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Insurgents kill 30 in Baghdad
India, Pakistan agree to restore rail link
Pak, India need to share experiences, says minister
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Barghuti files papers from prison
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Insurgents kill 30 in Baghdad
Baghdad, December 3 One of the attacks was a car bomb, the police said. Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s Sunni rebel group, Al-Qaida in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The claim, which appeared on an Islamic Website, could not immediately be verified. The attacks occurred in the western Amil district and in the Sunni Muslim stronghold of Azamiyah, where a car bomb exploded during a clash between Iraqi government security forces and armed rebels near a Shiite mosque, Hameed al-Najar. Witnesses said the mosque suffered some damage, including shattered windows. Fourteen persons were killed and 19 others were wounded, according to the Numan hospital. In the Amil attack, gunmen stormed a police station near the road to Baghdad International Airport, killing 16 policemen, looting weapons, releasing detainees and torching several cars, Police Captain Mohammed al-Jumeili said. US military spokesman Lieut-Col Jim Hutton said the battle began when gunmen in 11 cars attacked the station with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. There were no American casualties. Detainees being held at the station were also hurt, al-Jumeili said. There was no word on the insurgents’ casualties. The claim from al-Zarqawi’s group said 30 persons were killed in the Amil attack and only two escaped.
— AP |
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USA mum on permanent UN seat for India
Washington, December 3 Asked about India’s claim at a press conference yesterday, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said several countries were aspiring to be permanent members of the Security Council and “we”ll be looking at that.” The US, he said, would be looking closely at recommendations for reforms in the UN. One area that they talk about is reform in the United Nations Security Council. We want to make sure that any recommendations that we support to improve the overall effectiveness of the United Nations.” “We want it to be a result-oriented, multilateral organisation that means what it says, as the President (George W. Bush) said earlier today,” Mr McClellan added. He said the US had talked about security reforms in the past and we’re willing to look at options that would enhance the effectiveness of the Security Council.” Mr McClellan said charges of UN corruption in the
Iraqi oil-for-food programme were a “very serious matter.” “We believe it should be investigated fully and in an open manner.” “We want the United Nations to cooperate closely and fully with congressional authorities as well as so that all facts may become known. And that’s the discussion that we’ve been having recently on this matter.”
— UNI |
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India, Pakistan agree to restore rail link
Islamabad, December 3 “Both sides agreed to an early resumption of the rail links between Khokrapar-Munnabao,” said a joint statement issued at the end of the two-day talks between the Railway officials of India and Pakistan to discuss the matter. “It was also agreed by the two sides to take necessary steps in the interim to undertake specific activities including laying of railway tracks and other related infrastructure to operationalise the rail link,” it said. The statement, however, was silent about the time line to start the service. India has proposed to begin the service by September or October next year. But Pakistan officials said they needed two years to get the infrastructure ready on their side. Indian External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh recently said India hopes to begin the train service by October 2.
— PTI |
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Pak, India need to share experiences, says minister
Islamabad, December 3 The minister was talking to an Indian delegation, led by former Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh Chandra Babu Naidu, which called on him. The minister said the current good relations, which existed between the two countries, would provide a basis for further strengthening and enhancing bilateral cooperation. He assured his full support on behalf of the government of Pakistan for Indian investors, industrialists, traders and people as well. Mr Tareen said the government was trying its best to alleviate poverty by initiating various programmes. Besides, it is pursuing a liberal industrial policy which is more competitive and conducive in the region. Speaking on the occasion, Chandra Babu Naidu informed the minister, that during his chief ministership, he had initiated poverty alleviation programme by giving loans to poor women, and this programme was very successful as the recovery rate was 95 per cent. He also appreciated the economic reforms introduced by Pakistan in the past five years. He was of the view that Pakistan now offered great incentives and a conducive environment for making foreign investment. He said there was a great scope for enhancement of mutual cooperation between the two countries in a number of sectors. The meeting was also attended by Chairman Rural Support Programme Network (RSPN) Chairman Shoaib Sultan, the industries secretary and other high officials. |
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Pak denies charge of encroachment
Islamabad, December 3 “We have neither encroached nor has any reclaiming taken place. At times pillars do fall or get demolished. This is the reason for such meetings. I would say there is nothing to worry about,” Pakistan’s Defence Spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said reacting to the remarks by the BSF DIG, Jammu Sector, Mr P.K. Mishra. Mr Mishra had yesterday said Pakistani troops had recently encroached upon a 40-metre land in Ballard area along the border in the Samba sub-sector of Jammu, but there was no tension between the border guards of the two countries.
— PTI |
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Barghuti files papers from prison
Jerusalem, December 3 West Bank Fatah leader Barghuti, seen as the inspiration behind the Intifada, entered the race to succeed Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority just hours before the close of nominations at midnight yesterday. But Israeli minister without portfolio Tzahi Hanegbi said that 45-year-old Barghuti should not expect an early release from prison where he is serving five life sentences after being convicted by an Israeli court in June. “Barghuti, who has commissioned bloody terrorist attacks, could be freed at the earliest in 100 years — with time off for good behaviour,” Hanegbi told public radio. An official within Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office also played down any prospect of Barghuti being freed for the January 9 election. President Moshe Katsav would make the final decision on whether to grant him. a pardon, but he would only act on Sharon’s recommendations. —
AFP/Reuters
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Jerusalem, December 3
