guards who had been detained on January 14 by Iranian forces after a clash on the southern river frontier, an officer said. "Eight of our men have been freed and the body of a ninth is to be repatriated Saturday," Iraqi Brigadier-General Abbas Mussawi said. (Posted @ 10:30 PST)
Blind woman in Britain recovers sight after heart attack LONDON, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - A 74-year-old woman who had been blind for 25 years awoke in a British hospital after suffering a heart attack and could see again, telling her husband: "You've got older," a newspaper reported Friday. Doctors at Walgrave Hospital in Coventry were at a loss to explain how Joyce Urch, who lived in near darkness since 1979, had recovered her sight after the heart attack 16 months ago, the Daily Telegraph reported. They called it a "miracle," the newspaper said. (Posted @ 10:15 PST)
37 dead in Bolivia road tragedy LA PAZ, Jan 20 (AFP) - At least 37 people were killed and seven were injured after a truck overturned on a highway in southern Bolivia, local officials said late Thursday adding that bad weather was hampering rescue efforts. (Posted @ 10:10 PST)
Three men killed in Thailand's restive south NARATHIWAT, Thailand, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - Two men were shot dead by suspected militants while a third man was killed in a separate bomb blast in Thailand's Muslim-majority restive south, police said Friday. A 22-year-old Muslim villager was gunned down late Thursday in the southern province of Narathiwat, while in neighboring Pattani province, 62-year-old fish trader was shot dead late Thursday. Early Friday an unidentified man was killed in a bomb blast at a mobile phone mast in Narathiwat, police said. (Posted @ 10:10 PST)
44 dead in Slovak military plane crash in Hungary: police BUDAPEST, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - Forty-four Slovak soldiers died when their military plane crashed in northeastern Hungary late Thursday, Hungary's national police spokesman Laszlo Garamvolgyi said Friday. "There is only one survivor among the 45 people who were on board the plane. All the other passengers are dead," he said by telephone from Telkibanya where the accident occurred. "It's minus 18 degrees Celsius here. The plane's fuselage is completely burnt out. It is absolutely inconceivable that there could be other survivors," Garamvolgyi said. (First Posted @ 09:45 PST; Updated @ 09:55 PST)
Australian inquiry into oil-for-food scandal stretches to Pakistan SYDNEY, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - The Australian wheat exporter caught up in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal could potentially also have made illegal payments to agents in Pakistan to ensure contracts, an inquiry heard Friday. The commission of inquiry heard that the company granted legal indemnity to two employees because they were worried that payments made to two agents in Islamabad and Karachi could amount to bribing foreign officials. The company's internal documents reveal that the Pakistani agents received unusually high payments -- with one apparently paid four million US dollars after extracting 4.00 US dollars per tonne for a one million tonne shipment of wheat. An internal audit report noted that the major risk with such large transactions was they could enable the agents to make payments to Pakistani officials. The report also revealed that one Pakistani agent told AWB (Australian Wheat Board) officials that "payments of outstanding receivables" from the Pakistan government would not proceed if AWB's deal with him was terminated. The two former AWB employees, who cannot be named, insisted on legal indemnity when they left the company. One of the employees "stated that if he did not obtain an indemnity he would go to lawyers" in relation to the Pakistan payments. (Posted @ 09:55 PST)
Sri Lankan parties unite with call for talks with Tigers COLOMBO, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - Sri Lankan political parties showed rare unity by calling for talks with Tamil Tiger rebels to end violence that has killed at least 140 people in six weeks, officials present at the meeting said Friday. Representatives of 15 parties, including the ruling coalition and the main opposition, agreed during a meeting on Thursday evening to support immediate talks with the Tigers, they said. President Mahinda Rajapakse had called the meeting as part of efforts to agree a consensus among the majority Sinhalese parties before entering into a dialogue with the rebel LTTE. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 31.99 points: KARACHI, Jan 20: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10227.87 , down 31.99 points from Thursday's close. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:00 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Jan 20: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 59.9 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:00 PST)
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