Monday 31 August 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Oil prices leap 8% on lower US output, OPEC signal

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices surged higher Monday as the US government lowered its domestic production estimate and OPEC said it was ready to talk to producers about multi-year low prices.US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for October delivery jumped $3.98 (8.8 percent) to $49.20 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, its third straight winning session.In London, Brent crude for October delivery closed at $54.15 a barrel, up $4.10 (8.2 percent) from Fridays settlement.Over the past three winning sessions WTI has gained 27.5 percent and Brent is up 25.52 percent.Oil prices opened lower Monday but pulled out of negative territory after the Department of Energy said that US domestic production in June was 9.3 million barrels a day, about 100,000 barrels lower than its previous estimate. Monthly estimates for the January to May period were revised lower by as much as 130,000 barrels a day.US production had been running at record levels since the beginning of the year, exacerbating the global oversupply situation.Also boosting prices was a statement by the OPEC oil cartel to the effect that the continuing downward pressure on prices remains a cause for concern for the group.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, responsible for about 40 percent of global crude production, tied the price pressure to higher production and market speculation.Needless to say, OPEC, as always, will continue to do all in its power to create the right enabling environment for the oil market to achieve equilibrium with fair and reasonable prices, OPEC said in a monthly report.As the organization has stressed on numerous occasions, it stands ready to talk to all other producers. But this has to be on a level playing field. OPEC will protect its own interests.Analysts cast doubt on whether OPEC was willing to curtail production.Oil traders appear to be reading this as a pledge to rein in production, or at least, to avoid letting production get any higher. That will prop up prices -- if it works, said Paul Ausick at 24/7 Wall St, who added: Color us skeptical.OPEC crude output climbed by 108,000 barrels to 32.32 million barrels a day in August, Bloomberg News reported Monday, noting that was well above the cartels official limit of 30 million barrels per day.Ausick said that it appears the OPEC leadership agreed to take to the bully pulpit on behalf of those members hit the hardest, knowing that any indication that the cartel was ready to resuscitate pricing by (obliquely implying) lowering production would give crude a shot in the arm.

Dollar dips as investors seek Fed rate hike clues

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar dipped against the euro and the yen Monday in cautious trade as investors weighed the likelihood of a Federal Reserve increase in zero-level interest rates next month.The dollar capped off a month of general underperformance with another drift lower as global stock losses benefited the low-yielding euro and safer Japanese currency, said Joe Manimbo of Western Union Business Solutions.The dollar struggled as worries about a weakening Chinese economy threw up a potential obstacle for the Fed to raise interest rates, he said.Federal Reserve officials at a weekend conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, gave no clear signal about the timing of the central banks first rate hike in over nine years.In a speech, the Feds number two Stanley Fischer said: We should not wait until inflation is back to two percent to begin tightening.After his speech, if we see some strong US data this week, this will increase the odds of a September rate hike and that should help the dollar, said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth Foreign Exchange.The upcoming August US jobs report, due Friday, will be in focus as the Federal Open Market Committee assesses whether the US economys improvement is strong enough to weather a rate hike.The key data come less than two weeks before the FOMC announces its rate decision on September 17.2100 GMT Monday FridayEUR/USD 1.1213 1.1188EUR/JPY 135.95 135.97EUR/CHF 1.0846 1.0772EUR/GBP 0.7307 0.7266USD/JPY 121.24 121.52USD/CHF 0.9673 0.9627GBP/USD 1.5346 1.5399

Brazil government budget goes into the red

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BRASILIA (AFP) - Brazils government presented a 2016 budget Monday that for the first time projects the worlds seventh largest economy operating in the red, sparking worries that the countrys investment grade rating will be put at risk.Embattled President Dilma Rousseffs government delivered the proposed budget to Congress predicting a primary deficit amounting to 0.5 percent of GDP, or 30.5 billion reais ($8.4 billion).The budget plan calculates inflation of 5.4 percent next year and anemic GDP growth at 0.2 percent.This was the first time a Brazilian government has delivered a plan that would mean government spending outstripped receipts.The news follows last weeks prediction that Brazil has just entered the worst recession since 1931 and a host of other downbeat economic news, coupled with political turmoil.Markets fell sharply to the new blow.The real, which has already lost 26.61 percent of its value against the dollar this year, hit a 12-year low on the news, down 1.1 percent to 3.627 reais to the dollar. The Sao Paulo stock market lost 1.12 percent.A primary budget reflects the governments ability to manage savings and debt. The worry for Brazil now is that its debt load will lead to a loss of its investment-grade credit rating, which would be a serious blow to the economy.The acknowledgment that Brazil cannot balance its books followed the governments abandonment in the face of Congressional opposition of a plan to bring back and unpopular tax on financial transactions.Cutting spending is also tricky, given the political damage that austerity measures have already caused Rousseffs weak government.But Finance Minister Joaquim Levy was confident, saying the equation in Brazil has a solution.Its an equation of growth, which is resolved through cooperation, dialogue and political will, he said.Brazil saw boom years peaking with 7.5 percent economic growth in 2010, but Latin Americas biggest country, the host of next years Summer Olympics, has been brought down by plunging commodity prices and political instability.

Tokyo shares down 1.57% in early trade

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TOKYO (AFP) - Tokyo shares fell 1.57 percent in early trade Tuesday, as investors cautiously awaited fresh Chinese data to gauge the health of Asias top economy.The Nikkei index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange slipped 296.71 points to 18,593.77 shortly after the opening bell.The Topix index of all first section shares fell 1.50 percent, or 23.13 points, to 1,513.92.Players confidence has waned that China will be able to prop up its markets amid slowing economic growth, analysts said.China releases the official Purchasing Managers Index today and markets may move with it, Toshihiko Matsuno, chief strategist at SMBC Friend Securities, told Bloomberg News.We know the Chinese economy is weakening, but we want to see how the deceleration impacts its major trading partners.Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down 114.98 points, or 0.69 percent, at 16,528.03.The broader S&P 500 lost 16.69 points, or 0.84 percent, to 1,972.18, and the Nasdaq Composite gave up 51.82 points, or 1.07 percent, at 4,776.51.Worries over the potential broader impact of Chinas slowdown resurfaced as analysts voiced concern that the markets were still not free of the turbulence that sparked huge sell-offs and sharp recoveries across the world last week.Global trade also grew more volatile on uncertainty over US interest rates.Federal Reserve vice chair Stanley Fischer has said a hike in borrowing rates was still possible in September.The US August jobs report, due Friday, should provide a clue as the last major data point before the Feds meeting on September 16-17.The historically low US interest rates of recent years have fuelled investment in global stock markets because they have made it cheap to borrow money for speculation.In the forex market, the dollar was at 120.99 yen, down from 121.24 yen.The euro was $1.1243 and 136.01 yen, mixed from $1.1213 and 135.95 yen.

S. Korea August exports plunge by most since 2009

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SEOUL (AFP) - South Koreas exports in August suffered their biggest fall in six years, hit by weak global demand and falling prices, the trade ministry said Tuesday.Exports plunged 14.7 percent on-year to $39.33 billion, the largest percentage fall since August 2009 when the comparable figure dipped 20.9 percent on-year.It also represented the eighth consecutive month of decrease in exports.South Korea, whose economy relies heavily on trade, saw its exports fall 10.9 percent on-year in May.The percentage decrease then somewhat eased in the following two months, with a 1.8 percent decline in June and 3.3 percent in July.Imports in August dived at a greater rate of 18.3 percent on-year to $34.98 billion, leaving a $4.35 billion trade surplus.The trade balance has been in the black since February 2012.

