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| February 14, 2006 | Tuesday | Muharram 15, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
South Asia must overcome political conflicts for sustainable peace: Musharraf ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said South Asia must overcome its political conflicts to pave the way for progress and prosperity for the people in the region. He was speaking to visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at a meeting here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. "The only reason that our region lags behind other regions is that we have not been able to resolve our bilateral disputes," he stressed. He reiterated that India and Pakistan "should not miss this fleeting moment in the wake of understanding between the leadership and the environment of mutual cooperation in the post-quake scenario to adopt a bold and sincere approach to resolve the protracted Kashmir dispute." The two leaders also discussed economic cooperation and political ties and agreed that the enhanced cooperation in various fields will be mutually beneficial. Begum Zia said Dhaka would endeavour to promote regional cooperation in its capacity as chairperson of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). (Posted @ 16:20 PST)
Protesters storm into diplomatic enclave in Pakistan; two shot dead LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Thousands of protesters rampaged through two Pakistani cities Tuesday, storming into a diplomatic district, setting fire to Western businesses and a local government building in the country's worst wave of violence against the blasphemous cartoons, officials said. At least two people were also killed and 11 injured. In Lahore protesters burned down four three-story buildings housing a hotel, two banks, a KFC restaurant and the office of Norwegian cell phone company, Telenor. Witnesses said rioters also damaged over 200 cars, dozens of shops, and a large portrait of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Among the businesses targeted were a Holiday Inn hotel, Pizza Hut and McDonald's restaurants, where windows were broken. Two cinemas were also torched. A security guard shot dead two protesters trying to force their way into a bank, said Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao. A doctor at a state-run hospital said three other people were being treated for serious bullet injuries, and eight more had injuries from clashes with police. The law minister for Punjab province said no one has been arrested for the violence, but those responsible would be punished. In Islamabad a crowd of 1,000 and 1,500 people marched into a fenced-off diplomatic enclave through the main gate. Police rounded up about 50 protesters from there.(First Posted @ 12:10 PST Updated @ 21:44 PST)
Pakistan arrests alleged sectarian killings mastermind QUETTA, Pakistan, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of a 2003 suicide bombing at a mosque in southwest Pakistan which killed 52 people, an official said Tuesday. Medical doctor Munir Baloch, who is accused of planning the deadly attack in Quetta city, was arrested a few days ago from an Afghan refugee camp, Baluchistan province's police chief said. The government had posted a reward of one million rupees for the arrest of Baloch, who belonged to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, he added. The doctor, who has confessed his crime before a magistrate, planned the attack with another militant named Daud Badini who has already been sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court, he said. (Posted @ 21:25 PST)
Turkmen gas reserves for Pakistan pipeline estimated at 4.5 trillion cubic meters ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) A senior Turkmen energy official said Tuesday that a key natural gas field in the ex-Soviet nation holds sufficient reserves to fill a planned pipeline to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Speaking at a meeting of energy officials from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan, Turkmen Oil and Gas Minister Gurbanmurat Atayev said an audit by U.S. firm DeGolyer and McNaughton had shown that the Dauletabad field holds 4.5 trillion cubic meters of gas. ``This is enough to guarantee supplies for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline,'' he added. Officials convened in the Turkmen capital to discuss the construction of a 1,680-kilometer pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan, via Afghanistan. Atayev expressed hope that India would also join the project and buy the Turkmen gas. (Posted @ 21:05 PST)
