Monday 26 August 2013

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Kerry: Chemical arms use in Syria an 'obscenity'

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State John Kerry declared Monday that there was undeniable evidence of a large-scale chemical weapons attack in Syria, toughening the Obama administrations criticism of President Bashar Assads regime and outlining a justification for possible U.S. military action.Kerry, speaking to reporters at the State Department, said last weeks attack was a moral obscenity that should shock the conscience of the world.The indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, the killing of women and children and innocent bystanders by chemical weapons is a moral obscenity. By any standard, it is inexcusable and despite the excuses and equivocations that some have manufactured it is undeniable, said Kerry, the highest-ranking U.S. official to confirm the attack in the Damascus suburbs that activists say killed hundreds of people.This international norm cannot be violated without consequences, he said.Officials said President Barack Obama has not decided how to respond to the use of deadly gases, a move the White House said last year would cross a red line. But the U.S., along with allies in Europe, appeared to be laying the groundwork for the most aggressive response since Syrias civil war began more than two years ago.The U.S. and its allies appear to be considering a response that would punish Assad for deploying deadly gases, not sweeping actions aimed at ousting Assad or strengthening rebel forces. The focus of the internal debate underscores the scant international appetite for a large-scale deployment of forces in Syria and the limited number of other options that could significantly change the trajectory of the conflict.The international community was moving ahead even as a United Nations team already on the ground in Syria collected evidence from last weeks attack. The U.S. said Syrias delay in giving the inspectors access rendered their investigation meaningless and officials said the administration had its own intelligence confirming chemical weapons use.What is before us today is real and it is compelling, Kerry said. Our understanding of what has already happened in Syria is grounded in facts.The U.S. assessment is based in part on the number of reported victims, the symptoms of those injured or killed and witness accounts. Kerry said the administration also had additional intelligence and would make its findings public soon.Assad has denied launching a chemical attack.

US-Egypt alliance to remain, despite dim democracy

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is reluctantly preparing to accept an Egyptian government that could be a democracy in name only, two years after the U.S. supported the overthrow of its dictator in the name of democracy.The U.S. is still holding out hope that Egypts military-backed interim leaders will cede power after elections to create an inclusive government under a publicly drafted constitution.The militarys bloody crackdowns against political opponents this month have dampened those hopes. But the Obama administration knows it cannot afford to distance itself from even an authoritarian Egypt, a key U.S. ally, even though it could be months or years, for its government to settle from turmoil.

Palestinians call off round of talks after clash

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QALANDIA REFUGEE CAMP (AP) - Palestinian negotiators called off a planned round of peace talks Monday after Israeli soldiers killed three protesters during clashes following an arrest raid in the West Bank, officials said.The violence, the deadliest incident in the area in years, dealt a new blow to U.S.-led peace efforts, which resumed late last month after a nearly five-year break. Palestinian officials have accused the Israelis of stonewalling and using the process as a cover to build new Jewish settlements.It was not known when talks will resume, but Palestinian officials said that they could begin again as early as Tuesday. They spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to talk to media.Mondays clashes broke out when Israeli forces entered the Qalandia refugee camp, just outside of Jerusalem, on an overnight arrest raid.Shai Hakimi, a spokesman for the paramilitary border police, said hundreds of Palestinians poured into the streets and hurled firebombs, concrete blocks and rocks at officers.The Israeli military said soldiers rushed to the scene to provide backup and opened fire after they felt their lives were in imminent danger.An official at a Ramallah hospital confirmed three deaths and more than a dozen wounded. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.Hatim Khatib, whose brother Youssef was arrested in the raid, told The Associated Press that undercover troops dressed in civilian clothes arrived at their home at 4:30 a.m. looking for the brother.After half an hour we started hearing shooting from the soldiers inside our house, and then people started throwing stones at them, he said.Youssef was arrested after he returned from morning prayers at 7:00 a.m., he said.He said he didnt know why his brother was the only one arrested but said Youssef had spent time in Israeli jail for throwing rocks and was released three years ago. The Israeli military would not say why he was wanted.The violence drew fierce Palestinian condemnations. Such a crime proves the need for an urgent and effective international protection for our people, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said in a statement.Shortly afterward, Palestinian officials said that a planned round of peace talks had been called off. They said the Palestinians were protesting the days violence, and were also upset by an Israeli announcement Sunday that it was pushing forward with new settlement construction in east Jerusalem.The Palestinians object to construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, the lands they claim along with the Gaza Strip for their future state. Israel captured all three territories in 1967. It was not immediately known when talks would resume.A Palestinian official said the talks have gotten off to a rocky start, with the sides still arguing over the agenda.The Palestinians want discussions to focus on security issues and the border between Israel and a future state of Palestine. The official said the Israelis have insisted on limiting talks only to security matters. He spoke on condition of anonymity because both sides have promised U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to keep the details of the negotiations secret. Israeli officials declined comment.Kerry is expected to meet Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Rome on Sept. 8 to help push negotiations forward, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Iranian court rejects American pastor's appeal

