Minorities denied flood relief in Pakistan
Newsweek lists King Abdullah among top 10 world leadersPope urges 'concrete support' for Pakistan flood victims
Australia's 'Ramadan lounge' Muslim Tourist Plans
Bahrain arrests more Shia activists as poll nears
Maths just a child’s play for 13-year-old prodigy
Muslims pray at Pentagon’s Sept. 11 crash site
Insurgents kill 5 govt employees around Iraq
All cafes ordered shut in Chechnya during Ramadan
Makkah dawa center guides 1,300 expats to Islam
Muslim American serves New York’s homeless while fasting
Fear paralyzes US Muslim 'leaders'
Women’s College staff feel marginalized
27 freed, 13 killed in raid on secret Taliban prison
Most New Yorkers against ground zero mosque: Poll
Terror-mongers raise funds under aid garb
As Pak battles flood, militants strike
“Awqaf” Quran Contest Kicked Off in Yemen
India sends home to Pak two men who helped hijack IC-814 to Kandahar
Iran tells West to stay out of woman's stoning case
Two former Gitmo detainees may enter Bahraini Politics
Terrorists kill two anti-Taliban fighters in Peshawar
Asiya Andrabi a hypocrite’
Students from Kashmir pelt politicos with tough queries
NATO strike in Afghanistan kills Taliban commander
Egypt's Islamic Art Museum Reopens after Restoration
Yemen to deport 150 Ethiopians
SR400m raised for Pakistan; OIC chief calls for setting up of emergency fund
Karzai says Afghanistan needs Russia's support
Jeddah City FC: Giving Saudi grass-roots football the kick it needs
King to host 2,000 Palestinian Haj pilgrims
attacker to stay in Israeli jail
Goodbye Iraq: Last US combat brigade heads home
Talks with US only if sanctions are dropped: Iran
US official ‘explains’ Iran sanctions to Lebanon
New US ambassador to Iraq arrives in Baghdad
Shaikh Mohammed receives educational leaders
Russia summit calls for joint strategy against terrorism
‘Militant’ doctor gunned down in Karachi
Afghan protesters block highway over civilian killings
Afghanistan recruits Iraq-style Militia Force
Babri Mosque trial to begin from 23rd
Pakistan, Russia back Afghanistan at rare summit
Pakistan violates ceasefire, targets 3 Indian posts along LoC in Poonch
Iran's first nuclear plant: A history of delays
Kerala parties step up efforts to woo Muslims
4-nation pact to fight terrorism
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Survivors pick their way through wrecked streets in Nowshera, in north-west Pakistan
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Minorities denied flood relief in Pakistan
Imtiaz Ahmad
IN THE DARK UN has pointed out that Pak has no relief plans for flood victims
I: Earlier this week, members of Pakistan's Ahmadiyya community, who were caught up in the raging floods around the Central Punjab town of Muzaffargarh, were not rescued from their homes because rescuers felt that Muslims must be given priority.
Ahmadiyyas are ostracized by Pakistan's mainstream Muslim community who consider them to be non-believers.
In 1973, this community was officially declared a minority. Since then the discrimination against them has been severe.
The Ahmadiyyas complained to the government that not only were their community members not rescued but in some instances ejected from relief camps when their identity was disclosed. This has been refuted by the provincial Punjab government but eye witnesses have attested to this. As the waters recede and people flock to relief camps and look for help, Pakistan's power politics have come into play whereby chosen areas are being helped at the expense of others which are being completely ignored. Hamir Soomro, a landlord from Shikarpur, one of the most badly affected districts in Sindh, says that his area is not receiving government help, which is instead going to Khairpur, the constituency of the province's Chief Minister, Qaim Ali Shah.
The UN says that the government suffers from a “image deficit“ problem. “In plain words, they don't trust the ability of the government to deliver,“ says Mian Nawaz Sharif, opposition leader.
Earlier this week, Sharif met with Prime Minister Gilani and both agreed to the formation of a “clean commission“ comprising people of integrity, to oversee distribution of funds for for flood relief. The idea did not go down well with President Zardari whose office has blocked the move on grounds that the government is fully in control.
But the UN and donor agencies dont think so. They have pointed out that the government has no relief plan and is also unable to make an estimate of what is needed where. As a result, the situation has turned dire in many neglected or inaccessible areas.
In Kohistan, , there are reports the five children died of starvation because help had not arrived.
Members of the Sikh community, who arrived in Gurdwaras in Lahore also complained of government apathy.
They said members of their community were abandoned in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa and had to arrange rescue for themselves.
Hindustan Times
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Newsweek lists King Abdullah among top 10 world leaders
Aug 19, 2010
JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has been listed by Newsweek among the world’s most respected 10 leaders.
The list included British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
The US magazine lauded King Abdullah as a reformer “who has given the go-ahead to modernize schools, has appointed women to high office and invested in science and technology and nuclear power.”
It commended the king’s efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, adding that the Saudi leader had urged Muslims “to embrace the spirit of tolerance, moderation and balance.”
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article106200.ece
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Pope urges 'concrete support' for Pakistan flood victims
Aug 19, 2010
Castel Gandolfo (Italy), : Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday urged the international community to offer "concrete support" to flood-ravaged Pakistan.
