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| April 12, 2006 | Wednesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 13, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Karachi tense as blast toll rises to 57 KARACHI, April 12, 2006 (Agencies) Pakistani troops were on high alert Wednesday for the funeral of Sunni Tehreek’s chief who was among 57 people killed in the country's worst suicide bombing in nearly two decades. Police said they were trying to identify the bearded head of the suspected bomber who struck in Karachi late on Tuesday, as thousands gathered in a park to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). No one claimed responsibility for the attack. "We have taken all possible security measures for the funeral and no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. It's a great tragedy and we appeal to the people to remain calm and peaceful," Salahuddin Haider, spokesman for the Sindh government said. Rioters torched three gas stations and more than a dozen vehicles overnight. The Karachi Stock Exchange and all schools were closed on Wednesday as the city was plunged into three days of official mourning. Roads were deserted and gas stations and many western businesses were also shut. Officials said they expected around 20,000 people to turn out for the funeral of Abbas Qadri, the chief of Sunni Tehreek party, who died in the blast. His deputy Akram Qadri and party spokesman Iftikhar Bhatti were also killed. The funerals of two other moderate Sunni faction leaders, Hafiz Mohammed Taqi and Hanif Billo, and of some of the other victims were held earlier and passed off peacefully, officials said. Chief police investigator Mansoor Mughal said there was only one suicide bomber. Provincial spokesman Haider said last night that two may have been involved. But Mughal said "there was another head but his body has now been found and there was only one explosion.” President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz condemned the "heinous act" and ordered security to be stepped up at mosques. The United States termed the blast an "atrocity" and Britain also condemned the attack. (First Posted @ 09:20 PST Updated @ 13: 00 PST)
Pakistan's top nuclear command concerned over India-US deal ISLAMABAD, April 12 (AFP) - Pakistan's political and military leaders Wednesday expressed concern over the recent nuclear deal between India and the United States, the military said. President Pervez Musharraf chaired a meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) to discuss implications of the US-India nuclear agreement, the NCA said in a statement. "In view of the fact that the agreement would enable India to produce significant quantities of fissile material and nuclear weapons from un-safeguarded nuclear reactors, the NCA expressed firm resolve that our credible minimum deterrence requirements will be met," the statement said. The NCA controls the country's nuclear establishment and army and air force strategic command. (Posted 21:15 PST)
Funeral of 3 Sunni Tehrik Leaders on Thursday KARACHI, April 12, 2006 (AFP) - The Sunni Tehreek(religious party), which lost its chief and other key figures in the blast that killed 57 persons and injured over 100 others in Karachi on Tuesday , has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum to catch the culprits. "Our leaders have been receiving threats for the past couple of months and we had informed the government about it, but no security was provided to our leaders," interim leader Shahid Ghori told reporters Wednesday."We even doubt it was a suicide bombing. But whatever the case, we demand that the investigation of the case should be undertaken by the country's top intelligence agency, the ISI, and the military intelligence, he said. Meanwhile, the party announced that the burial of its leader Abbas Qadri, deputy Akram Qadri and spokesman Iftikhar Bhatti, who also died in the blast, had been postponed until Thursday. The burial of two other leaders, Hafiz Mohammed Taqi and Hanif Billo, and some other victims were held peacefully on Wednesday. Witnesses said angry party supporters made a bonfire of old tyres in several parts of Karachi on Wednesday and also torched two cars but details were lacking. (Posted @ 17:30 PST)