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BOISE (AP) - An Iranian court has rejected an appeal by an American pastor to reduce his eight-year prison sentence, a human-rights group representing his family in the U.S. said Monday.The decision by a two-judge panel on the Tehran Court of Appeals came Sunday, but the panel refused to provide Saeed Abedinis lawyer with a copy of the ruling, the Idaho Statesman reported.Abedini is of Iranian origin and had lived in Boise with his family since 2006. He has been jailed in Iran since last September on charges that he attempted to undermine state security by creating a network of Christian churches in private homes.He was tried and sentenced in January.Saeed has rejected the charges against him. He was in Iran doing humanitarian work when he was arrested.The Iranian courts decision was announced by the American Center for Law and Justice, which focuses on constitutional and human-rights law around the world. The center is representing the pastors wife and two children, who still reside in Boise.The family will continue to fight for her husbands release, Abedinis wife, Naghmeh, said in a statement released by the center.In the coming days, our family will be consulting with legal counsel in Iran to determine the next course of action, the statement said. The family could appeal the case to the Supreme Court in Tehran or plead for the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to intervene and pardon Pastor Saeed.From past cases, we know that the decision to release my husband lies solely at the mercy of the Supreme Leader.She also criticized the U.S. government and President Barack Obama, who she said has been silent about her husbands plight.Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the human-rights group, said he is concerned about Saeed Abedinis safety in prison, and he hopes to bring more pressure on Iran to release the pastor.

Russia: No proof Syria govt behind chemical strike

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MOSCOW (AP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Western nations calling for military action against Syria have no proof that the Syrian government is behind the alleged chemical weapons attack.France, Britain, Israel and some U.S. congressmen have said military action against President Bashar Assads regime should be an option if it has used such weapons. A U.N. team is on the ground investigating the Aug. 21 attack that left hundreds dead.Lavrov said in a televised news conference on Monday that the countries calling for action cannot provide evidence of the chemical weapons attack , and have assumed the role of both investigators and the U.N. Security Council in probing the incident.Lavrov blamed Syrian opposition for manipulating reports of the attack in order to derail a peace conference on Syria.

