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| January 23, 2006 | Monday | Zilhaj 22, 1426 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
PM discusses defence cooperation and security related matters with Rumsfeld WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday discussed defence cooperation, security related matters and procurement of equipment to avoid collateral damage with the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The meeting also focused on having better coordination, cooperation and communication between the respective security forces of the two countries. The two leaders also dwelt at length on expediting the procurement of defence related equipment and its maintenance. Prime Minister Aziz and the Defence Secretary also discussed the security environment in the region, the situation along the border with Afghanistan and provision of equipment to avoid collateral damage. In this context they are also understood to have discussed the Bajaur incident in which 13 people were killed in Pakistan's frontier region along Afghanistan. Mr Rumsfeld termed the talks "important, not only for both of our countries, but also for the region." In a brief chat with the reporters he said "we discussed a great deal about our relationship." Rumsfeld avoided answering questions about the Bajaur incident. He said: "we have a great many things that we do together and we have had good successes in a number of things that we have done together."(Posted @ 23:10 PST)
Reconstruction of quake hit areas soon: Shaukat Aziz WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (APP)- Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said the reconstruction phase in the earthquake hit areas is to start soon and would be in full gear after a couple of months. At a meeting with representatives of Old Asia Hands Society, comprising a group of corporate officials who work in Asian region he gave details of planned micro-finance scheme to help the quake-affectees stand on their feet. The society announced to set up schools and hospitals in the nine quake ravaged districts of NWFP and Kashmir.(Posted @ 22:52 PST)
Pak-US long term relationship vital for regional stability, world peace: PM WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (APP)- Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here Monday that Pakistan and US have convergence of strategic interests and called for long term relationship for regional stability and global peace. In an address at the Heritage Foundation the prime minister covered a host of key topics including nuclear non-proliferation, war on terror, Afghanistan and Iraq, Pak-India peace process and the Palestinian problem. He expressed the confidence that his current visit to US and the forthcoming visit of President Bush to Pakistan shortly would "take our relationship to a higher plane." He said the two countries were jointly committed to a secure and stable world order based on freedom, justice and equity. "We are allied in the war against terror while working together for the promotion of interfaith harmony and understanding.” The Prime Minister underscored the need for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute which "has remained at the heart of tensions between Pakistan and India.” "For us, this is not just an issue of territory but of principle – the democratic principle of self-determination which is the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people," he said. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to involve Kashmiri people with the dialogue process and said Pakistan had suggested ideas of self-governance and demilitarization that "resonate with the views of Kashmiri leaders and intellectuals." The attainment of a final settlement would require a solution acceptable to Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris and for this all sides would have to demonstrate "courage, sincerity, flexibility and above all passion," he said. He also asked the audience to view Pakistan's nuclear capability in the context of India's pursuit of the nuclear option and "our security concerns."(Posted @ 22:48 PST)
Huge quantity of illicit weapons, explosive seized in Kurram agency: Political Agent PESHAWAR, Jan 23 (APP): The levy force of Kurram agency early Monday morning seized huge quantity of illicit weapons and explosives after an encounter with the smugglers near Chapri Patak in Lower Kurram agency, Political Agent Muhammad Salim said. The force seized 1400 kg explosives loaded on camels after an encounter of about 45 minutes, he said. A large number of heavy and light machine guns including 15 kalashinkoves, five short guns and large numbers of cartridges were also seized .(Posted @ 22:40 PST)
Bitter cold grips Europe, 40 dead in Baltics RIGA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - About 40 people have died in the three Baltic states in a wave of bitter cold gripping northern and eastern Europe, as one capital city shivered in its lowest temperature for half a century. Emergency services said 20 people died in Latvia and at least five in Estonia, while Lithuanian state radio reported 14 deaths. Officials in Romania and the Czech Republic reported nine deaths in the past two days as the cold wave shut Black Sea ports and disrupted transport and energy supplies in parts of Eastern Europe. The Arctic cold also hit several parts of Turkey, cutting off nearly 4,000 villages. Blizzards also forced the closure of the narrow Bosphorus straits to all shipping. In Germany, the temperature in Berlin hit a low of minus17.8C (0F) on Monday, the lowest for the date in 64 years. The Spree River that flows past the Reichstag building was frozen solid and two rail lines cracked, causing widespread disruption.(Posted @ 22:36 PST)
