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| September 19, 2006 | Tuesday | Sha'aban 25, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
President Musharraf calls for ban on 'defamation of Islam' UNITED NATIONS, Sept 19 (AFP) President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday called for a ban on the "defamation of Islam" in a speech to the UN General Assembly. "We also need to bridge, through dialogue and understanding, the growing divide between the Islamic and Western worlds," Musharraf told the 192-member assembly. And in an indirect reference to Pope Benedict XVI, he added: "It is most disappointing to see personalities of high standing oblivious of Muslim sensitivities at these critical moments." Musharraf also addressed the issue of global terrorism, noting that Pakistan's cooperation with many countries, including the United States and Britain, had "pre-empted several terrorist plots, such as the one uncovered recently to blow up airliners flying from London." He proposed a two-pronged strategy combining the anti-terror fight with efforts to resolve conflicts afflicting the Muslim world. "Unless we end foreign occupation and suppression of Muslim peoples, terrorism and extremism will continue to find recruits among alienated Muslims in various parts of the world," he warned. Musharraf welcomed efforts by six major powers to resolve their nuclear standoff with Iran through negotiations, warning against any use of force. Welcoming Islamabad's warming ties with India, Musharraf said he wanted a "stable security environment" in South Asia and noted that he had proposed the creation of a "Strategic Restraint Regime in South Asia, encompassing minimum nuclear deterrence and a balance of conventional forces." "We do not want to enter into an arms race. But we will do whatever is necessary to preserve the credibility of our minimum defensive deterrence level," he said. He also stressed the importance of restoring peace and security in Afghanistan. (First Posted @ 23:16 PST Updated @ 23:32 PST)
Pakistan-India peace process restored: FO ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): Pakistan on Tuesday said the joint statement issued after the September 16 meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was a positive development that would help the two sides move forward. "The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and narrowed down their differences," Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told newsmen at a weekly briefing. She said the foreign secretaries of the two countries would meet in New Delhi to continue the composite dialogue. Regarding the India-Pakistan anti-terrorism institutional mechanism, she said "the purpose is to help the two countries prevent acts of terrorism," adding that Pakistan already has such mechanisms in place with other countries. The spokesperson to a question rejected that Pakistan has changed its stance on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, and said Pakistan believes that the status quo was not a solution, rather the resolution must be acceptable to Kashmiris. About the forthcoming meeting of President Musharraf with President George Bush, she said two leaders would review progress on bilateral, regional and other matters. She said the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan-India peace process, Middle East and other global issues would also be discussed. About the visit of Governor NWFP to the United States, she said it was possible that he would brief the authorities there about the recent agreement in North Waziristan with the tribals and the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones. About Pakistan's aspirants for the post of UN Secretary General, Aslam said no decision has yet been taken as there was enough time to decide. Regarding the remarks of Pope Benedict, she said "such references are not expected from somebody who is the head of the Vatican", adding "it is important that we make effort to build bridges and understand other faiths". About the sale of F-16 aircraft, the spokesperson said the letter of acceptance by Pakistan was being prepared and the sale has already been cleared by the US Congress. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)
Women’s Protection Bill will be passed: PM Aziz ISLAMABAD, Sept 19 (Reuters) Pakistan's government will submit the Women’s Protection Bill in the next parliamentary session, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Tuesday. Seeking to remove doubts about his government's commitment a day after the parliamentary session was suspended over the bill, Aziz said the bill would be sent in its original form. "Our commitment is to get the Women's Protection Bill passed by the parliament without any change," Aziz told a news conference. He said the bill would be submitted in the next session. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, head of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML), told the same news conference that some recommendations to further improve the status of women under the law could be added during the second reading of the bill. (First Posted @ 17:50 PST Updated @ 23:10 PST)