China manufacturing index slumps in August: govt

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BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese manufacturing activity fell into contraction in August, an official index showed Monday, the figure slumping to a three-year low in the latest sign of slowing growth in the worlds second-largest economy.The official Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 49.7 last month, the National Bureau of Statistics said in a statement.The reading, which tracks activity in Chinas vast factory and workshop sector, was worse than the 50.0 reading in July, and the first time it showed contraction since February.The index is seen as a key barometer of the Asian giants economic health, a key driver of global growth.A figure above 50 signals expansion in the sector, while anything below indicates shrinkage.It was the lowest official PMI since August 2012, but was still better than an independent survey sponsored by Chinese media group Caixin, announced late last month.Its preliminary PMI reading for August plunged to a 77-month low of 47.1.Caixin was due to release the final figure, compiled by financial information services provider Markit, later Monday.The outlook for Chinas economy has turned decidedly pessimistic even after gross domestic product (GDP) registered an expansion of 7.0 percent in the April-June quarter, surprising economists on the upside.Indicators in the current third quarter have worsened as have concerns over the health of Chinas economy, leading to turmoil on overseas stock markets as a bubble also deflates on domestic bourses.Chinas economy expanded 7.4 percent last year, its weakest since 1990, and GDP has slowed further this year.Analysts have said that giant explosions last month in the port of Tianjin as well as a military parade set for Thursday in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II -- for which factories have been closed and a public holiday declared -- likely helped weaken manufacturing activity in August.

Two death row convicts hanged

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SAHIWAL/BAHAWALPUR (Dunya News) – Two death row convicts were sent to the gallows in different jails of Punjab on early Tuesday morning, Dunya News reported.According to details, death row prisoner Muhammad Ashraf was executed in the Central Jail, Sahiwal. Ashraf had killed Shahzad Fareed in 1994 in Chichawatni.Death row convict Jumma Khan was hanged in New Central Jail, Bahawalpur. Jumma Khan had killed his mother-in-law over a family dispute in 2000.

Football: Inter capture Melo, Ljajic in late deals

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MILAN (AFP) - Inter Milan have bolstered their new-look midfield by capturing Brazilian veteran Felipe Melo and Bosnian Adem Ljajic from Galatasaray and Roma respectively, the Serie A club announced Monday.FC Internazionale announces the club has agreed with Galatasaray over the definitive transfer of Felipe Melo, Inter said in a brief statement.Reports in Italy claimed Melo, who played for Brazil in the 2010 World Cup but has not played since as he bore the brunt of the blame for their exit at the hands of the Dutch in the quarter-finals when he was sent off, signed the contract in Turkey and it was then emailed to Inter, who deposited it before the 2200 GMT transfer deadline.No financial details were revealed but reports claim 32-year-old Melo cost Inter 3.5m euros ($3.9million).Earlier the club had announced the arrival of out-of-favour Roma forward Ljajic on a season-long loan deal, reportedly for EUR2 million with an option to buy outright set at an additional EUR9m in 2016.Ljajic joined Roma on a four-year deal worth EUR11m euros two seasons ago from Fiorentina but has arguably moved down the squad pecking order following the arrival of Mohamed Salah, Iago Falque and Bosnian teammate Edin Dzeko.Melo and Ljajic, 23, are the latest additions to a new-look Inter midfield coach Roberto Mancini is assembling following the departure of Mateo Kovacic and Hernanes.Creative midfielder Kovacic moved to Real Madrid earlier this summer and Brazilian attacking midfielder Hernanes was set to sign for Juventus after agreeing terms on Monday.As well as Melo and Ljajic, Inter have signed French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, Croatian winger Ivan Perisic, defenders Jeison Murillo and Miranda, striker Stevan Jovetic and Martin Montoya.Inter sit third in Serie A, behind Torino and leaders Chievo, after back-to-back wins.

Football: United hamstrung by transfer chaos

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LONDON (AFP) - With less than 24 hours until the transfer window slams shut, Manchester United once again find themselves playing the unwanted role of the panicked Christmas shopper who realises hes left it too late to buy the presents he wanted.Despite splashing out GBP 150 million ($230 million) on new signings during his first season in charge and then spending nearly GBP 80 million on Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian in recent months, United manager Louis van Gaal is still unhappy with the make-up of his squad.Frustrated at missing out on several of his top targets, the Dutchman has been left with an unbalanced group heavy on midfielders, but short on quality support for star striker Wayne Rooney, lacking a world-class central defender and missing a top goalkeeper to replace Real Madrid-bound David de Gea.Uniteds design flaws, which threaten to leave van Gaals side lagging behind Premier League pace-setters Manchester City, were on full display in their 2-1 defeat at Swansea on Sunday.And that has thrown the spotlight on Uniteds slap-dash approach to their recruitment.The main complaints have focused on Uniteds beleaguered executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Charged with delivering the signings that van Gaal desires, the 43-year-old has struggled to fulfil the Dutchmans wishes, reviving memories of his chaotic introduction to the role in the first days of David Moyes miserable reign in 2013.Back then bold talk of a marquee signing ended with rebuffed approaches for Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas and the far less inspiring sight of Marouane Fellaini pulling on a United shirt.This time around, Woodward has suffered the embarrassment of flying to Spain to conclude a deal for Barcelonas Pedro Rodriguez, only to discover the Spain winger had decided to join Chelsea instead.BrowbeatenFaced with de Geas determination to force through a transfer to Real, Woodward has tried to play hardball over his wish for a GBP 33 million fee, but reports on Monday suggested agent Jorge Mendes has browbeaten him into letting the Spaniard, who has only a year left on his contract, leave for much less, albeit with replacement keeper Keylor Navas said to be included in the deal.Woodwards failure to land Real defender Sergio Ramos, who was considering a move to United in the close-season, has left another gaping hole in van Gaals rearguard.Meanwhile the sales of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez, as well as the loan exit of Adnan Januzaj, have left the squad bereft of options to ease the burden on Rooney, who has endured an inconsistent start to the season.In response, van Gaal and Woodward offered a reported GBP36 million for Monacos French striker Anthony Martial, even though the raw teenager scored just nine league goals last season.Making it all the more galling, across Manchester, City have recently swooped for Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne, the kind of dynamic ascending talents that could tip the balance in the title race -- just as former boss Alex Ferguson used to do when he brought in the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo.The autocratic van Gaal had previously defended Woodward, but even he showed signs of irritation at Uniteds incoherent transfer policy when grilled after the Swansea loss.You can never speak as a club like Manchester United that you are satisfied because it is a process, he said.We know already in advance what is happening and what is not happening. Its a process and I cannot change that.Unfortunately, the clock is ticking ever closer to Tuesdays 1700GMT deadline, leaving van Gaal and Woodward little time to get those presents wrapped.

Tennis: Cilic shrugs off low-key US Open return

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Marin Cilic shrugged off being shunted off to the Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday where his status as defending US Open champion was saluted by just a smattering of fans.The Croatian stunned tennis last year when he defeated Roger Federer in the semi-finals and Kei Nishikori in the championship match to lift his first -- and so far only -- Grand Slam title.But the 26-year-old was not afforded the honour of a return to showpiece Arthur Ashe Stadium where he trimphed 12 months ago.Instead, he was second match up on Armstrong, where he saw off Argentine qualifier Guido Pella 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3).Louis Armstrong Court is not that small. It was a pretty nice crowd out there for a hot day today, said ninth seed Cilic.Its pretty humid. The match before went five sets. The crowd also needs some refreshments. But, you know, Im not too bothered by the court where Im playing.The courts here are all pretty big. Definitely, of course, Arthur Ashe is the place where I was playing the best, so looking forward to come back there.Cilic, coached by compatriot and 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic, is getting used to life in the shadows of the sport despite his major-winning status.However, like Ivanisevic, he is a folk hero back home, with Cilic even managing to name-check his small hometown in his Monday news conference.I felt the most special welcome was in my hometown, Medugorje, population of 5,000 people, said Cilic, handing the tournament media conference stenographers the added challenge of Croatian geography.But it was an incredible reception. Most of the people there I know from when I was a kid. It was incredible.More than like 30,000, 40,000 people was there. It was amazing experience. I wont forget that for all my life, thats for sure. And I would like to repeat that.The road between last years US Open and this years edition has not been smooth.A soulder injury forced Cilic to skip the Australian Open and his season only got underway in March.But a quarter-final run at Wimbledon suggested that the perils are behind him, even if he has become something of a marked man since his New York heroics of last year.It changes, absolutely, in your mind looking at the tournament. Its for sure a different approach, said Cilic on his preparation both on and off the court.But you still have to bring that to your mind, that its another Grand Slam, of course. Its going to be more important than the other ones, but you still have to simplify it.I am feeling that definitely its a pressure thing to do that, but, of course, if you approach it in the right way, as Im trying to, it gives me more positive looks at it.With Nishikori defeated by Frances Benoit Paire, the champions path to the quarter-finals was eased, although Spanish grinder and seventh seed David Ferrer remains in his section.Im more focused on myself and know that I have the abilities to win, he said.

