Thursday, May 27, 2010

US moms meet families of abductees

US moms meet families of abductees (plus 99 more items)

Link to Rebel Newsflash

US moms meet families of abductees

Posted: 21 May 2010 06:08 PM PDT

The mothers of the three US nationals held in Iran for their illegal entry into the country have met with the families of Iranian diplomats kidnapped by the US in Iraq.

The meeting took place at a north Tehran hotel on Friday during which the relatives of abducted Iranians sat down with Nora Shourd, Laura Fattal, and Cindy Hickey, for a friendly talk, Fars News Agency reported.

Two Children Injured, Three Arrested By Soldiers In Bil'in's Weekly Wall Protest

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:33 PM PDT

Bil'in on Friday May 21st 2010 - Photo by Hamdi Abu Rahma

On Friday two children were injured, three other civilians injured as Israeli troops attacked the weekly nonviolent protest in Bil'in village, central West Bank.

This week's demonstration in Bil'in was conducted in solidarity with the Israeli settlement boycott movement.

US spy chief resigns

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:22 PM PDT

Dennis Blair, the US Director of National Intelligence, has announced his resignation after frequent clashes with White House officials.

Mr. Blair announced his decision to step down after he received a call from President Obama Thursday afternoon.

'Iran seeks to solve dust pollution'

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:55 PM PDT

The Iranian government is seeking a solution to the country's dust pollution which mostly comes from the southwestern neighbors of Iran.

However, the dust issue will not be overcome unless neighboring countries participate in a joint international convention to counter desertification since 95 percent of the country's dust comes from its neighbors, IRIB reported Thursday, quoting the governor of Khuzestan Province Jafar Hejazi.

Troops Attack Villagers Of Nabi Saleh And Injure One

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:53 PM PDT

file 2010

One civilian was injured, and dozens suffered from the effects oftear gas inhalation as Israeli troops attacked, on Friday, the villagers of Nabi Saleh's anti wall protest in central West Bank.

Villagers, along with their international supporters, marched after the midday prayers from the village mosque to their lands were Israeli is building the wall.

Tintin artifacts to go under hammer

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:52 PM PDT

A year before Hollywood puts Tintin on the silver screen, collectors are vying for rare memorabilia of the Belgian cartoon hero at a Paris auction on May 29.

The Paris auction on May 29 includes 230 items from about 70 collectors that even Herge's foundation Moulinsart, a partner in the sale, never knew existed.

'US-led sanctions waste of time'

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:45 PM PDT

The Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger says US efforts to impose further sanctions on Iran is a "waste of time" and will not lead to any result.

He took a shot at the Obama administration's effort to curb Iran's nuclear program by saying "he does not believe new sanctions aimed at Tehran will produce results," the Washington Times quoted Kissinger as saying.

Tate Gallery to display Picasso's works

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:35 PM PDT

An exhibition bringing together over 150 works by Picasso from across the world will be presented at the Tate gallery Liverpool from May 21 to August 30.

Picasso: Peace and Freedom will reveal a fascinating new insight into the artist's life as a tireless political activist and campaigner for peace, challenging the widely-held view of the artist as creative genius and compulsive extrovert.

Israel's nuke activities to be on agenda

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:18 PM PDT

Iran's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency says Israel's nuclear issue is to be on the agenda at the next Board of Governors meeting.

"Following a resolution in the IAEA Board of Governors condemning Israel's nuclear activities, the IAEA director general has to inform the member states of the latest developments in the implementation of this resolution," ISNA quoted Ali Asghar Soltanieh as saying on Friday.

Japan backs Tehran declaration

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:05 PM PDT

As Washington is trying to impose new sanctions on Tehran, Japan's foreign minister has backed a nuclear declaration signed by Iran, Turkey and Brazil.

During the separate teleconference with his Turkish and Brazilian counterparts, Katsuya Okada stressed the importance of implementing the new initiative in settling Iran's nuclear issue, Kyodo News quoted Japan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

Israel to cut off Freedom Flotilla

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:02 PM PDT

Israel is planning to thwart an attempt by the Freedom Flotilla seeking to break the siege of the Gaza Strip and to deliver humanitarian aid to Gazans.

Israelis will dispatch two boats to coastal areas around Gaza on Saturday in order to prevent a convoy of three freighters and five passenger ships with some 600 peace activists from attempting to break the siege of Gaza, the Palestinian news agency Ma'an (MNA) reported.