Pakistan's earthquake reconstruction chief says he was fired ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) The head of Pakistan's earthquake reconstruction effort said Tuesday he had been fired, and an opposition party welcomed the move, accusing him of inaction in the aftermath of the Oct. 8 disaster. Lt. Gen. Muhammed Zubair said he was sacked as chairman of the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority after President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told him Monday he was to be replaced by a civilian. `No, I have not resigned. The decision was taken to replace me with a civilian,'' Zubair said, dismissing media reports that he had stepped down after three months in office. Zubair said he had been given no reason and did not know who would replace him. Musharraf's spokesman declined to comment and Aziz's spokesman was not immediately available. The development was welcomed by Pakistan Peoples Party. Lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan accused Zubair of ``having done nothing so far'' to relieve victims' suffering. ``If there is criticism, it is for the absolute inaction of Zubair in this period,'' he said ``He has absolutely nothing to show for himself on the ground.'' (Posted @ 20:40 PST)
Concerted efforts to boost Pak-Bangla trade volume: Khaleda Zia ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP): Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Tuesday called for concerted bilateral efforts to increase the trade volume between Pakistan and Bangladesh. "Despite the closeness of our relations, the volume of trade between our two countries is rather modest. We need to make concerted efforts to take it to a respectable level," Khaleda Zia said while addressing a reception hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here. (Posted @ 20:10 PST)
Cricket-Sami named in Pakistan squad for last two one-dayers ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP): Muhammad Sami has been recalled while rookie all-rounder Yasir Arafat retained his place in a squad of 16 announced Tuesday for the last two matches of the one-day series against India, to be played at Multan and Karachi. The 16-member squad are: Inzamamul Haq (captain), Younis Khan (Vice Captain), Muhammad Yousaf, Abdul Razzaq, Muhammad Sami, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Arshad Khan, Salman Butt, Rana Naved ul Hasan, Imran Farhat, Faisal Iqbal,Umar Gul,Muhammad Asif and Yasir Arafat. (Posted @ 20:00 PST)
Saddam Hussein trial adjourned until Feb. 28 BAGHDAD, Feb 14 (Reuters) The Iraqi judge presiding over the trial of Saddam Hussein adjourned proceedings on Tuesday until Feb. 28. Earlier in the day Saddam appeared in court on Tuesday as hearings resumed in his trial, yelling slogans and saying he had not eaten for three days. "We have been on hunger strike for three days to protest the way they brought us to court," he said. (First Posted @ 15:30 PST Updated @ 19:47 PST)
Three shot dead in Occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, Occupied Kashmir, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) Security forces in Gujjar Pathi village killed three suspected militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba late Monday in a fierce gunfight, the army said Tuesday. (Posted @ 19:45 PST)
New ‘peace bridge’ built in Kashmir NEW DELHI, Feb 14 (Reuters) India said Tuesday it had completed a new bridge connecting Occupied and Azad Kashmir after an earlier one was damaged in last year's South Asian earthquake. Built by the Indian army, the new "Amen Setu" or "Peace Bridge" would be inaugurated on Feb. 20, the foreign ministry said. (Posted @ 19:30 PST)
Bangladeshi protest march attacked, police fires blanks DHAKA, Feb 14 (Reuters) Police fired blanks and teargas shells in northern Bangladesh on Tuesday to break up clashes between rival groups during an opposition march to whip up support for a countrywide strike, witnesses said. They said at least 30 people were injured and several vehicles were damaged in the violence in Rajshahi town, 300 km from capital Dhaka. The march in Rajshahi and another in Dhaka, where thousands of people had joined, came on the eve of a nationwide strike by opposition parties to press for the resignation of the government and early elections. Opposition members said the attack in Rajshahi was launched by pro-government activists, but local leaders of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) denied their involvement. Police said they could not identify the attackers.(First Posted @15:45 PST Updated @) 19:25 PST)
Turkey to build first nuclear plant on Black Sea ANKARA, Feb 14 (Reuters) Turkey has decided to build its first nuclear power plant at Sinop on the Black Sea coast, energy officials said on Tuesday. "The prime minister's office and the energy ministry have decided to build the nuclear plant at Sinop, taking into account such factors as geological faultlines and cooling water," an energy official said. (Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Indians burn Valentine's Day cards NEW DELHI, Feb 14 (Reuters) Hardline Hindu and Muslim groups burned Valentine's Day greeting cards on Tuesday and held protests across India against celebrating the festival. On Tuesday, protests were held in New Delhi, some towns in the country's south and in Occupied Kashmir. In Bangalore as well as in Hubli town, both located in the southern state of Karnataka, groups of Hindu nationalists burnt a big heart-shaped card. About 50 Hindu activists wearing holy saffron-coloured scarves also held a noisy protest in a popular market near the Delhi University campus, a Reuters photographer