Saturday 18 October 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

US-led strike kills 8 in IS-held Syria town

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MURSITPINAR (AP) - A U.S.-led coalition airstrike on a gas distribution facility in a stronghold of the Islamic State group set off a series of secondary explosions and killed at least eight people in eastern Syria, activists said Saturday.The airstrike targeted a distribution station in the town of Khasham in the oil-rich province of Deir el-Zour late Friday, Deir el-Zour Free Radio, an activist collective, said on its Facebook page. The collective named four of those killed and said another four charred bodies were placed in a nearby mosque. It said the slain men were mostly fuel tanker drivers.Another activist group, the Deir el-Zour Network, described long tongues of flames from the strike. The incident was also reported by the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists inside Syria.The U.S.-led coalition has aggressively targeted IS-held oil facilities in Syria, which provide a key source of income for the militants. But such strikes also endanger civilians, which could undermine long-term efforts to destroy the group.Other airstrikes late Friday targeted oil wells in the Deir el-Zour province, the activists said.There was no immediate comment by the U.S. military.The U.S.-led coalition began a bombing campaign against the IS group in Syria in late September after striking at the extremists in neighboring Iraq, where they also hold swaths of territory.In recent days, much of the coalitions strikes have focused around the Syrian border town of Kobani, also known as Ayn Arab, which IS militants have been trying to seize since mid-September.On Saturday, Islamic State militants fired a barrage of mortar rounds toward Kobani, focusing their efforts near the border crossing with Turkey. Some of the shells landed in Turkish territory, but did not cause any damage. As gun and mortar fire in the town echoed across the border, at least five coalition airstrikes sent plumes of black smoke into the sky.Idriss Nassan, a senior Kobani official, said the airstrikes had helped halt the advance of the militants. But he said the Kurdish fighters defending Kobani would need more weapons and ammunition to save the town.Airstrikes are not enough, said Nassan. Its reduced ISIS, but its not enough to defeat them, he said.The Kurdish forces efforts to rearm have been stymied by Turkey, which has long viewed the main Kurdish fighting force in Kobani -- the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG -- with suspicion over its links to the Kurdish PKK insurgent group operating in Turkey. Turkey has also demanded that the coalition widen its campaign against the IS group by providing greater aid to Syrian rebels, who are battling both the extremist group and President Bashar Assads forces.Syrian government airstrikes on a rebel-held town near Damascus killed at least 16 people late Friday as part of intensified efforts by government forces to secure approaches to the capital, activists said.At least five strikes targeted the town of Douma on Friday evening, said local activist Hassan Taqulden and the Observatory, which said the bombs killed at least three children and one woman.There are people under the rubble and we cant help them, Taqulden said. An online video purportedly showing the aftermath of the strikes showed a bloodied little girl with a bandage around her head and a toddler on a hospital cot. The video appeared genuine and was consistent with Associated Press reporting.Syrian state media said late Friday that government forces had attacked terrorists in Douma. The government routinely refers to rebels as terrorists, and does not acknowledge civilian casualties.Syrias air force has stepped up its bombing of Douma over the past three months as part of a broader battle to assert government control around Damascus and prevent rebels from staging attacks from the citys outskirts. Rebel attacks have also killed scores of civilians.Activists say Syrias three-year civil war has killed more than 200,000 people.