7 German troops killed in Afghanistan

Posted: 21 May 2010 03:26 PM PDT

At least seven German soldiers have been killed in northeastern part of Afghanistan, increasing the number of foreign troops killed in the country, the Taliban claim.

Taliban militants killed the soldiers in an attack in Badakhshan province, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday.

'Israel's land-grab threat to peace'

Posted: 21 May 2010 03:17 PM PDT

The Organization of Islamic Conference says Israel's occupation of Syria's Golan Heights poses a threat to global security, report says.

The continued Israeli threats against Syria, meant to escalate regional tensions, are endangering global peace and security, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted a draft resolution of the international body's Thursday summit as saying.

Blast injures 3 Afghan children

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:56 PM PDT

At least one Afghan civilian has been killed and three children wounded after a roadside bomb detonated in southern part of the country.

The explosion occurred in Kandahar city on Friday morning, said Abdul Ali, an intelligence official who was at the scene, the Associated Press reported.

Study: no cellphone, cancer connection

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:36 PM PDT

A large and detailed study finds no connections between the use of cellphones and brain tumors, the Independent reported on Tuesday.

In the largest study of its kind using 10,000 test subjects from 13 countries no links were found between using cellphones and brain cancer.

US releases Iranian detainees in Iraq

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:32 PM PDT

Iraq has released two Iranian nationals detained by American forces in the country years ago, Iran's ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi says.

The Iraqi government has secured the release of Ahmad Barazandeh and Ali Abdulmalek from a prison controlled by US forces within the framework of a security pact signed between Baghdad and Washington, Qomi told IRIB on Friday.

WHO warns on child obesity

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Health ministers, perturbed over the growing number of obese children, will try to reduce the consumption of junk food through advertizing restrictions.

The global recommendations on marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children are guidelines to the 193 member states of the World Health Organization.

'50 US-led troops, Afghan soliders killed'

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:56 PM PDT

The Taliban claim its militants have launched a wide-scale attack on a military camp in Afghanistan, killing at least 50 US-led troops and Afghan soldiers.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants attacked the base in Urgun in the southeastern province of Paktika on Friday, Press TV learned.

'Age of threat and force is over'

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:38 PM PDT

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says countries which think they can have influence via threats and force should know the age of such behavior is over.

In a meeting with the Speaker of Kuwait's National Assembly, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran seeks to resolve its nuclear issue through diplomatic cooperation rather than confrontation.

Under 6 hr sleep causes early death

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:29 PM PDT

A major study claims it has found unequivocal proof that sleeping consistently for less than 6 hours a night may cause premature death, the Guardian reported.

The study was published by the University of Warwick and the Federico II University medical school in Naples in the scientific journal Sleep claiming that it has unequivocal evidence that abnormal sleep patterns such as too much sleep suffer from potential harm while two little sleep decreases life expectancy by 12 percent.

Two Koreas conflict over sunken ship

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:16 PM PDT

Amid intensifying tensions between North Korea and its southern neighbor, Pyongyang says that Seoul faked evidence that its warship was torpedoed.

South Korea accused the North of attacking the Cheonan corvette near the disputed maritime border in March, killing 46 sailors.

Israel rearrests Palestinian official

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:05 PM PDT

Israel has detained senior Palestinian lawmaker Mohammed Abu Tair just hours after releasing him from jail, the Palestinian news agency Ma'an (MNA) says.

Abu Tair was also given a deportation notice on Thursday to leave East Jerusalem before June 20, Ma'an reported.

King supports Iran-Norway ties

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:45 PM PDT

The king of Norway supports cooperation between Oslo and Tehran on international issues, welcoming Iran's role in maintaining peace and security in Afghanistan.

King Harald V made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's new ambassador to Norway Seyyed Hossein Rezvani on Thursday.

Lebanon Uncovers 22 Spy Networks Working For Israel

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:34 PM PDT

Flag Of Lebanon

A senior Lebanese security source reported that the Lebanese security forces managed to uncover and dismantle 22 spy networks working for Israel.

The sources added that the security forces managed to uncover most of the spy networks working in the country, and that only a few spy networks are currently active but will be uncovered by the country and will be apprehended.

PCHR Weekly Report: Palestinian child, elderly man killed; 3 Palestinian civilians wounded by Israel

Posted: 21 May 2010 10:19 AM PDT

Disabled child and elderly man wait to cross Rafah border in Gaza

In its Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the week of 13 – 19 May 2010, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights found that a Palestinian child was killed by an Israeli settler in the West Bank and an elderly man was killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.

