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| February 2, 2006 | Thursday | Muharram 3, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Saudi Arabia's king discusses Iraq, Iranian nuclear issue with Pakistani leaders ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) _ Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah met with Pakistan's president and prime minister Thursday to discuss Iran's nuclear program, Iraq, Afghanistan, and working closer together to fight terrorism, the Foreign Ministry and media reports said. The Saudi monarch also discussed economic cooperation and India-Pakistan relations. Radio Pakistan said the leaders talked about Iran but the report provided no details. A Foreign Ministry statement said, ``Both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and affirmed their adherence of maintaining international peace and stability.'' The statement said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism because it ``represents a palpable threat to all humanity.'' The two sides also agreed to work closer in halting ``other international crimes, such as money laundering, drug trafficking and arms smuggling.'' On Pakistan-India peace talks, the statement said the two sides`` agreed on the necessity to reach early resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, especially the issue of Kashmir, through negotiations.'' Earlier, the two governments signed five agreements covering various areas including promoting political consultations, cooperation in technical education and easing taxes on bilateral trade. AFP ADDS Musharraf and King Abdullah also discussed the situation in the Palestinian territories, the Middle East and Iran, it said. "The two sides expressed their hope that Hamas will form a government which preserves the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, safeguard their interests and work for progress in the peace process," the statement said. "Both sides expressed the hope that the evolving political process would result in the establishment of a government capable of assuring Iraq's unity," it added. Abdullah and his high-ranking ministerial delegation got a big official welcome on arrival in Pakistan on Wednesday. This was his fifth visit here since 2003, but his first as king.(First Posted @ 19:58 PST Updated @ 20:05 PST)
Terrorism could spread in Central Asian countries: US intelligence WASHINGTON, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Terrorism could expand in Central Asian countries plagued by corruption, repression and political stagnation, US intelligence chief John Negroponte warned Thursday. "In the worst, but not implausible case, central authority in one or more of these states could evaporate as rival clans or regions vie for power -- opening the door to an expansion of terrorist and criminal activity," Negroponte told the Senate Intelligence Committee.(Posted @ 23:45 PST)
US spy chief says Iran probably does not have nuclear arm WASHINGTON, Feb 2, (APP/AFP) - US National Intelligence Director John Negroponte said Thursday that Iran probably does not yet have a nuclear weapon and does not have the necessary material for one. "We judge that Tehran probably does not yet have a nuclear weapon and probably has not yet produced or acquired the necessary fissile material," Negroponte told a Senate hearing.(Posted @ 23:36 PST)
Syria and Iraq to restore diplomatic ties DAMASCUS, Feb 2, (APP/AFP) - Syria and Iraq will reestablish diplomatic relations, broken off a quarter of a century ago, as soon as a new government is formed in Baghdad, Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shara said Thursday.The two countries "will name ambassadors after the formation of the next Iraqi government", Shara told Iraqi journalists in Damascus, the official SANA news agency reported. "Bilateral cooperation will be strengthened in the political, security, economic and trade fields," Shara said, adding that Syria wants the "closest of relations with Iraq." Syria is committed to the "unity of the Iraqi people and to the integrity of its territory," he added, saying he hoped for an end to the US "occupation" of Iraq. Relations were severed in 1980 after Damascus gave its backing to Iran in its war with Iraq.(Posted @ 23:02 PST)
UN watchdog holds emergency meeting on Iran nuclear program VIENNA, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - The UN nuclear watchdog met Thursday to decide whether to haul Iran before the UN Security Council over suspected atomic weapons work, but the watchdog's chief said there was no "imminent threat" from Tehran. IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei said Iran needed to do "confidence building" but that the international crackdown on Tehran's nuclear ambitions "is not about an imminent threat. I should make that very clear." "We are reaching a critical phase but it is not a crisis situation," ElBaradei told reporters. As the IAEA's 35-nation board of governors met in Vienna, where it is expected to endorse a European-led resolution demanding referral to the Council, Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed to carry on. "Be certain that we will not back down," he said. A vote is not expected until Friday, giving time for Europe and the United States to lobby for wide support on the IAEA board.(Posted @ 21:12 PST)