Commonwealth Games: Durban poised to make history

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JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Lone candidates Durban expect to be confirmed Wednesday in Auckland as historic hosts of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.Although the four-yearly multi-sport event turned 85 this year, no African country has staged it.Canadian city and previous hosts Edmonton withdrew from the 2022 race last February, citing oil price-related financial concerns, leaving the South African port as the only bidders.Visits to the Indian Ocean city convinced representatives of the 71 members of the Commonwealth family of nations and territories that Durban would be an excellent choice.It is our recommendation that the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) votes to award the 2022 Games to Durban, said senior Federation official Louise Martin.The CGF has called the Durban bid an historic and special moment for the Commonwealth sporting movement.Britain have hosted the Games six times, Australia and Canada four times each, New Zealand three times, and Jamaica, Malaysia and India once each.It is the turn of Africa to hold this great event, a beaming national Olympics body boss Gideon Sam told AFP.We believe our time has come and that South Africa can put on a show that will do the Commonwealth Games proud.South Africa have successfully hosted the three biggest single-sport events -- the cricket, rugby union and football World Cups -- and Sam says a multi-sport event is the natural next step.We have done exhaustive research and the opinion of my colleagues and myself is that we are ready to stage an event like the Commonwealth Games.Playing host to the athletes of the Commonwealth will be a huge step forward in the sporting history of South Africa and Africa.Sam says Durban, which enjoys a tropical climate, is an obvious choice for the Games, which are earmarked to start on July 18 2022 and last 12 days.The proposed opening day is the birth date of global political icon Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected leader of the republic, who died in 2013 aged 95.So many of the venues are already in place, including the main stadium, which was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, said Sam.We intend following the example set by London for the 2012 Olympic Games and using exhibition centres for the indoor sports.South African officials say only an athletes village and a shooting range need to be built, and an athletics track installed at the main Moses Mabhida Stadium.And they insist that concerns about costs in South Africa -- a country grappling with 20 percent-plus unemployment and widespread poverty and inequality -- are unfounded.Durban bid chairman and South African Rugby Union vice-president Mark Alexander predicts a handsome profit.We have budgeted 6.4 billion rand ($480 million, 430,000 million euros) to host the Games and expect a profit of more than that figure, he said.Commonwealth officials estimated the highly acclaimed 2014 Games in Glasgow cost about 650,000 million pounds (13 billion rand)This is a smart budget with no fancy stuff, stressed Alexander. There will be no white elephants -- we are not building monuments.The economic impact of the (New Zealand) All Blacks playing one Test in Johannesburg is 400 million rand in one week.So imagine what a seven-year process will bring in with various teams coming ahead of the Games to prepare.

Football: De Gea move to Madrid mired in confusion - reports

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MADRID (AFP) - Manchester United goalkeeper David de Geas proposed transfer to Real Madrid appeared to be scuppered on Monday night as the move was not listed in the transfers registered by the Spanish Professional League.Madrid seemed set to conclude the long-running transfer saga with a deal that would see the Spanish giants pay up to 30 million euros ($33.5 million, GBP 21.8 million) for De Gea, with Costa Rican international goalkeeper Keylor Navas moving to United.Initial reports suggested that the documentation needed to formalise the transfer wasnt completed before the Spanish transfer window closed at midnight local time (2200GMT).However, subsequent reports in the Spanish media claimed Madrid will attempt to demonstrate to the football authorities that all the documentation was in place before the deadline.De Gea has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford meaning he could join Madrid for free next year if the transfer doesnt go through now.The Spanish international hasnt featured in any of Uniteds six games so far this season with manager Louis van Gaal claiming the 24-year-old wasnt focused at the English giants due to Madrids interest.The 10-time European champions were in the market for a goalkeeper after Spain captain Iker Casillas ended his 25-year association with the club by moving to Porto in July.De Gea joined United from Reals city rivals Atletico Madrid in 2011 and despite a shaky start went on to shine, winning the clubs fans and players player of the year awards for the past two seasons.However, he refused to sign a new deal with United due to his desire to return to Spain with Real.A standoff between the two clubs ensued with United also expressing their interest in Real captain Sergio Ramos over the summer before he ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal with Los Blancos.

Tennis: Serena, Djokovic roll but Nishikori falls at US Open

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Top-ranked Serena Williams launched her quest to win the US Open and complete a calendar Grand Slam by overwhelming 86th-ranked Russian Vitalia Diatchenko for her 29th consecutive Slam match triumph.The three-time defending champion won 6-0, 2-0 after only 30 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium when Diatchenko retired with a left foot injury, advancing Williams into the second round at Flushing Meadows.The 33-year-old American chases the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 and a 22nd career major title to match Grafs Open Era record, two shy of Australian Margaret Courts all-time mark.Top-ranked Novak Djokovic cruised into the mens second round but Japanese fourth seed Kei Nishikori crashed out after his runner-up effort last year.Williams praised the New York crowd, which has adored her since she captured her first major title at the 1999 US Open as a teen prodigy.I felt the support and love on this journey and milestone Im trying to take one match at a time, Williams said.I feel so good. Im so ready. Im at home, where it all began for me in 99. It all feels great.Williams advanced to a second-round match against Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens, who eliminated Croatian Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.If I can just stay relaxed and stay in the points and stay calm and stay happy out there, I have to look at it as I have nothing to lose.Williams lost plenty of potential obstacles in her march to history on day one as top-10 womens seeds Ana Ivanovic, Karolina Pliskova and Carla Suarez Navarro exited with opening-match losses.That left 12th seed Belinda Bencic -- who ousted Bulgarian Sesil Karatancheva 6-1, 6-2 -- as the top-rated foe in Williams half of the draw. Williams, who lost to Bencic in the Toronto semi-finals, could see the Swiss teen again in a quarter-final.Williams, who owns six US and Australian Open and Wimbledon titles plus three French Open crowns, won her 22nd US Open match in a row since her last loss, to Aussie Samantha Stosur in the 2011 final. Williams has won eight Slam titles since then.No. 1 Djokovic rollsDjokovic needed only one hour and 11 minutes to capture a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Brazils Joao Souza.Theres something I love about number one for sure. Hopefully I can keep it up, said Djokovic.Im just hoping I can continue to play this way and if I can, I feel I have a really good chance against anybody.Djokovics highest-ranked possible semi-final foe had been Nishikori, but last years runner-up exited the US Open at the first match for the third time in five years as Frances 41st-ranked Benoit Paire saved two match points and defeated the Japanese star 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.To beat Nishikori, for me, it was impossible to imagine this, Paire said. Im really happy.Paire, who had never before beaten a top-five foe, fired 21 aces to only three for Nishikori and blasted 64 winners, 30 more than Nishikori, with 67 unforced errors, 31 more than the Asian number one.He was very aggressive, so there were many rallies and it was tough to get rhythm, Nishikori said.Nishikori led the tie-breaker 6-4 but swatted a forehand long, watched Paire smack two service winners and then Nishikori netted a forehand to force a fifth set.Paire, who won his first ATP title last month at Bastad, broke for a 3-2 lead and held to the finish to win after three hours and 14 minutes.Defending champion Marin Cilic of Croatia won his opener 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3) over Argentine qualifier Guido Pella.Defending a Grand Slam title for the first time for sure is something I will learn from, Cilic said.Top Serena rivals oustedSlovakias 50th-ranked Dominika Cibulkova ousted seventh-seeded Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, delivering the Serb stars earliest US Open exit since 2009.After the injury-forced withdrawal of Russian third seed Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic had been Williams top-ranked rival.That status fell to Czech eighth seed Pliskova, who promptly lost to American Anna Tatishvili 6-2, 6-1, and then to 10th seed Suarez Navarro, who fell to Czech Denisa Allertova 6-1, 7-6 (7/5).One Williams rival who advanced was her older sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion. The US 23rd seed outlasted Puerto Ricos Monica Puig 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3.

