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| August 18, 2008 | Monday | Sha'aban 15, 1429 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Deposed judges be restored within next three days: PML-N ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Following the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf, all deposed judges should be restored within next two to three days as per commitment and understanding reached among the coalition partners when they announced to impeach the president, said PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafiq on Monday. “Deposed judges should be restored within next two to three days as per commitment of the coalition partners,” he told a private television. He said, PML-N wanted that next president must be a symbol of federation, undisputed, having graceful personality. (Posted @ 22:14 PST)
India eyes US, Russian, French firms for nuclear plants: report NEW DELHI, Aug 18 (AFP): India's atomic energy body has short-listed US, Russian and French firms for nuclear power projects once the country gets the green light to enter global atomic commerce, a report said Monday. The Hindu newspaper said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India has selected US giant Westinghouse Electric, US-Japanese alliance GE-Hitachi, Russia's Rosatom and France's Areva for potential orders as part of its plans to generate 40,000 megawatts of atomic power by 2020. India currently has 17 nuclear power plants with a capacity of 4,120 megawatts. Once nuclear trade starts, India plans to set up “nuclear parks” or reactor clusters for which four coastal sites have been identified, the report quoted government officials as saying. Indian officials currently prefer French and Russian technology, the report added. (Posted @ 21:55 PST)
11 killed in Bangladesh landslide: police CHITTAGONG, Aug 18 (AFP): At least eleven people were killed in Bangladesh early Monday after heavy rains triggered landslides in the southeastern port city of Chittagong, police said. Local police chief Abu Zafar Mohammad Faruq told AFP the victims died while sleeping in flimsy homes at the bottom of hills, and that several people were still missing following the landslide. “So far we have recovered 10 bodies and rescued three people. One of those died in hospital,” Faruq said. Faruq said 142 millimetres of rain had fallen in the city in the past 24 hours. (Posted @ 21:48 PST)
Iran ready to put Muslim countries' satellite in orbit TEHRAN, Aug 18 (Reuters): Iran said Monday it was ready to help fellow Muslim states launch satellites into orbit after it successfully put a dummy satellite into orbit. Iran said Sunday it had put the home-grown dummy satellite into orbit on a domestically made rocket for the first time. The long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into space can also be used for launching weapons. Iran says it has no intention to do so. Head of Iran's Aerospace Organisation, Reza Taghipour, said Iran wanted to help Muslim countries to launch satellites. “I am announcing now that Iran is ready to launch satellites of friendly Islamic countries into space,” Taghipour told state television. (Posted @ 21:40 PST)
Musharraf's resignation Pakistan’s internal matter: Indian minister NEW DELHI, Aug 18 (APP): Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Monday President Pervez Musharraf’s resignation was Pakistan’s internal matter. Talking to media on the sidelines of a seminar on nuke deal in Berhampore in West Bengal, he referred to his recent Pakistan visit and said a process had been initiated to improve bilateral ties between both countries. “During my visit, I developed a personal relationship with Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and Yusuf Raza Gilani, I have cordial discussions with all of them and it seems to me a positive approach could be made in improving relations,” media reports quoting him said. The BJP commenting on Musharraf's resignation said “it has no regrets that President Musharraf had to quit his post.” It hoped the new government would follow the path of peace and friendship,” senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha told media. He also said BJP expects the Pakistan government to play a constructive role in South Asia. Communist Party of India (CPI) in a statement welcomed the resignation and expressed hope “democratic process will continue in that country and the development would not affect ties with India.” (Posted @ 21:36 PST)
Georgian actions 'must not go unpunished': Medvedev VLADIKAVKAZ, Russia, Aug 18 (AFP): Georgia's actions in South Ossetia were excessive and “must not go unpunished”, Russian news agencies quoted President Dmitry Medvedev as saying here Monday. “What the Georgian authorities did exceeded human understanding. Their actions cannot be explained and moreover must not go unpunished,” Medvedev was quoted as saying in remarks to military personnel. “We take a hard line on security throughout the region, in assuring peace and stability in South Ossetia. “We will do whatever is necessary, and no one should have any illusion about this,” the Russian leader said. A senior Russian military commander said a pullback of troops got under way on Monday after it was promised by Medvedev on Sunday. (Posted @ 21:32 PST)
“Toxic” Indian festivals poison waterways MUMBAI, Aug 18 (Reuters): Toxic chemicals from thousands of idols of Hindu gods immersed in rivers and lakes across India are causing pollution which is killing fish and contaminating food crops, experts and environmentalists said on Monday. Hindus across India celebrate various religious festivals in September and October, paying homage to deities like Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Goddess Durga, the destroyer of evil. Elaborately painted and decorated idols are worshipped before they are taken during mass processions to rivers, lakes and the sea, where they are immersed in accordance with Hindu faith. Environmentalists say the idols are often made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris and painted with toxic dyes. After the statues are immersed, the toxins then contaminate food crops when villagers use the polluted water for irrigation, said Shyam Asolekar, science and engineering head at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai. “Even small traces are extremely toxic as they persist in the body for a long time and accumulate in the human tissues,” said Asolekar, who has closely studied the effects of Hindu customs. (Posted @ 21:20 PST)
87 dead in north India floods LUCKNOW, Aug 18 (AFP): At least 87 people have died in northern India following heavy monsoon rains and flooding, officials said Monday. The bulk of the casualties were reported from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, with 73 people killed in the past 48 hours, state revenue secretary Balwainder Kumar told AFP. Most of the deaths happened when houses of the victims collapsed during the downpours. The other 14 deaths occurred in the Indian Punjab, where a major river overflowed, officials said. According to the weather office, more rains were forecast for the next 24 hours, with all the major rivers flowing over the danger mark. “The rainfall this season is 25 percent above normal,” weather office official L.C. Ram said in Uttar Pradesh state capital Lucknow. Further north in Punjab, at least 125 villages were underwater, with thousands of people left homeless and several thousand hectares of rice crop destroyed, state Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Shekon said. Some of the dead were washed away after the Sutlej river broke its banks, while others were electrocuted. (First Posted @ 16:48 PST Updated @ 21:10 PST)