Nine killed in Baghdad car bombings BAGHDAD, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Nine people were killed and 52 wounded in two separate car bomb attacks in Baghdad Thursday, an interior ministry official said. He said one car bomb went off near a gas station and the other in a market in the Al-Amin neighbourhood of the capital.(Posted @ 21:04 PST)
13 Bangladesh workers killed in Saudi road accident DHAKA, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - At least 13 Bangladeshi construction workers were killed and 17 others injured Thursday when their crowded bus hit a sidewall of a underpass near Riyadh, an official said. The accident occured when the Bangladeshi bus driver lost control of the bus after giving a car coming from the opposite direction room to pass, the deputy head of Bangladesh's mission in Riyadh, Ali Akbar, told AFP by phone.(Posted @ 21:02 PST)
Relenting Danish PM to meet with diplomats over cartoon row COPENHAGEN, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Thursday invited foreign ambassadors in Denmark to discuss reactions to the publication of blasphemous cartoons, his office said. Rasmussen had previously declined requests by 11 Muslim nation diplomats for a meeting over the cartoons which have plunged Denmark and other Western countries into crisis with the Islamic world. At the meeting, scheduled for Friday, Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller are to inform the foreign representatives "about the position of the government and its implication in the affair," a statement said. Opposition politicians said the move should have come earlier to make a difference in the crisis which has snowballed into global dimensions. The Ritzau news agency quoted deputy Frank Aaen of the ex-communist party Unity List as saying that the move was "too late". This was also the opinion of the People's Socialist Party chairman Villy Soevndal, the agency said. Over the past week Danish flags have been burnt, ambassadors have been recalled, products have been boycotted and threats of violence have been issued against Scandinavians in Muslim countries.(Posted @ 20:56 PST)
Pakistan invites Saudi investment in all fields Islamabad, Feb 02 PPI: Pakistan offers tremendous investment opportunities and would welcome Saudi investment in all fields, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said in his meeting with the Saudi Finance Minister Dr Ibra Alsaf in Islamabad Thursday. He said Pakistan intends to set up an oil refinery and invited Saudi entrepreneur to the project. Referring to the proposal of President Pervez Musharraf to set up a pan-Islamism Fund, Shaukat Aziz expressed his confidence that the Fund with contributions from Muslim countries would go a long way in opening up new opportunities of development in the Muslim world. Saudi Finance Minister said that US$133 million grant pledged by his country for reconstruction efforts in earthquake-hit areas would be provided to Pakistan shortly. The soft loan of $187 million would also be released soon. He also announced the decision to set up a 40-bed mobile hospital by Saudi Arabia in the quake-hit areas. They agreed that a joint meeting of Pakistani and Saudi business community be arranged early to discuss business potentials in the two countries.(Posted @ 19:12 PST)
Saudi King Abdullah, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz hold wide-ranging talks Islamabad, Feb 02 PPI: King Abdullah and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest including Pakistan-India peace process, evolving security situation, Afghanistan, Iranian nuclear issue, Iraq situation, revitalization Of OIC etc. Later, President Pervez Musharraf also joined the meeting. Shaukat Aziz also briefed the King about economic reforms and the investment-friendly policies. King Abdullah expressed his heart felt condolences with the people and government of Pakistan on the devastation caused by October 8, 2005 earthquake.(Posted @ 19:10 PST)
King Abdullah leaves after a two- day visit ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia flew back home Thursday evening after paying a two- day official visit to Pakistan. President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz saw off the distinguished guest at the airport. King Abdullah was given a 21-gun salute as a smartly turned-out contingent of three services presented him the guard of honour. Three services chiefs, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, Chief Ministers of Balochistan and NWFP, Federal Ministers, senior officials and diplomats were also present to see off the Saudi King.(Posted @ 18:36 PST)