Death toll in Nishtar Park blast rises to 58 - Minister KARACHI, April 12 (APP)- The death toll in the bomb blast at Nishtar Park on Tuesday evening rose to 58 when injured Abdul Shakoor in Surgical ICU of Civil Hospital died on Wednesday morning, Sindh Health Minister, Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani, told newsmen. The minister who visited the JPMC, Liaquat National Hospital and the Civil Hospital said that out of the 18 injured admitted at the JPMC, two have been discharged and except for one or two all the other injured were in a stable condition. The conditions of the injured at LNH and the CHK was also stable.(Posted @ 18:20 PST)
Pakistan, Yemen to cooperate in eradicating terrorism, sources of financing ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP): Pakistan and Yemen have agreed to cooperate in the security field to eradicate terrorism and its sources of financing and benefit from each other's experiences in the fight against terrorism. A Joint Statement issued at the end of two-day visit of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Pakistan said the two sides reiterated their call for a clear definition of terrorism. They also called for recognition of the legitimate rights of all people resisting occupation as stipulated in the United Nations Charter. The two sides agreed to work closely to promote relations in the economic, commercial, science and technology areas.(Posted @ 21:40 PST)
Eight killed in east Sudan clash - army CAIRO, April 12 (Reuters) - Six civilians and two rebel fighters were killed in eastern Sudan when rebels attacked government positions, an armed forces official said on Wednesday. Rebels attacked two sites in Kassala state, Tanay and Wagr, simultaneously on Tuesday using infantry and vehicles fitted with guns, the official said. "The rebels withdrew after the Sudanese army, backed by the airforce, drove them out, killing two rebels in a battle that lasted about two hours," said the official, who did not want to be named.(Posted @ 21:35 PST)
Israeli air strike kills two Palestinian gunmen GAZA, April 12 (Reuters) - An Israeli air strike killed two Palestinians near the Gaza border on Wednesday. An army spokeswoman said an Israeli aircraft fired at two men who had approached the Israel-Gaza frontier while holding rifles. Palestinian security forces said the militants belonged to al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Palestinian witnesses said a gunfight between Gaza militants and Israeli forces had broken out near the area prior to the air strike.(Posted @ 21:30 PST)
Six insurgents killed in Afghanistan KABUL, April 12 (AFP) - Afghan and coalition soldiers killed six insurgents in Kunar province Wednesday as they launched a new 2,500-troop operation with predawn air and ground strikes, the coalition said. "The operation began with predawn air-and-ground assaults today (Wednesday) in the Pech River Valley, an area notorious for terrorist activity," the coalition said in a statement. The insurgents were killed in a neighbouring district of the province, which borders Pakistan. The operation aimed to "disrupt insurgents activities, deny them sanctuary and prevent their ability to resupply," it said. It was a "comprehensive effort to kill, incapacitate or capture terrorists operating in the region" that would continue "as long as necessary." On Tuesday a rocket fired at a school killed seven children in the provincial capital Asadabad and left 33 others and a teacher wounded.(Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Prosecution rests in Moussaoui death penalty trial ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 12 (AFP) - Prosecutors in the Zacarias Moussaoui trial rested their case here Wednesday, ending their arguments urging the jury to call for execution for the Al-Qaeda conspirator for complicity with those who carried out the September 11 attacks. Defence lawyers are expected to open their case on Thursday, arguing that Moussaoui is delusional and mentally ill. (Posted @ 20:50 PST)
Sanctions against Iran definitely an option: White House WASHINGTON, April 12 (AFP) - Tehran's pursuit of uranium-enrichment activities is an affront to the United Nations Security Council, and sanctions are definitely an option for confronting the Iranian "threat," the White House said Wednesday."The enrichment activities by the regime fly in the face of the United Nations Security Council and the IAEA and are a clear violation of the agreement the regime made with the Europeans," spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters "We have made it very clear that we will take appropriate steps at the Security Council and continue to work with our friends and allies to address the threat the regime poses," he added. Asked whether the United States could recommend sanctions against the regime by the Security Council, McClellan said that was definitely an option.(Posted @ 20:30 PST)
