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Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Misunderstanding between Sindh coalition partners resolved: PM ISLAMABAD, May 27 (PPI) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday said that misunderstandings and problems between the Sindh government coalition partners have been resolved and the provincial government will be run amicably and with mutual understanding. He was addressing a news conference at which Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri and MQM representatives Adil Siddiqui, Kunwar Naveed, Nazim Hyderabad, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Khalilur Rehman were also present. They had earlier met President General Pervez Musharraf. The Prime Minister said the Sindh government will work collectively for the development of the province. The government will take the coalition partners along on all important matters. Shaukat Aziz said general elections next year will be contested by the coalition partners with unity and understanding. To a question about the demands of the MQM, he said these were communication problems and have been resolved.(Posted @ 23:34 PST) PM approves setting-up of IT Parks at Islamabad, Lahore & Karachi ISLAMABAD, May 27 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said the government will set up Software Technology Parks at key locations in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to facilitate and expedite the development of software industry and IT enabled services. Chairing a meeting for a review of the IT industry’s growth and short, long and medium term office space requirements for IT industry, he gave approval for setting up of two IT parks at Islamabad, one each at sector-9 and National Park Area, and examined land options at Lahore and Karachi besides the proposal to set up software technology parks at Lahore and Karachi Airports and asked the Ministry to submit a comprehensive plan in 30 days.(Posted @ 21:14 PST) Heat grips Larkana, surrounding areas with mercury at 50.5 C LARKANA, May 27 (APP)- The city of Larkana and its surroundings remained in the grip of severe heat wave on Saturday. Met office recorded 50.5 Degrees Celsius maximum temperature, increasing the incidence of sun-stroke and sunburn with hundreds of people reporting at public and private hospitals for treatment. Frequent power break-downs, particularly around the mid-day added to the agony of the people.(Posted @ 21:10 PST) MQM delegation calls on President, PM RAWALPINDI, May 27 (APP): A three-member delegation of MQM called on President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday. The delegation, led by Federal Minister Babar Ghauri exchanged views on development projects in Karachi and Hyderabad. (Posted @ 21:08 PST) 15 killed, 27 injured in Iraq BAGHDAD, May 27 (Reuters) Fifteen people were killed and 27 injured in Iraq invarious incidents on Saturday. Two Iraqi army soldiers were killed and three wounded in an attack on an army checkpoint near Dujail. Police Colonel Qahtan al-Bawi and his bodyguard were killed when gunmen ambushed their car near Baquba. Two other bodyguards were seriously wounded. Also in Baquba, gunmen killed five people -- two sets of brothers. First they stormed an ironsmith workshop and shot dead three brothers working there, then they attacked a nearby tyre repair shop and killed two brothers from another family. At least four people were killed and 15 wounded when a mortar round landed in a crowded market in southern Baghdad, and a U.S. Marine was killed in clashes in Iraq's restive Anbar province on Friday, the U.S. military said on Saturday. An Iraqi army major was killed and three soldiers were wounded when gunmen in a car blocked their patrol and opened fire on a main road 40 km south of Kirkuk, police said. Police Colonel Kamil Guaim was seriously wounded when a roadside bomb went off near his house in Diwaniya, 180 km south of Baghdad, police said.(Posted @ 20:54 PST) Java quake kills at least 2,900 BANTUL, Indonesia, May 27 (AP) _ Fourteen hours after the quake struck, the number of dead stood at 2,914, Social Affairs Ministry official Sopar Jaya said adding that more than two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in Bantul, closest to the epicenter. ``The numbers just keep rising,'' said Arifin Muhadi of the Indonesian Red Cross, adding that more than 3,400 people were seriously hurt. (First Posted @ 19:26 PST Updated @ 20:25 PST) Pakistan expresses condolences over quake casualties in Indonesia ISLAMABAD, May 27 (AP) President Parvez Musharraf and Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz Saturday sent messages of condolences to Indonesia over destruction and casualties caused by a deadly quake, and offered help for the quake victims. ``The people of Pakistan join me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have been affected'' by the earthquake, the President said in a message to his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He said Pakistan was ready to provide any help to Indonesia to handle the tragedy, a foreign ministry statement said.(Posted @ 20:02 PST) Iran takes court action against Saddam over war BAGHDAD, May 27 (AFP) - Iran has filed a lawsuit against ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein for his regime's 1980s war against Tehran, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in a joint statement with his Iraqi counterpart published Saturday. "The two sides, noting the crimes committed by Saddam Hussein's regime in its aggression against the people of Iraq, Iran and Kuwait, confirmed the need to seek justice for that," the statement read. "To this end the Iranian Republic has passed on to the Foreign Ministry of Iraq a complaint against Saddam and his agents for examination by the Iraqi High Tribunal", where Saddam already faces charges of crimes against humanity, the statement added. The document did not list any specific charges Iran wished to bring against Saddam or any of his aides.