"My thoughts at this time go to the dear people of Pakistan, recently struck by serious floods that have claimed numerous victims and left many families homeless," the pope said.
"Our brothers who are undergoing such a cruel ordeal must not lack the solidarity and concrete support of the international community," he urged during his weekly audience at his summer residence outside Rome.
The floods have affected some 20 million people and claimed at least 1,400 lives in Pakistan's worst-ever natural disaster.
The United Nations' aid coordination body said that more than 650,000 homeless families were still without basic shelter.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pope-urges-concrete-support-for-pakistan-flood-victims/662155/
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Australia's 'Ramadan lounge' Muslim Tourist Plans
August 19, 2010
After a series of tourism campaigns, Australia is taking a new tack with a "Ramadan lounge" concept designed to appeal to traveling Muslims.
With Queensland's sunny winters increasingly luring Middle Eastern tourists escaping the oppressive heat of their summer months, local officials decided to open a venue designed for Muslims observing the Ramadan month of fasting.
Tourism Queensland regional director Paul Buggy said while some hotels, shopping centers and theme parks in the state already offered Muslim prayer rooms, officials wanted to go "one step further".
The result is the Ramadan Lounge at the Courtyard Marriott hotel in the town of Surfers Paradise, where people can come three evenings a week during the Muslim holy month to break their daily fast with dates, snacks and coffee.
"It's a function room that we've converted into a comfortable lounge where we are inviting Muslims to come and break their fast," Buggy told AFP.
The lounge, which is designed to accommodate about 50 people, will be free to all and open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from sunset to about 9:00 pm until early September.
Australia's tourism numbers have dwindled after record highs in the 1990s but Buggy said there were growing numbers of Middle Eastern and North African travelers, who accounted for some 20,500 visitors to Queensland State in 2009.
"We expect that the Middle East (tourist market) is going to grow more than 12 percent yearly up to 2013," Buggy said. "It's a long-stay, high-yielding market so therefore is one of our priority markets."
http://www.iqna.ir/en/news_detail.php?ProdID=636658
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Bahrain arrests more Shia activists as poll nears
Aug 19, 2010
MANAMA - Bahraini authorities have detained four more Shia activists on security grounds, raising the stakes in the run-up to parliamentary elections after earlier arrests were criticised by rights groups.
The detentions bring to eight the number of activists and clerics arrested over the past week. The detainees include Mohammed Saeed, a board member of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights whose operations were formally suspended in 2004 but which continues to operate, Bahrain’s state news agency said.
“The organisation’s network aimed at compromising national security and harming the stability of the country,” the news agency said late on Tuesday, citing a security source.
It said the group had funded violent protests in different parts of Bahrain. Bahraini government officials either declined to comment or could not be reached.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/August/middleeast_August330.xml§ion=middleeast
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Maths just a child’s play for 13-year-old prodigy
Afshan Ahmed
19 August 2010
DUBAI — When 13-year-old Imadh Bahaudeen was pitted at a school Olympiad against a Vedic Mathematician known for his ability to solve maths problems 10-15 times faster than the conventional methods, he proved to be quicker than the expert himself — in two of the sums.
So it came as no surprise to his parents and teachers when he announced that he would be appearing for his General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in mathematics this year, rather than wait for another three years, to complete it with his peers.
What was even more evident to them was that he could nail the examination and he indeed did, receiving an A* — the highest grade that can be achieved in the British curriculum.
His mother distinctly remembers how, when he was much younger, he would ‘rattle off” times tables as it were A B C. “I do not need a calculator when Imadh’s around,” a proud Rushda Bahaudeen says.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/August/theuae_August522.xml§ion=theuae
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Muslims pray at Pentagon’s Sept. 11 crash site
19 August 2010
WASHINGTON — Americans are debating bitterly the proposed building of a mosque near the site where Arab terrorists knocked down the World Trade Center in New York, but for years Muslims have prayed quietly at the Pentagon only 80 feet (24 meters) from where another hijacked jetliner struck.
Pentagon officials say that no one in the military or the families of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has ever protested.
They describe the 100-seat chapel as a peaceful place where some 300 to 400 Pentagon employees come to pray each week. The chapel hosts separate weekly worship services for Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Mormons, Protestants, Catholics and Episcopalians.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2010/August/international_August990.xml§ion=international&col=
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Insurgents kill 5 govt employees around Iraq
Aug 19, 2010
BAGHDAD: A series of attacks and roadside bomb explosions killed five Iraqi government employees on Wednesday as insurgents maintain a steady campaign of attacks against the country’s institutions and security forces just two weeks before the formal end of the US combat role in Iraq.
Suspected Sunni militants have frequently targeted Iraq’s policemen and soldiers looking to expose the inability of the Shiite-dominated government to protect the country. The looming departure of the US military has turned Iraqi forces and government institutions into attractive targets for insurgents, exploiting security gaps and the political vacuum five months after an inconclusive election.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article106191.ece
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All cafes ordered shut in Chechnya during Ramadan
August 19, 2010
GROZNY, Russia, Aug 18 (Reuters) - The spiritual leader of the Muslim region of Chechnya has ordered that eateries shut down completely for the month of Ramadan, sparking outrage from activists and residents who say it violates Russian law.