French deputies vote to replace contested job contract PARIS, April 12(AFP) - France's National Assembly on Wednesday approved a set of measures replacing the government's contested youth contract, after buckling to protests in which millions took to the streets. The controversial First Employment Contract, which made it easier for companies to fire young employees, is to be replaced by new state subsidies to incite companies to take on unqualified young staff.(Posted @ 17:50 PST)
Thirteen killed, 50 wounded in Sri Lanka market blast COLOMBO, April 12 (AFP) - Thirteen people were killed and at least 50 injured in a bomb blast at a vegetable market in Sri Lanka's restive northeastern port town of Trincomalee Wednesday, police and doctors said. The device planted on a bicycle damaged several shops ahead of the traditional Sinhalese and Tamil New Year festivals on Thursday and Friday. "First we thought it was a bomb thrown at the market, but now it is established that it was rigged up on a cycle," a local police official said. Shortly after the blast, local mobs attacked several shops in the market and there were clashes in the multi-ethnic area, police said. An indefinite curfew has been was imposed to bring the situation under control.(Fist Posted @ 16:00 Updated @ 19:05 PST)
British PM's wife visits Pakistan quake zone MUZAFFARABAD, April 12(AFP) - Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Wednesday visited the quake-battered capital of Azad Kashmir and laid the foundation stone of a school. "I have seen the devastation here and I will convey the feelings of these people back home" she told reporters. "It is good to see that the people are determined and they are putting their lives back together," she said. She visited Chakothi, a small town on the Line of Control, laid the foundation stone of a high school there. She also met survivors getting training in dress making, embroidery, wood carving, masonry and other crafts at a vocational training centre in Muzaffarabad. Cherie Blair is on a six-day visit to Pakistan to raise funds for cancer patients and to meet earthquake survivors.(Posted @ 17:00 PST)
Pakistan achieves excellence in defence production, says Abdullah Saleh ISLAMABAD, April 12 (PPI) President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yeman Tuesday praised Pakistan’s breakthrough in defence production. Talking to newsmen after visiting Heavy Industries Taxila he said products of HIT can compete with European, American and Russian defence equipment and particularly appreciated the latest version of Al-Khalid tank. The Yemeni President said his country desired enhanced defence cooperation with Pakistan and will enter into defence production purchase deal with it. Managing Director of HIT Lt. General Israr Ahmad Ghumman briefing the visiting President said the HIT has indigenously manufactured Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar tanks and state of art surface-to-air carrier missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, command vehicles, battle field management command system, bullet proof security vehicles, besides other heavy and light defence equipments and ammunition. The equipment is also being exported to other countries. The Yemeni President witnessed demonstration of tanks and anti-personnel carrier 'SAAD'(Posted @ 16:35 PST)
Pakistan beats Canada in opening world-cup qualify match Changzhou (China), April 12 (APP): Pakistan hockey team Wednesday won its opening match against Canada 1-0 in the 12-nations tournament, being held here to qualify for the World Cup finals. The solitary goal was secured in the first half of the match by Shakeel Abbasi. It plays its second match against Belgium tomorrow (Thursday).(Posted @ 16:10 PST)
Roadside bomb kills four people in Baghdad BAGHDAD, April 12 (Reuters) A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol killed three civilians and one policeman in Baghdad on Wednesday, police said. The attack in the Waziriya district of the capital also wounded four people.