Iraq lawmakers approve interior, defense ministers

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BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqi lawmakers approved Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis remaining Cabinet nominees on Saturday, including for the critical defense and interior portfolios, completing the formation of a government that will strive to push the Islamic State extremist group out of the sprawling territory it has seized in recent months.Control over the two powerful security ministries has long been a source of tension among Iraqs feuding political factions. The U.S. and other allies have been pushing for a more representative government that can reach out to Sunnis, who felt marginalized by former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Sunni discontent is widely seen as having fueled the IS groups dramatic advances in Iraq since June, when it captured the countrys second largest city Mosul.Khaled al-Obeidi, a Sunni lawmaker from Mosul, was selected for the post of defense minister, by a vote of 175-85. He had served as an officer in Saddam Husseins military and holds a PhD in political science.Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban, a Shiite lawmaker with al-Abadis State of Law political bloc, was approved as minister of interior by a 197-63 vote. He holds degrees from universities in both Tehran and London and he is currently pursuing a PhD in political science in Baghdad. He was a long-time opponent of Saddam and was detained in 1979.Hoshyar Zebari, a Kurdish politician and Iraqs long-serving foreign minister, was named minister of finance, having previously been voted in as deputy prime minister. Shiite lawmaker Adel Fahd al-Shirshab was named tourism minister, and Kurdish lawmaker Bayan Nouri was appointed minister of womens affairs.Iraq is facing its worst crisis since the 2011 withdrawal of U.S. troops, with the Islamic State group in control of about a third of the country.Iraqs U.S.-trained and equipped armed forces collapsed in the face of the militants advance, abandoning heavy weapons that the extremist group is now using in battles across both Iraq and Syria.Many have blamed the armys poor performance on al-Maliki, saying he replaced top officers with inexperienced or incompetent political allies in order to monopolize power. From 2010 until his resignation in August, al-Maliki had held both the interior and defense portfolios, in part because lawmakers could not agree on nominees for them.The U.S. began launching airstrikes against the Islamic State group in August and along with Western allies has provided aid to Iraqi forces and Kurds fighting in the north. But Washington has repeatedly called on Baghdad to reach out to the Sunni and Kurdish minorities, saying only a unified Iraqi government can defeat the extremists.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called the completion of the Iraqi government a very positive step forward.These were critical positions to be filled in order to assist with the organizing effort with respect to ISIL, Kerry told reporters in Boston on Saturday.The State Department praised the move in a statement, saying the ministers represent the diversity of Iraq, and complete an inclusive Cabinet.Iraqi lawmakers expressed hope that the new government would help boost morale among troops in the field.I think that the security situation will improve after the selection of the two ministers, because now troops know that when they fight, the whole country and all the political blocs are supporting them, said Rsoul Radhi, a Shiite lawmaker from al-Abadis bloc.All security and political efforts should now be directed toward retaking the territories held by Daesh, he added, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.Lawmakers approved most of al-Abadis Cabinet on Sept. 8 and officially voted him in as prime minister, bringing a formal end to al-Malikis eight-year rule, but al-Abadi requested a delay in naming defense and interior ministers because lawmakers had not agreed on his proposed candidates. Candidates put forward on Sept. 16 were rejected by parliament.Security issues should now be the priority for Iraqi officials and politicians who showed today they are aware that political wrangling will lead the country nowhere, said Kurdish lawmaker Perwan Muslih. All efforts should be directed toward the common enemy.Later on Saturday, a car bomb exploded near a cafe just south of Baghdad, killing four people and wounding 14 others. Another bomb near a small restaurant in Baghdads western district of Ghazaliyah killed three people and wounded 16 others.In the town of Mahmoudiya, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Baghdad, a car bomb exploded on a commercial street, killing four people and wounding 16 others, said police.Hospital officials confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Thousands march on London over wages

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LONDON (AFP) - Tens of thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday to protest against falling real wages and public spending cuts introduced to tame Britains deficit.Organisers the Trades Union Congress (TUC), a federation of the countrys main trade unions, estimated that around 80,000 supporters had gathered on the banks of the River Thames.Led by TUC chief Frances OGrady, other union leaders and a marching band, the mile-long train of demonstrators set off from Waterloo Bridge at noon (1100 GMT) before snaking past Trafalgar Square on its way to Hyde Park, where it was to end.The Britain Needs a Pay Rise march organisers are calling on the government to take action to increase wages in both public and private sectors, claiming they have slumped by 50 pounds ($80, 63 euros) a week since 2008.This is the worst Ive known it, said Keith Martin, a 49-year-old labourer.Everyone in public services has been hammered for the last three or four years, Ive had a 25 percent pay cut and theyre (the government) still not saving the money they need to save.Led by drummers, brass bands, stilt-walkers and members dragging sound systems, the demonstration had a carnival air, with a large but low-visibility police presence.Teachers, nurses, firefighters, chiropodists and museum workers were among those shaking football-style rattles and blowing whistles in protest.These are the worst cuts in history to our service, Matt Wrack, chief of the Fire Brigades Union, told AFP.Weve seen about 5,000 firefighter jobs go, weve seen 39 fire stations closed, 65 fire engines axed, and our pensions are being destroyed.Some wore T-shirts demanding Save Our National Health Service, others called for the super-rich parasites to pay their taxes.Despite the huge numbers marching, the British public has largely accepted the need to trim public spending, and both major parties vow they will not radically increase spending if they win next years general election.I think there are people who are misinformed, Conan Doyle, 31, volunteer with anti-cuts group Peoples Assembly, said of those supporting austerity.You ask a young mother, does she like austerity, when it comes to a choice between feeding or clothing, shes going to say no. The people at the top have been able to increase their wealth with impunity.Despite enviable growth figures, Britains economic recovery has yet to deliver significant wage rises.A recent study by the New Economics Foundation found that households had suffered a 15 percent decline in their real incomes over the last year, while the Institute for Policy Research reported that wages had failed to keep pace with inflation since 2008.Everybody seems to be working just to pay the bills and not really to live, said a 61-year old carer, who asked not to be named. Family life is going downhill.Im 62 next year, Ive had to give up work and all I get is a carers allowance, I dont get a wage. I think I should get a wage. Id like to see a totally new system, she added.Things are looking very gloomy, agreed Sian Charnley, 65. And they will until the centres of power change and ordinary people are able to think about their future and work towards it.