3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank. Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests. Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.

US House backs Israel missile aid bill

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:10 AM PDT

The US House of Representatives has endorsed President Barack Obama's plans to give Israel over $200 million for an anti-missile system.

The lawmakers have overwhelmingly supported the bill that gives Obama a free hand to fund Israel's plans for deploying a controversial short-range missile system called the "Iron Dome."

Israeli Air Force Attacks Several Areas In Gaza

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:45 AM PDT

File - wordpress.com

Palestinian sources reported that the Israeli Air Force carried several airstrikes on Thursday night after midnight targeting a number of areas in the Gaza Strip, no injuries were reported.

One of the attacks targeted Al Faraheen area in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The explosions set several farmlands ablaze.

Japan launches rocket, space kite

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:21 AM PDT

Japan has launched a rocked carrying an experimental space kite, which uses a technology that only requires solar energy to propel itself.

The H-2A rocket blasted off at 6:58 a.m. Friday (2158 GMT Thursday) from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, after its original launch date on Tuesday was postponed due to bad weather.

Tehran declaration constructive: India

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:14 AM PDT

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna has welcomed the recent Tehran declaration as a "constructive move" that should be supported by the international community.

"That Iran has agreed to send enriched uranium to Turkey is, I think, a constructive move," The Economic Times quoted Krishna as saying on Friday.

Oil leak threatens Louisiana's marshes

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:08 AM PDT

The BP oil leak has spread into US wetlands, prompting furious Louisiana officials to accuse the oil giant of destroying fragile marshes beyond repair.

A top local official in southern Louisiana said on Thursday that oil washing ashore has destroyed 24 miles of the state's fragile marshland.

US Senate passes financial reform bill

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:01 AM PDT

The US Senate has approved a financial reform's bill after more than a month of debate and overcoming a major hurdle in the Senate yesterday.

The legislation is said by advocates to be the most comprehensive effort since the Great Depression to insulate the economy from excessive risk and regulate the behavior of banks and other financial institutions.

Israeli planes attack Gaza Strip

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:48 AM PDT

Israeli warplanes have launched several air strikes on the Gaza Strip, targeting different positions across the coastal enclave.

Israeli warplanes bombed a training site in Al-Faraheen east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza strip, Press TV's correspondent reported in the early hours of Friday morning.

Lindsey Graham and Jack Kemp: Has the Tribe Protected Them?

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:26 AM PDT

MarkDankofSanAntonioJuly2009

Senator Lindsey Graham (R.-S. C.) is demonstrably a warmonger when it comes to Zionist interests. His sickening sycophancy in March at the American Israeli Political Action Committee dinner, chronicled by David Corn of Mother Jones, tells the tale of the all-too-familiar tape when it comes to what is routinely purchased from American politicians by the Israeli lobby. It has something to do with the world's oldest profession, if you know what I mean. Want to know what Graham's hourly fees are for such speeches? Hugh Galford of the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs can quote you the specific numbers.

Musharraf vows return to politics

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:14 AM PDT

Pakistan's former President Pervez Musharraf says he plans to return to his home country with the intention of running for an executive office.

"I certainly am planning to go back to Pakistan and also join politics. The question already of whether I am running for president or prime minister will be seen later," he said in an interview with CNN on Thursday.

Iran 'arms ground' against enemies

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:06 AM PDT

A senior Iranian military commander says the country is to deploy remote-controlled weapons on its border areas, to be used in case of any attack by enemies.

The Commander of Iran's Ground Forces Brig. Gen. Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan noted that the country's breakthroughs in defense technologies have made it possible for the country to use the "armed ground tactic" against enemies.

Palestinian MP returns home from jail

Posted: 21 May 2010 06:43 AM PDT

A senior member of the Palestinian Legislative Council has finally returned home to East Jerusalem after spending four years in Israeli jails.

Israel arrested Muhammed Abu Tir along with more than 60 other members of the Hamas movement back in June 2006. They were charged with being involved in the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Crashed Afghan plane wreckage found

Posted: 21 May 2010 06:27 AM PDT

Rescue workers have located the wreckage of a passenger plane that crashed with 43 people aboard while en route from Konduz to Kabul in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's Transport Ministry said on Thursday that the tail of the Pamir Airways airliner had been spotted in the mountainous Shakar Dara district, 20 km (12 miles) north of Kabul.