Bomb explodes near market in Iraq town BAGHDAD, April 12 (Reuters) A bomb exploded near a market in a town north of Baghdad on Wednesday and police said they feared casualties. The explosion occured in Khalis. There were no further details.(Posted @ 14:05 PST)
Iran nuclear claim 'step in the wrong direction': Russia MOSCOW, April 12, 2006 (AFP) Russia called Wednesday on Iran to halt immediately all uranium enrichment work and said Tehran's announcement that it had successfully enriched uranium for nuclear fuel as a "step in the wrong direction," news agencies reported. Iran must "suspend all work on uranium enrichment, including for research," the official ITAR-TASS news agency quoted foreign ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin as saying. (Posted @ 13:00 PST)
Indian army kills five alleged militants, civilian in Occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, Occupied Kashmir, April 12, 2006 (AFP) Indian troops killed five alleged militants in gunbattles as well as a Kashmiri civilian in Occupied Kashmir, the army said Wednesday. The civilian died late Tuesday when the army opened fire in northern Kupwara district when three men were "challenged by an ambush party but instead of stopping started running away," an army spokesman said. The killing sparked protests in the village of Dewar, residents said. The army also killed a militant in Kupwara during a gunbattle late Tuesday, The spokesman added. Indian troops also killed four more alleged militants in three other gunfights in southern Anantnag and Doda districts late Tuesday. Two soldiers were also wounded during the fighting, the army said. (Posted @ 13:00 PST)
Saddam trial adjourned after brief session BAGHDAD, April 12 (Reuters) The trial of Saddam Hussein resumed on Wednesday for a few minutes and then was adjourned until April 17. No defendants were present due to procedural reasons. The judge said the purpose of the session was to ask investigative criminal experts to verify the signatures of Saddam and most of his co-accused. Saddam Hussein and his half brother Barzan al-Tikriti refused to provide the court with samples of their signatures, chief judge said in the session. (Posted @ 13:00 PST)
Four US soldiers killed in Iraq BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) Three American soldiers were killed Tuesday by a roadside bomb north of Baghdad, the U.S. command said. A fourth soldier died in a separate explosion two days ago, the command said. The precise location of the attack was not reported in the U.S. statement. Another soldier was wounded. (Posted @ 11:35 PST)
At least 29 protesting journalists arrested in Nepal KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) Police arrested 29 journalists who were protesting in Katmandu to demand an end to a crackdown on the media by the government, which has detained scores of journalists during pro-democracy protests in recent days. Some 100 journalists had gathered for the rally organized by the Nepalese Federation of Journalists when police moved in and began making arrests. (Posted @ 11:35 PST)
Spanish judge charges 29 for March 11 train bombs MADRID, April 11 (Reuters) A Spanish judge charged 29 people Tuesday with murder or crimes related to the Madrid train bombings in a report which concluded that the extremist group which planned the attack was inspired by al Qaeda. However the judge’s report concluded that the bombers who killed 191 people and injured 2,000 others on commuter trains on March 11, 2004 were not directed by al Qaeda. The report is the first official step in a process that will lead to one of Europe's biggest terrorism trials. The defendants are mostly Spanish or Moroccan. The report said the attacks were inspired by an Internet essay published by Global Islamic Media, which called for attacks on Spain before general elections in 2004 to try and force the country to pull out of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Yemeni President leaves home after two-day visit to Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Apr 12 (APP): President Marshal Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen left here Wednesday after a two-day visit to Pakistan. He was warmly seen off at Chaklala Air Base by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and other officials. During his two-day stay, President Saleh exchanged views on wide-ranging issues, including the evolving regional and international political scenarios with the Pakistani leadership. Six agreements were also signed during the visit. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
U.N. agencies limit Hamas government contacts JERUSALEM, April 11 (Reuters) The United Nations has advised its aid agencies to avoid meeting with Hamas political leaders and to limit contacts to technocrats in the new Palestinian government, U.N. officials said Tuesday. In New York, chief U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, said "working contacts" for aid agencies and other U.N. officials with the new Palestinian government were permitted. "The issue of political contacts will be dealt with as it arises," Dujarric said. He said the decision had been "evolving" since Hamas took office. (Posted @ 11:10: PST)
