MOSCOW (AP).-.Russia will continue supplying weapons to Syrian President Bashar Assad s government despite the country s escalating civil war, the head of Russia s state arms trader said Wednesday.
Anatoly Isaikin, the director of Rosoboronexport, said that Russia sees no need to stop arms trade with Syria as it isn t prohibited by the United Nations. He dismissed Western criticism of Russian arms sales to Assad s regime, saying that his company has only delivered defensive weapons.
"In the absence of sanctions, we are continuing to fulfill our contract obligations," Isaikin said at a news conference. "But these aren t offensive weapons. We are mostly shipping air defense systems and repair equipment intended for various branches of the military."
Moscow has been the main protector of Assad s beleaguered regime, joining with China at the U.N. Security Council to block attempts to impose sanctions over his crackdown on a 23-month-old uprising in which more than 60,000 have died.
For more than four decades, Syria has been Moscow s top ally in the region and has received billions of dollars worth of missiles, combat jets, tanks, artillery and other military gear. It s the last Kremlin ally in the Middle East and hosts the only naval base Russia has outside the former Soviet Union.
As the rebel offensive against Assad has intensified, the Kremlin has sought to distance itself from Assad, signaling that it is resigned to him eventually losing power. But Moscow has continued to oppose sanctions against Damascus and warned that the fall of Assad s regime could plunge Syria even deeper into violence and also encourage the rise of extremist groups across the region.
Alexei Pushkov, the Kremlin-connected head of foreign affairs committee in the lower house of the Russian parliament, said Wednesday that Assad s downfall would create a "second Afghanistan" and reaffirmed that Russia would continue to reject the calls for the Syrian ruler s resignation as a precondition for peace talks.
Russia has bristled at Western demands to stop providing Assad with arms, arguing that its weapons trade with Damascus doesn t contradict international law. In June, a Russian-operated ship carrying helicopter gunships and air defense missiles was forced to turn back to Russia after its British insurer canceled coverage for the vessel.
Russia said the vessel was carrying three refurbished helicopters belonging to Syria, and criticized Britain for forcing the ship to turn back, saying that it wouldn t abide by European sanctions against the Assad regime.
The helicopters were repaired and sent back to Syria by a different Russian firm, and Isaikin insisted that his company hasn t shipped any combat planes or helicopters to Syria.
He said more deliveries will be conducted under existing contracts, but refused to give specifics.
Isaikin said that his company has a contract with Syria for the delivery of Yak-130 combat jets but so far has not shipped any. He didn t explain why no deliveries have been made, but the reason could be the aircraft s long production cycle.
Russian media reported last year that the contract was for 36 Yak-130s worth $550 million. The Yak-130 is a combat training jet that can also carry modern weapons for ground attack missions.
Isaikin didn t mention any other weapons systems which his company has delivered to Syria or is planning to ship in the future.
The Russian media said they included Pantsyr-S1 and Buk-M2 air defense systems and Bastion anti-ship missile system. The latter is armed with supersonic Yakhont cruise missiles that have a range of up to 300 kilometers and provides a strong deterrent against an attack from the sea.
Wednesday 13 February 2013
EU slams Afzal Guru's hanging
BRUSSELS: EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said it was with "regret" that she learned of the execution of Afzal Guru last Saturday.
While recognising that "terrible murders" were committed in the attack and aware of the sufferings of the victims and their families, the EU "reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances", Baroness Ashton said in a press statement.
Afzal had been on a death row during the last ten years since he was convicted in December, 2002 for playing a central role in the attack on the Parliament on December 13, 2001 that left nine people dead.
His execution at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi last Saturday comes less than three months after Ajmal Kasab, the only survivor among the perpetrators of the terror strike in Mumbai in 2008, was hanged in November.
Ashton said the EU calls upon India to re-establish a moratorium on executions, in line with the global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment.
She also offered India EU s support in the fight against terrorism and said the 27-nation bloc looked forward to continuing to work together in this area.
While recognising that "terrible murders" were committed in the attack and aware of the sufferings of the victims and their families, the EU "reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances", Baroness Ashton said in a press statement.
Afzal had been on a death row during the last ten years since he was convicted in December, 2002 for playing a central role in the attack on the Parliament on December 13, 2001 that left nine people dead.
His execution at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi last Saturday comes less than three months after Ajmal Kasab, the only survivor among the perpetrators of the terror strike in Mumbai in 2008, was hanged in November.
Ashton said the EU calls upon India to re-establish a moratorium on executions, in line with the global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment.
She also offered India EU s support in the fight against terrorism and said the 27-nation bloc looked forward to continuing to work together in this area.
India offers mediation between Tehran, Washington
NEW DELHI (AFP) - India s good relations with Iran and the United States make it able to "provide the linkages" for any dialogue between Tehran and Washington, Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said Wednesday.
"We remain good friends with the US and we are extremely good friends with Iran," he told a conference on the Gulf nation.
"It places us in a very significant position to be able to bridge the gaps and to provide the linkages necessary for a meaningful dialogue (between the United States and Iran)," Khurshid said, according to the Press Trust of India.
Energy-hungry India has been walking a diplomatic tightrope in the past few years as it continues to pursue good ties and to import oil from Iran while deepening relations with the United States.
Khurshid s statements came a day after US President Barack Obama told Iranian leaders in his State of the Union address it was time they ended a standoff over their disputed nuclear programme.
The United States and other Western powers suspect Iran is masking the development of a nuclear weapons capability under the guise of a programme which Tehran insists is purely for peaceful purposes.
Khurshid noted India had not accepted the "unilateral sanctions" slapped by Washington on Iran to curb its uranium enrichment programme and had gone ahead with its "regular engagement."
India, which is heavily dependent on oil from Iran and other countries to power its economy, has cut back on fuel imports from the Gulf nation.
But it has long been wary of being seen as bowing too easily to US demands and views Iran as an important counterweight to rival Pakistan in the region.
India is in a position to give Iran the kind of "comfort, advice and handholding" required in the "very, very critical and crucial discussions and dialogue that Iran needs to do", Khurshid said.
On Tuesday Obama said "the leaders of Iran must recognise that now is the time for a diplomatic solution" to the nuclear row.
Analysts have said Obama s re-election last November may give him a freer hand to pursue direct talks with Iran.
"We remain good friends with the US and we are extremely good friends with Iran," he told a conference on the Gulf nation.
"It places us in a very significant position to be able to bridge the gaps and to provide the linkages necessary for a meaningful dialogue (between the United States and Iran)," Khurshid said, according to the Press Trust of India.
Energy-hungry India has been walking a diplomatic tightrope in the past few years as it continues to pursue good ties and to import oil from Iran while deepening relations with the United States.
Khurshid s statements came a day after US President Barack Obama told Iranian leaders in his State of the Union address it was time they ended a standoff over their disputed nuclear programme.
The United States and other Western powers suspect Iran is masking the development of a nuclear weapons capability under the guise of a programme which Tehran insists is purely for peaceful purposes.
Khurshid noted India had not accepted the "unilateral sanctions" slapped by Washington on Iran to curb its uranium enrichment programme and had gone ahead with its "regular engagement."
India, which is heavily dependent on oil from Iran and other countries to power its economy, has cut back on fuel imports from the Gulf nation.
But it has long been wary of being seen as bowing too easily to US demands and views Iran as an important counterweight to rival Pakistan in the region.
India is in a position to give Iran the kind of "comfort, advice and handholding" required in the "very, very critical and crucial discussions and dialogue that Iran needs to do", Khurshid said.
On Tuesday Obama said "the leaders of Iran must recognise that now is the time for a diplomatic solution" to the nuclear row.
Analysts have said Obama s re-election last November may give him a freer hand to pursue direct talks with Iran.
US begins equipment pullout from Afghanistan via Pak route
KABUL: The US says it has started using the land route through Pakistan to pull American military equipment out of Afghanistan.
According to international media, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, Marcus Spade, said on Monday that the US moved 50 shipping containers into Pakistan over the weekend.
Pakistan will be a key route for the US to withdraw thousands of containers of equipment out of landlocked Afghanistan as it pulls out most of its combat troops by the end of 2014.
Pakistan closed the route for nearly seven months after US airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani troops in November 2011. Islamabad reopened the route after Washington apologized for the deaths.
During the closure of the Pakistan route, the US had to use a longer, more costly path through Central Asia.
According to international media, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, Marcus Spade, said on Monday that the US moved 50 shipping containers into Pakistan over the weekend.
Pakistan will be a key route for the US to withdraw thousands of containers of equipment out of landlocked Afghanistan as it pulls out most of its combat troops by the end of 2014.
Pakistan closed the route for nearly seven months after US airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani troops in November 2011. Islamabad reopened the route after Washington apologized for the deaths.
During the closure of the Pakistan route, the US had to use a longer, more costly path through Central Asia.
BB murder case: LHC to start hearing from 19th
RAWALPINDI: According to direction of the court, the hearing of Benazir Bhutto’s Assassination Case would be started from February 19.
FIA had filed a petition in Anti-terrorism Court Rawalpindi to hold hearings on daily basis.
The court expressed annoyance over the fact that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, and nearly six years have passed but the case has not been decided by now.
The High Court has ordered to decide the case in a span of three months.
FIA had filed a petition in Anti-terrorism Court Rawalpindi to hold hearings on daily basis.
The court expressed annoyance over the fact that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, and nearly six years have passed but the case has not been decided by now.
The High Court has ordered to decide the case in a span of three months.
President for early completion of Pak-Iran gas project
LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari has said on Wednesday that these revolutionary steps have been taken in view of the energy crisis in the country.
He was talking to Speaker of Iranian Majlis Shura‚ Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani in Lahore on Wednesday.
The President reiterated Pakistan s commitment to implement all mega projects including Pak-Iran Gas pipeline‚ the 1000 MW Taftan-Quetta transmission line‚ 400 MW Gwadar Power supply project‚ Noshki-Dalbandin highway and up-gradation of the Quetta-Taftan track.
The two sides also discussed regional situation and underlined the need for employing the collective strength of Muslims to meet the emerging challenges in the region.
President Zardari said the regional countries needed to adopt collective approach to find out solution of their problems. He reiterated Pakistan s support for an Afghan-owned‚ Afghan-led reconciliation process and said that release of prisoners recently by Pakistan proved its sincerity.
Noting current low level of bilateral trade‚ the President emphasized the need for taking measures to realize the true potential of bilateral trade.
Iranian Speaker said his country wants to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in all field and bring people of both countries more close.
He said Iran will continue cooperation with Pakistan to complete ongoing development projects specially Pak-Iran gas pipeline to overcome energy crisis.
He was talking to Speaker of Iranian Majlis Shura‚ Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani in Lahore on Wednesday.
The President reiterated Pakistan s commitment to implement all mega projects including Pak-Iran Gas pipeline‚ the 1000 MW Taftan-Quetta transmission line‚ 400 MW Gwadar Power supply project‚ Noshki-Dalbandin highway and up-gradation of the Quetta-Taftan track.
The two sides also discussed regional situation and underlined the need for employing the collective strength of Muslims to meet the emerging challenges in the region.
President Zardari said the regional countries needed to adopt collective approach to find out solution of their problems. He reiterated Pakistan s support for an Afghan-owned‚ Afghan-led reconciliation process and said that release of prisoners recently by Pakistan proved its sincerity.
Noting current low level of bilateral trade‚ the President emphasized the need for taking measures to realize the true potential of bilateral trade.
Iranian Speaker said his country wants to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in all field and bring people of both countries more close.
He said Iran will continue cooperation with Pakistan to complete ongoing development projects specially Pak-Iran gas pipeline to overcome energy crisis.
Monday 11 February 2013
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Cras fermentum porta velit, id mollis dolor vulputate non. In tincidunt blandit neque, interdum pharetra augue lobortis vitae. Nam eleifend nibh eget lectus cursus adipiscing. Duis fringilla tristique viverra. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum vehicula tortor eget erat molestie ac vestibulum nisl sodales. Praesent tempor adipiscing egestas. Nullam scelerisque nulla sit amet elit lacinia auctor. Pellentesque ut nisl ut metus iaculis malesuada. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vivamus a consectetur velit.
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Thursday 7 February 2013
Four Indians arrested in gang-rape case
NEW DELHI - Delhi police have arrested four men for allegedly gang-raping a 24-year-old mother after chasing down the car the attackers used to transport their victim, an official said Thursday.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday night, comes less than two months after a fatal attack on a 23-year-old student who was gang-raped and violated with a rusty iron bar on a bus in Delhi.
The four men were driving through the city after raping the woman, but failed to stop their car at one at one of the many new checkpoints set up after the December 16 attack. It is unclear where the men were taking her.
"The accused refused to stop at the checkpoint and when the driver swerved past, the officers alerted the nearest police vans, which chased the car and nabbed the men," Assistant Police Commissioner Sanjay Sehrawat told AFP.
Sehrawat said a medical examination was conducted on the victim, who told police that one of the attackers was an old acquaintance of hers.
Earlier this week, police arrested a man for allegedly shoving a metal rod down the throat of a 22-year-old woman during an attempted rape at her home in the Indian capital on Monday night.
The December 16 gang-rape triggered mass protests across India and shone a spotlight on the frightening incidence of violence against women in the country.
A total of 24,206 rape cases were registered in 2011 although activists say those statistics represent only a fraction of the overall total due to the social stigma attached to reporting such crimes to the police.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday night, comes less than two months after a fatal attack on a 23-year-old student who was gang-raped and violated with a rusty iron bar on a bus in Delhi.
The four men were driving through the city after raping the woman, but failed to stop their car at one at one of the many new checkpoints set up after the December 16 attack. It is unclear where the men were taking her.
"The accused refused to stop at the checkpoint and when the driver swerved past, the officers alerted the nearest police vans, which chased the car and nabbed the men," Assistant Police Commissioner Sanjay Sehrawat told AFP.
Sehrawat said a medical examination was conducted on the victim, who told police that one of the attackers was an old acquaintance of hers.
Earlier this week, police arrested a man for allegedly shoving a metal rod down the throat of a 22-year-old woman during an attempted rape at her home in the Indian capital on Monday night.
The December 16 gang-rape triggered mass protests across India and shone a spotlight on the frightening incidence of violence against women in the country.
