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South Asia
Year 1
Issue 16
Hajj Mubarak
2
Continued from page 01 >> US State Department ofcial said there was growing concern among Obama administration ofcials ahead of an IAEA report set to be published in November indicating considerable progress in Tehrans development of its military nuclear program. The ofcial said that Washingtons reevaluation of an Israeli strike in Iran is based on various maneuvers Israel has performed in the past few years. The US administration is now bent on exercising more pressure on Tehran in order to dissuade Israel from this path, the source said. Responding to reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been trying to gain a majority in the cabinet for an attack on Iran, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff of Irans armed forces, Hassan Firouzabadi, warned both Israel and the U.S. against such a move.
Publisher Salah Bu Khamas (UAE) Sabha Khan (UK) UK Ofce 10 Courtenay Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 7ND UK Phone: +44 20 8904 0617 Fax: +44 20 8181 7575 info@satribune.co.uk India Ofce Satya Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. C/O Satya Group. 1st Floor, Avenue Appt., Near Sheth. R. J. J. High School, Tithal Road, Valsad - 396001 Gujarat, India Phone +91 2632 222209 / 222211 Fax: +91 2632 222212 Post Box No. 98 /108 United Arab Emirates Ofce S.K. Group of Companies P.O. Box 9021, Karama Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 2659970, 3359929; Fax: +971 4 2659971, 3341609 www.sk-groupofcompanies.com Managing Editor & CEO Mohammad Shahid Khan Group Editorial Managers Gulzar Khan (India) Abdul Khalique (Pakistan) Editorial Board UK Frances Brunner FYI Tribune team Adrian Fellar Misbah Khan Reema Shah Rohma Khan Keziah-Ann Abakah Art Department UK Ali Ansar (Art Director) Md. Reazul Islam
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Haaretz reported Wednesday that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have been trying to push for an Israeli attack on Iran in the cabinet. They recently persuaded Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who previously objected to attacking Iran, to support such a move. Senior ministers and diplomats said the International Atomic Energy Agencys report, due to be released on November 8, will have a decisive effect on the decisions Israel makes. According to Western experts analyses, an attack on Iran in winter is almost impossible, because the thick clouds would obstruct the Israel Air Forces performance. Also on Wednesday, Israel announced
the successful launch of a rocket propulsion system, which Israel Radio called a ballistic missile and cited foreign media reports in suggesting it could be tted with a nuclear warhead. Israel has for years warned of Irans intentions to build a nuclear weapons program. Often repeating the mantra, all options are on the table, Israeli media in recent days has suggested that a military strike may be near. Last weekend, the New York Times reported that the US was looking to build up its military presence in the region, with one eye on Iran. According to the paper, the US is considering sending more naval warships to the area, and is seeking to expand military ties with the six nations
in the Gulf Co-operation Council: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. A report by the UNs nuclear watchdog due to be circulated around the world next week
will provide fresh evidence of a possible Iranian nuclear weapons programme, bringing the Middle East a step closer to a devastating new conict, say diplomats. The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the latest of a series of quarterly bulletins on Irans activities, but this one will contain an unprecedented level of detail on
research and experiments carried out in Iran in recent years, which western ofcials allege could only be for the design and development of a nuclear warhead. This will be a game-changer in the Iranian nuclear dossier, a western ofcial predicted. It is going to be hard for even Moscow or Beijing to downplay its signicance. Mean while Noted Illinois University Law Professor Francis Boyle, is offering his services, pro bono, to any member of Congress who will introduce a Bill of Impeachment against President Barack Obama. In his interview Boyle drew out the specic violations of the American Constitution which make Obama eligible for impeachment, concentrating primarily on the murder of U.S. citizens, and the war against Libya. In both cases, he stressed, Obama has gone far beyond Bush. Asked where he saw the situation headed, if Obama is not stopped, Boyle did not hesitate to point out that Obamas pathway is leading toward World War III. If Obama next moves against Syria, and then Iran, he would be detonating an explosion that would indeed lead into planetary war.
of Cassation and Court of Appeal were also quashed. We are completely shell shocked. I am lost for words, a family member told Arabian Business. Despite the court appointed
Europe: Islamophobia
Continued from page 01 >> as saying: We no longer have a newspaper. All our equipment has been destroyed. A single Molotov cocktail was thrown at the ofces of Charlie Hebdo during the night and a large amount of material in the ofce was destroyed, police said. There have been no reports of injuries. Charlie Hebdos website has also been hacked with a message in English and Turkish attacking the magazine. The magazines website on Wednesday appeared to be ofine amid earlier reports that it had been hacked. According
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The UN General Assemblys First Committee has endorsed an Iransponsored resolution on nuclear disarmament despite attempts by the US and the Israeli regime to kill the bid. The committee, which focuses on disarmament and international security issues, approved the resolution with 107 votes on October 31, despite strong opposition and negative campaigning by the US, the Tel Aviv regime as well as some European governments, IRNA reported. The resolution calls for the implementation of pledges made at the three most recent nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conferences.
It also reiterates the urgency of a nuclear-free Middle East and demands that the Israeli regime must sign the nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT). Israel, widely believed to be the sole possessor of a nuclear arsenal in the Middle East with over 200 undeclared nuclear warheads, pursues the policy of deliberate ambiguity for its nuclear program. Tel Aviv has so far rejected all global demands to join the NPT and does not allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to inspect and monitor its controversial nuclear program. The Israeli regime has never denied or conrmed the existence of its nuclear arsenal as part of
its long-held nuclear ambiguity policy. Despite international objections to such dubious policy, the UN and its nuclear regulatory agencies have never taken serious steps to censure or impose sanctions on the deant regime. Tehran has also proposed a draft resolution on missiles, which is to be discussed in the committees next session. Mean while Israel to upgrade nuke capabilities
A report says Israel is seeking to beef up its nuclear weapons capabilities despite Tel Avivs
repeated deance of international calls to join global nonproliferation treaties. Israel is widely believed to be the sole possessor of a nuclear arsenal in the Middle East with over 300 nuclear warheads. The Israeli regime has never denied or conrmed the existence of its nuclear arsenal as part of its long-held nuclear ambiguity policy. Tel Aviv has rejected all global demands to join the NonProliferation Treaty (NPT) and refuses to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to monitor its nuclear facilities. The Tel Aviv regime is planning to extend the range of its Jericho III
land-to-land missiles, developing its inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability, according to a report for the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) published by The Guardian on Monday. Israel also has plans to expand the capabilities of its cruise missiles designed to be launched from submarines. Tel Aviv currently has three submarines, with two more under construction in Germany. Despite international objections to the Israeli program, the United Nations and its nuclear regulatory agencies have never taken serious steps to censure or impose sanctions on the Zionist regime.
continued on Tuesday with two civilians shot dead by Assads forces in Homs and two soldiers killed by army deserters in an ambush. One activist said gunmen dragged nine people, all of them from Assads minority Alawite sect, from a bus on a road between the cities of Homs and Hama, and killed them. The UN says more than 3,000 people
have been killed in the crackdown on an uprising which erupted in March against his rule, inspired by revolutions which have toppled three Arab leaders this year. The government blames ghters who it says are armed and nanced from abroad for the violence and says they have killed 1,100 members of the security forces.
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EDITORIAL
Will Israel Attack Iran
Britains armed forces are stepping up their contingency planning for potential military action against Iran amid mounting concern over Tehrans nuclear enrichment programme. The Ministry of Defence believes the US may decide to fast-forward plans for targeted missile strikes at some key Iranian facilities. British ofcials say that if Washington presses ahead it will seek, and receive, UK military help for any mission, despite some deep reservations within the coalition government. In anticipation of a potential attack, British military planners are examining where best to deploy Royal Navy ships and submarines equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles over the coming months as part of what would be an air- and sea-launched campaign. Washington has been warned by Israel against leaving any military action until it is too late. Western intelligence agencies say Israel will demand that the US act if Jerusalem believes its own military cannot launch successful attacks to stall Irans nuclear programme. Benjamin Netanyahu seeks cabinet support for Israeli strike on Iran Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is seeking cabinet support for a military strike on Iran, Haaretz newspaper has reported after days of speculation on plans for such an attack. Haaretz said that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Barak had already scored a signicant win by convincing Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman to throw his support behind a strike. A source said the Israelis want to believe that they can take this stuff out, and will continue to agitate for military action if Iran continues to play hide and seek. Iran would cause serious damage to the United States and Israel should the latter launch an attack on the Islamic Republic, Irans top military ofcial said on Wednesday. The Zionist regimes military attack against Iran, Chairman of Irans Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Hassan Fayrouz Abadi said, would lead to heavy damages to the US as well as [to the] Zionist regime, Iranian news agency ISNA reported. Israel considers Iran its most dangerous threat. It cites Tehrans nuclear programme, its ballistic missile development, repeated references by the Iranian leader to Israels destruction and Irans support for anti-Israel militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran denies the allegations that it aims to produce a bomb, saying its nuclear programme is meant only to produce energy. They plan their plans, and He plans His plans, and He is the best of planners! (Al- Quran)
and called into question U.S. diplomatic tactics that Iran calls violations of international rules and regulations. The Iranian source did not make
deaths in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 and the billions of dollars from the U.S. citizens pockets. Plans by President Barack Obama
the precise wording of the letter available, but said the letter also mentioned the thousands of
to withdraw all U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of the year have drawn criticism from political
developing a charter of rights and freedoms. Other recommendations, which are proving more problematic, are the appointment of a independent commissioner for the rule of law and human rights and a call for all member states to repeal laws banning homosexuality. Great network The summit in Perth is the rst Chogm meeting Mr Cameron has attended since entering Downing Street. The prime minister said: The Commonwealth is a great
organisation, a third of the worlds population, 54 countries across six continents, a really great network, but it is a network that must have strong values. The Eminent Persons Group report will strengthen those values particularly by having a charter setting out the rights, the freedoms, the democracy that we all believe in, and I think that is important. Mr Cameron added that he thought good progress would be made in Perth. Sri Lanka Sri Lankas army has been
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and a two thirds majority vote in favor by the General Conference of Member States present and
will transition giving Afghan forces control of up to 50 per cent of the population. The second phase of handover, that comes after a few areas went to local control in July, is part of the plan for Nato to gradually withdraw its troops after a decade of ghting. Downing Street has been circumspect about keeping any troops in Afghanistan from 2015 but the Afghan general said some would still be needed. But Brig Shah said a large number of support troops will also be needed to support the Afghan army for many years after the timetabled withdrawal at the end of 2014. To be honest I cannot forecast clearly after 2014 how much longer we will need British forces in Afghanistan but our country has been demolished and we have tolerated 30 years war in which we lost everything, he said. So we need the international community, especially British inuence, for longer. I cannot say for how many years but a number of years. Helmand has gone from being
the trouble spot of Afghanistan almost to its trophy province with Brig Gen Shahs 3rd Brigade of 215 Corps seen as the model for the rest of the army. The 44-year-old general has led Afghans as a commander in the Soviet-trained army who defected to the Mujahideen and then helped the Northern Alliance throw out the Taliban. His brigade now conducts battalion size operations on its own with British advisors in the background. In another sign of progress it has received the rst Afghan high threat operator trained up to Western bomb disposal standards. But the general warned that more advanced training in engineering, logistics and heavy weapons was needed before his brigade could become fully independent. They would also require Nato air power for a long time to come. The ofcer also reected Kabuls worries of greater interference from Afghanistans neighbours such as Pakistan and Iran following Natos withdrawal.