Sri Lanka police say Tiger ambush kills two officers COLOMBO, April 12 (Reuters) Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels killed two Sri Lankan policemen and injured two others in an ambush on Wednesday, police said. (Posted @ 11:05 PST)
Bus plunge kills 12 in central China BEIJING, April 12 (Reuters) A bus plunged into a valley in central China, killing 12 people and injuring 32, Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
Afghan bomb blast kills policeman, wounds two KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 12, 2006 (AFP) A roadside bomb ripped through a police vehicle in Grishk district of southern Helmand province on Wednesday, killing a policeman and wounding two others, police said. A purported Taliban spokesman claimed the attack from an undisclosed location. (Posted @ 10:45 PST)
US shelved evidence discounting Iraq's WMD-paper WASHINGTON, April 12 (Reuters) The Bush administration publicly asserted that two trailers captured by U.S. troops in Iraq in May 2003 were mobile "biological laboratories" even after U.S. intelligence officials had evidence that it was not true, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday. On May 29, 2003, President George W. Bush hailed the capture of the trailers, declaring "We have found the weapons of mass destruction". But a Pentagon-sponsored fact-finding mission had already concluded that the trailers had nothing to do with biological weapons, the Post reported, citing government officials and weapons experts who participated in the secret mission or had direct knowledge of it. The Post said the group's unanimous findings had been sent to the Pentagon in a field report, two days before the president's statement. The three-page field report and a 122-page final report three weeks later were classified and shelved, The Washington Post reported. (Posted @ 10:35 PST)
At least 56 killed, over 100 injured as bomb explodes in Karachi park congregation KARACHI, Pakistan (Agencies) _ At least 56 people were killed and more then 100 injured when a bomb exploded at Karachi's Nishtar Park Tuesday evening when faithfuls were offering Mughrib (Evening Prayers) after attending a mammoth meeting to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet. Jinnah hospital confirms 27 dead bodies and dozens injured. Civil hospital was also flooded with injured people and dead bodies. Other major hospitals including Liaquat National hospital and Abbasi Shaheed hospital have also received dead bodies and injured persons. The death toll was rising as the condition of many injured was critical, hospital sources said. There was stampede and angry crowd pelted stones, damaged and torched vehicles and there was complete chaos in a vast area around the park which is near the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam. According to private TV Channels the death toll has already reached 56 and nearly 100 injured. The government has declared emergency in all hospitals of Karachi, and medical and paramedical staff has been mobilized from all available sources to handle the crises, official sources said. As a fallout, there was crowd rampage in several adjoining areas including M.A Jinnah road and Saddar where several vehicles were torched. Traders of Karachi announce a protest strike tomorrow. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain announced a three day mourning, a private TV Channel reported. President Pervaiz Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Qazi Hussain Ahmed and other leaders also condemned the incident. Sindh government announced rupees 100,000 compensation for each killed in the explosion besides cash relief for the injured.(First Posted @ 19:38 PST Updated @ 23:08 PST)
Several top Sunni Tahreeq leaders Martyred KARACHI, April 11 (Agencies) Haji Hanif Billo, Moulana Abbas Qadri, Hafiz Muhammad Taqi & Iftikhar Bhatti were among the top notch leaders of Sunni Tahreeq / Jamaat Ahl-e-Sunnat who were martyred in the bomb blast at Nishtar park tuesday evening, hospital sources said. Mulana Shah Turabul Huq Qadri, a senior leader of the organizing committee was injured but is handling the post explosion crises with the help of his aides and in consultation with the authorities. Moulana Shah Turabul Huq Qadri told private TV Channels that the most intriguing thing was that all telephone links including mobile telephones went dead soon after the bomb blast, & no one including he himself could contact any one in the city out side the Nishtar park area.(First Posted @ 21:44 PST Updated @ 23:32 PST)
Emergency declared in all government hospitals KARACHI, April 11 (APP) - Sindh Minister for Health Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani Tuesday announced Emergency in all Government Hospitals. He in a statement said that Surgeons, Specialists and doctors have been directed to report to their hospitals immediately. The statement further said that the leave of all doctors of Karachi based hospitals have immediately been cancelled.(Posted @ 22:25 PST)
Governor announces three-day official mourning KARACHI, APRIL 11 (APP)- Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan Tuesday announced three-day official mourning throughout the province on Nishtar Park tragedy. The Governor also announced closure of all the educational institutions to mourn the tragedy.(Posted @ 00:12 PST)