Heavy rains leave 22 dead in Nicaragua

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MANAGUA (AFP) - Days of torrential rains in Nicaragua left 22 people dead and left homeless more than 32,000 others, according to an official report Saturday.Nine of the victims died when a retaining wall collapsed and flattened four shacks near the capital Managua, government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said. The report said 4,544 homes were damaged or destroyed by floods or were evacuated due to flood risk.The rains impacted 17 departments in the country and 5,630 people are in temporary shelters and receiving food aid, Murillo said.

Tennis: Murray, Ferrer take Tour finals duel into Vienna showdown

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VIENNA (AFP) - Andy Murray moved into eighth place in the race to the ATP World Tour finals on Saturday as he and top seed David Ferrer both reached the final at the Austrian Open.Murray, a title winner at Shenzhen in September, booked his place in his second title match in a month with a defeat of qualifier Viktor Troicki 6-4, 6-3 in 82 minutes.Ferrer, who trails Murray by just 10 points in the race to Novembers eight-man World Tour Finals in London, needed an hour more to go through, beating German fourth seed Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/3).Sundays title match will be key for both Murray and Ferrer, who are among the top contenders for the three remaining spots at the London showpiece.US Open champion Marin Cilic was the latest to join the field alongside Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka.Murray turned in a workmanlike effort in just under 90 minutes against Serbian Troicki, who had fought his way through the qualifying rounds with the Scot taking his head-to-head record in the series to 6-0.Murray earned his 50th victory of the season with four breaks from 11 chances.Ive been getting a bit better with each match, said Murray, who broke a 15-month dry spell with his Shenzhen success. He had opportunities to be sure. I needed to play well on some key points. David will be tough for sure, hes very motivated, like myself, for London.Murray will be playing in his 44th ATP final as he seeks a 30th title.In his rush to qualify for London, Murray is competing for a fourth straight week.He still has two more weeks to go, with a wild card entry into Valencia next week and the Paris Masters to close out the official ATP season.Ferrer and Kohlschreiber each overcame six double-faults in their semi-final duel, with the Spanish top seed winning the opening set only to double-fault away the second.The third set was a struggle as the top seed came back from 4-2 down and converted in the eventual tiebreaker on the first of three match points to advance as Kohlschreiber hit the net.It was a very close match, said Ferrer. He played aggressive at key moments but also made mistakes.Im fighting for a place in London so the final will be important for me, said Ferrer, 6-7 against Murray.Ill have to play my best if Im to have a chance. Certainly I must serve better than today.Ferrer defeated Murray last week in the Shanghai Masters third round.This match will be completely different, its indoors, the past does not count. Murray is a top player and is fighting for London.