Against the backdrop of a spreading insurgency, many fear that growing interest in radical Islam could fuel separatism in the volatile North Caucasus region where rebels are fighting to create a pan-Caucasus state governed by Islamic sharia law.
Chechnya's mufti Sultan Mirzayev said on Wednesday cafes and restaurants must stay closed even after sundown during Ramadan -- a radical move compared to other parts of the Muslim world.
"We can't have smells wafting through the streets and teasing the hungry," Mirzayev told Reuters by telephone.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE67H17B
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Makkah dawa center guides 1,300 expats to Islam
By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA
Aug 19, 2010
MAKKAH: More than 1,300 foreigners have embraced Islam thanks to the Cooperative Office for Dawa, Guidance and Enlightenment of Foreign Communities in Makkah since its establishment 19 years ago, according to the office’s chairman.
Dr. Sulaiman Al-Salloumi told Arab News on Wednesday that the office has three branches all located outside the boundaries of Makkah.
"Our office in Al-Sharaie district is mainly concerned with spreading Islam among the Chinese who work on the Makkah Metro project," he added.
Al-Salloumi said their office in Al-Taneem, which is also outside the boundaries of the holy city, is focusing on three local hospitals, which are mainly staffed by non-Muslim doctors, nurses and technicians.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article106147.ece
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Muslim American serves New York’s homeless while fasting
Aug 19, 2010
WASHINGTON: For Ramadan, New York City resident Yusef Ramelize will fast, pray and give alms to the poor. But how he helps the needy during the holy month sets him apart from other Muslims in America, or anywhere else.
Ramelize is spending part of Ramadan living on the street. For him, this is the perfect way to draw attention to his city's growing homeless population.
For the second year in a row, Ramelize is helping New Yorkers in need with his Homeless for One Week project. Ramelize first lived on the street for a week in 2009 after it became clear that people needed to understand homelessness.
"I asked myself, 'What can I do to raise awareness?' and then I decided that I was going to go homeless for a day," Ramelize said. "But then I said, 'You know what? I want to make the biggest sacrifice that I can' and I decided to come up with the idea of going homeless for a week."
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article106219.ece
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Fear paralyzes US Muslim 'leaders'
By ENVER MASUD
Aug 19, 2010
Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Muslims in the US had reason to fear the US government. Nine years on, the failure of Muslim leaders to make a concerted, united effort to expose the false account of 9/11 put forth by the US government is inexcusable.
Earlier this year, the Guardian (UK) reported:
in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 the US government undertook the "preventative detention" of about 5,000 men on the basis of their birthplace and later sought a further 19,000 "voluntary interviews". Over the next year, more than 170,000 men from 24 predominantly Muslim countries and North Korea were fingerprinted and interviewed in a program of "special registration". None of these produced a single terrorism conviction.
Muslims were hauled away by the government to places unknown. They were not informed of the charges against them, had no idea when they would be released, and were not given access to lawyers. Several Muslim charities were raided, their offices shut down.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article106333.ece
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Women’s College staff feel marginalized
By OMAIMA AL-FARDAN
Aug 19, 2010
JEDDAH: Two years after becoming part of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah (KAU), the staff and students of the Women’s College feel marginalized.
According to a source close to the college, the students are frustrated at what they feel is being ignored by the administration of the university.
“The rector of KAU never met with women teachers of the college, as he often does with the university staff,” said Sana Arab, a staff member and former dean of the college.
Arab said marginalization was not the only reason why the staff of the college was calling for academic sovereignty and independence. She recalled that two women undersecretaries at the college, one for students’ affairs and the other a supervisor of the science section, were appointed in their new positions from outside.
“We do not object to the two undersecretaries personally but we wish that the positions had been filled from the staff of the college itself,” she said. The staff of the college complained against these appointments to the minister of higher education and to the rector of KAU.
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article106135.ece
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27 freed, 13 killed in raid on secret Taliban prison
Aug 19, 2010
KANDAHAR: Afghan and NATO forces raided a secret prison run by the Taliban in southern Afghanistan, freeing 27 inmates and killing 13 people including five prisoners, officials said on Wednesday.
The militants had been holding abducted aid workers and people affiliated with the Afghan government in the hidden cell in Helmand province, provincial spokesman Daud Ahmadi said.
The joint forces carried out the operation late Tuesday in Shair Ghazi village, in the volatile Musa Qala district, Ahmadi added. “Twenty-seven prisoners were freed, eight Taliban and unfortunately five prisoners were killed during the operation,” he told AFP.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\08\19\story_19-8-2010_pg20_3
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Most New Yorkers against ground zero mosque: Poll
Aug 19, 2010
New York : Most New Yorkers oppose a proposed Islamic centre and a mosque near the ground zero, according to a poll on the issue that has sparked a row in the country.
A poll by the Siena Research Institute finds that 63 per cent of New Yorkers oppose the project, with 27 per cent supporting it.
A similar poll done by Siena College, two weeks, ago showed that 61 per cent opposed the mosque and 26 per cent supported it.
However, 64 per cent of New Yorkers supported the right of developers to build the mosque.