Britain's “youngest terrorist” found guilty LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters): Three men were found guilty of terrorism offences on Monday, including a teenager believed by prosecutors to be the youngest Briton to be convicted of an offence under the Terrorism Act. Hammaad Munshi, 18, Aabid Hussain Khan, 23, and Sultan Muhammad, 23, were found in possession of “huge volumes” of terrorism material, including Al Qaeda documents and information on poisons and firearms, police said. Detectives said the men were “facilitators” who provided exclusive, up to date information on terrorist techniques, training, weapons and explosives. “These are not the actions of curious individuals, or even those who are sympathetic to terrorist objectives,” said Detective Chief Superintendent John Parkinson, head of the Leeds Counter Terrorism Unit. (Posted @ 21:05 PST)
Bush to work with Pakistan CRAWFORD, Texas, Aug 18 (AFP): US President George W. Bush will keep working with Pakistan on counter-terrorism and other issues after President Pervez Musharraf's resignation, the White House said Monday. “President Bush is committed to a strong Pakistan that continues its efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terror,” US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement. Johndroe spoke after Musharraf announced he was standing down. “President Bush appreciates President Musharraf's efforts in the democratic transition of Pakistan as well as his commitment to fighting Al Qaeda and extremist groups,” said Johndroe. “President Bush looks forward to working with the Government of Pakistan on the economic, political and security challenges they face,” the spokesman said. (Posted @ 21:02 PST)
Six die in Sudan floods KHARTOUM, Aug 18 (Reuters): At least six people have died due to heavy rains in Sudan where the Nile was approaching record levels, but the head of the country's civil defence authority said officials were prepared for floods this year. Hamadallah Adam Ali told Reuters on Monday five people have died in Khartoum and one in the remote western Darfur region because of floods. He said he had no information yet on south Sudan where rainfall has been heaviest. Last year Sudan experienced the worst floods in living memory. (Posted @ 20:50 PST)
Killer Caribbean storm hits Cuba, set to become hurricane HAVANA, Aug 18 (AFP): Tropical storm Fay powered towards hurricane strength Monday as it hit Cuba and barreled toward the Florida Keys after claiming at least 11 lives in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The torrential rains killed seven people and left another three missing in Haiti, civil protection officials told AFP. A bus plunged into a river swollen by Fay, reportedly killing dozens. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic due to the heavy rains, while thousands were evacuated, media reported. In Miami, anxious residents descended on gas stations and supermarkets to fill up on petrol and bottled water. Television stations broadcast warnings about possible business shutdowns and power cuts. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
US to continue working with Pakistan government: Rice WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (AFP): US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pledged Monday to continue working with the Pakistan government and thanked outgoing President Pervez Musharraf for aiding the fight against Al-Qaeda. “We will continue to work with the Pakistan government and political leaders and urge them to redouble their focus on Pakistan's future and its most urgent needs, including stemming the growth of extremism,” Rice said in a statement. She added that Musharraf, “has been a friend to the United States and one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism.” (Posted @ 19:34 PST)
Afghan woman, two children killed in British rocket fire KABUL, Aug 18 (AFP): An Afghan woman and two children were killed when British soldiers fired rockets at a compound in southern Afghanistan over the weekend to thwart a Taliban attack, the British military said Monday. Another four civilians were hurt in the incident on Saturday in the southern province of Helmand, a British military statement said. The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), under which the British troops serve, said Sunday that four civilians were killed and three wounded in the rocket fire in Sangin district. There have been several incidents in the past weeks in which civilians have been slain in foreign military action against militants, most often air strikes. (First Posted @ 09:30 PST Updated @ 19:28 PST)
Musharraf leaves President House, Soomro caretaker President ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP): President Musharraf left President House aftera guard of honour while Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro was sworn in as caretaker president. President Musharraf who resigned on Monday afternoon received a final guard of honour from troops at the presidency. A brass band played the national anthem on Monday evening in President House in Islamabad. He left the President House after the guard of honour. The president said he would give his formal resignation to the speaker of parliament later Monday. Senate chairman Mohammedmian Soomro was administered oath of office as caretaker President by Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar. Mr Soomro will act as as caretaker president until an election, which is expected in the next few weeks. (Posted @ 19:26 PST)
Musharraf departure ends 'critical period' for Pakistan: British FM LONDON, Aug 18 (AFP): President Pervez Musharraf's resignation ends a “critical period in Pakistan's history,” British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Monday. Miliband called on the country's political leaders to “come together” to ensure the new government stays on course with economic policy and security. Next Pakistan leader must help pacify Afghanistan: Germany BERLIN: Germany expects Pakistan's next president to help bring stability in Afghanistan, fight terrorism and bolster democracy, a foreign ministry spokesman said Monday after Pervez Musharraf's resignation. France urges Pakistan to uphold constitution after Musharraf quits PARIS: France on Monday urged Pakistani political leaders to respect the constitution and work together to resolve the nation's problems after President Pervez Musharraf resigned. The foreign ministry said it had “taken note” of Musharraf's resignation and “called on all Pakistani political players to respect the constitutional framework and rule of law. (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
