|
|
| April 25, 2007 | Wednesday | Rabi-us-Sani 07, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Musharraf hints at resolution of Kashmir dispute earlier than expected MADRID, Spain, April 25 (APP):- President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said the world may see the resolution of Kashmir dispute earlier than expected. “A reasonable progress on this (Kashmir) issue has already been achieved,” he said while addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress. He said military option was not the answer to the problem. People of both the countries wanted peace and harmony in order to utilize resources and energies on the socio-economic sector, he said. Replying to a question on efforts by Pakistan and India to bring peace to South Asia, President Musharraf said the two countries had taken several Confidence Building Measures but CBMs alone would not be enough. The two countries must move towards conflict resolution, he emphasized. He termed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a credible leader and a man of peace who supported Pakistan's strong desire for the settlement of the Kashmir issue considering it a main cause of tension.Replying to a question regarding political process in Pakistan, President Musharraf said elections would be held this year on time. He also spoke about Pakistan's efforts towards peace in Afghanistan and the acceptance of the offer by Turkish Prime Minister to hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Ankara later this week. About Iran's nuclear issue, the President said Pakistan was looking forward to a peaceful resolution of the problem.(Posted @ 18:45 PST)
Commonwealth watching Pakistan as deadline for change approaches KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (AFP) - Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said Wednesday the grouping was keeping watch on Pakistan for signs of democratic progress ahead of a year-end deadline for change. “Pakistan is no longer suspended, but it still remains on the agenda,” McKinnon, in Malaysia as part of a regional tour, told AFP in an interview. Commonwealth leaders have noted Musharraf has “done a lot to bring a degree of normalcy and democracy back to the country,” he said, citing increased participation by women and minority groups in parliament. “But the one thing that they were concerned about was that President Musharraf was still holding the office of president and operational commander of the armed forces,” he said. “By the end of this year, they would expect him to divide those two offices,” he added.(Posted @ 17:50 PST)
Bangladesh government says ”no restrictions” on former premiers DHAKA, April 25 (AFP) - Bangladesh's emergency government which had been trying to exile two former prime ministers on Wednesday said it would drop a ban on Sheikh Hasina Wajed returning to the country and stated there would be no restriction on the movements of Khaleda Zia. “The government says clearly that there is no pressure on Khaleda Zia to go abroad and there have been no restrictions on her movements,” the government said in a statement, read out by information officer Makhan Lal Hira. Zia has been under virtual house arrest. The government had also withdrawn a press note issued on April 18, the statement said, referring to a ban imposed on Sheikh Hasina entering the country.(Posted @ 20:15 PST)
OGDCL discovers gas at Kunnar West Well ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP):OGDCL has made a gas and condensate discovery from its Exploratory Well Kunnar West Well No. 01A.located at a distance of 577 meters in the West of Kunnar West Well No. 01, says a press release. Kunnar West No. 01A structure was delineated in Kunnar Mining Lease area and the well was drilled down to a depth of 4065 metres. On the basis of open hole logs, two zones of Massive Sands of Lower Goru Formation were selected for testing. Production testing of Zone-1 (Massive Sands) of Lower Goru formation started on April 23, 2007, which proved productive.(Posted @ 21:05 PST)
EU chief Solana meets Iran's nuclear negotiator ANKARA, April 25 (AFP) -EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana met Wednesday with Iran's nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani in a new attempt to find a way through the crisis over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. On his way into the meeting, Solana said he hoped “this time we will be able to move on in preparatory talks that may lead the sooner the better to meaningful negotiations.” Before the meeting, Larijani told reporters that he and Solana would discuss “new ideas” that might be put on the table, the Anatolia news agency reported.(Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Eliminating terrorism, extremism vital for Pakistan: Musharraf MADRID, April 25 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said Pakistan has to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism which is eating into the foundation of the society like termite. Addressing overseas Pakistanis in the Spanish capital he said Pakistani people are moderate and they must stand up and stop those misusing the name of Islam and trying to impose their thinking on others by force. “We have to fight against terrorism and extremism.” He promised fair, free and transparent elections on schedule and said the government is negotiating with Spain for the opening of a Consulate in Barcelona where about 40,000 Pakistanis are living and to also start direct flights between Spain and Pakistan.(Posted @ 19:45 PST)