Kuwaiti-born Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the developer of the USD 100 million Muslim Community Centre called Cordoba House, insists that it is "a centre for all New Yorkers" and "its purpose is to interweave America's Muslim population into the mainstream society."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/most-new-yorkers-against-ground-zero-mosque-poll/662159/
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Terror-mongers raise funds under aid garb
Aug 19, 2010
Banned militant groups like the Lashker-e-Tayyeba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, blamed for terror strikes in India, have set up camps in Karachi to raise funds to help victims of the worst-ever deluge sweeping Pakistan.
Office-bearers of the groups said the ban imposed on them has compelled them to work under different names. The work of these groups is reminiscent of their activities during the 2005 earthquake, when they had more resources than the Government itself.
The groups claim they have collected millions of rupees for the flood victims and that they are engaged in relief and rescue operations in affected areas, The Express Tribune reported.
The groups have given food and medical facilities to the survivors. Other militant groups engaged in relief operations are the Jamaat-ud-Dawah, blamed by India for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Sipah-e-Sahaba, Harkat-ul Mujahideen, Hizbut Tahrir and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/277133/Terror-mongers-raise-funds-under-aid-garb.html
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As Pak battles flood, militants strike
Aug 19, 2010
PESHAWAR: Islamist militants attacked police posts in Pakistan's northwest and killed two civilians active in an anti-Taliban militia, challenging a security establishment straining under a national flooding disaster, police said on Wednesday.
The attacks came as the UN said an estimated 4.6 million flood victims have yet to get any shelter, despite aid workers' attempts to distribute tents.
A group of militants first killed two members of a militia in the Adezai area of Peshawar as they headed to pray at a mosque late on Tuesday, said Liaqat Ali Khan, Peshawar police chief.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/As-Pak-battles-flood-militants-strike/articleshow/6333506.cms#ixzz0x1f889ie
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“Awqaf” Quran Contest Kicked Off in Yemen
August 19, 2010
The fourth edition of “Awqaf” Quran memorization and recitation contest started from today, August 17 in Amran province, Yemen.
According to althawra.net, organized by Endowments and Islamic Guidance Organization in Yemen, the competition is to be held on two categories of memorization and recitation of the Quran for 56 male and female participants.
Ahmad Saleh Al-Ashmuri, director of the information office of the organization said in this respect: “the contest aims to encourage the youth to learn and memorize the holy Quran and to be familiarized with prophetic tradition and to promote principles of moderation and unity among the generation.”
He further regarded the contest as a step forward to maintain Islamic identity and the unity of Islamic society and to eliminate prejudice and extravagance among the people and stressed the importance of memorization of the Quran and application of valuable teachings of the holy book in life.
http://www.iqna.ir/en/news_detail.php?ProdID=635307
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India sends home to Pak two men who helped hijack IC-814 to Kandahar
Dharmendra Rataul
Aug 19 2010
Attari border : Among the 28 Pakistanis repatriated to their country via the Attari-Wagah border today were two men who had served time in Indian jails for doing their bit to aid the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 to Kandahar.
Haji Iqbal Ahmad and Mohammad Asif were in jail for eight years in Maharashtra for aiding a bank robbery in Mumbai to generate funds for the hijacking of IC-814.
“Whatever we did, we have been punished for it. I am happy that I have been finally released and can go home,” said Iqbal Ahmad, adding that his years in Indian jails were “memorable”. He said his jail term had ended long ago but he could not go home because Pakistani authorities had not completed verification formalities.
They were escorted to the border by Maharashtra police constables. They had completed their jail terms in February 2008. “Since then, we had been living at the Borivli police station,” said Iqbal Ahmad.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-sends-home-to-pak-two-men-who-helped-hijack-ic814-to-kandahar/662403/
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Iran tells West to stay out of woman's stoning case
Aug 19, 2010
Tehran : Iran told Western nations on Tuesday to stay out of the case of a woman who faces death by stoning, warning it will not tolerate any interference in the matter still under examination.
"Independent nations do not allow other countries to interfere in their judicial affairs," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told in a news conference.
The official was responding to questions from reporters about the status of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, a 43-year-old mother of two sentenced to death by stoning by an Iranian court.
"Western nations must not pressurise and hype it (the case) up... judicial cases have precise procedures, especially when it concerns murder."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iran-tells-west-to-stay-out-of-womans-stoning-case/661473/
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Two former Gitmo detainees may enter Bahraini Politics
By SANDEEP SINGH GREWAL
Aug 19, 2010
MANAMA: In 2004 National Justice Movement (NJM) member Mohideen Mahmoud Khan and five other NJM members were charged by the US for being part of a sleeper cell that planned attacks on civilians and targeted sensitive locations. He has since been arrested again on suspicion of terrorism.
But that did not stop the NJM member from running in Bahrain’s 2006 parliamentary elections after the courts dropped the charges.
Khan failed to secure a seat in the Chamber of Deputies, Bahrain’s Lower House elected by citizens, but parliamentary and municipal elections are once again approaching, expected sometime before the Haj (pilgrimage) begins in November.