A total of 24,206 rape cases were registered in 2011 although activists say those statistics represent only a fraction of the overall total due to the social stigma attached to reporting such crimes to the police.
Olympics: IOC warns on Pakistan meddling claims
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday said it had issued a warning over alleged political interference in Pakistan s national organisation.
"The IOC will continue to support the Pakistan Olympic Association, whose office-bearers were duly and democratically elected last year," a spokesman for the Lausanne-based body told AFP in an emailed statement.
"The IOC condemns the current attempts of a number of individuals and bodies to destabilise the POA as it threatens the interests of the Olympic Movement and its athletes in Pakistan."
The POA and government agency the Pakistan Sports Board are at loggerheads because of alleged political meddling by the latter.
The IOC has called talks between POA and Pakistan government officials at its Swiss headquarters on February 15.
The goal, the spokesman said, is to "review the situation and find a reasonable solution that will fully respect the autonomy of the POA and the national sports organisations belonging to the Olympic Movement in Pakistan."
The IOC suspended Pakistan s South Asian neighbour and rival India on December 4 last year because it ignored repeated warnings not to elect officials tainted by corruption allegations to its national Olympic organisation.
"The IOC will continue to support the Pakistan Olympic Association, whose office-bearers were duly and democratically elected last year," a spokesman for the Lausanne-based body told AFP in an emailed statement.
"The IOC condemns the current attempts of a number of individuals and bodies to destabilise the POA as it threatens the interests of the Olympic Movement and its athletes in Pakistan."
The POA and government agency the Pakistan Sports Board are at loggerheads because of alleged political meddling by the latter.
The IOC has called talks between POA and Pakistan government officials at its Swiss headquarters on February 15.
The goal, the spokesman said, is to "review the situation and find a reasonable solution that will fully respect the autonomy of the POA and the national sports organisations belonging to the Olympic Movement in Pakistan."
The IOC suspended Pakistan s South Asian neighbour and rival India on December 4 last year because it ignored repeated warnings not to elect officials tainted by corruption allegations to its national Olympic organisation.
Madhuri Dixit does not believe in competition
All set to stage a comeback in Bollywood with Dedh Ishqiya and Gulab Gang , Madhuri Dixit does not believe she has competition on hand with actresses like Karisma Kapoor and Sridevi returning to films after taking long breaks.
Almost after a gap of 15 years, Sridevi made a comeback with English Vinglish , which won her accolades while Karisma returned with Vikram Bhatt s Dangerous Ishq last year.
Ask Madhuri if she considers anyone as her competitor in the industry, she says, "I don t know... I have never believed in that. I do what I like and I enjoy doing what I do. All I can say is I do have strong roles in the films that I am doing - Gulab Gang and Dedh Ishqiya . Both the films have nice characters."
Gulab Gang is a story of a gang of women fighting against social injustice. The film, directed by Soumik Sen, also stars Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill, Shilpa Shukla and others.
"I have met Juhi. She is a very sweet person. It has been wonderful experience to work with her," Madhuri said.
Madhuri has also signed the sequel of Vishal Bhardwaj s Ishqiya , titled Dedh Ishqiya .
Abhishek Chaubey had directed Ishqiya , which got great reviews and box office collections. The film was produced by Bharawaj. Even for the sequel the director, producer and lead actors Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi have been retained.
"It is an honour to work with him (Naseeruddin), he is a great actor. Dedh Ishqiya will begin from mid-February," Madhuri said.
Post her marriage, Madhuri had relocated to the US for almost a decade. It was in October 2011 that she shifted her base back to Mumbai, alongwith her family.
Now that she is back in the film world, Madhuri not only has movies but endorsements also, and she handles it all perfectly.
"I think I am a multi-tasker. I can do two-three things at a time. I am strict to myself and even my kids. I take responsibility of my health," she said.
Almost after a gap of 15 years, Sridevi made a comeback with English Vinglish , which won her accolades while Karisma returned with Vikram Bhatt s Dangerous Ishq last year.
Ask Madhuri if she considers anyone as her competitor in the industry, she says, "I don t know... I have never believed in that. I do what I like and I enjoy doing what I do. All I can say is I do have strong roles in the films that I am doing - Gulab Gang and Dedh Ishqiya . Both the films have nice characters."
Gulab Gang is a story of a gang of women fighting against social injustice. The film, directed by Soumik Sen, also stars Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill, Shilpa Shukla and others.
"I have met Juhi. She is a very sweet person. It has been wonderful experience to work with her," Madhuri said.
Madhuri has also signed the sequel of Vishal Bhardwaj s Ishqiya , titled Dedh Ishqiya .
Abhishek Chaubey had directed Ishqiya , which got great reviews and box office collections. The film was produced by Bharawaj. Even for the sequel the director, producer and lead actors Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi have been retained.
"It is an honour to work with him (Naseeruddin), he is a great actor. Dedh Ishqiya will begin from mid-February," Madhuri said.
Post her marriage, Madhuri had relocated to the US for almost a decade. It was in October 2011 that she shifted her base back to Mumbai, alongwith her family.
Now that she is back in the film world, Madhuri not only has movies but endorsements also, and she handles it all perfectly.
"I think I am a multi-tasker. I can do two-three things at a time. I am strict to myself and even my kids. I take responsibility of my health," she said.
Priyanka Chopra checking out bungalows in Juhu
It is learnt that Priyanka Chopra is contemplating moving out of her duplex in a Versova highrise, into a plush and expansive pad in Juhu. A source tells us that a couple of bungalows had been suggested to the actress some time ago, but she wasn t too pleased.
One of them, a sea-facing place along Juhu Tara Road, was going for over Rs 100 crore, reveals our informer, but PC felt the asking price was too high for the place. Another one, albeit a bit smaller and off the main road, was on offer for over Rs 50 crore, but the actress wasn t impressed with it. Nonetheless, the search for a dream home for PC continues.
One of them, a sea-facing place along Juhu Tara Road, was going for over Rs 100 crore, reveals our informer, but PC felt the asking price was too high for the place. Another one, albeit a bit smaller and off the main road, was on offer for over Rs 50 crore, but the actress wasn t impressed with it. Nonetheless, the search for a dream home for PC continues.
Deepika Padukone’s social media fan rises to 5m
NEW DELHI: Deepika Padukone s official Facebook page launch has created a massive buzz on social media. Deepika already holds a strong digital presence, with a whooping 2.6 million followers on Twitter. However, with the introduction of her Facebook page, her internet fan base is expected to rise and reach over 5 million.
Deepika s official Facebook page looks more like a reflection of her life, marking a few milestones in both her career and personal life. The page is informative along with lots of photos from her childhood to her current acting career.
Deepika s official Facebook page looks more like a reflection of her life, marking a few milestones in both her career and personal life. The page is informative along with lots of photos from her childhood to her current acting career.
Dual-nationality: ECP dismisses reference against 35 Punjab MPs
ISLAMABAD: Thirty three members of Punjab Assembly submitted their affidavits in the Election Commission of Pakistan, clarifying that they do not possess any other nationality.
During hearing of a reference in Islamabad today‚ the MPs appeared before the Election Commission in person and submitted their affidavits.
However‚ the petitioner Asif Aizdi requested the commission to hold independent inquiry into their dual nationality and check their passports.
Later, the election commission dismissed the reference against the lawmakers including Zaeem Qadri, Tariq Mehmood, Raja Shaukat Aziz Bhatti, Ghulam Sarwar, Rana Babar Hussain, Dr Faruukh Javed, Syed Raza Ali Gilani, Pir Kashmir Ali Chishti, Tahir Khalil Sindhu, Makhdoom Muhammad Irtaza, Arifa Khalid Pervez, Shehryar Riaz, Zaffar Zulqarnain Sahi, Tanvir-ul-Islam, Humaira Awais Shahid, Zeb Jaffer, Samiyya Amjad, Mussarat Hussain, Razia Joseph, Makhdoom Syed Iftikhar Gilani, Fozia Behram, Muhammad Saeed Mughal, Sardar Muhammad Hussain, Faiza Ahmed Malik, Imran Khalid Butt, Shah Jehan Ahmed Bhatti, Ali Haider, Noor Khan, Hafiz Mian Nauman, Mohsin Latif, Malik Shamsher Haider, Imran Ashraf and Muhammad Yar Heraj.
Authorities not serious about Karachi case: SC
KARACHI: The Supreme Court remarked that the law and order situation of Karachi has not changed despite the verdict being issued one and a half year ago.
A larger bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Jawad S Khawaja, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany and Justice Amir Hani Muslim, heard the Karachi law and order situation case on Thursday.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, said that the authorities are not taking the matter seriously, adding that Sindh Government has not submitted a para-wise report regarding the implementation of the court’s orders.
On this, Advocate General Sindh told that the report presented on Wednesday includes the answers of each paragraph.
Justice Khawaja, then, remarked that it seems as if the authorities are not taking the matter seriously and the court is carrying out a meaningless drill. He said that the report did not include that the people involved in terrorism have support from the political parties.
He alleged that the concerned authority did not even attempt to answer that which means that they are accepting political interference behind deteriorating security situation in the city.
Rejecting previous reports of the provincial government on Wednesday, the court sought a comprehensive report from the Sindh IG and chief secretary on the law and order situation in Karachi in light of its decisions, latest by today
A larger bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Jawad S Khawaja, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany and Justice Amir Hani Muslim, heard the Karachi law and order situation case on Thursday.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, said that the authorities are not taking the matter seriously, adding that Sindh Government has not submitted a para-wise report regarding the implementation of the court’s orders.
On this, Advocate General Sindh told that the report presented on Wednesday includes the answers of each paragraph.
Justice Khawaja, then, remarked that it seems as if the authorities are not taking the matter seriously and the court is carrying out a meaningless drill. He said that the report did not include that the people involved in terrorism have support from the political parties.
He alleged that the concerned authority did not even attempt to answer that which means that they are accepting political interference behind deteriorating security situation in the city.
Rejecting previous reports of the provincial government on Wednesday, the court sought a comprehensive report from the Sindh IG and chief secretary on the law and order situation in Karachi in light of its decisions, latest by today
Protests hit Bangladesh after war crimes verdict
DHAKA: Bangladesh's largest Islamic party is enforcing a general strike across the country for a second day to protest a war crimes verdict.
A tribunal on Tuesday sentenced Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison.
Street clashes that followed the verdict killed up to four people and injured dozens more on Tuesday.
Local news agency bdnews24.com reported more clashes between activists and police in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Television footage shows the activists throwing stones at the police.
A tribunal on Tuesday sentenced Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison.
Street clashes that followed the verdict killed up to four people and injured dozens more on Tuesday.
Local news agency bdnews24.com reported more clashes between activists and police in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Television footage shows the activists throwing stones at the police.
Brennan CIA hearing interrupted by protests
Nominated to head the CIA, John Brennan told a protest-disrupted Senate confirmation hearing Thursday the United States remains at war with Al Qaeda and other terrorists and is under "daily cyberattack" by foreign countries and others.
In a statement delivered before he answered questions, Brennan promised to keep members of the congressional intelligence committees "fully and currently informed" and acknowledged that the Central Intelligence Agency "is not immune from scrutiny" of its efforts to safeguard the nation.
The hearing was interrupted repeatedly once before it began and then several times before Brennan had completed his brief statement. At one point, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, ordered the proceedings halted and the room cleared so those re-entering could be screened to block obvious protesters.
The shouted protests centered on CIA drone strikes that have killed three American citizens and an unknown number of foreigners overseas.
It was a topic very much on the mind of the members of the Senate Intelligence Committee who eventually will vote on Brennan s confirmation.
The CIA s drone strikes primarily focus on Al Qaeda and Taliban targets in the tribal regions of Pakistan, while the military has launched strikers against Al Qaeda targets in Yemen and Somalia. The agency also carries out strikes in Yemen, where three American citizens with Al Qaeda connections have been killed: Anwar al-Awlaki, his 16-year-old son and Samir Kahn.
In the hours before the hearing began, President Barack Obama ordered that a classified paper outlining the legal rationale for striking at U.S. citizens be made available for members of the House and Senate intelligence panels to read.
It was an attempt to clear the way for Brennan s approval, given hints from some lawmakers that they might hold up confirmation unless they had access to the material.
In his opening statement, Brennan said, "The need for accurate intelligence and prescient analysis from CIA has never been greater than it is in 2013 or that it will be in the coming years."
He said historic transformations continue sweeping through the Middle East and North Africa, with "major implications for our interests, Israel s security, our Arab partners and the prospects for peace and stability throughout the region."
Additionally, Iran and North Korea "remain bent on pursuing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems," he noted.
He said the United States remains at war with Al Qaeda and its associated forces, which he said seek to "carry out deadly strikes against our homeland and our citizens as well as against our friends."
As for US computer systems, he said they are under daily attack by "nation states, international criminal organizations, subnational groups and individual hackers."
Brennan is a veteran of more than three decades in intelligence work, and most recently served as Obama s top counter-terrorism adviser in the White House. Any thought he had of becoming CIA director four years ago vanished amid questions of the role he played at the CIA when the Bush administration approved waterboarding and other forms of "enhanced interrogation" of suspected terrorists.
In a statement delivered before he answered questions, Brennan promised to keep members of the congressional intelligence committees "fully and currently informed" and acknowledged that the Central Intelligence Agency "is not immune from scrutiny" of its efforts to safeguard the nation.
The hearing was interrupted repeatedly once before it began and then several times before Brennan had completed his brief statement. At one point, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, ordered the proceedings halted and the room cleared so those re-entering could be screened to block obvious protesters.
The shouted protests centered on CIA drone strikes that have killed three American citizens and an unknown number of foreigners overseas.
It was a topic very much on the mind of the members of the Senate Intelligence Committee who eventually will vote on Brennan s confirmation.
The CIA s drone strikes primarily focus on Al Qaeda and Taliban targets in the tribal regions of Pakistan, while the military has launched strikers against Al Qaeda targets in Yemen and Somalia. The agency also carries out strikes in Yemen, where three American citizens with Al Qaeda connections have been killed: Anwar al-Awlaki, his 16-year-old son and Samir Kahn.
In the hours before the hearing began, President Barack Obama ordered that a classified paper outlining the legal rationale for striking at U.S. citizens be made available for members of the House and Senate intelligence panels to read.
