Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Ahmadinejad welcomes Lula da Silva

Ahmadinejad welcomes Lula da Silva (plus 99 more items)

Link to Rebel Newsflash

Ahmadinejad welcomes Lula da Silva

Posted: 16 May 2010 06:54 AM PDT

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has officially welcomed his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the capital of Tehran ahead of the G15 summit.

President Lula arrived in Tehran, accompanied by a 300-member delegation -- including five Brazilian cabinet ministers -- to attend the Group of 15 summit on Monday.

Turkish FM to attend G15 in Tehran

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:56 AM PDT

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is due to arrive in the Iranian capital hours before the summit of the Group of 15 developing countries kicks off in Tehran.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast, Davutoglu will arrive in Tehran late Sunday to attend the 14th summit of the G15 which is due to start on Monday.

S Korea fires shots at North's ships

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:54 AM PDT

South Korea says its navy has fired warning shots to drive away North Korean patrol ships that had crossed the western maritime border between the two countries.

The two North Korean vessels violated a disputed inter-Korean border in the Yellow Sea, known as the 'Northern Limit Line', on Saturday night, South Korea's military said.

US-led soldier killed in Afghanistan

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:37 AM PDT

Clashes in southern Afghanistan claim the life of another foreign soldier, NATO's International Security Assistance Force says in a statement.

The western alliance said on Sunday that the soldier was killed in fighting with militants, AFP reported.

Milan gives Leonardo perfect send-off

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:37 AM PDT

A brace by Ronaldinho has helped AC Milan trounce Juventus 3-0 in the Serie A to give manager Leonardo a perfect send-off in his last match at the San Siro.

Leonardo's men took the lead after 14 minutes when AC Milan defender Luca Antonini scored the opener on Saturday.

Woman freed by Iran lands in France

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:36 AM PDT

A French woman who has been held on espionage charges in Iran since July has arrived back in Paris, the French president's office says.

The official Falcon 900 landed at Villacoublay airbase on Sunday after bringing 24-year-old Clotilde Reiss from Dubai, where she had flown overnight from Tehran following the conclusion of her trial.

Separatists attack Yemeni soldiers

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:23 AM PDT

A Yemeni soldier has been killed and four others left wounded after armed separatists opened fire on a military convoy near the southern city of al-Habileen.

The convoy was transporting military officers from the southern port city of Aden to the capital Sana'a when it came under the separatists attack on the outskirts of al-Habileen, German Press Agency DPA quoted an unnamed official as saying on Saturday.

US oil spill worse than estimates

Posted: 16 May 2010 05:20 AM PDT

The oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon, the now-sunken rig in the Gulf of Mexico, could be much worse than earlier government estimates, a report says.

Scientists discovered enormous plumes of oil in the deep waters of the gulf, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

Iran MP optimistic on G15 prospects

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:53 AM PDT

As world leaders prepare to attend the G15 summit in Tehran, a senior Iranian lawmaker says the meeting will prove to be an "absolute success."

"The 14th Summit of the Group of 15 developing countries in Tehran will undoubtedly leave a deep impact, not only on member states, but also on the entire world," Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of Iran's Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said on Saturday.

Pakistanis march against US attacks

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:35 AM PDT

Scores of Pakistanis in the volatile city of Peshawar have flooded the streets to protest against the recent wave of US drone attacks.

Protestors reportedly torched an effigy of US President Barack Obama during the Sunday demonstrations to condemn stepped-up attacks by unmanned US drones in tribal areas of Pakistan.

Thai protesters 'ready for talks'

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:30 AM PDT

A leader of Thailand's red shirt protesters has said they are willing to negotiate with the government to end the current deadly unrest in Bangkok.

But Nattawut Saikua said on Sunday the red shirts were only willing to enter into dialogue if troops were immediately withdrawn from the streets of the Thai capital.

Thai gov't vows to crack opposition

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:26 AM PDT

Thailand's government is threatening to increase its crackdown on Red Shirt protesters who have besieged the commercial district of the capital, Bangkok.

"The government cannot turn back," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on national television Saturday night. "Ending the rally is the only way to prevent calamity."

Obama criticized over Arizona law

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:20 AM PDT

US President Barack Obama has been strongly criticized for condemning a new law in Arizona that calls for a crackdown on illegal immigration.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said on Saturday that the move is Arizona's attempt to enforce immigration laws because the federal government won't do it.