Tennis: Cilic to meet Bautista-Agut in Moscow's final

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MOSCOW (AFP) - US Open champion Marin Cilic battled back from a set down to advance into the Kremlin Cup final after beating last years runner-up Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan on Saturday.In the title-deciding match he will face fifth seed Spaniard Roberto Bautista-Agut, who saw off Latvias Ernest Gulbis, seeded third here.The 26-year-old Croat Cilic, a career-high eighth in the ATP rankings, also claimed the fifth spot in the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.He fired 10 aces for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win in two hours 12 minutes.This was one of my childhood dreams, Cilic said about winning a place in the London finals. Im extremely happy about this success. Its another achievement in my career. It will be a big honour for me to participate there.The rivals held serve until the ninth game when Kukushkin, 74th in the ATP rankings, broke to take the opening set in 49 minutes.Second-seed Cilic replied with a break in the second set to pull the scores level at 1-1.In the deciding set Cilic produced two more breaks to win the match and book a place in his fifth ATP final this season.Meanwhile, Bautista-Agut had a much easier path to the final, breaking Gulbiss serve once in each set to win 6-4, 6-4.Today I played very close to my best tennis, Bautista-Agut said.I served well and moved well around the court. That was the key to my success today.Ive won both finals that Ive played this year and I hope Ill be able to play a good final tomorrow as well.In the WTA section of the event sixth seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova booked a final spot with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Czech teenager Katerina Siniakova.In the final Pavlyuchenkova will face Romanias Irina-Camelia Begu, who ousted another Czech player, fourth seed Lucie Safarova 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-3.Pavlyuchenkova, 30th in the WTA rankings, was in command from the start, breaking her rivals serve twice in both sets to win in one hour 14 minutes.My opponent didnt play too bad today, Pavlyuchenkova said.She wasnt frightened and started well. I think I did everything right today.In the other semi-final the opening set was decided on a tiebreak that Begu won to grab the lead.This years Wimbledon semi-finalist, Safarova broke twice in the second to level at one set all.In the decider, Begu got the crucial break in the eighth game to reach her first final in two years.I dont feel any pressure here, I just enjoy the tournament and it seems to work perfect so far, Begu said.Of course Im happy to get a final spot here after struggling with a shoulder injury last year.

Tennis: Serena seeks WTA finals hat-trick

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SINGAPORE (AFP) - Serena Williams will aim to become the first woman to win the WTA World Tour Finals three times in a row since Monica Seles in 1992 when the season-ending tournament begins in Singapore on Monday.Williams won the title for the last two years when it was held in Istanbul and she previously triumphed in 2009 and 2001.The 33-year-old world number one from the United States will start as a strong favourite having won the US Open with some ease in September. It was her 18th Grand Slam title win.The draw made on Saturday was also kind to her with her round-robin Red Group opponents being the youthful pair of Simona Halep of Romania and Eugenie Bouchard of Canada along with former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.World number two Maria Sharapova is the headliner in the White Group with opposition from in-form Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.The only cloud hanging over Williams concerns her fitness following her withdrawal from the WTA Beijing tournament earlier this month due to a knee injury.Williams, though, said she was ready to play.I dont care who I play, to be perfectly honest with you. You can put me against anybody at this point, Im ready, she said after the draw.I really cant wait for my match. I wish I had a match tomorrow.Bouchard is also a fitness doubt after pulling out of a tournament in Austria 10 days ago because of a leg problem, while Ivanovic, who has a 1-7 win-loss record against Williams, also withdrew from Linz with a hip injury.Halep, who reached the French Open final in June where she took Sharapova all the way before losing, has been struggling for form in recent weeks and has been unable to make it past the quarter-finals of an event since July.Focus in the White Group will no doubt centre on the clash between former champions Sharapova and Kvitova.Sharapova, who last won the tournament in 2004, retains an outside chance of overtaking Williams at the top of the rankings, although to do so she will probably need a flawless run at the Singapore Sports Hub.The most recent meeting between Sharapova and Kvitova came earlier this month, Sharapova triumphing in three sets in the final of the China Open.WTA Finals draw:Red Group:Serena Williams (USA), Simona Halep (ROM), Eugenie Bouchard (CAN), Ana Ivanovic (SRB).White Group:Maria Sharapova (RUS), Petra Kvitova (CZE), Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), Caroline Wozniacki (DEN).