S.Lanka's Tigers are reprehensible, says U.S. envoy COLOMBO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels will never have a relationship with the United States unless they cease violence, U.S. Under secretary of State Nicholas Burns said Monday. Tiger attacks on the military were ruining the lives of ordinary people, many of whom fear a two-decade civil war that has already killed over 64,000 people could reignite, he told a news conference in Colombo. "The people of this country ought not to have to live for another 15 to 20 years with this reprehensible terrorist group keeping the country perched on the edge of war," he added. Norwegian envoy Erik Solheim, broker of the 2002 truce, also arrived in the island hours before a suspected Tiger ambush on an army patrol which killed three soldiers.(Posted @ 22:22 PST)
Oslo cuts $20 mln Pakistan debts; Musharraf visits OSLO, Jan 23 (Reuters) Norway would cancel $20 million of Pakistan's $45 million debt to Oslo in a swap deal under which Pakistan would spend a corresponding amount in rupees on reconstruction after the devastating Oct 8 earthquake, the Foreign Ministry said in statement. The announcement came as President Pervez Musharraf arrived in Oslo for a state visit.(Posted @ 22:18 PST)
Kuwait parliament to meet to remove ailing emir KUWAIT CITY, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Kuwait's parliament will meet Tuesday to start unprecedented constitutional issues on the agenda. "Parliament will hold two special sessions on Tuesday. The first at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) to study a government letter asking to remove the emir, and the second at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT) to enable the emir to take the oath," speaker Jassem al-Khorafi said told reporters. In an indication of the high chance of parliament voting the emir out of office, he added: "There is a big possibility that the second session won't be held, depending on the outcome of the first." "It has been proven to the council of ministers that His Highness Emir Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah has lost his health capability to exercise his constitutional prerogatives," said the government's letter to parliament. Parliament Monday also received a letter from Sheikh Saad "which includes an order to hold a session to take the oath this (Monday) evening" instead of Tuesday as previously planned, MP Mohammad al-Sager told reporters. To remove the emir, there must be a two-thirds majority vote in the 65-member parliament, which includes 16 cabinet ministers.(First Posted @ 14:20 PST Updated @ 22:00 PST)
FO wants flexibility from India ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (PPI) Pakistan says flexibility is pre-requisite for moving forward and sustaining Pakistan-India peace process to resolve all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Office spokesperson Ms. Tasneem Aslam in her Press briefing in Islamabad Monday said a number of proposals were discussed by the two Foreign Secretaries in New Delhi recently particularly regarding peace and security and issue of Jammu and Kashmir. She hoped that third round of talks will be very important to move forward towards addressing various issues between the two countries as environment has been improved a lot during the first two rounds. There is need that Pakistan and India utilize it to address more difficult issues including Jammu and Kashmir.(Posted @ 21:50 PST)
FO rules out OIC Observer status, extradition treaty with India ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (PPI)Foreign office Monday said that a non-Muslim country having dispute with the Member State can't become OIC observer. Responding a question, foreign office spokesperson Ms. Tasneem Aslam told a news briefing that according to current OIC criteria, any country which intends to become observer should not be involved in any dispute with the member state. Regarding India's desire to become observer in the OIC, the spokesperson said that the OIC has set up a committee to chalk out a criteria to give observer status to any non-Muslim country and the committee is discussing various proposals in this regard. Regarding extradition treaty with India Ms. Tasneem Aslam said no negotiations are underway. She also ruled out presence of any militant in Pakistan.(Posted @ 21:45 PST)
Iran gas pipeline our top most priority: Pakistan Islamabad, Jan 23 PPI: Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Amanullah Jadoon Monday said during the meeting with visiting Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian that the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas line was Pakistan's ``topmost priority''. They met at Pakistan-Iran Joint Working Group's fifth session at which the two sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Earlier, the Iranian minister opened talks at joint working group with Petroleum Secretary Ahmed Waqar.(Posted @ 21:34 PST)