Ronaldinho shrugs off Dunga's roster

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:09 AM PDT

Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho has insisted that he was not bitter at being overlooked by Brazil's manager Carlos Dunga for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"My response was here on the pitch, but if he (Dunga) doesn't pick me for the national team it's his choice and I respect that," Ronaldinho said on Saturday.

Iran authorities release Clotilde Reiss

Posted: 16 May 2010 04:06 AM PDT

Iran says Clotilde Reiss, a French lecturer arrested in July on charges of taking part in a Western plot against the Islamic Republic in the course of the country's post-vote unrest, has been released.

Iran's judiciary said Sunday that Clotilde Reiss was freed and was on her way back home.

US chopper crashes in S Iraq

Posted: 16 May 2010 03:58 AM PDT

A US military helicopter has crashed due to "technical issues" while trying to land not far from the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, according to reports.

The crash took place late on Saturday in a non-residential area in the southern province of Dhi Qar, IRIB reported.

Lebanese set Nakba Keffiyeh record

Posted: 16 May 2010 03:36 AM PDT

The Lebanese have set a new Guinness world record by putting together 6,500 Keffiyehs, the symbolic Palestinian scarf, in order to mark Nakba Day.

The Keffiyehs were tied at Beirut's Olympic stadium, displaying the number 194, an indication of the 1948 UN General Assembly Resolution 194, which asserted that refugees wishing to return to their homes should be permitted to do so at the earliest date.

Chelsea achieves League, Cup double

Posted: 16 May 2010 03:25 AM PDT

Chelsea has completed the English Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in its history following a 1-0 victory against resilient Portsmouth.

The Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba curled a free kick in off the post in the 59th minute, just after Portsmouth's attacking midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng had missed a penalty for his resilient side at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Bomb threat in Canada-bound aircraft

Posted: 16 May 2010 03:11 AM PDT

A bomb threat has caused the Canadian military to send fighter jets to escort a Hong Kong airliner to the Vancouver International Airport, officials say.

Police said on Saturday that no explosives were found on the Cathay Pacific airliner after police searched all the passengers on board.

Ash cloud prompts UK no-fly zone

Posted: 16 May 2010 03:09 AM PDT

A no-fly zone is to be put in place over parts of the UK as ash spewing from an Icelandic volcano continues to disrupt air travel.

The no-fly zone is to be enforced on Sunday from 1200-1800 GMT over northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the UK's National Air Traffic service said.

Militants kidnap 60 in NW Pakistan

Posted: 16 May 2010 02:39 AM PDT

Suspected militants, reportedly disguised as policemen, have kidnapped about 60 people including two government officials in the Kurram tribal region of Pakistan.

The heavily armed militants first seized a vehicle belonging to the government power utility in the Kurram region on Saturday and kidnapped four of its passengers. The vehicle was set on fire, a Press TV correspondent reported citing local sources late that same day.

S. Korea beats Iran Asian volleyball

Posted: 16 May 2010 02:29 AM PDT

South Korea has defeated Iran 3-1 in the 8th Asian Youth Boys' Volleyball Championship which is currently being held in the Iranian capital Tehran.

The Koreans beat the Iranian outfit 25-22, 22-25, 19-25, 22-25 at the volleyball stadium in Azadi Sports complex on Saturday.

In Mexico, former candidate 'missing'

Posted: 16 May 2010 01:58 AM PDT

Diego Fernandez de Cevallos, a former presidential candidate in Mexico and a key power broker in the country's ruling party, has gone missing, the Federal Attorney General's office says.

While the federal prosecutor's office has not officially confirmed news of his kidnapping, Mexican media reported that unspecified "signs of violence" were detected in his abandoned car near his ranch.

Parts of Thai capital under curfew

Posted: 16 May 2010 01:56 AM PDT

The Thai military has imposed curfew in some parts of Bangkok as soldiers remain locked in confrontation with anti-government protesters.

At least 25 people have been killed and 215 others wounded in two days of violent unrest in the Thai capital.

Bayern wins German Cup to seal double

Posted: 16 May 2010 01:53 AM PDT

Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich has won the German Cup following a 4-0 impressive victory against holders Werder Bremen to remain on treble course.

