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| October 17, 2006 | Tuesday | Ramazan 23, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Five Palestinians killed in West Bank NABLUS, West Bank, Oct 17 (AP) _ Israeli troops shot and killed five Palestinians, including a 16-year-old stone-thrower, in the West Bank Tuesday. A militant and his cousin were killed by Israeli undercover soldiers, while an 18-year-old militant was killed during a gunbattle in the town of Qabatiyeh in West Bank. Later Tuesday, two more Palestinians were killed by army gunfire in Qabatiyeh. Palestinian security officials said the two were throwing stones at the army jeeps. (First Posted @ 10:55 PST Updated @ 21:18 PST)
Violence in occupied Kashmir declining, says Indian army chief NEW DELHI, Oct 17 (AP) _ Violence in occupied Kashmir has shown a declining trend over the past year, but incursions by militants are still going on, India's army chief said Tuesday. ``Violence levels are down by 20 percent,'' Gen. J.J. Singh told reporters. However, he said, ``infiltration by various groups continues. Increasingly, they are armed with better weapons, communications equipment and satellite phones.'' He said the militants were coming in from India's less-secure border in Rajasthan state bordering Pakistan, and through the porous borders India shares with Nepal and Bangladesh. Gen. Singh said 60 army soldiers have been killed in occupied Kashmir in the first nine months of 2006, and that 115 were killed in all of 2005. Similarly, the number of militants killed in occupied Kashmir so far this year have fallen to 465, and 676 were killed in all of 2005. India has nearly half a million soldiers deployed in occupied Kashmir. (Posted @ 21:12 PST)
Cricket-Shoaib's herbal medicine could be to blame, doctor says LONDON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar, sent home from the Champions Trophy after failing a drugs test, could have taken nandrolone inadvertently while being treated with herbal medicine, his doctor said. "After undergoing surgery in Australia earlier and subsequent treatment for the stress fracture, Shoaib has been seeing a hakim in Pakistan. It is a possibility that nandrolone drug was mixed in herbal medicines that he has been taking. "He has been tested during the ICC events and 2003 World Cup but he has never tested positive," doctor Tauseef Razzaq said. On Tuesday, Shoaib met PCB director of operations Saleem Altaf but both men declined to give details of their meeting. "I met Shoaib this morning and we had a detailed discussion. Asif is due to meet me later in the afternoon. Everything is under control," Altaf told the Press Trust of India. Altaf said the board was in the process of organising a tribunal to hear both players and recommend disciplinary action. "It should be finalised later today because we want to have the hearing as soon as possible," he said. (Posted @ 20:22 PST)
US population reaches 300 million milestone: Census Bureau WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (AFP) - The US population hit the milestone of 300 million on Tuesday at 7:46 am (1146 GMT), the Census Bureau announced. (Posted @ 20:16 PST)
Mumbai willing to forego Champions Trophy final over dusty wicket MUMBAI, India, Oct 17 (AFP) - The International Cricket Council will be requested to shift the Champions Trophy final from the Brabourne stadium here if the wicket does not improve, BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur said Tuesday. "With the monsoon having just ended, our staff did not get enough time to prepare good wickets for the tournament," he said. "We will see how the wicket behaves on Wednesday when Australia plays the West Indies. If it still has low bounce, I will put my hands up. "I will ask the ICC to shift the final, scheduled to be held here on November 5, to some other venue." (Posted @ 20:00 PST)
Saddam says trial dividing Iraq as atrocities heard BAGHDAD, Oct 17 (AFP) - Saddam Hussein accused witnesses at his genocide trial Tuesday of undermining the unity of Iraq, as more Kurds gave accounts of how scores of detained civilians died in his brutal prisons. (Posted @ 19:54 PST)
US warns North Korea against second nuclear test WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday warned North Korea that conducting a second nuclear test "would not be a good thing" and pressed US partners to prepare a tough response if Pyongyang does so. "It would not be a good thing for them, but it certainly would not be out of character," White House spokesman Tony Snow said of the prospects for such a test as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice headed to Asia and Russia. Snow shrugged off Pyongyang's announcement, in one of its harshest statements in years, that it viewed UN sanctions imposed after the first test as "a declaration of war" and that it was ready for battle. "I don't think North Korea has declared war. I think what it did is it tried to characterize the UN resolution as an act of war, which it is not," the spokesman told reporters. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
More than 1,000 Iraqi police sacked: minister BAGHDAD, Oct 17 (APP/AFP) - Iraq's National Police is being completely reorganized and 1,228 officers have been dismissed for criminal acts and forgery and human rights violations and other issues, the Iraqi interior minister said Tuesday. Roughly 2,000 more are under investigation for dereliction of duty, Jawad al-Bolani told a press conference. (Posted @ 17:20 PST)
NATO says air strike kills senior Taliban fighter KABUL, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes killed a senior Taliban commander in an air strike in the province of Uruzgan on Tuesday, NATO said. "The aircraft engaged a known mid-level Taliban commander in the vicinity of Bagh-Khosak in the Khod Valley with three 500 pound bombs, killing him and 10 to 15 additional Taliban militants," the alliance said in a statement. Meanwhile, the kidnapped Italian photojournalist Gabriele Torsello has made contact with an Italian-run hospital, the Peace Reporter Web site said Tuesday. He reportedly told the hospital's security chief he was fine and that his abductors were moving him around. (Posted @ 17:16 PST)
