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| September 22, 2006 | Friday | Sha'aban 28, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Bush, Musharraf sidestep 'US bomb threat' WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Agencies) President George W. Bush and President Pervez Musharraf met Friday, but neither denied in a joint press conference the Pakistani leader's claims that United States had threatened to bomb his country after the September 11 attacks. Bush said he was "taken aback" by newspaper reports. "First I heard of this was when I read it in the newspaper today," Bush said. "I guess I was taken aback by the harshness of the words," he said, noting that his then secretary of state Colin Powell told him "president Musharraf understands the stakes and he wants to join and help." Musharraf sidestepped the issue and sparked laughter, saying he had promised his publisher not to talk what was in his forthcoming book, before it was released. Musharraf said a peace treaty between his government and tribal elders in the North Waziristan is not meant to support the Taliban. He said news reports had mischaracterized the deals. ``The deal is not at all with the Taliban. This deal is against the Taliban. This deal is with the tribal elders,'' he said. Bush also praised Musharraf's anti-terror credentials, and pointed out that Al-Qaeda had tried to assassinate him several times. Bush said he noticed that both leaders of India and Pakistan were determined to end their row over Kashmir. "It's very important that the issue of Kashmir move forward and be resolved peacefully," he said but added that the United States could not force nations to reach an agreement for the sake of getting an accord. "Lasting agreements occur when leaders of nations say: Let's get the past behind us and let's move forward," he said. Musharraf said he told Bush that he had "an excellent meeting” with Singh in Havana and that "it was a step forward toward resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan.” (First Posted @ 19:42 PST Updated @ 22:40 PST)
Armitage denies he made threat to bomb Pakistan WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (AFP) Former US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage denied in an interview with CNN on Friday that he had threatened US bombings of Pakistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks. "Never did I threaten to use any military force," Armitage said in the interview. "I was not authorized to," Armitage added, but he did confirm he made a series of non-negotiable demands on Pakistan in a bid to secure its cooperation in the US assault on Afghanistan's then Taliban leaders. Armitage said he left Pakistan's intelligence chief with a simple choice. "I told him that -- that this -- for Americans, this was black or white, that Pakistan was either with us fully or not." (Posted @ 20:34 PST)
Hezbollah chief Nasrullah declares 'historic' victory over Israel BEIRUT, Sept 22 (AFP) Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared on Friday a "divine, historic and strategic victory" over Israel, saying he braved possible assassination to make his first public appearance since the month-long war. "We are celebrating a great divine, historical and strategic victory," Nasrallah told a rally of more than half a million supporters at Beirut's southern suburbs. Nasrallah said he had only decided to make his first appearance since the start of the month-long war on July 12 about half an hour before the start of the rally on Friday. "Standing here before you ... incurs dangers on you and me," he said, adding that his "heart and mind" could not allow him to appear on a television screen. Nasrallah said his guerrilla group will not give up its arms in a weak Lebanese state incapable of defending itself from the threat of Israel. "We do not want to keep our arms for ever. We do not say that our arms are forever, and this is not logical. It has to end," he said. "But any word on disarming the resistance ... under this state, this authority, this regime and this current situation means keeping Lebanon under the risk of having Israel killing and bombarding at will…Let us build a strong and just state," he said, calling for a new government of national union. (First Posted @ 18:54 PST Updated @ 20:26 PST)
High tech German train crash kills 21 LATHEN, Germany, Sept 22 (Reuters) A high tech magnetic train carrying 29 people smashed into a maintenance vehicle on a test run in northern Germany on Friday, killing 21 people, authorities said. The elevated Transrapid, one of the world's fastest trains, collided with a maintenance truck and its two man crew at a speed of at least 200 km per hour. The state prosecutor's office said the bodies of 15 passengers had been pulled from the wreckage and 10 injured in the collision had been taken to hospital. Police said they believed six other bodies remained inside the train. (Posted @ 22:12 PST)
Prime Minister Aziz vows to control price hike ISLAMABAD, Sept 22 (PPI) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz asked the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan Friday to step up vigilance to ensure availability of essential items at affordable prices during the holy month of Ramazan. In a letter, Aziz asked the four chief ministers to gear up the local administration to undertake the important function of price control and convey a clear message to the district authorities that, with the legal powers now conferred upon them, their performance must be visible in keeping the prices stable during Ramzan. (Posted @ 21:18 PST)