Pakistan president awards 14 Spaniards for relief work in 2005 earthquake MADRID, Spain, April 25 (AP) - Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday gave one of his nation's most prestigious civilian awards to 14 Spaniards for relief work in his country after a massive earthquake in 2005. Musharraf, who is on a four-day visit to Spain, gave the six military personnel and eight civilians the Star of Excellence (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) in recognition of their aid work after the quake that killed 80,000 people, destroyed 600,000 homes and left another three million people homeless in the north of Pakistan. More than 400 Spaniards went to Pakistan to help in relief efforts. Musharraf also praised the aid and reconstruction from other countries to alleviate Pakistan's worst natural disaster. “This challenge was met successfully because we were not alone,” said Musharraf. “There was no famine, no epidemic, no one froze to death,” he said. “I give all the credit to people like these heroes that came to assist us,” he said.(Posted @ 19:35 PST)
Youth Olympics to start in 2010 BEIJING, April 25 (AFP) - The International Olympic Committee said Wednesday that it would inaugurate a new Youth Olympics for 14 to 18-year-old athletes from 2010. “Such an event will serve to encourage 14-18 year olds to engage more in sport,” the IOC said in a statement IOC president Jacques Rogge told a press conference that the summer and winter Youth Games would last between seven and 10 days in contrast to the longer open-age Olympic Games.He said around 1,000 athletes would compete in the winter Games and up to 3,000 in the summer edition. The inaugural summer Games would be in 2010 followed by a winter Games two years later. No host cities had yet been decided, he said.(Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Russians bid tearful farewell to first democratic president MOSCOW, April 25 (AFP) - Russia bid a solemn farewell Wednesday to Boris Yeltsin with an ornate state funeral that saw President Vladimir Putin and two former US presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush pay tribute to the man who brought democracy to the ruins of the Soviet Union.(Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Musharraf pledges translating Pak-Spanish goodwill into substance MADRID, April 25 (APP) President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday emphasised the need for translating the tremendous goodwill and mutual respect between the people of Pakistan and Spain into substance to realize the true potential of cooperation in the field of trade and investment between the two countries. Speaking at a banquet hosted in his honour by Spanish King Juan Carlos, he referred to a whole range of global, regional, multilateral and bilateral issues concerning the two countries and specifically the Middle East, Afghanistan, Kashmir issues and international terrorism besides praising Spain’s help in the post-earthquake relief operations. He also identified the areas where the two countries can expand co-operation to their mutual benefit. (Posted @ 14:08 PST)
At least 23 killed in northwest Sri Lanka clashes COLOMBO, April 25 (AP) - Sri Lankan troops and Tamil rebels clashed in the country's northwest on Wednesday, leaving 23 fighters dead, military said. The clash erupted as government soldiers tried to destroy rebel mortar positions east of Madhu village of northwestern Mannar district, the Defense Ministry information centre said. The centre said about 20 Tamil rebels and three soldiers were killed in the battle.(Posted @ 18:45 PST)
Mumtaz Bhutto sees similarity in present situation and that of last days of Ayub Khan Karachi, April 25 (PPI):- Chairman, Sindh National Front, Sardar Mumtaz Ali Khan Bhutto sees a similarity in the situation prevailing in Pakistan currently and that of last days of Gen. Ayub Khan. “No government could be seen any where in the country and the people have taken to the streets like that of Ayub Khan era,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. “The country has sustained a huge loss in trade while the people are wandering for justice due to judicial crisis. Price hike, unemployment, lawlessness, corruption, water and power crisis etc have made the peoples lives miserable,” SNF leader noted.(Posted @ 18:45 PST)
Shaukat Aziz, Shujaat discuss national issues, Jamia Hafsa ISLAMABAD, April 25 (APP):- Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and PML President Ch. Shujaat Hussain discussed important national issues including Lal Masjid/Jamia Hafsa standoff and party matters at a meeting on Wednesday. The PML President apprised the Prime Minister of his meeting with the management of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa and said that progress was being made towards an amicable and peaceful resolution of the matter. Later, talking to a group of parliamentarians, the Prime Minister asked the leaders and workers of PML to ensure timely implementation of development projects and keep close contact with the people.(Posted @ 18:15 PST)