Russia hopes for Pakistan stability: statement MOSCOW, Aug 18 (AFP/AP): Russia expressed hope Monday that the resignation of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf would not cause instability in the country. “Russia hopes the departure of President Pervez Musharraf will not have negative consequences for the internal political stability of this major Asian nation,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. The Russian statement came hours after Musharraf announced his resignation. Pakistanis should decide country's destiny: Bangladesh DHAKA: Bangladesh said on Monday it hoped the citizens of Pakistan would determine their country's future, after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation. “The people of Pakistan should be in charge of their own political destiny and as the process evolves, we wish them well,” Bangladesh foreign minister Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a statement. Afghan gov't happy with Musharraf's resignation KABUL: An Afghan government spokesmen say they think the resignation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will have a positive effect on Afghanistan. Interior Ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary said Musharraf was an ally of the United States “in words only, not by actions.” Bashary said Musharraf was not good for Afghanistan, noting that Pakistan's military intelligence agency had been implicated in attacks in Afghanistan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmed Baheen said the Afghan government hoped Musharraf's resignation would strengthen democracy in Pakistan and Afghanistan. (Posted @ 18:25 PST)
Cleric killed, 17 wounded in Baghdad violence BAGHDAD, Aug 18 (AFP): A Shiite cleric was shot dead and 17 people, mostly Iraqi policemen, were injured in a wave of bombings in Baghdad on Monday, security sources said. Sheikh Jaber Fares Dhaher was killed when militants attacked his car in the southern Baghdad neighbourhood of Zafaraniyah, interior ministry sources said. His wife and daughter were also wounded. Three separate bomb attacks targeting US and Iraqi forces also wounded 17 people in Baghdad, the sources added. Nine Iraqis, including three policemen, were injured by a mine targeting a military patrol in the western district of Yarmuk, while a similar attack in the Mansur neighbourhood injured five people, including three policemen. Another explosive device wounded two policemen and an Iraqi civilian in the central district of Karrada. Monday's rash of violence followed an attack Sunday night by a suicide bomber who blew himself up near a mosque in a Sunni Arab district of Baghdad, Adhamiyah, killing at least 15 people and wounding 30. (First Posted @ 09:50 PST Updated @ 18:06 PST)
Cricket: Sri Lanka beat India by eight wickets DAMBULLA, Aug 18 (AFP): Sri Lanka defeated India by eight wickets in the first one-day international here on Monday to gain a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Brief scores: India 146 in 46 overs; Sri Lanka 147-2 in 34.5 overs. (First Posted @ 11:00 PST Updated @ 18:04 PST)
Pakistanis jubilant over Musharraf's resignation MULTAN, Aug 18 (Reuters/AFP): Pakistanis danced in the streets on Monday after President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation, with many ordinary people hoping his departure would bring improvement to their lives. Lawyers, who have spearheaded an anti-Musharraf campaign since he tried to sack the chief justice last year, stormed out of courts in Multan on hearing of Musharraf's resignation, shouting “Down with the American stooge.” Jaffar Shah, a retired soldier in Peshawar, said: “The root cause of all problems has gone. I wish I could fire shots to show my joy but unfortunately I can't do that.” People in Karachi handed out sweets and danced in celebration. “Thank God he's resigned. The country will do much better now. It's a victory for the people,” said a businessman. In Lahore, the sound of drums and cheers of joy echoed throughout this ancient walled city. Elsewhere, people fired Kalashnikovs in the air to celebrate. Some Pakistanis harboured what seem unrealistic expectations for the post-Musharraf outlook: “Inflation is surely going to go down now,” said one shopkeeper. Others were less optimistic as despite Musharraf's unpopularity, many Pakistanis are suspicious of the civilian politicians -- a number of whom have returned to power -- were dogged by accusations of corruption and mismanagement when they ruled in the 1990s. Some said they feared that with Musharraf gone, the coalition would be beset by infighting between them. Other Pakistanis sounded a note of caution, saying that the nation would now likely see more political chaos. “I think we should see about the state of the country. The coalition have been saying Musharraf was a big obstacle. We will see what they do now,” Ahmed, a political analyst said. (Posted @ 17:56 PST)
Chief Justice Dogar meets Pervez Musharraf ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, met Pervez Musharraf in President House on Monday after the announcement of his resignation as President and remained with him for some time. According to a Supreme Court senior official, the meeting of the Chief Justice with the President was a farewell call on the outgoing President. (Posted @ 17:34 PST)
Rice heads to NATO meeting to rally support for Georgia WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (AFP): US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice heads for Europe Monday for crisis talks with NATO allies on the situation in Georgia and to sign a key missile defense shield pact with Poland. Rice confirmed she would travel from the meeting in Brussels to Warsaw to ink the deal on installing US interceptor missiles on Polish territory, a move sure to further inflame tensions with Russia. Earlier Rice told Fox News, “We are going to help rebuild Georgia into a strong Georgian state.” Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Monday that Russia had deployed several SS-21 tactical missile launchers and supply vehicles in South Ossetia, putting the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in striking range. And a Georgian government spokesman said his country sees “no signs” that Russian forces are preparing to withdraw. Russian withdrawal from Georgia begins MOSCOW: The withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia under a peace agreement began Monday, the deputy head of Russia's general staff, General Anatoly Nogovitsyn said. (First Posted @ 09:50 PST Updated @ 17:34 PST)
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman resigns RAWALPINDI, Aug 18 (AP): Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf stepped down Monday after Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation. As president, Musharraf was also patron of the cricket board and appointed Ashraf chairman in 2006. The PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told The Associated Press that Ashraf had sent in his resignation. Ashraf flew back to Pakistan on Monday after spending nearly three weeks in the United States. Pakistan is scheduled to host the Champions Trophy next month, which also involves defending champion Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and West Indies. (Posted @ 17:22 PST)
