Wednesday 31 December 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Muzaffarabad: 11 killed as van plunges into river

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MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) - According to details, a passenger van travelling from Rawalpindi to Muzaffarabad fell into River Jhelum in Asgharabad area near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, killing at least 11 people and injuring four others.Rescue teams and residents of the area shifted the dead and injured to Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences.

Karachi: 11 injured during New Year celebrations

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – At least 11 people were injured in aerial firing during New Year celebrations in different parts of Karachi on Wednesday night.Aerial firing started in different parts of the city, including New Karachi, Haidri Market, Saddar and Nazimabad as clock ticked 12:00midnight. Rescue officials shifted the injured to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Civil Hospital.

Lampard to stay at Man City to end of season

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MANCHESTER (AP) - Frank Lampard will carry on playing for Manchester City throughout the Premier League season, the English champions announced Wednesday night.Manchester City can confirm that it has extended Frank Lampards contract up to the end of Manchester Citys season, enabling his continued participation in both domestic and European campaigns, the club said in a statement on its website.Lampard will now be available to face Sunderland in a league match at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.The 36-year-old former England and Chelsea midfielder was on a short-term deal which was due to expire on New Years Day when he would officially become a player of MLS team New York City a sister club of Manchester City.City manager Manuel Pellegrini had made no secret of his desire to keep Lampard, who has scored six goals in 17 appearances for the club, although he has only started three league games.Lampards stay has added value with Yaya Toure set to go to the African Nations Cup, while City is also light on proven scorers with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko both out injured.Lampard joined City in August, ostensibly to maintain fitness ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer season, which begins in March.Halfway through the Premier League season, which ends May 24, City is in second position three points behind Jose Mourinhos Chelsea.City is also through to the knockout stage of the Champions League for the second straight year and plays Barcelona on Feb. 24 in the home leg.

Del Potro joins Cilic on Brisbane withdrawal list

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BRISBANE (AP) - Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina has withdrawn from the Brisbane International with a left wrist injury, joining another former U.S. Open champion, Marin Cilic, on the tournament sidelines.Del Potro has been off the tour since undergoing surgery in March, but had targeted Brisbane as his return. The withdrawal of the 2009 U.S. Open champion also leaves him in doubt for the Australian Open, while he appears unlikely to defend the Sydney International he won last year.Cilic, who has a right shoulder injury, announced his withdrawal Tuesday.Roger Federer, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and defending Lleyton Hewitt are playing in the mens event at Brisbane, while Victoria Azarenka and Sam Stosur are among those in the womens draw.

China New Year stampede kills 35 in Shanghai: city govt

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SHANGHAI (AFP) - A stampede by New Years revellers on Shanghais historic waterfront killed 35 people and injured dozens more, the city government said early Thursday.The crush happened in a crowded square shortly before midnight as people packed the Bund area to welcome the New Year, according to a local government statement.The Bund, renowned for its pre-Chinese revolution architecture, is the former financial district of the countrys commercial hub and now a popular tourist destination, packed with high-end restaurants and expensive boutiques.The cause of the accident was under investigation, the statement said, adding city government leaders had called for every effort to care for the 42 injured.A photo on the website of the Shanghai Daily newspaper showed what appeared to be dead and injured people lying on the ground with crowds still in the background.The injured have been taken to at least three local hospitals, the Shanghai government said in a separate statement.By dawn, there was little evidence of the disaster beyond a lone police van with its lights flashing and rubbish discarded by celebrants the night before.An elderly woman doing her morning exercises on the Bund said: We offer sympathy for the dead and injured.An urban worker sweeping up debris added simply: There is nothing left.Although people have traditionally flocked to the Bund to celebrate the New Year, the district government overseeing the area has more recently hosted a performance to mark the occasion, local media reported.The site was moved to a new location on the Bund for last nights celebration, specifically due to concerns about over-crowding, after nearly 300,000 people turned out last year, the Shanghai Daily newspaper said on its website.The square where the stampede occurred is named for Chen Yi, the first mayor of the city after the Communist Party took power in 1949.Most large gatherings in China are carefully controlled by authorities but the country has seen other incidents in which overcrowding has caused panic and deaths.Last year, 14 people -- some of them children -- were killed and 10 injured in a stampede that broke out as food was being distributed at a mosque in Chinas Ningxia region.Also last year, six students were killed in a stampede at a primary school in Kunming city in the southwest after the accidental blocking of a stairway corridor.The Bund stands on the opposite bank of the Huangpu river from Pudong, the concentration of towering skyscrapers that epitomises Shanghais role at the heart of Chinas economic boom.But despite its rush to modernisation and position among Chinas most advanced cities it has not been immune from accidents and problems with urban management.In November 2010 a fire at a high-rise apartment building left 58 people dead, with some panicked residents attempting desperate jumps to safety or seeking refuge on scaffolding surrounding the structure.The disaster became a focus of public anger over how such an incident could occur in a modern city, which hosted the World Expo the same year.A preliminary investigation said welders accidentally ignited nylon netting around the 28-storey building, and five officials were later jailed, including the district head of construction, who was found guilty of abuse of power and accepting bribes and sentenced to 16 years in prison.Two Shanghai metro trains collided in September 2011, injuring 284 people and prompting fresh accusations that safety had been compromised in Chinas rush to develop its vast transport network.

Police: Rocket kills 26 at Afghan wedding party

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KABUL (AP) - A rocket fired amid fighting between Taliban insurgents and Afghan soldiers killed at least 26 people at a nearby wedding party Thursday, authorities said, a grim end to a year that saw the end of the 13-year U.S.-led combat mission there.The rocket struck a house in southern Helman provinces Sangin District, where Afghan security forces have been battling insurgents in the six months since U.S. forces withdrew from the area.Police spokesman Fareed Ahmad Obaid said the rocket wounded at least 45 people. Bashir Ahmad Shakir, a provincial council member, said the death toll could be up to 30 killed with as many as 60 wounded.Abdul Haleem, a cousin of the bride who was hosting her wedding, said that nine of his children were missing after the rocket struck his house as guests waited outside for the bride to arrive.Nine children of mine are missing; I just collected body parts, he said. I dont know whether its my children or someone else.Wednesday marked the final day of the U.S. and NATOs combat mission, which began with the invasion that overthrew the Taliban after the Sept. 11 attacks. Al-Qaida then enjoyed safe haven in Afghanistan, where the Taliban ruled according to its own violent interpretation of Islamic law.Afghanistans own 350,000-member-strong forces officially take responsibility for security starting Thursday. The insurgency has been testing the resolve of the army and police, who officials say are holding their ground even as the number of attacks increases and casualties soar.This year was the deadliest of the war for government forces and civilians, with around 5,000 Afghan soldiers and police killed, officials have said. An estimated 10,000 civilians have been killed or wounded, the highest annual toll since the U.N. started keeping figures in 2008.In much of the south and east, government forces are facing off against the Taliban without the assistance of coalition air support or medical evacuations. They have taken heavy casualties but have thus far prevented the Taliban from seizing large swaths of territory. Interior Ministry spokesman Seddiq Seddiqi said the insurgents had failed to capture even one district.Afghan forces may also receive a boost from warming ties with neighboring Pakistan. After the school massacre in the Pakistani town of Peshawar earlier this month in which more than 140 people were killed, mainly children the two U.S. allies vowed to work together to combat insurgents on both sides of the porous border.President Ashraf Ghani, who took office in September, has said he wants to bring peace to his country after more than 30 years of continuous war. He has bolstered ties with China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as part of an effort to isolate the Taliban and bring them to the negotiating table.First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum said Wednesday that he had reached an agreement with some 300 Taliban fighters in the northern Jawzjan province to lay down their arms.Fighting continued elsewhere in the country. In the eastern Nangahar province, gunmen shot dead a police officer and two civilians after security forces stopped their car and motorcycle, both of which carried explosives. Provincial police chief Gen. Fazel Ahmad Sherzad said police suspected that they were on their way to attack government offices.In central Uruzgan province, a police officer killed three of his fellow officers and wounded five while they ate dinner Tuesday, spokesman Dost Mohammad Nayab said. The gunman fled after the shooting and authorities had no motive for the attack.

