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| April 07, 2007 | Saturday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 18, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Pakistan, India end Siachen talks without agreement ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 7 (AFP) - Pakistan and India wrapped a two-day meeting in Rawalpindi Saturday without any agreement on withdrawal of troops from the mountainous Siachen glacier in disputed Kashmir, officials said. “There was no significant breakthrough in the talks,” a Pakistan defence ministry official said. The Indian side did not budge from its position that Pakistan should disclose the current location of its forces on the 6,300 metre (20,800-feet) high glacier before any withdrawal of troops. Pakistani side said such a move would mean acceptance of “their occupation” of the barren heights. Pakistan wants to go back to the pre-1987 positions. “The two sides have agreed to continue the dialogue process,” the official said. The Indian side was led by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt while Pakistani side was headed by Kamran Rasool. The Indian army, which has occupied most of the high-altitude battlefield since 1987, wants “iron-clad” evidence of existing troop positions to dissuade Pakistan from moving its soldiers forward in the event of a pull-out. (Posted @ 20:24 PST)
Sectarian clashes kill 40 in remote northern Pakistan PESHAWAR, Pakistan, April 7 (AFP) - Some 40 people have been killed and more than 70 injured in fierce sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in northern Pakistan, officials said Saturday. “So far we have received reports that 40 people have been killed in clashes in two days of fighting between two religious groups in Parachinar,” said Arif Habib, a top official dealing with security in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. Local officials said more than 70 people were also injured in the fighting. The town was placed under curfew on Friday after fighting erupted between the rival groups and troops were deployed to restore order. Officials said the soldiers had been given shoot-on-sight orders to curb the violence. Parachinar administration official Sahibzada Anees said army troops backed up by gunship helicopters were patrolling the streets of the town, which has a population of around 70,000. Officials said 14 deaths occurred when rockets crashed into a house of a resident early Saturday. Among those killed were two women and four children. (First Posted @ 20:22 PST Updated @ 21:44 PST)
Assemblies to complete term, elections on time: Musharraf TAXILA, APRIL 07 (PPI)- With a hope that people would vote for the 'continuity' of the developmental process, President Pervez Musharraf Saturday declared that the democratic process in the country was on the right track and that general elections would be held on time. Addressing a public meeting at Taxila. He said that for the first time assemblies would complete their mandated term. Referring to the reference filed against Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, the President said he had solid reasons to take this step which is completely in line with the constitution and law. He said the Government would accept the verdict of the Supreme Judicial Coucil. He regretted that the management of Lal Masjid was trying to dictate terms by wrongly interpreting Islam and reiterated that the government wanted to resolve the issue amicably. Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said as a result of prudent policies of the present Government the financial health of the country was sound and the resources are now being spent for welfare and progress of the people. He asked people not to be misled by those who want to exploit the religion. (Posted @ 18:52 PST)
President Musharraf performs ground-breaking of modern airport PIND RANJHA, April 7 (APP) President Pervez Musharraf Saturday performed the ground-breaking of a US $400 million modern airport project, saying that it would prove as a step forward to turn Pakistan into a major regional hub for trade, tourism and communication. The President unveiled the plaque for new a international airport, to be located 30km south-west of Islamabad. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Director General Civil Aviation Authority, Air Marshal Salim Arshad and other senior officials were present on the occasion. (Posted @ 14:51 PST)
Cricket: Bangladesh make 251-8 against South Africa GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 7, (AFP) - Bangladesh made 251-8 off their 50 overs in their World Cup Super Eights match against South Africa at Providence here on Saturday. (Posted @ 22:30 PST)
Cricket: Chappell calls for sweeping changes New Delhi, April 7(PPI): Warning against any “band-aid” solutions to ills afflicting Indian cricket, Greg Chappell has taken parting shots at country's cricket establishment, saying, “if you want to be like Australia, you can't run cricket like Zimbabwe”. Chappell, who quit as India's coach earlier this week, called for sweeping changes to existing system and “changing mindsets”. Any half-measures or cosmetic changes “at this stage would be like putting band-aid on cancer”. “If you want to be like Australia, you can't run your cricket like Zimbabwe. BCCI must adopt, maybe a ten-year plan, spelling out aims, objectives and go about attaining those goals in a professional manner,” Chappell told Times of India. (Posted @ 21:36 PST)