Musharraf not to go in exile: aides ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP): President Pervez Musharraf who resigned as President of Pakistan would not leave the country. Several close aides said Musharraf was not set to go into exile as several of Pakistan's former leaders have done. “He is not going anywhere,” one aide said. Musharraf's resignation was to be formally handed in to parliament later in the day. The leaders of the ruling coalition, Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, later met in Islamabad. Television footage showed them smiling broadly and shaking hands but they made no immediate comment. Bhutto's son Bilawal said Musharraf’s successor would be from her party but there was no immediate indication about any candidates. Cheering crowds poured into the streets after President Musharraf announced his resignation in an address telecast on television. However, there was little immediate reaction from outside the country with the exception of Afghanistan. “We hope that the resignation of President Musharraf... leads to a strengthening of the civilian government and democracy in Pakistan,” said foreign ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmad Baheen in Afghanistan. (Posted @ 17:15 PST)
Suicide attack kills nine outside US base in Afghanistan KABUL, Aug 18 (AFP): A suicide car bomb blew up Monday outside a US military base in eastern Afghanistan, killing nine civilian labourers, as the country marked Independence Day under the shadow of militant attacks. The blast, claimed by the Taliban, did not penetrate the base in the town of Khost and security forces were able to prevent a second suicide attack moments later, the US-led coalition and Afghan officials said. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahed, said it carried out the suicide attack in Khost, 30 kilometres from the border with Pakistan. The US-led coalition said insurgents detonated the device outside the base and that nine Afghans were killed and 13 wounded. (First Posted @ 11:00 PST Updated @ 17:08 PST)
14 dead in Indian Punjab floods AMRITSAR, Aug 18 (AFP): Fourteen people have died in monsoon floods in India's northern state of Punjab as a major river overflowed after heavy rains, officials said Monday. About 125 villages in the state were underwater, with thousands left homeless and several thousand hectares of rice crop destroyed, Punjab Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Shekon said. Some of the dead were washed away after the Sutlej river broke its banks, while others were electrocuted. He said aid was yet to reach hundreds of people stranded on rooftops. The Indian army has been called in to assist in relief operations and help evacuate those in danger, he said. (Posted @ 16:48 PST)
Musharraf resignation avenges Bhutto's death: son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari KARACHI, Aug 18 (AFP): The son of slain former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto on Monday hailed the resignation of Pervez Musharraf, saying the next president would be from Bhutto's party. “After the martyrdom of my mother I said that democracy was the best revenge -- and today it was proved true,” said 19-year-old Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of Pakistan People's Party. “Someone from the Pakistan People's Party would be the next president of Pakistan but I don't know who that would be,” he told a local television at Karachi airport after flying in from Dubai. (Posted @ 16:15 PST)
Pakistan stocks up on Musharraf resignation KARACHI, Aug 18 (AFP): Stocks jumped 4.5 percent on Monday after President Pervez Musharraf announced that he was leaving office after nine years in power, dealers said. The benchmark Karachi Stock Exchange KSE-100 Index finished the day up 460.91 points to close at 10,719.62. “The market has gone upward now that the uncertainty regarding the country's political scenario is over with the resignation of Pervez Musharraf,”said analyst Azhar Ahmad Batla of WE Brokerage House. “The market could grow more and the rupee could get stronger against the dollar if the country sees good governance in future.” (Posted @ 16:15 PST)
Nepal Maoist leader sworn in as prime minister KATHMANDU, Aug 18 (AFP/AP): The leader of Nepal's Maoists, Prachanda, was sworn in as prime minister of the world's youngest republic Monday, an AFP reporter witnessed. The former rebel chief was on Friday overwhelmingly voted in as Nepal's new premier by lawmakers in the country's constitutional assembly, which had abolished the unpopular monarchy in May. “I will remain faithful to the nation and my countrymen, and promise in the name of the people that I will remain faithful to the sovereign nation of Nepal,” he said in his oath of office. The event was broadcast live on national television. The Maoists quit their armed revolt in 2006 to join the peace process and mainstream politics. They secured the largest number of seats in the April election. (Posted @ 16:15 PST)
Militants kill 28 civilians in Philippines ILIGAN, Aug 18 (AFP): At least 28 civilians and three soldiers were killed Monday in a wave of militant attacks in the southern Philippines, witnesses and officials said. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants raided several towns in southern Lanao del Norte province, looting businesses, burning homes and randomly attacking villagers, officials said. Nine bodies were lying bloodied by a roadside in Lapayan village in Kauswagan town as black smoke billowed from houses burning nearby, AFP reporters said. Five civilians were killed in a neighbouring village, residents fleeing the area told AFP. Six more bodies were found in Kauswagan Monday. All 20 bodies were taken by troops to two mortuaries in Iligan city a few kilometres away. Meanwhile, in Kolambugan town, six civilians and three soldiers were killed, mayor Beltran Lumaque said in a radio interview. (First Posted @ 10:30 PST; Updated @ 15:55 PST)
Musharraf: steely leader in a difficult job ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP): During nine turbulent years as Pakistan's leader, Pervez Musharraf insisted time and again that he was the only person who could save Pakistan. And when the 64-year-old former commando finally gave up and resigned as president on Monday in the face of impeachment proceedings by the governing coalition, he maintained that line. “Sometimes I think I should do something to steer out the country out of crisis. But also I think that I should not do anything which should prolong the uncertainty,” he said in a televised address. When then-army chief General Musharraf ousted elected prime minister Nawaz Sharif, in 1999, many Pakistanis handed out sweets at the end of a corrupt and economically disastrous administration. A whisky-tippling moderate fond of dogs, Musharraf won praise for trying to tackle Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants and presided over a period of record growth. He also showed a steely nerve in what has been dubbed the world's most dangerous job -- one in which he has escaped at least three assassination attempts by Al-Qaeda. Musharraf was born in Old Delhi on August 11, 1943. His family moved to the newly-created Pakistan shortly after independence in 1947. He said he had his first brush with death falling out of a mango tree as a boy. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy at age 18 and became a commando in 1966, but he admitted “my bluntness and indiscipline landed me in many a serious trouble” until his marriage in 1968. He now has a son and a daughter. On October 7, 1998, then-prime minister Sharif appointed him chief of staff. A year later amid political tensions, on October 12, 1999, Sharif tried to sack Musharraf when the general was on an airliner returning from Sri Lanka a year later, triggering what Musharraf calls his “counter-coup.”The premier ordered the jet not to land in Pakistan, but Musharraf's fellow generals arrested Sharif and took over Karachi airport, where the plane landed with only seven minutes of fuel left. With no experience in civilian leadership, Musharraf was forced to rely on opportunist political allies and got a boost from US support after the September 11 attacks. He won a five-year term as president in an April 2002 referendum. In 2004, he reneged on a subsequent promise to quit as army chief. He faced no serious challenges until he tried to sack the country's chief justice in March 2007, a move designed to remove a key hurdle to his legal manoeuvres to stay in the top spot. Instead it sparked nationwide protests and months of turmoil that led to the imposition of a state of emergency in November 2007. Under international pressure, he quit as chief of the powerful army a few weeks later. After the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in December, the national mood turned even further against him and the crushing losses suffered by his allies in parliament left him increasingly isolated. Having resigned, Musharraf's fate remains uncertain. His aides were lobbying for him to remain in Pakistan and live at his half-built farmhouse outside Islamabad -- but the ruling coalition appears unlikely to agree. (Posted @ 15:42 PST)
Implications of Musharraf's resignation ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (Reuters): The following are some of the political, economic and diplomatic implications of his expected resignation.
INTERNAL POLITICS
* Opposition to Musharraf has bonded rival parties in the coalition government. His departure could see them drift apart.
* The Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto leads the coalition, with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) its main partner. The two main civilian parties are old rivals and despite recent cooperation, will compete in the next election.
SECURITY
* The coalition government has vowed full commitment to the campaign against violent militancy. Despite questions over its policy of trying to negotiate with militants, recent operations in the northwest should have reassured Washington and other allies the government will match Musharraf's security efforts.
* The military plays a dominant role in security policy, and its cooperation with the new government has been smooth.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
* The United States, apparently resigned to Musharraf's exit, says Pakistan's leadership is a Pakistani matter. Ties between the new government and Washington are good and should remain so as long as the latter is satisfied the government is doing enough to stop militancy, in particular attacks into Afghanistan.
* The new government is committed to the peace process with India launched under Musharraf in 2004.
ECONOMY
* The government has vowed to turn its attention to economic problems after Musharraf leaves. Inflation is at its highest in years, and trade and fiscal deficits are widening.
High oil prices have depleted foreign reserves while the rupee has lost about a quarter of its value this year. An end to the uncertainty over Musharraf should ease investor worry. Stocks rose 4 percent on Monday as investors cheered his departure as a milestone toward easing tension.
THE NEXT PRESIDENT
* Who becomes next president could depend on the powers the position retains. Musharraf had authority to dismiss parliament and make top military and judicial appointments. Coalition partners vow to strip the presidency of those powers and make it a largely ceremonial post. However, analysts say Asif Ali Zardari might want the job, in which case he will want to keep the powers. Zardari has also suggested the next president might be a woman. Newspapers have speculated an ethnic Pashtun leader, Asfandayr Wali Khan, whose liberal party is part of the coalition, might get the job. The president is elected by the four provincial assemblies and the national parliament. (Posted @ 15:28 PST)
Tens of thousands demand UN intervention in Indian occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Aug 18 (AFP): Tens of thousands of Muslims took to the streets of Indian occupied Kashmir's main city Monday to demand that the United Nations recognise the Himalayan region's right to self-determination. Security was tight as tens of thousands of people marched towards a local UN office, in defiance of official warnings against holding the rally in Srinagar, still tense after deadly clashes last week. “I have never seen such a big rally in Srinagar,” said Abdul Aziz, a 75-year-old shopkeeper taking part in the procession. “I couldn't resist coming out to demand freedom from India,” he said, as he marched towards the UN office carrying a placard, “If freedom for Kosovo, why not for Kashmir?” The marchers included men, women and children, who chanted slogans including “We want freedom” and “We will give blood for Kashmir's freedom.” Many also carried green or black flags -- symbolising Islam and mourning. Last week 22 Muslim demonstrators were shot dead by security forces in the Kashmir valley as they vented their anger over a blockade of the area by Hindu hardliners. Top Kashmiri leader Shabir Shah said the demonstrators planned to deliver a plea for UN intervention in the wake of last week's shootings of “peaceful protesters”. Another Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said the plea urges the UN “to intervene and help us in achieving the right to self-determination.” There are decades-old UN Security Council resolutions calling for a referendum to allow the Kashmiri people to choose between India and Pakistan, but they have never been implemented. (Posted @ 15:10 PST)
Cricket: India crash to Murali and Mendis DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Aug 18 (AFP) - Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan shared six wickets as Sri Lanka shot India out for 146 in the first one-day international here on Monday. Spin sensation Mendis finished with 3-21 and off-spinner Muralitharan with 3-37 to ensure India remained under pressure throughout their innings Left-handed Yuvraj was India's top scorer with 23 in a dismal batting performance. No other batsman could even reach 20. (First Posted @ 11:00 PST; Updated @ 15:08 PST)
CHRONOLOGY-Months of turmoil for Pakistan's Musharraf Islamabad, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on Monday in the face of an impending impeachment motion by Pakistan's ruling coalition government. The former army chief and firm U.S. ally had seen his popularity slide over the past 18 months and had been isolated since his parliamentary allies lost a February general election. Here is a chronology of recent events that led to the downfall of Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in December 1999 and became president in 2001.
