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| March 27, 2006 | Monday | Safar 26, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Land mine explosion in Pakistani tribal region injures six school children DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan, March 27 (AP) _ A school bus hit a land mine on a road in Shakai valley in South Waziristan tribal area on Monday, injuring six children, two of them seriously, officials said. The injured children, aged between and 5 to 12, were taken to three hospitals in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, south of Shakai. Two were being treated for serious injuries, said a local government official in Wana who requested anonymity. The bus was heading to a private school in Shakai when it hit the land mine, which shattered the vehicle, he said. The army confirmed the explosion, saying in a statement later Monday that the bus was carrying 70 children. Meanwhile, a rocket attack Monday on the army post in Hamrang, a mountainous area northwest of Shakai, triggered a half-hour exchange of fire at dawn between troops and the attackers, another official said. There were no reported injuries.(First Posted @ 11:56 PST Updated @ 19:15 PST)
At least 40 killed in Iraqi army centre attack BAGHDAD, March 27 (AFP) - At least 40 people were killed and 20 others wounded Monday when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the midst of candidates waiting at an army recruitment centre in northwest Iraq, an interior ministry official said. The explosion occurred at the Iraq army centre called Tamarat, near the town of Tal Afar, which is close to the city of Mosul. Earlier, an official also confirmed that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. The latest attack is one of the bloodiest in the last four months after the November suicide bombing on a police recruitment centre in Ramadi which left 70 dead.(Posted @ 16:50 PST)
Pakistan, India agreed to enhance cooperation in custom related matters ISLAMABAD, March 27 (PPI) Pakistan and India have agreed to explore the possibility of a bilateral arrangement on cooperation in customs related matters. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Commerce Secretaries of the two countries here on Monday. They also agreed to exchange information on the certificates of origin in import and export declarations customs laws and procedures.(Posted @ 23:40 PST)
Cuban assistance strengthened Pak-Cuba bonds: PM ISLAMABAD, March 27 (PPI) Addressing the members of the Cuban medical team which served in the quake affected areas the Prime Minister said the Cuban assistance will be a defining moment in Pak-Cuba relations. He said the Cuban assistance has really touched the hearts of Pakistani people. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez said it is the moral duty of the international community to help Pakistani People in the time of trial.(Posted @ 23:20 PST)
Four bombs explode in capital, killing at least one and wounding scores ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 27 (APP/AP): Four bombs exploded in Ethiopia's capital Monday, killing at least one person and wounding scores of others, police and witnesses said. The first bomb exploded on a packed minibus, which was carrying about 10 people into downtown Addis Ababa, ripping the vehicle apart, witnesses said. Demsach Hailu, spokesman for Ethiopia's federal police confirmed all four explosions. The only death reported so far is from the day's first bomb that exploded on a packed minibus, killing at least one person and injuring an unknown number of people, Demsach said. A second bomb exploded at a restaurant; another near Addis Ababa's biggest market; and the fourth outside two shops. (Posted @ 23:15 PST)
Afghan Christian undergoes mental tests amid protests KABUL, March 27 (AFP) - An Afghan convert to Christianity underwent medical tests Monday that could see him spared from execution, after a court dropped its case against him amid doubts over his mental health, a prosecutor said. About 200 people meanwhile protested Western "interference" in the case of Abdul Rahman who, according to Sharia law, should be executed unless he reverts to Islam. "The doctor's check-up will decide his fate -- we have just sent him to a mental health hospital for a check-up," state prosecutor Abdul Wasay said. The Supreme Court said Sunday it would not proceed with the trial after testimony from Rahman's relatives that he is mentally unstable. It referred the case back to the attorney general who, pending the test results, can return the case to court or dismiss it.(First Posted @ 14:43 PST Updated @ 21:20 PST)
