International News

International


Govt under fire as India probes Delhi blasts
Afp, New Delhi
Indian police planned to release sketches yesterday of suspects behind New Delhi bombings that left more than 20 dead, as criticism grew over the lack of a coherent national counter-terrorism policy.


Sonia holds meeting on internal security
Shivraj Patil absent
Pti, New Delhi
Congress President Sonia Gandhi yesterday reviewed the country's internal security situation with senior party leaders but significantly Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who is under attack from various quarters over the handling of terrorism, was conspicuous by his absence.


Zimbabwe rivals sign power-sharing deal
Ap, Harare
President Robert Mugabe and opposition leaders signed a deal yesterday under which Zimbabwe's president of nearly three decades will cede some power, and both sides expressed hope for the country's future.


Iran still refusing to suspend uranium enrichment: IAEA
Tehran courting new sanctions, says US
Afp, Vienna/ Washington
Iran is continuing to defy UN demands that it suspend uranium enrichment, the UN atomic watchdog said yesterday.


Gates foresees shrinking US combat role in Iraq
Car bombs kill 12
Ap, Afp, Baghdad
Defence Secretary Robert Gates said yesterday that although no additional US combat brigades are to withdraw from Iraq this year, he expects the US combat role to keep shrinking.


2,000 brought to safety in Texas after Ike
Ap, Galveston
As teams continued the biggest search and rescue operation in Texas history, a new phase of the disaster wrought by Hurricane Ike was only beginning as thousands of people faced long stays in crowded shelters because their homes were damaged or destroyed.


Thai ruling party struggles to agree on new premier
Afp, Bangkok
Thailand's ruling party struggled to agree on a new prime minister yesterday as one key faction walked out of talks, adding to the political uncertainty as the government faces down weeks of protests.


Opposition-led rule in Malaysia looks likely
Ap, Kuala Lumpur
Less than a year ago, Malaysians would have sniggered at any suggestion that former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, crushed by a sodomy charge in 1998, could make a political comeback.


Olmert warns of high price for delaying ME peace
Afp, Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who could step down later this week, warned yesterday against delaying a peace deal with the Palestinians.


Nato promises deeper ties with Georgia
Afp, Tbilisi
Nato's chief promised deeper ties with Georgia on Monday as Brussels pledged half a billion euros to help the Western ally rebuild following last month's devastating conflict with Russia.


Morales struggles to control Bolivia amid violence
Ap, La Paz
President Evo Morales struggled to assert control over a badly fractured Bolivia on Sunday as protesters set fire to a town hall and blockaded highways in opposition-controlled provinces, provoking gasoline and food shortages.


India now a big world player thanks to nuclear nod
Afp, New Delhi
The decision by nuclear supplier nations to end a decades-old ban on civilian nuclear trade with India has vaulted it into the ranks of the world's major global political powers, a key minister says.


Republicans accuse Obama of 'ageism'
Afp, Washington
Republicans Sunday accused Barack Obama's camp of stooping to "ageism" against John McCain, hitting back after Democrats complained their White House challenger had been smeared by "disgusting lies."


EU leaves Zimbabwe sanctions in place
Afp, Brussels
EU foreign ministers yesterday left sanctions in place against Zimbabwe, despite a new power-sharing deal, saying they wanted to see democratic improvements before resuming economic aid.


Zardari to talk al-Qaeda conflict in Britain
Afp, Islamabad
Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, will discuss the conflict with Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in the northern tribal areas with British leaders this week, officials said Sunday.


Australian Muslim cleric, 5 others convicted on terrorism charges
Ap, Melbourne
A jury Monday convicted a Muslim cleric and five of his followers of forming a terrorist group in Australia that allegedly considered assassinating the prime minister and attacking major sporting events.


EU greenlights Georgia observers as criticism of mission mounts
Afp, Brussels
The European Union gave the green light Monday for a 200-strong observer mission for Georgia, amid rising criticism that they will not be able to deploy to rebel Abkhazia and South Ossetia.


Malaysian govt hit by furore over crackdown
Afp, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's government was hit with a storm of protest yesterday over a series of arrests under tough security laws, a move the opposition said was aimed at preventing it from seizing power.


Four dead after Typhoon Sinlaku pounds Taiwan
Afp, Taipei
Four people have been confirmed dead and 11 others are missing after Typhoon Sinlaku pounded Taiwan with fierce winds and torrential rain, rescuers said yesterday.


Singapore frees five alleged extremists
Afp, Singapore
Singapore said yesterday five alleged Singaporean members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant network have been released.











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