It was an attempt to clear the way for Brennan s approval, given hints from some lawmakers that they might hold up confirmation unless they had access to the material.
In his opening statement, Brennan said, "The need for accurate intelligence and prescient analysis from CIA has never been greater than it is in 2013 or that it will be in the coming years."
He said historic transformations continue sweeping through the Middle East and North Africa, with "major implications for our interests, Israel s security, our Arab partners and the prospects for peace and stability throughout the region."
Additionally, Iran and North Korea "remain bent on pursuing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems," he noted.
He said the United States remains at war with Al Qaeda and its associated forces, which he said seek to "carry out deadly strikes against our homeland and our citizens as well as against our friends."
As for US computer systems, he said they are under daily attack by "nation states, international criminal organizations, subnational groups and individual hackers."
Brennan is a veteran of more than three decades in intelligence work, and most recently served as Obama s top counter-terrorism adviser in the White House. Any thought he had of becoming CIA director four years ago vanished amid questions of the role he played at the CIA when the Bush administration approved waterboarding and other forms of "enhanced interrogation" of suspected terrorists.
UK defense secretary visits Afghanistan
British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond made an unannounced visit to southern Afghanistan to visit U.K. troops, his ministry said.
He returned home on Thursday after a two-day visit to the country, where he met with new Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi in Kabul and with British personnel at an observation post and patrol base in Helmand province, the ministry said.
Hammond s visit comes after British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted Afghanistan s President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan s President Asif Ali Zardari for trilateral talks on Afghanistan s floundering peace and reconciliation process.
Attempts at peace have faltered even as international forces prepare to withdraw from the country in 2014.
British troops form the second-largest NATO contingent fighting to stop the Taliban insurgency ahead of the planned withdrawal.
He returned home on Thursday after a two-day visit to the country, where he met with new Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi in Kabul and with British personnel at an observation post and patrol base in Helmand province, the ministry said.
Hammond s visit comes after British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted Afghanistan s President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan s President Asif Ali Zardari for trilateral talks on Afghanistan s floundering peace and reconciliation process.
Attempts at peace have faltered even as international forces prepare to withdraw from the country in 2014.
British troops form the second-largest NATO contingent fighting to stop the Taliban insurgency ahead of the planned withdrawal.
UN: US air raids kill hundreds of Afghan children
Attacks by US military forces in Afghanistan, including air strikes, have reportedly killed hundreds of children over the last four years, according to the U.N. body monitoring the rights of children.
The Geneva-based Committee on the Rights of the Child told the United States this week that it is "alarmed at reports of the death of hundreds of children as a result of attacks and air strikes by the U.S. military forces in Afghanistan."
The committee said it was troubled that the casualties were "due notably to reported lack of precautionary measures and indiscriminate use of force." It was reviewing a range of U.S. policies affecting children for the first time since 2008 the last year of the Bush administration and the year Barack Obama was first elected president.
The U.N. review is conducted every four years, and the report s release came as U.S. policy on drone targeting and air strikes is under intense scrutiny in Washington.
John Brennan, the White House counterterrorism chief who is Obama s choice to head the CIA, was facing a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing Thursday. Brennan helped manage the drone program and has defended targeted killings by drones and air strikes as a more humane form of warfare that results in fewer collateral casualties.
A report to the U.N. Security Council last April by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon s special representative for Children and Armed Conflict said, "The number of child casualties attributed to airstrikes conducted by pro-government forces, including the Afghan National Security Forces and the International Military Forces, doubled compared with the last reporting period, with 110 children killed and 68 injured in 2011."
The United States provides air power for the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
The U.N. committee s report this week said it "expresses grave concern" at the increase.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Thursday that she was not aware of the U.N. report and would look into it.
In its report, the U.N. committee told the United States to "take concrete and firm precautionary measures and prevent indiscriminate use of force to ensure that no further killings and maiming of civilians, including children, take place."
It also asked the United States to "ensure that children and families, victims of attacks and air strikes, do always receive redress and compensation."
Human rights and civil liberties groups applauded the U.N. committee s findings and recommendations.
"The U.S. must also honor its international law obligations to thoroughly and independently investigate civilian deaths and abuses against children, hold perpetrators accountable and compensate victims," Jamil Dakwar, director of the American Civil Liberties Union s Human Rights Program, told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Iran rejects US offer for one-on-one dialogue
TEHRAN - Iran s all-powerful supreme leader on Thursday rejected a US offer to negotiate one-on-one on Tehran s nuclear ambitions, ruling out such contacts so long as Washington keeps up its threats against the Islamic republic.
"I am not a diplomat but a revolutionary and I speak frankly," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told air force commanders in remarks published on his website. "You (Americans) are pointing the gun at Iran and say either negotiate or we will shoot."
"Some rejoice at the offer of negotiations ... (but) negotiations will not solve anything," he said, adding that those in Iran who prefer to risk "American domination" by negotiating with Washington would be dealt with.
Khamenei has the final say on all key issues in the Islamic republic, including Iran s sensitive nuclear activities and foreign policy.
His stance appeared to contradict that of Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi who said on Monday that he detected signs the United States was rethinking its approach towards Tehran.
Khamenei said: "Iran will not accept to negotiate with he who threatens us with pressure," in reference to a list sanctions adopted by Washington to coerce Iran into curbing its nuclear programme.
"The offer of talks is meaningful when the other side shows goodwill," he said.
The remarks come at a time when Tehran and six world powers are preparing to resume stalled talks over Iran s nuclear programme in the Kazakh city of Almaty on February 26.
Iran and the P5+1 group of the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany held three rounds of talks last year, the last of which ended in stalemate in June in Moscow.
Calls to roll back its atomic work were rebuffed by Tehran, which demanded world powers scale back sanctions which have caused pain for its struggling economy.
"Does imposing, in your own words, crippling sanctions show goodwill or hostility?" Khamenei said on Thursday, responding to a new offer of bilateral talks proposed by US Vice President Joe Biden last week.
Biden said at the Munich Security Conference that Washington was open to direct talks with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue provided "the Iranian leadership, supreme leader, is serious."
"We have made it clear at the outset that... we would be prepared to meet bilaterally with the Iranian leadership," Biden said.
"That offer stands, but it must be real and tangible, and there has to be an agenda that they re prepared to speak to. We are not just prepared to do it for the exercise," Biden said.
Khamenei s remarks came a day after the US tightened sanctions on Iran to further choke off its oil income.
The two foes are locked in a tense showdown over an array of issues, including Tehran s nuclear ambitions which the West and Israel suspect are aimed at military objectives, despite Iran s repeated denials.
Washington broke off relations with Iran in 1980 in the aftermath of the storming of the US embassy in Tehran that led to 52 American diplomats being taken hostage by Islamist students.
Since then, the US has been vilified by the Islamic republic as the "Great Satan."
Iran is also being pressured by the UN s atomic watchdog agency to allow broader access to its nuclear facilities in a bid to resolve outstanding issues over the Islamic republic s past atomic activities.
A team from the agency is expected in Tehran on February 13.
"I am not a diplomat but a revolutionary and I speak frankly," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told air force commanders in remarks published on his website. "You (Americans) are pointing the gun at Iran and say either negotiate or we will shoot."
"Some rejoice at the offer of negotiations ... (but) negotiations will not solve anything," he said, adding that those in Iran who prefer to risk "American domination" by negotiating with Washington would be dealt with.
Khamenei has the final say on all key issues in the Islamic republic, including Iran s sensitive nuclear activities and foreign policy.
His stance appeared to contradict that of Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi who said on Monday that he detected signs the United States was rethinking its approach towards Tehran.
Khamenei said: "Iran will not accept to negotiate with he who threatens us with pressure," in reference to a list sanctions adopted by Washington to coerce Iran into curbing its nuclear programme.
"The offer of talks is meaningful when the other side shows goodwill," he said.
The remarks come at a time when Tehran and six world powers are preparing to resume stalled talks over Iran s nuclear programme in the Kazakh city of Almaty on February 26.
Iran and the P5+1 group of the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany held three rounds of talks last year, the last of which ended in stalemate in June in Moscow.
Calls to roll back its atomic work were rebuffed by Tehran, which demanded world powers scale back sanctions which have caused pain for its struggling economy.
"Does imposing, in your own words, crippling sanctions show goodwill or hostility?" Khamenei said on Thursday, responding to a new offer of bilateral talks proposed by US Vice President Joe Biden last week.
Biden said at the Munich Security Conference that Washington was open to direct talks with Iran to resolve the nuclear issue provided "the Iranian leadership, supreme leader, is serious."
"We have made it clear at the outset that... we would be prepared to meet bilaterally with the Iranian leadership," Biden said.
"That offer stands, but it must be real and tangible, and there has to be an agenda that they re prepared to speak to. We are not just prepared to do it for the exercise," Biden said.
Khamenei s remarks came a day after the US tightened sanctions on Iran to further choke off its oil income.
The two foes are locked in a tense showdown over an array of issues, including Tehran s nuclear ambitions which the West and Israel suspect are aimed at military objectives, despite Iran s repeated denials.
Washington broke off relations with Iran in 1980 in the aftermath of the storming of the US embassy in Tehran that led to 52 American diplomats being taken hostage by Islamist students.
Since then, the US has been vilified by the Islamic republic as the "Great Satan."
Iran is also being pressured by the UN s atomic watchdog agency to allow broader access to its nuclear facilities in a bid to resolve outstanding issues over the Islamic republic s past atomic activities.
A team from the agency is expected in Tehran on February 13.
Syrian troops took control of Karnaz after 16 days
BEIRUT - Syrian regime troops took control of the central town of Karnaz on Thursday after 16 days of clashes with rebels, a watchdog said, also reporting three children among six killed in bombing of Damascus.
"(Rebel) fighters withdrew from Karnaz, which they seized in December last year, after heavy fighting and regular forces regained control," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP by phone.
"Government troops seized nearby Mughir two days ago. This village is the gateway to Alawite villages in the west of Hama province," he said, referring to the minority religious community of President Bashar al-Assad.
Located about halfway along a highway linking Damascus to Aleppo in the north, Hama province is home to a mixed population of Alawites as well as Sunni Muslims and Christians.
The regime is determined to keep control of it and surrounding areas to hold at bay the rebels, who control large swathes of territory in the countryside.
In the northern province of Aleppo, six rebels were killed in combat with government troops near the Menegh military airbase and in the provincial capital.
In Damascus, six civilians including three under the age of 18 were killed by mortars that landed on a bus garage in the northeastern district of Qaboon, as rebel bastions throughout the capital were rocked by fighting and bombing for a second straight day, the Observatory said.
The watchdog and a security official had on Wednesday reported the launch of a fierce regime offensive on rebel belts on the outskirts of Damascus, which killed 64 people on its first day.
Pro-regime daily Al-Watan said "the army is determined to crush terrorism around the capital and big cities, and has launched a special operation and killed dozens of terrorists who dreamt of attacking and entering Damascus."
The Britain-based Observatory meanwhile reported regime shelling on areas along a southern highway of the capital as clashes broke out in the area.
"Rebels attacked an army checkpoint overlooking the highway and now there are fierce clashes there," Marwan, an employee at a restaurant in the southern Midan district, told AFP by phone.
The army also bombarded the outlying northeastern town of Harasta, as fighting erupted at a military vehicle depot nearby, the Observatory said, also reporting the arrival of army reinforcements in the embattled southwestern suburb of Daraya.
These areas of Damascus are among the strongest bastions of the rebellion against the Assad regime, which is battling to suppress a nearly two year revolt the UN says has left more than 60,000 people dead.
"(Rebel) fighters withdrew from Karnaz, which they seized in December last year, after heavy fighting and regular forces regained control," Syrian Observatory for Human Rights director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP by phone.
"Government troops seized nearby Mughir two days ago. This village is the gateway to Alawite villages in the west of Hama province," he said, referring to the minority religious community of President Bashar al-Assad.
Located about halfway along a highway linking Damascus to Aleppo in the north, Hama province is home to a mixed population of Alawites as well as Sunni Muslims and Christians.
The regime is determined to keep control of it and surrounding areas to hold at bay the rebels, who control large swathes of territory in the countryside.
In the northern province of Aleppo, six rebels were killed in combat with government troops near the Menegh military airbase and in the provincial capital.
In Damascus, six civilians including three under the age of 18 were killed by mortars that landed on a bus garage in the northeastern district of Qaboon, as rebel bastions throughout the capital were rocked by fighting and bombing for a second straight day, the Observatory said.
The watchdog and a security official had on Wednesday reported the launch of a fierce regime offensive on rebel belts on the outskirts of Damascus, which killed 64 people on its first day.
Pro-regime daily Al-Watan said "the army is determined to crush terrorism around the capital and big cities, and has launched a special operation and killed dozens of terrorists who dreamt of attacking and entering Damascus."
The Britain-based Observatory meanwhile reported regime shelling on areas along a southern highway of the capital as clashes broke out in the area.
"Rebels attacked an army checkpoint overlooking the highway and now there are fierce clashes there," Marwan, an employee at a restaurant in the southern Midan district, told AFP by phone.
The army also bombarded the outlying northeastern town of Harasta, as fighting erupted at a military vehicle depot nearby, the Observatory said, also reporting the arrival of army reinforcements in the embattled southwestern suburb of Daraya.
These areas of Damascus are among the strongest bastions of the rebellion against the Assad regime, which is battling to suppress a nearly two year revolt the UN says has left more than 60,000 people dead.
Ex-Saudi minister named as next OIC head
CAIRO - A former Saudi minister, Iyad Madani, was named on Thursday as the next head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to succeed Turkey s Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.
Madani was named at the end of a two-day summit in Cairo of the world s largest Islamic grouping and will take over in January 2014 from Ihsanoglu, who since 2005 has headed the 57-member group based in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
A diplomat said the conservative Gulf kingdom nominated the former information minister in a possible sign of strains between Saudi Arabia and post-revolution Egypt, which were close allies under now toppled president Hosni Mubarak.
Saudi Arabia wants to "regain the initiative against Muslim Brotherhood-led Egypt, which (as host of summit) takes over the presidency of the group," the source said.