USAID to continue support in reconstruction of quake affected areas ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): The USAID Monday said it would continue to support the reconstruction effort in the earthquake affected areas, with focus on education, health, governance and economic growth. Mission Director Lisa Chiles told reporters the USAID would spend US dollars 200 million in the affected areas in the coming years which besides health and education also aims at restoring the livelihoods of those affected by the devastating earthquake of Oct 8. Lisa Chiles who returns to the United States at the completion of her over two-year term said more than US 100 million dollars were provided under the program for disaster relief, bringing the total to US 300 million dollars. This amount, she said, will be in addition to the current five-year, $1.5 billion USAID program, and part of US 510 million dollars in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts. The USAID, she said, provided relief commodities for 280,000 people and shelter assistance for 340,000 people, while livelihoods assistance for 43,000 people was provided and over 30,000 jobs created.(Posted @ 20:18 PST)
MMA: Qazi threatens week-long 'sit-in' in Islamabad RAWALPINDI, March 27 (PPI) Qazi Hussain Ahmed, President of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), Monday threatened to stage a week -long "sit-in" in Islamabad to remove the present government. Addressing the provincial convention here he said MMA, ARD and all other “democratic forces” have agreed to get rid off Musharraf-led government. MMA Deputy Parliamentary leaders Hafiz Hussain Ahmad and Liaquat Baloch, and MNAs Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidery, Mian Muhammad Aslam and others, also addressed the convention. Qazi Husain said MMA and ARD and other political parties were agreed on removal of Gen. Musharraf, restoration of 1973 Constitution as it was on Oct 12, 1999, and formation of an interim government and an independent election commission to hold fair and free general elections. He vowed to continue the protest movement till achieving these objectives.(Posted @ 20:08 PST)
Iraq ruling Shi'ites demand control over security BAGHDAD, March 27 (Reuters) - Iraq's ruling Shi'ite Islamist Alliance bloc demanded on Monday that U.S. forces return control of security to the Iraqi government after what it called "cold-blooded" murder by troops of unarmed people in a mosque. "The Alliance calls for a rapid restoration of (control of) security matters to the Iraqi government," Jawad al-Maliki, a senior Alliance spokesman and ally of Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, told a news conference.(Posted @ 19:54 PST)
Iraq minister says U.S., Iraqi troops killed 37 BAGHDAD, March 27 (Reuters) – Abd al-Karim al-Enzi, Iraq’s minister of state for national security and a Shi'ite political ally of Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Monday accused U.S. and Iraqi troops of killing 37 unarmed people in an attack on a mosque complex a day earlier. "At evening prayers, American soldiers accompanied by Iraqi troops raided the Mustafa mosque and killed 37 people," he said. "They were all unarmed. Nobody fired a single shot at the troops. They went in, tied up the people and shot them all. They did not leave any wounded behind," he told Reuters. The U.S. military's account of Sunday evening's killings said Iraqi special forces with U.S. advisers killed 16 "insurgents", arrested 15 people and freed an Iraqi hostage. The military denied entering any mosque.(Posted @ 19:50 PST)
Seven inmates killed in Georgian prison riot TBILISI, March 27 (Reuters) - Seven prisoners were killed and 21 other persons were injured in Georgia on Monday when riot police used firearms to put down a rebellion by inmates trying to break out of a jail in the capital, the Justice Ministry said. "Our information is that seven people died in total. All the dead are prisoners. Two of them have already been identified," Justice Ministry spokeswoman said. Gunfire could be heard overnight at Tbilisi's prison No. 5 after police in riot gear were sent in. Some prisoners set fire to their bed sheets and the flames could be seen from the barred windows. Officials said order had since been restored at the prison. Angry relatives of the prisoners gathered in large numbers outside the prison and, backed by opposition party leaders, accused the authorities of indiscriminate violence against the prisoners. Health Ministry said two police officers were among the 21 people who had been wounded. Justice Minister Gia Kavtaradze said the riot was part of a coordinated series of violent attacks and prison uprisings throughout the country that organised criminals had planned but never put into motion. "A government that allows prisoners to be shot at should resign," David Gamkrelidze, leader of the opposition Rightist party, told reporters.(First Posted @ 12:45 PST Updated @ 19:38 PST)