(Posted @ 19:46 PST) Deadly Indonesia quake prompts swift offers of aid, condolences YOGYAKARTA, May 27 (AFP) - The devastating earthquake which left thousands dead in Indonesia prompted swift offers of aid and condolences from around the world on Saturday. UN chief Kofi Annan said a UN disaster response team was ready to help with humanitarian relief. Britain and France also offered a quick response to the disaster. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences along with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. European Commission said it would release up to three million euros (3.8 million dollars) in emergency aid, and UNICEF said it was preparing emergency aid for survivors including 2,000 tents and 9,000 tarpaulins. Japan said it was sending a relief team including doctors and bureaucrats on Sunday to assess the needs, while neighbouring Malaysia said it was sending a 56-member search and rescue team and medical supplies.(Posted @ 19:44 PST) Indonesian quake death toll over 2,800 YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27 (AFP) - The strong 6.2 intensity earthquake that rocked Indonesia's densely-populated island of Java on Saturday left at least 2,808 people killed, more than 2,500 seriously injured, and more than 3,800 houses in complete ruins, an official at the ministry's disaster relief center in Jakarta said.(Posted @ 19:26 PST) Indian Troops martyr four more Kashmiri youth SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, May 27 (PPI) Indian troops martyred four youth at different places in occupied Kashmir, reports Kashmir Media Service. Three young men were shot dead in a fake encounter at Saidani Gali in Kishatwar and another at Pahalgam in Islamabad. Two dead bodies were recovered from river Jehlum in Islamabad district and a woman was seriously injured by troops in Gool area of Udhampur district. Troops also arrested two students in Aloosa. (Posted @ 18:14 PST) Thar Express with 763 passengers left for Zero Point MIRPURKHAS, MAY 27 (APP) - Thar Express carrying 763 India-bound passengers arrived here early Saturday. 270 passengers boarded the train at Karachi Cantt Station and 101 at Hyderabad. Another 144 boarded the train at Mirpurkhas. The train later left for Zero Point via Munabao(Posted @ 18:00 PST) U.S. govt wants to support Pakistan in poverty reduction WASHINGTON, May 27 (APP)- U.S. Under Secretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs Josette Sheeran Shiner has said that the U.S. government wants to find ways to support Pakistan's own efforts to ease poverty and create new economic opportunities for its citizens. Ms.Shiner who concluded her four-day (May 22-25) five-nation visit, with a trip to Pakistan said: "More and more, we find that Pakistan is a respected advocate for economic reform and liberalization, not just in the region but in the wider world." The American businessmen she met with in Pakistan, she added "were impressed with the vastly improved business climate in Pakistan, and with the government's efforts to create jobs and economic growth."(Posted @ 17:55 PST) President urges top facilities and timely completion of Gwadar port RAWALPINDI, May 27 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Saturday reviewed progress of Gwadar port project at a meeting also attended by prime minister Shaukat Aziz. "We must put in place high quality of shipping services and connect the port to the upper parts of the country with an elaborate network of road and railway infrastructure - at the same time we should ensure better allied infrastructure in the form of information technology, housing, hotel and business facilities at the port," he told officials.(Posted @ 17:40 PST) Fighting erupts in Mogadishu again, 20 killed MOGADISHU, May 27 (Reuters) - Heavy artillery, mortar shelling and gunfire killed at least 20 people in a fourth day of fighting between rival militias in the Somali capital, residents and militia leaders said Saturday. The battle, which erupted on Wednesday and has killed at least 70 people so far, had eased overnight. But fighting broke out in the Daynile and Keysaney districts on Saturday, sending terrified residents fleeing, witnesses said.(Posted @ 17:34 PST) U.S. Marine killed in Anbar province BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 27 (AP) _ A U.S. Marine was killed Friday ``due to enemy action'' in the volatile Anbar province, the U.S. military said Saturday.(Posted @ 17:18 PST) Thousands protest in occupied Kashmir village alleging rape of minor by soldier SRINAGAR, May 27 (AP) _ Thousands of people angrily protested in a Kashmir village and locked up a soldier Saturday, alleging he had raped an 11-year-old girl returning home from school, witnesses said. Police officials were trying to persuade the villagers to release the soldier and promised an investigation after the alleged assault in Singhpora village, 25 kilometers north of Srinagar.(Posted @ 17:12 PST) Pak, India interior secretaries' talks to be held on May 30 ISLAMABAD, May 27 (APP): Two-day talks between the Interior Secretaries of Pakistan and India will be held on May 30 here, Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah said Saturday. The agenda includes exchange of civil prisoners, those who mistakenly crossed the borders and were arrested by security force. There are 400 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails. He said the two sides would also discuss cooperation to combat terrorism, human and drug trafficking and other organized crimes.