India pursuing composite dialogue process with Pakistan Hyderabad (Deccan), Jan 23 PPI: India is pursuing a composite dialogue process with Pakistan to resolve bilateral issues with the understanding that the two countries "shared a destiny," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Monday. "We are pursuing a composite dialogue with Pakistan with the understanding that in South Asia we have not just shared a past, but a shared future and a shared destiny," he said addressing Congress plenary session here.(Posted @ 21:30 PST)
Pinochet wife and family charged with fraud SANTIAGO, Jan 23, 2006 (APP/AFP) - A Chilean judge on Monday charged Lucia Hiriart, the wife of former dictator Augusto Pinochet, and four of their sons, with fraud over millions of dollars kept in secret bank accounts abroad, legal sources said.(Posted @ 21:28 PST)
President begins official visit to Norway OSLO, (Norway) Jan 23 (APP): Pakistan and Norway would seek to strengthen their economic, political and diplomatic ties as President General Pervez Musharraf arrived in Oslo at the start of a three-day state visit to the Scandinavian country for wide-ranging talks. Talking to reporters briefly after his arrival at the Gardermoen international airport, the President said his visit aimed to enhance bilateral relations with Norway, specially in trade and economic field and exchange views on issues of international concern. On Tuesday, President Musharraf will call on the King Harald V in Oslo and also hold talks with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg the same day. The President would also meet with the President of the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) Thorbjorn Jagland. President's interaction with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of leading business conglomerates at a round-table to be hosted by the Norwegian telecom giant Telenor is another important event of the visit. The King Harald V will host President Musharraf for a exclusive lunch who will also attend a banquet in his honour by the Norwegian Prime Minister.(Posted @ 21:25 PST)
Killer cold grips Europe, more to come WARSAW, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Bone-chilling Arctic weather claimed dozens more lives in Europe Monday after an already deadly weekend, with 24 freezing deaths in as many hours in Ukraine alone, and rising tolls in Turkey, Poland, Russia and Germany. The freezing Arctic weather has already claimed well over 100 lives since last week with unusually low temperatures predicted to continue in some regions at least until Wednesday.(Posted @ 19:22 PST)
Five dead, 50 wounded as Bangladesh police shoot at farmers DHAKA, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Five person were killed and at least 50 were wounded Monday when police in northwest Bangladesh opened fire on a crowd of rioting farmers demanding lower electricity rates, police said . The clash occurred at Shibganj in Chapai Nawabganj district, some 250 kilometres from Dhaka, police superintendent Rezaul Karim said. "They came to the office, attacked police and torched 10 vehicles. We showed extreme restraint. At first we fired blanks to disperse them. Then, to protect ourselves, we fired." The clash was the second at the electricity board office after a similar protest there on January 4, when police also shot at a crowd, killing two and injuring at least 15 people.(Posted @ 19:18 PST)
Iran must stop 'active support' for terrorism, Blair says LONDON, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Iran must withdraw its "active support" for terrorism abroad if it wants to enjoy good relations with Britain, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday. At a press conference Blair also said that Syria had to come clean on questionable actions in Lebanon in order to hope for better ties. "We have no desire whatever to act against the people in Iran and Syria," he said in reply to a question. "But the government of those two countries have to understand the only basis of friendly relations is that they abide by their international obligations and do not support terrorism in other countries," Blair said. "I'm afraid at the moment this is not the case.”(Posted @ 19:16 PST)
Federer into Aussie Open quarters after dramatic five-set win MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan 23 (AFP) - Swiss top seed Roger Federer survived a huge five-set scare to hold off unseeded Tommy Haas in a compelling fourth round match at the Australian Open Monday. Federer, who looked on course for a comfortable victory after winning the opening two sets, was rattled as the German fought back to take the third and fourth. But the world number one dug deep to recover and win 6-4, 6-0, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2 in 2hr 58min. He will play Russian fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko in the quarter-finals.(Posted @ 19:08 PST)
Khaleda Zia to visit Pakistan in February Dhaka, Jan. 23 (PPI): Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 12 at the invitation of Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Foreign Minister Morshed Khan told newsmen Monday.(Posted @ 18:24 PST)