Dutch winger Arjen Robben gave Bayern the lead on the scoreboards by converting a penalty in the 35th minute in front of more than 72,000 spectators at Berlin Olympia stadium on Saturday night.

Warning shots fired at N Korea ship

Posted: 16 May 2010 01:22 AM PDT

A South Korean ship has fired warning shots to repel two North Korean patrol boats that crossed into the South's waters.

Military officers said that the incident late on Saturday occurred in the Yellow Sea off the peninsula's west coast forced the North's boats to return to their waters.

BP prepares to siphon spilled oil

Posted: 16 May 2010 12:53 AM PDT

BP is struggling to get its latest effort to contain the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to work as the US administration urges the UK-based energy company to clarify its intentions on paying for damage caused by the leak.

BP is trying to use a tube to suck oil up to a tanker on the surface. It had hoped to have the mechanism operational overnight on Saturday.

Curfew planned for Thai capital

Posted: 16 May 2010 12:30 AM PDT

The Thai military has announced that curfew will be imposed in some parts of Bangkok as soldiers remain locked in a tense confrontation with anti-government protesters.

At least 24 people have been killed and almost 200 others wounded in two days of violent unrest in the Thai capital of more than 10 million people.

Ash plume hits German, UK airspace

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:58 PM PDT

Officials have warned the ash from volcanic eruptions in Iceland could disrupt air travel in both Britain and Germany in the next few days.

The British Department of Transport on Saturday stated a possible closure of parts of British airspace on the weekend, saying those problems could persist through Tuesday.

Solidarity ship sets sail for Gaza

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:29 PM PDT

The Rachel Corrie, a solidarity ship, sets sail from Ireland to deliver humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip which is struggling with a three-year Israeli-imposed blockade.

The 1,200-ton cargo ship -- part of an eight-vessel flotilla dubbed the "Freedom Flotilla" -- is also taking peace activists from nearly 40 countries, and will be joined by ships from Turkey and Greece.

Opposition supporters protest in Greece

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:20 PM PDT

Thousands of Greek demonstrators have taken to the streets of Athens to protest against corruption and political graft in the government.

In a relatively peaceful demonstration, compared with last week's violent protests, the supporters of the opposition Communist Party waved red flags on Saturday and condemned political graft in the government, Reuters reported.

French spy suspect leaving Iran

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:51 PM PDT

A French woman who has been held on espionage charges in Iran since July has been released and is on the way home, the French president's office says.

Sunday's announcement comes a day after Clotilde Reiss' lawyer said she would be acquitted.

Fire destroys Philippine slum

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:45 PM PDT

About 4,000 people have been left homeless in the Philippines after a fire broke out in a shanty town just outside the capital Manila.

The fire raged for close to eight hours in Muntinlupa City on Saturday before firefighters brought it under control.

Arab states urged to cut ties with Israel

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:22 PM PDT

Two committees at Arab Parliament have called on the Arab League members to sever "all direct and indirect contacts with Israel" over Tel Aviv's "ethnic cleansing" policy.

During a two-day convention in Damascus, the Foreign Affairs and Policy Committee and the National Security Committee proposed, called on member states to sever all ties with the Israeli regime in protest at the expulsion policy it has been practicing in the West Bank.

Sudan arrests key opposition leader

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:05 PM PDT

Sudanese authorities have arrested leading opposition figure Hassan al-Turabi, who is seen as one of the most outspoken critics of the Khartoum government.

The religious leader who is also the head of the Popular Congress Party was arrested at his home late on Saturday, according to his secretary Awad Babakir.

'G15 to discuss economic crisis'

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:00 PM PDT

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the upcoming G15 summit will focus on a range of issues, including the global financial crisis which is stemmed from the US.

The 14th summit of the Group of 15 developing countries will officially kick off on Monday. The gathering will bring together senior representatives and policymakers from up to 18 Asian, African and Latin American states.

Bomb scare disrupts Canada flight

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:30 PM PDT

Two fighter jets have escorted a Cathay Pacific aircraft into Vancouver airport following a bomb threat.

The threat turned out to be a false alarm as nothing of concern was found in the baggage and the 283 passengers were taken off the aircraft safely on Saturday.