Yemen suicide bomber kills 33 at Shiite celebration

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SANAA (AFP) - A suicide bomber dressed as a woman killed 33 people in central Yemen on Wednesday when he blew himself up at a celebration by Shiite militia supporters, medical and security sources said.Dozens of people were also wounded in the attack in the mainly Sunni city of Ibb, held by the Huthi Shiite militia, the medics said, warning that the death toll was likely to rise.Yemen has been dogged by instability since an uprising forced longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh from power in 2012, with Huthi rebels and Al-Qaeda seeking to fill the power vacuum.Among those wounded in Wednesdays attack was Ibb governor Yahya al-Aryani, who was attending the Huthi commemoration of the Prophet Mohammeds birthday, a medic said.A security source told AFP the bomber had been wearing a womans black abaya and veil when he detonated his suicide belt.Another bomb was discovered at the entrance to the events venue, the source added.The United States, allied with Yemen in fighting militants, strongly condemns the attack, a State Department spokesman said.We will continue to stand with the government of Yemen and the Yemeni people to counter the shared threat posed by violent extremists, added Jeff Rathke, the spokesman.Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemen branch of the jihadist organisation, has pledged to fight the Huthis, who overran the capital Sanaa unopposed in September and have since advanced into mainly Sunni districts such as Ibb.AQAP military chief Qassem al-Rimi vowed in November to carry out fierce attacks against the Shiite militia, and several deadly bombings targeting Huthis have been claimed by the jihadist group.Al-Qaeda has also carried out a spate of attacks against the security forces from its strongholds in the south and east in recent weeks.In the southern province of Shabwa on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen killed police officer Colonel Mohamed al-Nessi near the provincial capital Ataq before fleeing, a police source said.There was no immediate claim for the shooting but last weekend AQAP claimed an attempt to assassinate a top general in an ambush that killed two soldiers and wounded 11. In a second incident, AQAP said its gunmen opened fire on an army colonel in central Baida city, killing him instantly.And on Tuesday unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle shot and killed an army officer in the southern port city of Aden.AQAP is considered by the United States to be the global jihadist networks most dangerous branch and its attacks on security forces challenge Yemens longtime role as an ally in Washingtons fight against extremists.Its proximity to oil-rich Saudi Arabia and key shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden have also raised fears that it could become a failed state similar to Somalia.The US slapped sanctions on former president Saleh in November for allegedly supporting the Huthi advance. It also blacklisted two Shiite rebel commanders, Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim and Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi, for engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen.

US 'strongly opposes' Palestinian ICC membership

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said Wednesday it strongly opposes a request from the Palestinian Authority to join the International Criminal Court, fearing this will further delay peace talks with Israel.It would be counterproductive and would do nothing to further the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent state, the State Department said.Earlier, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas had signed requests for his authority to join 20 international conventions, including that governing the worlds top criminal court, a step on the road to statehood.Washington supports the Palestinians quest for a state, but sides with its ally Israel insisting that they not take unilateral steps in this direction before reaching a peace deal with their neighbor.It will badly damage the atmosphere with the very people with whom they ultimately need to make peace, the US statement said.As weve said before, the United States continues to strongly oppose actions -- by both parties -- that undermine trust and create doubts about their commitment to a negotiated peace. Our position has not changed. Such actions only push the parties further apart.The Palestinians hope ICC membership will pave the way for war crimes prosecutions against Israeli officials for their actions in the occupied territories.The Hague-based court prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Israel has warned that joining the court could also expose Palestinians to prosecution.

Dubai lights up 2015 with light and sound extravaganza

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DUBAI (AFP) - Dubai celebrated the New Year with a light and sound extravaganza at midnight Wednesday at the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest tower.The 828-metre (2,716-foot) tower was lit up with different-coloured panels as the clock counted down to 2015.Lasers flashed through the skies over Downtown, the chic district surrounding Burj Khalifa, accompanied by music and dancing fountains at the foot of the tower, to the delight of a large crowd.

2015 to be year of prosperous, terror free Pakistan: President, PM

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ISLAMABAD (Online): President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have conveyed their profound good wishes to the nation on commencement of 2015 with the belief that it will augur well for Pakistan.In their message on the advent of New Year, President Mamnoon Hussain and PM Nawaz Sharif expressed the hope that upcoming 2015 will surely bear witness to the fact that we have decisively turned a page in our history and have embarked upon our national journey afresh with the resolve to overcome the divisive hazards of extremism and terrorism. The dawn of 2015 will surely make us candidly reflect on the year gone by with a view to analyze the high points and shortcomings we experienced in our national life. The tidings of the New Year will instill in us the prudence to fine tune tenets of our national existence and imbue them with spirit of tolerance and fortitude.Prime Minister said that he is sure Pakistani nation is resilient enough to make the best of circumstances and make them productive. He said that Pakistan is finally heading towards achieving not too distant goal of social harmony and economic development. “My belief is underpinned by the universally acknowledged fact that Pakistanis have the necessary wherewithal to successfully tread the road leading to prosperity and well being,” he said. He said that the present government is dedicatedly oriented to provide well laid out means for Pakistanis to build upon their well deserved future plans. It is my earnest wish that the good tidings of New Year usher in a groundswell of selfless national unity, emphatic appreciation of national imperatives and amiable understanding of national motives.He resolved to resolutely pursue the national programmes the government has solemnly undertaken and steadfastly vouch to deliver upon all the plans my government stands for. “With the sanguine hope that the nation will make the best of the New Year I wish you all a very Happy New Year” the prime minister concluded.

Dollar ends strong year vs euro, yen

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar strengthened Wednesday, capping a powerful year of gains against other major currencies as the US economy proved to be a bright spot in a dimming global economy.The Dollar Index ended the year 11 percent higher against a basket of rival currencies.The expectation that the Federal Reserve will tighten near-zero interest rates next year, a lure for investors seeking higher returns, marked a sharp contrast with the easing track set out by the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan to counter a stalling eurozone and recession in Japan.The impressive rally for the greenback, which really only began around the middle of this year, has been fueled by a divergence in the policy outlook for the Federal Reserve, which is expected to raise US borrowing costs around the middle of 2015, and most other major central banks, that are expected to either remain on hold or ease monetary conditions further in the months ahead, said Omer Esiner, chief market analyst at Commonwealth Foreign Exchange.The prospect of an improving economy and higher borrowing cost has been and should remain a pillar of the dollars broad-based strength.In thin trade Wednesday, on the eve of the New Years holiday, the euro dropped to $1.2097 around 2200 GMT, from $1.2154 at the same time Tuesday, hitting its lowest level since July 2012.Over the year, the euro has tumbled about 12 percent against the greenback, its worst year since 2005 when it shed 12.6 percent.Neal Gilbert of Forex.com noted that the euro fell even though the US jobless claims data showed a larger increase in claims last week than expected.The success of the USD and the failure of the EUR throughout 2014 has been a long running and blatantly obvious story that has dominated the currency world, Gilbert said in a research note.After nearly ascending the 1.40 mountain very early in the year, the EUR/USD has done nothing but taken a beating since.

Oil rout marks steepest annual dive since 2008

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The oil market further weakened Wednesday, closing a year that packed the steepest fall in prices since the 2008 financial crisis as a global supply glut lockstepped with slowing economies.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February delivery fell 85 cents to finish at $53.27 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, its lowest close since May 1, 2009.The international benchmark, Brent North Sea crude for February delivery, settled 57 cents lower at $57.33 in London.WTI lost 46 percent of its value this year and Brent was down 48 percent, with most of the freefall happening since June, when prices were above $100.Rising US and Canadian oil production has contributed to ample global supplies at a time of slowing growth in China, the worlds largest energy consumer, and other emerging-market economies, a recession in Japan and a near-stall in the 18-nation eurozone.A decision last month by OPEC, which supplies about a third of the worlds oil, to leave output unchanged despite the price plunge also rattled the market, adding further pressure on prices.And the dollars long-running rally, making greenback-priced oil more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, has played a role in undermining the market, analysts said.Economic news released in the United States and China echoed the years themes of oversupply and economic slowdowns.Though US crude oil stockpiles fell last week by 1.8 million barrels, that was a negligible drop compared with the prior weeks surge. Supplies in the worlds largest crude consumer remained well above average for this time of year, and were up 6.9 percent from a year ago.US crude production, at more than nine million barrels per day, is at the highest level in more than 30 years.The final reading of HSBCs purchasing managers index for the manufacturing sector in China fell to a seven-month low in December of 49.6, showing a contraction in activity. A reading above 50 indicates growth.James Williams, an energy expert at WTRG Economics, predicted that oil prices could continue fall throughout the first quarter next year.Early spring is the lowest for oil demand seasonally, so prices could continue to fall maybe another $10, but from that point I expect prices to rise, particularly in the second half, depending on the world economy, he said.Daniel Ang, investment analyst at Phillip Futures in Singapore, also pointed to expectations for a price rebound in 2015. He said the global supply glut could likely be alleviated by current low oil prices affecting existing shale oil rigs, causing them to shut off, keeping US crude oil production in check.In 2015, we believe that crude demand would be linked to how China, Japan and the eurozone perform. If we start to see the situation for these countries improve, a reversal from the demand side could happen, Ang added.