U.S. not at war with Islam: Bush UNITED NATIONS, Sep 19 (AP) U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday appealed directly to Muslims worldwide, assuring them that the United States was not waging a war with Islam. ``My country desires peace,'' Bush told world leaders in the main hall at the U.N. ``Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam. This propaganda is false and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. We respect Islam.'' Addressing Iraqis specifically, Bush said, ``We will not abandon you in your struggle to build a free nation.'' Bush said Iran ``must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.'' Speaking to Iranians, Bush said their country's future has been clouded because ``your rulers have chosen to deny you liberty and to use your nation's resources to fund terrorism and fuel extremism and pursue nuclear weapons.'' (First Posted @ 22:24 PST Updated @ 23:20 PST)
Thai army seizes Bangkok, PM ousted in coup BANGKOK, Sept 19 (Reuters) The Thai army took control of Bangkok on Tuesday without a shot being fired and announced a commission to reform the constitution, despite the prime minister's declaration of a state of emergency from New York. A government spokesman with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the United Nations said the coup could not succeed and "we're in control". Tanks and soldiers took over Government House in Thailand's first coup in 15 years and a coup spokesman said on television the army and police were in control of the capital and surrounding provinces. The seizure would be temporary and power "returned to the people" soon, retired Lieutenant-General Prapart Sakuntanak said on all Thai television channels. The army declared martial law, told all soldiers to report to base and banned unauthorised troop movements. (First Posted @ 20:24 PST Updated @ 23:14 PST)
Four US soldiers die across Iraq BAGHDAD, Sept 19 (AFP) Four US soldiers were killed in a series of incidents across Iraq, the US military reported on Tuesday. A soldier with the 89th Military Police brigade was killed and two others wounded when their vehicle was struck on Tuesday by a suicide car bomb in the northern city of Mosul. In Baghdad, a soldier died when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in northeast Baghdad while shortly afterwards another was killed by small arms in north-central Baghdad, both on Sunday. On Monday, a soldier in the medical task force died of "non-battle related injuries", the statement from the US military said without elaborating. (First Posted @ 12:10 PST Updated @ 22:30 PST)
Annan pleads for Middle East peace in farewell speech to General Assembly UNITED NATIONS, Sept 19 (AFP) UN chief Kofi Annan bid farewell to the General Assembly here Tuesday with an impassioned plea for Middle East peace and a spirited defense of the world body he has led for 10 years. Kicking off the 192-member Assembly's annual debate, the 68-year-old secretary general singled out the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of the most important security challenges facing the world community. "No other conflict carries such a powerful symbolic and emotional charge among people far removed from the battlefield," he told the nearly 90 world leaders gathered here. "As long as the Palestinians live under occupation, exposed to daily frustration and humiliation; and as long as Israelis are blown up in buses or in dance-halls: so long will passions everywhere be inflamed," he said. He warned that failure by the UN Security Council to end the nearly 60-year-old conflict "by bringing both sides to accept and implement its resolutions" would lead to declining respect for the United Nations and questioning of its impartiality. "So long will our best efforts to resolve other conflicts be resisted, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan, whose peoples need our help just as badly, are entitled to it." (First Posted @ 21:18 PST Updated @ 22:26 PST)
Iraqi government asks Saddam court to sack judge BAGHDAD, Sept 19 (Reuters) Iraq's government has asked the U.S.-backed court trying Saddam Hussein on genocide charges to sack the chief judge, saying he had lost his "neutrality" after stating the ousted leader was not a dictator.A government spokesman said the court had agreed to replace Abdullah al-Amiri with a new judge. The court could not be immediately reached for confirmation. A U.S. official close to the court said he was unaware of any change. (Posted @ 22:20 PST)
Taliban in biggest defeat since 2001: NATO general PANJWAYI, Afghanistan, Sept 19 (AFP) A massive offensive this month by NATO and Afghan forces has inflicted the biggest defeat on the Taliban since its fall in 2001, the alliance's top commander in Afghanistan claimed Tuesday. British Lieutenant General David Richards said Operation Medusa was a "historical" turning point in the campaign against Taliban and would allow development to proceed. But he said that NATO forces still needed more troops to press home the advantage. "We have comprehensively defeated the Taliban in their biggest defeat since 2001," Richards told reporters after visiting Panjwayi district in Kandahar province. (Posted @ 20:10 PST)