Nadal beats Harrison in straight sets at US Open

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NEW YORK (AP) - The slips and slides of the soft clay have been replaced by the squeaks of shoes on the hard courts.Nobody is handling the switch better than Rafael Nadal.Nadal improved to 16-0 this year on the hard surface Monday, defeating American Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the U.S. Open.Its difficult to analyze now, Nadal said, when asked if hes playing the best hard-court tennis of his career. I am playing well. Happy the way I was playing. I dont know if it was the best or not, but it was very good because I was able to win.The victory in front of a half-full Arthur Ashe Stadium marked the first for second-seeded Nadal on any Grand Slam surface other than clay since the first round of Wimbledon in 2012.Since then, Nadal has fallen to Lukas Rosol at the All England Club, withdrawn from the 2012 U.S. Open (knee) and 2013 Australian Open (stomach ailment), won the French Open and fallen to 135th-ranked Steve Darcis in the first round of this years Wimbledon.Nadal answered that unexpected loss with 11 straight wins, all on hard court, to improve to 16-0 on the surface this season. He won titles at Montreal and Cincinnati in the lead-in to the U.S. Open, which he won for the only time in 2010.We go day to day, Nadal said. Two tournaments before winning is great for my career because both tournaments are very important ones. But that (doesnt) mean I will play great here. That means that I am doing the right things.Harrison wont argue that point.The 21-year-old American got bullied around the court by Nadal, who hit 28 winners and forced Harrison into 32 errors.About the only thing to slow Nadal was a 15-minute break caused by a brief spit of rain that began just as Nadal had broken to go up 2-1 in the second set. The players stayed on the court and when they resumed, Nadal won 10 of the next 13 games.Serving down 2-0 in the third and facing break point, Harrison followed a 131-mph serve into the net and put a volley deep into the corner on Nadals backhand side. But Nadal answered with a clean passing shot and Harrison walked toward the sideline for the changeover and spiked a ball into his chair.From what I see, and what I gather, these top guys are really, really good at peaking at the slams, Harrison said. They know how to get their best out of it.Harrison, meanwhile, keeps getting the worst of these Grand Slam draws.Ranked 97th and still looking to make his first decent run in a major, he has drawn Nadal once, Juan Martin del Potro once, Andy Murray once and Novak Djokovic twice in the first or second round of four of the last eight majors. Hes 0-5 against them, 4-3 against everyone else.The Nadal match was never close, but Harrison said he isnt losing hope.If youre 30 years old and youve only got a number of Slams left, then maybe youre upset with it, Harrison told The Associated Press on Sunday, when asked about his draw. Im 21. Im excited. Every single time I get to play a match like this, its hard not to be excited. ... And if I dont want to play the top guys in the first round, then thats kind of an incentive to get seeded.In the days first big upset, a British man not named Andy Murray 179th-ranked qualifier Daniel Evans stunned 11th-seeded Kei Nishikori in straight sets. Evans won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in his U.S. Open debut.Both are 23, but Nishikori was playing in his 17th Grand Slam event, with a 25-16 record coming in. Evans was 0-2, with both losses coming at Wimbledon.I was pretty calm today, Evans said. It wasnt that much of a big deal what was happening on the court. I wasnt nervous serving it out.On the mens side, eighth-seeded Richard Gasquet eliminated American Michael Russell 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Bernard Tomic rallied past Albert Ramos in five sets, winning 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 in nearly four hours.The day started with big news from a veteran U.S. player: Three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist James Blake said he would retire after the tournament at age 33.Roger Federer is 32, and his struggles this year have him hearing questions about how much longer hell play. The five-time U.S. Open champ is seeded seventh, his lowest since 2002.Federer plays Grega Zemlja in Mondays last match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Top-seeded Serena Williams begins the night session against Francesca Schiavone.

Venus Williams upsets Flipkens at US Open

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NEW YORK (AP) - Venus Williams had been 14-0 in the first round of the U.S. Open, though she never had to face an opponent ranked in the top 30 at that stage.Williams was usually the seeded player, but after two years of illness and injury, the seven-time major champion was the one pulling the upset Monday when she defeated Wimbledon semifinalist Kirsten Flipkens.Her ranking down to No. 60, Williams beat the 12th-seeded Flipkens 6-1, 6-2 for one of her biggest wins since she pulled out of this tournament two years ago because of Sjogrens syndrome, an autoimmune disease.For me, I stay positive because I know I can play great tennis, Williams said. Sometimes you just have to go through more than what you want to go through. Sometimes you have to have losses. When I had losses, it always motivates me a lot to do better and to work harder.The 33-year-old looked strong Monday, purple braids poking out of her visor that matched her floral dress. Williams fought off three break points at 2-2 in the second set in a game that went to six deuces.Bothered by a lower back injury, Williams was playing just her third event since a first-round loss at the French Open. She hadnt defeated a top-20 opponent since last October.I realize that I havent had a lot of chances to play this year or a lot of chances to play healthy this year, have had injuries and what have you, she said.So Im just going to have to keep working my way into it maybe more than some of the other players. But I know I can do that.Flipkens, meanwhile, had been enjoying a career year. The Belgian had never reached the round of 16 at a major tournament before the Australian Open, then made her run at Wimbledon.American Sloane Stephens, seeded 15th, rallied from a set down to beat Mandy Minella of Luxembourg 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).Third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska and fifth-seeded Li Na advanced in straight sets on the womens side. Radwanska beat Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-1, 6-2, while Li defeated Olga Govortsova 6-2, 6-2.Radwanska withdrew from her last tournament at Cincinnati on Aug. 15 before her quarterfinal against Li to fly home for her grandfathers funeral.American teen Lauren Davis lost by a double bagel, falling to 18th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-0, 6-0 in 57 minutes.No. 16-seeded Sabine Lisicki, the Wimbledon runner-up, beat Vera Dushevina 6-2, 7-6 (3), while 23rd-seeded American Jamie Hampton defeated Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 6-2.