March 9, 2007 - Musharraf suspends Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry over allegations of misconduct. Lawyers rally around the top judge and Musharraf's popularity plummets.
July 10 - Musharraf orders troops to storm the Red Mosque in Islamabad to crush a Taliban-style movement there. At least 105 people are killed. Militant attacks and suicide bombings follow.
July 20 - Supreme Court reinstates Chief Justice Chaudhry, dealing a blow to Musharraf's authority.
July 27 - Musharraf meets former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Abu Dhabi for inconclusive talks on how to move the country towards a civilian-led democracy. Bhutto demands Musharraf step down as army chief.
Sept 10 - Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is arrested at Islamabad airport on his arrival from exile, despite the Supreme Court clearing his return. He is deported to Saudi Arabia.
Oct 2 - Musharraf's government announces it will drop graft charges against Bhutto, clearing the way for her return.
Oct 6 - Musharraf wins a presidential vote by legislators.
Supreme Court holds off confirming legality of vote.
Oct 19 - Suicide bomber tries to assassinate Bhutto in Karachi as she returns from eight years of exile.
Nov 2 - Supreme Court meets to decide if Musharraf was eligible to stand for re-election while still army chief.
Nov 3 - Musharraf imposes emergency rule, detaining thousands of opposition politicians and lawyers.
Nov 11 - Musharraf says parliamentary elections will be held by Jan. 8.
Nov 13 - Bhutto is placed under house arrest for a week in Lahore, hours before planned march against emergency rule.
Bhutto says Musharraf must quit as president.
Nov 15 - Musharraf appoints Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro to head a caretaker line-up to oversee elections.
Nov 22 - Commonwealth suspends Pakistan.
Nov 25 - Sharif returns from exile.
Nov 28 - Tearful Musharraf hands command of the army to General Ashfaq Kayani.
Nov 29 - Musharraf is sworn in as civilian leader.
Dec 15 - Musharraf lifts state of emergency, restores constitution.
Dec 27 - Bhutto is assassinated in a gun and bomb attack.
Jan 2 - Election delayed from Jan 8 to Feb 18 because of disturbances after Bhutto's assassination.
Feb 18 - Resounding election victory for parties led by Bhutto's widower Asif Ali Zardari (Pakistan People's Party) and Sharif (Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)). Analysts say Musharraf may be driven out.
March 9 - Sharif says he will join Zardari to form a coalition hostile to Musharraf.
Aug 7 - Ruling coalition says it will launch proceedings to impeach Musharraf.
Aug 16 - Pakistan's ruling coalition prepares impeachment charges against Musharraf focusing on violation of the constitution and misconduct.
Aug 18 - Musharraf announces resignation.
(Posted @ 15:05 PST)
Pakistan's Musharraf announces resignation ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP) -Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on Monday in the face of looming impeachment charges, ending a turbulent nine years in power. “After viewing the situation and consulting legal advisers and political allies, with their advice I have decided to resign,” a grim-faced Musharraf, wearing a sober suit and tie, said in a televised address to the nation. “I leave my future in the hands of the people.” Musharraf said he would hand his resignation to the speaker of the national assembly (lower house of parliament) later on Monday. He made the shock announcement after denying that any of the impeachment charges against him could stand and launching into a lengthy defence of his time in power.“Not a single charge in the impeachment can stand against me,” Musharraf said. “No charge can be proved against me because I never did anything for myself, it was all for Pakistan.” He said that there was now law and order in the country, that human rights and democracy had been improved and that Pakistan was now an crucial country internationally. “On the map of the world, Pakistan is now an important country, by the grace of Allah,” he said. Musharraf's popularity slumped last year amid his attempts to oust the country's chief justice and then during a wave of Taliban suicide bombings that killed more than 1,000 people, including former premier Benazir Bhutto. He imposed a state of emergency in November last year to force his re-election to another five-year term through the Supreme Court, but his political allies were trounced at the February polls.The coalition of parties which won the February election, led by Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, finally overcame months of divisions and agreed to impeach Musharraf on August 7. It piled on the pressure with no-confidence votes in Pakistan's four provincial assemblies last week. Then on Sunday it said it had drawn up impeachment charges and would lodge them in parliament this week. The charges reportedly included violation of the constitution and gross misconduct. Officials say that Musharraf's aides have been in talks with the coalition, brokered by Saudi Arabia, the United States and Britain, to allow him to quit in return for indemnity. Musharraf's spokesman had repeatedly denied in recent days that he was about to quit, and it was not immediately clear what would happen next. But a lack of apparent support from Pakistan's army, which he left in November, apparently made other options -- including dissolving parliament or even declaring another state of emergency -- impossible. Speculation over Musharraf's fate intensified overnight when US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that granting asylum to Musharraf was not currently under consideration by the United States. “That's not an issue on the table, and I just want to keep our focus on what we must do with the democratic government of Pakistan,” Rice said. Western allies want Pakistan to resolve the crisis over Musharraf so it can deal with the fight against Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, where nearly 500 people have died in the past week.The government is also struggling to deal with a severe economic crunch. (Posted @ 14:56 PST)
President Pervez Musharraf resigns ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation from the office of President of Pakistan on Monday, August 18. He said he would want the people of Pakistan to judge his actions. President Pervez Musharraf said he was sending his resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly. He asked his well-wishers to accept his decision in the interests of Pakistan. He said his decision was on the slogan of Pakistan first and he wanted the country to prosper. President Musharraf hoped the nation would continue to prosper and develop. (Updated @ 14:16 PST)