Ebola death toll rises to 7,890: WHO

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GENEVA (AFP) - The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in west Africa has risen to 7,890 out of 20,171 cases recorded, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.Since the previous toll published on Monday, the first confirmed case of Ebola has been diagnosed in Britain.Almost all the deaths and cases have been recorded in the three west African countries worst hit by the outbreak: Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.Those apart, six have died in Mali, one in the United States and eight in Nigeria, which was declared Ebola-free in October.Spain and Senegal, which have both been declared free of Ebola, had one case each, but no deaths.- Sierra Leone - Sierra Leone, which has overtaken Liberia as the country with the most infections, counted 9,446 cases and 2,758 deaths on December 28.- Liberia - Liberia, long the hardest-hit country, has seen a clear decrease in transmission over the past month.As of December 28, the country had recorded 8,018 cases and 3,423 deaths.- Guinea - In Guinea, where the outbreak started a year ago, 2,707 Ebola cases and 1,708 deaths were recorded.- Healthcare workers - Ebola, one of the deadliest viruses known to man, is spread only through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person showing symptoms such as fever or vomiting.People caring for the sick or handling the bodies of people infected with Ebola are especially exposed.As of December 28, a total of 678 healthcare workers were known to have contracted the virus, and 382 of them had died, WHO said.

Shoaib Malik voices World Cup hopes

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KARACHI (AFP) - Discarded former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik Wednesday said he wanted to play in next years World Cup, but needed clarity on his role and must be told what is expected of him.The 32-year-old played the last of his 216 one-day internationals in June 2013, but was included in Pakistans 30-man preliminary squad for the upcoming tournament.Pakistans selection committee is likely to announce the final 15-man squad on January 7 after watching some of the probables in the Pentangular Cup competition, which started in Karachi on Wednesday.Australia and New Zealand co-host the World Cup from February 14 to March 29.Malik said he wanted to play for Pakistan.The World Cup is a big event and every cricketer wants to play in it, he told media. It was portrayed that I dont want to play, I was frustrated over being left out but I always wanted to play.Malik said he is not happy with the selection process.I have a problem with the system because we cricketers want clarity (on selection) and want to know what is expected of us and how many matches we are going to play because it increases confidence when a player knows how many matches he is going to play.He continued: I am of the opinion that players who know the conditions of Australia and New Zealand can play well there.Malik is also due to play for Hobart Hurricanes in Australias ongoing Big Bash Twenty20 league. I am waiting for my visa and if I get it I will leave for Australia, but if I get clarity on my selection I can leave any league for Pakistan.Malik termed Australia, South Africa and India favourites for World Cup.I want to see Pakistan win but lately Pakistans combination is disturbed because of Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez being suspended over illegal bowling action, so in my opinion Australia, South Africa and India are top teams for the mega event, he predicted.

Airstrikes kill 23 militants in North Waziristan

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PESHAWAR (AFP) - At least 23 militants were killed on Wednesday when Pakistani fighter jets bombed their hideouts in the countrys trouble northwest bordering Afghanistan, military said.The attacks also destroyed four militant hideouts in Shawal, in the North Waziristan tribal district, where the military has been mounting an offensive against Taliban strongholds since June. The Pakistan military said in a statement late Wednesday that 23 terrorists were killed and four hideouts were destroyed through effective and precise aerial strikes in Shawal. It was not possible to independently verify the casualties as journalists are banned from visiting the far-flung mountainous area during the ongoing offensive, but a local security official confirmed the airstrikes.The army has intensified its offensive after the massacre of 150 people, 134 of them children, in a school in Peshawar in December, a carnage which Pakistan described as its own mini 9/11 and a game-changer in the fight against extremism.The Pakistani military says it has killed more than 1,700 militants so far in its heavy offensive in the tribal zone, with 126 soldiers having lost their lives.
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Tuesday 30 December 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Taiwan clears Xiaomi, other smartphone brands of breaching data privacy

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TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwanese regulators cleared on Tuesday Chinas Xiaomi Inc [XTC.UL] and other smartphone brands of breaching local data protection laws after national security concerns triggered the government to launch a probe in September.The National Communications Commission, in a report concluding the investigation, said all the 12 brands it had tested, which include handsets sold by Apple Inc, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, LG Electronics Inc and Sony Corp, did not violate the laws.James Lou, an NCC official who was involved in the testing, said the commission, however, would request mobile phone makers make information transmission more secure.The probe, which also involved Chinese handset makers Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, was a reminder of the scrutiny Chinese technology firms are subject to abroad as governments become increasingly wary of potential cyber security threats from the worlds second-biggest economy.It also highlights Taiwans sensitivity to security issues involving China, its largest trading partner but one which has never renounced the use of force to take back what it deems a renegade province.Privately owned Xiaomi, whose budget smartphones are popular throughout Asia, was previously accused of breaching data privacy. In August, the company apologized and said it would change a default feature after a Finnish security company said Xiaomi collected address book data without users permission.In September, Taiwans government began performing independent tests on Xiaomi phones after media reports said that some models automatically send user data back to the firms servers in mainland China.The probe was then widened to include local and foreign handsets. The NCC report said handsets made by local firms HTC Corp, Asustek Computer Inc, Far EasTone Telecommunications Co Ltd, Taiwan Mobile Co Ltd and U.S.-based InFocus Corp, whose handsets are made by Taiwans Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, were also cleared of breaching the data protection laws.

Palestinian resolution defeated in UN Security Council vote

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The UN Security Council failed Tuesday to adopt a resolution on Palestinian statehood that was strongly opposed by the United States.China, France and Russia were among the eight countries that voted in favor of the text, but the resolution failed to garner the nine yes votes necessary for adoption in the 15-member council.Australia and the United States voted against, and five other countries abstained, including Britain.The resolution set a 12-month deadline for Israel to reach a final peace deal with the Palestinians and called for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories by the end of 2017.This resolution sets the stage for more division, not for compromise, said US Ambassador Samantha Power.Security Council member Jordan had requested the vote on the measure drafted by the Palestinians, who are seeking to expand the role of the United Nations in Middle East peace efforts.The United States had rejected the resolution, arguing that it set arbitrary deadlines and did not address Israels security concerns.This text addresses the concerns of just one side, said Power.US Secretary of State John Kerry had lobbied in the days leading up to the vote, calling 13 foreign ministers to explain US opposition.Washington was not, however, compelled to resort to its veto power to block the measure -- a move that could have undermined US standing in the Arab world.A US veto risked angering key Arab allies, including partners in the US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.The vote caps a three-month campaign by the Palestinians at the United Nations to win support for a resolution that sets a timeframe for ending the Israeli occupation.On Monday, the Palestinians presented changes to the text, toughening up language on East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state and demanding an end to Jewish settlement building.

Venezuela enters recession, inflation tops 63 percent

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CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuela confirmed Tuesday that its economy has entered recession, contracting for the first three quarters of the year, while inflation topped 63 percent in the 12 months to November.The South American oil giants economy shrank 2.3 percent in the third quarter, after contracting 4.8 percent in the first quarter and 4.9 percent in the second, the central bank said.The inflation rate, a figure the government had not released since August, meanwhile came in at 4.7 percent for the month of November and 63.6 percent for the year -- among the highest in the world.Price increases were the sharpest for housing, food and alcoholic beverages, and restaurants and hotels.President Nicolas Maduros leftist government has introduced mandatory price cuts and rent controls in a bid to rein in the increases but has not managed to get the inflationary spiral under control.Inflation has been aggravated by severe shortages of basic goods.The central bank has not published the index that measures the shortages since March, when it found that 19 categories of key products were experiencing serious supply problems.Falling crude prices have taken an added toll on a country that gets 96 percent of its foreign currency from oil.According to Maduro, Venezuelas oil export price has plunged from $95 a barrel in September to $48 today.