United, Chelsea draw 0-0 in Premier League

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MANCHESTER (AP) - Wayne Rooneys headline-grabbing presence couldnt inspire Manchester United to victory over Chelsea on Monday as the title rivals played out a dull 0-0 draw in the Premier Leagues first blockbuster match of the season.David Moyes marked his first home game in charge of United with the bold selection of Rooney against a club that has twice lodged unsuccessful offers to sign the England striker this summer.That selection added extra spice to a game that is always eagerly anticipated but, despite a standout performance from Rooney in his first start of the season, neither team created a clear-cut chance in a disappointing stalemate at Old Trafford.Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted surprisingly to start with no recognized striker, only bringing on Fernando Torres after the 60 minutes, and was happy to leave with a point that keeps his team unbeaten after three matches in his second spell in charge. Chelsea is top of the early standings on seven points.I think for us, after two home victories, to come to the champions in their first match at home and get a point, I think its fine, its positive, Mourinho said.Continuing the traditions of his predecessor Alex Ferguson, Moyes fielded an attacking lineup that contained three strikers including Rooney but his team lacked the attacking spark that lifted it to a season-opening 4-1 win at Swansea last weekend.Danny Welbeck wasted the home sides best chance, scooping over from 10 yards out in the second half, but United found Chelsea center backs John Terry and Gary Cahill an impenetrable barrier. It was Uniteds first 0-0 league draw at Old Trafford since 2009.I thought if anyone created the chances, it was us, Moyes said. It was a tight game and we just didnt have the final cross or the final pass tonight. But I thought we played very well.Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mourinho in the technical area and opposite an overbearing stand bearing Fergusons name, Moyes was given yet more indications of the size of his daunting task at United.His decision to start with Rooney, however, showed he will be his own man at United and he was treated to an impressive display from a striker who was serenaded with chants from both sets of fans.While United supporters belted out Rooney, Rooney throughout, Chelseas traveling contingent replied with: Well see you next week and Sign him up.It must have been a strange evening for Rooney, who indicated to United toward the end of last season that he wanted to leave and has been relentlessly and openly pursued by Mourinho. He coped well, though.Neat and tidy throughout in his role behind Robin van Persie, he linked up play well, tracked back, showed a good range of passing and had two shots saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. In the final moments, Rooney attempted a bicycle kick from eight yards out but he failed to connect.Hes been great in training and anybody who was watching might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne, Moyes said. I thought he worked back, he tackled, he chased ... I think Wayne has a positive mind at the moment.I think his performance tonight said enough.Robin van Persie has replaced Rooney as the leading striker at United but he had a quiet night up against Terry and Cahill, with a 23rd-minute shot into the side-netting the Dutchmans only real chance.At the other end, Oscar had two low efforts easily saved by United goalkeeper David de Gea in the first half but Chelseas counter-attacks were sporadic and ineffective.Despite fielding a plethora of playmakers and attacking midfielders, Mourinho strongly linked with the United job before Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson tellingly chose not to start Juan Mata, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.The Spain international one of the leagues top performers last season was on the bench with compatriot Torres, who was introduced on the hour to finally give Chelsea an attacking outlet. But it was United looking slightly more dangerous, Welbeck scooping over the bar when well-placed after receiving Rooneys disguised pass.Errors remained frequent, though. One five-second passage of play summed the game up, when Torres passed straight to Patrice Evra, who then slid the ball out of play trying to find Van Persie.In one of the many subplots surrounding the game, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand played against each other for the first time since Terry allegedly racially abused Ferdinands brother, Anton, in a league match in October 2011. The pair shook hands before kickoff.