Brazil president begins Iran visit

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:19 PM PDT

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, is visiting Iran for a nuclear summit that may prove to be Tehran's last chance to avoid new UN sanctions.

Lula said in Moscow before departing for Tehran that he was "optimistic" and hoped to be able to persuade Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, to reach an agreement with the West over its nuclear programme.

May 18: 9-11 Truth Demonstration at Israeli Consulate in L.A.

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:12 PM PDT

On May 18 there will be a public demonstration at the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles by people who believe that Israel's Mossad (along with Zionist Gentile and Jewish agents) carried out 9/11. The demonstration will take place in front of the Israeli Consulate at 6380 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles between 2 PM and 4PM on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010. We hope you will join us!

UK protesters call for electoral reform

Posted: 15 May 2010 09:03 PM PDT

Thousands of British protesters have taken to the streets across the country, calling for fundamental reforms in the electoral system.

The protesters, wearing purple, say the results of the recent general elections show that Britain's electoral system is "unfair" and "broken."

Russia slammed over pirate handling

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:46 PM PDT

Somalia has demanded Russia to explain a move by its navy to set 10 Somali pirates adrift without giving them navigation equipment.

Last week, Russian forces attacked a hijacked oil tanker in a rescue operation that left one pirate dead. Russia said 10 others were arrested but were later set loose in the Gulf of Aden aboard one of the small vessels used in the raid.

US oil spill spreads to new coasts

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:29 PM PDT

Oil spill gushing in the Gulf of Mexico has reached new locations, as renewed efforts to contain or even slow the giant leak failed to yield result again.

The US Coast Guard announced on Saturday that the oil leaking from a rig in the Gulf of Mexico has spread to two new locations, Whiskey Island, Louisiana and Long Beach, Mississippi, AFP reported.

Clashes continue in Thai capital

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:29 PM PDT

Soldiers remain locked in a tense confrontation with anti-government protesters in the capital of Thailand.

At least 24 people have been killed and almost 200 others wounded in two days of violent unrest in Bangkok.

Large weapons cache seized in S Africa

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:45 PM PDT

Police have captured a large stockpile of weapons in South African as the country prepares to launch the 2010 FIFA World Cup in less than a month.

Officers raided sites in the capital and a western town, after receiving a tip, and found large caches of explosives, illegal guns and ammunition, the Police Ministry said on Thursday.

Clashes continue to batter Bangkok

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:43 PM PDT

Thai troops remain locked in a tense confrontation with anti-government protesters in the capital Bangkok where at least 24 people have been killed and almost 200 others wounded in two days of violent unrest.

The clashes in the heart of the capital claimed eight lives on Saturday as Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister vowed no turning back on the army's continued operations against the so-called "red shirts."

Iraq's Allawi warns of civil war

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:23 PM PDT

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi warns that a civil war could follow the new wave of violence that has hit the country in the aftermath of the general elections.

Allawi, whose al-Iraqiya coalition won most of the seats in the parliament, said in an interview with The Guardian that "the pressure on the judiciary not to take any action is strong. All this and other issues do indicate that we have a long way to go and we are not getting there."

Brazilian president arrives in Iran

Posted: 15 May 2010 06:51 PM PDT

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has arrived in Tehran to attend the G15 summit and hold talks with Iranian officials.

President Lula's plane landed at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport on Saturday night.

Sudanese opposition leader arrested

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:52 PM PDT

Sudanese authorities have arrested opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi at his home, a month after the country's first competitive elections in 24 years, his secretary has said.

"At around midnight (2100 GMT) [on Saturday], a group of security officers arriving in three cars, came and took Hassan al-Turabi from his home," Awad Babakir told AFP news agency.

Russia to supply Syria with arms

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:47 PM PDT

Russia is to supply Syria with warplanes, defense apparatuses and military vehicles in a move that would irk Israel and the United States.

Head of Russia's Federal Agency for Military Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev said on Friday that Moscow is contracted to sell Damascus MiG-29 fighter jets, Pantsyr short-range air defense systems and armored vehicles, Russian media reported.

Mexican politician goes 'missing'

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:27 PM PDT

A former Mexican presidential candidate has gone missing amid "signs of violence", officials have said.