Jaswant Singh calls for starting Mumbai, Karachi ferry service Karachi, Feb 02 PPI: Jaswant Singh, a former foreign minister and presently the leader of opposition in Indian Rajya Sabha (upper house) Thursday called for starting ferry service between Mumbai and Karachi to facilitate travel and to boost trade. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Muttehada Qaumi Movement (MQM) he noted with satisfaction the growing contacts between peoples of the two countries and said he was happy to visit Pakistan again. ``I wrote a personal letter to President Pervez Musharraf expressing wish to enter Pakistan from Khokarapar- Munabao land route to visit a Hindu temple in Lasbela district. Within 10 days, President Musharraf ordered it, enabling me and 80 members of my delegation to enter Pakistan through Sindh province.'' MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar welcomed the re-opening of Khokarapar- Munabao rail service from February 18 and hoped that both countries will open their consulates in Karachi and Mumbai shortly. He underlined the need for peace and security in South Asia and said the two countries have a great responsibility in this respect. He was confident that the ongoing peace process would help resolve the contentious issues.(Posted @ 19:15 PST)
Pakistan name one-day squad for India series KARACHI, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Pakistan on Thursday named a 16-man squad for the first three games of the five-match one-day series against India starting next week, with Inzamamul Haq back in the side after missing the third Test at Karachi wghich Pakistan won. The first three matches will be played in Peshawar on Monday, Rawalpindi (February 11) and Lahore (February 13).Two players from the Test squad, Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Sami, have been replaced by Shoaib Malik and Yasir Arafat. Pakistan's one-day squad: Inzamam-ul Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal (wicket-keeper), Arshad Khan, Salman Butt, Rana Naved, Imran Farhat, Faisal Iqbal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Yasir Arafat.(Posted @ 18:02 PST)
Armed militants threaten Europeans in cartoon uproar PARIS, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Two armed Palestinian groups threatened Thursday to target European nationals in the Middle East in the escalating furore over blasphemous cartoons, as a French newspaper editor was sacked for printing them. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and the Popular Resistance Committee warned that "all nationals and those who work in the diplomatic corps" of Denmark Norway and France "can be considered targets. "The two groups threatened to destroy all local offices and consulates of the three states unless they closed, and called for a Muslim boycott of Danish merchandise to be extended to France and Norway. Meanwhile, gunmen besieged the European Union's Gaza City headquarters early Thursday, scrawling the words "Closed Until Further Notice" on its door, while Norway announced that it had closed its West Bank mission in response to the threats, and was taking them "very seriously". The French-Egyptian owner of the Paris daily France Soir, which reprinted the images on Wednesday, sacked the paper's managing editor overnight out of "respect for the intimate beliefs and convictions of every individual." (Posted @ 17:52 PST)
Three US soldiers killed in Iraq BAGHDAD, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Three US soldiers were killed Wednesday when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad, the US military announced Thursday.(Posted @ 17:45 PST)
Saddam trial adjourned after fresh boycott BAGHDAD, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - The trial of deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and his former cohorts on charges of crimes against humanity was adjourned to February 13 after all defendants boycotted Thursday's hearing. "Because of the persistence of Saddam Hussein, Barzan al-Tikriti, Taha Yassin Ramadan and Awad al-Bandar not to attend, the court has decided not to call them for this session and to review their opposition," said chief judge Rauf Rasheed Abdel Rahman at the opening of the hearing. After barely an a hour and a half, the judge adjourned the case until February 13 following testimony from two witnesses. It was only the 10th hearing since the case opened. The boycotting defense team has laid out 11 conditions for its return, including the sacking of the judge and the switching of the trial "to a country which can offer security".(First Posted @ 14:43 PST Updated @ 17:40 PST)