(Posted @ 16:24 PST) Tamil Tigers agree to discuss peace monitoring with government in Norway KILINOCHCHI, Sri Lanka, May 27 (AP) _ Tamil Tigers on Saturday agreed to visit Norway on June 8 and 9 and discuss with the Sri Lankan government peace monitoring by Nordic officials, a decision likely to ease fears of the island nation sliding back into full-scale war. Norwegian envoy Jon Hannsen-Bauer made the announcement after meeting with Tamil Tiger leaders for more than two hours in the rebel-held northern town of Kilinochchi.(Posted @ 15:50 PST) Afghan leader heads to Iran KABUL, May 27 (AFP) - President Hamid Karzai travelled to Iran Saturday for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country's supreme leader Ali Khamenei as well as other officials. He is expected to sign several agreements, including on the exchange of prisoners, a rail link across the border and investment.(Posted @ 15:45 PST) Nine killed in Iraq BAGHDAD, May 27 (AFP) - At least nine people were killed in Iraq on Saturday as the country's political leaders again failed to reach agreement on who should head the key defence and interior ministries. The two ministries have been without permanent heads since the December election and Maliki has been unable to secure a compromise despite forming the rest of his broad-based 37-member cabinet a week ago. Meanwhile, in Baquba on Saturday seven people were killed -- including five workers gunned down in in a metal workshop -- and a human rights activist was wounded. Clashes erupted between insurgents and an Iraqi army patrol in the capital's western Al-Jamia area, leaving one soldier and a civilian wounded. A spokesman for British forces in Basra said 10 suspected insurgents were arrested for possessing automatic rifles and explosives.(Posted @ 15:40 PST) 15,000 rally for reform in Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, May 27, 2006 (AFP) Around 15,000 people demanding constitutional reform to trim the powers of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and a crackdown on crime protested Saturday in this Central Asian state. The protest was watched closely by around 3,000 police officers but no incidents of violence were reported. The demonstration was organized by the "For Reforms" movement, an affiliation of around 30 non-governmental organizations and various Kyrgyz opposition groups.(Posted @ 14:00 PST) Indonesia quake leaves at least 2000 dead, thousands injured YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2006 (AFP) A powerful earthquake rocked Indonesia's main island of Java on Saturday, killing at least 2000 people, injuring thousands more and causing mass destruction. Thousands of families fled their homes in panic after the 6.2 magnitude quake struck early in the morning, many running for higher ground amid false rumours of a tsunami like the one that devastated the country in December 2004. Many could not escape in time and were buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings or struck by flying rocks and debris as the temblor devastated towns and villages cities across the south of the island. Hospitals in the densely-populated ancient city of Yogyakarta, located in the shadow of the simmering Mount Merapi volcano, were overflowing with casualties. Hundreds lay injured outside awaiting medical attention. Rescue and relief workers rushed to the worst-hit areas and officials said that the death toll would inevitably rise as more bodies were uncovered in the rubble. The quake also forced the closure of Adisucipto airport in Yogyakarta, Detikcom news portal said. The airport was badly damaged, with the roof of an airport section collapsing and at least one person trapped, Metro TV reported.Flights have been diverted to the nearby city of Solo. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered troops to help evacuate victims. (First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 13:40 PST) Pakistan releases two Indian minors arrested with fishermen KARACHI, May 27, 2006 (AFP) Pakistan Saturday released two Indian children who were arrested six months ago along with 20 fishermen for alleged illegal fishing in Pakistani territorial waters, officials said. Piyush Ramji, 7, and Bharat Baburam, 9, left aboard a Pakistan International Airlines flight for India, accompanied by an Indian diplomat. The fishermen remained in a Pakistani jail and would be among 71 fishermen Islamabad has announced it plans to release on May 30. Indian diplomat Suresh Mehta hailed Pakistan's decision to release the two children "It is good step forward on the part of the Pakistani authorities and we cheer it," Mehta said. An official with a non-governmental organisation said they were collecting figures of Pakistani children imprisoned in India on the same charge and would make efforts to secure their release too.(Posted @ 13:00 PST) 1,325 people killed in Indonesia’s Java island earthquake YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) A powerful earthquake flattened buildings in central Indonesia early Saturday, killing up to 1,325 people a Social Affairs Ministry official said. The Indonesian Red Cross could not confirm the toll, saying its figure stood at 446 dead and nearly 3,000 injured. The magnitude 6.2 quake struck at 5:54 a.m. near the ancient city of Yogyakarta as many people slept, causing death and damage there and in many nearby towns. Roads and bridges were destroyed, hindering efforts to get the wounded to hospitals. Some phone lines also were cut. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the army to help evacuate victims. He said he would head to the disaster zone in Central Java province later Saturday. (First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 12:30 PST) Iran, Palestinians seek support from members of Non-Aligned Movement PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) Iran on Saturday urged the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of mostly developing countries, to support its uranium enrichment program, while Palestinian authorities sought help to ease a worsening cash crisis caused by U.S. and European sanctions. ``In a world dominated by one superpower, the existence of the Non-Aligned Movement is vitally important in our efforts to further promote and strengthen multilateralism, while keeping in check unilateralism which is encroaching more and more on the international scene,'' Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said in a speech to the delegates.Developing countries are often sidelined in key international decisions, he said, adding that the United Nations needs to be reformed so that ``we all have a stake as members ... rather than empowering an already powerful Security Council.''(Posted @ 11:52 PST) Powerful earthquake rocks Indonesia's Java island, 443 killed YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) A powerful earthquake flattened buildings in central Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 443 people, injuring thousands and leaving overwhelmed doctors begging for help, officials said. The 6.2-magnitude quake also triggered heightened activity in Central Java province's deadly Mount Merapi volcano, which has been spewing out clouds of hot ash, gas and lava for several weeks, a scientist said. The quake struck at 5:54 a.m. (2354 GMT), 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Yogyakarta, causing damage in at least three nearby towns, officials said. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the army to help evacuate victims. Eight hours after the quake struck, at least 443 bodies were lying in nine hospitals in the region, and nearly 2,800 people were injured, according to the Indonesian Red Cross and hospital officials. ``We expect the number to keep rising,'' the head of Indonesian Red Cross' disaster division said. ``There are many rural areas we have not yet been able to reach,'' he added. (First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 11:50 PST) Bush promises to finish mission in Iraq WASHINGTON, May 27, 2006 (AFP) US President George W. Bush on Saturday promised to complete the US mission in Iraq."…the best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight, defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their lives," Bush said in his weekly radio address. Bush again refrained from committing himself to a troop withdrawal. "We can expect the terrorists to continue bombing and killing, but something fundamental has changed," Bush said in his address. "The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government. They are at war with the people of Iraq."(Posted @ 11:50 PST) Coalition forces kill five militants in Afghanistan KABUL, May 27, 2006 (AFP) Coalition forces struck an alleged insurgent training camp in southern Afghanistan, killing five militants, including senior Taliban leaders, the US-led force said Saturday. Coalition forces launched the strike late Friday in an isolated area of southern Helmand province near the border with Pakistan, the statement said. "Among those killed were key senior leaders of the Taliban network who have conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces, Afghan officials and civilians," the statement said. The suspected militants also distributed materials used to make homemade bombs, it said. The raid on the village of Qal'a Sak yielded a large cache of weapons and two hidden fighting positions that contained explosives and heavy machine guns were destroyed, the statement said. It stressed that only a targeted vehicle and two buildings were destroyed in the "precision strike" and there were no reports of injuries to civilians or damage to property.(Posted @ 11:20 PST) Powerful earthquake rocks Indonesia's Java island, 309 killed YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) A powerful earthquake rocked Indonesia's Central Java province early Saturday, flattening buildings and killing at least 309 people, hospitals and officials said. Hundreds of other people were injured. The 6.2-magnitude quake also triggered heightened activity in the region's deadly Mount Merapi volcano, which has been spewing out clouds of hot ash, gas and lava for several weeks, a scientist said. The quake struck at 5:54 a.m. (2354 GMT), 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Yogyakarta, causing damage and casualties there and in at least two other nearby towns, officials said. Five and half hours after the quake struck, at least 309 bodies were lying in seven hospitals in the region, and more injured and dead people were still arriving, according to morgue officials. TV footage showed damaged hotels and government buildings, and several collapsed buildings. The quake cracked the runway in Yogyakarta's airport, closing it to aircraft until at least Sunday while inspections take place, a Transport Minister said. Electricity and communications were also down in parts of Yogyakarta, police said. In the chaos that followed the quake, rumors of an impending tsunami sent thousands of people fleeing to higher ground in cars and on motorbikes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said it has not issued any tsunami warnings from the quake. Japan's Meteorological Agency also said there was no danger of quake-generated giant waves.