Wednesday 2 April 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

18 countries ratify UN Arms Trade Treaty

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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Eighteen countries, including five of the worlds leading arms exporters, ratified a landmark treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade on Wednesday, giving a significant boost to the campaign for the treatys entry into force.The ambassadors of the 18 countries handed over the documents at a U.N. ceremony on the first anniversary of the General Assemblys adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty, which is aimed at stemming the global illegal weapons trade, estimated at between $60 billion and $85 billion. The new ratifications bring the total number to 31, more than half of the 50 needed for the pact to enter into force.Five of the worlds top 10 arms exporters Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain turned in their ratification documents at the ceremony. Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia were the others.U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson urged all 193 U.N. member states to sign and ratify it without delay.Every day, we witness the human cost of the irresponsible transfer of weapons, Eliasson said. Civilians are still being killed, maimed, or driven from their homelands because weapons and ammunition remain in the hands of warlords, terrorists, human rights abusers and organized criminal gangs.The 17 European Union members who ratified the treaty on Wednesday issued a joint statement said that by regulating the international arms trade nations demonstrate their common responsibility to save lives, reduce human suffering and make the world a safer place for all.They pledged to spare no efforts to achieve the treatys early entry into force and to campaign for universal adherence.To date, 118 countries have signed the treaty including the United States, but ratification by the U.S. Senate will be difficult because a two-thirds majority is required and there is strong opposition from the powerful National Rifle Association.The treaty will require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers, but it will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country.It will prohibit the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate arms embargoes or if they promote acts of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, and if they could be used in attacks on civilians or civilian buildings such as schools and hospitals.Anna Macdonald, co-chair of the Control Arms Coalition, which includes hundreds of non-governmental organizations in over 100 countries that promoted the Arms Trade Treaty, said the most powerful argument for its speedy entry into force is the call of the millions who have suffered from armed violence around the world.Nowhere is an effective treaty more desperately needed than in the Syrian conflict, which has been fueled by transfers of arms and ammunition from outside parties, she said at the ratification ceremony.Noting that June 3 will mark one year since the treaty was opened for signatures, she urged countries that have signed to ratify quickly so the treaty can enter into force on June 3, 2014.She also cautioned that ratifying the treaty will not be enough because the key is to end business as usual.All of the governments ratifying here today can also act to show that these are not just words on paper, and a photo in the press,Macdonald said. You have the opportunity now to lead by example. All governments are responsible for the arms trade, and all governments need to act to ensure it is brought under control.

US troubled by Iran's choice of its UN ambassador

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. objected Wednesday to Iran's anticipated selection of a former hostage-taker at the American Embassy in Tehran as its newest ambassador to the United Nations. But the Obama administration stopped short of saying it would refuse him a visa to enter the United States.State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf called the potential nomination of Hamid Aboutalebi extremely troubling and said the U.S. has raised its concerns with Tehran. Lawmakers in Congress who usually disagree on everything ranging from liberal New York Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer and conservative Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz have demanded that Aboutalebi be barred from living and working in the United States.But Harf noted that except in limited cases, the U.S. is generally obligated to admit the chosen representatives of member states to U.N. headquarters in New York.We're taking a close look at the case now, and we've raised our serious concerns about this possible nomination with the government of Iran, Harf told reporters. She added: But we do take our obligations as host nation for the United Nations very seriously.Hamid Babaei, a spokesman for Iran's Mission to the United Nations, had no comment Tuesday on his government's choice for ambassadorAboutalebi was a member of a Muslim student group that stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. He reportedly has insisted that his involvement in the group Muslim Students Following the Imam's Line was limited to translation and negotiation.But lawmakers have derided Aboutalebi as a terrorist and a key conspirator in the hostage crisis, and warned that his nomination would escalate tensions in already delicate negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program.In a letter Wednesday to Secretary of State John Kerry, Schumer said Aboutalebi's association with the student group should make him ineligible for a visa or diplomatic immunity in the U.S.This man has no place in the diplomatic process, Schumer said in a separate statement. Iran's attempt to appoint Mr. Aboutalebi is a slap in the face to the Americans that were abducted, and their families. It reveals a disdain for the diplomatic process and we should push back in kind.Earlier this week, Cruz questioned the wisdom of negotiating with the Iranian government in light of what he called its deliberately insulting and contemptuous choice for U.N. ambassador. The nuclear negotiations are set to resume next week in Vienna.Harf insisted the nuclear talks and the U.N. envoy were separate issues, even as she noted Washington's ongoing concerns with Iran on multiple fronts.On the nuclear issue, they have upheld their commitments, Harf said. We hope they will continue to.