Nearly 3,000 banks have been put on a government blacklist of nancial institutions which cannot be trusted to verify documents supporting student visa applications, ofcials have said. Foreign students applying to study in the UK who claim they have funds to support themselves and pay for their course held in any of the banks on the list will receive no points for maintenance, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) said. The list, which includes 1,977 banks in India, three in Pakistan and 762 in the Philippines, is the latest part of the governments efforts to crack down on bogus students. Study is the most common reason for migrants coming to the UK,
with three in four of the 228,000 who came to the UK for study last year coming from outside the EU. A UKBA spokeswoman said: We have radically overhauled the student visa system in order to tackle abuses whilst continuing to attract the brightest and best genuine students from across the world. We need to be condent that those applying for student visas have the funds to support themselves and pay for their course in the UK. Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of the campaign group Migration Watch UK, said the list was just one indication of the rampant abuse of the student visa system.
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Qatar will lead the new coalition for a period that could stretch beyond the end of the year, according to the progress of security conditions in Libya, Qatars Chief of Staff, Ahmed Ben Ali Al Atia said, explaining that the coalition would not take part in police operations. Al Atia also said that Qatar has made the proposal in light of the potential end of the NATO mission on October 31, as decided on a preliminary basis by the Atlantic Council. Italy, together with the Libyan NTC and its partners, is exploring and assessing ways of participating in the multinational force that could replace NATO in Libya, ANSA learned from reliable diplomatic sources. Meanwhile, Muammar Gaddas son, Saif Al Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, is
International Criminal Court he is innocent of alleged crimes against humanity Saif al-Islam Gadda, the fugitive son of Libyas toppled late leader, told the International Criminal Court he is innocent of alleged crimes against humanity, the court prosecutor said on Saturday. The court, based in The Hague, has said it made informal contact with Saif al-Islam, the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gadda, and is seeking to arrest him and bring him to trial on the charges stemming from Libyas civil war. The International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said the contacts were through intermediaries, and Saif alIslam maintained he is innocent and wants to understand what could happen to him if cleared of
made many assume that NATO was going to nish its operation in Libya. Sources from the alliance said that it could happen during the next couple of days indeed. However, it is too early to say that the Libyan operation is over. Ali Tarhouni, an ofcial spokesman for the National Transitional Council asked the NATO administration to prolong its mission in Libya for at least one month. Why does the Council need NATO to stay? It seems that the city of Sirte has been taken. News agencies report that practically all buildings in the city have been destroyed. Rebels continue to nd and destroy Gadda followers and they do not need NATOs help. Most likely, the leaders of the National Transitional Council of Libya are concerned about their future. The leaders of the
However, it is obvious that Islamists intend to deprive the Libyan people of all the rights that they received from Colonel Gadda, including the right to vote. European ofcials expressed their concerns about the extremist aspiration to usurp power. Nevertheless, even Libyas acting Prime Minister Mahmous Jibril said that the new Libya needed Sharia. In the meantime, the countries that took part in the operation against Colonel Gadda continue to count their losses and send their servicemen home. Spain promised to withdraw its troops from the country before October 31. NATO has not made a nal decision about the further participation in the Libyan affairs. The alliance intends to conduct consultations with the UN and the
Breivik denies criminal guilt because he believes the massacre was necessary to save Norway and Europe.
reporters he hoped that the visit to Utoya would help families come to
grips with the deaths. The police ofcer taking care of each family will take that family to the place where we found each of the killed young grown-up people, Larsen said before the visit. Of course, that will be a very difcult day for the people coping out there, but in the long run we know that seeing the scene of where these murders were taking place is actually helpful. On Sunday, a national memorial service was to be held at Oslo Spektrum arena, marking the end of a month of mourning.
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history is different. The politics is different, Assad said. Assad also spoke to Russias state Channel One television, and in an interview broadcast yesterday, hailed Moscows veto of a European-backed U.N. Security Council resolution on Syria that aimed to impose sanctions on Damascus. We are relying on Russia as a country with which we have strong historic ties, Assad said. Assads appeal came less than
a month after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told the Syrian strongman for the rst time to either accept political reform or bow to calls for his resignation. Hints of a cautious easing of Russias support were reafrmed yesterday when a powerful lawmaker in charge of the upper house of parliaments foreign affairs committee called Assads violent methods counterproductive. Breaking up opposition rallies with
f photos and videos of Muammar Gaddas death at the hands of rebels have not shown enough blood and carnage, a new video game developed by a reality game company that has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense will allow kids to relive the capture and murder of the ousted Libyan dictator over and over again. The new game, Fall of Sirte: Gaddas Last Stand, is the latest episode in the Kuma War II series from Kuma Games, which has been creating episodic rstperson shooter games based on real military events like the Iraq War and the assassination of Osama bin Laden in collaboration with the Department of Defense since 2003, according to the Los Angeles Times. Fall of Sirte allows gamers to hunt and kill
Col. Muammar Gadaf and can be downloaded by anyone with a computer without age verication completely free of charge. The video game takes gamers into the throes of the Libyan
Playing the game from the point of view of a Libyan rebel, the gamer is able to relive Muammar Gaddas nal take-down and the Libyan rebels triumph with this brand new multiplayer mission! according to Kuma Games website.
uprising and the search for Gadda. Playing the game from the point of view of a Libyan rebel, the gamer is able to relive Muammar Gaddas nal takedown and the Libyan rebels triumph with this brand new multiplayer mission! according to Kuma Games website. Players also get help from the company states it is authorized to disclose any information about you...in our sole discretion, [we] believe necessary or appropriate. Other video game companies have been known to use games based on war to track data in order to serve as a recruitment tool for the U.S. Military.
Crown Prince Naif, on Tuesday ruled out any compromise with Iran over allegations of Iranian involvement in a plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington. There can be no compromise with Iran concerning the assassination bid because there is no need for it, the crown prince told reporters while addressing a news conference after inspecting Haj preparations. We are ready to deal with any scenario... with any means necessary, he added without further details. Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the alleged plot. Prince Naif emphasized the strong bond between the Saudi people and their leadership, and ruled out possible public protests in the country. What has happened in some Arab
asked whether he thought Saudi Arabia was protected against antigovernment protests. Prince Naif emphasized that the Kingdom would not allow any demonstrations during Haj. Answering a question on whether there is any understanding between the Kingdom and Iran on Haj, Prince Naif: There is no need for such an understanding as the Iranians have always afrmed their respect for Haj. After every Haj we receive letters of appreciation from the Iranian Haj mission. Asked whether the government has any plan to impose punishment on violators of Haj regulations, Prince Naif said: We dont need any new regulations. The Quran and Sunnah clearly mention the punishment for those who violate the rules.
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Many Muslims in the United Kingdom (UK) celebrate Eidal-Adha, which commemorates Ibrahims (Abraham) willingness to sacrice his son to Allah will be celebrated on Sunday, November 6th 2011 for most countries This festival also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. . For those following local sighting of the moon to determine the beginning of lunar months, as the moon was not seen in some countries yesterday, Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on Monday November 7th 2011. The list of these countries includes communities Brunei, India, Pakistan and Iran. In Australia those following Saudi will have Eid on Sunday and those that follow local sighting
will celebrate Eid on Monday. Nearly three million pilgrims from around the world will ascend Mount `Arafah on
One of the ve pillars of Islam, hajj consists of several ceremonies, which are meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic
Eid usually starts with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking Allah for all the
Hajj
The Hajj is pilgrimage to Makkah. It is the Fifth Pillar of Islam and therefore a very important part of the Islamic faith. All physically t Muslims who can afford it should make the visit to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lives. Every year around 2 million Muslims from all over the world converge on Makkah. They stand before the Kaaba, a shrine built by Ibrahim praising Allah together. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram which promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes
JEDDAH: A man and a woman died after a bus carrying a group of 30 British pilgrims caught re on the Haramain Expressway near the Tahlia Bridge in Jeddah Tuesday morning. The accident took place while the pilgrims were traveling to Makkah for Haj. The bus driver said he parked the vehicle on the side of the expressway when he saw intense smoke billowing out of it.