NJM is once again expected to run alleged terror suspects, including former Guantanamo Bay detainees, as part of its electoral campaign.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article106335.ece
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Terrorists kill two anti-Taliban fighters in Peshawar
Aug 19, 2010
PESHAWAR: Dozens of terrorists attacked a mosque and a police checkpoint in Peshawar, killing two anti-Taliban fighters, police said on Wednesday. In the first attack, 10 terrorists from Lashkar-e-Islam raided a mosque on Tuesday in Adezai village, on the outskirts of Peshawar, killing two militiamen while they were praying. An hour later, about 100 insurgents from the group fired on a police post in Sarband village, on the western edge of Peshawar, leading to a 40-minute gunfight but no injuries were reported. The two sides exchanged fire for about an hour before the terrorists retreated to Khyber, said Liaquat Ali Khan, the Peshawar police chief. Several militants were killed, but there were no police casualties, he added. “They were Mangal Bagh’s people,” Muhammad Karim Khan, a senior police official, told AFP. He said the group came from Khyber Agency before fleeing the scene of both attacks. Fahimuddin, head of the anti-Taliban militia in Adezai village, confirmed the attacks.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\08\19\story_19-8-2010_pg7_8
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Asiya Andrabi a hypocrite’
Aug 19, 2010
Cornered by the hardline separatist leaders for the past two months, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday labelled prominent separatist leader Asiya Andrabi as a ‘hypocrite’.
The CM chose to hit back at a time when a prominent separatist leader from Kashmir valley filed an affidavit in the court seeking an Indian passport for her son so that he can pursue higher studies. When quizzed by the media to comment on Andrabi’s move, Abdullah blatantly exposed her doublespeak.
He said, “While the children in Kashmir are not being allowed to pursue their studies and leaders like Asiya Andrabi, who made public statements that until we achieve freedom there is no harm if our children can stay at home and sacrifice their studies, are seeking an Indian passport for her son so that he can visit Malaysia for higher studies.”
“If this is an act of hypocrisy, certainly yes,” he added. “This clearly shows the difference between what they say and what they do,” said Abdullah, clarifying that Andrabi has not sent her son to Malaysia as yet but has already filed an affidavit in the court seeking an Indian passport for him.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/276971/%E2%80%98Asiya-Andrabi-a-hypocrite%E2%80%99.html
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Students from Kashmir pelt politicos with tough queries
By Aman Sharma
Aug 19, 2010
ASIMA Rashid, a student of Kashmir University, reached the Capital in the hope of getting an assurance from the political class to end the ongoing cycle of violence in the Valley.
But the 24- year- old student said neither home minister P. Chidambaram nor leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj could offer her the hope she was looking for. “ I posed a question to Chidambaram and Swaraj: How does a state justify using its armed forces against its own people who have dissenting views? I am tired of asking the same question again and again. But I only got a well- rehearsed answer that violence needs to stop first. But what about the alienation… I have experienced it all my life. Eloquent political speeches will not work. I go back to Kashmir disillusioned,” Asima said.
Full report at: Mail Today
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NATO strike in Afghanistan kills Taliban commander
August 19, 2010
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (Saba) -- A Taliban commander was killed in a NATO strike in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, whereas, Taliban gunned down a tribal chieftain and his wife in Southern Zabul province of the war-torn country. "Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Kandahar province Tuesday killing a Taliban commander who planned and coordinated improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces," said NATO in a statement, issued on Wednesday and carried by state-run Pajwok Afghan News (PAN).
The commander was identified as Aqua. The statement said further that no civilians were wounded or killed in this precision strike.
Meanwhile, suspected Taliban militants shot dead a tribal chieftain and his wife in southern Zabul province on Wednesday.
Local news channels citing spokesman for provincial administration Mohammad Jan Rasoulyar said that Atta Khan Kajran and his wife were shot down in their house in Shah Joi district early morning.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news222507.htm
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Egypt's Islamic Art Museum Reopens after Restoration
August 19, 2010
The Egyptian capital's Museum of Islamic Art -- the world's largest -- was officially reopened on Saturday after an eight-year restoration project.
However the public will still have to wait another two weeks until the start of September to be able to view its 25 galleries containing 2,500 artefacts of great artistic or historic value, chosen from some 100,000 items.
Culture Minister Faruq Hosni, who attended the official reopening after the 10-million-dollar renovation, said the project had resulted in "a great change in the way the works are exhibited, protected and lit."
Among the treasures on show are a gold-inlaid key to the Kaaba, and the oldest Islamic dinar ever found, dating back to the year 697.
Full report at:
http://www.iqna.ir/en/news_detail.php?ProdID=633488
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Yemen to deport 150 Ethiopians
August 19, 2010
TAIZ, Aug. 18 (Saba)- Security Department in Taiz province has handed over 150 Ethiopian infiltrators to Passport and Immigration Authority in Sana'a who were detained for entry into the Yemeni lands illegally.
The Immigration and Passport Authority said that they will deport the Ethiopian infiltrators who were handed over by Taiz security to implement the orders of the Ministry of Interior.
In related news, security authorities have arrested 19 Ethiopians, 15 of them in Salah districe of Taiz province and others aged between 17-20years in Saada province, and referred them to the legal procedures for entry into the Yemeni territories illegally.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news222490.htm
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SR400m raised for Pakistan; OIC chief calls for setting up of emergency fund
Aug 19, 2010
JEDDAH: The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has stressed the pressing need for an Emergency Disaster Response Fund to deal with natural calamities in member states, as the Kingdom raised SR400 million in relief for Pakistan.