Nine bodies found in connected Canada crime scenes

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MONTREAL (AFP) - Canadian police on Tuesday were investigating the deaths of nine people whose bodies were found in three separate but linked crime scenes, authorities and local media said.The homicides took place in Edmonton, a city of nearly one million people in the western province of Alberta.According to CBC News, seven of those killed were found Monday night in a north Edmonton home.A womans body was found in a separate house in the southwest of the city and yet another corpse was discovered in Fort Saskatchewan, CBC said.Edmonton police did not provide immediate details except to say they were investigating a multiple homicide scene in north Edmonton.Citing unnamed sources, several Canadian media outlets said the crime scenes were connected.Investigators said they would provide more information at an afternoon news conference.

Cabaye fires PSG to victory over Inter Milan

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MARRAKECH (AFP) - French champions Paris Saint-Germain finished 2014 with a victory as a second half goal from Yohan Cabaye handed them a narrow 1-0 victory over Serie A side Inter Milan on Tuesday in Morocco.In a prestige friendly, held in the North African country recently stripped of the right to host the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, PSG coach Laurent Blanc made numerous changes at the Grand Stade in front of some 30,000 supporters.Former Newcastle favourite Cabaye grabbed the only goal of the match on 57 minutes when he converted following sustained pressure from the capital club.Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani was a notable absentee along with Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi, while talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic was given a chance to prove his return to fitness and lasted the full 90 minutes.It was a good match, said Swede Ibrahimovic.Weve had a super three days here with very intensive training sessions. Winning is good for the confidence but the most important is to work well to prepare the second part of the season.Meanwhile, Blanc said he would be awaiting some explications from both Cavani and Lavezzi, who missed the training camp in Morocco.Theyll arrive on (January) 2 in the morning in Paris, explained Blanc, who refused to be drawn on a possible transfer of either of the two players when the window opens on Saturday.We cant say that today. Were going to wait until they arrive, he said. Well expect some explanations, and then well make sporting decisions as a club.PSG are currently third in Ligue 1, but only three points behind leaders and arch rivals Marseille, while they also have a key Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea looming large in February.Their next competitive match is against 2012 Ligue 1 champions Montpellier in the French Cup on January 5.

Brazilian with knife in skull driven two hours to hospital

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - A Brazilian motorcycle taxi driver with a knife protruding from his head had to endure a two-hour drive to the nearest hospital to have it removed, media reported Tuesday.Friends drove Juacelo Nunes, 39, to the hospital after he was stabbed with the 30-centimeter (12-inch) blade at a party, the knife narrowly missing his left eye and passing through his mouth into the right side of his jaw, web news portal G1 reported.The knife passed through several nerves and veins, structures that can quickly kill a patient doctor Gilberto Albuquerque said, adding Nunes was recovering surprisingly well and had remained conscious throughout his ordeal.The assault occurred at Agua Branca, some 100 kilometers (63 miles) from the hospital in Teresina in northeastern Piaui state.Nunes also suffered two knife wounds to his throat and one to the shoulder after he became embroiled in an argument.Hotel spokeswoman Ana Flavia Soares said Nunes would need to remain hospitalized for two or three days as one of the knife wounds had damaged a lung.

Plaza owners throws boy off 5th floor on theft charges in Mutan

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MULTAN (Dunya News) – A plaza owners have thrown a 17-year-old boy from 5th floor of the building after being accused of theft.Javed, resident of Zakria Town, worked as cleaner at a plaza in Multan. On Tuesday, Shahista Ali, Mumtaz and Mudasar accused Javed of stealing various items from the plaza and threw him off 5th floor of the building after being tortured.The victim has been shifted to Nishtar Hospital in critical condition. Meanwhile, family of the victim staged protest outside the plaza and demanded strict action against the accused.The protesters dispersed on receiving the assurance.

US offers Iran prisoner exchange for detained ex-marine

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TEHRAN, Iran: (AP) - The United States has proposed an exchange of Iranian prisoners in the U.S. for a former U.S. Marine currently in prison in Iran, the semiofficial ISNA news agency reported on Tuesday a report which was immediately denied by Washington.The report quoted Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabaei, the lawyer for Amir Hekmati, as saying Washingtons proposal was delivered to the Iranian government via the Swiss embassy which represents Washingtons interests in Iran.However State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke on Tuesday flatly denied the report of a prisoner-swap proposal and reiterated Washingtons call for Hekmatis release on humanitarian grounds. Rathke also called for the release of pastor Saeed Abedini and Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, both currently detained in Iran, and for more Iranian help in finding former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who is believed to be missing in Iran.Those reports are not accurate, Rathke said of the Hekmati report. The U.S. government has not proposed a prisoner exchange for Mr. Hekmati. Its not true.Hekmati, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen born in Arizona, was arrested in August 2011 and sentenced to death for spying. Earlier this year, authorities overturned his death sentence and reduced his sentence to 10 years in prison.The Obama administration in 2013 asked Iran to free Hekmati, as relations have recently thawed between Washington and moderate President Hassan Rouhani.Hekmati, 31, told his family in Michigan by phone on Dec. 16 that he was beginning a hunger strike and dictated a letter asking President Obama not to forget him as negotiations proceed with Iran over its nuclear activities.Washington and its international partners are hoping to clinch a deal with Iran that would set long-term limits on Irans enrichment of uranium. Iran says its nuclear program is solely meant for energy production and medical research purposes. However Tehran has been willing to discuss restricting its nuclear research in exchange for the lifting of crippling U.S. economic sanctions.

6 extortion suspects arrested in southern Mexico

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MEXICO CITY: (AP) - Mexican police have arrested six suspected gang members tied to extortion and other crimes in the southern state of Guerrero.The governmental National Security Commission says the suspects were detained on a highway between the town of Coyuca de Catalan and the coastal resort of Zihuatanejo.Federal police seized firearms, ammunition, substances believed to be heroin and marijuana and 22 promissory notes from extortion victims.Mexican drug cartels have branched out to other criminal activities including extortion, at times forcing victims to sign IOUs for protection payments. In response, some communities formed self-defense militias to resist the gangs demands.The Commission said Tuesday in a statement that one of the suspects has an outstanding warrant for his arrest in the United States.

Caribbean seeks US to help boost sugar production

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GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) - A Guyana-based organization that oversees sugar production in the Caribbean says it is seeking to partner with U.S. companies to help save one of the worlds oldest sugarcane breeding institutions.The Sugar Association of the Caribbean says it is meeting with U.S.-based companies including the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida.Association spokesman Karl James said Tuesday that the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station in Barbados needs additional financing, new technology and qualified personnel. The station has been operating for more than 100 years.Only four of 15 members of a Caribbean trade bloc known as Caricom still produce sugar. They are Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Belize.