Four Iraqis die as US forces battle Sadr militia BAGHDAD, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Four Iraqis were killed in a heavy gunfight that broke out before dawn Thursday between the Mehdi Army militia of Moqtada Sadr and US forces in Baghdad's Sadr City during a raid for a known terrorist from Ansar al-Sunnah group. "After the raid, one of the helicopters came under fire from some men on a nearby rooftop following which another helicopter returned fire in which four individuals were killed," a spokesman said. A woman was also killed in the fighting. In other acts of violence, a high-ranking official at the industry ministry, Mary Hamza al-Rubai, was kidnapped on her way to work. Also, gunmen opened fire on a commuter microbus south of Baghdad, killing two and wounding seven. On Wednesday, two Iraqi journalists were kidnapped after leaving a press conference at the headquarters of the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party, another report said adding that gunmen attempted to assassinate the police intelligence officer responsible in an area south of Basra, but only succeeded in killing his driver. In a separate incident, insurgents attacked an oil storage facility near Kirkuk setting off a massive blaze, an official said adding that the blaze was still raging at sun rise. The US military said two children died in the town of Hit during a gunfight when insurgents attacked an Iraqi-US patrol. One Iraqi soldier and four civilians were wounded. Meanwhile, a number of bodies were discovered around the country on Thursday, including two in Nabaie north of Baghdad that were believed to be among an ill-fated expedition of police hopefuls from Samarra in mid-January. The body of a policeman kidnapped Wednesday was found in an eastern suburb of Baghdad, riddled with bullets, while the interior ministry reported another seven bodies found at the edge of Sadr City.(Posted @ 17:38 PST)
Seven killed as unrest flares in southern Thailand NARATHIWAT, Thailand, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Seven people were killed in a series of bombings and shootings by suspected militants in Thailand's Muslim-majority southern provinces, police said Thursday. The attacks included the bombing of a local official's pick-up truck, another bombing on a military convoy escorting a teacher, and a spate of daytime shootings, police said. One soldier was killed and five others injured when a roadside bomb exploded Thursday as they escorted a teacher home in Narathiwat province. Earlier, in the same province, a 10-kg bomb exploded under a pick-up belonging to a village leader as he arrived at a meeting. The blast killed his deputy and driver, while village chief Anwar Sulong was in critical condition. Also in Narathiwat, two militants opened fire in broad daylight on a gas station, leaving two people in critical condition, police said. Meanwhile, four others were killed in attacks in nearby Pattani province. Police said one of them was a former militant who had defected to the government. In another attack, police sergeant Suthin Nakpradit was shot dead Thursday. And on Wednesday evening, former village chief Chuae Thongaram, 63, was stabbed to death at his rubber plantation while wood trader Yaya Kabo, 42, was shot to death in a separate attack.(Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Five killed in new Afghanistan suicide attack KABUL, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - A suicide car bombing carried out late Wednesdqay by a man dressed as a woman killed three soldiers and up to two road workers in Khost province, police said Thursday. The explosives-filled car blew up after it was stopped at an army checkpoint in Bak district. "As soon as the car was stopped, the person dressed as a woman started shouting to attract attention," police said. "When the soldiers and road workers came close to the car, the explosion took place." It killed three Afghan soldiers and two civilian road workers. Another was wounded, it said. "Three soldiers and one civilian were martyred and three soldiers were wounded in the car bomb suicide attack," ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi said. In a separate attack Wednesday, a remote-controlled bomb was detonated near an army convoy in the province of Kandahar. It damaged a vehicle but caused no casualties, Azimi said. Nine suspects were arrested.(First Posted @ 11:30 PST Updated @ 16:42 PST)
World pledges 10.5 billion dollars to rebuild Afghanistan LONDON, Feb 2 (APP/AFP): The donors conference ended Wednesday with pledges totalling 10.5 billion dollars (8.7 billion euros) to rebuild Afghanistan over the next five years. Afghan Finance Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady hailed the outcome of the two-day gathering of 70-odd nations, saying some 80 percent of the pledges represent new money. The United States pledged an extra 1.1 billion dollars in financial aid for the coming US fiscal year from October, slightly less than 1.2 billion dollars from the World Bank. One billion dollars were pledged by the Asian Development Bank, 855 million dollars from Britain, 480 million dollars from Germany and 450 million dollars from Japan. European Union pledged 268 million dollars, Spain 182 million dollars, India 181 million dollars, the Netherlands 179 million dollars, Saudi Arabia 153 million dollars, Pakistan 150 million dollars and Norway 144 million dollars. But France trailed well behind with 55 million dollars.(Posted @ 16:35 PST)