Ihsanoglu was speaking at an emergency meeting of the OIC on Wednesday to pledge support, solidarity and sympathy for Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods that have killed over 1,600 people and displaced thousands more.
“The OIC should consider seriously the establishment of an emergency fund to address efficiently and urgently natural disasters and catastrophes which might affect individual member states in the future, particularly in view of the phenomena of global warming and climate change,” he said.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article106231.ece
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Karzai says Afghanistan needs Russia's support
By DENIS DYOMKIN
Aug 19, 2010
SOCHI, Russia: Afghan President Hamid Karzai sought President Dmitry Medvedev's help for his nation on Wednesday, two decades after Moscow ended a disastrous conflict there that cost the lives of about 15,000 Soviet troops.
Russia, which analysts say is seeking to increase its influence in Afghanistan and the surrounding region, hosted Karzai and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari for talks on security and drugs.
"Let me once again thank you for your concern for Afghanistan," Karzai told Medvedev as they sat down for talks at the Russian president's summer residence near the Black Sea.
"Afghanistan will need the support of friends and from great countries like Russia," Karzai said.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article106170.ece
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Jeddah City FC: Giving Saudi grass-roots football the kick it needs
Aug 19, 2010
As the dust finally settles since the World Cup final in Johannesburg a month ago, a lot of national football associations will probably still be holding inquests into why their respective teams underperformed at the premier football tournament, namely the likes of England, Italy and France.
A lot of questions will certainly be asked about the grass-roots systems in these countries. In other words, what are children being taught when they step onto a training pitch?
This can be a grueling job in a place where football is not only a passion, but also a trade practiced with panache. So imagine the need for such grass-roots level activities in a country that has the passion, but not the facilities, for football.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/lifestyle/article105807.ece
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King to host 2,000 Palestinian Haj pilgrims
Aug 19, 2010
JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah plans to bring 2,000 Palestinians to the Kingdom to perform Haj.
The guests will include relatives of prisoners serving life sentences, released prisoners as well as relatives of martyrs, the Saudi Press Agency reported, quoting the Royal Court.
King Abdullah invites thousands of pilgrims from different countries, including leaders of Muslim communities and senior government officials, to perform Haj every year.
Palestinian Ambassador to the Kingdom Jamal Al-Shoubaki commended the king’s gesture and said all Palestinians, especially the relatives of prisoners and martyrs, would be thankful to him.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up preparations for the annual pilgrimage, which begins this year on Nov. 14.
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article106144.ece
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Turkish Embassy attacker to stay in Israeli jail
Aug 19, 2010
JERUSALEM: A Tel Aviv court on Wednesday approved the detention of a Palestinian who broke into the Turkish Embassy in Israel armed with a knife, a toy gun and a gasoline can, tried to take hostages and demanded political asylum.
The seven-hour standoff ended when Turkish Embassy officials allowed Israeli police and medics to remove the attacker, Nadim Injaz, a Palestinian from the West Bank city of Ramallah. Injaz emerged from the embassy limping slightly from an apparent gunshot wound.
On Wednesday, TV channels showed Injaz being brought into court in a wheelchair, flashing a victory sign and yelling “Death to Jews.” The Israeli Courts Administration said the Tel Aviv court approved holding Injaz in jail for a week to allow police to investigate.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article106201.ece
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Goodbye Iraq: Last US combat brigade heads home
19 August 2010
KHABARI CROSSING, Kuwait – As their convoy reached the barbed wire at the border crossing out of Iraq on Wednesday, the soldiers whooped and cheered. Then they scrambled out of their stifling hot armored vehicles, unfurled an American flag and posed for group photos.
For these troops of the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, it was a moment of relief fraught with symbolism. Seven years and five months after the U.S.-led invasion, the last American combat brigade was leaving Iraq, well ahead of President Barack Obama’s Aug. 31 deadline for ending U.S. combat operations there.
When 18-year-old Spc. Luke Dill first rolled into Iraq as part of the U.S. invasion, his Humvee was so vulnerable to bombs that the troops lined its floor with flak jackets.
Now 25 and a staff sergeant after two tours of duty, he rode out of Iraq this week in a Stryker, an eight-wheeled behemoth encrusted with armor and add-ons to ward off grenades and other projectiles.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/August/middleeast_August341.xml§ion=middleeast
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Talks with US only if sanctions are dropped: Iran
19 August 2010
TEHRAN — Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that any talks with arch-foe the United States would occur only if Washington drops “sanctions and threats” against Tehran.
“The respected president (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) and others have said that we are ready for negotiations. It is right. But not with America,” Khamenei told a gathering of senior Iranian officials, including Ahmadinejad, in a speech broadcast on state television.
“The reason is that America does not enter the field honestly as a normal negotiator. They should drop the face of a superpower, they should drop threats, they should drop sanctions and they should not set a goal for negotiations. Then we are ready.”