Italian prosecutors order ferry back to Italy

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BRINDISI, Italy: (AP) - Italian prosecutors on Tuesday ordered a crippled Greek ferry back to Italy for a criminal investigation, saying they feared more bodies will be found given the probable presence of stowaways and huge discrepancies in the names on the manifest and those rescued.The fire-tinged Norman Atlantic was adrift for a third day off the Albanian coast, where two sailors were killed earlier Tuesday when a tow line attempting to secure it to a tugboat apparently snapped, Albanian officials said.The Italian coast guard said another body from the ferry was found Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 11. Three of the victims were Italian truck drivers who worked for the Naples-based Eurofish company and had gone to pick up eel shipments in Greece. The company was closed for the day in mourning.More than 400 people were rescued from the ferry, most in daring, nighttime helicopter sorties that persisted despite high winds and seas, after a fire broke out before dawn Sunday on a car deck. Both Italian and Greek authorities have announced criminal investigations into the cause of the blaze.Italian prosecutors secured jurisdiction over the case from Albanian judicial authorities, citing the ships Italian owner and Italian captain.Bari prosecutor Giuseppe Volpe, who ordered the ferry back to the Italian port of Brindisi, said it was likely that other bodies will be found in the cargo areas of the ferry once searched, given that there was incontrovertible evidence that migrants were stowed away onboard.Our fear is that unfortunately once the wreck is recovered, well find other dead people on board, he said.The search for possible missing people continued in the seas off Albania amid ongoing confusion over how many passengers were on board. The ferry company said there were 475 on board, but Volpe said there were at least 18 overbookings and an untold number of stowaways.Greek authorities said the ship had a capacity of 499 passengers.Greek coast guard spokesman Nikos Lagadianos said all information on rescued passengers was coming from Italian authorities, who were in charge of the search and rescue operation.Its not easy to answer accurately how many people have been saved, and what nationalities. All that will take time, he said. We fully understand the anxiety of the relatives, but this requires great care.Greek maritime officials, meanwhile, revealed that the first word about the problems on board the ship came from a passenger, not the crew, calling an emergency number.We are aboard the Norman Atlantic of Anek lines heading for Ancona and it is on fire, the passenger said in the call, a recording of which was played out during a news conference. My name is Argyris Stavros, the ship is on fire and they dont know what to do. ... I dont know what time it is, what time is it? Its 5:40.Officials said that once the alarm had been raised, there were also language problems in communicating with the ferrys Italian captain.The Italian captain couldnt give us information. We always had to talk to somebody beside him, said Rear Adm. Nikolaos Patrinos, head of the coast guards security operations. In such circumstances, time is money and we didnt have time to spare.As night fell and under snowfall, the Italian navy transport ship San Giorgio docked in Brindisi with about 180-200 survivors aboard. The ship had been the main command center coordinating the search and rescue operation, but it also took aboard nearly half of the passengers and crew members who were rescued.On board, the survivors slept in neat rows on the floor, covered with blue blankets, according to images shown on state-run RAI television.Italian judicial authorities have enlisted the Italian tug company, Barretta, to take charge of bringing the ferry to Brindisi. No timeframe was given, but Barretta said it could arrive within a day.Besides Barretta, the ship owners insurance company has contracted the Dutch salvage firm Smit to secure the wreck.Smit spokesman Martijn Schuttevaer said one line was connected by early Tuesday and that the priority was to get a heavier tow line connection, aided by the arrival of larger tugs. It wasnt clear if that was the operation underway when the Albanian sailors were struck.But Volpe cautioned that only Barretta was legally responsible for bringing the ferry to Italy. Schuttevaer noted that prosecutors are not going to pick up the bill for the salvage, and that the ship owners insurance company would.A ship carrying 39 survivors was diverted from the southern Italian port of Manfredonia to Taranto because of poor weather, adding another 12 hours or more to their journey to dry land. The survivors include five children and three people who are injured.

Global markets fall as New Year holiday nears

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NEW YORK: (AP) - U.S. stock indexes fell in extremely light trading Tuesday afternoon as investors wrapped up business ahead of the New Year holiday and watched financial markets in Greece.KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average fell 52 points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,986 as of 2:57 p.m. Eastern time. The Standard & Poors 500 index lost eight points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,082 and the Nasdaq composite was down 24 points, or 0.5 percent, to 4,783.GREEK UNCERTAINTY: Greek stocks stabilized after a volatile day Monday as the countrys government was forced to call elections that could create more economic turmoil. Investors worry that the elections might be won by the left-wing opposition Syriza party, which rejects Greeces bailout deal. The Athens stock market plunged as much as 11 percent on Monday before recovering some of those losses to close down 4 percent that day.ANALYSTS TAKE: An election puts all sorts of doubt on the future of the bailout agreement, said Stan Shamu, a market strategist at IG Markets. Potentially markets had already priced this in, but I would still remain cautious around Greece.EUROPE: Frances CAC 40 closed down 1.7 percent, Germanys DAX dropped 1.2 percent and Britains FTSE 100 was down 1.3 percent.CLOSING OUT THE YEAR: At this point, most major fund managers have closed their portfolios for 2014. Stock trading is expected to be quiet until the week after the New Year, when most of Wall Street is back from the long holiday weekend. Roughly 2.4 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, compared with the 3.5 billion typically traded on an average day. By late afternoon Tuesday, only 1.7 billion shares exchanged hands.With one more trading day in 2014, the S&P 500 is up 12.7 percent for the year, or up 15.4 percent, including dividends. That gain is almost double what stock market strategists expected at the beginning of the year.There were some negative surprises along the way, including the Ebola scare and increasing social tensions around the globe, Gary Thayer, chief macro strategist at Wells Fargo Advisors, wrote in a note to investors. However, U.S. markets were able to weather these problems as (the U.S. economy) improved.BONDS AND CURRENCIES: The dollar fell to 119.52 yen from 120.66 yen while the euro rose to $1.2156 from $1.2154. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell to 2.18 percent from 2.20 percent Monday.COMMODITIES: Benchmark U.S. crude rose 51 cents to settle at $54.12 a barrel in New York. On Monday, the contract plunged $1.12 to settle at $53.61. Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils used by many U.S. refineries, edged up two cents to close at $57.90 a barrel in London.In other futures trading on the NYMEX: Wholesale gasoline was little changed at $1.454 a gallon.Heating oil rose two cents to close at $1.869 a gallon.Natural gas fell 10.5 cents to close at $3.094 per 1,000 cubic feet.METALS: Gold rose $18.50 to $1,200.40 an ounce, silver rose 50 cents to $16.28 an ounce and copper rose three cents to $2.85 a pound.

Republican leader regrets talk to white supremacists

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WASHINGTON: (AP) - The Houses third-ranking Republican leader said Tuesday he regrets speaking 12 years ago to a white supremacist group and condemns the views of such groups.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana said that as a state legislator in 2002, he spoke to many groups about a major tax issue.One of the many groups that I spoke to regarding this critical legislation was a group whose views I wholeheartedly condemn, Scalise said in a statement. It was a mistake I regret, and I emphatically oppose the divisive racial and religious views groups like these hold.Republican leaders defended Scalise, while Democratic groups criticized him.House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio said Scalise made an error in judgment, and he was right to acknowledge it was wrong and inappropriate. Boehner said Scalise has my full confidence as our Whip.Scalise acknowledged at a convention of the European-American Unity and Rights Organization. Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke founded the group, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group.The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee criticized Scalise in an earlier statement on Tuesday, saying he chose to cheerlead for a group of KKK members and neo-Nazis at a white supremacist rally, and questioned why the Republican leadership had remained silent.In an interview Monday with The Times-Picayune of New Orleans and NOLA.com, Scalise said he had little staffing as a state legislator, and didnt always know details of groups he was invited to address. I didnt know who all of these groups were, and I detest any kind of hate group, Scalise told the newspaper.His statement Tuesday did not deal with the issue of weak staffing and sketchy knowledge of his audiences in 2002. However, Scalise, who is Catholic, said these groups hold views that are vehemently opposed to my own personal faith, and I reject that kind of hateful bigotry.Scalise won a key endorsement Monday from Rep. Cedric Richmond, who will be Louisianas only Democrat and only black in Congress when the new Congress convenes next week. Richmond told NOLA.com: I dont think Steve Scalise has a racist bone in his body. He said he has worked closely with Scalise and I am not going to let them use Steve as a scapegoat to score political points when I know him and know his family.The events come just days before a new Congress convenes, with Scalise poised to help shape House Republicans agenda in his first full term as whip.It also comes as American voters demonstrate increasing racial polarization in their political preferences, with white majorities siding overwhelmingly with Republicans in the 2014 midterms and non-whites continuing their strong support for Democrats. Many strategists say both parties must figure out how to reach beyond their respective bases.Scalise, 49, ascended to his leadership post in June in the chain of events that followed then-Majority Leader Eric Cantors surprise defeat in a Republican primary.Scalise won the whip race with the solid backing of House conservatives, particularly Southerners who wanted a greater leadership voice considering the regions role in giving Republicans their largest House majority since President Herbert Hoovers administration at the start of the Great Depression.