Two pilgrims, a man and a woman, died when a bus carrying 29 British and Pakistani pilgrims on their way from Madinah to Makkah caught re near Al-Tahliya yover in Jeddah on Tueday, the Civil Defense announced. Civil Defense ofcers later retrieved two bodies from the bus, but could not conrm their nationalities. The two bodies have been taken to the mortuary of King Fahd Hospital.
faith, and to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his family. Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can nancially afford the trip must perform hajj once in their lifetime. The story of Ibrahims sacrice Eid-ul-Adha celebrates the occasion when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. The devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey Allah and spare his son. As Ibrahim was about to kill his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrice instead. Note: This story is also found in the Jewish Torah and the Christian Old Testament (Genesis 22). Here God asked Abraham to sacrice his son Isaac, his son with Sarah. Ismail was his son with Hagar. Celebrations Eid ul Adha is a public holiday in Muslim countries. Today Muslims all over the world who can afford it , sacrice a sheep (sometimes a goat) as a reminder of Ibrahims obedience to Allah. In Britain, the animal has to be killed at a slaughterhouse. They share out the meat among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share.
blessings they have received. It is also a time when they visit family and friends as well as offering presents.
At Eid it is obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity to be used to help poor people buy new clothes and food so
of Allah. During the Hajj the Pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their faith and sense of purpose in the world.
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says it has suffered from strict Indian customs rules and quality standards. National interest Pakistan Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told a news conference in Islamabad: Today after an extensive brieng by the commerce secretary, the cabinet unanimously decided to grant India most favoured nation status. He added: This will bring economic benets to us and this decision has been taken in the national interest. Mr Awan said some ministers had raised objections on the Kashmir issue, but added: The prime minister reviewed all the objections and took the cabinet into condence that it will not hurt our national security. The BBCs M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says that although India acknowledges the Kashmir dispute, it has insisted the two sides improve interaction in other elds while they search for a mutually acceptable solution. Analysts say the Pakistani decision has come at a time when the country desperately needs trade concessions from international markets to prevent its economy from sinking further. India and Pakistan resumed formal peace talks this year after they were broken off in the wake of the militant attacks in Mumbai (Bombay) in 2008.
international
Neighbours must get involved in Afghanistan solutions: Kissinger
Thursday, 03.11.11
akistans cabinet has unanimously approved the award of most favoured nation trading status to India. India has already extended most favoured nation status to Pakistan. The status typically reduces tariffs and increases import quotas. Pakistan had previously linked trade liberalisation with India to a resolution of the dispute over Kashmir, over which the nations have fought two wars. Correspondents say the move is a
signicant step towards boosting the peace process between the neighbours. India has already extended most favoured nation status to Pakistan. The status typically reduces tariffs and increases import quotas. Bilateral trade is currently put at about $3bn (1.87bn) and the two sides agreed at a recent meeting in Delhi to double that within three years. Although India granted Pakistan most favoured nation status in 1996, Pakistan
Former US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr Henry Kissinger says that Afghanistans neighbours must be involved in Afghanistans solutions. At an event titled Afghanistan Is There a Regional Endgame? organized by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Kissinger addressed a packed house. The former US diplomat said that the effect of the withdrawal of US forces from the region may even be greater on Afghanistans neighbours than on the US. On Pakistan, Kissinger said that their [Pakistans] objectives were not identical to the US, and could not be identical from their [Pakistans] point of view. As a result, he said, Pakistan not only tolerates sanctuaries, but also at some level encourages these safe havens. Frank Ruggierro, US Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan said the US was hoping that the Istanbul conference would lead to support for the transition, respect for Afghanistans sovereignty and political reconciliation. Addressing the audience, Professor Vali Nasr, a former member of Richard Holbrookes team, said that the US has bad relations with the two countries that matter the most in the region: Iran and Pakistan. He added that both countries were ready to help the US leave, but not support the strategy US was pursuing. Both, Iran and Pakistan were planning for a post-US scenario in Afghanistan. He added that there was a lack of trust in the region with respect to the US strategy.
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the national electoral process, abrogation of the rule of law, underminingof the independence of the judiciary, systematic violation of human rights andrestrictions on the media or civil society. Suspension or prevention of the lawful functioning ofparliament, postponement of national elections without constitutional or otherreasonable justication, systematic denial of political space, such as detentionof political leaders or restriction of freedom of association or expressionwould be treated as persistent violation of Commonwealth values. Commonwealth leaders agreed that the secretary general willspeak out
publicly in expression of collective disapproval of serious orpersistent violations of Commonwealth values. They urged the interim government of Fiji to restoredemocracy without further delay, to respect human rights, and to uphold therule of law, and reafrm support of the Commonwealth. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led Bangladesh in the Summitreecting Bangladeshs unwavering support to the cause of the Commonwealth topromote understanding on global issues, regional and international co-operationand its work to improve the lives of its citizens. The Commonwealth leaders also
agreed to prepare aCharter of the Commonwealth by next year, as proposed by theEminent Persons Group (EPG) for urgent actions to establish a Commonwealth forPeople. The Charter will be prepared by 2011 through a process ofnational consultations and consideration of
The girl said that her brother had no afliation with any political party or organisation and had never been involved in any illegal activities. A 22-year-old resident of the restive Kohlu district threatened to selfimmolate if her brother who was whisked away by security agencies on September 20, 2011 was not safely returned to the family. Addressing a news conference at the hunger strike camp set up by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons outside the Quetta Press Club on Monday, she said Sher Ali Marri went to Hyderabad along with nine other people of her family where he was picked up by security personnel
near the Hydarabad bakra mandi (cattle market) and has been listed missing ever since. The authorities just kidnapped my brother and not the other people with him, she told reporters. He was the sole breadwinner of our family. I will commit suicide in front of the Balochistan Assembly by burning myself if he is not returned safely back to us, she declared. She asked the authorities to present her brother before a court if he was accused of any criminal offence. She also called upon the Supreme Court human rights organisations and the United Nations to play their role for the safe recovery of her brother and
other missing Baloch people. Responding to a query, Qadir Baloch, father of Jalil Reki leader of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP), who has been missing for two years now alleged that some people had threatened him to end the hunger strike camp. Two people came to the camp and even to my house and asked me to end the strike. They said they will kill my son Reki if I continue my hunger strike. This is the sole platform for the relatives of the missing Baloch people, he said, adding that the hunger strike will continue until all the missing persons were recovered.
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The investigation into the suicide bombing that killed 17 people on Saturday suggests it was the work of the Pakistan-based Haqqani network, an Afghan ofcial said Monday. We have some contacts and some evidence on the ground and some information about the vehicles used and the people used, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said, stressing that the results of the investigation were preliminary. This is another sophisticated attack by the operatives of the Haqqani network, and we are also optimistic to arrest some of their operatives in Kabul in the days ahead, he said. However, a spokesman for international forces in Afghanistan, which lost nine troops in the attack, said they have no indications yet that the Haqqani network was involved. All we have seen so far is that the Taliban have claimed responsibility.
That doesnt necessarily mean that it was them, but we have no other indications, said Brig. Gen. Cartsen Jacobsen. The case has to be looked at. Another International Security Assistance Force spokesman, Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, added that their intelligence at this point gave no indication of the involvement of the Haqqanis.
Pakistani ofcials have rejected claims that they support the group, but acknowledge that they are in contact with it. This month, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged that U.S. representatives met with Haqqani ofcials to discuss the possibility of negotiations that would end hostilities.
on Pakistan Afghanistan bordering regions. Turkish government, in the past has organized similar trilateral talks attended by Afghan and Pakistani government. This comes as the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan has recently escalated in regards to ght against the terrorism in the bordering regions. The Istanbul conference is expected to be held on 2nd November in Istanbul, and representatives from 14 regional countries will attend the conference to discuss issues relating to Afghanistan.
violence began decreasing in May. The American study found the sharpest drop in violence in September, a month not covered by the UN. Levels of violence dropped in July to September by 26% as compared with the year-earlier period, according to the U.S. report. With key havens in Afghanistan
eliminated, refuges in Pakistan now are considered the most important external factor sustaining insurgents, posing a signicant risk to the mission, according to the report. Crossborder attacks have climbed in recent months, the report said. The ndings raised questions about the Afghan government, saying it made
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No set of rules has yet been framed for appointment of the Supreme Court judges, causing frequent controversies over their appointments. According to ofcials of the law ministry and the Supreme Court, the backlog continues increasing with the rise in the number of new cases and the judiciary nds it difcult to cope with the situation with limited manpower and infrastructural facilities and logistics.
Selina Hayat Ivy has won alandslide victory in the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) beating her rivalShamim Osman by a big margin. Ivy thus emerged as theundisputed heir of her father Ali Ahmed Chunka Mia who was chairman ofNarayanganj Pourshava for a long time. The results showed the votersopted for the candidate of their choice
Investigators for war crimes will move a petition through the prosecution before the International Crimes Tribunal today seeking warrant for the arrest of former Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Ghulam Azam. Coordinator of the 19-member investigation agency, Abdul Hannan Khan said on Monday the investigation reports against Ghulam Azam and the detained four top Jamaat leaders had been nalised and enough evidence, including witnesses and documentary evidence,
had been found to charge them with genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the war of independence in 1971. Hannan briefed reporters about nalisation of investigation reports on four detained Jammat leaders its amir Matiur Rahman Nizami, secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and assistant secretaries general Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and Abdul Quader Molla at its Bailey Road ofce on the day.