India urged to cut troops in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, April 25 (AFP) - India should cut its military presence in revolt-hit occupied Kashmir and allow state police to fight the separatist insurgency, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the reformist Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Wednesday. She said in a statement she made the request to Indian premier Manmohan Singh during a conference in New Delhi on Tuesday to cut troops in a phased manner as incidence of violence has fallen.“Now the political and civil society institutions must be allowed to take full charge of consolidating the normalisation process,” said Mehbooba Mufti, whose party is the junior ruling coalition partner in occupied Kashmir.(Posted @ 18:15 PST)
Attacks kill 19 in Afghanistan KABUL, April 25 (AFP) - Fresh attacks in Afghanistan killed 19 people, including six soldiers in the roadside bombing of an Afghan army vehicle in Paktika province, army commander Murad Ali told AFP on Wednesday. Hours earlier a suicide attacker blew himself up close to the vehicle of a district governor of Paktika as the official was travelling to work. “Luckily no one was hurt in the suicide attack,” the interior ministry said in a statement. In neighbouring Ghazni province “terrorists” stormed a road construction company site near the main highway between Kabul and Kandahar on Tuesday, sparking a fierce battle that lasted more than six hours, officials said. Three of the company's guards and seven Taliban were dead, the interior ministry said . Five militants were arrested, it said. Provincial police chief Alishah Ahmadzai said three civilians were also missing. Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi confirmed the attack near Qarabagh, about 180 kilometres southwest of Kabul, but said only three militants were killed, including a commander. In another attack, militants ambushed a police vehicle in Herat province overnight and killed three policemen.(Posted @ 17:35 PST)
Thirty killed as bus plunges into river in occupied Kashmir JAMMU, occupied Kashmir, April 25 (APP/AFP) - At least 30 people were killed and 15 other injured Wednesday when the over-loaded bus they were travelling in plunged into Poonch river, about 220 kilometres northwest of Jammu , officials said.(Posted @ 16:45 PST)
9 killed in suicide attack on Iraq police station BAGHDAD, April 25 (Reuters) - Nine people were killed and 16 others were wounded in an attack by a suicide bomber inside a police station northeast of Baghdad on Wednesday, police said. The bomber walked into the police station in Balad Ruz, 50 km southeast of Baquba in the volatile Diyala province. (Posted @ 16:02 PST)
Cricket: Fleming tires of semi-final misery KINGSTON, April 25 (AFP) - Stephen Fleming said it's time New Zealand started producing World Cup players who can break through the constant disappointment of falling at the semi-final hurdle. Fleming, who after the match announced his resignation as New Zealand's one-day captain, said: “For a country like ours to keep producing semi-final sides is very good but we are not happy with that. It's not good enough.”“They (Australia & Sri Lanka) are the only teams that beat us. But if you look at why they beat us, it's probably that skill factor. “Sri Lanka, where their bowling attack is unusual but the best, against an Australia batting line-up which is the best in the tournament, if that's the final it will be a good contest to watch. About the lost semi-final Fleming said:”New Zealand were still in the game with Sri Lanka, who won the toss and were 129 for three off 30 overs. But Jayawardene took the game away from them although he was dropped on 70 by Shane Bond. In all 102 runs came off the last 10 overs. .” As good as he was, we were equally as poor.” Reflecting on his team's approach, Fleming said: “We were very nervous. We were desperate to get through this and get to the final.” He said mediocre top-order batting - he himself made just one following four successive noughts against Sri Lanka - had also cost New Zealand dear. “At some point it was probably going to expose us during a World Cup and it did today.” (Posted @ 15:53 PST)
Cricket: SLanka president to attend World Cup COLOMBO, April 25 (AFP) -Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse will fly to Barbados to cheer the national team in the cricket World Cup final later this week, a senior aide said on Wednesday. “It is almost certain that the president will leave on Thursday at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Barbados,” said Chandrapala Liyanage, a senior presidential aide. Sri Lanka Cricket said a red carpet welcome awaited the team on their return, irrespective of the outcome of the final. The team will be paraded in an open motorcade from the airport to downtown Colombo (Posted @ 15:33 PST)