2 Boston police officers attacked by teenagers

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BOSTON: (AP) - Two Boston police officers were hospitalized after they were attacked by six teenagers related to a person they were arresting, authorities said Tuesday.Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said the officers, a woman and a man, were pretty banged up in Mondays attack but recovering. Both were treated for undisclosed injuries and have been released from the hospital. Their names have not been made public.Mayor Martin Walsh said he does not believe the assault has anything to do with rising tensions around the U.S. over police conduct following the killings of unarmed black men in Missouri and New York City.Evans said the officers went to an apartment in Bostons Roxbury neighborhood Monday morning to serve a warrant on a 19-year-old man for defaulting on court appearances. Seven people were arrested in all, including the person police were originally seeking. He was identified by the district attorneys office as Woobenson Morisset.Morisset and 18-year-old Lorcen Morisset, who is accused of participating in the attack, were scheduled for arraignment Tuesday. It wasnt known if either one has a lawyer.The other teens, a 17-year-old boy and girls ages 13, 14, 15, and 16, face assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and other delinquency charges. In juvenile court Tuesday, a judge set bail at $500 for the 17-year-old and $1 for the younger teens, with that amount to be posted only by their parents. The next court date for all five teens, who live in Dorchester, is February 12.Police say Woobenson Morisset attacked the two officers when they confronted him in a rear stairwell.The officers were about to handcuff Morisset when the other teens came to his aid and kicked, punched, and choked the officers. The officers used pepper spray to fight off the attackers until other officers arrived, but they never drew their guns.Evans said he expected the officers would be out of work for some time. It (the attack) stresses the dangers of our job everyday going into situations never knowing what will happen, he said.The incident comes just days after two men opened fire on a police car patrolling a tough part of Los Angeles. The two officers inside were not injured and one was able to shoot back, authorities said Monday. One suspect was later arrested and the other was on the loose.Police have not yet determined a motive for Sunday nights shooting in South Los Angeles an area plagued by gang violence but said there were no indications it was linked to other attacks on police.

Police: Boy, 2, accidentally kills mom in Wal-Mart

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HAYDEN, Idaho (AP) - Authorities in Idaho say a 2-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his mother after he reached into her purse at a Wal-Mart store and the concealed gun fired.Kootenai County sheriffs spokesman Stu Miller tells reporters that the shooting was accidental and occurred in the store in Hayden, Idaho, a town about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Spokane, Washington.Miller says the woman had a concealed weapons permit. Her identity has not been released.The Wal-Mart closed after the shooting.Hayden is a politically conservative town of about 9,000 people just north of Coeur dAlene in Idahos northern panhandle.
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Monday 29 December 2014

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Dunya TV

US sends destroyer to search for missing jet

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States deployed a destroyer to help look for a missing AirAsia jetliner, US officials said Monday, amid fears the aircraft crashed into the sea.The USS Sampson was expected to arrive Tuesday to the search zone for Flight QZ8501, which disappeared on Sunday over the Java Sea with 162 people on board.The US Navy is working closely with the government of Indonesia to identify additional surface or airborne capabilities that best assist their search efforts, the Navys 7th Fleet said in a statement.The State Department earlier said that Indonesia had officially requested US help and confirmed that no Americans were on board the flight.Our embassy in Jakarta is in close contact with Indonesian officials, and today, we received a request for assistance locating the airplane, said Jeffrey Rathke, a State Department spokesman.We are reviewing that request to find out how best we can meet Indonesias request for assistance.He noted it would take a little bit of time to evaluate the request, without detailing what kind of aid the United States might provide.Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said the aid could include some air, surface and sub-surface detection capabilities.We stand ready to assist in any way possible, he said in a statement.Dozens of aircraft and ships were searching for the missing plane, which went missing en route from Surabaya in Indonesias east Java to Singapore after the pilots requested a change of flight plan due to stormy weather.The missing plane is the third crisis for a Malaysian carrier this year.Australia, Malaysia and Singapore have joined the Indonesia-led search as anguished relatives awaited news of their loved ones.

US air strike targets senior Somali militant: Pentagon

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - US war planes carried out a strike in southern Somalia on Monday targeting a senior leader of the Shebab militia, the Pentagon said, without giving any details of casualties.Military spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said the raid hit a target in Saakow, shortly after the Islamist rebel groups intelligence chief surrendered to government and African Union forces.Kirby did not identify the targeted militant chief by name.At this time, we do not assess there to be any civilian or bystander casualties, he said.We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information, when appropriate, as details become available.If a senior militant was killed in the strike, it would be the latest in a series of setbacks for the militia since the death of its former leader Ahmed Abdi Godane in another US attack in September.On Saturday, officials said the Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups intelligence chief Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi, the subject of a $3 million US bounty, had surrendered to Somali government forces.

US suspects North Korea had help attacking Sony Pictures: source

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. investigators believe that North Korea likely hired hackers from outside the country to help with last months massive cyberattack against Sony Pictures, an official close to the investigation said on Monday.As North Korea lacks the capability to conduct some elements of the sophisticated campaign by itself, U.S. investigators are looking at the possibility that Pyongyang contracted out some of the cyber work, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak on the record about the investigation.The attack on Sony Pictures is regarded to be the most destructive ever against a company on U.S. soil because the hackers not only stole huge quantities of data, but also wiped hard drives and brought down much of the studios network for more than a week.While U.S. officials investigate whether North Korea enlisted help from outside contractors, the FBI stood by its previous statement that Pyongyang was the prime author of the attack against the Sony Corp unit.The FBI has concluded the Government of North Korea is responsible for the theft and destruction of data on the network of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a statement to Reuters.There is no credible information to indicate that any other individual is responsible for this cyber incident, the FBI said.North Korea has denied that it was behind the Sony attack and has vowed to hit back against any U.S. retaliation.The people who claimed responsibility for the hack have said on Internet postings that they were incensed by the film The Interview, a Sony Pictures comedy about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Some security experts have begun to question the FBIs assertion that Pyongyang was behind the cyberattack. For instance, consulting firm Taia Global said the results of a linguistic analysis of communications from the suspected hackers suggest they were more likely from Russia than North Korea. Cybersecurity firm Norse said it suspects a Sony insider might have helped launch the attack.I think the government acted prematurely in announcing unequivocally that it was North Korea before the investigation was complete, said Mark Rasch, a former federal cybercrimes prosecutor. There are many theories about who did it and how they did it. The government has to be pursuing all of them.

Martino pondering Messi partner dilemma

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BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has admitted his surplus of attacking players is causing him a selection headache.The former Barcelona coach said he has too many players similar to Lionel Messi and would rather have such talent spread throughout the team.At the moment, forwards Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero are all vying for a place alongside four-time world player of the year Messi.The big problem in Argentina is the quality of players in the middle of the park up to attack, Martino was quoted on Monday by Argentine newspaper Clarin.If Tevez played at No.2, Higuain No.6 and Aguero No.9, wed have a great team.All three players are enjoying impressive seasons with their clubs as Manchester Citys Aguero (14) and Tevez (10) of Juventus are top scorers in the English and Italian top flights respectively.Higuain has been in good goal-scoring form too for Napoli, finding the net seven times.But Martino said its unlikely hell be able to fit all three into his Copa America squad in June and July.When the time comes well see if all three will come or not, said Martino.We have to see how everyone will get along, given that some will play and others wont.Footballers need to understand that it is very difficult for players with the same characteristics to live together in the same team.

Oil prices hit 5-year low

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Crude oil prices fell to a five-year low Monday with analysts blaming expectations of more bad news for demand due to slower economic conditions.US crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate for February delivery lost $1.12 to finish at $53.61 a barrel after holding in the $56 range for nearly two weeks.Brent crude for February delivery, the London benchmark, fell 57 cents from Fridays close to $57.88.Both last traded at those levels in May 2009.Analysts said traders were girding for more downward pressure stirred up by the impact of Greeces political situation on the European economy, expected poor numbers on Chinas industrial sector, and another possible increase in US stockpiles.Its a very bearish environment out there, said John Kilduff of Again Capital.Prices were stronger in early trade Monday on signs that Libyan output could be cut back due to storage tanks fires amid clashes between government and militia forces, but that had little lasting impact on the market, noted Kilduff.Bob Yawger of Mizuho Securities said there were other short-term causes for the fall, including US storage tank operators trying to lower their holdings for end-of-year tax reasons.