Asking the authorities to deploy army by Saturday, the main opposition BNP has demanded resignation of the Election Commission for its failure to deploy army to make the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) elections free and fair. Threatening to forge a movement against the government if anomalies are taken place in the
October 30 polls, the party leaders said the EC backtracked from its decision to deploy army due to pressures from the government. The CEC had categorically said army would be deployed. Two mayoral candidates Taimur Alam Khandaker and Selina Hayat Ivy demanded army deployment. Even Shamim Osman was not against it. But nally EC could not do that
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reafrmed her governments commitment to ensure equal rights to all faiths in performing their respective religious rituals and enjoying their all democratic rights. In 1971, the people of all faiths had fought the liberation war together under the leadership of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. So, were rmly determined to establish the rights of people, she said. Hasina was addressing a function arranged on the occasion of her visit to the Puja Mondop of Ramkrishna Mission in Dhaka yesterday. Ruling Awami League advisory council member Suranjit Sen Gupta, MP, among others, spoke on the occasion. Hasina said her government wanted peoples empowerment through ensuring their rights. The constitution has been amended to establish all the democratic rights of people. We want to turn
Bangladesh into a modern country through peoples empowerment and development, she said. The prime minister said Bangladesh used to be known to the world as a country of militancy and corruption during the last Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami regime. After assuming ofce in 2009, we have been able to remove the stigma. Now Bangladesh is considered as one of the prosperous nations in the world, she said. Hasina said there is no scope to go back when the country has been put back on track of development. Lets work together to build Bangladesh as the golden Bangla as dreamt by the father of the nation. After visiting the Dhakaswari Temples Puja Mondop, the prime minister at a brief function said: Despite the recent global economic downtrend, our government has been able to maintain a 6.7% growth, which shows Bangladeshs capacity to emerge as a strong economy.
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In-Charge of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs,
His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji, Chief Operations Ofcer, Royal Bhutan Army, Maj. Gen. Batoo Tshering and other
senior ofcials of the Royal Government of Bhutan. A special importance was attached to this rst visit abroad by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen after the Royal Wedding on October 13. The visit reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. While in India, Their Majesties met President Patil, who felicitated them on their marriage and wished them happiness and a long life together. President Patil also hosted a banquet in honour of His Majesty the King and Her
Majesty the Queen. Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj, Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai called on His Majesty the King. Their Majesties also met UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The King of Bhutan held talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who also hosted a lunch in honour of Their Majesties.
Thimphu, Bhutan Some dget, a few eyes wander here and there, but for a minute or two, hundreds of primary schoolchildren are quiet, learning to meditate together at morning assembly palms upturned and thumbs together in the style of Buddha. This is Gross National Happiness or GNH at work in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, a country determined to hold on to its ancient values even as it modernizes, to preserve its environment even as its economy grows and to prove to the world that there is more to life than money. The term was coined by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 in an apparently off-the-cuff remark to a journalist. I am not so much interested in gross national product, he reportedly said. I am more interested in gross national happiness. Those words grew into an ideology that has been examined and embraced by development economists and political leaders the world over. Not since Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence of peoples inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has the idea been so widely disseminated that a government should promote or at least not obstruct its citizens happiness. France and Britain are incorporating measures of happiness and well-being into their national accounts, and the U.N. General Assembly adopted happiness as an unofcial Millennium Development Goal in July. The U.N. resolution was a victory
In Bhutan, pursuit of happiness Poverty, inequality as is a tough mountain to climb yardstick for growth
Development Economics The Bhutanese economy grew by 11.7 percent in 2010, one of the highest growth rates in South Asia, but whether it has meant anything to the countrys large population of rural poor remains to be seen. An international study on development economics attempts to measure growth, using poverty, inequality and unemployment. The study says, if all three indicators have declined to a signicant level, it can be called development. On the other hand, if it remains the same or has worsened; it cannot be called development even if the countrys per capita income doubles. The countrys poverty rate declined by eight percent between 2003 and 2007, which is only a two percent decline a year. High rates of ination have been a major deterrent in alleviating poverty, as more and more people are either prevented or pushed below poverty line. Ination as of now is almost 10 percent. Although 33 percent of the rural poor, who depend on agriculture for their livelihood, were below the poverty line in 2007, the agriculture sector has not shown any growth in the past three years lacking government investments, rural credit, farm mechanisation and subsidies. In an agrarian economy, development is also measured by the growth in the agriculture sector. An economist said, while developed economies have less share of agriculture to GDP, it does not mean that the sector is not growing. It becomes less signicant, because of growth in the secondary and tertiary sector. Inequalities between the rural and urban population were also relatively high, according to the 2007 Bhutan living standard survey. In 2007, urban poverty was at 1.7 percent, while rural poverty was 30.9 percent; and the richest 20 percent of the population consumed eight times more than the poorest 20 percent. A high level of inequality makes it difcult for the poor to have a substantial share of benets of economic growth. Inequality is also manifested in the high level of regional imbalanced economic growth, with most development, taking place only in a few urban areas. Select indicators of inequality in Bhutan, like improved access to sanitation, child mortality, school enrolment show that inequality is still a reality. NSBs multiple indicator survey 2010 publication states that 94.5 percent of richest have access to improved sanitation facilities, while only 31 percent of the poor have the same. Similarly, child mortality is at a high of 68 percent among the poor, while it is only 28 percent among the richest. Child mortality, according to the report, has a direct bearing on educational attainment and wealth. The unemployment rate in the past three years has been 4 percent in 2009, 3.3 percent in 2010 and 3.1 percent in 2011. In absolute gures, there were 11,000 unemployed in 2009 and 10,500 in 2012.
for Bhutan as it looks to win global approval for its national philosophy, but the utopian-sounding idea has proved difcult to put into practice at home. The joy of GNH is that it offers Bhutan a distinct and alternative path to development, said opposition leader Tshering Tobgay. The pitfall of GNH is that we are more satised with talking about it, preaching about it, rather than sincerely implementing some of its important principles. The government has tried to factor happiness into policy in a systematic way, creating a Gross National Happiness Commission and conducting two comprehensive studies of the happiness of its citizens based on what it sees as the four pillars of happiness: sustainable development, good governance, preservation of the environment and promotion of traditional culture. In a survey that took half a day to
complete, people were asked some conventional development questions about their access to health services, clean drinking water and electricity and some slightly more unusual ones, such as how well they slept, whether they were prone to feelings of jealousy, how much time they spent in prayer and how well they knew local folk stories. The initial results were striking the rural western Haa district recorded the highest GNH score, while people in the capital, Thimphu, scored signicantly lower, the numbers pulled down because people reported that they often neither knew nor trusted their neighbors and had less time for their families or for themselves. The next step was to screen government policies, to see whether they enhanced overall happiness, and to design ones that would benet the economy and promote a better quality of life.
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We will strengthen ties with China, he said, adding, he was leaving for China on its governments invitation tonight. He said Pakistan was not a poor country; it is very rich in natural resources. Pakistan has 180 billion tonnes of coal reserves which means we can export electricity to the world, he added. Imran Khan said Pakistan never needed to beg before others. Pakistan will never beg again; Imran Khan will die but wont beg, he vowed amid vociferous cheers of the charged crowd. Coming down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, Imran Khan questioned how could Asif Zardari provide bread, cloth and shelter when under his rule 1600
He regretted that Mian (Nawaz Sharif) sahib should have done better than coming up with a show of Patwaris the other day in Lahore. Imran Khan said Pakistan was suffering a loss of Rs3000 billions
the SHO elected like the way it is done in America, he added. He said condition of the villages will be improved and pledged to bring an end to military operation and target killings in Balochistan, which, he termed as a province
mosquitoes? Pointing to the crowd, he said, Asif Zardar and Nawaz Sharif cannot stop this ood now. This is not just a ood it is a Tsunami and anyone who tries to stand before it will be washed away.
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from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala to appear for questioning at the Delhi ofce of I-T departments recently-set up Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI). The MPs would be asked to explain the source of funds in the Geneva accounts. In addition, recovery of over Rs 300 crore has already been made from several evaders, although some of those whose names gured on the list have refused to admit to having Swiss bank accounts. But unwilling to give up in the face of mounting scrutiny from the courts, the tax department is also making enquiries overseas to get details of nearly 300 cases of undisclosed wealth. A senior nance ministry ofcial told TOI that looking at the gravity of the cases and their overall impact, the government has handed over the
entire investigation to the Delhi ofce of DCI. This will also help prosecute those accused of parking black money in tax havens. Unlike Liechtenstein, where the tax department levied penalties amounting to around around Rs 25 crore against some 18 persons whose names were shared by German authorities, this
time the government intends to invoke stringent provisions of the I-T Act to set a precedent. This could mean that those found guilty of evasion could not just face monetary penalty but also end up spending between ve and ten years behind bars. As part of the assault on tax evasion and money laundering, the
government has asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes ( CBDT) to disallow any compounding of penalty and instead go for prosecuting the accused, something the I-T department had fought shy of in the past. So far, the accused were only tried under Prevention of Corruption Act, and even that was limited to public servants. The I-T Act was merely treated as civil law and tax evaders were let off after they coughed up penalty. Besides these account details, the Income Tax is in possession of nearly 10,000 pieces of information on high-value suspicious transactions undertaken by Indians overseas. Investigations have started in all these cases and references have also been made to enforcement agencies abroad to seek more details.
BSYs aides boycott Anna Hazare threatens Prime Minister with hunger strike again Advanis yatra
Anti-corruuption crusader Anna Hazare on Monday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warning that if the Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed in the winter Session of the parliament he will again start his hunger strike. Hazare has told the PM that he will start the fast on the last day of Parliament session in case the bill is not passed. Earlier on Monday, Hazare informed through his blog about his plans to end his vow of silence in three to four days and undertake a tour of the country to meet those who supported his anti-corruption campaign. Hazare, 74, said the thought of giving up his maun vrat was playing on his mind. them, he said. The crusader said that he would embark on a tour and meet all those young men and women, farmers, working class, school children from all over the world who were a part of this movement against corruption and at times even went to jail for the sake of the cause. I have this strong urge from within to meet and talk to all these people who bravely faced the hazards. Hence I would like to end my maun and start off touring different states and hold discussions with them, said Hazare, who has been campaigning for a strong Lokpal to check corruption in high places.