Pakistan appreciates US help for earthquake affectees Washington, Jan 23(PPI): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has appreciated the help extended by the United States for the affectees of massive October 8, 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. The US is largest donor while relief is also coming from the NGOs, he said in an interview with CNN late edition Sunday night. Replying to a question he said Pakistan is playing its role in the fight against terror in an effective manner. Replying to another question about bombing and killing in Pakistan's Damdola tribal village on January 13, he said the understanding is that ``we (Pakistan and the US) should work together and communicate with each other.'' ``We have chased the terrorists and captured them with the cooperation of US and other countries,'' the prime minister added.(Posted @ 18:18 PST)
Indian troops martyr 2 more Kashmiris SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, January 23 PPI) In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops martyred two more Kashmiri youth, reports Kashmir Media Service. Rashtriya Rifles, during a so-called siege and search operation, martyred a youth at Zakoora in Srinagar. Another was killed in custody in Gandoh area of Doda district. Two women and two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Personnel were injured in a grenade attack at Nowhatta Chowk near Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. The troops, during house raids, arrested twenty-two persons, including a girl, from Sopore, Rafiabad, Srinagar, Kulgam and Doda areas.(Posted @ 18:08 PST)
IUCN President to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday KARACHI, Jan 23 (APP): President of World Conservation Union (IUCN), Mr. Valli Moosa is arriving in Pakistan for a visit from January 24-26 and will primarily discuss post-earthquake situation and IUCN's role in rehabilitation efforts.(Posted @ 17:58 PST)
50,000 quake affected families to get Rs 3,000 from PBM ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (APP): About 50,000 quake affected families would get Rs 3,000 annually through Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s "Food Support Program". Bait-ul-Mal has started registration of affected families which is to be completed by the end of next month, PBM Managing Director Brig.(R) Muhammad Sarfraz said Monday. PBM has allocated Rs 4.38 billion for this purpose, he said.(Posted @ 17:52 PST)
China and Saudi Arabia sign bilateral energy agreement BEIJING, Jan 23 (APP/AFP): China and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement Monday to expand energy cooperation . The agreement on "cooperation in oil, natural gas and minerals" was signed by Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi and Ma Kai, minister of China's State Development and Reform Commission. It followed a meeting between visiting Saudi King Abdullah and Chinese President Hu Jintao. Neither side immediately provided any details on the agreement, but Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal indicated before the signing ceremony it would allow for more specific joint projects in the future. "Projects are not under the auspices of the agreement. It sets the framework for such investment but investment will have to come from the companies," Prince Saud said.(Posted @ 17:48 PST)
China agrees to restart work on Zam dam BEIJING, Jan 22 (APP): Work on Gomal Zam Dam will be resumed by March this year. An agreement to this effect has been reached between China’s Sino-Hydro Corporation and the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda). Work on the project was suspended after the kidnapping of two Chinese engineers in South Waziristan in October 2004. The multi-billion project has been renegotiated to ensure its smooth working under the new terms and conditions, and is likely to be completed by year 2009. About 14 per cent work has been carried out so far. The reservoir would have gross storage capacity of 1.13 (MAF) and would irrigate an estimated 132,000 acres of land in district Tank and Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan.(Posted @ 17:38 PST)
Rs 03b allocated for issuing small loans to Azad Kashmir quake victims ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (APP): An amount of Rs 03 billion has been allocated for grant of soft loans to Azad Kashmir quake victims for initiating business activities, AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said Monday. Khushali Bank and other institutions would offer loans ranging from Rs 15,000 to 30,000 for starting small and medium enterprises. Stores would be set up in quake-stricken areas where people could get construction material including cement at concessional rates, he added.(Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Afghanistan at "huge risk" of bird flu: UN KABUL, Jan 23 (APP/AFP): War-shattered Afghanistan faces a huge risk from bird flu, including a strain that can kill people, and must take urgent action to protect itself, UN experts said Monday. The country is on the path of migrating birds that may be carrying the disease and about 85 per cent of its people live in close contact with poultry, FAO said. Afghanistan's veterinary services were also in disarray, having been ignored in the rebuilding of the country after decades of war. "If no action is taken immediately, the risk will increase," experts said at a briefing at Qargha Lake, a stopover for migrating birds about 10 kilometres outside Kabul. "The enemy is at the gate." The FAO proposed a programme that is estimated to cost 1.5 million dollars.(Posted @ 17:34 PST)