UN chief warns of weakening security in Mali

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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is warning that security is deteriorating in northern Mali amid increasing terrorist activity, and he urges United Nations member states to provide military transport helicopters for U.N. troops to use across the vast region.In a report to the Security Council circulated this week, Ban cites an upsurge in attacks by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa against U.N., French and Malian forces using rockets and improvised explosive devices. One rocket attack was in the fabled town of Timbuktu.The U.N. chief says abductions and banditry contribute to a climate of fear.Mali was divided in two for nearly a year by Islamic extremists.Ban also urges all parties to grasp a historic chance to promote national reconciliation.

Madrid beat Dortmund 3-0 in Champions League

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MADRID (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record equaling goal before exiting to injury as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 on Wednesday to take a big step toward the Champions League semifinals.Ronaldo netted his 14th goal of the season in Europe's top competition to give Madrid a clear advantage ahead of next week's quarterfinal return leg in Germany. But it came at a price as the Portugal forward, who came into the first-leg nursing a sore left knee, came off in the 80th minute.Gareth Bale scored early and Isco added another before the half hour mark at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.Ronaldo has a problem with his knee but at this moment I'm not worried about it, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.The Spaniards opened against Dortmund as the Germans had against them in the semifinals last season when they thrashed Madrid 4-1 en route to reaching the final with a 4-3 victory on aggregate.In Wednesday's other quarterfinal first leg, Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 3-1 in the French capital.Madrid certainly didn't need inspiration after last seasons' loss to Dortmund, which was without suspended striker Robert Lewandowski and five more regulars to injury as it fielded just four of the players present in last season's 4-1 win.The goals we gave up tonight were not because of this, Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said. It was too easy (for them), and that's not what we wanted. We made some mistakes and we were punished.The energetic start saw Bale nearly miss Dani Carvajal's short pass inside the area before stretching to toe poke his fifth goal of the competition under goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller after just three minutes.Weidenfeller was sharp despite Madrid's early onslaught as he punched free kicks from Ronaldo and Bale over the bar. He also stayed in the game despite wincing in pain after Marco Reus made a clearance that also connected with the 'keeper's hands.With forward Angel Di Maria out to a gastro virus, Isco showed good poise to gather a loose ball in front of the area and slide home a low shot for 2-0 in the 27th minute.The Spain midfielder's goal was just the boost Madrid needed as Dortmund began to find its rhythm, with Kevin Grosskreutz forcing Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas into a low stop in the 33rd.Ronaldo, playing in his 100th Champions League game, was clearly eager to match the record 14 goals scored by Lionel Messi in one Champions League campaign.Luka Modric made it happen as the Croat pounced on a poor Dortmund pass deep in its own area in the 57th minute and picked out Ronaldo, who dribbled around Weidenfeller for his 45th goal of the season. Jose Altafini also scored 14 goals in the 1962/63 European Cup campaign for AC Milan.We did what we prepared for well, Ancelotti said. We used a lot of energy in the first half and were tired. So we dropped the team back a little in the second half while looking to score on the counter.While Ronaldo and Karim Benzema continued to threaten Dortmund's goal, Madrid was fortunate not to concede under pressure as Pepe blocked Reus' shot from inside the area after Casillas failed to control a cross. Madrid's defense blocked several Dortmund shots during the final stages.You have to do the right tactical things against the best teams in the world. We can do better than we did tonight, said Klopp, who rued the late misses. (Losing) 3-0 you are not cool, you are not confident, you are under pressure and you are not confident in the box. We had chances.Madrid, which is vying for a record 10th European Cup, is now on the cusp of a fourth straight appearance in the semifinals a welcome lift after a difficult run in the Spanish league.In Tuesday's matches, defending champion Bayern Munich drew 1-1 at Manchester United, and Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Barcelona.