Satellite images confirm destruction of famed temple in Syria's Palmyra: UN

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GENEVA (AFP) - Satellite images confirm the destruction of another famed temple in Syrias Palmyra, the United Nations said late Monday.We can confirm destruction of the main building of the Temple of Bel as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity, the UN training and research agency UNITAR said, providing satellite images from before and after a powerful blast in the ruins of the ancient city Sunday.The blast had already raised fears Monday that the Islamic State group had damaged another of the Middle Easts most treasured heritage sites.UNITAR said its satellite programme put to rest any doubts that the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel had been destroyed in the blast.A shot taken on August 27 clearly shows an erect, rectangular structure surrounded by columns, while a shot taken on Monday showed there was little left besides a few columns in the very outer edges of the site.IS already destroyed the smaller Baal Shamin temple at Palmyra last week, confirming the worst fears about their intentions for the site, which they seized from Syrian regime forces in May.UNITAR on Friday also presented satellite images confirming the destruction of the Baal Shamin temple, which the UNs cultural agency UNESCO called a war crime.The jihadists have carried out a sustained campaign of destruction against heritage sites in areas under their control in Syria and Iraq, and in mid-August beheaded the 82-year-old former antiquities chief in Palmyra.The extremist groups interpretation of Islam considers statues and grave markers to be idolatrous, but it has also been accused of destroying heritage sites to loot items for the black market and to gain publicity.Known as the Pearl of the Desert, Palmyra, which means City of Palms, lies 210 kilometres (130 miles) northeast of Damascus.Before the Syrian conflict erupted 2011, more than 150,000 tourists visited Palmyra every year.Before the arrival of Christianity in the second century, Palmyra worshipped the Semitic god Bel, along with the sun god Yarhibol and lunar god Aglibol.Syrias antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim described the Temple of Bel as Palmyras most important site, and also the most important temple in the Middle East along side Baalbek in Lebanon.Construction on the temple began in 32 BC and ended in the second century, and it later served as both a church and a mosque.

Russian nuclear official pleads guilty in US bribery plot

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - A Russian nuclear official pleaded guilty Monday to a US charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering in a case involving $2.1 million in bribes for contracts with a Moscow-controlled company.The US Justice Department said Vadim Mikerin, 56, was representing Russian nuclear materials trader Tenex in the United States when he helped transfer funds to offshore shell accounts that came from US companies aiming to sell services to Tenex and its parent, Russians State Atomic Energy Corporation.The department said the payments, made between 2004 and 2014 for contracts to transport Russian uranium, violated the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.Those making the payments were not identified. But the department pointed to a Maryland transport firm and two Ohio companies, now merged, involved in making pressure vessels for the nuclear industry, and to American individuals linked to the companies.Mikerin admitted that the corrupt payments were made by conspirators to influence Mikerin and to secure improper business advantages for US companies that did business with Tenex, the department said in a statement.Mikerin is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Two other men in the scheme pleaded guilty in June and will be sentenced separately in October and November.
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Sunday 30 August 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Maria Sharapova pulls out of the US Open

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NEW YORK (Agencies) - World number three Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the US Open on the eve of the tournament because of injury.Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in this years US Open, Sharapova said on her Facebook page on the eve of the event. I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time. To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong.Sharapova withdrew Sunday with a right leg injury, after not having played since Wimbledon.While Williams as the No. 1 seed has a tough quarter to battle through herself, Sharapovas withdrawal means the Russians quarter is wide open.So who will benefit the most? If the seeds hold, that would be world No. 7 Ana Ivanovic, who was slated to meet Sharapova in the quarterfinals.But Ivanovic is a less than reliable performer in womens tennis. The former world No. 1 reached the semifinals at the French Open earlier this year, but has lost before the second week at the majors in six of the last 11 shes played.Australian Daria Gavrilova, 21, was set to meet Sharapova in the first round, and could make a run herself, the youngster already having made strides on the WTA Tour earlier this year. Sharapovas countrywoman, Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 U.S. Open champion, could also use this as a chance for opportunity, though she hasnt been a strong force on the tour for a number of years.Sharapova was set to meet another Russian, Ekaterina Makarova, the No. 13 seed and 2014 U.S. Open semifinalist in the fourth round. Former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic, could also benefit. Shes seeded to meet Ivanovic in the fourth round.Its hard to argue that this greatly affects Serena Williams in one way or another. Yes, Sharapova and Williams were seeded to meet in the semifinals, but Williams has won 17 matches in a row against Sharapova, dating to 2005.Should Williams lose early, however, the beneficiary may be her conqueror. That player would not have to face Sharapova, who has cemented herself as a tough-as-nails competitor, particularly at the majors.It is also a gigantic blow to the tournament itself, as Sharapova is seen as a ticket seller and TV ratings booster. Though her rivalry with Williams is entirely one-sided, the melodrama surrounding their march toward one another in the draw now will be sorely missed at this U.S. Open, which has already been dominated by Serenas quest for the calendar Grand Slam.Daria Kasatkina, who is ranked 133rd in the world, is the lucky loser who replaces Sharapova in the draw.

Djokovic ponders his own Slam possibilities

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Not since Australian legend Rod Laver in 1969 has a man completed a calendar year Grand Slam, but top-ranked Novak Djokovic believes he could be the next man to do it.The 28-year-old Serbian top seed will launch his US Open campaign Monday against Brazils Joao Souza at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he will serve as the warm-up act before Serena Williams opens the night session.Three-time defending champion Williams is trying to complete the calendar Slam, last accomplished in 1988 by Steffi Graf, and win her 22nd career major title, matching Graf for the Open Era record.I am sending her good vibes. I hope she does it. Shes a true champion and she is impressive.But Djokovic, seeking his 10th career Slam title, is only one match shy of coming to the Flushing Meadows fortnight with the same chance as Williams at a calendar-year Slam sweep.Djokovic lost the French Open final to Swiss Stan Wawrinka after beating Britains Andy Murray in the Australian Open final and before he downed Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final.I have been close and that gives me enough reason to believe that I can achieve that, Djokovic said of the calendar-year Slam.Im trying to win every Grand Slam I play. I set myself up for high standards because of the results Ive had the last couple of years. Im an ambitious guy and I devote myself completely to the sport.Will that happen or not? I cannot predict and say yes or no, but I can definitely tell you that I give my best.Djokovic can win three Slams in the same year for the second time in his career if he takes the trophy in two weeks. In 2011, he won the US and Australian Opens and Wimbledon but lost to Spanish star Rafael Nadal in Djokovics first trip to the Roland Garros final.That defeat also foiled Djokovics bid for a Novak Slam -- holding all four major trophies at the same time, even though it didnt happen in a single calendar year.Djokovic sees himself as a much different player than he was in 2011 when he won three Slams in an epic season.Im a different person, a different player than I was in 2011 so its kind of hard to compare tennis-wise, Djokovic said. Physically Im stronger and able to endure longer than I did in 2011.As you grow older you are trying to develop your game and get to the highest level possible. I think this season, results-wise, pretty close to 2011. What I achieved in 2011 is hard to repeat, so this season is definitely just behind that one.