At least 33 die in bus crash in Brazil SAO PAULO, Brazil, Jan 23 Reuters) - At least 33 people died and 21 were injured when two buses collided head-on on Sunday night in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, police and bus company officials said on Monday.(Posted @ 17:24 PST)
Court appoints new chief judge in Saddam trial BAGHDAD, Jan 23 (Reuters) - The court trying former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has appointed a new judge to preside over the next session on Tuesday, said the tribunal's spokesman Raid Jouhi. "The tribunal met today and decided that judge Raouf AbdelRahman will head the court," he said.(Posted @ 17:16 PST)
At least nine killed in Ankara road crash ANKARA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - At least nine people, including Turkish foreign ministry employees, were killed on Monday in a traffic accident in Ankara caused by heavy snowfall, the ministry said. The accident happened when a bus collided with a foreign ministry vehicle in Ankara.(Posted @ 17:10 PST)
Building collapses in Nairobi, 6 killed, many injured -TV NAIROBI, Jan 23 (Agencies) - A four-storey building collapsed in downtown Nairobi on Monday, killing 6 person and injuring more than 200 people, Citizen Television reported.(First Posted @ 17:02 PST Updated @ 19:12 PST)
U.N. says 8 peacekeepers killed in eastern Congo GOMA, Congo, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Eight Guatemalan U.N. peacekeepers were killed on Monday and 14 more injured during an operation against Ugandan rebels in eastern Congo, the United Nations said in a statement. The United Nations has its biggest peacekeeping force helping enforce a peace in DR Congo and in recent months has launched several operations to dislodge Congolese and foreign rebels and militias in the east. (Posted @ 17:00 PST)
UNICEF seeks $805 million to save children worldwide GENEVA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - The UNICEF appealed on Monday for $805 million to provide aid to children and mothers in 29 emergencies worldwide.$331 million, is for Sudan, where the survival of 1.4 million children in Darfur alone is threatened, it said. Along with Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo ($91 million), Ethiopia ($45.5 million) and Uganda ($44 million) are among the countries in line for the largest sums. (Posted @ 16:51 PST)
Pakistani shares hit new record KARACHI, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Pakistani share prices soared to a new all-time high Monday, dealers said, despite a plunge in markets across much of the rest of Asia, dealers said. The Karachi Stock Exchange KSE-100 shares gained 118 points to close at 10,346 points, surpassing the previous record close of 10,304 points set in March 2005. (Posted @ 16:20 PST)
Iraqi rebels mount attacks nationwide; many casualties BAHGDAD, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) - Iraqi rebels mounted a series of attacks around the country on Monday, killing at least three people. At least two people were killed and five wounded when a suicide car bomber attacked a police patrol outside the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, an interior ministry official said. The victims included 18-year-old Hamza Hussein, a sport journalist for Al Diyar satellite television, hospital and security officials said. Iraqi television broadcast pictures from the scene showing a burnt-out police vehicle and several wounded people being evacuated on the back of a pick-up truck. Two Iraqi policemen were also wounded by a roadside bomb in north Baghdad, while police reported a suicide bombing attack on a joint US-Iraqi checkpoint in the west of the capital. Elsewhere in the country, a woman working as a cleaner at a US base was shot dead in Al-Dawr, near Tikrit. Four civilians were wounded in a car bomb attack near a court house in Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, and five policemen were hurt in a bomb attack in the northern city of Kirkuk, police said. Two US airmen were killed and one wounded Sunday by a roadside bomb near Taji, just north of Baghdad, the military said Monday. Also Sunday, Iraqi authorities recovered the bodies of 23 police volunteers, murdered after their abduction a week earlier when they were travelling home after being turned down by a recruitment centre. (First Posted @ 13:10 PST Updated @ 16:20 PST)
Pakistan’s provincial government urges expulsion of US envoy PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) A provincial assembly in North West Frontier Province on Monday demanded the expulsion of the US ambassador, after a CIA air strike killed 18 civilians in a remote border village. In a unanimous resolution, legislators in NWFP also called on the Pakistani government to seek a United Nations Security Council condemnation of the January 13 incident. The assembly also called on Washington to apologise for the civilian casualties. Separately police barred a delegation of opposition politicians from visiting the missile-hit village Monday, witnesses and officials said. A 70-vehicle convoy containing the legislators reached the Yakaghund checkpoint, 40 kilometres north of Peshawar, but police blocked its entry, witnesses said. "We have instructions from the federal government not to allow the opposition leaders through," a local administration official said. Opposition party supporters then chanted slogans against Washington and President Pervez Musharraf, insisting that the convoy be allowed to continue. (Posted @ 14:15 PST)