Pastore scores solo goal as PSG beats Chelsea 3-1

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PARIS (AP) - Paris Saint-Germain took advantage of sloppy defending to beat Chelsea 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, with substitute Javier Pastore capping the win with a brilliant goal in stoppage time.Chelsea did well to contain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG's top scorer with more than 40 goals this season. But Jose Mourinho's team was undone by lapses from captain John Terry and midfielder David Luiz, who gave the ball away leading up to the opening goal.PSG's opener came after only four minutes when Ezequiel Lavezzi twisted to sweep the ball home after Terry's poor headed clearance. Eden Hazard equalized from the penalty spot midway through the first half, only for PSG to take the lead again in the 61st as Luiz shinned the ball into his own net.After a second straight defeat, following last weekend's 1-0 reverse against struggling Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho was angry with his players.When the games are tight and when you make the defensive mistakes, you are in trouble, he said. We couldn't transform these half chances into goals and on top of that we made defensive mistakes, the kind of individual defensive mistakes, and we paid the price.Pastore's injury-time goal was superb. But Chelsea should have stopped him as the Argentina playmaker gathered the ball on the right wing, cut inside and then jinked his way through the penalty area before planting a low shot inside goalkeeper Petr Cech's near post.It was a horrible time to concede, Cahill told British broadcaster Sky Sports. It's a sloppy goal and unlike us. It was difficult to come here; 2-1 would have been okay to take to Stamford Bridge. It's devastating.Mourinho was more scathing.He (Cahill) says sloppy. I say ridiculous, later adding. It's not a goal, it's a joke.He also criticized his forwards.It's difficult for us to score goals, Mourinho said. I'm not happy with my strikers' performances and I have to try things (for the return leg).Chelsea won the competition two years ago, although Mourinho was not in charge, getting past Napoli despite losing their quarterfinal first leg 3-1.I have nothing to lose now, I have to play thinking that it is possible, Mourinho said. To be fair, I don't think Paris think that it's done.PSG coach Laurent Blanc was full of praise for his players, with PSG on the verge of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 1995.We really believed we could do it tonight, and we pushed Chelsea around at times, he said. The third goal changes things. We can't say tonight how much it changes things. The match at Stamford Bridge will be difficult. I told the players that it would be, whatever the result.There was some bad news on the night for PSG, however, with Ibrahimovic limping off midway through the second half with a hamstring injury.He wanted to carry on but it wasn't sensible, Blanc said. He will probably be out for a while. I hope he'll be back as soon as possible.In Wednesday's other quarterfinal first leg, Real Madrid beat last season's finalist Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in Spain.PSG started aggressively and scored when Terry failed to deal properly with Blaise Matuidi's cross and his header fell to Lavezzi some 15 meters out. The Argentina winger swiveled brilliantly before planting the ball into the top left corner for his 10th goal of the season.Chelsea struggled to deal with PSG's speed on the break, and midfielder Ramires was shown a yellow card after hacking down Lavezzi as he turned away from him near the halfway line. Ramires misses the return leg next week.Lavezzi caused center half Gary Cahill constant problems with his pace. Midway through the half, Lavezzi got away from him down the left but his shot hit the side of the net.Chelsea equalized against the run of play in the 27th minute when Brazil center half Thiago Silva lunged in a fraction too late and clipped midfielder Oscar's leg. It was surprisingly rash judgment from Silva, the Brazil captain, who is considered one of the best defenders in the world.With the jeers from the Parc des Princes crowd ringing in his ears, Hazard showed no nerves as he sent goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu guessing the wrong way.Lavezzi had another effort saved by Cech, but the home side nearly fell behind in the 40th minute when Hazard's brilliantly controlled volley from wide left hit the right post.Lavezzi outshone Ibrahimovic and his looping free kick caused panic in the Chelsea defense and Luiz clumsily knocked the ball over the line.