Thousands protest cuts in Athens

Posted: 21 May 2010 06:16 AM PDT

Thousands of protesters have gathered in Athens as unions hold a general strike against austerity measures, two weeks after violent outbreaks left 3 people dead.

Police said on Thursday that there were some 15,000 people on the march, however, some believe that the authorities usually give a low turnout.

US hails Iranian visas to hikers' moms

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:50 AM PDT

The United States has welcomed Iran's move to allow three arrested American nationals to meet with their mothers.

US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley has described the meeting as a positive development.

Mitchell Ends Tour, Netanyahu Affirms More Settlements

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:07 AM PDT

As the United States Special Middle East Peace Envoy, George Mitchell, concluded a new series of talks with Israel and Palestinian officials as part of the proximity talks, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated Thursday that Israel will resume its settlement activities directly after freeze period ends.

On Thursday morning, Mitchell held talks with Netanyahu and discussed issued related to the proximity talks with the Palestinians.

World markets tumble on EU debt crises

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:42 AM PDT

World markets have tumbled over concerns that the debt crisis in Europe could delay the global economic recovery.

On Wednesday, The Dow Jones industrial average fell 376 points, its biggest one-day point drop since February 2009, and all the major indexes were down well over than 3 percent.

World markets tumble on EU crises

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:42 AM PDT

World markets have tumbled over concerns that the debt crisis in Europe could delay the global economic recovery.

On Wednesday, The Dow Jones industrial average fell 376 points, its biggest one-day point drop since February 2009, and all the major indexes were down well over than 3 percent.

North Korea warns of 'all-out war'

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:23 AM PDT

North Korea, which is accused of sinking a South Korean ship, has warned that it would launch an "all-out war," should an act of retaliation come about.

"If [South Korea] tries to deal any retaliation or punishment or if they try sanctions or a strike on us...we will answer to this with all-out war," North Korean naval spokesman Col. Pak In Ho was quoted by the Associated Press as saying on Thursday.

China to go ahead with Iran projects

Posted: 21 May 2010 04:08 AM PDT

China's biggest oil company says a draft UN Security Council resolution proposed by the US against Iran will not hinder its energy projects in the Islamic Republic.

"We will implement our projects in Iran as usual," The Wall Street Journal quoted Jiang Jiemin, president of state-owned China National Petroleum, as saying in a statement on Thursday.

Fundamentalists In Israel To Counter Freedom Flotilla

Posted: 21 May 2010 03:10 AM PDT

The MV Rachel Corrie will carry tons of cement and other materials to Gaza (Free Gaza)

Israeli sources reported that two Israeli boats will be sailing Saturday from northern Israel in order to counter the Freedom Flotilla bringing 600 peace activists and humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth reported that the two Israeli vessels will sail waving banner labeling Hamas as a barbaric groups and countering Turkey's involvement in the solidarity ships "by highlighting its role in the Armenian genocide".

Turkey attacks PKK in northern Iraq

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:39 AM PDT

The Turkish Army has conducted cross border attacks into northern Iraq, targeting some 50 positions used by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, a report says.

On Thursday, 20 Turkish fighter jets bombed the positions in the Zap-Khakurk region in northern Iraq, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported.

Lula tells West to learn from Iran

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:22 AM PDT

Brazil has called on the international community to follow Iran's example in showing willingness to engage diplomatically over its nuclear program.

"Iran, which had been sold to the world as the devil,…sat down at the negotiating table. I want to see the others comply with what they wanted Iran to do," Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was quoted as saying by Reuters.

UK court allows BA cabin crew strike

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:19 AM PDT

British Airways (BA) has decided to shorten flights schedules after the UK's Court of Appeal overturned a ruling blocking a strike by BA cabin crew, a report says.

Unite union, which represents about 90 percent of the airline's cabin crew, said it may start a strike as soon as Monday if they do not come to an agreement with the airline, the Wall Street Journal stated.

Israel Expels A Palestinian Legislator From Jerusalem

Posted: 21 May 2010 02:17 AM PDT

The Israeli Police decided Thursday to expel Palestinian Legislator, Mohammad Abu Teir, from occupied East Jerusalem and claimed that he lost his residency right in the city after he decided to run for the Palestinian Legislative Elections in 2006.

Abu Teir is an elected legislator of the Hamas movement. He was informed that he has until June 19 to implement the order and leave the city.