Saddam complains of being cut off from world news AMMAN, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein blasted "Iranian meddling" in Iraq during a five-hour jailhouse meeting with his lawyers, one of his defence attorneys said in statements published Monday. "President Saddam complained of being cut off from world news and told us 'I don't know what is happening on the outside'," the head of Jordan's Bar Association, Saleh al-Armuti, told the Al-Arab Al-Yawm newspaper. On Iran he said "the Iranian danger continues to pressure Arab and Muslim nations because the Iranians have a long history of rancour, the worst in the world. How did the Arabs allow Iran to take part in Iraq's occupation?" Saddam said. (Posted @ 14:15 PST)
Islamic Jihad calls for boycott of Palestinian poll GAZA, Jan 23 (Reuters)Islamic Jihad called on its supporters on Monday to boycott this week's Palestinian parliamentary election. "We call upon all our fighters and supporters not to take part in this election in any form," the group said in a statement. The group had previously stopped short of calling for an outright election boycott. (Posted @ 14:07 PST)
Pak-India peace process moving ahead: Shaukat Aziz WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (APP) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India was moving ahead. He was addressing a gathering Sunday evening at a dinner hosted in his honour by Ambassador Jehangir Karamat. He said it was not enough to suggest mere increase in trade, and think it would alone would solve the core problem of Kashmir. On the economic side, he said "we are working on three options: gas pipeline from Qatar, from Turkmenistan or from Iran to Pakistan and India." On China, he said Pakistan and China have "a deep strategic relationship," and disclosed that President General Pervez Musharraf would be visiting Beijing soon "within a month or two." (Posted @ 14:02 PST)
Gas starts flowing to crisis-hit Georgia TBILISI, Jan 23 (Reuters) Gas started flowing to Georgia on Monday after an explosion shut off supplies from Russia which Georgian officials accused of deliberately triggering an energy crisis in its small ex-Soviet neighbour. However the presidential chief of staff Georgy Arveladze said "it will take several days to resume gas supplies nationwide." The gas is coming from neighbouring Azerbaijan which takes its gas via a separate pipeline from Russia. (Posted @ 13:45 PST)
Japan commits 1.2 billion dollars a year for US forces TOKYO, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) Japan pledged Monday to provide 1.2 billion dollars annually over the next two years to help the United States station troops here amid fresh controversy over the US military presence. "The US-Japanese alliance is strong and remains a foundation of Asia's secure peace," said US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, who signed the funding agreement with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso. (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
Russia accuses four British diplomats of espionage MOSCOW, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) Russia's intelligence service said Monday that it had uncovered a spying ring involving four diplomats from the British embassy. "I am not ready to give their names yet, but this is all being investigated," a Federal Security Service (FSB) spokesman said. The alleged spying ring was uncovered late last year, according to a documentary on state-run television late Sunday. Russian counter-intelligence had discovered a high-tech communications point disguised in a stone left on the ground in the outskirts of Moscow, the FSB spokesman said. (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
Police and students clash, political leaders freed in Kathmandu KATHMANDU, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) Police and students clashed in Nepal's capital Kathmandu Monday as activists vowed more demonstrations against the king while party workers said four political leaders were freed from house arrest. Dozens of students were involved in the clash at Amrit Science Campus in the capital Monday, an AFP photographer at the scene said. No injuries of arrests were reported and the protest dispersed mid-morning. Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist Leninist) workers said Monday that armed police had left the homes of four political leaders who were placed under house arrest as part of a crackdown on dissent. (Posted @ 13:20 PST)
Blast in Afghan south, no casualties KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan 23 (Reuters) A blast rocked Kandahar on Monday but there were no casualties or damage, police said. U.S. forces rapidly sealed off the area of the blast. U.S. military spokesmen were not immediately available for comment. Police said a roadside bomb went off as an Afghan security officer was passing in a vehicle. He was unhurt. (Posted @ 12:55 PST)