Venus Williams advances in Charleston

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CHARLESTON (AP) - Venus Williams came from behind to defeat Chanelle Scheepers 7-5, 7-5 in a battling second round performance at the Family Circle Cup on Wednesday.It was another long day for Williams, ranked No. 28 in the world and who needed an hour and 50 minutes to see off the South African. Williams fell behind 3-1 in the first set and trailed 4-1 in the second.The seven-time Grand Slam champion has fought injuries and Sjogren's syndrome, a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease, during the past two years. She was on the green clay in Charleston for two hours and 15 minutes on Tuesday in a three-set victory.

Mickelson set to return to action at Houston Open

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HUMBLE (AP) - Phil Mickelson announced on his website Wednesday that he's recovered from a muscle strain and is ready to play in this week's Houston Open.The four-time major winner, who withdrew from last week's Texas Open after pulling a muscle in his right side, said he'll play in the $6.4-million event after two days of light practice at Augusta National, site of next week's Masters.I feel that to give myself the best chance at the Masters I have to play in Houston, Mickelson said. If I thought I would injure myself further I would have withdrawn from the tournament, but the last few days have been good.The world's No. 5 player helped solidify the Houston Open's spot as a preferred Masters tuneup by committing to play in 2008 and every year since. He won it in 2011 and finished 16th last year.Mickelson's return to the 7,441-yard Golf Club of Houston formerly known as Redstone Golf Club before an ownership change highlights a stellar field that features the winners of 34 major championships. It's a field that includes Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia, among others, as well as defending champion D.A. Points.First and foremost, they're after the winner's share of prize money while also using the course's slick greens and tight rough to prepare for the Masters.And that's just fine with McIlroy, who tied for 45th at the event last year while still in the infant stages of a club change.It's brilliant, McIlroy said. They get the fairway heights the same, the rough heights the same, the runoff around the greens ... It's perfect for that.McIlroy finished 19th at the Houston Open in 2009 before missing the cut a year later. The former world No. 1 was winless on the PGA Tour last year, though he has been trending upward since including a win over Adam Scott in the Australian Open in December.He finished second at the Honda Classic last month before tying for 25th at Doral.McIlroy took the last three weeks off leading into the Houston Open a big change from last year when he decided to play the Texas Open only days ahead of time. Even with Augusta National looming, McIlroy said he's fully focused on competing this week.I think it's important to finish well, McIlroy said. I don't think there's any better way to prepare than getting yourself into contention and playing golf under pressure, because that's ultimately what you want to do next week.Points sank a 13-foot par putt on the 72nd hole to win last year, winning by one stroke over Stenson and Billy Horschel.The American hasn't finished higher than 28th this year, including missed cuts in each of his last two tournaments, but his confidence is high this week.Knowing that I've had success here, and it's cool to be out there, Points said. Makes you feel like, 'Hey, I can do that again.'Mickelson tees off Thursday with Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley. McIlroy's threesome with Dustin Johnson and Luke Donald begins in the afternoon.

200 fans clash before PSG-Chelsea match

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PARIS (AP) - About 200 supporters of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea fought in a city center street prior to their teams' Champions League quarterfinal match on Wednesday.PSG's director of security Jean-Philippe d'Halliville told The Associated Press by telephone that some 100 fans from each side including former members of PSG's notorious and now disbanded Kop of Boulogne hooligan group fought for up to three minutes before riot police intervened.He did not give further details on whether there were any arrests or injuries.Despite tight security around the Gare du Nord train station and another known hangout for PSG troublemakers, the violence broke out on Rue Saint-Denis, near to the popular Chatelet area about two hours before the game.Trouble marred PSG's previous home match against Bayer Leverkusen last month.PSG and Chelsea fans also fought last time the teams played in the competition 10 years ago.On Wednesday evening, shards of broken glass and debris littered the Rue Saint-Denis street, where several hundred Chelsea fans had been drinking in and around bars for hours.The fighting was most likely prearranged, d'Halliville said, as it was against Leverkusen, when 40 from each side met outside Odeon metro station in the city's historic center. Eleven people were arrested after those fights broke out.PSG has tried hard to eradicate a long-standing hooligan problem. Two PSG supporters died in separate incidents outside Parc des Princes stadium in 2006 and 2010.PSG's group match at Anderlecht earlier this season was considered high-risk and around 150 known PSG hooligans were rounded up by police before that game in Brussels.In the same area of Paris in December, 2008 PSG and FC Twente fans fought a pitched battle in a side-street close to the landmark St. Michel fountain before their UEFA Cup match, as Christmas shoppers scattered for cover. Hundreds continued their scrapping outside the stadium later that night.There were violent clashes between PSG and Dinamo Zagreb fans in the Bastille area of Paris the night before PSG's home game last season, despite the French Interior Ministry issuing a decree banning Zagreb fans from attending the match amid fears of trouble. PSG had not provided club travel for its supporters in Zagreb two weeks prior to that after consulting with UEFA.Last season's league title celebrations turned into a fiasco as fights between fans and riot police left more than 30 people injured and led to several arrests.PSG had serious problems with hooliganism from 1985 to 2010, as two ends of Parc des Princes the Kop Boulogne and Tribune Auteuil were violently opposed. The club then took measures to tackle the issue.