The federal attorney general's office said on Saturday that the car of Diego Fernandez de Cevallos was found near his ranch in the central state of Queretaro.

Dispute escalates over Nile water share

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:12 PM PDT

The battle for control over the Nile River continues as Egypt and Sudan oppose demands of four Nile Basin countries to have a bigger share of its waters.

The Nile Water Agreement of 1929 states that Egypt gets 90 percent of the river's water.

US drone attack kills 13 in Pakistan

Posted: 15 May 2010 03:43 PM PDT

Fresh US drone strikes have left at least 13 people dead and several others wounded in the troubled northwestern Pakistan, intelligence officials say.

The attack targeted the Tira valley of Khyber tribal district on Saturday.

Mottaki calls for changes in G15

Posted: 15 May 2010 03:42 PM PDT

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has called for a fundamental change in the structure of the Group of 15 on the sidelines of the G15 summit in Tehran.

In a meeting with his Senegalese counterpart Madicke Niang on Saturday, Mottaki stressed the need for a revision of the current "structure and aspirations" of the 18-member group of developing nations, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Lib Dems abandon their policies

Posted: 15 May 2010 03:32 PM PDT

The UK's Liberal Democrats have abandoned their agenda in a bid to join in a coalition with the Conservatives, says a former British Member of Parliament.

The Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and his Liberal Democrat Deputy Nick Clegg both echo the same sentiments about a "united" and "strong" coalition government.

Qazvin named ECO calligraphy capital

Posted: 15 May 2010 02:55 PM PDT

The city of Qazvin in western Iran has been selected as the calligraphy capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization by ECO member states.

ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) director Hojjatollah Ayyoubi announced the news during the opening ceremony of Iran's first International Calligraphy Biennial in Qazvin, saying that the city's officials should do their best to promote this art in the country and throughout the region.

Hersh: US executes Afghan prisoners

Posted: 15 May 2010 02:48 PM PDT

As the Afghan occupation continues to prove troublesome for the Obama administration, a report says US-led troops torture and execute prisoners in the country.

Seymour Hersh, an investigative journalist with the New Yorker, made the revelation during the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Geneva.

'Deadly attack' on Yemeni convoy

Posted: 15 May 2010 02:18 PM PDT

At least two soldiers are said to have died and five others wounded after suspected separatist fighters reportedly ambushed the convoy of the Yemeni president in the Radfan district of southern Lahj province.

According to sources, the cars of Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president, was shot at by gunmen on Saturday.

Iran denies 'meeting' with Israel official

Posted: 15 May 2010 02:16 PM PDT

An informed source with Iran's Foreign Ministry rejects reports of a meeting between an Iranian diplomat and an Israeli representative in New York.

"Unfortunately, some of the biased media outlets, by publishing such fabricated reports, try to give legitimacy to their compromise with Israel and to alter public opinion especially that of the Muslims about the Islamic Republic's righteous stance toward the Zionist regime."

BP in new bid to siphon spilled oil

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:59 PM PDT

British Petroleum (BP) officials have announced fresh plans to contain a spill that has spewed millions of gallons of crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico.

The officials said on Saturday that they would use a tube to suck oil up like a straw to a tanker on the surface, while a stopper surrounding it would keep crude from leaking into the sea.

Israel slaughters Palestinian elderly

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:54 PM PDT

The Israeli Army fatally shoots an elderly Palestinian farmer, claiming he had violated a combat zone by entering his farm near Gaza's border with Israel.

On Saturday, the 75-year-old, identified as Fuad Abu Matar, was "hit with several bullets fired by Israeli occupation soldiers," Muawia Hassanein, head of the Gaza Strip's emergency services was quoted by AFP as saying.

Tehran wraps up 23rd Intl. Book Fair

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:21 PM PDT

Tehran has wrapped up the 23rd edition of its International Book Fair during a ceremony attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Addressing the closing ceremony, President Ahmadinejad said the Iranian nation should lead efforts on reforming the cultural state of the world.

Death sentence for China knife attacker

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:08 PM PDT

A court in eastern China has sentenced an unemployed man to death for a knife attack on 29 children and 3 adults in a kindergarten.

On April 29, Xu Yuyuan attacked a nursery and injured twenty nine children under the age of 4, two teachers and a security guard with a cleaver.