Madani was named at the end of a two-day summit in Cairo of the world s largest Islamic grouping and will take over in January 2014 from Ihsanoglu, who since 2005 has headed the 57-member group based in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
A diplomat said the conservative Gulf kingdom nominated the former information minister in a possible sign of strains between Saudi Arabia and post-revolution Egypt, which were close allies under now toppled president Hosni Mubarak.
Saudi Arabia wants to "regain the initiative against Muslim Brotherhood-led Egypt, which (as host of summit) takes over the presidency of the group," the source said.
Turkey asks US envoy to stop meddling internal affairs
ANKARA - Turkey bluntly told the US ambassador on Thursday to stop meddling in its domestic affairs after he criticised the country s justice system, particularly the jailing of politicians and military chiefs.
"Ambassadors should mind their own business. They should stay away from assessments that mean interference in Turkey s judiciary and domestic affairs," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.
In an interview with Turkish media on Tuesday, US ambassador Francis Ricciardone criticised "the flaws in the justice system, among them being lengthy pre-trial detentions, lack of clarity in presenting charges, lack of transparency."
He highlighted the jailing of over 300 Turkish military officers, a move seen as part of a campaign by the Islamist-rooted government to clip the wings of the once-powerful military, as well as the detention of politicians and other government opponents.
"You have your military leaders, who were entrusted with the protection of this country, behind bars as if they were terrorists," Ricciardone said.
"You have members of parliament who have been behind bars for a long time, sometimes on unclear charges," he added.
"You have professors... You have non-violent student protesters protesting tuition hikes behind bars. When a legal system produces such results and confuses people like that for terrorists, it makes it hard for American and European courts to match up."
The ambassador s comments came after a suicide bombing outside the US embassy in Ankara on Friday that was claimed by a radical anti-US leftwing group.
"Ambassadors should mind their own business. They should stay away from assessments that mean interference in Turkey s judiciary and domestic affairs," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.
In an interview with Turkish media on Tuesday, US ambassador Francis Ricciardone criticised "the flaws in the justice system, among them being lengthy pre-trial detentions, lack of clarity in presenting charges, lack of transparency."
He highlighted the jailing of over 300 Turkish military officers, a move seen as part of a campaign by the Islamist-rooted government to clip the wings of the once-powerful military, as well as the detention of politicians and other government opponents.
"You have your military leaders, who were entrusted with the protection of this country, behind bars as if they were terrorists," Ricciardone said.
"You have members of parliament who have been behind bars for a long time, sometimes on unclear charges," he added.
"You have professors... You have non-violent student protesters protesting tuition hikes behind bars. When a legal system produces such results and confuses people like that for terrorists, it makes it hard for American and European courts to match up."
The ambassador s comments came after a suicide bombing outside the US embassy in Ankara on Friday that was claimed by a radical anti-US leftwing group.
Ahmadinejad attacked with shoe in Cairo
CAIRO: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Cairo, which started with an affectionate welcome on Tuesday from Egypt’s new Islamist president, turned less pleasant as the day wore on. First, Mr. Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, was lectured by a senior Sunni Muslim cleric and then was nearly struck with a shoe by a man furious at Iran’s support for the Syrian government.
The man who tried to strike Mr. Ahmadinejad was a Syrian who shouted, “You killed our brothers!”
Spanish PM's resignation sought with one million signatures
MADRID - A petition calling for Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to resign over a corruption scandal has garnered more than a million signatures, an online count showed on Thursday.
The petition at change.org was sparked by the publication of documents purportedly showing that Rajoy and other members of his conservative Popular Party had received undeclared payments.
"I demand the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the calling of snap elections, as well as the resignation of any member of the Popular Party named in the documents who holds office publicly or in the party," the petition read.
On Thursday afternoon the number of signatories logged on the online petition was 1,017,188 and counting -- about one signature for every 47 people in Spain.
Rajoy has resisted calls from the opposition Socialist Party and from angry street protestors to resign over the scandal.
It came at a sensitive time for Spain as Rajoy s government imposes spending cuts and tax rises on Spaniards suffering in a recession.
The allegations are based on account ledgers purportedly written by the party s former treasurer Luis Barcenas and published in leading centre-left newspaper El Pais a week ago.
Rajoy, Barcenas and the party have denied the alleged secret payments and said the ledgers are false.
Barcenas on Wednesday went before an anti-corruption prosecutor investigating the affair. In that hearing Barcenas repeated his denial that the party kept secret accounts, Spanish media said.
The petition at change.org was sparked by the publication of documents purportedly showing that Rajoy and other members of his conservative Popular Party had received undeclared payments.
"I demand the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the calling of snap elections, as well as the resignation of any member of the Popular Party named in the documents who holds office publicly or in the party," the petition read.
On Thursday afternoon the number of signatories logged on the online petition was 1,017,188 and counting -- about one signature for every 47 people in Spain.
Rajoy has resisted calls from the opposition Socialist Party and from angry street protestors to resign over the scandal.
It came at a sensitive time for Spain as Rajoy s government imposes spending cuts and tax rises on Spaniards suffering in a recession.
The allegations are based on account ledgers purportedly written by the party s former treasurer Luis Barcenas and published in leading centre-left newspaper El Pais a week ago.
Rajoy, Barcenas and the party have denied the alleged secret payments and said the ledgers are false.
Barcenas on Wednesday went before an anti-corruption prosecutor investigating the affair. In that hearing Barcenas repeated his denial that the party kept secret accounts, Spanish media said.
French troops' withdrawal from Mali under consideration
GAO - Nearly a month after launching an offensive in Mali to drive out Islamist extremists, France mulled the withdrawal of its troops Thursday after asking the UN to prepare a peacekeeping force to take the baton.
France s 28-day-old intervention has largely driven the Al-Qaeda-linked rebels, who controlled northern Mali for 10 months and had threatened to advance on the capital, to the remote mountains of the far northeast, along the Algerian border.
But French-led forces continue to come under attack in reclaimed territory, and with fears of a prolonged insurgency, Paris is keen to hand over the military burden.
The French defence ministry said Thursday that the intervention in its former colony has already cost France 70 million euros ($95 million), with the figure rising by 2.7 million euros per day.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the rebels had hit back at troops with rocket fire on Tuesday in Gao, the largest city in the north, and that patrols in reclaimed towns had encountered "residual jihadist groups who are still fighting".
Le Drian said Tuesday the French-led operation had so far killed "several hundred" Al-Qaeda-linked militants.
"This is a real war with significant losses but I m not going to get into an accounting exercise," he said when asked about the toll.
France s sole fatality so far has been a helicopter pilot killed at the start of the operation. Mali said 11 of its troops were killed and 60 wounded in early fighting but has not since released a new death toll.
A spokesman for one of the rebel groups, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), told AFP: "The combat isn t over. The attacks are going to continue."
In Gao, French-led forces have beefed up security to prevent rebels infiltrating the city, according to a Malian army source. An AFP journalist reported large patrols by French, Malian and Nigerien troops.
French helicopters have been patrolling the road between Gao and Douentza, 400 kilometres (250 miles) to the southwest along the road that leads to the capital, Bamako.
The area is littered with land mines and improvised explosive devices, according to security sources.
Two Malian soldiers were killed last week when their vehicle drove over a mine outside Douentza.
After announcing plans to start withdrawing its 4,000 troops from Mali in March, France called Wednesday for a United Nations peacekeeping force to take over.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said a peacekeeping force could be in place by April, incorporating troops being deployed under the banner of a West African intervention force, AFISMA, into a UN mission.
"This gives the advantage of being under the umbrella of the United Nations, under its financing," he said.
France s 28-day-old intervention has largely driven the Al-Qaeda-linked rebels, who controlled northern Mali for 10 months and had threatened to advance on the capital, to the remote mountains of the far northeast, along the Algerian border.
But French-led forces continue to come under attack in reclaimed territory, and with fears of a prolonged insurgency, Paris is keen to hand over the military burden.
The French defence ministry said Thursday that the intervention in its former colony has already cost France 70 million euros ($95 million), with the figure rising by 2.7 million euros per day.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the rebels had hit back at troops with rocket fire on Tuesday in Gao, the largest city in the north, and that patrols in reclaimed towns had encountered "residual jihadist groups who are still fighting".
Le Drian said Tuesday the French-led operation had so far killed "several hundred" Al-Qaeda-linked militants.
"This is a real war with significant losses but I m not going to get into an accounting exercise," he said when asked about the toll.
France s sole fatality so far has been a helicopter pilot killed at the start of the operation. Mali said 11 of its troops were killed and 60 wounded in early fighting but has not since released a new death toll.
A spokesman for one of the rebel groups, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), told AFP: "The combat isn t over. The attacks are going to continue."
In Gao, French-led forces have beefed up security to prevent rebels infiltrating the city, according to a Malian army source. An AFP journalist reported large patrols by French, Malian and Nigerien troops.
French helicopters have been patrolling the road between Gao and Douentza, 400 kilometres (250 miles) to the southwest along the road that leads to the capital, Bamako.
The area is littered with land mines and improvised explosive devices, according to security sources.
Two Malian soldiers were killed last week when their vehicle drove over a mine outside Douentza.
After announcing plans to start withdrawing its 4,000 troops from Mali in March, France called Wednesday for a United Nations peacekeeping force to take over.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said a peacekeeping force could be in place by April, incorporating troops being deployed under the banner of a West African intervention force, AFISMA, into a UN mission.
"This gives the advantage of being under the umbrella of the United Nations, under its financing," he said.
WikiLeaks founder may lose popularity: Jemima
LONDON - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange risks turning from a popular hero into an L. Ron Hubbard figure, tolerating only "blinkered, cultish devotion", said one of his former backers Jemima Khan.
Claiming Assange had alienated his supporters, Khan, associate editor of the New Statesman, wrote for the weekly British magazine that Assange s anti-secrecy organisation was now "guilty of the same obfuscation and misinformation as those it sought to expose".
She compared the Australian to US science-fiction author Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology.
Assange has been holed up inside the Ecuadoran embassy in London after losing his battle in the British courts against extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over allegations of rape and sexual assault. Ecuador has granted him political asylum.
By jumping bail, the 41-year-old surrendered the 200,000 ($315,000, 230,000 euros) that supporters including Khan had put up as a surety.
Khan -- daughter of the late financier James Goldsmith and former wife of Imran Khan, the Pakistan cricket captain turned political leader -- was an executive producer of "We Steal Secrets: The Story Of WikiLeaks", Alex Gibney s documentary about the whistle-blowing website.
"The problem with Camp Assange is that, in the words of (former US president) George W. Bush, it sees the world as being with us or against us ," wrote Khan.
"When I told Assange I was part of the We Steal Secrets team, I suggested that he view it not in terms of being pro- or anti-him, but rather as a film that would be fair and would represent the truth.
"He replied: If it s a fair film, it will be pro-Julian Assange. Beware the celebrity who refers to himself in the third person.
"In many ways, the film s narrative arc mirrors my own journey with Assange, from admiration to demoralisation.
"The list of alienated and disaffected allies is long: some say they fell out over redactions, some over broken deals, some over money, some over ownership and control."
Khan said she felt passionately that democracy needs strong, free media and remained convinced that were Assange prosecuted for espionage then investigative journalism would be in jeopardy.
She said it remains to be seen if the allegations against Assange can be substantiated in the Swedish courts but the former computer hacker is "undermining both himself and his own transparency agenda" by turning his refusal to go to Sweden "into a human rights issue".
"We all want a hero," she wrote.
"It would be a tragedy if a man who has done so much good were to end up tolerating only disciples and unwavering devotion, more like an Australian L. Ron Hubbard."
Claiming Assange had alienated his supporters, Khan, associate editor of the New Statesman, wrote for the weekly British magazine that Assange s anti-secrecy organisation was now "guilty of the same obfuscation and misinformation as those it sought to expose".
She compared the Australian to US science-fiction author Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology.
Assange has been holed up inside the Ecuadoran embassy in London after losing his battle in the British courts against extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over allegations of rape and sexual assault. Ecuador has granted him political asylum.
By jumping bail, the 41-year-old surrendered the 200,000 ($315,000, 230,000 euros) that supporters including Khan had put up as a surety.
Khan -- daughter of the late financier James Goldsmith and former wife of Imran Khan, the Pakistan cricket captain turned political leader -- was an executive producer of "We Steal Secrets: The Story Of WikiLeaks", Alex Gibney s documentary about the whistle-blowing website.
"The problem with Camp Assange is that, in the words of (former US president) George W. Bush, it sees the world as being with us or against us ," wrote Khan.
"When I told Assange I was part of the We Steal Secrets team, I suggested that he view it not in terms of being pro- or anti-him, but rather as a film that would be fair and would represent the truth.
"He replied: If it s a fair film, it will be pro-Julian Assange. Beware the celebrity who refers to himself in the third person.
"In many ways, the film s narrative arc mirrors my own journey with Assange, from admiration to demoralisation.
"The list of alienated and disaffected allies is long: some say they fell out over redactions, some over broken deals, some over money, some over ownership and control."
Khan said she felt passionately that democracy needs strong, free media and remained convinced that were Assange prosecuted for espionage then investigative journalism would be in jeopardy.
She said it remains to be seen if the allegations against Assange can be substantiated in the Swedish courts but the former computer hacker is "undermining both himself and his own transparency agenda" by turning his refusal to go to Sweden "into a human rights issue".
"We all want a hero," she wrote.
"It would be a tragedy if a man who has done so much good were to end up tolerating only disciples and unwavering devotion, more like an Australian L. Ron Hubbard."