Federer likes Open chances but faces early test

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Roger Federer likes his chances of winning the US Open after a resurgent run to the Wimbledon final and aggressive play that produced a tuneup title last week at Cincinnati.But the 34-year-old Swiss star, winner of a record 17 Grand Slam singles titles but none since Wimbledon in 2012, isnt looking past his first opponent when the Flushing Meadows fortnight opens Monday.I feel like I have a good chance but I really cant think further than my first-round opponent right now, Federer said Saturday.My focus needs to be not trying to win the tournament right away. That would be thinking too far ahead. I havent been in the finals in this tournament as of late. I came close but close is not good enough.Federer won five consecutive US Opens from 2004-2008 and reached the 2009 final, losing to Argentinas Juan Martin del Potro in a five-set battle. Since then he has reached every other major final at least once but not in New York.His immediate concern is 33rd-ranked Leonardo Mayer, his first-match foe from Argentina.Federer was surprised to find Mayer had not been seeded. Finding him across the net in match one was one reason Federer saw his draw as especially tough, with Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych a possible quarter-final rival and either British third seed Andy Murray or French Open winner Stan Wawrinka potentially waiting in the semi-finals.I didnt know he was unseeded. Total shock for me to see I was going to play him. Thats one reason I think its a really tough draw, Federer said.Im really just focused on the first round. Its really tough to be playing Leonardo Mayer so I have to come back to reality after the good week I had last week and go from there.Federer won their only prior meeting 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (9/7) in the second round of the Shanghai ATP Masters event last year.The Shanghai match was one of the toughest ones Ive ever won in my career, Federer said.I like the power he has plus the serve, which makes him tough to control from the baseline. Always got to try to make an athletic match and theres tons of movement, shorten the points on my terms. Hes a challenge. I hope I can play with confidence and use my experience against a player like this.Federer would not commit to the same attacking style he used against Novak Djokovic and Murray at Cincinnati, but holds it out as an option.As the tournament went on I kept up the aggressive play. Im glad it ended well. Well see if I do it here as well, Federer said.Its not that important for me to keep the points short. I feel very comfortable rallying. Ive done that for 10 years. I can be very creative and I think its important for me to use that.Federer has won titles this year at Brisbane, Dubai, Istanbul, Halle and Cincinnati. At Wimbledon, he ripped Murray in straight sets in the semi-finals but lost in four sets to Djokovic in the final.Maybe looking back at Wimbledon I peaked too early against Murray, then didnt quite play as good as I did against Murray against Djokovic, Federer said. Still, Novak causes different problems than Murray does, so maybe its also matchups. I try to save the best for last.My game is going very well. My volleying has been very good lately and very proactive going forward and I think my serve has been unbelievable lately. Its clearly very important that keeps working because its the base of all things. My game is usually great when I move well, which I did in Cincinnati. Thats very good going into the Open.

United's biggest problems exposed in 2-1 loss at Swansea

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MANCHESTER (AP) -- Manchester Uniteds early-season problems at both ends of the pitch were exposed in a 2-1 loss at Swansea on Sunday that ended its unbeaten start in the Premier League.On the day Manchester City spent more than 50 million pounds ($77 million) on another attacking player, its cross-town rival again showed a lack of cutting edge up front to turn dominance and good build-up play into goals.United was comfortable and perhaps should have been more than 1-0 ahead, through Juan Matas 49th-minute strike, when Swansea launched its comeback with two goals in five minutes from Andre Ayew and Bafetimbi Gomis.Gomis winner in the 66th minute capped a brilliant, sweeping team move but should have been kept out by goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who failed to stop a low shot at his near post. Romero is only playing because Uniteds first-choice goalkeeper, David de Gea, isnt being picked while he is linked with a move to Real Madrid.With Europes summer transfer window closing in England on Tuesday, United has two days to resolve its goalkeeper situation and decide whether to sign a new striker to help out Wayne Rooney, who is yet to score in the Premier League since April.I have enjoyed our football, United manager Louis van Gaal said, but you need the result and we lost again.Swansea has no such problems up front. Gomis, who scored for the fourth straight game this season, and summer signing Ayew have netted all seven of the teams goals in the league and that combination is the reason why Swansea is fourth in the standings after four games.United has lost three straight games to Swansea and fell five points behind Man City, which has won all four of its games.In Sundays other match, Southampton claimed its first win of the season by beating Norwich 3-0 thanks to Graziano Pelles goal and a double from Dusan Tadic. Norwich played with 10 men from the 31st minute, when Steven Whittaker was sent off for two bookings with the score at 0-0.United caused Swansea many problems early in the first half, with Mata shooting wide twice, Rooney misjudging an attempted lob after being played through and Memphis Depay having a free kick saved.The opening goal arrived when left back Luke Shaws cross squirmed through to the back post where Mata beat Ashley Williams to the ball and sidefooted a rising shot high into the net. It is only Uniteds third goal in four games.Swansea manager Garry Monk changed his teams shape, went to a diamond in midfield, and Ayew inspired the fightback.First he met Gylfi Sigurdssons cross with a downward header inside the near post in the 61st, then supplied Gomis with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot pass. The striker got between Uniteds two center backs and rolled his finish underneath Romero, who had barely been tested in the opening three games of the season.Today, we lost the game in five minutes, Mata said.United kicked off just as City announced the signing of goalscoring midfielder Kevin de Bruyne from Wolfsburg for a fee that reportedly could cost the league leaders 58 million pounds ($89 million).

Valentino Rossi wins British MotoGP

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LONDON (AFP) - Valentino Rossi of Italy moved to the top of the world championship standings with his fourth victory of the season when he triumphed in the British MotoGP at Silverstone on Sunday.On a rain-drenched track, Rossi, on a Yamaha, finished ahead of two Ducati-riding compatriots, Danilo Petrucci, who picked up the best result of his career, and Andrea Dovizioso.A master of rainy conditions, Rossi rode a near-perfect race as his main rivals lost ground in the title race.The days biggest loser was defending world champion Marc Marquez of Spain, who started off in pole position but came a cropper and was unable to complete the race after coming off his bike eight laps from home.Starting from sixth place on the grid, Rossi drew on all the experience and grit which has taken him to nine world titles.With the race delayed by rain, Rossi, who had already shown himself fastest in the warm-up, took just two laps to work his way into the lead and never looked back.He admitted that Marquezs misfortune acted as an incentive to relax a little. When I saw Marc fall, I slowed down a bit, he said. I was just hoping that Petrucci didnt risk everything to get back on terms.Rossis Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo of Spain managed to keep Rossi in his sights in the championship race by finishing fourth after the two had started the day level on points.

Cycling: Dumoulin takes stage and overall lead in Vuelta

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MADRID (Reuters) - Dutchman Tom Dumoulin won the ninth stage of the Vuelta, prevailing in a punishing uphill finish to claim the overall leaders red jersey on Sunday.The Giant-Alpecin rider attacked in the final climb, a 4km ascent with an average gradient over 10 percent, and pipped Chris Froome inside the final 100 metres after the Briton had also attacked.Team Sky rider Froome, the Tour de France champion, was second ahead of Spains Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha).Colombian Estabena Chaves (Orica-GreenEDGE) was dropped in the final climb and now lies third overall, 59 seconds behind Dumoulin.Rodriguez is second, 57 seconds off the pace, while Froome, who regained some ground he had lost two days ago, moved up to seventh 1:17 behind Dumoulin after 168.3 km between Torrevieja and El Poble Nou de Benitatxell.Slovakian Peter Sagan, who won the points classification at the Tour de France, did not start the stage after he sustained deep bruises when he was knocked down by an organisers motorbike on Saturday.If I had crashed alone or with another rider, I would have considered that to be part of the sport, the Tinkoff-Saxo rider said.However, being hit by a motorbike of the race organisation shouldnt be acceptable. The safety of the riders should be an absolute priority and all vehicle drivers involved in a race must be more attentive. I really hope this incident is the start of a series of necessary changes in the way races are organised.

Kenyan Kiprop retains 1,500 title with late surge

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BEIJING(Reuters) - Kenyas Asbel Kiprop won the world 1,500 meters title for the third time on Sunday, the 2011 and 2013 champion producing a late charge from 12th place to first in the last half-lap to take gold on Sunday.The tall and leggy Kiprop, 26, strode majestically to the finish and clocked 3 minutes 34.40 seconds, running the final lap in 51 seconds as his rivals battled and stumbled behind him to the line.Kiprop won Kenyas seventh gold medal of this world championships, his team mate Elijah Manangoi took the silver in 3:34.63 and Moroccos Abdelaati Iguider threw himself across the line to secure the bronze in 3:34.67.The opening two laps of the final were run at a steady pace, but Kiprop dropped right to the back of the pack in a display of supreme confidence in his ability to out-kick his rivals.Silas Kiplagat and Timothy Cheriuyot appeared to be running to Kenyan team orders as they set the pace, running 59 seconds for each of the first two laps.At the bell, American Matt Centrowitz was the first to make a dash for glory.Kiprops game of patience continued, the pre-race favorite only moving past four or five rivals down the back straight as one of his biggest threats, Taoufil Makhloufi, Algerias London 2012 Olympic gold medalist, took the lead with 200 meters left.Makhloufi went from the lead to finishing out of the medals in the last 15 meters as Kiprop and Managois late-rush took the big prizes.I am so proud of myself to become part of this exclusive club of three-times world champions, Kiprop told reporters.But I would dearly love to defend the title a fourth time in London in 2017.Kiprop is officially recognized as the 2008 Olympic champion, though he was denied his moment of glory in this same Birds Nest Stadium because Rashid Ramzi won the race but was subsequently disqualified for a doping offense.It was a good race and it was also very special, Kiprop said.I became Olympic champion here in Beijing but I have never been on the top of the podium.