Football: Chelsea maintain gap with Palace win

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LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea maintained their five-point advantage at the head of the Premier League after goals from Oscar and Cesc Fabregas secured a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday in a game where both sides were reduced to ten men.Oscars sixth minute free-kick sent Chelsea on their way and Fabregass 51st-minute goal ensured they had a cushion to protect them from Palaces late rally that was capped by a 90th-minute reply from Fraizer Campbell.Chelseas victory was reward for the way they reacted after the dismissal of Cesar Azpilicueta and Palaces Damien Delaney in the space of three minutes towards the end of the first half.Azpilicueta was sent off for an ugly lunge on Mile Jedinak in the 39th minute but a second yellow card for Delaney quickly removed the hosts one-man advantage.Up to that point, Palace had looked capable of forcing their way back into the game but Chelsea -- captained by John Terry for the 500th time -- responded well and showed why they have maintained an unbeaten start to their league campaign.Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was fiercely critical of his players following the defeat at Selhurst Park in March that contributed to the Blues failure to sustain their title challenge.And he was forced to go into this clash without in-form striker Diego Costa -- who scored nine goals in the opening seven league games -- after the forward was injured while playing two games on international duty with Spain last week.With Didier Drogba also short of full fitness, Loic Remy was handed a first league start since his 10.5 million pounds ($17.4 million, 13.3 million euros) deadline day arrival from Queens Park Rangers.But the change appeared to have little effect on Chelsea, who quickly assumed control of the game through Oscars set-piece.Delaney was guilty of conceding the free-kick close to the edge of the penalty area when he fouled Willian and Oscar took full advantage with a curling short over the defensive wall and beyond the dive of Palace keeper Julian Speroni.Palace, though, have maintained the momentum that helped them escape relegation last season and responded positively, with Campbell in particular causing the visitors problems.And Palaces hopes of working their way back into the game were boosted when Azpilicueta was dismissed.The Chelsea left-back lunged at Jedinak with his studs showing after losing control of the ball, giving the referee little option but to issue a red card.Palace had been handed the opportunity to increase the pressure on Chelsea but they squandered the one-man advantage when Delaney foolishly collected his second yellow card just three minutes later.The home centre-back had been booked for a clumsy challenge on Remy in the 30th minute and while his second infringement was relatively innocuous, there was little doubt the Republic of Ireland international again checked the progress of the Chelsea forward.Chelsea had been given a reprieve and moved quickly to put the game beyond the reach of the home side with a superbly-worked goal six minutes after the restart.A rapid exchange of short, sharp passes between Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Oscar cut through the Palace defence and was capped with a precise right foot finish from Fabregas when the Spain international found himself one-on-one with Speroni.Chelsea then cruised through the second half and when Campbell turned home from close range from Wilfried Zahas low cross, it came too late to affect the outcome.

Football: Barca, Madrid win ahead of Clasico clash

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MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona maintained their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga ahead of next weekends first El Clasico of the season with a 3-0 win over Eibar on Saturday.Madrid cruised to victory earlier in the day as they secured a seventh consecutive win in all competitions with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice in a 5-0 rout away to Levante.After a frustrating opening 45 minutes, Barca finally went in front when Xavi Hernandez dinked home his first goal of the season from Lionel Messis slide rule pass on the hour mark.Neymar then volleyed home to double the hosts advantage before the Brazilian teed up Messi to drive home the third and take the Argentine to within one goal of equalling Telmo Zarra as the all-time leading scorer in La Liga.We struggled to make the breakthrough, but once you score the first one it is a lot easier, Xavi told Canal Plus.Perhaps they were a bit more tired in the second-half, they had worked a lot defensively.We tried in every way possible and although it didnt go in before the first goal, generally we played very well.We kept another clean sheet, which shows we are working well defensively as well.Messi was looking to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Barca debut this week by breaking the record, but he was frustrated by Eibars massed ranks of well-organised defenders during the opening 45 minutes.The four-time World Player of the Year should have opened the scoring on 20 minutes after a neat one-two with Dani Alves but Xabi Iruretas trailing leg prevented Messis attempted nutmeg from finding the net.Messi then flashed a shot inches wide from the edge of the area, but against the run of play it was Eibar who had two glorious opportunities to go ahead before the break.Ander Capa had an open goal to aim at as he rounded Claudio Bravo, but passed up the chance to become the first man to score against Barca in the league this season as he could only find the set-netting.And Bravo then had to come to his sides rescue as he rushed from his line to turn Saul Berjons effort behind as he raced clear on goal.However, Barcelona finally broke through after half-time when Xavi and Messi exchanged passes before the former lofted the ball over the advancing Irureta to the relief of coach Luis Enrique.The floodgates then opened as Dani Alvess cross was thumped home by Neymar for his ninth goal of the season 19 minutes from time.Neymar then turned provider as his cushioned pass into Messis path was rifled in off the far post by his strike partner to take his tally in La Liga to 250 goals in 285 games.Only a fine save from Irureta in the dying seconds prevented Messi from tying Zarras 59-year-old record with a header from close range.Real Madrid, meanwhile, ensured they will head into a big week full of confidence with another five goals at Levante, the fifth time they have struck at least five goals in their last seven outings.Cristiano Ronaldo stretched his fine scoring streak at club level to nine straight games as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Javier Hernandez headed home to double Madrids lead before half-time.Ronaldo powered home his 15th league goal in just seven appearances this season to make it 3-0 before sweet finishes from James Rodriguez and Isco rounded out the scoring for the European champions.However, Madrid have a number of injury concerns ahead of their midweek trip to Liverpool in the Champions League, before hosting Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday.Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos missed the match, while Gareth Bale was an unused substitute after returning from international duty with a gluteal muscle injury.Not that Ancelotti is overly concerned.I think we are arriving well into this week. We had a difficult game to prepare here, but we played very well and seriously. We were very concentrated and it all went well, said Ancelotti.Now we have time to, firstly recover some players, and then think about the game on Wednesday.