Tuesday 5 February 2013
Conservative MEP: EU must provide 'fuel' for SMEs to grow
MEPs took to the floor in the plenary chamber last night and rallied on the European Commission to do more to help SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) gain better access to credit and finance. Before the debate took place, North West Conservative MEP, Sajjad Karim, said: "Everyone recognises that SMEs are the engines of economic growth, however growth is stalling as SMEs are not receiving the fuel that they need." The 23million SMEs make up to 98% of businesses in the EU and provide 67% of its jobs. However many small businesses have been hit particularly hard with the lack of available loans and finance from banks since the financial crisis. SMEs are more likely to operate on borrowed funds. Sajjad Karim, the Conservative Legal Affairs spokesperson whose 'Better Legislation' report was adopted last year and exempts micro-businesses from burdensome regulation, said during last night's debate: "We need to improve provision, process and access to information on financing instruments for SMEs. Even larger businesses struggle to find the information they require. What chance can there be for SMEs in those circumstances?" The Conservative MEP then went on to highlight measures he undertook to help businesses in his region: "As an MEP I get enquiries all the time and I have had to now go away and produce a leaflet for businesses to distribute to them electronically and otherwise, directing them where to go (for EU financing)." There was a broad consensus amongst all MEPs last night who agreed that SMEs were vital for the EU economy and that more EU support should be provided. Sajjad Karim echoed Margaret Thatcher's entrepreneurial spirit. He said: "I come from a nation of shopkeepers; we must think 'small' first, and exclude SMEs from burdens, unless the benefits outweigh those burdens." The European Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, Antonio Tajani, highlighted the precarious position of SMEs. He said: "(SMEs) are the first to get into choppy waters. We have to address ourselves with a strategy for growth. It is through SMEs that you can help workers and stop layoffs." The EU continues to search for ways of boosting economic growth and recover from the financial crisis through 'Horizon 2020' and 'EU 2020' which are Europe's growth strategy for the coming decade. As pointed out in the Europe 2020 Communication, the financial crisis has halved Europe’s growth potential. Many investment plans, talents and ideas risk not being realised because of uncertainty, sluggish demand and lack of funding.
Saudia appoints Prince Muqrin as deputy Prime Minister
RIYADH: Former chief of Saudi intelligence, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al Saud, has been appointed as country’s deputy prime minister, SAMAA reported.
The appointment makes 70-something Abdullah third most powerful figure of the Saudi Arabia after Shah Abdullah and crown prince Salman.
Muqrin, who is youngest son of the kingdom’s founder Abdulaziz ibn Saud, was retired as Saudi intelligence head in July last year.
The appointment makes 70-something Abdullah third most powerful figure of the Saudi Arabia after Shah Abdullah and crown prince Salman.
Muqrin, who is youngest son of the kingdom’s founder Abdulaziz ibn Saud, was retired as Saudi intelligence head in July last year.
London summit on Afghanistan concludes, statement issued
LONDON: The trilateral London summit on Afghanistan concluded today with a statement issued stressing upon Britain, Pakistan and Afghanistan to jointly make all-out efforts for peace in the region, SAMAA reported Tuesday.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. It should be mentioned here that heads of three countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and host Britain supported opening of an office in Qatar for talks with Taliban.
The joint statement issued from Downing Street said, "All sides agreed on the urgency of this work and committed themselves to take all necessary measures to achieve the goal of a peace settlement over the next six months."
British Prime Minister David Cameron joined the two presidents i.e. President Hamid Karzai and President Zardari in expressing backing for the opening of an office in Qatar for holding peace talks with the Taliban and urging the insurgents to enter into a dialogue.
Addressing a joint press conference after the close of trilateral summit, President Zardari said the neighbors cannot be changed; hence, Pakistan wants peace in the region.
David Cameron said it is high time for initiation of peaceful political process in Afghanistan; everybody should come forward and join hands, adding, "This should lead to a future where all Afghans can participate peacefully in that country’s political process.”
President Asif Ali Zardari said the peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan. It should be mentioned here that heads of three countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and host Britain supported opening of an office in Qatar for talks with Taliban.
The joint statement issued from Downing Street said, "All sides agreed on the urgency of this work and committed themselves to take all necessary measures to achieve the goal of a peace settlement over the next six months."
British Prime Minister David Cameron joined the two presidents i.e. President Hamid Karzai and President Zardari in expressing backing for the opening of an office in Qatar for holding peace talks with the Taliban and urging the insurgents to enter into a dialogue.
Addressing a joint press conference after the close of trilateral summit, President Zardari said the neighbors cannot be changed; hence, Pakistan wants peace in the region.
David Cameron said it is high time for initiation of peaceful political process in Afghanistan; everybody should come forward and join hands, adding, "This should lead to a future where all Afghans can participate peacefully in that country’s political process.”
Turkish police arrest 11 over US woman murder
ISTANBUL: Turkish police have arrested 11 people over the murder of an American woman who disappeared while visiting Istanbul last month, police and the local media reported Sunday.
The body of 33-year-old Sarai Sierra, a mother of two, was found on Saturday near Istanbul s ancient city walls with fatal head wounds, the Radikal daily reported.
"We have confirmed that she was murdered by way of impacts on her head," Istanbul police chief Huseyin Capkin told reporters on Sunday. "But we need to conclude the investigation before details emerge."
The Milliyet newspaper said she was also stabbed several times in her abdomen, but there was no sign of rape or theft and she was still wearing jewellery when police found her.
Turkish police had been searching for Sierra after her family reported that they had lost touch with her on January 21, the day she was due to return home to New York.
The Hurriyet newspaper, along with other media outlets, reported that Istanbul police have arrested 11 suspects but gave no further details.
Sierra s body might have been dumped in a blanket on Tuesday night on the main road near the ancient walls, Hurriyet reported, citing a possible eye witness.
"I saw a man removing something from the back seat of a car," the woman was quoted as telling the police. "Then I saw a hand there."
Sierra, who has two children aged nine and 11, left the United States for Istanbul on January 7. She had posted a picture on Instagram on January 20, the day before she went missing.
Police initially detained a Turkish man named Taylan K., who is believed to be the last person to see Sierra before she went missing, but released him after questioning, according to local reports.
"We met four months ago on Instagram as we commented on each other s pictures," Taylan K. was quoted as telling the police by the Vatan newspaper.
The two met on January 13 and 20, but a third meeting scheduled for the day Sierra went missing never happened, according to his testimony.
Hurriyet speculated that Sierra might have been tricked into trying to smuggle drugs into the United States, citing an anonymous retired US agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
But Capkin said there was no indication that she was involved in such a scheme. "She was a lonely wanderer," he said.
Istanbul is Turkey s largest city, home to at least 15 million people and considered a relatively safe travel destination which is visited by millions of tourists every year.
The body of 33-year-old Sarai Sierra, a mother of two, was found on Saturday near Istanbul s ancient city walls with fatal head wounds, the Radikal daily reported.
"We have confirmed that she was murdered by way of impacts on her head," Istanbul police chief Huseyin Capkin told reporters on Sunday. "But we need to conclude the investigation before details emerge."
The Milliyet newspaper said she was also stabbed several times in her abdomen, but there was no sign of rape or theft and she was still wearing jewellery when police found her.
Turkish police had been searching for Sierra after her family reported that they had lost touch with her on January 21, the day she was due to return home to New York.
The Hurriyet newspaper, along with other media outlets, reported that Istanbul police have arrested 11 suspects but gave no further details.
Sierra s body might have been dumped in a blanket on Tuesday night on the main road near the ancient walls, Hurriyet reported, citing a possible eye witness.
"I saw a man removing something from the back seat of a car," the woman was quoted as telling the police. "Then I saw a hand there."
Sierra, who has two children aged nine and 11, left the United States for Istanbul on January 7. She had posted a picture on Instagram on January 20, the day before she went missing.
Police initially detained a Turkish man named Taylan K., who is believed to be the last person to see Sierra before she went missing, but released him after questioning, according to local reports.
"We met four months ago on Instagram as we commented on each other s pictures," Taylan K. was quoted as telling the police by the Vatan newspaper.
The two met on January 13 and 20, but a third meeting scheduled for the day Sierra went missing never happened, according to his testimony.
Hurriyet speculated that Sierra might have been tricked into trying to smuggle drugs into the United States, citing an anonymous retired US agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
But Capkin said there was no indication that she was involved in such a scheme. "She was a lonely wanderer," he said.
Istanbul is Turkey s largest city, home to at least 15 million people and considered a relatively safe travel destination which is visited by millions of tourists every year.
IHK: All-girl music band breaks up after threats on social media
SRINAGAR: The first all-girl rock band in Indian-controlled Kashmir has decided to disband after only one concert because of threats its teenage members received on social media and a demand from a top Muslim cleric that they stop performing.
The fate of Pragaash, which means "First Light" in Kashmiri, highlights the simmering tension between modernity and tradition in Muslim-majority Kashmir, where an armed uprising against Indian rule and a relentless crackdown by government forces have killed more than 68,000 people since 1989. Separatists criticized the band for what it said was "Western-style cultural waywardness."
Adnan Mattoo, the rock group s music teacher and manager, said the three high school students who formed Pragaash drummer Farah Deeba, bass guitarist Aneeqa Khalid and singer and guitarist Noma Nazir won t talk about their decision to disband and what led to it.
"They feel terribly scared and want an immediate end to this controversy once for all," Mattoo said Tuesday. "First, the girls had decided to quit live performance due to an online hate campaign and concentrate on making an album. But after an edict by the government s own cleric, these girls are saying goodbye to music."
However, a girl identified as one of the band members told India s CNN-IBN channel later Tuesday in a telephoneinterview that the group decided to disband because of the top cleric s edict, and not because of the online abuse. The girl was not identified by name.
The girl told the station that they respected the cleric s decision because he was "more aware of our religion" and she pleaded with the media to stop reporting on the case.
"Everything was going fine till the fatwa was issued," she said.
Pragaash performed in public for the first time in December in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. It won third place in an annual "Battle of the Bands" rock show organized by an Indian paramilitary force as part of a campaign to win hearts and minds in the region.
Soon after the show, Kashmiri pages on social networking sites like Facebook hotly debated the band. Some questioned whether the performance was appropriate in the Muslim-dominated society in Kashmir and others raised broader questions on the Islamic approach to music and role of women in the society.
Many commenters backed the girls, but others were abusive, calling them "sluts" and "prostitutes" and calling for them and their families to be expelled from the region.
The controversy deepened Saturday after Omar Abdullah, the region s top elected official, promised a police probe into the threats and wrote on Twitter that "the talented teenagers should not let themselves be silenced by a handful of morons."
The girls then became a political tool for all sides in the conflict.
Mufti Bashiruddin Ahmad, Kashmir s state-sponsored cleric, issued a fatwa Sunday ordering the girls to "stop from these activities and not to get influenced by the support of political leadership."
Kashmir s main separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, criticized Abdullah for selectively supporting freedom of expression and said the band s concert was "a step toward diverting young girls toward Westernization."
However, the alliance distanced itself from the cleric s edict and denied the girls were under threat. "Indian media is blowing up a small issue with a purpose to defame the Kashmiri freedom struggle," the alliance said.
Experts say for most people in Kashmir, neither women performers nor music are a problem. "It becomes an issue when these strings are used to subvert a dominant political reality," said Wasim Bhat, a Kashmiri sociologist.
Kashmir has a long tradition of poetry and music, and has produced iconic female singers including Raj Begum, Kailash Mehra, Naseem Begum and Shamima Azad, the wife of India s health minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The fate of Pragaash, which means "First Light" in Kashmiri, highlights the simmering tension between modernity and tradition in Muslim-majority Kashmir, where an armed uprising against Indian rule and a relentless crackdown by government forces have killed more than 68,000 people since 1989. Separatists criticized the band for what it said was "Western-style cultural waywardness."
Adnan Mattoo, the rock group s music teacher and manager, said the three high school students who formed Pragaash drummer Farah Deeba, bass guitarist Aneeqa Khalid and singer and guitarist Noma Nazir won t talk about their decision to disband and what led to it.
"They feel terribly scared and want an immediate end to this controversy once for all," Mattoo said Tuesday. "First, the girls had decided to quit live performance due to an online hate campaign and concentrate on making an album. But after an edict by the government s own cleric, these girls are saying goodbye to music."
However, a girl identified as one of the band members told India s CNN-IBN channel later Tuesday in a telephoneinterview that the group decided to disband because of the top cleric s edict, and not because of the online abuse. The girl was not identified by name.
The girl told the station that they respected the cleric s decision because he was "more aware of our religion" and she pleaded with the media to stop reporting on the case.
"Everything was going fine till the fatwa was issued," she said.
Pragaash performed in public for the first time in December in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. It won third place in an annual "Battle of the Bands" rock show organized by an Indian paramilitary force as part of a campaign to win hearts and minds in the region.
Soon after the show, Kashmiri pages on social networking sites like Facebook hotly debated the band. Some questioned whether the performance was appropriate in the Muslim-dominated society in Kashmir and others raised broader questions on the Islamic approach to music and role of women in the society.
Many commenters backed the girls, but others were abusive, calling them "sluts" and "prostitutes" and calling for them and their families to be expelled from the region.
The controversy deepened Saturday after Omar Abdullah, the region s top elected official, promised a police probe into the threats and wrote on Twitter that "the talented teenagers should not let themselves be silenced by a handful of morons."
The girls then became a political tool for all sides in the conflict.
Mufti Bashiruddin Ahmad, Kashmir s state-sponsored cleric, issued a fatwa Sunday ordering the girls to "stop from these activities and not to get influenced by the support of political leadership."
Kashmir s main separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, criticized Abdullah for selectively supporting freedom of expression and said the band s concert was "a step toward diverting young girls toward Westernization."
However, the alliance distanced itself from the cleric s edict and denied the girls were under threat. "Indian media is blowing up a small issue with a purpose to defame the Kashmiri freedom struggle," the alliance said.
Experts say for most people in Kashmir, neither women performers nor music are a problem. "It becomes an issue when these strings are used to subvert a dominant political reality," said Wasim Bhat, a Kashmiri sociologist.
Kashmir has a long tradition of poetry and music, and has produced iconic female singers including Raj Begum, Kailash Mehra, Naseem Begum and Shamima Azad, the wife of India s health minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.
One can fall in love again and again: Deepika
MUMBAI: In an interview the actress said she knows how to live his life and one can fall in love again and again.
“The Gujarat shoot of Ram Leela starts in a couple of months. I have been to Gujarat for my movie promotions earlier, but this will be an interesting experience as we will shoot in the interiors. As I grew up with a lot of Gujaratis, I can speak Gujarati very well.”
Q- You have made shorts and hot pants look stylish more than anyone else has!
I have worn shorts only for my films. They are not my personal favourites. In real life, I love wearing sarees. I hope that women continue to wear them more often than they do today. I see a lot of young collegians wearing shorts.
I feel girls should wear what makes them look good and not to make point or follow a fashion trend. Confidence matters more than having a great body. You should not look awkward when you are wearing a gown, a saree or hot pants.