Obama invites PM Nawaz for October visit

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama has invited Pakistans prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, for a meeting at the White House on Oct. 22, the U.S. National Security Council said on Sunday.The invitation came during a visit to Islamabad on Saturday and Sunday by National Security Adviser Susan Rice to meet with Sharif and senior officials, the NSC said in a statement.Ambassador Rice commended Pakistan’s support for recent talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, underscored the U.S. commitment to an Afghan-led peace process, and urged Pakistan to intensify its efforts to counter terrorist sanctuaries inside its borders in order to promote regional peace and stability, the NSC said.A senior U.S. official said on Saturday that the meeting was intended to advance our mutual interests and address areas of concern, particularly terrorist and militant attacks emanating from Pakistani soil.Rice also met with civil society leaders and ...commended their work in support of human rights, development, and civil liberties in Pakistan and affirmed continued strong U.S. support for their invaluable efforts, the NSC statement said.

Saudi executes Pakistani for drug trafficking

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RIYADH (AFP) - Saudi authorities executed a Pakistani man on Sunday for attempting to smuggle drugs into the ultra-conservative kingdom, the interior ministry said.Up to 129 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia so far this year, including the latest execution, compared with 87 for the whole of 2014, according to AFP tallies.Mohammed Sharif was arrested while attempting to smuggle heroin into the country hidden in his stomach, the ministry said in a statement published on the SPA state news agency.He was executed in the Quwaiya district, near Riyadh.Most people sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia are beheaded, but sometimes executions are carried out by firing squad.Amnesty International on Tuesday appealed for a moratorium on executions in Saudi Arabia, criticising the kingdoms deeply flawed judicial system.Under Saudi Arabias strict Islamic legal code, drug trafficking, murder, armed robbery, rape and apostasy are all punishable by death.Amnesty says Saudi Arabia is one of the worlds most prolific executioners, along with China, Iran, Iraq and the United States.

12 May target-killers arrested, 2 traffic police officers dead

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KARACHI: (Dunya News) – 3 target-killers involved in 12 May (2007) and Chakra Goth tragedies and attacks on police in Karachi have on Sunday been arrested. On the other hand, 3 including 2 traffic police officers were killed in firing incidents in Nipa Chorangi and Nazimabad. All the suspects belong to a political party, reported Dunya News.According to police, unidentified men shot 2 traffic police officers dead in Nipa Chorangi. The murdered were identified as Sher Muhammad and Nizamuddin. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has taken strict notice of the incident and demanded immediate report. 1 person died in firing incident in Nazimabad while 2 others were injured.Malir 2 Investigation Police arrested 3 target-killers and presented them before the media. The arrested target-killer revealed that he is an official of a political party in Ibrahim Haideri. He told that firing on police bus was opened in Chakra Goth after clash with Jiye Sindh and a political party official Raees Mama assisted in this attack.The arrested target-killer revealed that he has killed 5 so far including political opponents. He also admitted firing at buses on the arrival of former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in Karachi on May 12, 2007.Target-killer Zaeem Qadri confessed robbing jewelry shops and handing Rs. 2.7 million to Hamid Piya for purchase of weapons. These weapons were used for fighting the political opponents.SSP Investigation Malir 2 Malik Altaf Hussain said that after the confessions by the arrested suspects, their companions are also being arrested.

PML-Q not to participate in elections until resignation of ECP members

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) on Sunday announced they will not participate in by-polls until the Election Commission members resign and urged other parties also to review their decisions, Dunya News reported.The PML-Q said that the irregularities by the Election Commission have been mentioned in the judicial commission’s report forty times, adding that ECP’s playing with the mandate has been exposed.The leadership of the opposition party demanded that new members of the ECP be appointed after consultation with the opposition parties once the existing members step down.

China, US, Pakistan agree to restore peace process in Afghanistan

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – China, United States of America (USA) and Pakistan have on Sundya agreed to restore Afghan peace process. Western diplomacy in this regard has intensified in order to convince Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, reported Dunya News.According to Dunya News sources, US Advisor for National Security and German Foreign Minister’s visits were also part of the same diplomacy. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan president will soon talk one-on-one and Afghan peace process is expected to restart in September.Sources told that the US has been informed about the elements sabotaging the peace process. Afghanistan and Pakistan have also handed the evidence of Indian intelligence agency RAW’s involvement in terrorism. Sources also told that there are RAW sympathizers in Afghan intelligence agency NDS.

Security institutions arrest 4 terrorists in Lahore, 3 in Faisalabad

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – The security institutions have taken into custody at least four terrorists in Lahore and three in Faisalabad, while another three suspicious persons were also held, Dunya News reported.According to details, the investigation with the Indian agent arrested a few days ago from Lahore led to the arrests. Indian agent Ilyas alias Pervez confessed to conveying crucial information to the other side of the border.The security institutions raided areas surrounding Wagah and took at least four suspected terrorists into custody while in Faisalabad, the police and intelligence agencies carried out search operation in Chiniot Bazar and other areas and arrested at least six including three suspected terrorists.According to sources, all three terrorists arrested in Faisalabad were involved in attacks on security forces in Waziristan.

Peshawar's Nazim-elect robbed right after getting elected

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PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Peshawar’s Nazim-elect Arbab Asim Khan was robbed of Rs 70,000 while he was being congratulated by the supporters after getting elected, Dunya News reported.The Nazim-elect who has vowed to change the condition of Peshawar was welcomed also by pickpockets who managed to infiltrate workers and supporters and robbed Khan off while hugging and congratulating him, all without Khan’s noticing.Khan had ATM cards, identity card and Rs 70,000 in his wallet. He said he was meeting with workers when he fell victim to pickpocketing.Asim Khan appealed to the pickpockets to ‘kindly’ return driving license and national identity card.

Raheel Sharif, Susan Rice agree to continue peace efforts in region

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RAWALPINDI: (Dunya News) – US Advisor on National Security Susan Rice on Sunday met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and agreed to continue efforts for peace in the region. The two dignitaries discussed mutual security and regional situations, reported Dunya News.Susan rice, who is on visit to Pakistan, had a 2-hour long important meeting with General Raheel Sharif and discussed the regional security situation with him.According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department, Susan Rice said on this occasion that Pakistan army made genuine efforts against terrorism and also admired Pakistan army’s sacrifices in the war against terror. ISPR told that both the officials agreed on continuing efforts for stability in Afghanistan and peace in the region.
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Saturday 29 August 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Egypt court hands Al-Jazeera reporters three years in jail