White House says threat to bomb Pakistan not US policy WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (AFP) The White House said Friday that Musharraf’s claim that US had threatened to bomb Pakistan back into the stone age after 9/11 attacks would not have reflected US policy. "US policy was not to issue bombing threats, US policy was to say to president Musharraf 'we need you to make a choice," said spokesman Tony Snow. "This could have been a classic failure to communicate. I just don't know." "At the outset of the war in Afghanistan, the United States did say to president Musharraf 'you've got to make a choice you're going to be for the Taliban or you're going to be with us,'" said Snow. "President Musharraf decided to play a role and he has been a vital ally in the war on terror," said the spokesman. (First Posted @ 18:42 PST Updated @ 20:46 PST)
Iran takes Ramadan moon search to the skies TEHRAN, Sept 22 (AFP) Iran will employ an aeroplane to spot the crescent moon that signals the start of Ramadan to ensure there is no dispute over when the fasting month of Ramadan starts, Iranian media reported Friday. Two years ago Khamenei had ruled that "looking at the moon with technical aids is valid", prompting Iranian moon-watchers to reach for telescopes to spot the crescent of the new moon more effectively. But this is the first time that an aeroplane would be used for moon-sighting purpose. (Posted @ 18:48 PST)
Palestinian rights activists repressed: UN GENEVA, Sep 22 (AP) A top United Nations human rights official criticized Israel on Friday for cracking down on rights monitors and peace activists working in Palestinian territories, and said she had credible accounts that some had been harmed and even killed. Hina Jilani, the special representative of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan for human rights workers, said the Palestinian Authority also was to blame for the repression of field workers, lawyers, journalists, health professionals and humanitarian workers. Jilani praised Israel for its general respect toward Israeli rights advocates working within its borders. But those same groups face difficulties in promoting the rights of minority Arab communities, and Israel's government ``shows even less tolerance for the activities for the protection of the rights of the Palestinian population in the occupied Palestinian territory''. She said Israel also had punished critics of ``the practices of occupation.'' (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
19 Afghan construction workers killed after bus ambushed KABUL, Afghanistan, Sep 22 (AP) Unknown attackers ambushed a bus carrying Afghan construction workers in the country's southern Kandahar province on Friday, killing 19 of them, the Interior Ministry said. Officials couldn't immediately say who the laborers worked for. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)
Tropical rain, thunderstorm expected in lower Sindh due to cyclone KARACHI, Sept. 22 (APP) Thursday's depression over Central Arabian Sea has intensified into a tropical cyclone, the Director General of Meteorological Department, Dr. Qamar uz Zaman Chaudhry, said in a statement Friday. Scattered rain and thundershower along with gusty winds are expected in lower Sindh and in upper Sindh during the next two to three days. The sea conditions were likely to become very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture in the open sea beyond 4kms during the next 36 hours. (Posted @ 17:44 PST)
Rallies held across Pakistan to protest pope's statement on Islam ISLAMABAD, Pakistan. Sep 22 (AP) Hundreds of people rallied in several Pakistani cities on Friday to condemn Pope Benedict’s recent remarks on Islam. More than 500 supporters of Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) led by Hafiz Hussain Ahmed in Islamabad demanded the pope's removal and accused him of supporting the policies of U.S. President George W. Bush. In Karachi, another MMA leader, Ghafoor Ahmed, accused the pope of wanting to force ``Christians and Muslims against each other.'' Another 200 people rallied in the eastern city of Lahore, while several dozen protested in Multan. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Gunbattle follows opening of Egypt-Gaza border EL ARISH, Egypt, Sep 22 (AP) Unidentified gunmen exploded a small bomb near Palestinian police guarding European Union monitors at the Egypt-Gaza border Friday, just after the crossing opened for the first time in a month, Palestinian officials said. Two Palestinian policemen were injured, but none of the EU monitors was hurt, said police in Gaza. Police responded by opening fire, and a gunbattle ensued, he said. (Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Indian court convicts 82-year-old for Mumbai blasts MUMBAI, Sept 22 (Reuters) An Indian court convicted a 82-year-old man on Friday for his role in the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai, the 12th guilty verdict handed down in the last 10 days. Dawood Phanse was found guilty of smuggling explosives into the western state of Maharashtra, which were later used for 13 explosions that rocked the country's financial capital. The court also took note of the police charge that Phanse met mafia don Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai where they planned the blasts which killed 257 people. (Posted @ 17:34 PST)