Gatlin beats Ashmeade to win 100 at Gugl Games

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LINZ (AP) - American sprinter Justin Gatlin overcame the rain and a challenge by Jamaicas Nickel Ashmeade to win the 100 meters at the Gugl Games on Monday.Gatlin, beaten for the world title by Usain Bolt in Moscow earlier this month, was the fastest starter but saw his lead narrowed by Ashmeade, who won a relay gold with Jamaica at the worlds. The American clocked 10.08 seconds to beat Ashmeade by 0.09. Keston Bledman of Trinidad and Tobago trailed Gatlin by 0.19 in third.Today my legs were tired, said Gatlin, who announced before the race he was going to attack the track record of 9.92. However, he failed to seriously threaten the 19-year-old mark.I promise Ill break the Gugl record next year, he said.The field of the European Athletics meet included 11 current or former Olympic gold medalists and four reigning world champions but the wet conditions and low temperatures prevented them from posting outstanding results.World record-holder Aries Merritt of the United States beat 2008 Olympic champion Dayron Robles by 0.23 to take the 110 hurdles in 13.26. Mikel Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago was another 0.02 back in third.Olympic pole vault champion Renaud Lavillenie of France had no valid attempt as the competition was won by his younger brother Valentin, who had a best jump of 5.63 meters.Russias Aleksandr Menkov lived up to expectations by easily winning the long jump. The Russian world champions best effort of 7.94 meter beat Britains Chris Tomlinsons by 0.15.On the womens side, Olympic champion Sally Pearson of Australia won the 100 hurdles in 12.83, leading second-place Reina-Flor Okori of France by 0.35.Barbara Pierre won the womens 100 in 11.14 ahead of Charonda Williams and Alexandra Anderson to lead an American sweep of the podium.World silver medalist Dalilah Muhammad of the United States took the 400 hurdles in 55.01, defeating Denisa Rosolova of Czech Republic by 0.26, and Natasha Hastings convincingly won the 400 in 50.92 to beat American teammate Jessica Beard by 0.72.

Horner wins 3rd stage of Vuelta to take lead

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VILAGARCIA DE AROUSA (AP) - American veteran Christopher Horner won Mondays third stage of the Spanish Vuelta to take the overall leaders jersey, with race organizers saying he became the oldest rider to earn a stage victory in one of cyclings three grand tours.The 41-year-old RadioShack-Leopard rider broke away on the last uphill climb to win the 172-kilometer (107-mile) ride from Vigo to Vilagarcia de Arousa in 4 hours, 30 minutes, 18 seconds.Horner overtook Giro dItalia winner Vincenzo Nibali as the race leader, with the Italian now 3 seconds back in second.My legs felt very good today. I am very, very happy and feel very strong, Horner said, adding that he believed the overall victory was within his reach.Im a small guy and dont weigh much, so I like big mountains. Maybe I can win. I won the Tour of Basque Country, so why cant I win the Spanish Vuelta?Race organizers did not immediately say whose age record Horner broke. The Vuelta is the third grand tour of the season after the Giro and the Tour de France.Gusting winds caused the peloton to break into small groups as the course took riders along the coast before crossing a bridge to the island of Arousa for a final category-three climb to the finish line, which Horner crossed with his arms raised in victory.Alejandro Valverde and fellow Spanish contender Joaquim Rodriguez were second and third for the stage. Nibali also finished in the leading group three seconds behind Horner.It has been a complicated day because of the wind, Valverde said. Its a shame we didnt get the win, but the important thing is that we are in a good position and I feel fine.Tuesdays fourth stage stays in the northwest region of Galicia with a 189-kilometer (117-mile) ride from Lalin ending again at the Atlantic coast in Fisterra. The three-week race ends in Madrid on Sept. 15.

Oil edges below $106 a barrel

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NEW YORK (AP) - The price of oil dipped below $106 a barrel Monday as traders weighed disappointing U.S. orders for durable goods and the potential for international intervention in Syria.U.S. benchmark crude for October delivery fell 50 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $105.92 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It swung between $105.56 and $107.37 earlier in the day.The U.S. Commerce Department said that orders for durable goods had their largest drop in almost a year, reflecting a struggling manufacturing sector. Orders for goods mean to last at least three years fell 7.3 percent in July.Traders are watching economic reports closely, speculating about when the Federal Reserve could begin phasing out its economic stimulus. That pullback depends on the health of the economy.Some see the weak reports as an indication that the Fed might wait before slowing down its stimulus.The price of oil is has risen about 15 percent in the past three months on concern that unrest in Egypt and civil war in Syria could disrupt production and exports, especially in Libya and Iraq. It has also raised the specter of spreading violence that could block important supply routes. There are signs that the United States could be closer to an armed response against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad if claims are confirmed that his forces used chemical weapons.While tension in the Middle East has lifted prices in recent months, lower demand from refineries and the end of summer driving season in the U.S. have created a template for lower prices, said Stephen Schork, an oil analyst and editor of The Schork Report. Should tensions in the Middle East ease, the price of oil could fall as low as $95 a barrel, he said.Brent crude, which sets prices for imported oil used by many U.S. refineries, fell 29 cents to $110.72 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London.