As many as 11 state ministers, owing their allegiance to scam-tainted former chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, on Sunday boycotted Advanis anticorruption march in Bangalore. It was not just the Congress which showed black ags to senior BJP leader L. K. Advanis Jan Chetna yatra in Karnataka. As many as 11 state ministers, owing their allegiance to scam-tainted former chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, on Sunday boycotted Advanis anticorruption march in Bangalore. Leading the anti-yatra bandwagon were Yeddyurappas close condante and energy minister Shobha Karandlaje and the former CMs troubleshooter and housing Minister V. Somanna. Agriculture minister Umesh Katti, water resource minister Basavaraja Bommai, cooperation minister Lakshman Savadi, industries minister Murugesh Nirani, excise minister M. P. Renukacharya, women and child welfare minister C. C. Patil, public works minister C. M. Udasi, animal husbandry minister Revu Naik Belamaggi and public administration minister Balachandra Jharkiholi also decided to stay away from Advanis rally. They were expressing solidarity
with Yeddyurappa, who is lodged in jail for corrupt land leads. We are not happy with the way the BJP central leadership is treating Yeddyurappa. He was instrumental in getting the BJP to power in Karnataka. He might be tainted now... But it does not mean that the party leaders can disown him, a minister from the Yeddyurappa camp, said.
In the next three to four days I might end my maun vrat. Crores of people have turned to reading my blog all over the world hence I think it would only seem appropriate that I end my maun and hold open discussions with
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dust has vaporized, dont expect the problem to go away soon. As an alpha particle emitter, DU has a half life of 4.5 billion years. In the shock and awe attack on Iraq, more than 1,500 bombs and missiles were dropped on Baghdad. Seymour Hersh has claimed that the US Third Marine Aircraft Wing alone dropped more than ve hundred thousand tons of ordnance. Much of it DU-tipped. Pakistani physicians and experts say the US uses chemical munitions in its non-UN-sanctioned
Nuha al-Radi, an artist and author of Baghdad Diaries, shortly before her death due to leukaemia wrote in 2004: Everyone seems to be dying of cancer. Every day one hears about another acquaintance or friend of a friend dying. How many more die in hospitals that one does not know? Apparently, over 30 percent of Iraqis have cancer, and there are lots of kids with leukaemia. The depleted uranium left by the US bombing campaign has turned Iraq into a cancerinfested country. For hundreds of years to come, the
effect is to produce deadly disorders such as cancer, which eventually leads the exposed individual to his grave. The US authorities have spread this radioactive debris in various parts of the world and concealed this fact from its people. The United States loudly and proudly boasted this month of its new bomb currently being used against al-Qaida hold-outs in Afghanistan; it sucks the air from underground installations, suffocating those within. The US Continued on page 18 >>
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establishment date remained unclear, will be established separate from investigations into the assassination that will be carried by Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, the tripartite body will serve for Islamabad and Kabul to share ndings with each other. Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan will also establish a mechanism through which the foreign ministers
of the three countries will come together more often, irrespective of summits such as the Istanbul Forum, a diplomatic source told the Daily News at the summit today. Rabbani, head of a council charged with talking to the Taliban insurgents, was killed by a bomb hidden in a turban. The assassination dealt a heavy blow to peace efforts in the war-torn country.
Judicial magistrate Faisal Hameed on Friday issued arrest warrants for former president Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Shaukat Aziz in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case. Nawab Akbar Bugti was killed in a military operation on August, 26, 2006 in Kohlu district. Earlier, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) had directed the police to register an FIR against the nominated persons. A case was registered in Dera Bugti in October, 2009 on the application of his son Jameel Akbar Bugti against Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz, former Balochistan governor Owais Ghani, former chief minister Jam Muhammad Yousaf, the then interior minister Aftab Ahmad Sherpao and home minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani.
However, written statements by three accused Sherpao, Jam and Owais Ghani, were submitted before the BHC, stating that they were part of a civilian setup and the operation was launched by army, as such they had nothing to do with the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. The court issued the arrest warrants for Musharraf and Aziz on the request of Crime and Investigative Department (CID), which is investigating the case on the directives of the BHC. The BHC has expressed its displeasure over the slow pace of progress in the murder case of the Baloch leader. The next hearing is xed at November 1 and the investigating agency will show the pace of progress in the case. mohammad zafar
SPECIAL FEATURE
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mid heavy security, the monarch ofcially opened the three-day summit yesterday, saying that she expected a meeting that promises to bring new vibrancy to the Commonwealth. I wish heads of government well in agreeing to further reforms that respond boldly to the aspirations of today and that keep the Commonwealth fresh and t for tomorrow, she said. Now 85, the queen said she had attended many such meetings that had looked to the future with a
sense of vision and practical action. The results of this meeting may be global in impact or simply touch a single individual even imperceptibly. But in every respect I trust the results will be positive and enduring, she said. The queen is head of state in 16 Commonwealth nations. Composed mainly of former British colonies and embracing two billion citizens, the Commonwealths relevance in the 21st century will be a key focus for the summit.
In an event held outside Lucknow, the capital of Indias most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, the newborn girl was given a birth certicate by the local administration. Baby7Billion girl was born at 7.20 am India time to Vinita (23) and Ajay (25) at a community health centre in Mall near Lucknow in Indias state of Uttar Pradesh. She has been named Nargis - a beautiful ower. Nargis was born a healthy baby and weighed nearly 3 kgs (6lbs 60z). Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director, Plan India said: By celebrating the birth of a girl as Baby 7 Billion we are drawing attention to the serious issue of Indias declining child sex ratio. Hundreds of thousands of female foetuses are being terminated in India every year even though sex-selective abortions and use of ultrasound technology for foetal gender-
determination is illegal in the country. According to Indias 2011 Census, the ratio of girls to boys has dropped to an all time low since records began. Today, there are just 914 girls for every 1,000 boys between 0 and 6 years. Plan India has launched the Let Girls Be Born campaign in six Indian states to galvanise action to address the issue of female foeticide. In Uttar Pradesh, Plans partner Vatsalya is working with communities and making them understand the social consequences of widening gender gap.Plan chose Uttar Pradesh to mark the birth of Baby 7 Billion as the state accounts not only for the highest number of births but also the highest number of missing girls. With a population bigger than that of Brazil, it has just 899 girls for every 1,000 boys. The situation is similar in other states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the countrys capital, Delhi.
explains the inuence Iran has on the regime in Damascus. American diplomats urged Iranians not to disrupt stability in Iraq before the complete pullout of U.S. troops by the end of 2011 and to stop supporting terror groups in the region, namely Hamas and Hezbollah. From their side,
Iranians asked the United States not to support a post-Assad regime that is hostile to Iran. Both parties agreed that any future
force against civilians in Syria, but Irans Revolutionary Guards continue to deploy special forces in Syria to help quell the uprising there.
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We have lost our great leader and my wife Benazir Bhutto at the hands of
Bin Laden issue was now `history` and Pakistan was looking forward to a new chapter of relations with the United States. He said the source of the greatest evil of the new millennium had met his eventual fate. We should look into the future and ensure that the militant mindset is defeated. The sooner we stop public criticism and nger-pointing at each other and coordinate our resources, the better it will serve the cause of
Pakistan plans 20 pc cut in customs Links with Taliban: Foreign Ministry duties for SAFTA countries rejects BBC documentary claims
Pakistan has formally decided to trim 233 tariff lines from the sensitive list under South Asia Free Trade Agreement and make 20 per cent reduction in customs duty on imports of these items to further liberalise its trading regime with its neighbours. But the country`s top tax machinery, Federal Board of Revenue has raised objections over 32 tariff lines of the total 233 on the plea that any reduction in customs duty on these products could lead to revenue loss. The products placed in the sensitive list under Safta are allowed for trade but could not be considered for reduction in customs duties. But the withdrawal of these items from the sensitive list means that Pakistan would also now notify 20 per cent reduction in customs duties for all Safta member countries. We have sent a summary to the cabinet meeting to be convened on Wednesday for approval, an ofcial source in the commerce ministry told Dawn on Monday. The ministry has also sent the summary of the FBR, who have raised serious reservations that reduction in customs duty could lead to duty reduction. Now the issue will have to be decided by the cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the ofcial added.
Pakistan once again strongly rejected assertions made in a BBC documentary claiming that Pakistani security services are supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan . The Foreign Ministry ruled out all the claims, saying that the series Secret Pakistan has made baseless and
fabricated allegations about Pakistan. The statement termed the series as ction which cannot belittle Pakistans sacrices and contribution in countering terrorism. On the other hand, the Pakistani army also strongly denied claims made in the BBC documentary. The army spokesman Major General
Athar Abbas described the allegations made by the US and Afghan ofcials as baseless and malicious. The BBC series program accused Pakistan of playing a double game. The series lay blame on Pakistan of acting as Americas ally in public while secretly training and arming its enemy in Afghanistan.