1 killed, about 60 injured in subway crash in central Rome ROME, Oct 17 (AP) _ A speeding subway train rammed into another train parked at a station in central Rome during the morning rush hour Tuesday, killing at least one woman and injuring about 60 other persons. (Posted @ 17:12 PST)
Two policemen killed, 14 hurt in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, Oct 17 (AFP) - Two policemen were killed and 14 people were injured in separate attacks by suspected militants in occupied Kashmir, police said Tuesday. A policeman was shot dead near Srinagar's main bus terminal, and shortly afterwards another policeman was shot dead near Hazratbal shrine. In other attacks, police said three Indian border guards and six civilians were injured in a grenade attack in Baramulla, while another policeman was injured in a raid on a police camp in Sopore. Police also said suspected militants raided a house in Poonch district overnight Monday, wounding four people. (Posted @ 17:10 PST)
Pakistan-India peace talks on Nov 14-15 ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (AFP) - Pakistan and India will hold foreign secretary level peace talks in New Delhi on Nov 14 and 15, Pakistan foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told AFP. Further details would be announced later, she said. (Posted @ 17:08 PST)
British troops pull out of Afghan district KABUL, Oct 17 (AFP) British troops Tuesday pulled out of Musa Qala in the southern province of Helmand at the request of officials and tribal elders, the NATO-led force said. "The British military is pulling out of Musa Qala at the wish of governor Daud and with the agreement of tribal elders," a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said. (Posted @ 14:35 PST)
PM Aziz for greater unity, consensus on national issues ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday called for greater unity and consensus on fundamental national issues. "Internal dissensions not only militate against economic progress and public welfare but also create external vulnerabilities," Aziz told a Commanders Conference here at the Pakistan Air Force Headquarters while delivering a talk on 'Vision for Pakistan.' He said Pakistan's defence doctrine was based on minimum credible deterrence. "We do not harbour aggressive designs against any country, nor do we wish to engage in an arms race. However, we firmly believe that a strong defence is indispensable to the territorial integrity, stability and progress of Pakistan." He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to continue fighting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan is keen to promote peace and cooperation with its neighbours by resolving all outstanding issues, Aziz added. (Posted @ 14:26 PST)
Cricket-Miandad, Nawaz slam board's handling of doping tests LAHORE, Pakistan, Oct 17 (AFP) Javed Miandad Tuesday said he was stunned by the drugs scandal. "I am shocked to hear about this, this is a huge blow to Pakistan cricket," he said. Miandad blamed a lack of discipline for the doping row. "I have been saying that all the ills of Pakistan cricket are due to lack of discipline and this shows we have not recovered from the first-ever forfeit Test jolt, the ball-tampering allegations and the captaincy row," he said. Miandad said coach Bob Woolmer and the team's doctors should also be investigated "because players don't know what medicines they are taking". Sarfraz Nawaz agreed with Miandad. "These tests were initiated by the previous board led by Shaharyar Khan, so he and all other officials should also be taken to task," said Nawaz. "If Australia can ban Shane Warne then nobody is above the game and its rules, but both Asif and Akhtar should be given a full chance to clarify their position," he said. (Posted @ 13:40 PST)
Pakistani court orders release of Jammat-ud-Daawa chief LAHORE, Pakistan, Oct 17 (Reuters) The Lahore High Court on Tuesday ordered the release of Jammat-ud-Daawa chief, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. "The court has declared that the detention of Hafiz Saeed is against the law and the constitution and he should be released immediately," his lawyer said. (Posted @ 13:40 PST)
Cricket-ICC clears Pakistani replacements JAIPUR, India, Oct 17 (Reuters) The International Cricket Council (ICC) Tuesday allowed Pakistan to replace fast bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, with all-rounder Yasir Arafat and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman in their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in India, a statement said. (Posted @ 13:20 PST)
Cricket-Pakistan cricket chief warns of zero tolerance for doping KARACHI, Oct 17 (AFP) Pakistan's cricket chief vowed Tuesday to take a zero tolerance approach to doping. "We have zero tolerance as doping is a very serious thing and we would deal with it in a flawless manner," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf said. Ashraf also clarified that the 'B' samples of the pacemen, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, had not yet been tested, contrary to his indications on Monday when he said that Pakistan had received "reconfirmation" of the positive results. "When we were told about the positive tests on the 'A' samples of both the players, we actually asked for reconfirmation of the 'A' samples themselves. The second sample is yet to be examined," he said. Ashraf said the PCB would give Akhtar and Asif its full support. "They are our best players and we would give them a full chance to give their viewpoint when they appear before the doping tribunal," assured Ashraf, who said a lawyer, doctor and a former cricketer were likely to be named in the tribunal soon. (Posted @ 12:53 PST)