Fiat Chrysler recalls 67,000 pickups over ignition flaw

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiless US unit on Monday recalled about 67,000 older-model Dodge and Mitsubishi pickup trucks which can be started while in gear, a problem linked to one death.The recall involves 66,819 Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram and Mitsubishi Raider manual transmission trucks of the model-years 2006 and 2007. Nearly all the trucks are in the United States, Canada and Mexico.FCA US said a spring wire in the trucks clutch-ignition interlock switches could break, making it possible for the truck to be started and begin moving while in gear without depressing the clutch.The company said it knew of one death stemming from a single accident related to the problem.FCA said it would replace the clutch ignition interlock switches. In the meantime it advised drivers to only start them while in neutral and with the parking brake engaged.

Indonesia asks for US help in missing jet search

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Indonesia has requested help from the United States to search for a missing AirAsia jetliner, US officials said Monday, amid fears the aircraft crashed into the sea.The State Department also confirmed that no Americans were on Flight QZ8501, which disappeared on Sunday over the Java Sea with 162 people on board.Our embassy in Jakarta is in close contact with Indonesian officials, and today, we received a request for assistance locating the airplane, said Jeffrey Rathke, a State Department spokesman.We are reviewing that request to find out how best we can meet Indonesias request for assistance.He noted it would take a little bit of time to evaluate the request, without detailing what kind of aid -- military or otherwise -- the United States might provide.Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said the aid could include some air, surface and sub-surface detection capabilities.We stand ready to assist in any way possible, he added.Dozens of planes and ships were searching for the missing plane, which lost contact en route from Surabaya in Indonesias east Java to Singapore after the crew requested a change of flight plan due to stormy weather, in the third crisis for a Malaysian carrier this year.Australia, Malaysia and Singapore have joined the Indonesia-led search as anguished relatives awaited news of their loved ones.

Ebola returns to Europe with first case diagnosed in Britain

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GLASGOW (AFP) - A healthcare worker recently back from Sierra Leone was diagnosed with Ebola on Monday by doctors in Scotlands largest city, the first diagnosis of the deadly virus in Britain during the current outbreak.Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the patient was a female health worker who had been working on the front-line with Ebola patients, and was currently in a stable condition in hospital.The patient returned to Scotland late Sunday via Casablanca and London Heathrow, arriving at Glasgow Airport at around 11:30 pm local time (2330 GMT), according to a Scottish government press release.She was admitted to Gartnavel Hospital campus Monday after feeling unwell and placed in isolation at 7:50 am.All possible contacts with the patient are now being investigated and anyone deemed to be at risk will be contacted and closely monitored, said the government.However, having been diagnosed in the very early stages of the illness, the risk to others is considered extremely low.Alastair McConchie from the Scottish health service explained that the patient had been transferred using a specialist ambulance service and was not showing any great clinical concern.The patient was being treated in the hospitals Brownlee Unit for Infectious Diseases but a transfer was being arranged to move her to the high level isolation unit in Londons Royal Free hospital as soon as possible, according to protocol laid down by the government in London.British Prime Minister David Cameron later said that all measures would be taken to protect public health.The Scottish government is currently contacting the 71 other people onboard the British Airways flight from London to Glasgow, but stressed there was negligible risk as the patient displayed no symptoms of the type that could cause transmission.Our first thoughts at this time must be with the patient diagnosed with Ebola and their friends and family. I wish them a speedy recovery, said Sturgeon at a press conference.Scotland has been preparing for this possibility from the beginning of the outbreak in west Africa and I am confident that we are well prepared.- Patient screened at Heathrow -Sturgeon confirmed that she had earlier chaired a meeting of the Scottish governments resilience committee and that she was working closely with Cameron.British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was also to chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee late Monday.Scotland remains part of the United Kingdom following Septembers referendum, but has autonomy over its health service.However, it has agreed to send any Ebola patients to the highly-specialised London unit.Will Pooley, a British nurse, was treated there using the experimental ZMapp drug earlier this year after being diagnosed with Ebola in Sierra Leone.He recovered and has since returned to the country to help fight the disease.Sturgeon revealed that the patient had been screened when leaving Sierra Leone and also when transferring at Heathrow, but had shown no signs of infectionIt would appear she has been diagnosed at a very early stage before symptoms were manifesting themselves, said the first minister.The last Ebola patient in Europe was a Nigerian UN peacekeeper who was cured after being brought to the Netherlands for treatment.He was flown to there at the request of the World Health Organization in a specially equipped plane and treated at the university hospital in the central city of Utrecht.Spanish nurse Teresa Romero in October became the first person to be diagnosed with the disease within the European Union.The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in west Africa has risen to 7,842 out of 20,081 cases recorded, the World Health Organization said Monday.

Palestinians present tougher UN resolution

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UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Palestinian envoys presented Monday a more toughly-worded UN draft resolution on statehood that could come up for a vote at the Security Council this week, despite US opposition.The United States again rejected the text that would pave the way to a Palestinian state by setting a 12-month deadline to reach a final peace deal and calling for a full Israeli withdrawal by the end of 2017.Arab ambassadors endorsed the text, which contains new provisions on declaring East Jerusalem the capital of a Palestinian state, settling the issue of Palestinian prisoner releases and halting Jewish settlements.Security Council member Jordan submitted the text to the other council members, but no decision on the timing for a vote was taken.Both our leaderships will be discussing, to find the best way and the best timing to vote on the Security Council resolution, Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar told reporters.Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour said the vote could realistically take place Tuesday.The draft resolution was formally presented to the council on December 17, but the United States quickly rejected the text over Palestinian insistence that deadlines be set.The Palestinians had said they were open to negotiations on the text and Jordan began talks on a measure that could garner a consensus among the 15 council members.But the latest push showed that prospects for a resolution that would satisfy both the Palestinians and the United States were bleak.Discussions on the draft resolution come amid mounting international alarm over the ongoing violence and the failure to restart negotiations.Israeli troops shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian boy in the occupied West Bank during a stone-throwing incident Monday near the northern city of Nablus, sources on both sides said.- US opposes resolution -US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Sunday about the latest Palestinian push at the United Nations.We dont think this resolution is constructive, said Jeff Rathke, a State Department spokesman. We dont believe this resolution... advances the goal of a two-state solution.The new resolution seen by AFP contains eight amendments, including a new provision recalling that Israels West Bank barrier was declared illegal and demanding an end to Israeli settlement construction in the Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem.It remained unclear if the Palestinians would seek a quick vote or hold off until January 1, when five new members with a pro-Palestinian stance join the Security Council.Diplomats said it was unlikely that the resolution would garner nine votes under the current makeup of the council -- a scenario that would allow the United States to avoid resorting to its veto power.A US veto risks angering key Arab allies, including partners in the US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela begin their two-year stint at the council on January 1, replacing Argentina, Australia, Luxembourg, Rwanda and South Korea.Several European parliaments have adopted non-binding motions calling for recognition of Palestine and there are fears of a return to war unless peace efforts are revived.The Palestinians have warned that if the bid to win support for a UN resolution fails, they are prepared to join the International Criminal Court to file suits against Israel.They will also take action at the UN General Assembly and in other international fora to force the issue of Palestinian statehood on the agenda.If the Arab-Palestinian initiative submitted to the Security Council to put an end to occupation doesnt pass, we will be forced to take the necessary political and legal decisions, Abbas said last week.If it fails, we will no longer deal with the Israeli government, which will then be forced to assume its responsibilities as an occupier.

Female bishop linked to US bicycle fatality

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BALTIMORE (AFP) - The first female Episcopal bishop in Maryland has been put on leave after she was involved in the hit-and-run death of a bicyclist, her diocese said Monday.Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook drove off after she struck 41-year-old Tom Palermo on a tree-lined residential street in Baltimore on Saturday, then drove off.She returned to the scene about 20 minutes later to take responsibility for her actions, Bishop Eugene Sutton said in a statement.Because the nature of the accident could result in criminal charges, I have placed Bishop Cook on administrative leave, effective immediately.He urged the faithful to please pray for Mr Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time.Palermo was well-known in the Baltimore area for hand-crafting bicycle frames in his own shop, and his death sparked anger among fellow cyclists.We urge the justice system to hold the driver who killed Tom accountable for her actions, the Baltimore bicycle advocacy group Bikemore said, as police continued their investigation.Mourners came on bicycles or on foot to lay flowers at the spot where Palermo was struck, on a street with a marked bicycle lane that otherwise had no divider to separate it from motor traffic.It is clear that dedicated bicycle lanes were not enough to keep even an experienced bicycle rider safe, Bikemore said on its website.New York state native Cook, 58,became Marylands first female Episcopal bishop when she was elected bishop suffragan -- the second-highest position in the diocese -- in May this year.She was among four candidates for the position, all of them women.In 2012, 726 pedalcylists - a category that also includes tricycle riders -- were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationAnother 49,000 sustained injuries, the federal agency reported in April.