India played big role in Pakistans bid for UNSC seat: Haroon
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, on Friday, asked President Asif Ali Zardari to quit the Presidency as soon as possible otherwise the people of Lahore, Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar and Larkana would not let him go free. Shahbaz, who was addressing a protest rally here organised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, said that corruption has touched its peak in Pakistan and President Zardari, his cronies and Ali Baba and forty thieves would be hanged upside down at Bhaati Chowk for causing worst load shedding, corruption and unemployment in the country. The rally was attended by Pervez Rashid, Khawaja Asif, Javed Hashmi,
Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali, Saad Raq, Hamza Shahbaz, provincial ministers, members of provincial and national assemblies, party ofcebearers and a large number of party workers. Shahbaz asked President Zardari to quit the Presidency as soon as possible otherwise the people of Lahore, Quetta, Karachi Peshawar and Larkana would not let him go free. The people were ready for the last battle and they would ght the war against corrupt federal government on streets and crossings, the Punjab chief minister said, while adding that the PML-N rally has proved that people were justiably against the present corrupt federal
India played a big role in supporting Pakistans successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, Pakistans envoy to the world body Abdullah Hussain Haroon said here on Saturday. Many of the countries that Pakistan had considered as friends were no longer its friends, but India supported us in becoming a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council, Haroon told reporters here at Karachi airport. Pakistan, which was challenged by Kyrgyzstan, was backed by 129 of the 193 member states in the UN General Assembly. Kyrgyzstan polled 55 votes.
Pakistan will replace Lebanon, which currently occupies the Asian seat, on January 1, 2012, for a two-year term. Haroon said that Pakistan had worked very hard in the past six months to win votes for the prestigious seat. I think we should not be discouraged by the reaction by some of the nations in the UN because I can say the world wants Pakistan to play its positive role in the global scenario, he said. Pakistan has been on the Council six times earlier, 1952-53, 1968-69, 1976-77, 1983-84, 1993-94 and 200304. Its new term would overlap with India, which began its two-year tenure on January 1 this year for the fourth time.
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embraced democratic rule. He said that the MDP government although claims to the vanguards of democracy is now transgressing upon the very values of democracy that they claim to follow. Thasmeen said that the MDP government is known for causing intimidation against any institute that works against the desires of the government. He said that the government
has tried a number of times to obstruct the way of the Judiciary by threatening the judges and perpetrating violence against them. Thasmeen earlier said that he does not believe that the Judges of the Supreme Court will hesitate to serve justice even though the government tried to intimidate them by staging a violent demonstration outside the Supreme Court.
The High Court of Maldives has yesterday rejected the appeal of the case against Gassan Maumoon, son of the former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom which was applied by the state. The state appealed the case with the Criminal Court delivering the verdict to release Gassan from Police detention and that he was arrested unlawfully. Media Ofcial of the High Court said that the appeal was rejected by the Registrar of the High Court because the case was appealed after more
than 48 hours since the verdict of the Criminal Court. The Ofcial also noted that although it is the responsibility of the Prosecutor General to represent the state in Criminal Case proceedings, in the case against Gassan, the Attorney General represented the state. He said that the regulations of the Courts of law states that the appeals of the cases related to arrest and detention than such cases can only be accepted if it is applied in less than 48 hours of the lower court verdict.
which resulted in the arrest of two persons who had been involved in the network. The arrest of the two suspects eventually led to the raid of another brothel in which six more suspects were arrested. In the wake of the recent arrests, it has transpired that ve women who are now in custody
had obtained passports and were in the process of obtaining tourists visas to travel to Maldives. The said prostitution network run by a woman identied as Pannipitiya Aunty, who is also amongst those arrested, had been operating the said Maldives-Sri Lanka prostitution network for nearly six years.
Rich spending 10 pc more on food: President Maldives sees India, Pakistan amicable
seven billion next Monday is an achievement in many aspects. President Nasheed urged everyone to work in unity in sustaining achievements in improvement of primary health of elderly, the reduction in the rate of mortality due to illness and the technological advancements achieved in the recent years. The President also highlighted todays higher life expectancy rate in the Maldives, compared to that of the 1980s. He also pointed out that infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate have been decreased signicantly. Highlighting the preparations underway for the 17th SAARC Summit, the President said that all the arrangements in Addu City and Fuvahmulah were now in their nal stages. Gearing up to host the SAARC summit next month, President Mohammed Nasheed said he looked forward for a successful summit given that India and Pakistan were more amicable towards each other. President Mohammed Nasheed dismissed fears that Indias security could be threatened with growing Chinese inuence in Maldives, saying his country would never do anything that threatens New Delhis interests. I can assure all Indians that Maldives will always be Indias friend and we believe that we cannot nd a better friend than India, he told reporters on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here in the Western Australian city. Maldives would never do anything that threatens Indias security, he said in response to a question on Chinas growing presence in the Indian Ocean and efforts to expand its inuence in the Maldives. India has always assisted us in times of stress and even in the future India will assist us in times of stress, he said. There has been some concern in the Indian security establishment over Chinese attempt to extend its inuence in the archipelago that is strategically located along major sea lanes of the Indian Ocean. Gearing up to host the SAARC summit next month, Nasheed said he looked forward for a successful summit given that India and Pakistan were more amicable towards each other. I hope we will be able to have a very successful SAARC. I am already seeing that India and Pakistan are more amicable.
The global population growth is widening the gap between the poor and rich with the rich in the Maldives spending 10 percent more on food than the poor, President Mohamed Nasheed revealed Friday. Speaking in his weekly radio
address given this morning on his visit to Australias Perth to attend the Commonwealth HOGM, the President said that experts estimate the population of Maldives to reach 400,000 by the year 2025. The President noted that the world population reaching a record
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largest party in the Constituent Assembly, he would leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and the constitution.
He added that serious talks have begun from today and this time they were different. He also promised to show maximum exibility for the sake of party unity. NC President Sushil Koirala said all the Nepali people and international communities were concerned about the delay in the peace and constitution-drafting processes. On behalf of the Congress, I would like to express my commitment that peace would prevail soon, said Koirala, adding that all the parties must show maximum exibility and work hand-in-hand for peace and democratic constitution.
Parties set to seal peace CoAS Gurung leaves for China Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) with deal Chhatraman Singh Gurung left for
a seven-day China tour on Sunday afternoon at the formal invitation of Chief of the General Staff of the Peoples Republic of China and Peoples Liberation Army General, Chen Bingde. Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Chhatraman Singh Gurung left for a seven-day China tour on Sunday afternoon at the formal invitation of Chief of the General Staff of the Peoples Republic of China and Peoples Liberation Army General, Chen Bingde. During his visit to China, CoAS
Three major political parties are most likely to strike a package deal on issues related to the peace process and formation of a team of experts for state restructuring soon, sources privy to interparty talks said today. With most of the thorny issues related to the Maoist combatants management, a crucial aspect of the peace process, already resolved, the package deal is likely to materialise in a day or two, Nepali Congress General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula told this daily. NC and CPN-UML held talks on the outstanding issues at the latters Parliamentary Party ofce in Singha Durbar this morning, while the Unied CPN-Maoist and UML leaders delved into them at Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahals residence in Nayabazaar in the evening to make
way for a high-level meeting likely to be held tomorrow morning. Sources said Maoist Chairman Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai are planning to have the peace process agendas endorsed through a majority in the party despite Mohan Baidhya camps objection. The package deal will include the management of Maoist combatants, formation of commissions on disappeared and truth and reconciliation, handover of properties seized during the decade-long Maoist insurgency to the rightful owners with due compensation from the government, dissolution of the paramilitary structure of Maoist wings and formation of an experts team for the resolution of issues of state restructuring in the new constitution, according to sources.
Gurung will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Chen for modernising and capacity building of the Nepal Army. Meanwhile, China has decided to provide medical equipments worth Rs. 606.62 million to Nepal for the Army Hospital.
The festival aims to increase human interest towards truth and nonviolence and sympathy to all the
living things. The main rituals of the Chhath festival begins from Chaturthi, the fourth day
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ri Lanka achieved a major diplomatic victory beating all overwhelming odds at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which concluded in the Western Australian capital of Perth . Sri Lanka achieved a triple success when it beat litigation, concocted human rights allegations and attempts to change the venue of the next CHOGM, External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris said. In an exclusive interview with three newspaper editors from Sri Lanka at Hyatt Regency in Perth yesterday, the minister said that attempts to tarnish Sri Lankas image have been effectively handled with the support of Sri Lankas friendly countries. Sri Lankas voice was heard and respected at the Commonwealth, the minister said. Prof. Peiris said attempts by Canada to question on human rights in Sri Lanka was effectively shot down with the support of 15 countries which voiced strongly for Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (MAG) meeting. During the closing stages of the third session of the Commonwealth Foreign
Ministers, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird attempted to criticise Sri Lanka on the human rights accountability issue, against which I made a strong protest and objected, he said. Prof. Peiris pointed out that it was an attempt to politicize the Commonwealth MAG meeting. Prof. Peiris had vehemently objected to the remarks made by his Canadian counterpart, stating that it was totally inappropriate at such level of discussion.
Sri Lanka has pointed out that such action by Canada does not sound well at a time the Commonwealth is steering ahead with modern realities. We pointed out that it is not the practice to question domestic issues of a member country. However, we stated that we are willing to hold bilateral discussions with member countries, which we have been conducting on the sidelines of the CHOGM, he said. It was at this stage that 15 other countries
The United States in December 2009 raised the possibility of Sri Lanka contributing to US-led coalition operations in Afghanistan,
US wanted Sri Lanka troops in Afghanistan All candidates for elections must declare assets
meeting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake had with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary noting that would be a signicant step in support of improving military-to-military engagement. Rajapaksa replied that contributing forces for combat operations right now would be too politically sensitive during the current election season in Sri Lanka. He added that the Sri Lankan Government would have to consider seriously the implications for its Muslim minority as well as the danger of drawing the ire of groups like AlQaida and Lashkar-e-Taiba by becoming a force provider. He said a possible alternative for Sri Lanka might be to provide training assistance to Afghan security forces under the auspices of a non-governmental organisation or private company. The Cable also said Blake had warned that Lakshar-e-Taiba, which had used Nepal and Bangladesh as staging posts to attack India, could next turn to Sri Lanka.
but Sri Lanka had declined the offer, a leaked US diplomatic cable cited by Wikileaks revealed. The leaked Condential cable stated that this was revealed in a
Gotabaya Rajapaksa on December 8, 2009. Blake raised the possibility of Sri Lanka contributing to US-led coalition operations in Afghanistan,
Elections Commissioner of Lanka Mahinda Deshapriya has decided to make candidates contesting future elections to hand over their assets and liabilities declarations. Deshapriya has decided to get the assets and liabilities declarations from all candidates before any general, provincial council or local government elections. The Commissioner has also said that rm action and even legal action would be taken against the candidates who fail to submit their assets and liabilities declaration.