Missing Polish hikers in Nepal safe KATHMANDU, March 27 (Reuters) - Four Polish hikers out of contact since last week were safe after being stopped by Maoists and forced to spend a night in a remote village because they refused to pay a rebel "tax", one of the group told Reuters on Monday. Speaking from Lukla, a popular village among trekkers heading for Mount Everest base camp, Wojciech Mysiara, a sociologist from the Polish city of Torun, said they were allowed to continue their trek after paying 20,000 Nepali rupees ($280). "They are all safe and have reached Lukla," Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said.(First Posted @ 14:36 PST Updated @ 19:30 PST)
Army helicopters bomb communist rebel gathering in Nepal KATHMANDU, March 27 (AP) _ Army helicopters launched an attack on a gathering of communist rebels in the mountains of north-central Nepal on Monday, killing at least four people, security officials and witnesses said. The helicopters bombed the area near Thokarpa village, about 80 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, for three hours. Details were still sketchy, but initial reports said at least four rebels were killed in the operation. Local rebel leaders were to address the gathering.(Posted @ 18:34 PST)
Afghan soldiers kill seven Taliban militants KABUL, March 27 (AP) _ Afghan soldiers killed seven Taliban militants during a six-hour battle in Sangin district of Helmand province while a roadside bomb left three villagers dead, officials said Monday. Another six Taliban members, six civilians and one Afghan soldier were wounded, said Defense Ministry spokesman Zahar Azini. Azini said U.S.-led coalition forces, including aircraft, attacked two houses where the militants were holed up, eventually destroying both in a fierce battle in which the Taliban fighters used rocket propelled-grenades, mortars and heavy machine guns. Elsewhere in Helmand, a roadside bomb killed three villagers including a woman _ and wounded two others when it blew up their car on Monday, said deputy Gov. Amir Mohammed Khunzada.(Posted @ 18:32 PST)
Pakistan welcomes new peace initiative by Indian prime minister ISLAMABAD, March 27 (AP) _ Pakistan on Monday welcomed a recent peace initiative by Indian prime minister, but said that a friendship treaty between the archrivals was only possible after the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told a weekly news briefing that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute ``would usher in an era of good neighbourly relations between the two countries.'' ``That environment would also be conducive to the conclusion of a treaty of friendship,'' she said adding that Kashmir lies ``at the heart'' of issues between Pakistan and India. She denied news reports that the two countries may be close to an agreement on resolving their dispute over Siachen, saying that officials from the two countries will hold talks on Siachen in New Delhi in May. She also said Pakistan would only reciprocate India's grant to Pakistan last year of ``most favoured nation'' status after India removed barriers to trade from Pakistan.(Posted @ 18:28 PST)
Suspected Taliban torch truck, abduct driver in southern Afghanistan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, March 27, 2006 (AFP) - Suspected Taliban rebels set fire to a truck working on a road construction project in Girishk district of insurgency-hit Helmand province on Sunday and abducted the driver, police said Monday. Investigation police director Amanullah said "six Taliban on motorcycles stopped and set fire to the truck and they took the driver with them," he said.(Posted @ 18:24 PST)
At least nine dead, more than 20 injured in Philippine bomb blast JOLO, Philippines, March 27 (AFP) - At least nine people were killed and more than 20 seriously wounded Monday in a bomb blast in the restive southern island of Jolo, police and witnesses said. The bomb was planted on the ground floor of a two-storey building along a busy street in the centre of Jolo town. Those killed were mostly employees working in a cooperative there, he said. More than 20 people with severe burns were taken to hospital. Jolo is a known stronghold of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf rebels.(Posted @ 18:22 PST)
