|
|
| January 12, 2007 | Friday | Zilhaj 21, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
No deal or seat adjustments with any party: Musharraf ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP) President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday said the government was not contemplating any deals or seat adjustments with any political party and would not allow any politician currently living abroad to re-enter the country. Addressing a gathering at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the PM House, the president said the government will fulfill its pledge to hold free, fair and impartial elections on schedule in the country and will allow all political parties to contest it. He further said that the Pakistan Muslim League(Q) and its allies will contest the next general elections as coalition partners. (Posted @ 23:48 PST)
President Musharraf meets senior US diplomat ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, met President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Pak-US relations and regional issues, in particular Afghanistan, were discussed in detail in the meeting. The president reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fighting extremism and terrorism. He outlined the steps Pakistan was taking to help Afghanistan’s stabilization and reconstruction process. At the same time he also emphasized that security along the Pak-Afghan border is a joint responsibility and that all sides must enhance coordination to promote stability there. Both sides also reviewed progress on the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), the FATA Sustainable Development Plan, and their bilateral economic ties. Boucher highlighted the importance US attached to its strategic partnership with Pakistan, and reiterated his country’s appreciation for Pakistan's counter- terrorism efforts. (First Posted @ 20:20 PST Updated @ 23:02 PST)
Al-Qaeda strengthening from Pakistan bases: US spy chief WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (AFP) The Al-Qaeda network is strengthening and building worldwide connections from its safe haven in Pakistan, US spy chief John Negroponte made the allegation in the US Senate on Thursday. The terrorists are “cultivating stronger operational connections and relationships that radiate outward from their leaders' secure hideout in Pakistan to affiliates throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe,” Negroponte, the director of national intelligence (DNI), said. In prepared written remarks on his office's annual threat assessment, Negroponte praised Pakistan as “a frontline partner in the war on terror” that has captured several Al-Qaeda leaders. He added that eliminating “the safehaven that the Taliban and other extremists have found in Pakistan's tribal areas is not sufficient to end the insurgency in Afghanistan but necessary.” (Posted @ 17:48 PST)
Pakistan rejects US spy’s Al-Qaeda claims ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (AFP) Pakistan on Friday rejected the claims of top US spy John Negroponte that Al-Qaeda is strengthening from safe havens in the country. Pakistan's foreign ministry described the comments as “questionable criticism” and urged Negroponte to acknowledge Pakistan's role in breaking the back of Al-Qaeda. The ministry said Pakistan had done more than any other country to fight terrorism. “Pakistan remains committed to fighting international terrorism and extremism,” it said in a statement. Pakistan said although Al-Qaeda elements were active in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, “it would be incorrect to link them to any remnants of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan,” the statement added. (Posted @ 18:04 PST)
Visiting US diplomat pours balm over top spy’s statement ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (Reuters) The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, on Friday poured balm over top US spy John Negroponte’s statement that Al-Qaeda is strengthening from its safe haven in Pakistan. Boucher told journalists at a briefing in the U.S. embassy that Negroponte also spoke of Pakistan's role as a key partner fighting terrorism. “So the fact that there continue to be radical extremists like Taliban, al Qaeda types who have been able to find places to operate here and find places they can have refuge here is not any contraction to saying that there has been a major effort here,” Boucher said. Negroponte noted the dangers Musharraf faced using force in the tribal areas, as well as the political risks of a backlash from political parties, especially as national elections are due in Pakistan this year, he added. (Posted @ 20:24 PST)
Mideast meeting ends with call for Arabs to join Quartet MADRID, Jan 11 (AFP) An international meeting in Madrid to celebrate 15 years since a full-blown Middle East conference on Friday acknowledged progress had run into the sand and urged concrete steps to revive it, including Arab participation in the diplomatic “Quartet.” Spanish Foreign Minister and former EU Mideast envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos on Friday proposed Arab participation in the Quartet as a step forward. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed hope concrete progress could be made in the coming six months to unblock the stalled peace process. (Posted @ 23:56 PST)
Blair vows to bolster Britain's 'hard power' against terror LONDON, Jan 12 (AFP) Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed Friday to bolster Britain's military “hard power” on the world stage to combat the new threats of global terrorism, warning that retreat would be a catastrophe. Blair said the challenge facing the world since September 11, 2001, resembles the fight against “revolutionary communism in its early and most militant phase.” Speaking to military brass, ministers and diplomats, he predicted it would take a generation to defeat a nebulous and clandestine global movement waging unconventional war based on what he called a warped interpretation of Islam. (Posted @ 23:52 PST)