The power to make such a decision by the Elections Commissioner has been outlined in the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. According to the election laws in the country, the Elections Commissioner has the mandate to le legal action against the candidates who fail to submit their assets and liabilities declarations. The latest move by the Elections Commissioner is expected to help build a good political culture in the country.
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NEWS
produced by Pakistan and India but their share in global market is only ve per cent. He said that it is the need of the hour that the relations between both countries should be improved and they come closer.
NITMA Chairman Mukhund Chaudhry said that his delegation is here to make personal and commercial friends. We would like to attend and invite friends from Pakistan on the weddings of our children, he said adding
Quick Review:
investment opportunities. According to the Abu Dhabi-based Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) report, Arab bourses lost $75 billion in share trading. The fast-growing Qatar was the only major gainer, while Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt were the main sufferers. The AMF report said from around $955 billion at the start of January,
in the Middle East, plunged by $14 billion from $340 billion to $326 billion.The AMF report said, Kuwaits market capitalization tumbled by nearly $25 billion to $99 billion on Oct. 30, from about $124 billion at the start of this year. Dubais stock market lost nearly $4 billion from about $53 billion to $49 billion, while Abu Dhabi fell
More trouble for Air India, over 100 pilots threaten to quit
In a move that may hit Air Indias international operations, over a hundred pilots have threatened to quit the airline, charging the management with adopting discriminatory attitude against them and stalling their career progression. Just four days ahead of the launch of a training programme for pilots to y the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a letter to Air India chairman & MD Rohit Nandan by pilots owing allegiance to the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) said they were compelled to seek a no objection certicate so that we may consider seeking employment elsewhere. Claiming they felt cheated by the managements unfair and discriminatory decisions, leading to a complete stall of our career progression, the letter said: These decisions and actions provide a windfall gain to the pilots of erstwhile Indian Airlines at the expense of the career progression prospects of the pilots of erstwhile Air India. The IPG represents around 200 pilots of the premerger Air India, while the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) that had gone on strike in April represents around 1,400 pilots of the erstwhile Indian Airlines. Copies of the letter were also sent to Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi and other ofcials. Air India ofcials, meanwhile, said they were holding negotiations with IPG ofce-bearers to sort out the issue. Recently ICPA too raised the issue of 80% of their salaries in the form of productivity-linked incentives (PLI) not been paid for four months. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) had sought his intervention to expedite the payment of PLI.
ENTERTAINMENT
25
In Saifs hands
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi on Monday. Flanked by his mother Sharmila Tagore and two sisters, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi on Monday. Heads of villages in the area tied a white turban around the 41-year-old stars head. Khans father, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, passed away in September after a severe lung infection. He captained the Indian cricket team at the age of 21 and was the last Nawab of Pataudi. He held the title until 1971 when the central government abolished the princely system.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, whose mother was the daughter of the last Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan, was born in Bhopal and was the mutawalli (patron) of the Auqafe-Shahi, the body managing the religious and charitable endowments of the erstwhile princely State. The late Pataudi took over from his mother as heir in the Bhopal royal family, allowing him to become the mutawalli of dozens of shrines, orphanages and religious trusts that are part of the princely Waqf properties of Bhopal. As mutawalli, the late Pataudi governed religious properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore, including
Bhopals Jama Masjid. He also enjoyed special discretionary powers to sanction free lodging at the Rubat (building) at Mecca and Medina. The Pataudi palace in Gurgaon, built in 1935, is sprawled across 25 acres and is divided into two parts, a main building and an annexe. One part of it has been turned into a heritage hotel where a number of English and Hindi lms have been shot. Pataudi gave up his title in 1971 when India abolished royal entitlements through the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India. Mr. Khans sister Saba was made the patron of the Auqaf-e-Shahi last week.
by another similar ceremony by her own mother. Her fans had a sneak-peek of the chubby Aishwarya Rai during the Durga Puja and Diwali (Hindu festivals)
details like my ngernails, toenails, even the texture of my skin, is so exact. Its amazing. Did she ever imagine she would be one of the famed wax gures someday? I visited Madame Tussauds often as a
kid, but I never thought that Id be one of the gures in it someday now I truly believe in dreaming big, because dreams do come true. That one person whose statue she would like to see next to her?
all of you that have wished Aishwarya for her birthday .. I shall pass on your greetings to her..gratitude, he tweeted. Recently mother-in-law, Jaya Bachchan, organised a baby shower for Aishwarya, followed
celebrations. The little that fans saw of her, Ash certainly looked to be in the festive spirit. As rumous abound that the baby is expected on November 11, heres wishing Aishwarya a very happy birthday.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Greece Parliament votes on the referendum, it will have to deal a vote of condence on Friday.
to see what is agreed at the talks in Cannes before taking the nal decision on how to cast her ballot. She said that there are another 10 PASOK lawmakers who are undecided about how to vote.
Prime Minister George Papandreou has placed the country in the middle of an international storm because he is only interested in protecting his own
interview on Wednesday that China sincerely hopes the eurozone economy and the euro will maintain stability. China has noted that the leaders of relevant eurozone countries have repeatedly pledged their determination, ability and resources toward solving the sovereign debt problems, Hu told French daily Le Figaro ahead of the G20 summit scheduled for November 3-4 in Cannes, France. European leaders agreed on October 27 that private creditors must accept a 50 percent cut in the value of the Greek government debt they hold, and the bailout fund will be increased to 1 trillion euros ($1.37 trillion). Hu also said that China hopes the results of the summit will help to stabilize the European nancial market, and promote economic recovery and development, adding that the results will show Europes unity. In regards to China-EU relations, Hu said that China always considers Europe an important power on the international stage and supports European integration.
Russia is ready to provide nancial aid of up to $10 billion to the European Union (EU) to help it tide over the nancial crisis, a senior Russian ofcial said Monday. Russia is interested in keeping European stability, presidential economic advisor Arkady Dvorkovich told reporters, saying that Moscow has not received any EU request for nancial help but is willing to help if it comes. Moscow could provide the assistance through the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), he added. Several eurozone countries are now facing severe debt crises, sending shockwaves to global nancial markets. EU leaders have recently hammered out a rescue package to ght the nancial woes. The most important thing for nancial stability is a decision to lower budget decit in all countries, said Dvorkovich. We would press for it in coordination with our partners in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
NEWS
27
resulted from the chat, there are indications on Friday that any Chinese involvement could come at a price. According to a front-page story in the Financial Times, China would not only require water-tight guarantees on its investment, but Europe might have to pay a political
price as well. As a condition for its involvement, Beijing could ask European leaders to cease criticizing Chinas policy of keeping its currency, the renminbi, articially undervalued, Li Daokui, a member of Chinas central bank monetary policy
committee, told the paper. It is an issue that has repeatedly strained Chinas relations with Europe, but especially with the United States. Were Europe to agree to such a demand, it could drive a wedge between Washington and Brussels. It is in Chinas long-term and
of at-times violent public protests and strikes to impose austerity measures demanded by international lenders, said he needed broader political support for the measures. We trust citizens, we believe in their judgment, we believe in their decision, he told ruling Socialist party deputies. In a few weeks the (EU) agreement will be a new loan contract ... we must spell out if we are accepting it or if we are rejecting it. Survey Shows Most Greeks Oppose Bailout There are big doubts whether Greeks will back the bailout. A survey carried out on Saturday showed that nearly
in case there is a state insolvency in Greece -- because if they dont meet the conditions as agreed, then the point will be reached at which there wont be any money anymore, as I see it, then you have a state bankruptcy. The German government appears to have been taken by surprise by the announcement. The Finance Ministry said in a statement on Monday night that the referendum decision was a domestic political development in Greece about which the German government has no ofcial information yet and on which it therefore wont comment. Vote on Euro Membership
Finlands Minister for Europe, Alexander Stubb, said a referendum would effectively amount to a vote on Greece remaining a member of the euro zone. The situation is so tense that it would in principle be a vote on euro membership, Stubb said in a TV interview on Tuesday. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said in a message posted on Twitter: I truly fail to understand what Greece intendes to have a referendum about. Are there any real options? The referendum raises the possibility not only of a disorderly Greek default if Greeks reject the plan, but also of the crisis engulng much bigger economies such as Italy. As the vote isnt expected to be held until January, Europe faces at least two months of uncertainty over the debt crisis -- a major disappointment after last weeks EU emergency summits had restored a measure of calm in nancial markets. Hopes for a year-end rally have been dashed. The new uncertainty is likely to be an embarrassment for EU leaders ahead of the G-20 summit of top industrial and emerging economies in France on Nov. 3 and 4. They had hoped to use the gathering to persuade nations such as China and Brazil to commit
funding to the enhanced euro zone rescue fund, or European Financial Stability Facility, to help ailing nations get through the crisis. In Greece, opposition parties criticized Papandreou for calling the referendum. I never expected Papandreou to take such a dangerous and frivolous decision, said Dora Bakoyanni, former foreign minister and leader of the small center-right Democratic Alliance party. All the international media will say that Greece itself is putting the EU deal at risk. Conservative leader Antonis Samaras, head of the New Democracy party has demanded new elections in the wake of Papandreous announcement. Elections are a national necessity, he said. Greek newspapers also harshly criticised Papandreou. More uncertainty is the last thing that Greece needs right now, said conservative newspaper Kathimeriniin its lead editorial, according to Reuters. The country will certainly paralyse amid endless debates -- the government, the state apparatus and institutions wont work, the newspaper added.