Ahmadinejad vows to pursue nuclear programme despite pressure TEHRAN, March 27, 2006 (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday vowed again to push ahead with his country's nuclear programme despite international warnings that it should halt sensitive atomic activities, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. "Today the Iranian nation is standing firm against the world's bullies and oppressors, and the people will not back down even one step from its right in seeking nuclear technology," Ahmadinejad told crowds in the city of Dehdasht, in Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad province. "With the people's support, the government will do its best to seek the nuclear technology," he added.(Posted @ 17:10 PST)
Helicopter crashes in eastern Afghanistan, no fatalities: police JALALABAD, Afghanistan, March 27 (AFP) - A helicopter carrying nine Afghan and foreigner passengers crashed in Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province Monday but there were no fatalities, police said. It was not clear which country the aircraft was from or if it was civilian or military, provincial police spokesman Ghafor Khan said. It had come from Kabul to Nangarhar province and was conducting an aerial patrol when it crashed, he said. US soldiers had sealed off the area, he said. One official said the aircraft may have been American but a spokesman for the US-led coalition said it did not belong to coalition forces operating in the area.(Posted @ 17:08 PST)
Haniya presents Hamas government to parliament GAZA CITY, March 27 (AFP) - Hamas prime minister designate Ismail Haniya Monday urged the world not to punish the Palestinians while he remained committed to armed struggle as he submitted his cabinet for MPs' approval. Aziz Dweik, the speaker of the Ramallah-based parliament, opened the session which was attended by MPs and Haniya in Gaza City, linked by video conference because Israel will not allow Hamas MPs to travel between the two. "The Palestinian people should not be punished for exercising their right to choose their leaders in free and democratic elections," Haniya told MPs. "Those who think that economic pressure is going to make our government collapse or undermine the determination of our people are very much mistaken," Haniya added. Outlining the main points of his incoming government's programme, Haniya cited "the defence of the right of our people to defend themselves in the face of the occupation, the elimination of the settlements, the apartheid wall (Israel's West Bank barrier) and the right to continue the struggle for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital." Haniya also said that his government rejected the unilateral separation plan which has been drawn up by Israeli acting premier Ehud Olmert, saying it would "turn our country into isolated cantons."(Posted @ 16:52 PST)
Hamas ready for talks with Mideast quartet: Haniya GAZA CITY, March 27 (AFP) - Palestinian prime minister designate Ismail Haniya said Monday that his Hamas movement was ready for talks with the Middle East diplomatic quartet to end the conflict with Israel. "Our government will be prepared to hold dialogue with the international quartet about the ways to end the conflict and install calm in the region," Haniya told MPs during a session to unveil his incoming government's programme. The Middle East quartet comprises the United States, United Nations, Russia and the European Union. It is the sponsor of the troubled roadmap peace plan which aims for the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. The blueprint was rejected by Hamas.(Posted @ 16:48 PST)
Government taking measures to develop human capital: PM ISLAMABAD, March 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said the government has taken adequate measures to develop human capital. While addressing a function here at a local hotel on the occasion of Pakistani students’ interaction with three Nobel Laureates including H. Townes and Ivar Fiaever, he said "youth is the future of the country…." He said the presence of Nobel Laureates here would provide a chance of interaction to students here and help groom their talent and knowledge. Emphasising the need to invest more on development of human capital, Aziz said the country has to go a long way in this regard but added that the government was fully committed to ensure development of this sector. (Posted @ 14:59 PST)
Interpol chief says threat of bio terrorism is real SINGAPORE (AP) Police forces around the world are beginning to recognize bio terrorism as a serious threat despite sceptics who doubt that preventive measures are needed, the head of Interpol, Ronald K. Noble, said Monday. Lyon, France-based Interpol is hosting the three-day workshop on lab security, forensic work and laws to prevent bio terrorism. Nearly 80 delegates from 26 countries in Asia will also assess how to respond to a simulated bio terrorist attack. (Posted @ 14:44 PST)