Q- As someone who s doing a lot of endorsements, do you feel a significant part of an actor s pay cheque comes from brand endorsement these days?
That s not true. While brand endorsements are a lucrative monetary option, you need to be committed when you sign up for one. One can t doing senseless/insensitive ads.
They have a distinct recall value. If I am associated with a brand, it is important that the campaign translates into money for the advertisers. For me the creative satisfaction that I get from doing a film or an ad is the same.
Q- Actresses have hardly much to do in a 100 crore film today. Would you like to be a part of 100 crore films or you would be happy doing a Cocktail?
Unfortunately the guys in Bollywood always walk away with the credit of a hit film. I can never do a meaningless role in a 100 crore film.
Maybe other actresses can do such silly song and dance routine numbers in such films, but I would always prefer to do a Cocktail. I think I benefitted a lot from Cocktail even if it was not a 100 crore film.
Q-Your love life is a topic that everyone likes to speculate about. In fact your personal life gets talked about more than your work. Do you like that?
It does not affect me who I am romantically linked with because I know I am single and eventually I am living the life I know best.
But a single girl is allowed to have male friends and share a good rapport with them.
Unlike what people perceive of me, I d love to be with someone who is simple, honest, interesting and makes me laugh.
It took me time after my last breakup to start meeting other men.
But one can easily fall in love again. Actors love lives are open books now and if people want to speculate, I can t help it.
Q- Do you feel that your link-up with Ranveer Singh might help Ram Leela?
They had started rumours linking me with many other actors before the release of other films. I don t know if it is a publicity gimmick but like I said before, I don t mind the speculation.
“The Gujarat shoot of Ram Leela starts in a couple of months. I have been to Gujarat for my movie promotions earlier, but this will be an interesting experience as we will shoot in the interiors. As I grew up with a lot of Gujaratis, I can speak Gujarati very well.”
Q- You have made shorts and hot pants look stylish more than anyone else has!
I have worn shorts only for my films. They are not my personal favourites. In real life, I love wearing sarees. I hope that women continue to wear them more often than they do today. I see a lot of young collegians wearing shorts.
I feel girls should wear what makes them look good and not to make point or follow a fashion trend. Confidence matters more than having a great body. You should not look awkward when you are wearing a gown, a saree or hot pants.
Q- As someone who s doing a lot of endorsements, do you feel a significant part of an actor s pay cheque comes from brand endorsement these days?
That s not true. While brand endorsements are a lucrative monetary option, you need to be committed when you sign up for one. One can t doing senseless/insensitive ads.
They have a distinct recall value. If I am associated with a brand, it is important that the campaign translates into money for the advertisers. For me the creative satisfaction that I get from doing a film or an ad is the same.
Q- Actresses have hardly much to do in a 100 crore film today. Would you like to be a part of 100 crore films or you would be happy doing a Cocktail?
Unfortunately the guys in Bollywood always walk away with the credit of a hit film. I can never do a meaningless role in a 100 crore film.
Maybe other actresses can do such silly song and dance routine numbers in such films, but I would always prefer to do a Cocktail. I think I benefitted a lot from Cocktail even if it was not a 100 crore film.
Q-Your love life is a topic that everyone likes to speculate about. In fact your personal life gets talked about more than your work. Do you like that?
It does not affect me who I am romantically linked with because I know I am single and eventually I am living the life I know best.
But a single girl is allowed to have male friends and share a good rapport with them.
Unlike what people perceive of me, I d love to be with someone who is simple, honest, interesting and makes me laugh.
It took me time after my last breakup to start meeting other men.
But one can easily fall in love again. Actors love lives are open books now and if people want to speculate, I can t help it.
Q- Do you feel that your link-up with Ranveer Singh might help Ram Leela?
They had started rumours linking me with many other actors before the release of other films. I don t know if it is a publicity gimmick but like I said before, I don t mind the speculation.
Vonn hospitalized after crash
AUSTRIA: Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, lost balance on her right leg while landing after a jump.
Her ski came off immediately, and Vonn slid off course and hit a gate before coming to a halt.
The American received medical treatment on the slope for 12 minutes before being taken to the hospital.
The U.S. ski team said it had no immediate information on her condition.
The crash came almost exactly one year before the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Vonn returned to the circuit last month after taking an almost month-long break from racing to fully recover from an intestinal illness that put her in a hospital for two days in November.
Vonn trailed Tina Maze of Slovenia, who won gold, by 0.12 seconds shortly before the crash.
The race, which was postponed for 3½ hours because of fog, continued after another 15-minute delay.
Several racers struggled with the conditions.
"It s not a very difficult course but in some parts you couldn t see anything," Fabienne Suter of Switzerland said.
Her ski came off immediately, and Vonn slid off course and hit a gate before coming to a halt.
The American received medical treatment on the slope for 12 minutes before being taken to the hospital.
The U.S. ski team said it had no immediate information on her condition.
The crash came almost exactly one year before the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Vonn returned to the circuit last month after taking an almost month-long break from racing to fully recover from an intestinal illness that put her in a hospital for two days in November.
Vonn trailed Tina Maze of Slovenia, who won gold, by 0.12 seconds shortly before the crash.
The race, which was postponed for 3½ hours because of fog, continued after another 15-minute delay.
Several racers struggled with the conditions.
"It s not a very difficult course but in some parts you couldn t see anything," Fabienne Suter of Switzerland said.
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali in critical condition
NEW ORLEANS: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been admitted to a hospital in United States as brother of the former heavyweight champion fears Ali could be dead in days.
Ali celebrated his 71st birthday last month. He suffers from Parkinson s disease for last 30 years. It’s a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination.
Ali’s brother Rahman Ali told a UK magazine that Ali s condition has declined rapidly in recent days. Ali had been suffering from dehydration and severe weakness after that he was admitted to a hospital in Arizona.
Fears for Muhammad Ali s health are growing after the boxer s brother suggested the legendary sportsman could be dead within days.
He s in a bad way. He s very sick," Rahman Ali told The Sun. "It could be months, it could be days. I don t know if he ll last the summer.
However, Rahman admitted that he had not seen his brother since July - claiming that the former boxer s wife was refusing to allow him access, forcing the brothers to communicate only via telephone.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali s daughter Maryum May May’ knocked down rumors of her father being near death, saying he was just fine and watching the Super Bowl at home.
Ali celebrated his 71st birthday last month. He suffers from Parkinson s disease for last 30 years. It’s a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination.
Ali’s brother Rahman Ali told a UK magazine that Ali s condition has declined rapidly in recent days. Ali had been suffering from dehydration and severe weakness after that he was admitted to a hospital in Arizona.
Fears for Muhammad Ali s health are growing after the boxer s brother suggested the legendary sportsman could be dead within days.
He s in a bad way. He s very sick," Rahman Ali told The Sun. "It could be months, it could be days. I don t know if he ll last the summer.
However, Rahman admitted that he had not seen his brother since July - claiming that the former boxer s wife was refusing to allow him access, forcing the brothers to communicate only via telephone.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali s daughter Maryum May May’ knocked down rumors of her father being near death, saying he was just fine and watching the Super Bowl at home.
Oil falls to near $96 after weeks of strong gains
Oil prices fell to nearly $96 a barrel Monday on signs that the U.S. and Iran may restart talks about Iran s nuclear program.
In New York benchmark oil for March delivery dropped by $1.60 to finish at $96.17 a barrel. Oil prices had risen steadily since they traded near $86 a barrel in mid-December on hopes for an improving global economy.
When economies grow, shippers and travelers use more gasoline and diesel, pushing up demand for oil to make the fuels.
Brent crude, the benchmark used to set prices for oil used by many U.S. refineries, was down $1.16 to end at $115.60 in London.
For much of the past two years, tensions in the Middle East have helped keep oil prices high by crimping supplies and raising fears that supplies could be cut even further. Western nations have taken steps to stem the flow of crude out of Iran to try to convince the country to stop what the West says is a program to develop a nuclear weapon.
In response Iran has threatened to disrupt the flow of oil through the Middle East.
On Saturday, while on a visit in Germany, Vice President Joe Biden said Washington was ready for direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, which Teheran insists is only for peaceful purposes. The Iranian foreign minister on Sunday welcomed Biden s gesture but did not commit to taking up the offer.
Negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany have made little progress and analysts welcomed the possibility of direct talks.
"It seems that small steps in that direction have started," said Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. "The U.S. had its election, Israel had its election but Iran still needs to go through its elections in June and that could still be a delay in the formal process but already a small change of dynamics will be important."
If Iranian oil that is now embargoed can return to the market, supplies will rise and prices could fall.
In New York benchmark oil for March delivery dropped by $1.60 to finish at $96.17 a barrel. Oil prices had risen steadily since they traded near $86 a barrel in mid-December on hopes for an improving global economy.
When economies grow, shippers and travelers use more gasoline and diesel, pushing up demand for oil to make the fuels.
Brent crude, the benchmark used to set prices for oil used by many U.S. refineries, was down $1.16 to end at $115.60 in London.
For much of the past two years, tensions in the Middle East have helped keep oil prices high by crimping supplies and raising fears that supplies could be cut even further. Western nations have taken steps to stem the flow of crude out of Iran to try to convince the country to stop what the West says is a program to develop a nuclear weapon.
In response Iran has threatened to disrupt the flow of oil through the Middle East.
On Saturday, while on a visit in Germany, Vice President Joe Biden said Washington was ready for direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, which Teheran insists is only for peaceful purposes. The Iranian foreign minister on Sunday welcomed Biden s gesture but did not commit to taking up the offer.
Negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany have made little progress and analysts welcomed the possibility of direct talks.
"It seems that small steps in that direction have started," said Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. "The U.S. had its election, Israel had its election but Iran still needs to go through its elections in June and that could still be a delay in the formal process but already a small change of dynamics will be important."
If Iranian oil that is now embargoed can return to the market, supplies will rise and prices could fall.
NKorea nuke test seems imminent: SKorea envoy
UNITED NATIONS: South Korea s U.N. ambassador said Monday a North Korean nuclear test "seems to be imminent."
Ambassador Kim Sook said there are "very busy activities" taking place at North Korea s nuclear test site "and everybody s watching."
Kim told a press conference that in the event of a nuclear test, he expects the U.N. Security Council to respond with "firm and strong measures."
North Korea announced last month that it would conduct a nuclear test to protest Security Council sanctions toughened after a satellite launch in December that the U.S. and others say was a disguised test of banned missile technology. The council ordered North Korea in the sanctions resolution to refrain from a nuclear test or face "significant action."
South Korea joined the Security Council in January and holds the rotating presidency this month. Kim said he was speaking as South Korea s ambassador, not as the council president. He said that during negotiations on the latest sanctions resolution all 15 council members including North Korean ally China were unified.
"They are very firm and resolute and I would expect very firm and strong measures to be taken in terms of format as well as in substance once they go ahead with such provocation" as a nuclear test, Kim said.
Pyongyang s two previous nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009, both occurred after it was condemned by the United Nations for rocket launches.
The sanctions, aimed at trying to derail the country s rogue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, bar North Korea from testing or using nuclear or ballistic missile technology, and from importing or exporting material for these programs.
The latest sanctions resolution again demanded that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program and cease launches. It slapped sanctions on North Korean companies and government agencies, including its space agency and several individuals.
Ambassador Kim Sook said there are "very busy activities" taking place at North Korea s nuclear test site "and everybody s watching."
Kim told a press conference that in the event of a nuclear test, he expects the U.N. Security Council to respond with "firm and strong measures."
North Korea announced last month that it would conduct a nuclear test to protest Security Council sanctions toughened after a satellite launch in December that the U.S. and others say was a disguised test of banned missile technology. The council ordered North Korea in the sanctions resolution to refrain from a nuclear test or face "significant action."
South Korea joined the Security Council in January and holds the rotating presidency this month. Kim said he was speaking as South Korea s ambassador, not as the council president. He said that during negotiations on the latest sanctions resolution all 15 council members including North Korean ally China were unified.
"They are very firm and resolute and I would expect very firm and strong measures to be taken in terms of format as well as in substance once they go ahead with such provocation" as a nuclear test, Kim said.
Pyongyang s two previous nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009, both occurred after it was condemned by the United Nations for rocket launches.
The sanctions, aimed at trying to derail the country s rogue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, bar North Korea from testing or using nuclear or ballistic missile technology, and from importing or exporting material for these programs.
The latest sanctions resolution again demanded that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program and cease launches. It slapped sanctions on North Korean companies and government agencies, including its space agency and several individuals.
Iran: Police arrest former Tehran prosecutor
TEHRAN: Iranian police late Monday arrested former Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi, an ally of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, official media reported without stating any reason for the move.
Mortazavi, Tehran s notorious former prosecutor, was suspended in August 2010 along with two other judges over the death in prison of three anti-government protesters in the aftermath of the 2009 presidential election.
A parliamentary probe found Mortazavi responsible for sending protesters to Kahrizak, a detention centre south of Tehran, and demanded that he be punished. The case is still ongoing. He was at the centre of a raucous parliamentary session on Sunday when the bad blood between Iran s government and parliament spilled into open.
A majority of MPs voted in a heated parliament session, broadcast live on state radio, to remove the labour and social welfare minister, Abdolreza Sheikholeslam, for refusing to sack Mortazavi.
Mortazavi, seen close to President Ahmadinejad, had been appointed as caretaker of Iran s wealthy social welfare organisation.
Sunday s brawl came as Iran gears up for its presidential election on June 14 to find a replacement for Ahmadinejad, whose victory in 2009 sparked protests against poll results which the opposition claimed were rigged.
The rift between Ahmadinejad and parliament, dominated by conservatives critical of his administration, first surfaced in April 2011 after he challenged a ruling by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters.
The dismissal of Sheikholeslam on Sunday marked parliament s second successful unseating of Ahmadinejad s ministers in his second and last term. In February 2011 the then transport minister was dismissed.
During Sunday s feisty debate, Ahmadinejad accused parliament speaker Ali Larijani and judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani of nepotism.
To back his claim, the president played a recording in which a voice said to be of their brother, Fazel, allegedly attempts to bribe Mortazavi by asking for a favour in exchange for political support of both parliament and the judiciary.