US couple married 65 years die 11 hours apart

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DAYTON (AP) - Relatives of a couple who died at a nursing home 11 hours apart on the same day said their love storys ending reflects their devotion over 65 years of marriage.Harold and Ruth Knapke died in their shared room on Aug. 11, days before their 66th anniversary, The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/16KBNAJ ) reported.Their daughters said they believe their father willed himself to stay by his wifes side despite failing health until they could take the next step in their journey together. He went first his children saw it as his final act of love and she followed.We believe he wanted to accompany her out of this life and into the next one, and he did, daughter Margaret Knapke said.The couple had known each other as children and began their courtship as pen pals while Harold, known as Doc, served in the Army during World War II. Ruth would later joke: I let him chase me until I caught himHer husband became a teacher, coach and athletic director at Fort Recovery Schools, the newspaper said. They raised six children while looking after each other with a devotion that didnt seem to diminish.A photo taken this summer shows him lying in a bed, arm stretched through a guardrail to hold her hand, as she leans in to press the top of her head to his. When she was ailing, he blessed her each night with holy water, daughter Pat Simon said.The Knapkes had a joint funeral Mass, with granddaughters carrying Ruths casket and grandsons carrying Harolds casket. The cemetery procession stopped at the farm house where the couple had lived, and the current owners surprised the family by flying a flag at half-staff to honor the longtime loves.It is really just a love story, said Carol Romie, another daughter. They were so committed and loyal and dedicated, they werent going to go anywhere without the other one.

Pakistan, Zimbabwe first ODI today

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HARARE (Agencies) - After winning the Twenty20 series 2-0, Pakistan would like to carry on the same momentum in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting in Harare today (Tuesday).Pakistan start as favourites in Tuesdays match and Ahmed Shehzad in all probability will be included in the ODI team. Shehzad starred in the two T20s and Pakistan would very much like him to continue in the same vein.Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Irfan will get back to the team after being rested in the second T20. Moreover, Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridis form would be key from Pakistans point of view.While on the other hand, Zimbabwe stand a chance in the 50-over format considering Pakistans inconsistency in the one-dayers. The hosts would like to put up an improved performance after a shambolic outing against India last month.Skipper Brendan Taylor would be the key player for Zimbabwe with Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda showing some promise in the two T20s against Pakistan. Despite the turmoil with their cricket board prior to the start of the series, Zimbabwe have not done bad. But after Kyle Jarvis retirement their bowling attack looks a bit weak.

Pak Army general to lead UN peacekeeping operation

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointment Lieutenant General Maqsood Ahmed as the Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations.Maqsood will replacing Senegal’s Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, whose tenure ended on 8 July.Lt. Gen. Ahmed had served as corps commander in Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Among his other military appointments, he served a UN peacekeeping tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) in 2005 and 2006.

Tolerance essential for politics: President Zardari

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ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - President Asif Ali Zardari has that the PPP will extend fullest support to the PML-N Government in tackling challenges like terrorism and economic recovery.He was speaking at a dinner he hosted in Islamabad on Monday night in honour of the journalists.The President said being the opposition it is right of the PPP to criticize the government but it will back the government in all its positive moves.He said he was leaving the Presidency after five years with a sense of accomplishment as he looked after transition to democracy and transferred his powers to the Parliament. He said he has no regrets as transition to democracy means strengthening the democracy and ultimately Pakistan would be the winner.He said the country can progress and prosper if there is continuity and carrying forward of the policies like consolidation of relations with China is one such example of continuity. He said rarely in the history of the country anyone left the Presidency with grace but he was leaving it with peace.The President acknowledged that there might have been failures but added that transition to democracy is a big achievement.He said scarce resources of the country were major hurdle in the way of implementation of his welfare agenda.He said said media has matured and there is insight in its discussions and programmes.The President said we have issues with elections but once we accept the results; there is no reason to challenge them.
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