Coalition bombs kill Taliban commander, up to 15 rebels KABUL, Oct 17 (AFP) US-led coalition warplanes killed a mid-level Taliban commander and up to 15 other militants in an airstrike in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province early Tuesday, NATO said. (Posted @ 12:48 PST)
China urges North Korea not to escalate tensions BEIJING, Oct 17 (AFP) China urged North Korea Tuesday not to escalate international tensions, after Pyongyang said the UN resolution imposing sanctions over its nuclear weapons test was a "declaration of war." "We have noticed the statement by the DPRK (North Korea)… the important thing right now is that all parties concerned should refrain from taking any action that may further escalate the tensions," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. (Posted @ 12:45 PST)
Trial of Saddam resumes BAGHDAD, Oct 17 (AFP) The trial of Saddam Hussein and six co-defendants on charges of genocide against the Kurds resumed on Tuesday with all defendants present. (Posted @ 12:40 PST)
North Korea denounces U.N. sanctions SEOUL, Oct 17 (Reuters) North Korea has denounced sanctions imposed by the U.N. Security Council in response to its nuclear test last week, its official state media reported on Tuesday. "We are monitoring U.S. actions and will take appropriate measures," state television quoted a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying. North Korea likened the sanctions to a declaration of war and promised to strike against those who try to topple its leaders, the report said. (Posted @ 11:50 PST)
Bush praises Islam, Pakistani medical technician WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (AP) President George W. Bush hosted an iftar party here for Muslims living in the United States and from Islamic nations late Monday evening. He praised Islam for bringing ``hope and comfort to more than a billion people around the world…you know that the majority of the victims of the terrorists have been innocent Muslims…we are proud to work with you to defeat the terrorists and extremists and help bring a brighter future to millions of Muslim people…who yearn for moderation and peace.'' Bush also singled out a Pakistani medical technician Farooq Muhammed, who treated victims at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 and recently traveled to Pakistan to help earthquake victims. ``Farooq's courage and compassion represent the best of the American spirit,'' Bush said. (Posted @ 11:35 PST)
U.S. allies impede Guantanamo releases: report WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) Britain and other U.S. allies have demanded closure of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but have also blocked efforts to let some prisoners return home, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. British officials recently rejected a U.S. offer to transfer 10 former British residents from Guantanamo to the United Kingdom, arguing that it would be too expensive to keep them under surveillance, the newspaper said. Germany and other European allies also have balked at accepting prisoners from the facility, the Post said. (Posted @ 10:43 PST)
Rice rallies partners on North Korea sanctions WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (AFP) US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday she would urge Japan, South Korea, China and Russia during this week to "share the burdens as well as the benefits" of forcing North Korea to abandon its nuclear arms program. She warned Iran that it could face sanctions over its nuclear program such as those faced by North Korea. "I expect the Security Council to begin work this week on an Iran sanctions resolution," she said. "So the Iranian government should consider the course that it is on, which could lead simply to further isolation." (Posted @ 09:58 PST)
Second North Korean nuclear test feared TOKYO, Oct 17 (AFP) North Korea may be preparing a second nuclear test, Japan's foreign minister and media reports said Tuesday. Foreign Minister Taro Aso told reporters that Japan had received information of possible preparations of a test after US spy satellites reportedly picked up suspicious movements of trucks and people near the site of the October 9 blast. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
Bush opposes three-way partition of Iraq WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (AFP) US President George W. Bush on Monday said in an interview with Fox News that he opposed dividing Iraq into a Kurdish, a Shiite and a Sunni region, which he said would create even more chaos: "Three autonomous regions will create not only a situation where Sunnis…radicals will be competing against Shia radicals. The Kurds will then create problems for Turkey and Syria." Bush also said that violence in Iraq could not be summarized as an insurgency fuelled by Iran. "I think the enemy is more complex than that…we are concerned about some Iranian involvement, particularly in the delivery of certain kind of weapons…but the violence that the American people see on their screens is some sectarianism, some criminal activity, and al-Qaeda. And we are dealing with all three…if we see more Iranian involvement, we'll adjust our tactics to meet that threat," he said. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 258.62 points: KARACHI, Oct 17: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11167.93, up 258.62 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 13:00 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Oct 17: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.6 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 13:00 PST)
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