Musharraf shifted to Chak Shehzad from AFIC

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RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Former president and Army chief Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf was secretly shifted to his Chak Shehzad farm house from Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) on early Thursday morning.Earlier, government resolved not to remove former president Pervez Musharraf’s name from Exit Control List (ECL) on Wednesday after holding detailed consultations, Dunya News reported.According to Dunya News sources, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made the decision after thorough consultations with party leaders and Army Chief that lasted over 2 days. The majority of those consulted opposed the removal of Musharraf’s name from ECL.Interior Minister has written a detailed letter to former president formally informing him about government’s decision.Reportedly, Musharraf is likely to file an appeal against the decision in Supreme Court.Former president had written to federal government requesting removal of name from ECL. Following government’s decision, Musharraf’s spokesperson issued a statement saying such a decision was expected and that government’s intention has been exposed through this decision.The spokesperson said that court had made it clear that former president is a free man, adding that government’s decision will be challenged in Supreme Court.It is pertinent to mention here that Special Court hearing Musharraf treason trial had said on Monday that it is the federal government that has put Musharraf’s name on ECL adding that only federal government can remove it.Musharraf had pleaded the special court to allow him to leave the country to visit his ailing mother. Special Court’s registrar Court had adjourned the hearing until April 15.

Microsoft reveals Siri-like Windows Phone feature

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NEW YORK (AP) - Microsoft unveiled a new virtual assistant for Windows Phone devices Wednesday as it seeks to gain traction in a highly competitive and lucrative market for smartphones.The assistant, Cortana, is named after an artificial-intelligence character in the companys Halo video games. Cortana tries to be chatty like Apples Siri, while anticipating information you might want, like Google Now.Cortana is among the new features coming to a Windows Phone update called 8.1. The updated operating system will come with new phones in about a month, including three that Nokia announced Wednesday. It will also be available as a free download for existing phones a few months later.Microsoft is also updating its Windows 8.1 system for tablets, laptops and desktops. Although Microsoft has been pushing touch-screen controls, the new update is designed to make it easier for those with traditional keyboard and mouse controls. The update, simply called Windows 8.1 Update, is available starting next Tuesday.The announcements come as Microsoft Corp. opened its annual Build conference in San Francisco. The conference is aimed at developers who write software for Microsoft systems, though its also a chance for the company to showcase its products more broadly and to build interest among the digitally connected.Most of the new features relate to Windows Phone, a system that hadnt received as much attention as the main Windows system in recent years. But its an area where Microsoft sees growth opportunities and underscores its commitment to mobile devices and services under new chief executive Satya Nadella.Windows Phone had less than 5 percent of the smartphone market last year, according to Gartner. But unlike traditional PCs, people tend to upgrade phones more frequently. Many people in emerging markets are also getting smartphones for the first time.To enable manufacturers to make devices more cheaply, Microsoft is giving away its operating system, something Google already does with Android. Manufacturers will be able to get the system for free for use on phones and tablets with screens of less than 9 inches diagonally. Android carries no size restriction.With the Cortana assistant, Microsoft catches up to Siri and Google Now in many ways. You can use voice commands to search for information, set alarms and make calendar entries, for instance. Although Android devices have had Google Now since 2012, and iPhones and iPads come with Siri and can get a free Google Now app, Windows phones havent had as robust a voice assistant until now.Cortana tries to go further than both by warning you of conflicts when you add items to your calendar. It will also remind you to ask about the new dog your sister just got the next time you communicate with her, whether thats by phone, chat or email.Cortana also promises to give you more ways to customize it. While Google Now will alert you to upcoming travel by scanning your email, Cortana will ask whether it should offer you such alerts. That might reduce unwanted alerts, though it will require more work to set up.Microsoft said the feature is in a beta test mode as the company tries to improve its voice recognition capabilities. In fact, during Wednesdays presentation, Cortana made numerous mistakes, including offering weather in Celsius when the request was for the Kelvin temperature scale.Microsoft plans to