Mortazavi, Tehran s notorious former prosecutor, was suspended in August 2010 along with two other judges over the death in prison of three anti-government protesters in the aftermath of the 2009 presidential election.
A parliamentary probe found Mortazavi responsible for sending protesters to Kahrizak, a detention centre south of Tehran, and demanded that he be punished. The case is still ongoing. He was at the centre of a raucous parliamentary session on Sunday when the bad blood between Iran s government and parliament spilled into open.
A majority of MPs voted in a heated parliament session, broadcast live on state radio, to remove the labour and social welfare minister, Abdolreza Sheikholeslam, for refusing to sack Mortazavi.
Mortazavi, seen close to President Ahmadinejad, had been appointed as caretaker of Iran s wealthy social welfare organisation.
Sunday s brawl came as Iran gears up for its presidential election on June 14 to find a replacement for Ahmadinejad, whose victory in 2009 sparked protests against poll results which the opposition claimed were rigged.
The rift between Ahmadinejad and parliament, dominated by conservatives critical of his administration, first surfaced in April 2011 after he challenged a ruling by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters.
The dismissal of Sheikholeslam on Sunday marked parliament s second successful unseating of Ahmadinejad s ministers in his second and last term. In February 2011 the then transport minister was dismissed.
During Sunday s feisty debate, Ahmadinejad accused parliament speaker Ali Larijani and judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani of nepotism.
To back his claim, the president played a recording in which a voice said to be of their brother, Fazel, allegedly attempts to bribe Mortazavi by asking for a favour in exchange for political support of both parliament and the judiciary.
Troops enter Kidal in northern Mali
TIMBUKTU: Troops from France and Chad moved into Kidal in an effort to secure the strategic north Malian city, a French official said Tuesday, as the international force put further pressure on the Islamic extremists to push them out of their last major bastion of control in the north.
Some 1,800 Chadian troops are holding Kidal city and an unspecified number of French troops were further securing the Kidal airport so that they can bring in more forces, a French military official said Tuesday. The official was not authorized to be publicly named according to French military policy. Troops have had control of the airport for several days.
The French-led military intervention against advancing Islamic fighters started more than three weeks ago and has pushed quickly into Mali s north. France s government fears the region could become a haven for international terrorists.
The French last week began a campaign of airstrikes on Islamic rebel outposts around Kidal and Tessalit. French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets have flown 135 sorties since Thursday and targeted 25 sites, primarily fuel and logistics depots, the French Defense Ministry said. And France ramped up its presence in Mali to 4,000 troops as of Tuesday, the official said. That s about the same number as France had at the height of its 11-year military presence in Afghanistan.
While their forces took control of Kidal s airport some time ago, it s not clear why they did not take Kidal city with the same swiftness as they took Gao and Timbuktu.
There was speculaton that the pace of their advance was being constrained by the fact that the retreating rebels are holding western hostages, including eight who are French. Fears have mounted about their safety as the French intervention has moved closer to where several of them are thought to be held.
As French forces focus farther north, they are preparing to hand control of the fabled city of Timbuktu to African forces this week.
Some 3,800 forces from other African states are in Mali backing up the weak Malian army, the official said. But it is far from clear that the African forces are ready to take full responsibility against the Islamic extremists, who may strike the cities from their desert hideouts.
The spokesman for the Malian military in Timbuktu, Capt. Samba Coulibaly, said there is no reason for the population to fear the withdrawal of French troops.
"With the size of the force we have here right now, we can maintain security in the town of Timbuktu," he said. "The departure of the French soldiers does not scare us, especially since their air force will still be present both in Timbuktu and Sevare. They control this entire zone and can intervene within a matter of minutes in order to carry out airstrikes as needed," he said.
In a sign of normalcy, the mayor s office of Timbuktu announced that they will open for the first time in 10 months on Wednesday, said the city s mayor Ousmane Halle.
Government officials will tackle "the most important needs first," he said. "Including garbage removal and issuing birth certificates for the children born since the Islamists took over."
"The city is now secure. There are ongoing patrols by French and Malian soldiers, and we no longer have any reason to fear an attack by the Islamists," he said.
Meanwhile, secular rebels from Mali s Tuareg group say they have arrested two Islamic extremists, including the man blamed for enforcing stoning deaths and amputations in Timbuktu.
Some 1,800 Chadian troops are holding Kidal city and an unspecified number of French troops were further securing the Kidal airport so that they can bring in more forces, a French military official said Tuesday. The official was not authorized to be publicly named according to French military policy. Troops have had control of the airport for several days.
The French-led military intervention against advancing Islamic fighters started more than three weeks ago and has pushed quickly into Mali s north. France s government fears the region could become a haven for international terrorists.
The French last week began a campaign of airstrikes on Islamic rebel outposts around Kidal and Tessalit. French Mirage and Rafale fighter jets have flown 135 sorties since Thursday and targeted 25 sites, primarily fuel and logistics depots, the French Defense Ministry said. And France ramped up its presence in Mali to 4,000 troops as of Tuesday, the official said. That s about the same number as France had at the height of its 11-year military presence in Afghanistan.
While their forces took control of Kidal s airport some time ago, it s not clear why they did not take Kidal city with the same swiftness as they took Gao and Timbuktu.
There was speculaton that the pace of their advance was being constrained by the fact that the retreating rebels are holding western hostages, including eight who are French. Fears have mounted about their safety as the French intervention has moved closer to where several of them are thought to be held.
As French forces focus farther north, they are preparing to hand control of the fabled city of Timbuktu to African forces this week.
Some 3,800 forces from other African states are in Mali backing up the weak Malian army, the official said. But it is far from clear that the African forces are ready to take full responsibility against the Islamic extremists, who may strike the cities from their desert hideouts.
The spokesman for the Malian military in Timbuktu, Capt. Samba Coulibaly, said there is no reason for the population to fear the withdrawal of French troops.
"With the size of the force we have here right now, we can maintain security in the town of Timbuktu," he said. "The departure of the French soldiers does not scare us, especially since their air force will still be present both in Timbuktu and Sevare. They control this entire zone and can intervene within a matter of minutes in order to carry out airstrikes as needed," he said.
In a sign of normalcy, the mayor s office of Timbuktu announced that they will open for the first time in 10 months on Wednesday, said the city s mayor Ousmane Halle.
Government officials will tackle "the most important needs first," he said. "Including garbage removal and issuing birth certificates for the children born since the Islamists took over."
"The city is now secure. There are ongoing patrols by French and Malian soldiers, and we no longer have any reason to fear an attack by the Islamists," he said.
Meanwhile, secular rebels from Mali s Tuareg group say they have arrested two Islamic extremists, including the man blamed for enforcing stoning deaths and amputations in Timbuktu.
Ahmadinejad arrived in Cairo, 1st visit by Iran leader since 1979
CAIRO: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Cairo on Tuesday, marking the first visit to Egypt by an Iranian president since Iran s 1979 Islamic revolution, Egyptian television footage showed.
Egypt s Islamist President Mohamed Morsi welcomed Ahmadinejad at Cairo airport as he disembarked from the plane, the footage showed.
Ahmadinejad, who is on a three-day visit, will attend an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in Cairo and will hold talks with Egyptian officials, Iranian media said ahead of the trip. Before leaving Tehran, Ahmadinejad told reporters that during his visit he would work towards strengthening bilateral ties with Cairo.
"I will try to pave the ground for developing cooperation between Iran and Egypt," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by Iran s official IRNA news agency.
Without elaborating, he said the visit would "definitely influence the bilateral ties" between Tehran and Cairo.
Tehran severed ties with Cairo in 1980 in protest at a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel by then Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. But Egypt has responded cautiously to Iranian efforts to revive ties since Morsi took power in 2012, with the two nations adopting opposing positions on the Syrian conflict.
Iran supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Egypt has been a leading voice in urging his departure -- along with regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
"If Tehran and Cairo see more eye to eye on regional and international issues, many (issues) will change," IRNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
Egypt s Islamist President Mohamed Morsi welcomed Ahmadinejad at Cairo airport as he disembarked from the plane, the footage showed.
Ahmadinejad, who is on a three-day visit, will attend an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in Cairo and will hold talks with Egyptian officials, Iranian media said ahead of the trip. Before leaving Tehran, Ahmadinejad told reporters that during his visit he would work towards strengthening bilateral ties with Cairo.
"I will try to pave the ground for developing cooperation between Iran and Egypt," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by Iran s official IRNA news agency.
Without elaborating, he said the visit would "definitely influence the bilateral ties" between Tehran and Cairo.
Tehran severed ties with Cairo in 1980 in protest at a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel by then Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. But Egypt has responded cautiously to Iranian efforts to revive ties since Morsi took power in 2012, with the two nations adopting opposing positions on the Syrian conflict.
Iran supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Egypt has been a leading voice in urging his departure -- along with regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
"If Tehran and Cairo see more eye to eye on regional and international issues, many (issues) will change," IRNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
Iran threat growing: Israel
JERUSALEM: Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Tuesday that the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran was growing under the "terrifying dictatorship" ruling the Islamic republic.
"The Iranian danger has grown," Peres said at the opening of the newly-elected Israeli parliament. "It threatens our existence, the independence of the Arab states, the peace of the whole world."
"At its head stands a group of ayatollahs in their religious robes, a terrifying dictatorship, staining Persian history and a nightmare for its people," he said.
Addressing the opening of the 19th knesset, or parliament, elected in a January 22 general election, Peres called on the United Nations and the Arab League to act urgently to end the turmoil in Syria.
"Iran is a danger and Syria is a tragedy. Its president butchers his people. In my opinion the UN should task the Arab League with the immediate formation of a transitional government in Syria to save it from self-destruction. Assad, who has murdered tens of thousands has also murdered his future," he said.
Syria has blamed Israel for a Wednesday air raid at a military complex near Damascus, which targeted surface-to-air missiles and an adjacent military complex believed to house chemical agents, according to a US official.
Damascus has threatened to retaliate and Syria s close ally Iran warned the attack would have "grave consequences" and that the "Zionist entity" would regret its aggression against Syria
While Israel has not yet formally confirmed its responsibility, Defence Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday dropped a heavy hint.
"It s another proof that when we say something we mean it," Barak told reporters at a security conference in Germany.
"We say that we don t think that it should be allowable to bring advanced weapon systems into Lebanon, the Hezbollah, from Syria, when Assad falls."
"The Iranian danger has grown," Peres said at the opening of the newly-elected Israeli parliament. "It threatens our existence, the independence of the Arab states, the peace of the whole world."
"At its head stands a group of ayatollahs in their religious robes, a terrifying dictatorship, staining Persian history and a nightmare for its people," he said.
Addressing the opening of the 19th knesset, or parliament, elected in a January 22 general election, Peres called on the United Nations and the Arab League to act urgently to end the turmoil in Syria.
"Iran is a danger and Syria is a tragedy. Its president butchers his people. In my opinion the UN should task the Arab League with the immediate formation of a transitional government in Syria to save it from self-destruction. Assad, who has murdered tens of thousands has also murdered his future," he said.
Syria has blamed Israel for a Wednesday air raid at a military complex near Damascus, which targeted surface-to-air missiles and an adjacent military complex believed to house chemical agents, according to a US official.
Damascus has threatened to retaliate and Syria s close ally Iran warned the attack would have "grave consequences" and that the "Zionist entity" would regret its aggression against Syria
While Israel has not yet formally confirmed its responsibility, Defence Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday dropped a heavy hint.
"It s another proof that when we say something we mean it," Barak told reporters at a security conference in Germany.
"We say that we don t think that it should be allowable to bring advanced weapon systems into Lebanon, the Hezbollah, from Syria, when Assad falls."
France detains 4 over extremist links
PARIS: The raid in the Paris region comes amid fears that European extremists who once joined jihadi groups in Afghanistan or Iraq are now joining radical fighters in the civil war in Syria and the conflict in Mali.
The Paris prosecutor s office said the four people were detained in Tuesday s operation as part of an investigation into a French-Malian man arrested around the Mali-Niger border last year.
Interior Minister Manuel Valls said the operation targeted those seeking to join foreign fighters in the Mali region, and that French authorities are monitoring several cells or networks suspected of sending fighters abroad.
He said a "handful" of French extremists are in the region around Mali, which France fears could become a haven for international terrorists.
The French military launched a military intervention in Mali last month targeting al-Qaida-linked extremists.
The extremists had seized power in the north last year and imposed harsh Islamic rule on residents, and then started advancing toward the capital. Other African countries are also taking part in the military intervention.
French authorities fear retaliatory attacks by those linked to the extremists targeted in the Mali operation.
Meanwhile, French authorities say French extremists are also trying to join radical fighters in Syria, where a melange of anti-government forces is resisting a nearly 2-year-old crackdown by President Bashar Assad s military.
France has sided with the Syrian political opposition, saying Assad has lost his legitimacy, but is trying to crack down on any French people who seek to use the war in Syria to push extremist goals.
"Several dozen French people or French residents have already gone to Syria, often in groups controlled by al-Qaida, and there are also some individuals who want to go to the Sahel (around Mali), so we have to prevent them, arrest them and neutralize them," Valls said.
Tuesday s arrests were part of the investigation into Ibrahim Ouattara, a 24-year-old native of the northern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers, the Paris prosecutor s office said. Outtara, a dual French-Malian national, was arrested in November.
He has a history of trips to regions where Islamist radicals are active, including countries like Yemen and Somalia.
Separately, a 27-year-old Frenchman was arrested in August in Niger and has since been handed over to authorities in France.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, is one of three extremist groups that have taken control of the northern half of Mali. The group is made up mainly of foreign fighters.
The Paris prosecutor s office said the four people were detained in Tuesday s operation as part of an investigation into a French-Malian man arrested around the Mali-Niger border last year.
Interior Minister Manuel Valls said the operation targeted those seeking to join foreign fighters in the Mali region, and that French authorities are monitoring several cells or networks suspected of sending fighters abroad.
He said a "handful" of French extremists are in the region around Mali, which France fears could become a haven for international terrorists.
The French military launched a military intervention in Mali last month targeting al-Qaida-linked extremists.
The extremists had seized power in the north last year and imposed harsh Islamic rule on residents, and then started advancing toward the capital. Other African countries are also taking part in the military intervention.
French authorities fear retaliatory attacks by those linked to the extremists targeted in the Mali operation.