Atlantis embarks on final journey

Posted: 15 May 2010 01:00 PM PDT

The space shuttle Atlantis has set off on its final journey to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying six veteran astronauts along with a Russian module and spare parts.

Atlantis blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on Friday to attach a small laboratory and docking compartment to the station's Russian side, Reuters reported.

Volcanic ash threatens UK airspace

Posted: 15 May 2010 12:57 PM PDT

Volcanic clouds from Iceland may affect parts of British airspace, resulting in the closure of some of UK's busiest airports, the Department of Transport says.

Airports in the southeast of the country, including Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest airport, are likely to be closed at different times from May 16 to 18, the department warned.

'Maliki electoral hijacker'

Posted: 15 May 2010 12:54 PM PDT

A Saudi prince has accused Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of attempting to steal the results of the recent inconclusive elections in Iraq.

"…we are watching a deliberate effort on the part of the incumbent prime minister, Mr al-Maliki, to hijack the results of the election…," said the Prince and former Saudi intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal in remarks quoted by AFP.

G15 summit begins work in Tehran

Posted: 15 May 2010 12:53 PM PDT

The 32nd meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of 15 has kicked off in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

In his opening speech, Iranian Foreign Minster Manouchehr Mottaki stressed the importance of stepping up cooperation between G15 members in order to establish a new approach in the world that is based on justice-seeking and serves the interests of all.

Taliban claim downing NATO copters

Posted: 15 May 2010 12:34 PM PDT

NATO says several Afghan and foreign troops have been wounded after their helicopter was forced to have an emergency landing in southern Afghanistan.

The incident took place in Kandahar province, where NATO and Afghan soldiers clashed with Taliban militants.

Hamid Karzai visits new British PM

Posted: 15 May 2010 12:15 PM PDT

UK Premier David Cameron has received Afghan President Hamid Karzai, amid pledges that his government will do anything to help create stability in Afghanistan.

President Karzai, on his way back from Washington where he met President Barack Obama, stopped over in London on Saturday to visit Britain's new Prime Minister at his country house in Chequers.

Turkish FM 'plans quick Iran visit'

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:57 AM PDT

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is reportedly planning a quick trip to Iran, coinciding with a visit by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for nuclear talks.

"Davutoglu received a call from Mottaki who invited him to come to Tehran as soon as possible, preferably to coincide with the visit of the Brazilian President," a Turkish diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP.

More deaths in Bangkok clashes

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:49 AM PDT

The latest spate of violence has reportedly left at least six people dead and several others injured in Bangkok's main financial hub for a third day.

Thai army again opened up with automatic weapons on the so-called red-shirt protesters near their encampment in central Bangkok on Saturday.

British MP stabbed outside office

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:47 AM PDT

Stephen Timms, a British Member of Parliament and treasury minister of the former Labour government, has been stabbed twice in the abdomen.

Timms, who was stabbed at his constituency office in Newham, London, during an open meeting on Friday, was rushed to a local hospital where authorities pronounced his injuries as "not life threatening."

Deadly attack on Yemeni convoy

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:35 AM PDT

At least one soldier has been killed and five others wounded after suspected separatist fighters ambushed the presidential convoy in the southern Yemeni province of al-Dahle.

According to the deputy governor of the province, the cars of Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president, was shot at by gunmen on Saturday.

The Arizona Ethnic Studies Law: The Last Gasp of American Individualism

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:21 AM PDT

Things keep getting more and more interesting in Arizona. Now they have penalized school districts that have ethnic studies courses: As reported by the NYTimes, "any school district that offers classes designed primarily for students of particular ethnic groups, advocate ethnic solidarity or promote resentment of a race or a class of people would risk losing 10 percent of its state financing."

The people involved in teaching these courses deny that there is any advocacy of ethnic solidarity or racial resentment against Whites. And if you believe that, I've got some land I'd like to sell you.

ME mourning Israel occupation

Posted: 15 May 2010 11:07 AM PDT

Marches continue across the Middle East to mark the Israeli seizure of the Palestinian lands as well as its expulsion and killing of hundreds of Palestinians.

The thousands-strong rallies entered their second day on Saturday. Marchers gathered in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon, marking the 62nd anniversary of the May 15, 1948 Nakba Day or 'the day of the catastrophe,' the Palestinian Ma'an news agency reported.