Pakistan for initiating talks on FTA with United States: Musharraf Rawalpindi, April 7(PPI): President Pervez Musharraf Saturday stressed the need for initiating talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and the United States to strengthen bilateral ties by boosting trade and investment links. Talking to bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation, led by Congresswoman Nita Lowey, he said U.S. Congress must continue to support initiatives to broaden and deepen Pakistan-US relations in diverse areas. He said it was also essential to ensure that any legislation adopted by Congress should reinforce, and not undercut, strategic cooperation between both countries. The President underlined the importance Pakistan attaches to a broad-based and long-term relationship with the U.S. He noted that multifaceted cooperation in various fields was increasing and underscored significance of expanding bilateral trade and economic relations. Congresswoman Lowey and other members stressed strategic importance of Pak-US relations. They appreciated efforts being made for socio-economic development of Pakistan, recognized value of expanded economic ties and conveyed support for measures to create economic opportunities for people. President Musharraf reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to fight extremism and terrorism. He said Congress members should play important role in fostering better understanding of Pakistan's strong efforts to fight extremism, terrorism and enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between two countries. Congress members lauded Pakistan's contribution to countering terrorism and extremism. They appreciated bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and conveyed that US would continue to support Pakistan in these endeavors. President spoke of comprehensive approach - combining military, political, administrative, socio-economic aspects - being pursued by the government to effectively address challenges of extremism and terrorism. He highlighted importance of creating economic opportunities in tribal areas and spoke of Sustainable Development Plan for FATA. (Posted @ 21:30 PST)
Zafar Ahmed Khan Appointed PIA Chairman Karachi, April 7(PPI): Zafar Ahmed Khan has been appointed Chairman of national flag carrier PIA, according to a notification issued Saturday by Establishment Division. He would assume charge of his office on Monday (April 9). (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Cricket: Organisers forced into climbdown over missing fans BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, April 7 (AFP) - World Cup organisers, widely accused of pricing local fans out of the tournament and for stifling atmosphere inside the grounds, have been forced into a climbdown. Fans will now be allowed to take musical instruments into grounds without first applying to the local organising committees. In another move to try and cure the problem of matches being played in virtually empty stadiums, the controversial policy of no re-entry has also been abandoned. Starting from Saturday's Bangladesh v South Africa Super Eights match in Guyana, spectators can turn up with their musical instruments and be given approval as they pass through security. “Safety must be paramount at matches but we do want everyone to watch cricket in a festive and lively atmosphere,” said World Cup chief executive Chris Dehring. He also announced that starting from the Super Eights games in Barbados and Grenada next week, fans will be able to re-enter the grounds. (Posted @ 20:36 PST)
Tennis: Pakistan take 2-1 lead against Pacific Oceania Karachi, April 07 (PPI): Pakistan took a 2-1 lead against hosts Pacific Oceania at the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group II relegation play-off when its pair of Aqeel Khan and Shehzad Khan completed the doubles contest on a winning note on Saturday at National Tennis Centre, Apia Samoa, Pacific Oceania. They edged out Brett Baudine and West Nott 5-7, 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-3. On first day Pakistan No1 Aqeel Khan made it 1-0 when he defeated Juan Langton while Micheal Leong levelled the score by defeating Jalil Khan in the second singles. Aqeel Khan takes on Micheal Leong in the first reverse singles on Sunday, while Jalil Khan will meet Juan Langton in the last match of the three-day tie. (Posted @ 18:56 PST)
Cricket-India's Dravid retained as captain for Bangladesh tour MUMBAI, April 7 Reuters) - Rahul Dravid has been retained as India captain for the team's next three tours next month's tour of Bangladesh as well as the trips to Ireland and England later in the year -- the country's cricket board said on Saturday. Former India all rounder Ravi Shastri was named as cricket manager for the Bangladesh tour earlier on Saturday. Ex-test paceman Venkatesh Prasad will be bowling coach and former all rounder Robin Singh fielding coach for the Bangladesh tour. (Posted @ 18:50 PST)
7 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan demining team KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 7 (AFP) - Dozens of Taliban militants attacked Saturday a US-funded mine-clearing team in western Farah province, killing three deminers, three guards and a female civilian, police said. Five people including three women who were passing by when the fighting erupted were wounded in the attack in the province's Bakwa district, the police official said. The crew were travelling to Herat from Kandahar when they came under attack. (Posted @ 18:48 PST)
Two more US soldiers killed in Baghdad BAGHDAD, April 7 (AFP) -The US military said Saturday that two more of its soldiers had been killed in attacks in Baghdad, taking to 17 the number of troops who have died in Iraq this month. One soldier was killed and four others wounded when an explosively-formed projectile exploded in an eastern section of the capital during a combat patrol on Friday, the military said. The second soldier died, and three more were wounded, in a traditional roadside bombing during a patrol in west Baghdad on Friday, the military said. (Posted @ 17:14 PST)
Two killed, 23 injured in Indonesian train accident JAKARTA, April 7, 2007 (AFP) - A baby was one of two people killed and more than 20 others were injured Saturday when five carriages of a packed train derailed near Tegal, a town on the north coast of Java island, reports said. There were around 300 passengers on the seven-carriage train. (Posted @ 17:12 PST)