US forces in Iraq likely to stay at current levels: Abizaid WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (AFP) More than 140,000 US troops will likely be needed in Iraq through next spring to suppress violence and secure Baghdad, the commander of US forces in the Middle East said Tuesday. He said he was referring to current troop levels of more than 140,000 US troops. Pentagon officials have said there are now 147,000 troops in Iraq due to an overlap of forces rotating into and out of the country. (Posted @ 20:08 PST)
Iranian leader not afraid of US attack: report PARIS, Sept 19 (AFP) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he does not fear a US military attack on his country's nuclear installations, according to an interview with the US news weekly Time. Asked whether he was worried about the possibility of an attack, Ahmadinejad replied: "Do you think the US administration would be so irrational?" adding "I hope that is not the case... We do not need attacks." According to Time magazine's issue dated September 25, a US strike on Iran -- were it to take place -- could target up to 1,500 sites, using heavy bombers such as the B-52 and Tomahawk cruise missiles, based on interviews with experts and government officials. (Posted @ 20:06 PST)
Bush, Chirac see “eye to eye” on Iran NEW YORK, Sep 19 (AP) U.S. President George W. Bush pressed Iran Tuesday to immediately begin negotiations on its nuclear program and warned Tehran that delay would bring consequences. ``Should they continue to stall,'' Bush said of Iranian leaders, ``we will then discuss the consequences of their stalling.'' Bush, speaking after his meeting with Chirac, said those consequences would include the possibility of sanctions. Bush said that Iran must first suspend uranium enrichment ``in which case the U.S. will come to the table.'' Both Bush and Chirac stressed they are working together, and the French president said twice that they see ``eye to eye.'' The French leader also said the European Union would not negotiate with Iran until it suspends uranium enrichment. ``We cannot have negotiations if we do not have on one hand prior suspension,'' Chirac said. Bush said that he and Chirac also discussed the bloodshed in the Darfur region of Sudan, and hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. (Posted @ 20:04 PST)
British soldier pleads guilty to war crimes charge LONDON, Sept 19 (AFP) A British soldier on Tuesday became the first ever member of the country's armed forces to admit to a war crime, in a case involving inhumane treatment of civilian detainees in Iraq. Corporal Donald Payne admitted the charge of inhumanely treating civilians but pleaded not guilty to the charges of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. The 35-year-old, formerly of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment but now of the renamed Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, entered his plea as he and six other soldiers went on trial at a military court in Salisbury, southern England. (Posted @ 19:56 PST)
Scottish mum reopens custody battle for girl in Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan, Sept 19 (AFP) The mother of a 12-year-old Scottish girl Tuesday asked a court here to review its recent decision to give custody of her daughter to the Pakistani father, judicial sources said. Louise Campbell, who lives in Scotland, is embroiled in a bitter battle over her daughter Molly Campbell, who flew to Pakistan last month with her father Sajjad Ahmed Rana. Mrs Campbell’s petition said Rana concealed facts from the court about the legal status of the child, meaning that the decision should be reviewed. It said that Molly "has been brought to Pakistan in an illegal and improper manner without taking into consideration the fact that the matter of her custody was already pending before a court of law in UK." Mrs Campbell said Rana with the connivance of his daughter Tehmina managed to take Molly to Pakistan in complete violation of the British court order. The court ordered the father to appear before it on September 26, after admitting Louise's petition for a regular hearing. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
Bush, Karzai, Musharraf to meet Sept 27: White House NEW YORK, Sept 19 (AFP) US President George W. Bush will welcome Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai for three-way talks on September 27, the White House announced Tuesday. "The meeting will provide the three leaders an opportunity to discuss further cooperation in enhancing the trilateral relationship," Bush spokesman Tony Snow said in a statement. (First Posted @ 19:30 PST Updated @ 19:46 PST)
Jirga orders execution of alleged murderer in South Waziristan DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan, Sep 19 (AP) The execution of a Pakistani man who allegedly killed a tribesman and his wife was ordered by a local jirga in Ladha, a village in the South Waziristan tribal region, an official and witnesses said Tuesday. The slain tribesman's father shot Bakhta Khan dead with an AK-47 assault rifle on Monday, an intelligence official said. Khan allegedly killed the couple late last year following a dispute and confessed to murdering them after being captured by militants, the official said. A council of clerics ordered Khan's execution. Several dozens of people witnessed Khan's execution, said the official and witnesses. (Posted @ 19:42 PST)