Dozens kidnapped in Pakistan

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:57 AM PDT

A group of heavily armed men, dressed as policemen, have kidnapped 37 people in Pakistan's troubled north-western region.

Police officials said that the men on Saturday first seized a vehicle belonging to the government power utility agency in the Kurram region and kidnapped four people travelling inside.

72 US banks shut down this year

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:44 AM PDT

The US regulators have seized four more banks across the country, bringing to 72 the number of banks to have failed this year amid a sustained economic meltdown.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took over the Midwest Bank and Trust in Illinois on Friday. The Bank has about $2.4 billion in deposits and $3.2 billion in assets.

Iran exposes crimes of executed five

Posted: 15 May 2010 10:23 AM PDT

Days after five people were executed in Iran over their involvement in bomb attacks and links to terrorist groups, Tehran's prosecutor provides details about their acts of terrorism.

Abbas Jafari-Dolatabadi said that three of the five people were arrested in 2006 for carrying five kilograms of explosives, adding that other weapons including 57 rockets and 600 shells were later confiscated from the terrorists.

'Order restored' in Kyrgyz city

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:55 AM PDT

The interim administration in Kyrgyzstan is claiming to have restored order in the southern city of Jalal'abad a day after violent protests left one person dead and more than 60 wounded.

Bektur Asanov, the regional governor, said that the authorities were firmly in control of the city following Friday's riots by supporters of Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the ousted president.

More deaths in Bangkok standoff

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:10 AM PDT

Six more people have died in continuing violence in the Thai capital amid a tense standoff between heavily armed troops and defiant anti-government protesters.

But as more blood was spilled on the streets of Bangkok on Saturday, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Thai prime minister, said he was attempting to quell violence with minimum bloodshed.

'G15 nations show enormous potential'

Posted: 15 May 2010 08:08 AM PDT

On the sidelines of the G15 summit in Iran, Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim says the international meeting could help member states realize their full potentials.

In a Saturday meeting with Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, Amori said the Group of 15 -- which is comprised of 18 developing countries from Asia, Africa and the Americas -- shows enormous potential, particularly in the areas of investment, trade and technology.

Violent clashes erupt in Indian Kashmir

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:52 AM PDT

Fierce clashes have erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir after protesters took to the streets with the demand that India leave the region.

Hundreds of people in Kashmir marched in an anti-India rally on Saturday, chanting "we want freedom" when police fired rubber bullets into the crowd.

NATO chopper attacked in Afghanistan

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:26 AM PDT

A NATO helicopter in Afghanistan has been forced to make an emergency landing, which resulted in the injury of some foreign and Afghan troops.

The incident occurred in the Arghandab province on Saturday.

Libya crash survivor returns home

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:17 AM PDT

The only survivor of the Libyan plane crash has arrived in the Netherlands, after he was told his parents and his brother were among the 103 people killed in the disaster.

Nine-year-old Ruben Van Assouw arrived on Saturday at the southern airport of Eindhoven onboard a Libyan ambulance plane, a Reuters witness said.

Sudanese army kills 108 JEM rebels

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:16 AM PDT

Sudan says that its army has regained control of a main Darfur rebel stronghold, killing more than 100 members of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebel group.

"We have liberated Jebel Moon from the Justice and Equality Movement and killed 108 members," army spokesman al-Sawarmi Khaled said on Saturday.

Half of languages may vanish by 2100‎

Posted: 15 May 2010 07:16 AM PDT

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says half of all modern languages will "probably vanish" by the end of the century.

"We are seeing an unprecedented rate of language extinction or language death," Professor K. David Harrison, the director of the Living Tongues Institute of Philadelphia-based Swarthmore College has recently said in a report by Aljazeera.

Clinton doubts solution to Iran case

Posted: 15 May 2010 06:47 AM PDT

Amid international efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the impasse over Iran's nuclear program, the US secretary of state says efforts by Brazil to mediate are no more than an uphill struggle.

The remarks came as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is slated to visit Tehran on Sunday to hash out the details of a previously-proposed nuclear fuel swap deal.

Iran 'to free' French spy suspect

Posted: 15 May 2010 06:19 AM PDT

A French woman who was arrested on espionage charges following last June's disputed presidential election will be acquitted by Sunday, her lawyer has said.