Nishtar Park explosion by Suicide bomber KARACHI, April 11 (Agencies) The bomb blast at Nishtar park that killed at least 56 and injured over 100 persons on Tuesday was the act of a suicide bomber, bomb disposal squad chief Iqbal told a private TV Channel. It may have weighed about 5kg he said adding that it was very near the huge platform where the top leadership of the organizing committee & speakers were seated. That explains the high casualty among the leadership he said.(Posted @ 00:28 PST)
President Musharraf, PM Aziz condemn blast in Karachi ISLAMABAD, Apr 11 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday strongly condemned the blast at Nishtar Park Karachi that claimed several lives during the Maghrib prayer. They expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of lives. They talked to Dr. Ishrat-ul-Abad, Governor Sindh and Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Chief Minister Sindh and inquired about the tragedy. They instructed the provincial authorities to provide immediately all medical care and support to the injured people and affected families. (Posted @ 01:38 PST)
Iran announces it has enriched uranium for the first time TEHRAN, Iran (AP) _ Iran has successfully enriched uranium for the first time, a landmark in its quest to develop nuclear fuel, hard-liner President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday, insisting his country does not aim to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking in a nationally televised speech, Ahmadinejad called on the West ``not to cause an everlasting hatred in the hearts of Iranians'' by trying to force Iran to abandon uranium enrichment. The announcement came a day ahead of a visit to Tehran this week by Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency, who is trying to resolve the West's standoff with Iran. The U.N. Security Council has demanded Iran stop all enrichment activity by April 28. Iran has rejected this, saying it has a right to the process.(Posted @ 00:34 PST)
Iran president calls for acceleration of nuclear programme TEHRAN, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that the Islamic republic must accelerate its nuclear energy programme in order to enrich uranium on an industrial scale. "I ask all nuclear officials to speed up their work so as to produce fuel for the country's (future) power stations," Ahmadinejad said in a speech carried live on state television. His call came after a senior official announced Iran had successfully enriched uranium to make nuclear fuel, a major breakthrough in its disputed atomic drive that defies a UN Security Council demand for the work to be halted. Iran insists it only wants to generate nuclear power, but the enrichment process can be extended to make nuclear weapons.(Posted @ 00:45 PST)
Yemeni President meets Prime Minister ISLAMABAD, Apr 11 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said Pakistan and Yemen, having strategically important locations, need to further expand bilateral cooperation in economic, cultural and defence fields. The Prime Minister was talking to the President of Yemen, Marshal Ali Abdullah Saleh at the Prime Minister House. The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz emphasized the need to promote interfaith, inter civilization dialogue to ensure better understanding between the Islamic World and the West.(Posted @ 01:35 PST)
Three British soldiers injured in suspected Afghanistan bomb attack LONDON April 11(AP) _ Three British soldiers were injured in an attack against a convoy on patrol in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, authorities said Tuesday. Two are seriously injured and a third is described as ``walking wounded,'' Britain's Defense Ministry spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity. He said an army Land Rover jeep was traveling through Helmand as part of a search patrol Monday when a roadside bomb or land mine detonated, injuring the troops. The spokesman said he could not reveal the precise location of the attack for operational reasons.(Posted @ 00:55 PST)
Five killed, 13 wounded in Baghdad car bomb attack BAGHDAD, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - At least five people were killed, including three policemen, and 13 wounded in a car bomb explosion Tuesday in front of a popular restaurant in the Hay Ur area of Baghdad, a security official said. The blast occurred at about 8 pm (1600 GMT). "The blast was near Immam Redha Shiite mosque and it has also damaged the mosque," the official added. One of the wounded was a policeman.(Posted @ 00:52 PST)
Pakistani and French forces hold exercises KARACHI, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Pakistani and French warplanes fought simulated dogfights over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday as the two countries began naval exercises, officials said. French naval Rafale and Super Etendard jets based on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle were pitched against aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force, they said. "This exercise is the first in a series which will allow French and Pakistani forces, who have excellent military relations, to train together," an official at the French embassy in Islamabad said.(Posted @ 00:45 PST)