Over 110 people killed in rains in southern Pakistan KARACHI, Sept 19 (Reuters) More than 110 people have been killed in seasonal rains in southern Pakistan as fears rose of an outbreak of water borne diseases in the city of Hyderabad, officials said on Tuesday. "We have 112 deaths in the rain-hit areas due to drowning, collapse of houses and diseases," provincial relief commissioner Anwar Haider said. Shabbir Qaimkhani, the provincial health minister said that Hyderabad, 160 km from Karachi, was worst-hit by the rains. Vaccines and water-purifying tablets were being distributed to prevent spread of diseases. Around 230 mm of rain was recorded in Hyderabad on Sept. 8 and 9 and most areas of the city are still submerged. Haider said agriculture land in many areas in Sindh was still submerged and estimates for crop losses were being made. The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture said that crop losses would cause a hike in the prices of commodities like wheat and rice especially during the month of Ramadan beginning at the weekend. (Posted @ 19:32 PST)
Afghans claim netting al Qaeda plotters in Kabul raid KABUL, Sept 19 (Reuters) Afghan police claimed Tuesday arresting four al Qaeda-linked militants and seized more than a dozen bombs that were to be used against the government and foreign forces in Kabul. All four of the suspects were Afghan, a senior police official said. Three of them, two preachers and a Kabul University student, were arrested in a raid on a Kabul mosque on Monday. A fourth suspect was seized on Tuesday. "We discovered more than 15 bombs hidden in the mosque," said police. (Posted @ 17:46 PST)
Bomber found guilty of 1993 India attacks MUMBAI, Sept 19 (AFP) A court convicted a man, Abdul Gani Ismail Turk, Tuesday for the deadly 1993 bomb attacks in India some 13 years ago that killed 257 people. Turk dumped a four-wheel drive vehicle packed with explosives outside a shopping area in Mumbai that exploded killing 113 people and wounding 227. He faces a possible death sentence. The 47-year-old became the eighth person convicted so far. (Posted @ 17:20 PST)
NATO credibility at stake after Taliban surprise: Britain LONDON, Sept 19 (AFP) Britain warned Tuesday that the credibility of NATO was at stake in Afghanistan after it was surprised by the strength of resistance from the Taliban. In a speech in London, Defence Secretary Des Browne said "Taliban's tenacity in the face of massive losses has been a surprise, absorbing more of our effort than we predicted it would and consequently slowing progress in reconstruction.” Browne called for a recommitment of all 26 NATO members to the task of bringing peace and stability to the war-ravaged country. "The mission is vital, as it has always been. In fact, it is vital not only for Afghanistan but also for the threat that a lawless Afghanistan poses to the region and to the world and also, now that NATO has taken it on, for NATO's own credibility," he said. (First Posted @ 09:45 PST Updated @ 16:48 PST)
Iran to make proposal on 'how to manage world': Ahmadinejad TEHRAN, Sept 19 (AFP) President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran wanted to make suggestions on how to "manage the world", ahead of a key address to world leaders at the UN General Assembly. Ahmadinejad told Iranian reporters after arriving in New York that the world faced numerous threats and "you cannot find anyone who can decisively say the human race has a clear future." Ahmadinejad added that Iran would "try to solve some of the current problems of the world because we currently have acute problems in Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Africa." (First Posted @ 09:25 PST Updated @ 16:42 PST)
Women health workers wounded in Pakistan blast KHAR, Pakistan, Sept 19 (AFP) A roadside bomb targeting an aid group exploded in Pakistan’s Bajaur tribal area Tuesday, wounding four people including two female health workers, officials said. The two women aid workers of the National Commission for Human Development were seriously injured and their driver and a passer-by were also hurt in the blast near the region's main town of Khar, a local official said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. (First Posted @ 11:50 PST Updated @ 16:32 PST)
Taliban kill kidnapped Turk in Afghanistan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Sept 19 (Reuters) Taliban guerrillas said on Tuesday they had killed a Turk, who had been kidnapped last month, in Helmand province after the Turkish construction company he worked for ignored an ultimatum to leave Afghanistan. The Interior Ministry and the Turkish embassy in Kabul said they were trying to check the Taliban claim. Turkish media identified the man as Mustafa Asimi.(Posted @ 16:15 PST)
Eight killed in eastern India caste clash RANCHI, India, Sept 19 (AFP) - Eight people were killed Monday in a clash between a tribal group and low-caste Hindus in Gumla district, 170 kilometers from Jharkand state’s capital of Ranchi, police said Tuesday. "Six tribals and two members of the Mahto caste were killed," it said.(Posted @ 14:15 PST)