Mohammad Ali Mahdavi-Sabet said on Saturday that Clotilde Reiss faced a cash fine for minor charges, but did not elaborate on what the charges were.

Militants killed in Pakistan clashes

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:54 AM PDT

At least five militants have been killed during clashes with Pakistani security forces in the country's troubled northwestern tribal region.

The fatal clashes took place early on Saturday after militants fired six rockets at a military base in the Orakzai area, officials told Press TV.

Beckham expects to return in Sept.

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:44 AM PDT

Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham has said he expects to make his return from an Achilles tendon injury in September.

"I said a couple of weeks ago it would be November but the way it's going - I'm sure there will be setbacks along the way but if it continues to go well - hopefully I'll be back at the start of September," Beckham said on Friday.

UK vows to back US against Iran

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:35 AM PDT

Days after the establishment of a new British government, Foreign Secretary William Hague vows to work with the US against Iran, going so far as to consider military action against Tehran.

In his first official visit to the US, Hague pledged support for a new round of UN Security Council resolutions against Iran over its nuclear work.

Yemeni gov't: Houthis free 4 soldiers

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:30 AM PDT

Yemen's interior ministry says Houthi fighters have released four soldiers who had disappeared in the northern parts of the country several days ago.

The ministry issued an official statement on Friday night, stating that Houthi fighters had handed the soldiers over to local mediators.

Japan to decide on US base with delay

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:18 AM PDT

The Japanese government will decide on the new site for a controversial US military base by November, states an article in one of the country's newspapers.

Premier Yukio Hatoyama had announced earlier that the question as to whether or not the US base would be relocated on the southern island of Okinawa would be decided by the end of May.

Federer enters Madrid Masters semis

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:13 AM PDT

World number one Roger Federer has advanced to the Madrid Masters semifinals after clinching a revenge victory against Ernests Gulbis from Latvia.

The Swiss defending champion beat Gulbis 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at the Caja Magic sports complex in Madrid on Friday.

US extends sanctions on Myanmar

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:08 AM PDT

The Obama administration has extended sanctions against Myanmar, claiming that the Asian country is posing extraordinary threats to US national security.

In a Friday statement, US President Barack Obama ordered the extension of the emergency sanctions, which were first employed in May 1997.

Iran 'to free' French suspect

Posted: 15 May 2010 05:04 AM PDT

A French woman who was arrested on espionage charges following last June's disputed presidential election will be allowed to return home in the coming days, her lawyer has said.

Mohammad Ali Mahdavi-Sabet said on Saturday that Clotilde Reiss would be allowed to leave the country after a ruling from the court.

China to execute school attacker

Posted: 15 May 2010 04:46 AM PDT

An unemployed man has been sentenced to death for stabbing 29 children, two teachers and a security guard at a nursery school in China's eastern Jiangsu province, state media has reported.

Xu Yuyuan was convicted of intentional homicide for the attack which left several of the victims badly injured.

Thai army declares 'live fire zone'

Posted: 15 May 2010 04:24 AM PDT

Thailand's military has declared a "live firing zone" in Bangkok as it attempts to force anti-government protesters to leave their encampment in the capital.

At least two people were killed on Saturday as troops and the so-called red shirt protesters clashed for a third day.

Death toll rises to 16 in Thai violence

Posted: 15 May 2010 04:06 AM PDT

As violence continues to grip Thailand's capital of Bangkok, the death toll from latest clashes between Thai soldiers and anti-government protesters rises to 16.

Over 140 people were also injured in Friday's unrest in Bangkok where protesters made a renewed push to reclaim the city center.

Maturity to help Rooney in World Cup

Posted: 15 May 2010 03:56 AM PDT

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes England will feel the benefit of his new-found maturity in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

"In the last World Cup I did not really show enough of my quality and enough excitement, which I wanted to," Rooney told reporters on Friday.

Russians arrested in mine protest

Posted: 15 May 2010 03:48 AM PDT

Russian police have arrested 28 people after clashes during a protest in a Siberian mining town, where at least 66 were killed after a series of explosions last weekend.

At least 200 people had blocked a railway line in Mezhdurechensk on Friday evening, calling for better working conditions for coal miners, the Echo of Moscow radio station reported.

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