U.S Senate Approves M 200 USD For Israel's "Iron Dome"

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:44 AM PDT

Iron Dome - isrelate.com

The United States Senate approved the American President's plan to grant Israel more than $200 Million meant for the development of Israel's Iron Dome that intercepts short-range missiles.

The plan was approved by 411 senators while eight abstained.

Karachi clashes leave 23 dead

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:28 AM PDT

Clashes between rival ethnic groups have left nearly two dozens people dead and several others injured in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi.

A Press TV correspondent said on Thursday that 23 people were killed in different parts of the city over the past 48 hours.

Brazil, Turkey to discuss Iran

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:22 AM PDT

The leaders of UN Security Council members Brazil and Turkey, who recently signed a nuclear fuel swap declaration with Iran, are to meet next week.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his three-visit to the Latin American country starting on Wednesday, AFP quoted diplomats from both countries as saying on Thursday.

US envoy wraps up Mideast visit

Posted: 21 May 2010 01:05 AM PDT

US envoy George Mitchell has wrapped up his visit to the Middle East, achieving no progress in the "proximity talks" with the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Israeli officials have declined to make any comments on the talks between the US envoy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mitchell departed right after the meeting on Thursday, AFP reported.

Paintings worth millions stolen in Paris

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:29 AM PDT

Five famous paintings, including a Matisse and a Picasso, worth of 500 million euros have been stolen from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

The five missing paintings are said to be Dove with Green Peas (1912) by Pablo Picasso, Pastoral (1905) by Henri Matisse, Woman with a Fan by Amedeo Modigliani, Olive Tree Near Estaque by Georges Braque and Still Life with Chandeliers by Fernand Leger, the BBC reported.

Ecstasy over Spanish cloned calf

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:09 AM PDT

Against the protests of animal rights activists, the Spanish bullfighting enthusiasts may have the opportunity to see their legendary fighting bulls getting killed over and over again!

Cloning animals are not as important as it used to be; however, a little fighting bull has raised the ethical stacks in the fight to find balance between ethics and science.

Restraint urged over S Korean ship row

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:03 AM PDT

Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on South and North Korea to stay calm amid the deepening crisis in the troubled Korean Peninsula.

A Foreign Ministry Spokesman said on Thursday that Beijing will make its own assessment of the investigation.

France uncertain about Iran sanctions

Posted: 21 May 2010 12:02 AM PDT

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says Paris expects three UN Security Council member states to resist the new sanctions resolution against Iran.

"Three countries will have some reservations, but we'll see. The text isn't definitive, it will be discussed by the non-permanent members of the Security Council," Kouchner was quoted as saying by AFP on Thursday.

'Japan accepts US wish in airbase row'

Posted: 20 May 2010 11:38 PM PDT

Japan will settle disagreements with the United States over the relocation of a controversial US airbase, mainly in pursuant to Washington's requests, reports say.

US President Barack Obama has urged Japanese Prime Minster Yukio Hatoyama to stick with the original agreement of relocating the base on Okinawa Island, signed in 2006, AFP reported.

Maliki slams Iraqiya for failure, delay

Posted: 20 May 2010 11:34 PM PDT

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused the Iraqiya coalition of delaying the political process of forming the county's new government.

"I say to our brothers in Iraqiya list; you are wasting your time and delaying the political process," al-Maliki told Iraqi daily Al-Mada.

Iran may cancel swap over sanctions

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:57 PM PDT

Iran might cancel an agreement to send its uranium to Turkey if the UN Security Council approves new sanctions against Tehran, the Iranian vice Parliament's speaker says.

After negotiations with Brazil and Turkey, Iran said on Monday that it agreed to send 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for 120 kg of higher-enriched uranium it requires for medical purposes.

Blanc to coach France after World Cup

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:31 PM PDT

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc will replace Raymond Domenech as manager of France after the World Cup, the French Football Federation (FFF) has said.

The 44-year-old took over as Bordeaux coach three years ago, guiding them to the 2009 Ligue 1 and League Cup double but les Girondins ended this season without a trophy.

Merkel backs more regulation

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:30 PM PDT

A day after being criticized by EU leaders over implementing new financial rules, German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for tougher regulations.

Speaking at an international conference in Berlin on Thursday, Merkel called for a united action by governments of leading nations, asking them to tighten financial regulations.

Non-crew in cockpit of Polish plane

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:23 PM PDT

The international committee responsible for investigating the Polish President's plane crash has revealed there were extra people in the cockpit of the plane.