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SPEACIAL FEATURE
Tribune Comment
he Quran likened the creation of the male and the female to that of the night and the day, implying that they complement each other like twin-halves of a whole. But they are also functionally different; hence a successful and harmonious male-female relationship requires that the day (i.e. the male) must function as day and not try to become night, and similarly the night (i.e., woman) must function as night (which covers and conceals)
of minutes at Gitmo that this was a detention facility and the Geneva Conventions would not be in effect ... There was no army manual on this,
I didnt really understand what a terrorist was going to look like. I know that sounds funny and really naive. I was kind of shocked that a lot of them were very little and malnourished. Neely remembered commenting at the time: If these are the worlds most dangerous men, we dont have very much to worry about. Neely said he felt ashamed. He said he witnessed abuse by the guards and others during his six months at the camp. or Neely, he still recalls his conversations with the detainees who spoke English. I was always kind of worried about them because of all the stuff I had
the United States ... We had a little bit in common. Ahmed and Rasul were released from Guantanamo and transferred to Britain in 2004. They sued for damages against Donald Rumsfeld, the former U.S. secretary of state, and other senior military ofcers over alleged inhumane treatment at Guantanamo. The case was dismissed because the alleged abuse occurred before the U.S Supreme Court said that the constitution covered detainees in Guantanamo. Neely returned to Fort Hood after his six-month deployment at Guantanamo was up. When he left, he signed a nondisclosure statement -- which he said
no standard operation procedure. As a military policeman, Neely was not involved in interrogations. The companys assignments included escorting duties -- taking detainees to the showers or a medical examination and lling the water buckets in the cells. On January 11, the prisoners began to arrive. We were told those [detainees] were the top guys. This is the group that they had to get out of Afghanistan because they were literally the worst of the worst, Neely said. He was not sure what to expect.
heard, Neely said. We were told they were all guilty. The two prisoners he spoke to the most were former British detainees Ruhal Ahmed and Shaq Rasul. At Guantanamo, they would talk about music and normal subjects. Eminem and Dr. Dre... at the time [they] were real big, Neely said. Ahmed would tell us he was from London. It was kind of weird, because here this guy was in Guantanamo behind this cell door and here I was on the outside ... He was actually doing a lot of the same stuff that I was doing in
was routine -- stating that he would not talk to the press, write a book or make a movie. He was told he could be prosecuted if he did, but has gone public about his concerns because he disagrees with U.S. policies in places like Guantanamo and Iraq. He has also testied to the Center for the Study of Human Rights in the Americas at the University of California, Davis. I have no problem ghting and dying for this country, but I am not going to kill or be killed for something I dont believe in, he said.
Neely deployed to Iraq in 2003, returned to the U.S. the following year and left the military in 2005, when his contract was up. In 2007, Neely did not respond to a recall for active duty and he was honorably discharged. He now works as a police ofcer in Texas, where he is raising three children. He thinks the detention center should be closed. I think someone would be naive to say that everybody that ever stepped foot in Guantanamo was innocent, Neely said. We know they are not, but the fact is there is a better way to do it ... you cant just throw the principles and the values of the country and the law of the land out the window because it benets you. Detaining innocent people and depriving them of their due process is a signicant black eye on the Unites States, Neely added. There will be a time and a place when Neely will tell his children -- the oldest is now 10 -- about Guantanamo. I will give them all the information and let them make their own opinion ... Ill just tell them the truth ... I will tell them that I have been part of it. Neely initially contacted Rasul via Facebook and then met with Ahmed and Rasul, the two former British detainees, in London almost two years ago. Neely wanted to get in touch with them to say that he was sorry for the part he played in their detention at Guantanamo. I was very nervous to meet them, Neely said. He did not know what might happen. I wasnt sure if they would hate me, yell at me, he added. I can honestly say though when I left London I left with two more friends then I arrived with.
SPORTS
29
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday blamed an ordinary display from his batsmen responsible for the hosts` six-wicket defeat at the hands of England in the lone Twenty20 International. Opting to bat, India struggled for a good partnership in the middle Continued from page 32 >>
A third cricketer, teenaged fast bowler Mohammad Amir, pleaded guilty to the charges before the start of the trial. All three will be sentenced on Wednesday. It is a day of sadness and happiness for us. We are shocked by this verdict and will ght to the end. But at the same time God has given us a new life, Butts father, Zulqar Butt, told reporters after his daughter-in-law gave birth an hour before the verdict was announced. A judge has rejected disgraced teenage Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amirs claim that he was only involved in xing one match. Fast bowler Amir, 19, pleaded guilty to plotting to bowl deliberate no-balls in the Lords Test against England last summer - but insisted this was an isolated and one-off event. However, Mr Justice Cooke ruled at Londons Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday that text messages sent from shadowy contacts in Pakistan suggest the young cricketer was also implicated in xing during the earlier Oval Test. Amirs lawyers agreed a basis of plea with prosecutors when he admitted conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments at a pre-trial hearing in September. The court also heard that Amir claimed in police interviews that he received no money for bowling the no-balls and only overstepped because of slippery conditions. The judges concern over the plea arises from inconsistency between the charges levelled at all three players, which cover a conspiracy in the period of both the Oval and Lords Test, and the plea agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service, which is restricted to Lords. The court also heard that the Crown will seek compensation from the defendants for the 150,000 paid by the News of the World to Majeed to secure the sting. Around 52,000 has been recovered from some of the defendants by police, leaving 98,000 outstanding. A compensation claim for the balance will be lodged. The scandal has further damaged the reputation of Pakistani cricket, which has been embroiled in match-xing scandals in the past. And with three other players - Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Wahab Riaz - named in court as allegedly being involved in a betting scam, former England captain Michael Vaughan has suggested a complete overhaul of Pakistans playing squad is required. I guess the only way to clear it would be to completely start afresh with a new set of players because there are still question marks over a few of the other players in their team, he told BBC Sport. They will always unearth talent, they have this raw natural talent for the game. I just hope we can watch them in the future and know they are clean. Punishments will change nothing, says former Pakistan captain
and missing the following match against Australia, who are already through to the nal, and todays match, where even a draw will see Pakistan through, will be a new game altogether. For Pakistan, the match will be more than to salvage their pride as they were involved in one of the worst clashes on the hockey eld that resulted in three India players and one ofcial being banned besides Shakeel Abbasi, the Greenshirts captain, serving a one-match punishment. It was a bitter clash but we will try to forget it, team manager Khwaja Junaid told The Express Tribune from Australia. We want to play the nal and will go all-out in todays game. The players are looking to put on a disciplined show and well use aggression in the game to achieve victory. Players not fully recovered The manager said that Imran Shah, Shafqat Rasool and Haseem Khan have not fully recovered from injuries they suffered during the clash but will be seen on the eld today. Pakistan players applauded Meanwhile, Junaid said that the Pakistan team received a letter of appreciation from tournament director Graham Napier, praising them for controlling their emotions despite the heated ght. Napier termed our players behaviour exemplary as they went to the referee rather than retaliating. Abbasi was only banned since he was the captain and his side was involved in a brawl.
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SPORTS
this magnitude were dispelled as Vettel led the charge from start to nish and posted his 11th win of the season. It was fantastic. Winning the
for two days but came up with a great performance to nish fth. Early on, there was an incident when seasoned Felipe Massa hit bte noire Lewis Hamiltons car.
The entry into the arena too was without glitches. The early birds gained by coming early and nding their seats. Security was tight but they did not trouble
With a capacity of more than 1,00,000, the entire venue had few empty seats indicating that there dedicated and sizeable following of the game in India,
maiden Indian Grand Prix is very special for me. Let me tell you this event is going to settle down very fast, said Vettel, who ensured McLarens Jenson Button at his tail did not get past him at any stage in the 60-lap race. Apart from the one-lakh crowd, the crme de la crme and the glitterati were in attendance. From Sachin Tendulkar to Shah Rukh Khan and Sania Mirza, everyone soaked in the atmosphere. Pop star Daler Mehndi and several diplomats also watched the proceedings as the powerful speed demons roared to life and handled the tricky corners with amazing skill and concentration. From the Indian point of view as well there was cheer as Hispania Racing driver Narain Karthikeyan managed to nish the race at 17th position. He was the lone
But no damage was done, though Ferraris Massa later dropped out the race due to a technical snag his front left wheel. From the racing point of view, the circuit provided challenges to the drivers with its dramatic corners and changes in elevation with
the paying public. Those lucky enough to have accreditation cards from the media and various teams in F1 and the sponsors guests had little to complain about. The scores of fans at the Buddh circuit saw high-octane action
which in turn points to better days ahead the motorsport here. But after the success of the inaugural Indian GP, there is every chance that more sponsors would come forward and help budding Indian drivers enter the cut-throat, albeit expensive, world of F1. Though there were fears of delays construction and speculation of India going the Korea way with construction activities on till the last week, in the end everything squared up for a great race day. Not only has the track proved to of high quality with challenges the drivers, the venue itself has come for praise which should serve a good platform for other racing series and a breeding ground for Indian racing talent. In all, Sunday proved to be an epoch-making day Indian motorsport.
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Sports
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shamed Pakistan
On a day when Salman Butt should have been celebrating the birth of his new son with friends and family in Lahore, the former Pakistan captain was left to contemplate a possible jail sentence and the death
of his cricket career after being found guilty of spot xing in a British criminal court. Butt and team mate Mohammad Asif could be enjoying their last night as free citizens for some time
on Tuesday after a jury decided they were guilty of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments for xing part of a Test match in England last year. Continued on page 29 >>
Captain Razzaq smashed 63 not out, while the left-handed Tanvir battered 58, as Pakistan set an imposing target of 155. Continued on page 29 >>
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