The United States, with whom Iran has had no diplomatic ties for more than three decades, led the world powers on June 9 in imposing new UN sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear programme.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/August/middleeast_August337.xml§ion=middleeast
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US official ‘explains’ Iran sanctions to Lebanon
19 August 2010
BEIRUT— A senior US Treasury official on Wednesday concluded two days of talks in Lebanon with financial leaders and bankers on US and UN sanctions slapped on Iran, the US embassy said.
Stuart Levey, the undersecretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, met officials including Finance Minister Raya al-Hassan, central bank governor Riad Salame as well as several bankers.
“This visit was to explain how our sanctions process work,” a source at the US embassy said on condition of anonymity.
The source did not give further details on the talks.
The official National News Agency said Levey left for Bahrain at the end of his Beirut visit, which followed a similar trip to the United Arab Emirates Sunday and Monday.
The UN Security Council hit Tehran with a fourth set of military and financial sanctions on June 9 in a bid to rein in Tehran’s suspect nuclear programme.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/August/middleeast_August336.xml§ion=middleeast
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New US ambassador to Iraq arrives in Baghdad
19 August 2010
BAGHDAD — James Jeffrey, the new US ambassador to Iraq, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday and presented his diplomatic credentials to the conflict-torn nation’s head of state, the US embassy said in a statement.
Jeffrey, a veteran diplomat with extensive experience of the Middle East, met President Jalal Talabani and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari at ceremonies in the Iraqi capital, it said.
“It is a great honour for me to return to Iraq,” Jeffrey, accompanied by his wife Gudrun, was quoted as saying.
“I look forward to renewing old friendships, strengthening our ties with Iraqi leaders and deepening our civilian engagement for the long term throughout this historic land.”
Jeffrey takes up his post less than two weeks before the US military is due to end its combat mission here, with the number of American troops expected to fall to around 50,000 by the end of August as part of a long-term drawdown.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/August/middleeast_August335.xml§ion=middleeast
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Shaikh Mohammed receives educational leaders
19 August 2010
DUBAI — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received today evening at his palace the educational leaders and veteran teachers who served the country for more than 40 years and had impact on the development of education in the UAE.
Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Hamdan and Al Qatami with educational leaders.
He expressed his pleasure on meeting the teachers who exerted their utmost to lay the foundation of the education in the country.
Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of the Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi and Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami were also present on the occasion.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/August/theuae_August540.xml§ion=theuae
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Russia summit calls for joint strategy against terrorism
Aug 19, 2010
SOCHI: Presidents of Russia, Tajikistan and Afghanistan along with President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for collective action against the menace of terrorism and to strengthen multilateral forums to eliminate terrorist networks.
The quartet meeting, hosted by the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, also underlined the need for exploiting the potential that existed in sectors of energy, transport, trade and communication to develop the region.
At the opening of the summit, President Zardari, Russian President Medvedev, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai made statements highlighting the objectives behind the summit and the goals they wanted to achieve by coming together.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\08\19\story_19-8-2010_pg7_1
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‘Militant’ doctor gunned down in Karachi
By Atif Raza
Aug 19, 2010
KARACHI: A doctor allegedly belonging to the banned Harkatul Mujahideen outfit was shot dead near the AO Clinic in Nazimabad on Wednesday.
SHO Jahanzaib said the deceased Javed, son of Abdul Shakoor, was killed by unidentified gunmen on two motorcycles while he was on his way to his private clinic in a Toyota Corolla bearing registration No AHQ-177. The culprits fled the scene as the doctor died on the spot, he added.
Javed was a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal and belonged to the Okhai Memon Community.
The police shifted his body to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) for post-mortem and later handed over to his family.
The SHO informed that the deceased doctor was released from the Azizabad police station a month ago and was to report there as scheduled, defined by the home department because of his alleged involvement with the outlawed Harkatul Mujahideen.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\08\19\story_19-8-2010_pg7_5
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Afghan protesters block highway over civilian killings
Aug 19, 2010
JALALABAD/KABUL: Hundreds of Afghan villagers blocked a national highway and chanted slogans against the US and the Afghan government on Wednesday to protest the alleged killing and arrest of civilians in a raid by NATO forces in the eastern Nangarhar province.
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said that the late night operation was in pursuit of a Taliban bomb-making expert linked to at least two attacks. But Nangahar police spokesman Abdul Ghafor Khan said that two civilians had been killed when the coalition troops raided a house in Surkh Rod district, and another three people detained.
“The coalition forces went into a house and killed a father and a son. They have arrested three people. They are innocent civilians, they are farmers and are not linked to any militant group,” he said. Ghafor said that the police had contacted the interior minister and NATO to try to secure the release of those detained.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\08\19\story_19-8-2010_pg7_7
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Afghanistan recruits Iraq-style Militia Force
Aug 19, 2010
KABUL—The Afghan government said Wednesday it had begun recruiting thousands of militiamen to strengthen security forces against a resurgent Taliban in remote villages of the war-torn country. President Hamid Karzai last month approved the establishment of what his administration calls a “Local Police Force,” recruited from Afghan villagers in a bid to guard against Taliban attacks in their communities.
Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Munir Mangal told reporters the US-backed initiative was under way in south-central provinces Wardak and Uruzgan, both of which have been hit hard by Taliban violence. “It will expand in the rest of the country very soon,” he said. “From what we see on the ground and seeing the eagerness of the people I can tell it’ll take two months or even less,” he said, referring to the recruiting process.