Politicians must refrain from doing politics over tragic incidents: Memon

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Provincial minister for Information Sharjeel Memon on Monday has said that the politicians must not do politics over tragic incidents like Timber Market fire. The accommodation of the Timber Market fire affectees is being arranged in the nearby schools, he added.He expressed these views in a press conference in Karachi.Memon said that investigations would be done to find out whether the fire erupted accidentally or somebody is responsible for this crime. They would not spare the people responsible for any negligency if found, he added.The minister said that they would rehabilitate the affectees on the pattern like they did the rehabilitation of the Bolton Market affectees. The temporary accommodation is being arranged for them, he added. Moreover, he said that at least Rs 1 lac each would be given to the affected families as immediate aid.He said that two committees have been formed to probe the matter which would submit their report within one week time frame. Memon also said that the government would not accept “ghost employees” whether he remains a minister or is side-lined for pursuing the corruption.He further said that its time to better institutions like the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Water Board.

Indonesia fears missing plan 'at bottom of sea'

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JAKARTA (AFP) - Dozens of planes and ships searching Indonesian waters for a missing AirAsia plane focused Monday on a patch of oil for possible clues, as a senior official warned the aircraft was likely at the bottom of the sea.Australia, Malaysia and Singapore joined the Indonesia-led search as anguished relatives awaited news of their loved ones more than a day after Flight QZ8501 disappeared over the Java Sea with 162 people on board.Papa come home, I still need Papa, Angela, the daughter of the Indonesian pilot Irianto, begged in an emotional appeal on local social media.The Airbus A320-200 lost contact en route from Surabaya in Indonesias east Java to Singapore on Sunday after the crew requested a change of flight plan due to stormy weather, in the third crisis for a Malaysian carrier this year.Indonesian Air Force spokesman Hadi Tjahjanto told AFP the search was now concentrated on an oil patch spotted off Belitung island, across from Kalimantan on Borneo island.We are making sure whether it was avtur (aviation fuel) from the AirAsia plane or from a vessel because that location is a shipping line, he said.As the second days search ended at dusk, National Search and Rescue Agency chief Bambang Soelistyo said an Indonesian corvette was on its way to collect an oil sample, with an announcement expected Tuesday.Soelistyo earlier said it was likely the plane was at the bottom of the sea.The hypothesis is based on the coordinates given to us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is in the sea, he told journalists.Ships and aircraft were searching an area where the sea is 40-50 metres (130-160 feet) deep, he said, adding that Indonesia was coordinating with other countries to borrow any equipment needed to scour the seabed.- Distraught relatives -Distraught relatives in Surabaya were desperately hoping for news of loved ones as the international search expanded.Intan, 28, said Indonesia needed overseas help to find the plane which was carrying her brother and his family and friends.My hope is Indonesia seeks as much help as possible from other countries. Dont claim We have sophisticated technology, just ask other countries because they are better equipped, she told AFP, as Jakarta welcomed offers of help from its neighbours.My prayer is I really, really hope that there will be news about the people on board. Whatever it is, what is important is we know where they are now, she said.While the international operation has drawn comparisons with the ongoing search for Malaysia Airlines MH370, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot said it did not appear to be a great mystery.It doesnt appear that theres any particular mystery here, Abbott told Sydney radio station 2GB.Its an aircraft that was flying a regular route on a regular schedule, it struck what appears to have been horrific weather, and its down. But this is not a mystery like the MH370 disappearance and its not an atrocity like the MH17 shooting down.China, which had 152 citizens on MH370, said in a statement Monday that it would send a navy frigate and a military jet to join in the search.The frigate, on a routine patrol in the South China Sea, was en route to the area where the plane went missing, and the air force was coordinating with countries on the flight route, the statement from the defence ministry said.- Miraculous escape -One Indonesian family of 10 had a miraculous escape when they arrived too late to catch Flight QZ8501.Maybe it is all Gods plan that my family and I were not on the flight. It was a blessing in disguise, said Christianawati, 36.AirAsia said 155 of those on board were Indonesian, with three South Koreans and one person each from Singapore, Malaysia, Britain and France. The Frenchman was the co-pilot.Air traffic controllers lost contact with the twin-engine aircraft around an hour after it left Surabayas Juanda international airport at about 5:35 am Sunday (2235 GMT Saturday).Shortly before the plane disappeared, the pilot asked to ascend by 6,000 feet to 38,000 feet to avoid heavy clouds but his request was turned down due to another flight above him.The missing plane was operated by AirAsia Indonesia, a unit of Malaysian-based AirAsia which dominates Southeast Asias booming low-cost airline market.Indonesia, a vast archipelago with poor roads and railways, has seen explosive growth in low-cost air travel over recent years.But the air industry has been blighted by low safety standards in an area that also experiences extreme weather.AirAsia, which has never suffered a fatal accident, said the missing jet last underwent maintenance on November 16.Its shares slumped 12 percent at the open but recovered slightly to close 8.50 percent lower in Kuala Lumpur.The planes disappearance comes at the end of a disastrous year for Malaysian aviation.Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March with 239 passengers and crew, and in July flight MH17 was shot down over troubled Ukraine killing all 298 on board.

Five arrested in Morocco on 'terror' charges

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RABAT (AFP) - Morocco has indicted five people on charges of plotting terrorist acts and belonging to an illegal religious group, the official MAP news agency said on Monday.The suspects were referred to the prosecutor who levelled the charges against them ahead of their trial, it said without adding when the first hearing will be held.The men, whose names were not given, were indicted on charges of forming a criminal gang aimed at carrying out terrorist acts as well as membership of an illegal religious group and aggression.The news agency did not say what terrorist acts were allegedly planned by the suspects.However, last week the interior ministry announced their arrest, calling them self-styled religious vice squad police who wanted to impose their view of virtue on others.The suspects are believed to have carried out several knife attacks in the northern city of Tangiers, the ministry said.In September, authorities arrested another group of suspects in Tangiers, a conservative town, accusing them of setting up a self-declared religious police force and attacking a man who drank alcohol.

Death toll in the Greek ferry fire rises to 8

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BARI (AP) Italian authorities say the death toll in the Greek ferry fire has risen to eight, and that they are checking to see if anyone else might still be missing.Italys transport minister, Maurizio Lupi, said 427 people have been rescued, including 56 crew members.The original manifest listed 478 passengers and crew.Lupi said it was premature to speculate on whether people were still missing, but suggested that there might have been some people who reserved a spot on the ferry but did not board.He said they were checking the manifest against the names of the 427 rescued.An official said that among the survivors, there were also people not listed on the manifest, indicating the possibility that some on board were traveling illegally.

Egypt court bans annual Jewish pilgrimage

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CAIRO (AFP) - An Egyptian court Monday banned an annual Jewish pilgrimage in the Nile Delta province of Baheira honouring a Moroccan rabbi, saying it went against local traditions, a judicial official said.A court in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria issued an indefinite ban on celebrations marking the birthday of Yacoub Abu Hasira, held annually in January since 1979, the year Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty.Despite an earlier ban on the pilgrimage during the regime of ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, hundreds of Jews from Morocco, France and Israel continued to visit Abu Hasiras shrine in Dutmo village.On Monday, the court in Alexandria issued a final ruling banning the festival indefinitely, the judicial official said.Dutmo residents had filed a case denouncing the security measures imposed for the festival, and also charged that its rituals were inappropriate to Egyptian rural customs, the official said.The court also revoked an earlier decision to list the rabbis tomb as a heritage site.Abu Hasira lived between 1805 and 1880. After the 1979 treaty, Egypt allowed Jews to visit his tomb every year in January.
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