In a news conference in Moscow, the committee presented their first detailed report, leaving the main cause of the tragedy yet to be discovered.

Russia wants action on Iran declaration

Posted: 20 May 2010 09:56 PM PDT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calls for immediate efforts to implement Iran's nuclear declaration despite UN discussions for sanctions against Tehran.

The top diplomat, whose country has been named as a potential supplier in the UN nuclear fuel swap proposal, sought to dissociate the talks for the imposition of a fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions on the Islamic Republic from the implementation of the swap.

Israel releases Hamas lawmaker

Posted: 20 May 2010 09:25 PM PDT

Israel has released Hamas legislator Mahammad Abu Teir, who was arrested four years ago in retaliation for the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Currently, 10 Hamas lawmakers, two from the Fatah Movement, and one from the Liberation of Palestine are in Israeli jails.

Top Israeli officer 'commits' suicide

Posted: 20 May 2010 09:25 PM PDT

An Israeli Army spokesman has announced that the body of a high ranking military officer who committed suicide has been found, a report says.

The officer, whose name was not revealed, shot himself dead, the Israeli Army Radio reported Wednesday.

OIC backs Iran nuclear declaration

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:46 PM PDT

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has backed an Iranian declaration which aims to end a standoff over Tehran's nuclear program.

A statement at the end of the 37th OIC ministerial meeting in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe voiced support for the declaration under which Iran agreed to send 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for 120 kg of higher-enriched uranium, IRNA reported.

Bangkok curfew extended amid unrest

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:33 PM PDT

Thai authorities have extended a dust-to-dawn curfew in Bangkok for three more nights following a military crackdown on a protest camp in the center of the city.

There were some skirmishes on Thursday morning and sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the city.

Turkey, Russia discuss Iran declaration

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:31 PM PDT

Turkey has informally discussed Iran's nuclear declaration with Russia, one day after Moscow confirmed it had yielded to the US-led campaign for tougher sanction against Tehran.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed regional issues as well as bilateral economic ties with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a Thursday telephone conversation.

10 civilians killed in Mogadishu

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:07 PM PDT

At least 10 civilians have reportedly been killed and several others injured in heavy mortar fire in the latest clashes in the country's volatile capital.

The violence erupted after militant fighters fired mortar shells towards the sea port and a building where Somali lawmakers were holding a meeting in south Mogadishu, a Press TV correspondent reported on Thursday.

Iran doubts West sincerity in swap deal

Posted: 20 May 2010 07:46 PM PDT

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has cast doubt on the sincerity of the West about a proposal to provide fuel for a research reactor in Tehran.

Larijani said that the West's reaction to a recent nuclear declaration announced by Iran testified to its insincerity in nuclear dealings with Tehran.

Russia: Bushehr plant due in August

Posted: 20 May 2010 07:39 PM PDT

Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, which is being built by Russia, is scheduled to begin operating in August regardless of any new sanctions against Tehran.

"We are counting on the nuclear power station launching in August, if everything goes as planned," Sergei Kiriyenko, the head of Russia's federal atomic energy agency, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Thai protest leaders surrender to police

Posted: 20 May 2010 06:44 PM PDT

As Thailand's army intensifies its crackdown on anti-government protesters in the capital, two more opposition leaders surrender to the country's authorities.

Chairman of Thailand's United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship Veera Musikapong turned himself in, along with Weng Tojirakarn, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

Israeli Troops Kidnap Seven Palestinians In The West Bank

Posted: 20 May 2010 06:33 PM PDT

Israeli troops kidnapped seven Palestinians from Bethlehem and Ramallah areas in the West Bank on Thursday.

Rafah Crossing In Last Day Of Operation

Posted: 20 May 2010 06:24 PM PDT

On Thursday the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt continued to be open for both sides.

The Crossing, the only way for Palestinians in or out of Gaza, was opened by Egypt five days ago. Hundreds of Palestinian patients, students, and stranded families at both sides of the borders managed to get in or out of Gaza this week.

New date for Kyrgyz presidential vote

Posted: 20 May 2010 05:48 PM PDT

The interim government in Kyrgyzstan has announced a presidential election in October 2011 as a hike in inter-ethnic violence mars plans for a vote this year.

"The elections should be held in October (2011) and ... in January 2012, there will be a ceremony to mark a peaceful transfer of power," Reuters quoted interim government deputy chairman, Omurbek Tekebayev, as telling reporters in Bishkek on Thursday.