Recruitment would begin in the southern, eastern and southwestern regions of the country where insurgent violence is most intense, Mangal said.
Full report at:
http://dailymailnews.com/0810/19/FrontPage/index.php?id=12
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Babri Mosque trial to begin from 23rd
Aug 19, 2010
NEW DELHI—Eighteen years after the extremist Hindu mob including BJP, NHP and RSS demolished the 16th century Babri Mosque in the ancient temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, a special court in Lucknow will commence the formal trial in the case from Monday, August 23, 2010. This follows framing of charges against 23 accused by special court judge V K Tyagi on Tuesday, a court official said.
Charges against top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders, including L K Advani, Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar, were already dropped by the High Court few years ago. Amongst the most prominent left on the firing line are former Faizabad District Magistrate R N Srivastava and mafia don-turned-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Saran Singh. Full report at:
http://dailymailnews.com/0810/19/FrontPage/index.php?id=9
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Pakistan, Russia back Afghanistan at rare summit
Aug 19, 2010
SOCHI, Russia: The presidents of Pakistan and Russia, two states with a history of difficult relations with Kabul, on Wednesday backed the Afghan government's fight against militants at a rare summit meeting.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hosted Afghan and Pakistani counterparts Hamid Karzai and Asif Ali Zardari in the Black Sea resort of Sochi; its balmy shores a stark contrast from the battle with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.
Russia is still haunted by the Soviet Union's war in Afghanistan which cost over 13,000 Soviet lives and ended in a humiliating pullout in 1989 and has kept a wary distance from the troubles of Nato forces in the country.
But Medvedev assured Karzai of Moscow's full backing in a region where Russia has played a major role from the so-called “Great Game” against Britain in the 19th century to the present day.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/19-medvedev-talks-with-afghan-pakistani-leaders-hh-11
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Pakistan violates ceasefire, targets 3 Indian posts along LoC in Poonch
Aug 19, 2010
JAMMU: Pakistani Army opened fire on three Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishnaghati sector in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir early Thursday, Army sources said.
According to the sources, Pakistani troops targeted Kranti, Ghoda and Kirpan posts of the Indian Army along the LoC in Mendhar area, about 230 km north of Jammu at around 12.30 a.m.
Soldiers guarding the posts caught in heavy firing which lasted for more than one hour. Pakistani Army also fired mortars and rockets, the sources said.
Pakistani Army had been violating the cease fire, which had come into effect in November 2003, to facilitate infiltration.
Army sources said that Pakistani Army also wanted to cause tensions on the LoC.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistan-violates-ceasefire-targets-3-Indian-posts-along-LoC-in-Poonch/articleshow/6334737.cms#ixzz0x1ehXGYf
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Iran's first nuclear plant: A history of delays
Aug 19, 2010
TEHRAN: Iran's first nuclear power plant, which is set to go online on Saturday after being built and fuelled by Russia, has been delayed for more than three decades.
Its long-anticipated launch comes despite Russia hardening its position on Iran's nuclear programme and backing a fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions in June over Tehran's continued uranium enrichment work.
The sanctions targeting Iran's military and nuclear programmes do not affect the Bushehr plant.
The project, near the port city of Bushehr in southern Iran, was first launched by the US-backed shah of Iran in the 1970s using contractors from German company Siemens.
But it was shelved when the shah was ousted during the 1979 Islamic revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Irans-first-nuclear-plant-A-history-of-delays/articleshow/6334826.cms#ixzz0x1fAx4GR
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Kerala parties step up efforts to woo Muslims
Aug 19, 2010
Major political parties in Kerala are stepping up efforts to woo the Muslim community in the wake of Abdul Nasser Madani’s arrest, key accused in the Bangalore bombings case. With two major elections are coming up, the two main political fronts in the State are worried that the arrest could cause serious dents in their Muslim vote banks.
The CPI(M) is on an urgent damage-control exercise as it believes a section of Muslims in Kerala harbours the suspicion that the LDF Government had not sincerely tried to avert Madani’s arrest, despite dramatic moves that delayed it by eight crucial days.
The Congress, heading the Opposition UDF, has already sought to distance itself from the entire Madani arrest issue, convinced that any position it takes would have a negative impact on the front’s electoral prospects because it has taken an anti-PDP stance since Madani’s estrangement with it, before the 2006 elections.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/276979/Kerala-parties-step-up-efforts-to-woo-Muslims.html
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4-nation pact to fight terrorism
Vladimir Radyuhin
Aug 19, 2010
MOSCOW: Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed to step up joint fight against terrorism and narcotics at a quadripartite summit on Wednesday.
Terrorism and drug trafficking pose a “threat to peace and stability,” they said in a joint statement adopted at their second one-day meeting, in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The four countries will intensify joint efforts in combating terrorism and narcotics in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after the summit.
The four leaders discussed undertaking joint economic projects in power generation, transport infrastructure and mining, said Mr. Lavrov. He singled out such projects as restoring the Salang tunnel in northern Afghanistan and rebuilding the country's hydropower plants.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/19/stories/2010081956661700.htm
8:26 AM
Sultan Shahin
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