Olmert says Israel could free prisoners before soldier freed JERUSALEM, Sept 22 (Reuters) Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he could release Palestinian prisoners to President Mahmoud Abbas and meet the leader before an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza was freed. "Before the kidnapping I promised (Egyptian President Hosni) Mubarak that when I meet with Abu Mazen I would release prisoners. This is the model that we have been speaking about," Olmert said. (Posted @ 17:30 PST)
Secret contacts between Israel, Saudi Arabia: report JERUSALEM, Sept 22 (AFP) Israel and Saudi Arabia have been conducting secret negotiations, the top-selling Hebrew daily reported on its front page Friday. "Secret negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia," headlined Yediot Aharonot, reporting that contacts had begun during the recent 34-day war in Lebanon between Israel and Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Asked whether there were secret talks going on with Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was quoted as saying: "I don't have to answer every question". "I am very impressed with King Abdullah's insight and sense of responsibility," he added, when asked about whether he regarded a Saudi peace initiative favourably. (Posted @ 17:25 PST)
Eight dead as landslide buries Philippines bus LA TRINIDAD, Philippines, Sept 22 (AFP) A landslide buried a bus on a mountain road outside the town of Natonin, 270 kilometers north of Manila Thursday, killing eight people and injuring 14, rescue officials said Friday. (Posted @ 15:30 PST)
At least 106 dead after storm slams Bangladeshi, Indian coasts DHAKA, Sept 22 (AFP) A violent storm that pounded the Bay of Bengal and moved inland has killed at least 106 people along India and Bangladesh's coastal regions, state media and officials said Friday. Some 46 bodies were recovered in Bangladesh coastal districts, the BSS news agency said, while hundreds more fishermen were still missing. (Posted @ 15:15 PST)
Two US soldiers killed in Iraq BAGHDAD, Sept 22 (AFP) Insurgents killed two US soldiers in Iraq in separate attacks, the military announced Friday. A soldier was killed Thursday when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in east Baghdad, while another died in "enemy action" in Al-Anbar province. (First Posted @ 10:10 PST; Updated @ 15:00 PST)
Naga rebels clash in eastern India, seven dead GUWAHATI, India, Sept 22 (Reuters) At least seven rebels were killed in a gunbattle between rival factions of a separatist militant group in India's northeastern state of Nagaland, police said Friday. The clash occurred Thursday between two warring groups of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in a village in the Athibung area, about 120 km south of the state capital Kohima. (Posted @ 13:45 PST)
Hamas says won't join govt that recognises Israel GAZA, Sept 22 (Reuters) The ruling Hamas movement will not join any Palestinian unity government that recognises Israel, a senior aide to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said Friday. "I rule that out. The political thinking of Hamas prevents the idea that Hamas can be part of a government which puts the recognition of Israel on its political agenda," said Youssef, political adviser to Haniyeh. (Posted @ 13:35 PST)
Petrol and fireworks spark China bus fire, five dead BEIJING, Sept 22 (Reuters) A bag containing petrol and firecrackers burst into flames aboard a bus Thursday morning in Mudanjiang, in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, starting a blaze which killed five people and injured 20, state media said Friday. The owner of the bag was suspected of "being responsible" for the fire. "A passenger who managed to escape from the fire told police that he saw the woman carrying a large bag, which police later discovered was packed with gasoline and firecrackers," Xinhua news agency said. (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
Israel rejects Hamas '10-year truce', demands recognition JERUSALEM, Sept 22 (AFP) Israel on Friday rejected a suggestion from the main political adviser of Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniya for a 10-year truce and demanded that the Palestinian government recognise the Jewish state. "This does not interest us. What we demand from any Palestinian government to be able to resume dialogue is that it submit to the conditions set by the international community," government spokesman Avi Pazner said. These conditions are recognition of Israel, renunciation of violence and an undertaking to abide by previous peace agreements. (Posted @ 12:30 PST)
Pakistani killed in Afghan raid; Turk found dead KABUL, Sept 22 (Reuters) Gunmen in Afghanistan attacked a convoy of oil tankers on the main road from the Pakistani border to the eastern city of Jalalabad, killing a Pakistani worker, an Afghan government official said Friday. There was no claim of responsibility. Separately, a body found in southern Afghanistan was identified as that of a kidnapped Turkish guard. The Taliban said its militants had killed the guard after a Turkish construction company ignored an ultimatum to leave Afghanistan. (Posted @ 11:35 PST)