China to resist push on yuan policy

Posted: 20 May 2010 05:24 PM PDT

With intensifying US pressure on China to raise the value of its yuan, Beijing says it will not succumb to an outside force to revalue its currency.

Chinese Assistant Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao dismissed speculations on Thursday that the upcoming trade talks between US and China would lead to a speedy yuan appreciation.

Alleged ETA military chief arrested

Posted: 20 May 2010 05:07 PM PDT

A suspected military leader of Spain's Basque separatist movement ETA has been arrested in the southwestern French city of Bayonne.

During an early morning operation, French security officials detained Mikel Karrera Sarobe, police sources said on Thursday.

US hails anti-Iran UN bid, ignores swap

Posted: 20 May 2010 05:06 PM PDT

The US president has hailed an anti-Iran UN Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution, ignoring Tehran's recent declaration on a nuclear fuel swap deal in Turkey.

"I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with our P5-plus-one partners on a strong resolution that we now have shared with our Security Council partners," President Barack Obama said in a joint press conference on Wednesday with his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon.

Bodies of mine blast victims found

Posted: 20 May 2010 04:28 PM PDT

Turkish officials say rescue workers have discovered the bodies of 28 miners trapped deep inside a coal pit following a gas explosion on Monday.

"We have found the bodies of 28 people. Efforts are continuing to try to find the two other men," AFP quoted Energy Minister Taner Yildiz as saying on Thursday.

US detainees meet moms in Tehran

Posted: 20 May 2010 04:27 PM PDT

The mothers of the three US nationals held in Iran on charges of illegally intruding into the country's territory and espionage have met with their children in Tehran.

Nora Shourd, Laura Fattal, and Cindy Hickey, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday after the Iranian government granted them visas to travel to the country to visit their captive children.

US tennis player faces doping ban

Posted: 20 May 2010 04:25 PM PDT

American tennis player Wayne Odesnik has received a two-year suspension from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for a doping violation.

The sport's governing body suspended the American athlete for importing human growth hormone (HGH) into Australia.

Six killed in Indian Kashmir gunfight

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:31 PM PDT

A police officer and five militants have been killed in two separate shooting incidents in Indian-ruled Kashmir, the country's security officials say.

The overnight gunfights took place in the southern Pulwama and Doda districts in the south of Srinagar -- the summer capital of Indian-ruled Kashmir.

Musicians boycott Israel concert

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:25 PM PDT

British rocker Elvis Costello has canceled his performance in Tel Aviv after guitarist Carlos Santana and rap singer Gil Scott-Heron called off their shows in the Israeli city.

The artists have decided to boycott Israel in response to growing concerns over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2000-year-old coffins dug up in Cyprus

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:18 PM PDT

Four rare clay coffins, estimated to be 2,000 years old, have been found by crews working to complete a sidewalk in the coastal resort of Protaras, Cyprus.

Maria Hadjicosti, director of the Cyprus Antiquities Department, said the coffins adorned with floral patterns date from the Hellenistic to early Roman periods, between 300 B.C. and 100 A.D.

Obama, Calderon censure Arizona law

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:09 PM PDT

The presidents of the United States and Mexico have spoken out against Arizona's new immigration law that calls for a crackdown on illegal immigration.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon on Wednesday, President Barack Obama criticized the Arizona law, saying it had the potential to be used in a discriminatory fashion.

Luigi Del Neri named Juventus new boss

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:06 PM PDT

Juventus FC has named the former Sampdoria manager Luigi Del Neri as the new coach of the club to succeed Alberto Zaccheroni next season.

The 59-year-old Italian boss was hired after Juventus officials reached an agreement at a board meeting on Wednesday.

Iran: US detainees treated justly

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:58 PM PDT

Iranian Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi has described Tehran's treatment of the three US citizens, captured while illegally intruding into Iranian territory, as just.

"We have treated the US national according to our religious principles and on humanitarian grounds, even though these individuals committed an act of espionage by illegally crossing the [western] border into Iran," said Moslehi, speaking to reporters Wednesday.

Radical Jewish Group Storm The Dome Of The Rock Compound In Jerusalem's Old City

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:52 PM PDT

A group of radical Jewish extremists under the protection of Israeli police stormed the Dome of the Rock compound in Jerusalem's old city on Thursday.

The group managed to get to the court yard of the compound conducted short prayers then left, witnesses told local media.