President Pervez Musharraf’s address to the nation KARACHI, Aug 18: President Pervez Musharraf began his address to the nation at 13.13 PST at the President’s House in Islamabad, saying “Today is a day of an important decision for me.” Proceedings began with recitation from the Holy Quran at 13.10 pm. President Pervez Musharraf said the nation is aware of the crisis it is going through. He said ‘when I assumed charge nine years ago the country was about to be branded a failed state and a terrorist state. He asid assumed charge with the aim of rescuing the country. In the last nine years I have tried my best to serve the country to the best of my ability… during confrontation with India, 9/11 and its aftermath and the devastating earthquake.’ (Updated @ 13:28 PST)
President Musharraf won't quit in TV address: aide ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP) President Pervez Musharraf will defend himself in a televised address to the nation Monday and will not resign from office despite the threat of impeachment, a presidential aide told AFP. (Posted @ 13:12 PST)
Cricket- PCB chief describes security concerns as 'illogical' KARACHI, Aug 18 (Reuters) Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Nasim Ashraf told players to stop “grumbling” and described their concerns over the security arrangements for next month's Champions Trophy as an illogical reaction. Ashraf told reporters Monday that neither the International Cricket Council (ICC) nor its member boards would bow to player-pressure demanding the one-day international tournament be moved from Pakistan. “Everything is set for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan and the ICC fully supports our security plans and planning. It is only a few players who are grumbling and their concerns are emotional pressure not based on reasoning or logic,” Ashraf said. England, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand officials and players have expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan ahead of the tournament due to start on Sept. 12. Despite briefings from an ICC task force, Cricket Australia and New Zealand have said they had yet to decide whether they would send teams to Pakistan. “The ICC and its member boards are satisfied with our security arrangements and foolproof planning and there is no reason for not having the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Ashraf added. (Posted @ 13:10 PST)
27 killed in Sri Lanka fighting COLOMBO, Aug 18 (AP) Fighting in northern Sri Lanka killed 23 rebels and four soldiers, the Sri Lankan military said. Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said Monday six Tamil Tiger fighters and two soldiers were killed in the Kilinochchi district Saturday. Fighting in Vavuniya, Welioya and Mullaitivu killed 17 other rebels and two soldiers. He said four other soldiers died when their vehicle was struck by lightning. Rebel spokesmen were not available for comment. (Posted @ 12:10 PST)
President Musharraf to address nation at 01:00 p.m. ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP) President Pervez Musharraf is to address the nation on Monday afternoon, his spokesman told AFP, while dismissing rumours that he had resigned to avoid impeachment. “The president will address the nation at 01:00pm (0700 GMT),” said retired Major General Rashid Qureshi, the chief presidential spokesman. Asked about local television reports that Musharraf had already resigned in the face of attempts by the governing coalition to impeach him, the spokesman replied, “It is all nonsense.” Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said it appeared that Musharraf had “seen the writing on the wall” but did not say if he knew what the president was planning to announce. “He is a wise man, he is a very experienced man and he has seen the writing on the wall,” Qureshi told Dawn News television when asked if he had confirmation that Musharraf had resigned. “He has seen the sentiments of not just the elected representatives, but various institutions... who all asked him to move in a particular way and do not destabilize things here,” he said. Pakistan People's Party spokesman Farhatullah Babar said: “His political fate has been sealed. Whatever he says doesn't matter.” (First Posted @ 10:15 PST, Updated @ 11:11 PST)
Cricket- India win toss and bat in first Sri Lanka ODI DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Aug 18 (Reuters) Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and choose to bat against Sri Lanka in the first one-day international on Monday. Teams: Sri Lanka - Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (wicketkeeper), Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chaminda Vaas, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis; India - Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Pragyan Ojha. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
Suicide bomber kills nine Afghan civilians KHOST, Afghanistan, Aug 18 (Reuters) A suicide bomber rammed a car at the gate of a foreign military base in the southeast Afghan province of Khost on Monday, killing nine Afghan civilians and wounded 13, the provincial governor said. Two more suicide bombers were shot dead by police before they were able to detonate explosives in a car as police dealt with casualties from the initial attack, Khost's governor, Arsala Jamal, told Reuters. (Posted @ 11:00 PST)
16 civilians killed in militant attacks in Philippines ILIGAN, Philippines, Aug 18 (AFP) At least 16 civilians were found dead Monday, many with their bodies hacked by machetes, after militants launched a wave of attacks in the southern Philippines, AFP reporters said. Nine bodies were lying bloodied by a roadside in the village of Lapayan in Kauswagan town as black smoke billowed from houses burning in the background, they said. Five other civilians were killed in another village by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants, residents fleeing the area told AFP. Many other civilians were wounded as they tried to catch the last vehicles leaving the area. Another rebel unit struck the town of Maasim, leaving two civilians dead. “They killed two people,” said military spokesman Major Randolph Cabangbang. (First Posted @ 09:10 PST, Updated @ 10:30 PST)
President Musharraf to address nation at 01:00 p.m. ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (AFP) President Pervez Musharraf is to address the nation later Monday afternoon, his aide told AFP, while dismissing rumours that he had resigned. “The president will address the nation at 01:00pm (0700 GMT),” retired major general Rashid Qureshi said. Asked about local television reports that Musharraf had already resigned in the face of attempts by the governing coalition to impeach him, the spokesman replied, “It is all nonsense.” (FirstPosted @ 10:15 PST, Updated @ 10:20 PST)