Italian Mafia 'boss of bosses' arrested ROME, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Italy's most wanted man, the Mafia's "boss of bosses" Bernardo Provenzano, has been arrested in Sicily after 42 years on the run, Italy's Ansa news agency said Tuesday. Deputy Prosecutor Giuseppe Pignatone and anti-Mafia magistrates immediately confirmed the arrest to the news agency. Provenzano was seized in his home region of Corleone on the southern Italian island, Ansa said. Provenzano became "the boss of bosses" following the arrest of Toto Riina, the mobster boss known as "The Beast", in January 1993.(Posted @ 00:34 PST)
Iraqi PM defiant as Shiites fail to agree BAGHDAD, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Shiite leaders from the powerful United Iraqi Alliance failed Tuesday to decide the fate of Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari as the controversial premier refused to step down in the face of mounting pressure. The UIA met to decide whether to keep Jaafari after Kurds and Sunni Arabs rejected his candidacy to head the next government, a key sticking point holding up its formation almost four months after elections. But the alliance leaders broke up talks aimed at resolving Iraq's political impasse until Wednesday, said Bassem Sharif, spokesman of the Fadhila party, one of the members of the Shiite alliance.(First Posted @ 11:19 PST Updated @ 19:05 PST)
Raid on Afghan drugs bazaar: three police hurt KABUL, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Afghanistan's anti-narcotics squad came under fire during a raid on a major drugs bazaar, with three policemen wounded in the operation that destroyed a tonne of opium, police said Tuesday. Monday's raid on the market in Bahram Chah town on the border with Pakistan also led police to capture four suspected drug dealers, one of whom was arrested in connection with the gunbattle, a police statement said.(Posted @ 19:02 PST)
S.Lanka rebels kill 12 sailors, wound 8 -navy COLOMBO, April 11 (Reuters) - Suspected Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger rebels killed 12 sailors and wounded eight on Tuesday in a fragmentation mine attack on a vehicle carrying naval troops going on leave, the navy said. "There are 12 dead and eight injured," navy spokesman Commander D.K.P Dassanayake said, adding the attack took place near the northeastern port of Trincomalee. "It was a claymore attack." Switzerland. (Posted @ 12:55 PST)
Israel declares end to Sharon reign JERUSALEM, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - Israel's cabinet signalled a formal end to coma-stricken Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's premiership on Tuesday by unanimously declaring him "permanently incapacitated", officials said. The move will also confirm Ehud Olmert in the position of acting prime minister. He was handed the reins of power shortly after the 78-year-old Sharon suffered a massive brain haemorrhage on January 4. (Posted @ 12:22 PST)
Rocket explodes in Afghan school; six children killed, 14 others wounded KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A rocket exploded in the middle of a packed school in Asadabad, close to a U.S.-led coalition base in Kunar province, on Tuesday, killing six children and wounding 14 others, police said. A second rocket also landed near the school, but it exploded in an open field and hurt no one, the police commander said. A U.S. military spokesman in Kabul said he had no details on the blast. (Posted @ 11:17 PST)
Indian officials arrive in Pakistan for talks on border security, drug control ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Senior border security officials from India arrived Tuesday in Pakistan for talks on improving security and fighting narcotics smuggling, an official said. At the four-day talks in Lahore, the 17-member Indian team and its Pakistani counterparts will discuss preventing illegal border crossings, repatriating inadvertent border crossers, and drug trafficking, said a spokesman for Pakistan Rangers border guards. (Posted @ 10:36 PST)
Police fire on pro-democracy protesters in Nepal, two wounded KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) Police fired on stone-throwing protesters in the Nepali resort town of Pokhara on Tuesday, wounding two people, police said. Some 10,000 people were marching through the center of Pokhara when some of them began throwing stones at police, who responded first with tear gas and rubber bullets and then with gunfire when the protests refused to disperse.(First Posted@09:17 PST Updated@ 10:36 PST)
Prodi claims victory in Italy vote ROME, April 11 (Reuters) Centre-left leader Romano Prodi claimed a knife-edge victory in Italy's general election on Tuesday, but Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's allies disputed the result and demanded a "scrupulous" check of the count. Twelve hours after polling stations closed, Prodi declared that his broad coalition had secured a majority in both houses of parliament and promised to unify Italy after a divisive, acrimonious election campaign. "We have won," Prodi told supporters. The centre-left said it was on course to win a one-seat majority in the upper house (Senate). In the lower house, official data showed Prodi had taken 49.81 percent of the vote to 49.74 percent for Berlusconi's House of Freedoms Alliance. (Posted @ 08:05 PST)
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