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| November 30, 2007 | Friday | Ziqa’ad 19, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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Benazir Bhutto launches election manifesto ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (AFP) - Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Friday launched her party's manifesto for elections in January 8, but reiterated that she was taking part in the polls under protest. “We are taking part in elections under protest, we are not giving them any legitimacy. But if we do not participate we leave the field for others,” she told reporters in Islamabad. “Our policy is based on five “E's -- employment, education, energy, environment and equality,” the former premier added. She said she could “review our decision” on participating in the election if she could agree a common agenda with fellow former premier Nawaz Sharif and other parties. “But it has to be a joint opposition, it must be a joint opposition,” she said. Benazir said the electoral process “is not just” and said that Musharraf's regime had not taken any action on her complaints. But she added: “We have filed our nomination papers, we are preparing for the election and appealing to the people to help the PPP (Pakistan People's Party) and vote for them.” She denied rumours that she had met Musharraf on Thursday to revive the arrangement. (Posted @ 17:04 PST)
Musharraf defends record on fighting terror WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (AFP) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Friday Pakistan would not be responsible for any failure in the US “war on terror,” insisting his country has been struggling against radicalism and terror for 30 years. “We are fighting terrorism everywhere,” he told ABC television. “We have gone through 30 years of turmoil. We cooperate very well. So if there's a failure, it's not Pakistan's failure. Please don't accuse us,” he said to an Musharraf insisted his political moves had been in reaction to opposition tactics. “The opposition, they have all along these five years tried to destabilize me and the government. You have to understand, we don't want agitation here... Agitation means breaking down everything, burning things. That cannot be allowed. “So, therefore, if anyone is trying to do that, we will stop it. That is the way it is in Pakistan.” Asked if he would enter a power-sharing arrangement with opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, he replied: “I'm not into any deal with anyone.” ”We are in a stage where we have to have free, fair, transparent elections. We have to see, after the election, how things develop. “If the situation develops in a manner which is absolutely unacceptable to me, I have a choice of leaving.” (Posted @ 19:58 PST)
7 point resolution adopted at Kashmir Peace Conference LONDON, Nov 30 (APP): The two-day International Peace Conference on Kashmir ended Thursday night with a seven- point resolution stating that right to self-determination was the inalienable and non-negotiable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The concluding session was chaired by AJK Prime Minister Sardar Atique Ahmad Khan. Others present included Mir Waiz Umar Farooq, Chairman, All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Senator Mushahid Husain, Dr. G.N. Fai, Farooq Ahmed Siddique, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Shawl, Z.G. Mohammad, Sardar Ali Shahnawaz Khan, Prof. Edgar Garcia, Mike Penning, Paul Rowan, Brendan Maclaster and John Cushnan and Dr. Zulfikar Ali. The resolution further demanded demilitarization of entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating travel of Kashmiri leaders, allowing expatriate Kashmiris to visit their homeland, holding of all inclusive dialogue on Kashmir, release of all detainees held in different jails of occupied Kashmir and/or India, and repeal of all draconian laws in occupied Kashmir. (Posted @ 20:54 PST)
APDM's decision on election boycott still not final: ANP chief SWABI, Pakistan, Nov 30 (APP): Awami National Party (ANP) Central President, Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan said Friday that APDM has not yet decided about boycott of the general elections and had instead constituted a committee that will make contact with all political parties to take final decision in this regard. “The decision, either to boycott the election or otherwise, will be taken in All Parties Conference (APC) meeting to be held soon”, he said at a public gathering at the residence of the ANP district General Secretary Jehanzaib Khan. He said the final decision about election boycott will be taken with mutual consultation of all component parties of APDM at the APC level. (Posted @ 20:20 PST)
PML-Q talking to JUI, PPP-SB for poll alliance: Arbab LARKANA, Sindh, Nov 30 (PPI): Former chief minister and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) Sindh President Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim said his party was engaged in talks with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP-SB) for election alliance. Talking to newsmen Friday, he said they could announce supporting Ghinwa Bhutto to give Pakistan People's Party (PPP) a historic defeat. He said that boycott of All Pakistan Democratic Movement (APDM) would make no difference as Maulana Fazalur Rehman ( of JUI) and Benazir Bhutto (PPP) had not boycotted the elections, he added. (Posted @ 18:30 PST)
President Musharraf spells out tasks for caretaker government RAWALPINDI, Nov 30 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf Friday asked the caretaker government to ensure sustainability of economic upsurge, maintenance of law and order and holding of free and transparent election. Addressing the caretaker cabinet, his first as a civilian president, he said : “Your neutrality will be of critical value and you must make every effort to demonstrate it through your actions,” The President stressed that all development projects, especially relating to water resource development, bricklining of water courses, power generation and infrastructure development, continued smoothly. He also said he was a firm believer in freedom of media and said it was free to criticise the policies and actions of the government, including himself. However, he urged the media to avoid misreporting, sensationalism and defamation that were not acceptable in any free and civilised society. He advised the government to allow full access to international observers, and the national and foreign media, by facilitating them during the electoral process. (Posted @ 18:26 PST)