Bangladeshi journalists protest gagging of the press DHAKA, Jan 12 (AFP) Dozens of journalists defied a state of emergency in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka Friday by gathering to protest the interim government's curb on press freedom. At least 60 journalists held a rally in front of the national press club in Dhaka to demand the withdrawal of the curbs imposed on the media as part of the emergency imposed late Thursday by President Iajuddin Ahmed. (Posted @ 23:50 PST)
India's Supreme Court rejects Kashmiri man’s appeal NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (AP) India's Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition by a Kashmiri man sentenced to death for allegedly plotting a 2001 attack on the country’s parliament, news reports said. Mohammad Afzal Guru had filed a second appeal with the Supreme Court on the grounds that he did not have access to an attorney of his choice during an earlier appeal, which the apex court also rejected, the Times of India newspaper reported. (Posted @ 22:54 PST)
Cricket-South Africa 254-4 v Pakistan 313 in first innings Jan 12 (Reuters) Scoreboard on the second day of the first test at close of play between South Africa and Pakistan in Centurion on Friday: Pakistan 1st innings 313 (242-5 overnight, Yasir 65, Younis 68, Inzamam 42; Ntini 24-3-83-5, Nel 26.5-3-100-3), South Africa 1st innings 254-4 (Amla 71, Prince 77 not out, Gibbs 58 not out; Mohammad Asif 16-2-58-4) (Posted @ 22:52 PST)
New head of Bangladesh government sworn in DHAKA, Jan 12 (AFP) The new head of Bangladesh's interim government was sworn in on Friday after President Iajuddin Ahmed stepped aside, postponing the general elections and declaring a state of emergency. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the former governor of Bangladesh central bank was sworn in at a ceremony shown live by the state-run BTV television. A ten-member advisory council (cabinet) is due to be announced over the next few days. (Posted @ 20:36 PST)
Boat with 166 migrants arrives in Spain SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Canary Islands, Jan 12 (AP) A fishing boat with around 166 suspected Asian and Sub-Saharan immigrants arrived in the Canary Islands on Thursday night, authorities said on Friday. Hours after the boat arrived, police found a group of 30 immigrants who had managed to escape. Authorities said they believed the boat started its voyage in Sri Lanka and said most of the those aboard, all men, were suspected to have come from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. Fifteen were Sub-Saharan Africans. (Posted @ 20:34 PST)
Bus crash kills 22 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia RIYADH, Jan 12 (Reuters) Twenty-two pilgrims leaving Saudi Arabia by bus were killed in a road crash near the border with the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday. It said those killed and the 24 injured were from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. (Posted @ 20:30 PST)
Pakistan keen to expand relationship with US: PM Aziz ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said that Pakistan is keen to expand its bilateral relations with the US in various sectors including economic, defence and security. Talking to the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, Aziz said that new frameworks on energy, economy, education and science and technology were already in operation and called for an “enhanced cooperation with the US on these issues.” The prime minister also gave details of his recent visit to Kabul. Boucher expressed satisfaction with Pak-US relations. (Posted @ 20:22 PST)
Cricket-Australia thrash England again MELBOURNE, Jan 12 (Reuters) Australia thrashed England with an eight-wicket victory in the first one-day tri-series match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Adam Gilchrist’s 60 secured the Australian chase of England's 242 for eight with 4.4 overs to spare. A bad night became even worse for England when it emerged batsman Kevin Pietersen, who top-scored with 82, had been ruled out of the remainder of the series after a delivery from Glenn McGrath broke his rib. (Posted @ 19:12 PST)
Bodies of 25 militants brought to Miranshah ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan 12 (AP) The bodies of 25 militants killed in a battle with NATO-led troops in Afghanistan were repatriated Friday to North Waziristan’s main town Miran Shah, where mass attendance at their funerals was urged, residents said. Funerals were to be held in different villages in the region later in the day, according to local intelligence officials and residents. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Pakistan, US discuss counter-terrorism ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (AFP) A senior US diplomat said Friday that the United States “highly valued” relations with Pakistan. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher held a meeting with Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri after arriving overnight from Kabul where he met with Afghan leaders. Kasuri briefed Boucher on Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts along the border with Afghanistan and Islamabad's plan for selective mining and fencing of the porous frontier, the Pakistan foreign ministry said. The ministry statement said the two sides also reviewed bilateral relations and progress made in various fields since US President George W. Bush initiated strategic dialogue during his visit to Pakistan in March last year. Boucher also held separate talks with Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao. (Posted @ 18:08 PST)