Hamas rules out recognition of Israel

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:44 PM PDT

Hamas has proposed a phased establishment of a Palestinian state, insisting its acceptance of the 1967 borders will not involve the recognition of Israel.

The proposal would see the acceptance of a Palestinian state "in stages" on the 1967 armistice line, with the currently Israeli occupied East Jerusalem as its capital, Ma'an news agency quoted senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya as saying on Wednesday.

Colombian activist shot dead

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:29 PM PDT

Unidentified gunmen have shot dead a Colombian human rights activist in the northern Sucre department, says a group monitoring major crimes.

The group, known as Movice, said in a report on Wednesday that "masked gunmen" killed Rogelio Martinez, AFP reported.

Iran reaches Asian volleyball semis

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:15 PM PDT

Iran has reached the 8th Asian Youth Boys' Volleyball Championship semifinals after defeating Chinese Taipei 3-2 in the Iranian capital Tehran.

Iran, coached by Nasser Shahnazi, overpowered its rival (25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 21-25, 15-9) at the volleyball stadium in Azadi Sports complex on Wednesday.

N Korea denies sinking South's warship

Posted: 20 May 2010 02:14 PM PDT

Pyongyang has rejected a report by an international committee that suggests a North Korean torpedo sank a South Korean warship near a disputed sea border.

The North Korean National Defense Commission calls the report a "smear campaign," insisting in a statement that its navy did not torpedo the South Korean ship.

Sevilla lifts 5th Copa del Rey trophy

Posted: 20 May 2010 01:28 PM PDT

FC Sevilla has snatched a 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Nou Camp final to secure its second Spanish Copa del Rey trophy in three seasons.

The Andalucians took an early lead after five minutes when Diego Capel beat Atletico Madrid's goalkeeper David de Gea with a rising shot from just outside the area on Wednesday.

US overture to Hezbollah raises doubt

Posted: 20 May 2010 01:22 PM PDT

Lebanese officials believe that a US stance to strengthen "moderate elements" within Hezbollah should begin by addressing Israel's policies in the region.

John Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, on Tuesday described the Lebanese resistance movement as a "very interesting organization" which has improved from "purely a terrorist organization" to an entity that now counts members in the Lebanese parliament and even cabinet posts.

'Arabism' Confab urges Palestine stand

Posted: 20 May 2010 01:21 PM PDT

The Palestinian cause took center stage at the "Arabism and Future" conference stressing the necessity of supporting the Palestinians to regain their rights.

The conference, which commenced on May 15 in Damascus, Syria, concluded on Wednesday by issuing a statement expressing that all Arabs support the Palestinian cause not just the Palestinians.

PA leaders slam Israeli provocations

Posted: 20 May 2010 12:20 PM PDT

Palestinian leaders have spoken out against Israeli provocations in the latest round of "proximity talks" brokered by US Mideast envoy George Mitchell.

Acting Palestinian Authority (PA) Chief Mahmoud Abbas urged Mitchell, touring the region since Tuesday, to press the Israeli regime against its provocative moves against the Palestinians, a senior PA official said.

Zob Ahan finishes as IPL runner-up

Posted: 20 May 2010 12:14 PM PDT

Zob Ahan has finished as the Iranian Premier League (IPL) runner-up following a 3-1 decisive victory against Malavan at the Foulad Shahr Stadium in Isfahan.

Defender Farshid Talebi opened the scoring on the half hour mark and Brazilian striker Igor Castro doubled the advantage in the 59th minute on Wednesday.

Pakistan bans Youtube for blasphemy

Posted: 20 May 2010 12:13 PM PDT

Pakistan has banned the popular video sharing website YouTube indefinitely in a bid to contain "sacrilegious" material, officials have said.

The censorship on Thursday came a day after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) ordered internet service providers to block access to the social network site Facebook because of an online competition to draw the Prophet Mohammed.

Soldiers Kidnap Several Children In Jerusalem

Posted: 20 May 2010 12:10 PM PDT

File - Maan Images

Israeli soldiers kidnapped on Thursday at dawn several Palestinian children, aged 16-18, in Al Suwwana area, near the walls of occupied East Jerusalem.

One of the kidnapped is Eyad Al Shalaby, the son of senior Fateh official in Jerusalem, and the rest were identified as Tamer Abu Gharbiyya, Ahmad Aslan, Ali Abu Gharbiyya, and Majdi Abu Ghazal, the Maan news agency reported.

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