Vettori in NZ squad for South Africa ODIs

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WELLINGTON (AP) - Former captain Daniel Vettori has been included in New Zealands 14-man squad to play the first of three one-day internationals against South Africa on Tuesday.The 35-year-old left-arm spinner played the most recent of his 275 one-dayers for New Zealand against England in June last year. He has since been sidelined by an ankle injury.Vettori bowled 10 overs for a New Zealand XI which played Scotland last week to satisfy national coach Mike Hesson belief that he is ready for a recall.Batsmen Dean Brownlie and Tom Latham have also been recalled to the New Zealand squad in place of Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson, who are injured. Taylor is expected to miss the entire series with a calf muscle strain while Williamson will miss the first match at Tauranga with a wrist injury.Tom had a very good tour to the West Indies with the test team and also impressed in the warm-up match in Lincoln (Christchurch), while Dean was in strong form on the recent NZA tour to the UK, Hesson said.The 30-year-old Australian-born Brownlie last played a one-day international for New Zealand in the West Indies in July 2012 while Latham, 22, made his most recent ODI appearance against Sri Lanka in November last year.Hesson said Vettori had been training the house down since his return from injury.Fast bowler Tim Southee has also been passed fit after not being considered for the New Zealand XIs rained-out 50 overs match against Ireland on Saturday. He leads a New Zealand attack which includes Trent Boult, who played his most-recent ODI in February last year, and Matt Henry who took 4-38 on debut against India in January.The three-match one-day series serves as a warm-up for both New Zealand and South Africa for the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia early next year.South Africa are a very consistent outfit in all forms, deservedly ranked second in one day cricket and have world-class players throughout their line-up, Hesson said.Weve never played international cricket this early in the season so the conditions will be challenging and its hard to know how the new ground at (Taurangas) Bay Oval will shape up.But both teams will be hungry to get their Cricket World Cup preparations off to a good start.New Zealand squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Neesham, luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori.

PPP has roots throughout Pakistan: Manzoor Wattoo

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KARACHI: (Dunya News) – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Punjab President Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has said that PPP has roots throughout Pakistan. He said that the nation has found its news and dynamic leadership in the shape of Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.Addressing the PPP gathering on Saturday in Karachi, Manzoor Wattoo said that PPP held the largest political gathering in Lahore’s history on late Benazir Bhutto’s return in 1986. “Those who say that PPP is limited to Sindh only should see how PPP flags are being hoisted from Kashmir to Karachi. He congratulated the PPP workers from Punjab and paid them a rich tribute for joining the gathering in Karachi.Manzoor Wattoo said that cowards can either be traders or businessmen but they can never be brave. PPP is the party of the braves, he said. “Benazir Bhutto laid down her life but did not bow down”, he said. He said that people were waiting for a Bhutto after Benazir Bhutto and Bilawal has come to fill this gap.“Those who used to talk about load shedding, have they ended it today?” asked former Chief Minister of Punjab. He said that increase in electricity tariffs has made it difficult for the people to meet their ends. “We are with the democracy. We are with the constitution. We are not with any government or any other party. We are saviors of democracy and constitution”, he said. Punjab gave a warm welcome to Bilawal a few months back which proves his popularity in the province.

Taufeeq Umar recalled for Australia series

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ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistan has recalled opening batsmen Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez while naming three uncapped players on Saturday for the 15-man squad for the first test against Australia.The 33-year-old Umar has played 43 tests but the left-hander last competed for his country against Sri Lanka in 2012.Hafeez is also making a comeback after being ignored for the August series against Sri Lanka which Pakistan lost 2-0.Rookie middle-order batsman Haris Sohail has been rewarded for his century in Pakistan As 153-run victory against Australia in the warm-up match which ended Saturday while the other two uncapped players are fast bowler Imran Khan and legspinner Yasir Shah.The first of two tests begins Wednesday in Dubai.