India-Pakistan friendship treaty after Kashmir sorted out: Kasuri NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (AFP) Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said Friday that a peace and friendship treaty suggested by India's prime minister was possible only after a dispute over Kashmir was resolved. “I hope that what the (Indian) Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) says in terms of a peace and friendship treaty does materalise,” Kasuri told the English news channel Times Now in an interview telecast Friday. “But then he would know more than anybody else that we need to resolve all our conflicts before that. I am sure that he must have been mindful of that fact,” Kasuri said. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Six killed in fighting outside president's residence in Somali capital MOGADISHU, Somalia, Jan 12 (AP) Clan gunmen fired a rocket-propelled grenade and exchanged gunfire with government troops outside the presidential residence in Mogadishu Friday, leaving at least six dead in the latest hit-and-run attack following the capital. An Associated Press reporter at the scene counted six bodies, and was told that one other person was killed. In Friday's attack, troops loyal to clan leader Mohamed Qanyare Afrah fired on militiamen loyal to the president. (Posted @ 15:10 PST)
Nobel peace winner turns down top Bangladesh government job DHAKA, Jan 12 (AFP) The winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, “banker to the poor” Muhammad Yunus, said Friday he had turned down an offer to become the new head of Bangladesh's interim government. “I was offered to be the chief advisor, but I said no,” Yunus said. A supreme court judge, Fazlul Haq, has taken over as acting chief of the caretaker administration, although the post is expected Friday to be transferred to former central bank governor Fakhruddin Ahmed. A swearing-in ceremony for the new chief advisor was due to be held at 7:00 pm Friday, a presidential palace official said. (Posted @ 14:31 PST)
Army arrests former lawmaker in Bangladesh DHAKA, Jan 12 (AFP) The Bangladesh army arrested a former opposition party lawmaker overnight after the nation's president declared a state of emergency because of political strife, an opposition spokesman said Friday. Kamal Ahmed Majumder was arrested at his home in Dhaka by army personnel and later handed over to police, main opposition Awami League spokesman Abdul Jalil said. Raids were also carried out in the southeastern port city of Chittagong, an army officer said requesting anonymity. (Posted @ 14:13 PST)
Iraqi soldier killed by 'boy bomber' BAGHDAD, Jan 12 (AFP) An Iraqi soldier and a 13-year-old child were killed when a bomb the boy was carrying exploded Wednesday in the town of Khalidiyah, in western Iraq's Anbar province, the US military said Friday. (Posted @ 14:09 PST)
Attackers fire rocket at US embassy in Athens Athens, Jan 12 (Reuters) Attackers fired a rocket at the U.S. embassy in Athens on Friday but no one was hurt, police and the U.S. embassy said. “This was a rocket attack launched from a building across the street. It landed inside a toilet on the third floor of the embassy,” police said. Dozens of police cars surrounded the embassy and police cordoned off all roads in the area. Local residents called in to state television saying they had felt the explosion, which shattered some windows. (First Posted @ 09:56 PST, Updated @ 11:32 PST)
Gunmen kill government lawyer, at least five others in eastern Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan 12 (AP) Gunmen ambushed a car carrying a senior government lawyer in a residential area of Lahore Friday, killing him, his brother, two children and two guards, police said. Several passers-by were also wounded during the attack on Chaudhry Arif Bhindar, an additional advocate general in the eastern Punjab province. Police said the dead and injured were taken to a hospital. Bhinder, 44, was dropping off his children, 5 and 7, at school with his brother before heading to court when gunmen opened fire on his car, said Imtiaz Habib, an area police chief. ''Apparently, Chaudhry Arif Bhindar was targeted by his rivals because he had enmity with a family in Lahore, but officers were still investigating,'' he said, adding that Bhinder had also survived an assassination attempt last year. (Posted @ 10:49 PST)
Americans solidly against sending more troops to Iraq: AP poll Washington, Jan 12 (AP) Seventy percent of Americans oppose sending more troops to Iraq, according to a new poll that provides a devastatingly blunt response to President George W. Bush's plan to bolster military forces there. When asked to name the most important problem facing the U.S., 38 percent of those polled volunteered war, up significantly from 24 percent three months ago. The AP-Ipsos telephone survey of 1,002 adults was conducted Monday through Wednesday night, when the president made his speech calling for an increase in troops. (Posted @ 10:38 PST)
Sixteen civilians, 13 Taliban killed in Nato-Afghan strike KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan 12 (AFP) Sixteen civilians and 13 Taliban fighters were killed in a NATO and Afghan air and ground assault on a suspected rebel camp in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province early Thursday, police said Friday. The military strike also left 10 civilians wounded and several houses damaged. (Posted @ 10:03 PST)
Storms batter British Isles, fishermen missing DUBLIN, Jan 12 (AFP) Winds gusting up to 80-miles-an-hour lashed the British Isles and the Netherlands Thursday, sinking two Irish trawlers and leaving seven fishermen missing while causing widespread disruption to sea and air traffic. An Irish coastguard helicopter rescued two Lithuanian crewmen from one of the trawlers. Another life raft from the vessel was found empty. Both vessels were operating within 20 miles of each other on the southeast coast when they were reported missing Wednesday, the coastguard said. (Posted @ 09:47 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 66.40 points: KARACHI, Jan 12: At close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 10425.46, up 66.40 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Jan 12: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 61 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
Founder: Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Editor: Abbas Nasir
The DAWN Group of Newspapers
Haroon House, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Karachi 74200, Pakistan.
Phone:+92 (21) 111-444-777 Fax: +92 (21) 569-3995
webmaster@dawn.com
Make sure to reload these pages so you're viewing the current version.
|
|
|
Contributions |