said. Also about two dozen veiled women rummaged shops and burnt Valentine's Day cards in Srinagar, witnesses said. "Valentine's Day spreads immorality among the youth," an activist of Dukhtaran-e-Milat said in a statement. (Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Hamas blasts US for considering Palestinian regime change JERUSALEM (AP) Hamas derided the U.S. and Israel on Tuesday following reports they were exploring ways to topple the group's incoming government. The New York Times, citing anonymous U.S. and Israeli officials, reported Tuesday that United States and Israel were considering a campaign to starve the Palestinian Authority of cash so Palestinians would grow disillusioned with Hamas and bring down the Hamas government. ``This is…a rejection of the democratic process, which the Americans are calling for day and night,'' said a Hamas spokesman.``It's an interference and a collective punishment of our people because they practiced the democratic process in a transparent and honest way.'' (Posted @ 19:10 PST)
Israeli airstrike caused Gaza explosions-witnesses GAZA, Feb 14 (Reuters) Explosions were heard in Gaza on Tuesday in what Palestinian witnesses described as an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military had no immediate comment. The explosions followed a rocket attack from Gaza which a military source said hit a "sensitive installation", which he did not identify, near the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Sharon son jailed for nine months over finance probe TEL AVIV, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) Omri Sharon, the disgraced son of Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, was on Tuesday sentenced to nine months in prison on corruption charges over financing his father's party leadership campaign. The 41-year-old Omri, the first Israeli politician to be jailed for breaking strict party campaign laws, was handed an additional nine-month suspended sentence and fined 300,000 shekels (65,000 dollars) by magistrates in Tel Aviv. Omri could delay the start of his sentence until August 31, giving him the chance to spend time with his seriously ill father, the court order said. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Moderate quake shakes east India; kills two soldiers NEW DELHI, Feb 14 (Reuters) Two Indian soldiers were killed on Tuesday when their vehicle was crushed by falling boulders after a moderate earthquake struck an eastern mountain state and triggered landslides, authorities said. The tremors, which were also felt across the border in northern Bangladesh, sent people running from their homes in the region, witnesses said, and cracks were reported in some buildings. The soldiers were killed in Cheratahang, 40 km northeast of Gangtok, capital of Sikkim state where the 5.7-magnitude earthquake was centred. An India Meteorological Department official said the epicentre was 1,120 km north of Kolkata and the earthquake occurred at 6:25 a.m (0055 GMT). (First Posted @ 11:30 Updated @ 17:20 PST)
Massive turnout as Lebanon remembers Hariri BEIRUT, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) Beirut was transformed into a sea of red and white flags on Tuesday as Lebanon marked the first anniversary of former premier Rafiq Hariri's assassination. Hundreds of thousands of people packed into central Beirut, waving pictures of the slain premier as the city centre was closed off to traffic amid a massive security force was deployed for the anniversary. "I call on all Lebanese to adopt a historic position of unity on this day to show that our national unity is above all else and that the forces of March 14 will remain united," said Hariri's son Saad who returned home at the weekend after six months in exile. (Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Freedom of expression is non-negotiable: EU chief COPENHAGEN, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso defended Denmark on Tuesday in the blasphemous cartoons row, telling the Danish media that freedom of expression was "not negotiable". "Freedom of expression is not something that we can negotiate, because it is an essential value in our open and democratic European society," Barroso was quoted as saying in Tuesday's edition of the Danish daily Berlingske Tidende. (Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Iran conference on Holocaust likely this spring: Iranian ambassador LISBON, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) A conference planned by Iran to assess the scale of the Holocaust could take place as soon as this spring, the country's ambassador to Portugal said Tuesday. "It is necessary that historians meet, discuss and give their opinion, talk about numbers and this conference could happen this spring," Mohammad Taheri said in an interview with a public radio. (Posted @ 15:40 PST)