U.S. Iraqi city air strike kill six, including children DIWANIYA, Iraq, April 7 (Reuter) - U.S. forces launched an air strike in Diwaniya on Saturday killed six people, including two children and a woman, as U.S. and Iraqi troops seeking to return the city to government control fought sporadic gunbattles with Shi'ite militiamen. U.S. military spokesman said one person was killed when a warplane fired on gunmen carrying rocket-propelled grenade launchers. An Iraqi military source in Diwaniya said Saturday's fighting was concentrated in five central districts and gunmen were fighting back with roadside bombs and RPGs in hit-and-run attacks. The U.S. military had no immediate comment. Three gunmen were killed in Friday's clashes, the U.S. military said. U.S. and Iraqi forces had suffered several casualties but no fatalities. Residents said a curfew had been imposed as troops blocked streets and conducted house-to-house searches. Meanwhile, gunmen kidnapped 10 people travelling in a minibus near Himreen, 100 km south of Kirkuk, police said. (Posted @ 16:54 PST)
Fourteen killed, 17 hurt in blast in southern India CHENNAI, India, April 7 (AFP) - At least 14 people were killed and 17 injured in southern India when a jeep carrying gelatine sticks blew up, K. Radhakrishnan, inspector general of police said. The blast occurred at Chendur village some 130 kilometers from Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu state. Most of the victims were villagers who had gathered near the car to douse the flames. (Posted @ 16:42 PST)
Quake lifts Solomons island metres from the sea RANONGGA, Solomon Islands, April 7 (AFP) - The force of this week's Solomons earthquake has lifted an island in the South Pacific archipelago and pushed out its shoreline by tens of metres, exposing surrounding reefs. The remote island of Ranongga in the western Solomon Islands used to have submerged coral reefs that attracted scuba divers from around the world. But since Monday's massive earthquake in the Solomon Islands, the reefs are now exposed above the water and are dying, an AFP reporter and photographer have seen. The AFP team, which travelled to Ranongga on a chartered outboard after the quake, saw exposed reefs bleaching in the sun, and covered with dead fish, eels, clams and other marine life. The 8.0-magnitude quake, caused by a shift in the Earth's tectonic plates, triggered a tsunami that killed at least 34 people in the remote western Solomons and left 5,500 homeless. (Posted @ 16:38 PST)
Maoist rebels kill six in eastern India RANCHI, India, April 7 (AFP) Maoist guerrillas killed six people, including two paramilitary soldiers, in an ambush in eastern India, police said Saturday. The rebels opened fire and hurled grenades and bombs at a police station in the attack late Friday in Bokaro district, 140 kilometres, from Jharkhand state capital Ranchi. (Posted @ 14:09 PST)
Pakistan's approach in confronting Taliban threat is effective: Ambassador Akram UNITED NATIONS, April 7 (APP) The recent military strikes by tribal forces against Uzbeks and other foreign militants in South Waziristan confirm the effectiveness of Pakistan's approach in eliminating the Taliban threat, Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram said. “We are committed to eliminating their (militants) influence. This is essential for Pakistan's goals of rapid modernization and increased trade and energy links with Central Asia,” Akram, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, said in an op-ed article published in The New York Times Saturday.Akram said the objective of Pakistan's comprehensive strategy to promote peace and progress in the country's frontier regions was to win over the local population and to isolate the militants. He made it clear that the control of infiltration across the Pak-Afghan border was a joint responsibility of the two governments as well as international coalition troops in Afghanistan. (Posted @ 14:07 PST)
Israeli helicopter fire kills Palestinian in Gaza GAZA, April 7 (Reuters) Israeli helicopters fired into the Gaza Strip Saturday, killing one Palestinian, local residents said. The residents said the helicopters fired at least two missiles near the Jabalya refugee camp. (FirstPosted @ 09:15 PST, Updated @ 12:31 PST)
Seven killed in Sri Lanka bus blast COLOMBO, April 7 (AFP) Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels set off a roadside explosion, killing seven bus passengers and wounding 26 in northern Sri Lanka Saturday, military sources said. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) set off the blast outside the town of Vavuniya, 250 kilometres north of Colombo, a military spokesman said. He said a soldier was among those killed while seven soldiers were among those wounded. (FirstPosted @ 09:17 PST, Updated@ 2:02 PST)
Yemen mosque attack wounds 30 SANAA, April 7 (AFP) Unidentified attackers petrol-bombed a Yemeni mosque Friday, wounding 30 worshippers, eight of them seriously, the Saba news agency reported. The attackers struck during the Friday prayers at the mosque in Amran province, north of the capital. (Posted @ 09:16 PST)
Pentagon successfully tests army ballistic missile WASHINGTON, April 7 (AFP) The US army successfully shot down a test missile with a rocket fired from its mid-range area missile defence system, the Pentagon said Friday. The military fired a SCUD test missile off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i late Thursday. It was successfully intercepted over the Pacific Ocean by a THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) missile fired, the US Missile Defence Agency said. The THAAD system uses medium-range missiles designed to intercept enemy ballistic missiles in space or the upper atmosphere. (Posted @ 09:15 PST)
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