Meanwhile, French authorities say French extremists are also trying to join radical fighters in Syria, where a melange of anti-government forces is resisting a nearly 2-year-old crackdown by President Bashar Assad s military.
France has sided with the Syrian political opposition, saying Assad has lost his legitimacy, but is trying to crack down on any French people who seek to use the war in Syria to push extremist goals.
"Several dozen French people or French residents have already gone to Syria, often in groups controlled by al-Qaida, and there are also some individuals who want to go to the Sahel (around Mali), so we have to prevent them, arrest them and neutralize them," Valls said.
Tuesday s arrests were part of the investigation into Ibrahim Ouattara, a 24-year-old native of the northern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers, the Paris prosecutor s office said. Outtara, a dual French-Malian national, was arrested in November.
He has a history of trips to regions where Islamist radicals are active, including countries like Yemen and Somalia.
Separately, a 27-year-old Frenchman was arrested in August in Niger and has since been handed over to authorities in France.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, is one of three extremist groups that have taken control of the northern half of Mali. The group is made up mainly of foreign fighters.
Karzai confirms he will step down in 2014
OSLO: Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai confirmed Tuesday in Oslo that he plans to step down next year when his mandate expires.
"The question of me staying as the president beyond 2014 is out of the question," Karzai said when reporters asked about recent speculation that he was keen to stay on.
"Neither am I seeking a third term, nor does the constitution allow it. There will be an election and a new president will come," he said.
Karzai was elected in 2004, and re-elected in 2009 in a vote marred by accusations of fraud.
Afghanistan s next presidential election is scheduled for April 2014, just a few months before the end of NATO s mission.
Karzai has previously said he would not stay in power beyond 2014, including at a meeting with US President Barack Obama last month, amid some concern that he could try to cling to power.
During his visit to Oslo, Norway said it would continue to help the country until 2017, with annual aid of 750 million kroner (101 million euros, $137 million). Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, and one of the most corrupt.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said the aid agreement -- which formalises previously-made pledges -- would depend on Afghan authorities commitment to "good governance, the rule of law, human rights, transparency and democracy."
"We have zero tolerance for corruption," he stressed, noting that Oslo had suspended development aid in the past when funds had been misappropriated.
Afghanistan, the second-biggest recipient of Norwegian aid, is ranked as one of the most corruption-riddled countries in the world alongside North Korea and Somalia, according to graft watchdog Transparency International.
"The question of me staying as the president beyond 2014 is out of the question," Karzai said when reporters asked about recent speculation that he was keen to stay on.
"Neither am I seeking a third term, nor does the constitution allow it. There will be an election and a new president will come," he said.
Karzai was elected in 2004, and re-elected in 2009 in a vote marred by accusations of fraud.
Afghanistan s next presidential election is scheduled for April 2014, just a few months before the end of NATO s mission.
Karzai has previously said he would not stay in power beyond 2014, including at a meeting with US President Barack Obama last month, amid some concern that he could try to cling to power.
During his visit to Oslo, Norway said it would continue to help the country until 2017, with annual aid of 750 million kroner (101 million euros, $137 million). Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, and one of the most corrupt.
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said the aid agreement -- which formalises previously-made pledges -- would depend on Afghan authorities commitment to "good governance, the rule of law, human rights, transparency and democracy."
"We have zero tolerance for corruption," he stressed, noting that Oslo had suspended development aid in the past when funds had been misappropriated.
Afghanistan, the second-biggest recipient of Norwegian aid, is ranked as one of the most corruption-riddled countries in the world alongside North Korea and Somalia, according to graft watchdog Transparency International.
Taliban courts operating in Karachi
KARACHI: According to Dunya News a terror suspect Tehseen Mehsood has made some alarming revelations during interrogation by police.
He has said that Taliban courts were operating in Saultanabad, Mango Pir, Ittihad Town and Suhrab Goath areas.
The accused revealed that a Qazi is appointed in these courts according to the nature of the case and he himself had served as a Qazi in three cases.
He has said that Taliban courts were operating in Saultanabad, Mango Pir, Ittihad Town and Suhrab Goath areas.
The accused revealed that a Qazi is appointed in these courts according to the nature of the case and he himself had served as a Qazi in three cases.
Asma doesn't qualify for caretaker PM slot: PTI
LAHORE: A Spokesman of Pakistan Tereek-e-Insaf said that the problem with Ms.Jehangir’s nomination was not her person but that she does not fit the qualifications that the party thinks are necessary for a caretaker Prime Minister.
It be recalled said the spokesman that PTI had laid down three necessary preconditions before somebody could be considered for the most important post of caretaker Prime Minister during the election period.
These are: The person nominated should be completely neutral; the person nominated should respect national institutions particularly the judiciary. The person nominated should have the necessary administrative experience to run the machinery of the state for the caretaker period and particularly able to ensure a free and fair election.
The spokesman said Asma Jehangir does not fit any of the above three criterion. She has frequently attacked Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf in the past and continues to do so.
According to her published statements, Ms Jehangir has termed PTI a “progeny of the establishment” and handmaiden of those wanting to derail democracy. These statements of hers have been spread over the last three years and show a consistent pattern of anti PTI behavior, the spokesman added.
It be recalled said the spokesman that PTI had laid down three necessary preconditions before somebody could be considered for the most important post of caretaker Prime Minister during the election period.
These are: The person nominated should be completely neutral; the person nominated should respect national institutions particularly the judiciary. The person nominated should have the necessary administrative experience to run the machinery of the state for the caretaker period and particularly able to ensure a free and fair election.
The spokesman said Asma Jehangir does not fit any of the above three criterion. She has frequently attacked Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf in the past and continues to do so.
According to her published statements, Ms Jehangir has termed PTI a “progeny of the establishment” and handmaiden of those wanting to derail democracy. These statements of hers have been spread over the last three years and show a consistent pattern of anti PTI behavior, the spokesman added.
Kashmir Council EU and Kashmir Centre Holland held demonstration on solidarity day
Den Haag: Kashmir Council EU and Kashmir Centre Holland jointly organised a demonstration on 5th February in DEN HAAG Netherland.
Like Pakistan, the solidarity Day observed on 5th February in Europe to renew commitment to continue supporting the Kashmiris brethren for their right to self-determination.
The demonstration was headed by Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed and Executive Director Kashmir Centre Holland Raja Zaib Khan.
Despite of heavy snowfall, a large number of the people attended the demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament.
Addressing the rally, Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed said, we express complete solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Kashmiris are struggling for their right to self-determination for more than 60 years.
He said, the voices of cries from the Kashmir are being reached in all over the world. We are struggling to make awareness among the Europeans on Kashmir issue. We would continue our comprehensive move to obtain further European sympathy and friendship with the Kashmiris.
It is clear fact that grave atrocities are being committed against the people of Jammu and Kashmir and every day is witnessed of killings of innocent Kashmiris including women and children. People in Indian Held Kashmir particularly youth are being disappeared and large scale unnamed graves were discovered in the valley but no one of the world powers supports the Kashmiris and neither any international organization pays any attention on the cries.
He said, about 800,000 Indian forces are deployed in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) and they are involved in the atrocities against the innocent people of the held territory.
The participants of the demonstration called upon the United Nations and the international community to help Kashmiri people in getting their fundamental rights to self-determination by implementing its various resolutions in letter and spirit.
At the end of the demonstration, a delegation headed by Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed and Executive Director Kashmir Center Holland Raja Zaib Khan met Dutch Parliament’s members Desiree Bonis, Sjoerd Wiemer Sjoerdsma and G.A. Van Der Steur and Deputy Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament.
The delegation presented a memorandum about human rights violations in India Held Kashmir and urged the Holland to play its effective role to stop the human rights abuses in the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK).
Highlighting the recent report prepared by human rights activist Pervez Imroz on human rights’ situation particularly unnamed graves in IHK and called for DNA of the people buried in the graves.
Like Pakistan, the solidarity Day observed on 5th February in Europe to renew commitment to continue supporting the Kashmiris brethren for their right to self-determination.
The demonstration was headed by Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed and Executive Director Kashmir Centre Holland Raja Zaib Khan.
Despite of heavy snowfall, a large number of the people attended the demonstration in front of the Dutch Parliament.
Addressing the rally, Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed said, we express complete solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Kashmiris are struggling for their right to self-determination for more than 60 years.
He said, the voices of cries from the Kashmir are being reached in all over the world. We are struggling to make awareness among the Europeans on Kashmir issue. We would continue our comprehensive move to obtain further European sympathy and friendship with the Kashmiris.
It is clear fact that grave atrocities are being committed against the people of Jammu and Kashmir and every day is witnessed of killings of innocent Kashmiris including women and children. People in Indian Held Kashmir particularly youth are being disappeared and large scale unnamed graves were discovered in the valley but no one of the world powers supports the Kashmiris and neither any international organization pays any attention on the cries.
He said, about 800,000 Indian forces are deployed in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) and they are involved in the atrocities against the innocent people of the held territory.
The participants of the demonstration called upon the United Nations and the international community to help Kashmiri people in getting their fundamental rights to self-determination by implementing its various resolutions in letter and spirit.
At the end of the demonstration, a delegation headed by Chairman Kashmir Council EU, Ali Raza Syed and Executive Director Kashmir Center Holland Raja Zaib Khan met Dutch Parliament’s members Desiree Bonis, Sjoerd Wiemer Sjoerdsma and G.A. Van Der Steur and Deputy Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament.
The delegation presented a memorandum about human rights violations in India Held Kashmir and urged the Holland to play its effective role to stop the human rights abuses in the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK).
Highlighting the recent report prepared by human rights activist Pervez Imroz on human rights’ situation particularly unnamed graves in IHK and called for DNA of the people buried in the graves.
Friday 1 February 2013
Lebanese president condemns Israeli airstrike in Syria
BEIRUT:Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has denounced the Israeli attack on a research center in Syria, accusing the Tel Aviv regime of using the turmoil in the Arab country to carry out its ‘aggressive policies.’
“Israel is exploiting the current situation in Syria to implement its aggressive policies, flouting international treaties and humanitarian rights and norms,” said the Lebanese president in a Thursday statement released by his office.
On January 30, the Syrian army said two people were killed and five others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a research center in Jamraya, near the capital. The Israeli regime declined to comment on the issue.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour also called for a firm stance by Arab countries to confront the Israeli assault.
Mansour said the aggression again confirms the reality of the Israeli regime’s conduct by which it has been characterized since 1948.
On Thursday, Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah strongly condemned the Israeli attack and said it was “barbaric aggression.”
Russia also said if the information on the Israeli attack was confirmed, “Then we are dealing with unprovoked strikes against targets located on the territory of a sovereign state, which brazenly infringes on the UN Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motive used for its justification.”
“Israel is exploiting the current situation in Syria to implement its aggressive policies, flouting international treaties and humanitarian rights and norms,” said the Lebanese president in a Thursday statement released by his office.
On January 30, the Syrian army said two people were killed and five others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a research center in Jamraya, near the capital. The Israeli regime declined to comment on the issue.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour also called for a firm stance by Arab countries to confront the Israeli assault.
Mansour said the aggression again confirms the reality of the Israeli regime’s conduct by which it has been characterized since 1948.
On Thursday, Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah strongly condemned the Israeli attack and said it was “barbaric aggression.”
Russia also said if the information on the Israeli attack was confirmed, “Then we are dealing with unprovoked strikes against targets located on the territory of a sovereign state, which brazenly infringes on the UN Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motive used for its justification.”
Hangu:Suicide blast outside mosque claims 22 lives
PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber targeted a Shiite Muslim mosque in Hangu on Friday, killing 22 people and 40 wounding dozens as worshippers poured out of weekly prayers, officials said.
According to police, the bomber detonated his explosives as worshippers poured out after Friday (Jummah) prayers in the crowded Pat Bazaar area.
“Most of the dead were coming out of a mosque in the marketplace after Friday prayers when the bomb went off,” a senior police officer said.
The bomber detonated explosives packed into a motorcycle in a narrow lane containing both the Shiite and a Sunni Muslim mosque in the town of Hangu, the latest bloody sectarian attack in a country where such violence is on the rise.
"It was a suicide attack which targeted Shiites but Sunni Muslims also fell victim since their mosque and some shops were also very close to the site," district police chief Mian Muhammad Saeed told AFP.
"We have found the head of the bomber, who came there on a motorbike," he said, putting the death toll at 22 with 40 others wounded.
Police said the bomb exploded as Shiites were leaving Friday prayers and Sunnis were going into their mosque for the main weekly sermon.
"The Shiite and Sunni mosques are very close to each other, and the explosion took place just as Shiites were coming out of the mosque and Sunnis were going into their mosque to say Friday prayers," said police official Imtiaz Shah.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned explosion.Deploring the loss of precious lives in the incident‚ he directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible medical treatment to the injured.
He said such cowardly incidents can not deter the government's resolve to wipe out the menace of terrorism.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain Shah also strongly condemned the killing of innocent people in the Hangu blast.
According to police, the bomber detonated his explosives as worshippers poured out after Friday (Jummah) prayers in the crowded Pat Bazaar area.
“Most of the dead were coming out of a mosque in the marketplace after Friday prayers when the bomb went off,” a senior police officer said.
The bomber detonated explosives packed into a motorcycle in a narrow lane containing both the Shiite and a Sunni Muslim mosque in the town of Hangu, the latest bloody sectarian attack in a country where such violence is on the rise.
"It was a suicide attack which targeted Shiites but Sunni Muslims also fell victim since their mosque and some shops were also very close to the site," district police chief Mian Muhammad Saeed told AFP.
"We have found the head of the bomber, who came there on a motorbike," he said, putting the death toll at 22 with 40 others wounded.
Police said the bomb exploded as Shiites were leaving Friday prayers and Sunnis were going into their mosque for the main weekly sermon.
"The Shiite and Sunni mosques are very close to each other, and the explosion took place just as Shiites were coming out of the mosque and Sunnis were going into their mosque to say Friday prayers," said police official Imtiaz Shah.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned explosion.Deploring the loss of precious lives in the incident‚ he directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible medical treatment to the injured.
He said such cowardly incidents can not deter the government's resolve to wipe out the menace of terrorism.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain Shah also strongly condemned the killing of innocent people in the Hangu blast.
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