( First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 10:50 PST) UN to evacuate non-essential staff from East Timor DILI, May 27, 2006 (AFP) The United Nations ordered non-essential staff to evacuate from East Timor Saturday following clashes between ethnic groups in the capital Dili, a UN spokeswoman said. "We're going to a phase three alert, which means non-essential staff and dependents will be evacuated to Darwin" in northern Australia, a UN spokeswoman said. The alert means the United Nations will fly about 390 people to Australia, leaving a skeleton staff of about 50 to continue operating the UN mission to East Timor (UNMISET). She said the UN pullout followed battles between rival ethnic gangs in which cars and homes were torched by gangs of armed youths.(Posted @ 10:30 PST) Bush administration debates direct talks with Iran: report NEW YORK, May 27, 2006 (AFP) The administration of President George W. Bush is beginning to debate whether to set aside a longstanding boycott of Iran and open direct talks to try to resolve the crisis over its suspected nuclear weapons program, The New York Times reported Saturday. European officials who have been in contact with the administration in recent weeks described the Bush administration as intensifying its discussions on the issue, the newspaper said.The paper cited European officials as saying that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had begun discussing the issue with top aides at the State Department. Her belief, they say, is that ultimately the matter will have to be addressed by the administration's national security officials, whether talks with Iran remain at an impasse or even if there is some progress, The Times said. Administration officials said President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have opposed direct talks, even through informal back channels, The Times reported. As a result, many European officials say they doubt that a decision to talk is likely soon, according to the report.(Posted @ 10:30 PST) At least 200 dead in Indonesia quake, toll expected to rise: hospitals YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2006 (AFP) At least 200 people were killed and thousands injured when a strong earthquake rocked the densely-populated southern coast of Indonesia's Central Java on Saturday, hospitals said. The dead were being treated in several different hospitals and officials warned that the toll was set to rise. "So far 60 dead victims have been taken to the hospital," said a spokesman for the state-run Sardjito hospital in Yogyakarta. He said 1,500 earthquake victims were being treated at the hospital. At least 60 bodies had been taken to the nearby Bethesda hospital, a hospital official said. The Muhammadiyah Islamic hospital recorded 46 deaths, said a hospital official. At least 34 people died in Klaten district, Metro TV reported, citing data from the Suradi Tirtonegoro state hospital.( First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 10:30 PST) Myanmar junta extends Suu Kyi's house arrest YANGON, May 27, 2006 (AFP) Myanmar's military rulers Saturday extended the house arrest of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi despite an international outcry demanding her freedom. "It has been extended," an official said, declining to confirm for how long. (Posted @ 09:49 PST) Strong quake in Indonesia leaves at least 161 killed, hundreds injured YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2006 (AFP) A strong earthquake rocked the southern coast of Indonesia's Central Java on Saturday, leaving at least 161 people dead and hundreds more injured with fears the toll could rise sharply. Hospital officials in the densely-populated city of Yogyakarta said that at least 161 bodies had so far been recovered but warned that the number would inevitably rise as more dead were found in the wreckage of collapsed buildings. The 6.2-magnitude quake struck early in the morning near to simmering mount Merapi, but seismologists said the quake would not increase the likelihood of the volcano erupting. Many houses and buildings collapsed and tremors were felt in various cities as well as on the north coast of the island. Hundreds of people were rushed to hospital. The quake also forced the closure of Adisucipto airport in Yogyakarta, a news portal said. The airport was badly damaged, with the roof of an airport section collapsing and at least one person trapped, Metro TV reported. Yogyakarta province police chief said that the earthquake was reportedly followed by tidal waves, striking panic in a nation that was one of the worst hit by the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami.(First Posted @ 09:00 PST Updated @ 09:35 PST) More than 100 dead reported in Indonesia quake YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27 (Reuters) An earthquake that shook the area around Indonesia's ancient royal city of Yogyakarta early on Saturday has killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds, hospital staff said. "Until 10:30 (0330 GMT), 56 people were recorded killed at Bethesda (hospital)" in Yogyakarta, an official at the hospital's morgue, said. Most of the dead suffered head injuries and broken bones from collapsing buildings. Officials at three other hospitals in and around Yogyakarta had earlier given figures for the dead totalling 51. (Posted @ 09:00 PST) Founder: Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
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