Turkish airliner crashes, all 56 on board killed ISPARTA, Turkey, Nov 30 (Reuters) A Turkish domestic airliner crashed in the mountains in south-west Turkey on Friday, killing all 56 people on board, officials said. The cause of the crash was not clear as weather conditions were normal and the aircraft had no known technical problems,officils said adding that all on board were Turks. The crash occurred outside Keciborlu, a town some 12 km (7.5 miles) from Isparta's Suleyman Demirel airport. (First Posted @ 09:00 Updated @ 16:05 PST)
Cricket: Zimbabwe beat West Indies by 31 runs HARARE, Nov 30 (APP/AFP) - Zimbabwe restricted West Indies to 244 to claim the first one-day international of the five-match series against the West Indies by 31 runs at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. (Posted @ 23:22 PST)
Bush phones Musharraf, congratulates on second term in office ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP) - American President George W. Bush Friday telephoned President Pervez Musharraf and congratulated him on assumption of the office for the second term, a Foreign Office spokesman said. President Bush expressed the hope that under Musharraf's leadership, Pakistan will continue to make progress in every field. (Posted @ 22:54 PST)
Iran says new U.N. measures won't halt atomic work LONDON, Nov 30, (Reuters) - Iran's main nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said on Friday it would pursue its atomic programme even if the United Nations Security Council were to impose new sanctions on the Islamic Republic. “Iran has removed concerns and cooperated with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). But if some countries want to use the U.N. Security Council and its resolutions to stop Iran's atomic work, surely they will not be successful,” Jalili told reporters in London. (Posted @ 22:18 PST)
Situation returning to normalcy in Swat, Shangla ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): Life is returning to normalcy in Swat and Shangla districts in Swat Valley after ejection of militants from the area, Director General ISPR)Major General Waheed Arshad told Ptv Friday. “Today no operation was carried out against militants,”he said adding that local administration has started routine work in areas from where militants have fled. He said people of the area have also started coming back to their homes. On Friday evening 11 militants were captured including two foreigners, he said. (Posted @ 20:32 PST)
Benazir addresses party workers RAWALPINDI, Nov.30 (APP): Benazir Bhutto said Friday that PPP would take part in the January elections adding that it was imperative for all the political parties to participate in the elections and foil any attempt at rigging. Addressing party workers she said election boycott would be beneficial for the the ruling PML(Q). Referring to situation in Swat and tribal areas, she said the problem could be resolved through political means. (Posted @ 20:14 PST)
SKorea beat Australia 1-0; Netherlands beat Malaysia 3-1; Pakistan beat Spain 2-0 in Champions Trophy KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov 30 (AP) - South Korea sparked the first major upset of the Champions Trophy when it defeated world No. 1 Australia 1-0 Friday. In other games, defending champion Netherlands beat host Malaysia 3-1, Pakistan beat two-time winner Spain 2-0, and Germany defeated Britain 4-0. Pakistan made the first breakthrough in the 56th minute when Shakeel Abbasa evaded three Spanish defenders to shoot. It was saved by the goalkeeper but a diving Waqas Sharif knocked home the rebound. Akhtar Ali made it two in the 60th minute. (Posted @ 20:10 PST)
Pakistani Kashmiris protest for truck service MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Kashmir, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Activists from an independence movement held a protest in Muzaffarabad on Friday calling for a truck service to be started between Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir) and Srinagar (occupied Kashmir). Around 100 people joined the demonstration in Muzaffarabad, before around three dozen took the protest to Chakothi, a small town close to the Line of Control. They were blocked from going any further by police. Residents in Chakothi said the protesters made speeches calling on India and Pakistan to let Kashmir become an independent nation. (Posted @ 20:02 PST)
Turkish army 'authorised' for Iraq strike: PM ANKARA, Nov 30 (AFP) -The Turkish government authorised the army this week to carry out a cross-border strike against Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday. “We made a decision at the cabinet meeting on November 28 and, with the president's approval, the Turkish armed forces were authorised regarding a cross-border operation,” Erdogan told reporters in televised remarks. He did not give any indication whether such an operation was imminent. (Posted @ 19:48 PST)
Sohail, Waseem are still good enough to play at highest level: coach Oltmans KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (APP): Pakistan's former Dutch hockey coach Roelant Oltmans believed that drag-flicker Sohail Abbas and half-back Waseem Ahmed are still good enough to play at the highest level. “Taeke Taekema and Sohail Abbas are world's best penalty corner specialist. If we select our team we would like both these players in our team,” Oltmans, who coached Pakistan team for 2004 Athens Olympics said. “I saw both Sohail and Waseem playing for Rotterdam Club. They are still good enough. But its not me to decide about their inclusion in Pakistan team,” he asserted. He said Pakistan hockey needed concerted long term planning for the upliftment and promotion of sport. “I spent one year in Pakistan but that is not so much. If you want to spot the talent in Pakistan and bring the team at a certain level,” he said. (Posted @ 16:15 PST)
Cricket-India 352-3 v Pakistan second test KOLKATA, Nov 30 (Reuters) - India, electing to bat first, were 352 for three at stumps on the opening day of the second test against Pakistan here Friday.Brief scores: India (1st innings) 352-3 ( Jaffer 192 not out, Tendulkar 82, Dravid 50) v Pakistan. (Posted 16:01 PST)