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan enjoy alliance of friendship, brotherhood:Saudi Minister ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Saudi Arabia and Pakistan "enjoy alliance of friendship and brotherhood," said Saudi Information Minister Iyad Madani Information Minister here Thursday. The present visit of King Abdullah would go a long way in further cementing the relationship, he said during a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. The Saudi minister expressed desire to further expand cooperation in the field of print as well as electronic media.(Posted @ 16:24 PST)
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink five agreements on scientific cooperation, double taxation, vocational training ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Thursday signed agreements on enhanced scientific, technical, vocational and educational cooperation, avoidance of double taxation and bilateral political consultations, following two days of talks between their top leaders. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz witnessed the signing of the five agreements here at the PM House.(Posted @ 16:22 PST)
Pakistan welcomes Indian PM's statement on Kashmir: FO ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Pakistan on Thursday welcomed the statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in which he had reportedly said that India wants a peaceful settlement to all disputes with Pakistan including Kashmir. "Naturally it is a positive statement. We want both sides to show sincerity, flexibility and courage for the resolution of Kashmir dispute," Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told the state television.(Posted @ 14:40 PST)
Refugees clash with Bangladeshi police DHAKA, Feb 2 (Reuters) Hundreds of refugees clamouring to be repatriated to Pakistan clashed with police in Dhaka on Thursday and up to 30 people were injured and 20 detained. Witnesses said the violence erupted when the refugees,known as Biharis, tried to march towards the Pakistan embassy. They wanted to hand over a memorandum demanding their repatriation to Pakistan, while other demands included improved food and water supplies to the refugee camps. Pakistan embassy officials were not available for comments.(Posted @ 14:33 PST)
Roadside bomb kills three Iraqi Army soldiers in western Baghdad BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) A roadside bomb blast killed three Iraqi Army soldiers patrolling in the Ghazaliyah neighbourhood early Thursday, badly damaging a vehicle of the convoy, the Iraqi military said.(Posted @ 14:10 PST)
Fire leaves nearly 3,000 slum people homeless in Dhaka DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) A fire raced through a slum area in Dhaka early Thursday, destroying about 700 huts and leaving nearly 3,000 people homeless, a fire brigade official said. However no casualties were reported in the blaze in Dhaka's western Rayerbazar district, the official added.(Posted @ 10:15 PST)
Indian airport workers strike for a second day NEW DELHI, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) A strike and unruly protests by airport workers against the privatisation of India's two largest airports continued for a second day Thursday, officials said. However "the flights are running according to schedule at Delhi airport," the airport director's office said. TV channels showed dozens of striking workers scuffling with security officials who were attempting to pass through the passenger entrance at New Delhi airport, shouting slogans and breaking window panes. In Mumbai, newspapers and garbage littered terminal buildings as thousands of workers, including cleaners, remained off the job.(Posted @ 09:50 PST)
Coal mine blast kills 23 in north China BEIJING, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) A gas explosion killed 23 workers in a state-owned coal mine in northern China and more than 50 miners suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, state media and officials said Thursday. The powerful blast ripped through the Sihe Coal Mine in Shanxi province at about 7:00 pm Wednesday, the Xinhua news agency reported, citing local coal mine authorities.(Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 31.39 points: KARACHI, Feb 2: At close of trading,the KSE-100 index was at 10465.56, down 31.39 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:45 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Feb 2: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 59.82 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:45 PST)
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