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CAIRO (AFP) - An Egyptian court sentenced three Al-Jazeera reporters to three years in prison on Saturday, in a shock ruling that sparked international condemnation.Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journalist Peter Greste was tried in absentia after being deported early this year.The court said they had broadcast false news that harmed Egypt.Several co-defendants, accused of working with Al-Jazeera, received similar sentences.Canada called for the immediate return of Fahmy, while Qatar-based Al-Jazeera denounced the verdict as an attack on press freedom.Its a dark day for the Egyptian judiciary, Giles Trendle, the English channels acting managing director, told reporters in Doha.Rather than defend liberty and the free and fair media, the Egyptian judiciary has compromised its own independence.The retrial was ordered early this year after an appeals court overturned an initial sentence of seven years in prison, saying the prosecution had presented scant evidence.Dangerous precedentFahmys lawyer, London-based Amal Clooney, told reporters she would press the presidency for a pardon.Its a dangerous precedent in Egypt that journalists can be locked up simply for reporting the news and courts can be used as political tools, she said.Al-Jazeeras head of litigation, Farah Muftah, said in Doha the ruling would be appealed once the judge publishes the basis for his sentencings.Relatives and supporters were dismayed.Im shocked. Terribly shocked. We waited for an acquittal and then found ourselves stuck again in the case. This is illogical, Fahmys brother Adel said.Greste described the jail terms as devastating.We did nothing wrong. The prosecution presented no evidence that we did anything wrong and so for us to be convicted as terrorists on no evidence at all is frankly outrageous, he said.The journalists were arrested in December 2013, months after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi and launched a deadly crackdown on his supporters.At the time, Qatar, which owns Al-Jazeera, was supportive of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood movement.Judge Hassan Farid said Saturday that it was clear the reporters were not journalists and had broadcast false news while operating without a permit.Mohamed received an additional six-month sentence for possessing a bullet he picked up while covering protest violence.Fahmy and Mohamed, who were released on bail in February at the start of the retrial, were taken into custody.Lynne Yelich, Canadian minister of state for foreign and consular affairs, called on Egypt to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr Fahmys case and allow his immediate return to Canada.The trial has become an embarrassment for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who as army chief ousted Morsi from the presidency in 2013.Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was dismayed by the outcome and the United States said it was deeply disappointed and concerned.We urge the government of Egypt to take all available measures to redress this verdict, which undermines the very freedom of expression necessary for stability and development, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.British Minister for Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood said the sentencings would undermine confidence in Egypts progress towards strong long-term stability based on implementing the rights granted by the Egyptian constitution.In the initial trial, two British Al-Jazeera reporters who had left the country were tried in absentia and sentenced to 10 years in prison.A European Union statement called Saturdays sentences a setback for freedom of expression in Egypt.Politicised trialSisi has said he wished the Al-Jazeera journalists had not been put on trial. He may pardon them if he chooses.Fahmy, who gave up his Egyptian citizenship in hopes of being deported as Greste was in February, said ahead of the verdict that the trial was politicised.If justice is to be served we should be acquitted as impartial journalists, said Fahmy, who formerly worked for CNN.The three were accused of having supported the Brotherhood in their coverage. However, during the trial, the prosecution failed to find fault in their reporting.The technical committee that was appointed by the judge gave the court a report stating that none of our reports were fabricated, Fahmy said.Al-Jazeeras Arabic channel had been supportive of Morsi and Islamists, but Fahmy, Greste and Mohamed worked for its English-language news channel.Fahmy said they were shocked to discover during their trial that the broadcaster was unlicensed, when a prosecutor presented evidence to that effect.

Exiled Yemen president says fighting Huthis to stop 'Iran expansion'

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KHARTOUM (AFP) - Yemens exiled President Abedrabbo Mansur Hadi said on Saturday that his forces were battling Shiite Huthi rebels across the country to check Iranian expansion in the region.Hadi was speaking as he made a short visit to Sudan, which was seen as being close to Iran before it joined a Saudi-led coalition against the Yemeni rebels in April.We are currently leading a war based on stopping Iranian expansion in the region, Hadi said at a press conference with his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir.Iranian expansion is present now in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Hadi said.His comments came as coalition warplanes launched strikes against the Iranian-backed rebel positions in Yemen and reinforcements reached pro-government troops preparing for an anticipated push towards the capital Sanaa, military sources reported.Hadi said rebel forces had been pushed back in recent weeks.Now there are few provinces where battles are still going on. There is fighting in Taez, and Ibb and Hodeida and Marib, he said.He arrived in Sudan on Saturday afternoon to meet Bashir for talks. Sudan had previously been seen as close to Iran, whose warships used to make stops in Sudanese ports.But last September, Sudan shut Irans cultural centre in Khartoum and joined the coalition against the Huthis in March.With air support from their coalition allies and freshly trained troops, supporters of the exiled president had pushed the rebels from the second city of Aden and four other southern provinces and are fighting to control the third city of Taez.In March, Huthi rebels and troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh advanced on Aden, where Hadi had taken refuge after escaping house arrest in Sanaa.Hadi later fled to Riyadh, which assembled an Arab coalition that mounted a fierce air campaign against the rebels.At the press conference, Bashir also promised to give assistance to Yemenis studying in the capital and that Sudanese doctors were in Aden treating civilians wounded in the conflict.

Iran nuclear deal will 'fuel terrorism': Netanyahu

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FLORENCE (AFP) - The deal to curb Irans nuclear programme will bolster Tehrans ability to fund global terrorism by providing the Islamic state with billions of dollars in sanctions relief, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Saturday.Iran will get hundreds of billions of dollars from sanctions relief and investments to fuel its aggression and terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa and beyond, Netanyahu -- who is bitterly opposed to the deal agreed by Iran and world powers in July -- said during a visit to the Italian city of Florence.The Israeli leader is on a tour of Italy -- his first major overseas visit since being re-elected in June.Speaking ahead of a meeting Saturday evening with his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi he compared the threat posed by the Islamic State jihadist group with the far more serious threat...posed by another Islamic state, the Islamic state of Iran and specifically its pursuit of nuclear weapons.Israel was not opposed to Iran having a civilian nuclear program, he said, but the deal hammered out in the Swiss city of Lausanne would allow Tehran to keep and extend a formidable infrastructure that is completely unnecessary for civilian nuclear purposes but is entirely necessary for the production of nuclear weapons, Netanyahu declared.Iran denies trying to develop nuclear weapons, insisting its atomic programme is peaceful.

Burkina bars ex-leader's party candidate from presidential vote

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OUAGADOUGOU (AFP) - Burkina Fasos Constitutional Council on Saturday provisionally cleared 16 candidates for presidential elections in October, but declared the nominee of ousted president Blaise Compaores party ineligible.Eddie Constance Konboigo, head of Compaores Congress for Democracy and Progress party, was among six candidates barred from running, along with Gilbert Noel Ouedraogo of the ADF/RDA grouping that was allied to the former strongmans administration.Compaore was toppled October 2014 and fled into exile in Ivory Coast after a popular uprising triggered by his attempt to extend his 27-year rule.Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in protests that were brutally suppressed, leaving several dead.A transitional government is running the country until presidential and legislative elections, the first round of which take place on October 11.Konboigo called the decision a move to exclude his party based more on politics than the law.We dispute the decision of the Constitutional Council ... We will denounce it but we will comply, he continued, calling the youth of his party to avoid confrontation.The final list of presidential candidates will only be published after the deadline for appeals runs out on September 6. Only those candidates who made the provisional list can contest the candidacy of a rival.The Council had also declared 52 people ineligible to run for parliament over their support for Compaores bid for a third term.

Colombian president tours tense border city

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CUCUTA (AFP) - Colombias President Juan Manuel Santos visited a tense border city Saturday amid an escalating row with neighboring Venezuela that triggered deportations and the exodus of thousands of Colombians back home.I am here to make sure our fellow Colombians get the services they need, Santos said as he began the tour of Cucuta, a far northeastern city of about 700,00 with close business ties to Venezuela and which has been on edge.The crisis erupted on August 19 after Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro closed the border and then declared a state of emergency following an incident in which three Venezuelan soldiers were shot and wounded by two assailants on a motorcycle.The two countries recalled their respective ambassadors as tensions rose.Maduro has said 3,000 troops were being deployed to search high and low for Colombian paramilitaries, whom he has blamed for last weeks shooting.Since then, 1,097 Colombians have been summarily deported from Venezuela and several thousand more Colombians have fled for home, fearful of being targeted as well.Santos stopped at a filling station in Cucuta -- where people waited in line for hours to get gasoline -- to reassure them that supplies would not be interrupted.Mayor Donamaris Ramirez said that before the row, 90 percent of locals bought their gasoline at informal filling stations run by smugglers who get cut-rate subsidized fuel from oil-rich Venezuela.Now motorists across the city have to rely on gasoline stations, resulting in queues as long as seven hours, fanning discontent.In Washington, State Department expressed concern Friday and urged both countries to resolve the dispute diplomatically.In a statement late Friday, Santos vowed to continue conducting foreign relations with firmness, but with dialogue and diplomacy.We are now concentrating on attending to the humanitarian needs that this situation has generated, he said.Venezuela is mired in a deepening economic crisis, made worse by a plunge in oil prices, its main source of hard currency.Widespread shortages, roaring inflation and rampant crime have undermined support for Maduro, whose ruling party faces legislative elections in December.