Seven Israeli soldiers wounded in West Bank NABLUS, West Bank, Sept 22 (AFP) Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded before dawn in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Friday when militants threw explosives towards them, military sources said. (First Posted @ 11:15 PST; Updated @ 11:22 PST)
Iran warns of 'lightning' response to any attack TEHRAN, Sept 22 (AFP) Iran's vice president on Friday warned that the armed forces would hit back "like lightning" against any enemy attack on the country. "We want peace but we warn the expansionists not to think of an aggression against Iran as we can defend the fatherland and Islam," Vice President Parviz Davoodi told a military parade in Tehran. (Posted @ 11:05 PST)
Six civilians killed in Sri Lanka violence COLOMBO, Sept 22 (AFP) At least six civilians were killed in separate incidents across Sri Lanka's embattled northeast, the defence ministry said Friday. Security forces found the bullet-riddled bodies of three men in the Jaffna peninsula, the ministry said, adding that a local postman was also shot dead there by the Tamil Tigers. The pro-Tamil Tamilnet.com website said the military had also intensified artillery attacks from positions along the front line and destroyed five civilian homes. It did not say if there were casualties among the civilians. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
Thai coup leader formally receives royal endorsement BANGKOK, Sept 22 (AFP) Thailand's coup leader, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, formally received the endorsement of the nation's revered king in a ceremony Friday at army headquarters. Dressed in white formal uniforms, Sonthi and other military leaders stood before a shrine to King Bhumibol Adulyadej as an army officer read out a royal decree that formally recognized the general as the head of a new military governing council. (Posted @ 10:30 PST)
Dutch diplomat under fire for calling Delhi a 'dump' NEW DELHI, Sept 22 (AFP) Arnold Parzer, a top Dutch diplomat in New Delhi has come under fire from the Indian foreign ministry after he reportedly labelled it as "miserable" and a "garbage dump", a report said Friday. "Anything that can go wrong, does go wrong; everyone interferes with everyone else; the people are a darn nuisance; the climate is hell; the city is a garbage dump," Parzer reportedly told the Dutch daily Het Financieele Dagblad. "New Delhi is the most miserable place I have ever lived in," the diplomat was quoted as saying. (Posted @ 10:25 PST)
Badminton-Defending champion Hidayat loses in Madrid MADRID, Sept 22 (Reuters) Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat's hopes of retaining his world badminton title evaporated Thursday when he slumped to first ever defeat to China's Chen Hong in a tense third-round contest 14-21, 21-18, 21-19. (Posted @ 09:50 PST)
38 more bodies found in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Sept 22 (Reuters) Thirty-eight more bodies were found dumped in the streets of Baghdad, authorities said Thursday. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
World military budget tops Cold War record UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22 (Reuters) Global military spending is expected to hit $1.06 trillion this year, topping the record set during the Cold War era, an international aid agency reported on Friday. "Arms sales do not start conflicts, but they certainly fuel and lengthen them," said Bernice Romero, international campaign director for Oxfam International, the group that released the study. "It is time the world stemmed the uncontrolled flood of weapons into the world's war zones." The previous record for military spending was set in 1988, toward the end of the Cold War, when governments spent an estimated $1.03 trillion, Oxfam said. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Branson promises $3 bln to fight global warming NEW YORK, Sept 22 (Reuters) British billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday committed to spending all the profits from his airline and rail businesses - an estimated $3 billion over the next 10 years - on combating global warming. (Posted @ 09:25 PST)
Abbas tells UN new Palestinian government will recognise Israel UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22 (AFP) Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas told the UN General Assembly on Thursday that "any future Palestinian government will commit to all the agreements that the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority have committed to." Abbas referred in particular to letters exchanged by Palestinian and Israeli leaders, Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin, in 1993 which contained mutual recognition of the two sides. (Posted @ 09:15 PST)
Strong earthquake rattles Argentina WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (AFP) A "strong" 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook northern Argentina late Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of loss of life and property. (Posted @ 09:05 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 151.65 points: KARACHI, Sept 22: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10306.75, up 151.65 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Sept 22: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.82 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
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