British and Iranian consulates in Basra attacked BASRA, Iraq, Sept 19 (AFP) - The Iranian and British consulates in Basra came under attack early Tuesday, Iraqi police and British officials said. Two rockets crashed into the outer wall of the Iranian consulate while a third hit a police vehicle guarding the building, Basra police said, adding that there were no casualties. Police said they then foiled a second rocket attack on the compound. Several mortar shells were also fired at the large palace complex that houses the British consulate, a British army base, a UN office and several other organizations. Only one actually hit the compound.(Posted @ 14:10 PST)
Philippine government tries to salvage peace talks with Muslims MANILA, Sept 19 (AFP) Philippine government negotiators Tuesday sought an urgent meeting with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front to break the deadlock in peace talks. The government's chief negotiator Jesus Dureza said the government wants to move the peace process forward despite the "difficulties and the issue of ancestral domain." He said negotiators were seeking a meeting with MILF chief Murad Ebrahim to try to find a way to get the talks back on track.(Posted @ 12:38 PST)
Saddam trial resumes in Baghdad courtroom BAGHDAD, Sept 19 (Reuters) The trial of Saddam Hussein and six former commanders on charges of launching a genocidal campaign against Iraq's ethnic Kurds in the late 1980s resumed in a Baghdad courtroom Tuesday.(Posted @ 11:35 PST)
Eleven Taliban dead in Afghanistan clashes KANDAHAR, Sept 19 (AFP) Two separate gunbattles between Taliban and police in the Garmser district of Helmand province left at least 11 insurgents dead, police said Tuesday. Three Taliban were killed in an hour-long exchange of fire before dawn Tuesday, while another eight were killed when police launched an operation Monday night.(Posted @ 11:30 PST)
Hungarian demonstrators storm TV building; 100 injured BUDAPEST, Sept 19 (AFP) Demonstrators went on a rampage here early Tuesday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany and briefly occupying the television building as police used teargas and water cannon to restore order. The right-wing demonstrators took to Szabadsag Square where the television building is located in a bid to oust the socialist premier after Gyurcsany admitted he had lied to voters to win re-election. Police cleared the place leaving burnt-out cars and ripped-out rubbish bins, while more than 100 people were injured, most of them policemen, clearly outnumbered by the protestors, municipal police said.(Posted @ 10:20 PST)
Israeli army kills Palestinian activist in West Bank JERUSALEM, Sept 19 (APP/AFP) Israeli soldiers early Tuesday killed an armed Palestinian activist in the village of Sanur near Nablus in the north of the West Bank, a military spokesman said.(Posted @ 10:04 PST)
Squash-British Open men's singles final result Sept 19, London (Infostrada Sports) In the British Open men’s singles squash final on Monday Nick Matthew (England) defeated Thierry Lincou (France) 11-8, 5-11, 11-4, 9-11, and 11-6.(Posted @ 09:58 PST)
Two dead and 16 hurt in Milan building collapse MILAN, Italy, Sept 19 (Reuters) At least two people were killed and 16 injured when a building collapsed in Milan on Monday, apparently after a gas explosion, Ansa news agency said.(Posted @ 09:52 PST)
Abbas meets Israeli foreign minister UNITED NATIONS, Sept 19 (AFP) Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Monday held talks with Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni at the UN headquarters in New York. It was the first meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in more than six months. The talks followed a meeting between Abbas and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a New York hotel.(Posted @ 09:31ST)
Annan warns Iraq on brink of civil war UNITED NATIONS, Sept 19 (AFP) UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned on Monday that urgent action is needed by the entire international community to drag Iraq back from the brink of all-out civil war. "If current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of full-scale civil war," Annan said speaking at the UN General Assembly.(Posted @ 09:22ST)
One soldier killed, 24 wounded in Philippine clashes ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, Sept 19 (AFP) Insurgents killed one soldier and wounded 24 others in renewed fighting in the southern island of Jolo, the military said Tuesday. Five Marines were wounded Monday while two clashes elsewhere in the jungles of Jolo left 19 army soldiers wounded and one lieutenant dead, the regional military spokesman said.(Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 32.57 points: KARACHI, Sept 19:At the close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 9908.97, up 32.57 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Sept 19: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.85 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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