President Musharraf to address nation at 01:00 p.m. ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: President Pervez Musharraf is expected to address the nation in a televised address at 01:00 p.m. Monday, private television channels reported. (Posted @ 10:15 PST)
South Ossetia's president sacks government, declares emergency MOSCOW, Aug 18 (AFP) The president of Georgia's separatist republic of South Ossetia, Eduard Kokoity, late Sunday dismissed his government and proclaimed a state of emergency in the region, Russia's Vesti-24 television reported. “I have signed three decrees including one on the resignation of the government, another on proclamation of a state of emergency in South Ossetia and the third on setting up an emergency committee to settle the consequences of the Georgian aggression,” Kokoity told the channel. He accused his government of being slow in distributing humanitarian aid to the residents of South Ossetia, stressing that a public servant “must work for his people and not to make profit for himself.” (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
Russia deploys missiles in South Ossetia: NYT WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (AFP) Russia has deployed several SS-21 tactical missile launchers and supply vehicles to South Ossetia, putting the Georgian capital of Tbilisi within their striking range, The New York Times reported on its website late Sunday. Citing unnamed US officials familiar with intelligence reports, the newspaper said the launching positions were located north of Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital. The report came as Russian forces continued to man positions along the road from Tbilisi to Gori, including at a checkpoint in Igoeti, only 30 kilometres from the capital. In addition, several Bear-H bombers have carried out training missions over the Black Sea, the report said. The planes, capable of carrying non-nuclear cruise missiles, appeared to simulate a missile attacks against Georgia, said The Times, citing intelligence analysts. (Posted @ 09:50 PST)
Suicide bomber kills 15 in Baghdad BAGHDAD, Aug 18 (AFP) A suicide bomber blew himself up near a mosque in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah district on Sunday, killing at least 15 people and wounding 30, security officials told AFP. The bomber detonated his explosives vest at a checkpoint near the Abu Hanifa mosque, the officials said. A security official with the interior ministry said the bomber was riding a bicycle when he detonated his vest, while witnesses said the bomber was dressed as a woman. Those killed included Faruq al-Obeidi, a local leader of the anti-Qaeda group, six of his bodyguards and eight civilians, security officials said. The wounded included five women, they added. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
NATO-led soldiers 'accidentally' kill four Afghan civilians KABUL, Aug 18 (AFP) NATO-led soldiers operating in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province “accidentally” killed four civilians and wounded three others in a rocket attack intended for insurgents, the alliance force said Sunday. The Ministry of Defence in London later said British NATO troops were involved in the deaths, adding, “a full investigation will be carried out.” NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the casualties from the incident Saturday included women and children. Two of the wounded, both children, were in a serious condition, the statement said. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
Gunmen kill 13 at party in northern Mexico MEXICO CITY, Aug 18 (AP) Gunmen killed 13 people at a family party in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua’s Creel town Saturday, authorities said. Most of the victims were members of a single family. (Posted @ 09:20 PST)
Militants launch raids in southern Philippines ILIGAN, Philippines, Aug 18 (AFP) Militants raided two southern Philippine towns on Monday, burning houses and taking over local banks and businesses, officials said, prompting some residents to flee. Over 200 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants entered the town of Kolambugan in southern Lanao del Norte province before dawn, engaging troops and local police in intense gunbattles, said town mayor Beltran Lumagi. “They are now in the poblacion area (town centre), they have taken over the business centre, the rural banks, pawnshops,” Lumagi said on Manila radio station DZBB. He said police and army forces were trying to hold the rebels at bay and fighting had been intense. He said many residents had evacuated, and he was trying to confirm unverified reports some may have been held hostage. MILF militants also entered two villages in the nearby town of Kauswagan, triggering heavy gunbattles with troops, police said. The MILF has been waging a separatist rebellion since 1978. (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Blast at Azerbaijan mosque kills at least two BAKU, Aug 18 (Reuters) A blast on Sunday at a mosque in Azerbaijan's capital killed at least two people and injured nine others, police said. A hand grenade was thrown into the Abu-Bekr mosque in central Baku during evening prayers. About 100 people were in the mosque when the grenade exploded. (Posted @ 09:00 PST)
50 die in Haiti after swollen river sweeps bus away PORT-AU-PRINCE, Aug 18 (Reuters) Around 50 people died in Haiti on Sunday when a bus tried to cross a river swollen with rain from Tropical Storm Fay and was swept away, officials and witnesses said. Two dozen survivors were pulled alive out of the Riviere Glace waters in the southwestern province of Grand-Anse, said mayor Oreste Andre of the town of Bomont, where the accident occurred. There were 80 or more people crowded on the bus headed to Jeremie, the largest city in Grand-Anse, Andre said. Four people were killed in Haiti on Saturday by the tropical storm as it passed over on its way to Cuba and Florida, possibly as a hurricane. One person was killed in the neighboring Dominican Republic and two were missing. (Posted @ 08:55 PST)
Lebanese army opens fire after bomb thrown in Tripoli TRIPOLI, Lebanon, Aug 18 (AFP) The Lebanese army opened fire early Monday after a homemade bomb was thrown in an area of the northern city of Tripoli, an army spokesman told AFP. “The army fired at the place from where the bomb was thrown, in a sector separating Bab al-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen” areas, the spokesman said. Witnesses told AFP two bombs had been thrown and an exchange of fire ensued between the two sides for 10 minutes before the army intervened. The spokesman said no one had been hurt. (Posted @ 08:50 PST)
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