NATO scales down Afghan search for missing Pakistan quake relief chopper KABUL, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) NATO forces in Afghanistan scaled down a search Monday for a helicopter with seven Turkmen crew on board that went missing three days ago en route home after wrapping up quake relief work in Pakistan. "Where possible we are going to follow the same flight path (as the chopper) and keep an eye out for it," spokesman Andy Elmes said. The spokesman could not immediately say if it had resumed its search Monday in Afghanistan. A search on the Pakistan side of the border continued Monday, Red Cross spokesman James Reynolds said in Islamabad. "The search operation is continuing…unfortunately, we have no further information," he said. (Posted @ 11:30 PST)
Suspected Maoist rebels kill Nepal politician KATHMANDU, Jan 23 (Reuters) Suspected Maoist rebels shot dead a Nepali politician who had vowed to contest municipal elections called by King Gyanendra but opposed by the guerrillas, officials said on Monday. Police said two young men walked into the office of the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) in the southeastern town of Janakpur on Sunday and sprayed bullets at Bijay Lal Das. (Posted @ 10:45 PST)
Bangladeshi Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen leader held in India DHAKA, Jan 23 (Reuters) The head of a Bangladeshi group blamed for a wave of bomb attacks has been arrested in a neighbouring Indian state, newspapers said on Monday. Shayek Abdur Rahman, supreme leader of the outlawed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen group, was picked up from a hideout in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Sunday, The New Age and Amar Desh newspapers said, citing intelligence sources. There was no official confirmation of the reports, and Bangladeshi interior ministry officials could not be reached for comment. (Posted @ 10:40 PST)
Pak-US talks to focus on cooperation and long-term relationship: Aziz ONBOARD SPECIAL AIRCRAFT, Jan 23 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said he would look forward to discuss defence cooperation, Pak-US strategic relations, talks with India, Free Trade Agreement and cooperation in civilian nuclear energy when he meets President Bush on Tuesday. He told his accompanying media team on Sunday at the conclusion of the first leg of his visit to New York that the country's growing energy requirements were a key area of focus. "We need to produce 8800 MW of electric energy through nuclear technology to meet our growing requirements in next 20 years," he said. Also Aziz arrived in Washington Sunday from New York, where a heavy schedule awaits him. He was received by US Assistant Secretary of State, Christina Rocca at the Andrew Air Base. (Posted @ 10:30 PST)
Oil over $69, nears record as supply fears multiply SINGAPORE, Jan 23 (Reuters) Oil surged on Monday, climbing above $69 for the first time since Hurricane Katrina battered the U.S. Gulf Coast as traders added Russia's natural gas exports to a growing list of global supply anxieties. On Monday, U.S. light sweet crude for March delivery was up 56 cents to $69.04 a barrel after having briefly touched $69.20, its highest since Sept. 2, the day the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed to release emergency government stockpiles to offset the outages caused by Hurricane Katrina. (Posted @ 09:50 PST)
Cricket-New Zealand's Chris Cairns quits international game WELLINGTON, Jan 23 (Reuters) New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns will retire from international cricket next month, the 35-year-old said on Monday. Cairns, who has been playing only one day internationals after quitting test cricket in 2004, said he was still enjoying the game but wanted to concentrate on his family and business. (Posted @ 09:50 PST)
New suspected rebel attack kills three Sri Lankan soldiers COLOMBO, Jan 23 (Reuters) Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels attacked a Sri Lankan army patrol in the island's restive east on Monday with a claymore fragmentation mine, killing three soldiers and wounding two as a new peace initiative was due to start. (Posted @ 09:50 PST)
33 journalists killed in Asia-Pacific in 2005: IFJ SYDNEY, Jan 23, 2006 (AFP) Thirty-three journalists were killed in the Asia-Pacific region last year, with the Philippines again the most deadly country, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Monday. "The Philippines, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh remained the most dangerous areas, but a worrying trend of violence has also emerged in Thailand," the IFJ said in its 2005 annual report. The death toll included 10 in the Philippines, six in Pakistan, four in Sri Lanka, three in India, three in Bangladesh and two each in Afghanistan, Nepal and Thailand, the report said. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 118.68 points: KARACHI, Jan 23: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10346.55, up 118.68 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Jan 23: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 59.85 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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