Cricket: Sri Lanka's Arnold to retire after World Cup COLOMBO, April 25 (AFP) - Sri Lanka's left-handed batsman Russel Arnold will retire from international cricket after the World Cup final, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Wednesday. Arnold will, however, continue to play domestic cricket. The World Cup final will be his 180th one-dayer. He has made 3,949 one-day runs with one hundred. (Posted @ 15:32 PST)
Pakistan fighter jet crashes, no casualties ISLAMABAD, April 25 (AFP) - A Pakistan fighter jet crashed Wednesday near Jhang district, 300 kilometres south of Islamabad, but the pilot ejected safely and there were no casualties on the ground, air force spokesman Sarfraz Ahmed said. The French-built Mirage aircraft was on a training mission when it developed technical problems and crashed, the spokesman said. (Posted @ 15:21 PST)
Hundreds of Buddhist monks with elephants rally in Bangkok BANGKOK, April 25 (AFP) -Hundreds of saffron-robed monks led nine elephants in a march on Thailand's parliament Wednesday, demanding that Buddhism be declared the kingdom's official religion. The march came one day before the military-appointed drafters of Thailand's new constitution were set to meet at the parliament building. The monks planned to spend the night outside the building and to petition the drafters on Thursday, organisers said. Prime Minister Surayud Chalanont said Wednesday that his government would consider the monks' demands. (Posted @ 15:00 PST)
US forces 'kill senior Al-Qaeda emir' in Iraq BAGHDAD, April 25 (AFP) US forces have killed an Al-Qaeda kingpin they allege sent 12-year-old Iraqi boys to their deaths as suicide car bombers, a military statement said Tuesday. US command said they had identified a suspect killed northwest of Baghdad on April 20 as Muhammad Abdullah Abbas al-Issawi, also known as Abu Akram and Abu Abd al-Sattar, the Al-Qaeda “security emir” in eastern Anbar province. The statement also alleged that the dead suspect was an associate of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the former leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq who was killed last June in a US air strike. (Posted @ 11:46 PST)
Six dead as storms strike Texas community close to Mexican border EAGLE PASS, Texas, April 25 (AP) Six people were killed when severe storms struck a small community near the Mexican border Tuesday, a local official said. The storms struck unincorporated areas of Maverick County known as Loma Linda and Chula Vista, Eagle Pass Fire Chief Roy Delacruz said. An unknown number of people were also injured. (Posted @ 11:21 PST)
Nineteen bodies found around Baghdad BAGHDAD, April 25 (Reuters) A marine was killed during combat operations in Anbar province on Monday, the U.S. military said on Wednesday. Nineteen bodies were found around Baghdad in the past 24 hours, police said. Two bodies, which showed signs of torture, were found in a river in Numinaya, 120 kilometres south of Baghdad, police said. Also in Numaniya, a police officer and two of his family members were injured when a roadside bomb exploded in front the officer's home, police said. (Posted @ 10:36 PST)
Democratic lawmaker seeks Cheney's impeachment WASHINGTON, April 25 (AFP) A veteran US lawmaker Tuesday introduced legislation urging Vice President Dick Cheney's impeachment for allegedly manipulating intelligence used to justify the US invasion of Iraq. Cheney “has purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States,” said the resolution introduced by House of Representatives Democrat Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich, a contender for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, said Cheney did so “by fabricating a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the use of the United States Armed Forces against the nation of Iraq.” His bill further accused the vice president of trumping up “an alleged relationship between Iraq and Al-Qaeda,” and having “openly threatened aggression against the Republic of Iran absent any real threat to the United States.” (Posted @ 10:09 PST)
'Full scale' prison riot breaks out in Indiana WASHINGTON, April 25 (AFP) Inmates set fires and tried to tear down a fence Tuesday during a massive prison riot in the US state of Indiana, injuring at least two members of the corrections staff, officials said. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the “disturbance” at the New Castle Correctional Facility, a medium security men's prison, the Department of Corrections was quoted as saying by the Indianapolis Star newspaper. Prisoners set at least three blazes and attempted to rip down fences, prompting police and corrections officials to try to secure the perimeter and determine if any inmates had escaped. Around two hours after the riot broke out, a police spokeswoman said it had been “contained, but they (corrections officials) have not taken back over yet.” (Posted @ 09:24 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 23.92 points: KARACHI, April 25: At the close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 12175.45, up 23.92 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:17 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, April 25: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.8 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:17 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 |