Siddiqul Farooq's appointment challenged in Islamabad High Court

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Senator Babar Awan has challenged the appointment of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader Siddiqul Farooq as Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in Islamabad High Court. Senator Babar Awan has challenged his appointment.It has been maintained in the petition that Siddiqul Farooq’s appointment is in violation of the Supreme Court’s orders. ETPB and Siddiqul Farooq have also been made parties to the petition.

US, China vow to overcome mistrust ahead of Obama visit

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BOSTON (AP) - The U.S. and China pledged Saturday to overcome mistrust, manage their differences and cooperate on key issues like combating terrorism and the spread of the Ebola virus as President Barack Obama prepares to travel to the Chinese capital next month.Meeting in Boston, Secretary of State John Kerry and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi said the relationship between the two countries is mature enough to discuss disagreements while building on areas of shared interest.There are many issues that China and the United States are cooperating on, even as we have some differences that we try to manage effectively, Kerry told reporters as he began a second day of talks with Yang.Yang, noting that Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping had made improved relations a priority, agreed.We believe that we should continue to work together to deepen our mutual trust and to put our efforts to major areas of cooperation while, on the basis of mutual respect, we can properly handle many kinds of difference between us, he said.Washington and Beijing have recently clashed over matters including territorial disputes between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. At the same time, the two countries are working together on efforts to rein in nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea and have a common goal in curbing Islamist extremism, climate change and Ebola.China is among several countries the Obama administration has implored to step up efforts to fight the Ebola virus by contributing more to the international campaign to stop its spread from the source in West Africa.Kerry is hosting Yang in his hometown for two days of discussions ahead of Obamas trip to Beijing for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in November. On Friday, Kerry opened his home in Bostons tony Beacon Hill neighborhood for a dinner.The meetings follow talks in Washington earlier this month between Kerry and Chinas foreign minister during which they aired differences over Hong Kong.After his meetings with Yang on Saturday, Kerry will travel to Indonesia for the inauguration on Monday of its new president, Joko Widodo, who won a July election.On Tuesday, Kerry will go to Berlin to meet with Germanys foreign minister before returning to Washington.

Ronaldo on a roll, scores 2 more goals in Spanish League

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 14th and 15th goals to set a record scoring start to Spanish league season on Saturday as Real Madrid eased to a 5-0 win at Levante.Ronaldo opened from the penalty spot in the 13th minute before adding another goal in the 61st, increasing his league-leading tally to 15 goals in eight rounds despite missing one game due to injury. The Portugal forward has scored more than double the seven goals Neymar has in second place in the leading scorers list.Javier Hernandez, James Rodriguez and Francisco Isco Alarcon also scored to rout the overmatched hosts at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium.Gareth Bale didnt play ahead of Wednesdays trip to Liverpool in the Champions League with the first clasico match of the season against Barcelona coming three days later.Madrid rose into a provisional second place, one point behind Barcelona before it hosts Eibar later, when Lionel Messi will also take a shot at the history books, needing two goals to equal the leagues all-time scorer.Ronaldo has scored 19 goals in all competitions and found the net in 10 of his 12 appearances for Madrid. He also grabbed a stoppage-time winner for Portugal in 1-0 victory over Denmark in a European Championship qualifier on Tuesday.Hernandez had a part in Ronaldos first goal when he took a pass in the area and was fouled from behind by Juanfran Garcia. Ronaldo stepped up and drove in the spot kick.Hernandez played well in place of the ill Karim Benzema and scored in the 38th when he headed Rodriguezs cross in off the grass.Ronaldo made it 3-0 with an electrifying slalom to dribble past two defenders and cap a counterattack started by Isco.Rodriguez scored five minutes later after deftly controlling Toni Kroos lobbed pass with his chest before firing the ball home, and Isco finished off the demoralized Levante in the 82nd.Luca Modric quietly had his best outing for Madrid this season, despite missing a clear chance to get a goal of his own. Modric set up Ronaldo twice in the opening minutes only for him to misfire, and the Croatia midfielder stifled Levantes best chance in the 26th when he cleared Victor Camarasas goal-bound volley from the line.
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