British soldier killed, three injured in Afghan accident KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, March 27, 2006 (AFP) A British soldier was killed Monday and three others were slightly injured when the military vehicle they were in hit a tractor in Lashkar Gah city, capital of Helmand province, police said. The British military confirmed the accident but would not release information on casualties. (Posted @ 14:36 PST)
Sri Lanka President awarded damages over tsunami graft probe COLOMBO, March 27, 2006 (AFP) Sri Lanka's Supreme Court Monday awarded 5,000 dollars in damages to President Mahinda Rajapakse over a pre-election police investigation into a complaint that he siphoned off millions of rupees in tsunami aid. National Police Chief Chandra Fernando and another top police investigator were also told to pay 1,000 dollars each to Rajapakse while the state was also ordered to pay 2,000 dollars to the president. (Posted @ 14:33 PST)
US rejects Iraqi accusations on deadly night raid BAGHDAD, March 27, 2006 (AFP) The US military insisted Monday that Iraqi special forces carried out a raid on an insurgent hideout that killed over a dozen people, rejecting accusations American troops had launched a deadly attack on civilians in a mosque. US said Iraqi Special Forces raided a meeting hall in northeast Baghdad being used by an insurgent cell and killed 16 people and detained 18 others. Iraqi television on Sunday night showed pictures of blood spattered corpses inside what they called the Mustafa mosque. Many of the dead were elderly and their identity proclaimed them to be members of prominent political parties. (Posted @ 14:30 PST)
One killed as protest by fishermen turns violent in southeast India HYDERABAD, India, March 27, 2006 (AFP) Police shot dead a protester Monday in a clash with scores of fishermen opposed to the construction of a modern port in the south-eastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, officials said. Fishermen and local villagers threw rocks and bottles and police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd that gathered Monday morning to launch an indefinite strike, said police. The fishermen are protesting the development of a major port with 40 jetties by a Dubai-based consortium at Gangavaram adjoining the major port city of Visakhapatnam. (Posted @ 14:30 PST)
Indian troops kill five in Occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, Occupied Kashmir, March 27, 2006 (AFP) Five alleged militants were shot dead by Indian troops during gun battles in Occupied Kashmir Monday, a police spokesman said. He said four were killed in three separate gunbattles in the northern district of Kupwara. An alleged key member of Lashkar-e-Toiba group was killed in another shootout in the southern Doda district, he added. (Posted @ 14:22 PST)
Israeli army kills Palestinian in Gaza GAZA, March 27 (Reuters) A Palestinian was killed in the northern Gaza Strip by the Israeli army on Monday, an army spokesman said. Palestinian sources said another Palestinian was wounded by Israeli fire. Residents reported hearing an explosion and gunfire. The army spokesman said the gunmen returned fire but hurt no one. (Posted @ 12:45 PST)
Bodies of 12 torture victims found in Baghdad BAGHDAD, March 27 (Reuters) Iraqi police said they had found the bodies of 12 victims of strangling and torture in Baghdad on Monday. (Posted @ 11:51 PST)
Iraq, Afghanistan decisive battlegrounds-UK's Blair CANBERRA, March 27 (Reuters) Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Monday that Iraq and Afghanistan were decisive battlegrounds for the values the West believes in and warned of the risk of a U.S. retreat into isolationism. In a speech to the Australian parliament, Blair said "every reactionary element is lined up to fight us. They know if they lose, a message is sent out across the Muslim world that strikes at the heart of their ideology". Outside parliament, about 100 anti-Iraq war protesters, holding placards saying "B.liar" and "Troops out of Iraq", blew whistles and trumpets. He said "wherever people live in fear, with no prospect of advance, we should be on their side ... whether in Sudan, Zimbabwe, Burma, North Korea," calling for an "active foreign policy of engagement" by a strong alliance, including the United States. After this week's Israeli general election, "we must redouble our efforts to find a way to the only solution that works: a secure state of Israel and a viable, independent Palestinian state", Blair added. (Posted @ 09:43 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 57.36 points: KARACHI, March 27: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11402.22, down 57.36 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, March 27: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.27 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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