remove the beta designation in the second half of the year, when it will formally launch in the U.S., Britain and China.The company also announced a new Action Center for the Windows Phone system as a hub for app notifications and information such as remaining battery life. Other new phone features include automatic connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots to save on cellular data.Microsoft provided more details about how the company is making the Windows Phone system more useful in business settings. Companies will be able to restrict apps that can run on phones issued to employees or prevent sensitive documents from being saved locally.To bridge the divide between the phone system and Windows 8.1 for larger devices, Microsoft unveiled tools to let software developers adapt apps for the various devices more easily. App developers will also be able to sell apps once across the board; currently, customers must get apps for phones and for other devices separately.As for Windows 8.1, Microsoft previously said the update will add search, power and settings buttons to the tile-based Start page, so people dont have to figure out how to pull those functions from the right side of their screens.New features announced Wednesday include more seamless transitions between newer, tile-based apps and those using the traditional desktop-style interface. The taskbar at the bottom of the screen in the desktop mode will now let people pin any app as a favorite, not just those designed for the desktop mode. Microsoft is also restoring a bar at the top of apps to make it easier to close and minimize apps.The company hinted at future updates, including the ability to run tile-based apps within windows that can overlap and be adjusted to any size. That had long been the way Windows worked. But starting with Windows 8, people were limited to adjusting how much horizontal space those apps take. Microsoft didnt say when such an update will come.

Oil falls even with supply drop

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NEW YORK (AP) - The price of oil fell slightly Wednesday, despite a report of an unexpected decline in the nation's supplies.Benchmark U.S. crude for May delivery slipped 12 cents to close at $99.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Brent crude, used to set prices for international varieties of oil, dropped 83 cents to $104.79 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London as traders considered the possible reopening of export terminals in Libya.The U.S. Energy Department said Wednesday that the nation's supply of crude oil fell by 2.4 million barrels last week, counter to the expectations of analysts surveyed by Platts, who were looking for an increase of 1.8 million barrels. Still, it was the first decline in 11 weeks and traders might be waiting for further evidence of increased demand for oil.Meanwhile, the possible reopening of oil export facilities occupied by militias in eastern Libya, until recently an important supplier to European refineries, also weighed the price of Brent, though analysts continued to be cautious.The ports in question have a daily export capacity of 600,000 barrels, which would increase Libya's oil shipments six-fold in one fell swoop, said analysts at Commerzbank in Frankfurt in a note to clients. They cautioned, however, that similar reports in the past had shown that any agreement that is reached can in a matter of days turn out to be worth less than the paper it is written on.

Musharraf offered 5-year exile deal: Kasuri

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Former President Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri claimed on Wednesday that government has offered a five-year exile deal to former president; however the claim was denied by Musharraf’s spokesman Rashid Qureshi, Dunya News reported.Earlier, Government resolved not to remove former president Pervez Musharraf’s name from Exit Control List (ECL) on Wednesday after holding detailed consultations, Dunya News reported.According to Dunya News sources, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made the decision after thorough consultations with party leaders and Army Chief that lasted over 2 days. The majority of those consulted opposed the removal of Musharraf’s name from ECL.Interior Minister has written a detailed letter to former president formally informing him about government’s decision.Reportedly, Musharraf is likely to file an appeal against the decision in Supreme Court.Former president had written to federal government requesting removal of name from ECL. Following government’s decision, Musharraf’s spokesperson issued a statement saying such a decision was expected and that government’s intention has been exposed through this decision.The spokesperson said that court had made it clear that former president is a free man, adding that government’s decision will be challenged in Supreme Court.It is pertinent to mention here that Special Court hearing Musharraf treason trial had said on Monday that it is the federal government that has put Musharraf’s name on ECL adding that only federal government can remove it.Musharraf had pleaded the special court to allow him to leave the country to visit his ailing mother. Special Court’s registrar Court had adjourned the hearing until April 15.