Iran confirms resumption of some atomic fuel work TEHRAN, Feb 14 (Reuters) Tehran on Tuesday confirmed it had restarted some work on uranium enrichment, a process the West fears could be used to build nuclear weapons. "In accordance with parliament's ratification, I should say 'yes'," deputy nuclear negotiator Javad Vaeedi told reporters in Tehran when asked whether Iran had resumed uranium enrichment. However, Iranian officials have been guarded on whether the key process of feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into centrifuges has resumed. "Such issues are precise technical details," Vaeedi replied, when asked whether the centrifuges at the underground nuclear facility at Natanz had started work. Centrifuges enrich uranium by spinning it at supersonic speed. Tehran says it needs this enriched uranium to run power stations, not build bombs. (Posted @ 12:50 PST)
Indian tribal rebels kill 3 gas firm workers AGARTALA, India, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Tribal rebels in India's remote northeastern state of Tripura on Tuesday ambushed workers of a state-run gas firm on their way to surveying a site, killing three of them, police said. The attack at Buduniapara, 60 km east of Agartala, capital of the gas-rich state, triggered a gun battle but there were no casualties in the fighting. (Posted @ 12:50 PST)
Bangladesh coach suspended: match against Pakistan SINGAPORE, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Bangladesh's Argentine coach Diego Cruciani has been suspended for two matches after attempting to assault the referee during his team's 2007 Asian Cup pre-qualifying match against Pakistan. The punishment was handed down by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), on the recommendation of FIFA. Immediately after their goalless draw against Pakistan in Dhaka on December 22, Cruciani approached Indian referee Rizwan Ul-Haq and attempted to assault him before being hauled away by the Bangladesh team manager. (Posted @ 12:30 PST)
Malaysian P.M. reshuffles Cabinet but no major changes PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, Feb 14 (AP) _ Malaysia's prime minister on Tuesday reshuffled his Cabinet, but made no major changes. The only notable change in the Cabinet was Home Minister Azmi Khalid who was shifted to the Natural Resources Ministry. Also, new ministers were appointed to take over the portfolios of information, tourism, higher education, and federal territories affairs. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi retains finance and internal security portfolios. (Posted @ 12:20 PST)
Roadside bomb blasts wound 9 in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) Roadside bombs and mortar fire rumbled throughout Baghdad on Tuesday and at least nine people were wounded, police said. Police also found the bullet-riddled bodies of eight men in different locations throughout Baghdad, but the identities of the victims were unclear, police said. A roadside bomb blast at 8 a.m. struck a police patrol in southern Baghdad's violent Dora neighbourhood, wounding two policemen. Two mortar rounds launched from Dora detonated nearby but caused no casualties. Another police patrol was targeted at 8:40 a.m. near the University of Technology in downtown Baghdad's Karradah district, wounding six civilians and one policeman, police said. (Posted @ 12:15 PST)
Saudi ambassador to U.S. says kingdom in talks with Iran NEW YORK, Feb 14 (AP) Saudi Arabia is in talks with Iran over its disputed nuclear program, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States said. Prince Turki al-Faisal, speaking Monday before the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, was asked to comment on the controversy surrounding Iran and whether sanctions would be appropriate at any point. He refused, saying only that talks were under way. ``This is the only topic that I'm not going to talk about and that is because we're in the process of discussing things with Iran,'' al-Faisal said. ``And the instructions that I have received from my superiors is that as these discussions are continuing that I would decline talking about it in detail.'' Answering another question Al-Faisal said Saudi officials had spoken with ``all parties'' in Iraq so that they would come together for a national reconciliation effort. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Jailed former prime minister released in Nepal KATHMANDU, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) Former Nepalese prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was released from prison early Tuesday, hours after the supreme court dissolved the royal anti-corruption body that jailed him, his wife said. "As soon as I heard about the commission being scrapped I went to the place where he was being held and we came back from there at midnight," Deuba's wife Arjoo told AFP by telephone. The Royal Commission for Corruption Control was dissolved by Nepal's supreme court Monday, when the country's top judges ruled that the establishment and operations of the body were unconstitutional. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 297.94 points: KARACHI, Feb 14: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10920.09, down 297.94 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Feb 14: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 59.95 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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