Italy hit by nationwide transport strike ROME, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Planes, trains, buses and ferries came to a halt in Italy on Friday as workers across virtually all transport services staged a nationwide strike. Transport strikes are common in Italy but local media said Friday's protest was the first on such a scale for 25 years, with even cable cars, funeral hearses and highway breakdown vehicles grinding to a halt. (Posted 15:40 PST)
Fresh fighting in southern Philippines, nine dead MANILA, Nov 30 (Reuters): Five Philippine soldiers and four militants were killed in fresh clashes on the southern island of Jolo Friday. “We lost five men and eight others were wounded,” Colonel Cesario Atienza, a Marine brigade commander told reporters, adding his troops recovered four dead rebels and a cache of weapons and munitions. Atienza said a platoon of soldiers had initially clashed with militants from al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Friday but a larger group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels joined the fray. (Posted @ 13:50 PST)
43 held after bombs found at Iraqi leader's office BAGHDAD, Nov 30 (AFP): US and Iraqi troops detained 43 people in raids on the Baghdad office and home of top Iraqi leader Adnan al-Dulaimi after discovering two explosives-packed cars near the office, Dulaimi told AFP Friday. “Early in the morning US and Iraqi troops came to my home and arrested 30 people, including my son Mekki,” Dulaimi said. He said troops had also detained 13 people Thursday evening in a raid on the office. Troops detonated the bombs causing heavy damage to Dulaimi's office and several nearby houses, an Iraqi army spokesman said. (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
Putin signs suspension of CFE arms treaty: Kremlin MOSCOW, Nov 30 (AFP): President Vladimir Putin has signed into law Russia's decision to suspend adherence to a Cold War treaty limiting military forces in Europe, a Kremlin spokeswoman said Friday. “We learnt this morning” that Putin had signed the law “on the suspension by the Russian Federation of adherence to the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty,” the spokeswoman told AFP. The signing formalises earlier votes by the country's parliament, which drew criticism from the west. The 1990 CFE treaty places strict limitations on the deployment of tanks and other military hardware across Europe. (Posted @ 11:35 PST)
12 Tamil rebels killed in Sri Lanka COLOMBO, Nov 30 (AFP): Sri Lankan troops have stepped up attacks against Tamil Tiger rebels killing at least 12 in overnight clashes across the northern district, the defence ministry said Friday. The military said the rebels died in several clashes and placed government losses at one soldier injured in the 24 hours ending Friday morning. There was no immediate comment from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
Musharraf takes 'essential' step but more needed: US WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (AFP): The United States Thursday called President Pervez Musharraf's plan to lift emergency rule on December 16 an “essential step” to steering Pakistan back toward democracy but said he must still take more. US officials also denied Washington had forced the announcement from Musharraf, who had taken a defiant tone earlier Thursday before announcing he would lift the state of emergency imposed November 3. The White House and the State Department greeted the news from Pakistan, but insisted Musharraf follow through on it and ensure that general elections promised for January 8 are fair. “We welcome this step,” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. Perino called for “the candidates and the people to fully participate in these free and fair elections.” She also urged Musharraf to ensure that his critics “be able to voice their opinions, that they be able to assemble, and that they be able to have the freedom of the press that they had had before the emergency order.” Perino denied that Musharraf had bowed to US pressure, saying “Certainly, we had been in communication with him, but I think that he made this decision on his own.” Britain welcomed Musharraf's pledge, but said other restrictions also need to be lifted to allow free elections. “The UK looks forward to the lifting of this state of emergency and to the lifting of all the remaining restrictions,” Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a statement. (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
Bin Laden urges Europe to quit Afghanistan DUBAI, Nov 30 : Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden urged European countries to end their military cooperation with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, in an audio tape aired by Al Jazeera television Thursday. He said American power was waning and it would be wise for the Europeans to quickly end their role in Afghanistan, where many European countries contribute to the 50,000-strong NATO and U.S.-led coalition forces fighting the Taliban. In the portions aired by Jazeera, bin Laden said the Taliban had no knowledge of plans for the 2001 attacks. “I am the one responsible... The Afghan people and government knew nothing whatsoever about these events,” he said, adding that the U.S. had not provided any evidence of Taliban involvement to justify its invasion. (Posted @ 09:15 PST)
Buildings collapsed in Caribbean earthquake PARIS, Nov 30 (AFP): Police in Martinique said a powerful 7.3-magnitude quake that hit the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe Thursday had caused buildings to collapse. “For the moment, a building and a bank have collapsed,” a police source said. The earthquake had also been felt in Guadeloupe and too a lesser extent in French Guiana, the source said. (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 84.07, points: KARACHI, Nov 30: The KSE-100 index was at 14047.66, up 84.07, points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:35 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Nov 30: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 61.5, to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:35 PST)
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