Afridi desires to become cricket team's captain

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan cricket team’s all rounder Shahid Khan Afridi expressed desire to become national cricket team’s captain, adding that he is willing to accept any challenge for the sake of team, Dunya News reported.Addressing media at Karachi airport upon returning from Bangladesh, Afridi heavily criticized Pakistani batting lineup in crucial match against West Indies and said that the target was not difficult at all. He said the team lost the match due to their negative attitude, adding that the team set a record of earliest wicket loss.He said a real player can only be judged from how he performs under pressure.Afridi said that last three overs did the most damage to the team, and that the earlier overs slipped Pakistan’s grip off the match.He said the batsmen should have performed the way they did against Australia.Afridi said Pakistan has best players at this time and that the team has to make them perform.He said if you assess the team overall then the performance was fine, adding that the team can perform really well in future. He vowed he would do everything to make team better.West Indies had advanced to semi finals after beating Pakistan by 84 runs in a crucial T20 match, confirming Pakistan’s exit from T20 World Cup 2014. This is the first time Pakistan haven’t advanced to semi finals since inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

PM lifts ban on recruitment in govt departments

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted ban on recruitment for the government department jobs on Wednesday, allowing the departments to continue recruiting necessary staff, Dunya News reported.PM lifted the years old ban on temporary, contractual recruitment permitting the recruitment of necessary staff.This will allow recruitment in finance ministry, commerce and trade ministry among others.Earlier, speaking on Afghanistan security, PM Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the government believes in democratic Afghanistan and that policy of interference is counterproductive, Dunya News reported.Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said during his meeting with UK National Security Advisor Kim Darroch in Islamabad that progressive policies of the government have shown positive results on economy, adding that concrete steps have been taken to overcome energy crisis.He said the government has evolved consensus amongst all the stakeholders for dialogue in order to tackle the issue of terrorism.Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan believes in policy of non-interference and that its soil will not be used against Afghanistan. He said Pakistan supports the democratic process in Afghanistan.Discouraging arms race in the region, the Prime Minister said Pakistan wants peace and stability in South Asia.

S Waziristan: 16 Taliban prisoners freed as 'goodwill gesture'

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PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – South Waziristan’s political administration released 16 Taliban prisoners on Wednesday as part of goodwill gesture, Dunya News reported.According to reports, those freed were arrested during various search operations in South Waziristan two years ago. Sources say the free men include Mera Jan, Abdullah Jan, Salamat Khan, Bandshah Gul, Abdul Aziz, Noorzada, Satta Jan, Saddam Hussain, Ziauddin, Sher Pao, Riaz Ali, Mir Alam, Sher Alam Khan, Iqbal, Noor Alam.Reportedly, these men belong to outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of Mehsood area.Politic Agent South Waziristan Islam Zeb confirmed the release when contacted by Dunya News. He claimed the freed men are innocent tribal persons who were taken into custody during search operations.He said these men are freed upon guarantee of Senator Saleh Shah and have nothing to do with negotiation process.Earlier, outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Mohmand Agency’s leader said on Wednesday that the ceasefire between government and Taliban has not been extended, warning this could lead to restart of war against Pakistan.Taliban Mohmand Agency leader Khalid Umar Khurasani alleged that government violated promises during ceasefire period, threatening that government has to bear the consequence.He further alleged that influential sections of society want the war to continue, reiterating that the government and army are sole responsible for lack of ceasefire-extension.Talking about former president Pervez Musharraf, he said that Musharraf is being given a safe exit from the country.He also talked about Pakistan’s defeat in T20 cricket world cup and said Allah caused the defeat to leave the nation crying and mourning.
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