Brazil ex-president Lula makes political comeback

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SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO (AFP) - Brazils popular ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared on Saturday that he is returning to the bruising political frontlines to defend his successor, the embattled Dilma Rousseff.Our opponents talk about me from morning until night... Well, its harder to kill a bird if he keeps flying. Thats why I started flying again, Lula, 69, said at a rally in Sao Paulo state, a day after admitting he could even seek the presidency again in 2018.Well, now I am going to speak. I am going to talk. I am going to give interviews and I am going to make people uncomfortable, Lula added.On Friday he said that he did not want to see his ruling Workers Party lose power after 12 years.I am sure that our rivals are heading out to undo what we achieved in improving peoples lives, he told the rally.I have broad shoulders and I have been beaten up plenty in my life. Lets see if our rivals give our beloved Dilma a little break and start being bothered by me again, Lula said, alongside former Uruguayan president Jose Mujica.Lula was in office from 2003 to 2010 and was the countrys first democratically elected leftist leader.He spent generously on social programs to reduce the number of Brazilians living in poverty and the economy boomed to the worlds seventh largest.On his heels, Rousseff has been re-elected, but her popularity is at a staggering low of eight percent, with the economy in recession and her government rocked by corruption scandals.Rousseff herself has not been accused but she chaired the board at Petrobras between 2003 and 2010, when much of the alleged corruption was flourishing.Prosecutors estimate that $2.1 billion in bribes were paid as part of the scheme.Lula is being investigated in an unrelated influence-peddling probe, but has not been charged.

Coalition pounds Yemen rebels, sets sights on capital

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ADEN (AFP) - Warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition hit Yemen rebel positions Saturday as reinforcements reached pro-government forces preparing for an anticipated advance towards the capital, military sources said.Apache helicopters struck a base occupied by rebel forces near Bayhan, in the southern province of Shabwa, hours after fighter jets targeted a convoy of the Iran-backed Huthi rebels in the area, a military source said.Warplanes also pounded arms depots in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, according to witnesses.Bayhan borders the eastern province of Marib, where military reinforcements have arrived from neighbouring Saudi Arabia to bolster forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, military sources said.Armoured vehicles have crossed the Wadia border point in Hadramawt province, heading to Marib, where loyalists are preparing a large offensive, a military official told AFP.The coalition has also deployed eight Apache helicopters that will be based at the Safir oil fields, the official said.The operation, aimed at driving the Huthis out of Marib and pushing west towards the capital, will begin in the next few days, the official said requesting anonymity.Bolstered by coalition air power and newly trained troops, Hadi loyalists have driven rebels out of Yemens second city Aden and four other southern provinces and are now fighting for control of the third city of Taez.In March, Huthi rebels and troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh advanced on Aden, where Hadi had taken refuge after escaping house arrest in Sanaa.Hadi later fled to Riyadh, which assembled an Arab coalition that mounted a fierce air campaign against the rebels.

Karachi: Police action kills 1 terrorist, 2 target killers arrested

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – East Investigation Police’s action on late Saturday night killed 1 terrorist while 2 target killers were arrested. The clash occurred in Karachi’s area of Baldia Etihad Town. The arrested target killers were involved in the killing of 24 individuals.Police say the target killers M alias Jimmy and Kamran alias Kami belong to a political party.

Farooq Sattar, spouse walk down the ramp in fashion show

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar on Saturday walked down the ramp along with his wife in a fashion show, Dunya News reported.The couple gathered a lot of praise from the audience. The fashion show took place at the Expo Center where beauty and health brands from Pakistan and abroad showcased their products.MQM leader took to the ramp upon insistence from his wife and bagged a lot of praise and appreciation from the audience.The participants of the show termed it a pleasant surprise after seeing this side of the MQM leader. They took several photos and applauded for the couple.

PTI unveils dancing baba

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(Web Desk) – Who says Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is political party for young only. Party worker aged 70 , named Bashir Bhutto, was spotted dancing at a political rally as he danced to the beat at a rally held in Lahore.Awami Tehreek’s veteran party supporter Raja Nadeem also rose to prominence with his performances during the sit-ins in Islamabad.Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Chacha Sabir is another party veteran who is known for his rhythmic dancing as he shakes his neck rapidly, to the amusement of onlookers and party workers alike.Clad in the colors of their party, all of the above mentioned party workers are the soul of a political rally and their participation puts color in every event.

Is 3-hour entry test enough to judge 12-year education: Discussion on Badal Dou

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LAHORE: (Dunay News, Web Desk) – The panel on Dunya News program ‘Badal Dou’ on Saturday discussed why the entry test is necessary/unnecessary in judging a student for higher education. Host Iftikhar Ahmad questioned the panelists if a 3-hour entry test was the right criteria to judge 12-year education of a student. Punjab’s Minister for Education Rana Mashhood told that the entry test system was introduced in 1998 in order to counter the ‘cheating mafia’ and also to match the standard of the international universities, reported Dunya News.The panel included provincial minister for Higher Education and Schools Education Punjab Rana Mashhood, Vice Chancellor ZAB Medical University Professor Dr. Javed Akram, Registrar King Edward Medical College Professor Dr. Atif Kazmi and former Chairman Lahore Board Dr. Ejaz Qureshi. The panel raised quite valid points for and against entry test system and a great discussion helped the people to understand the issue better. Education Minister Rana Mashhood said that Punjab government introduced entry test system in 1998 in order to counter the ‘cheating mafia’ and also to provide the universities with an opportunity to compete on international level. He told that the government was under pressure from international institutions about the validity of the degrees awarded by Pakistani universities and therefore, it was important to introduce the entry system in order to fight the rote learning and cheating mafia as well. He later told in the program that the government is going to make a law against tuition mafia as well.We are making law against tuition mafia as well, says Education Minister Punjab Rana Mashhood. EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 Dr. Ejaz Qureshi seconded Rana Mashhood on the reason of introducing entry test system. He said that it was necessary to introduce the entry test system back then because the international institutions were not ready to accept Pakistani institutions’ degress.We introduced entry tests in 1998 because intl institutions werent accepting our universitys degrees: Ejaz Qureshi EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 It is pertinent to mention here that last year a committee had been set up to discuss if the entry test should continue or the universities should rely solely on board examination only. Some of the members of the committee suggested ending entry test system. However, the chairman of Higher Education Commission opined that the entry into higher education institutions should be standardized because board examination system is not standardized.Higher Education Commission chairman said that entry into higher education institutions must be standardized. EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 When the host asked Rana Mashhood whether the majority members of that committee had agreed on ending entry system or not, the provincial minister said that there was a mixed result.Did majority members of a committee in Sep 2014 agree to end Entry Test, asks Iftikhar, denies Rana Mashhood EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 However, Iftikhar Ahmad repeatedly asked if 3-hour entry test was the right criteria to judge 12-hour education of a student. “What if that student is under pressure on that particular day? Does it mean that his 12-year education was useless?”, asked Ahmad. Atif Kazmi responded to this question, saying that if a student can’t perform in a 3-hour entry test because of pressure, how can we count on him/her doing a medical surgery?If a student cant perform in 3-hour Entry Test, how can he/she perform in a medical operation, responds Atif Kazmi EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 Dr. Javed Akram raised some very valid points during the discussion. He said that the government must be appreciated for curbing cheating mafia in Punjab but the entry test is still there despite the fact that cheating has been curbed. “It means that the problem still persists”, he added.Dr. Javed Akram says govt is appreciated for ending cheating but entry test is still there, means problem persists EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 However, students have to compete on the international level, continued Dr. Akram, and the toughest challenge they face among the Asian students in universities abroad comes from the Indian students. He said that the government comes under pressure due to this competition at the international level.Students have to compete on intl standards and this brings the govt under pressure, says Dr. Akram. EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 Dr. Atif Kazmi said that even the BISE system is not standardized. A Lahore Board topped may not be equally good in the Sargodha Board examination. He also said that the students from suburban centers and rural areas perform better mainly because they have almost no distractions. Their TV and internet consumption is way below the students of Lahore or Rawalpindi, he said. He suggested to include Aptitude Test into Entry Test as well and said that 50% marks of the Entry Test should be allocated to Aptitude Test.Even the BISE system isnt standardized. A Lahore Board topper may not be topper in Sargodha Board, says Atif Kazmi EntryTestOrBoardExams— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) August 29, 2015 The panel agreed on the following points after a long discussion and brainstorming:Dr. Ejaz Qureshi wrote a differential note:

Lawyers end protest after Rangers assure to probe Haider Shah's murder

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – The lawyer community on Saturday protested against killing of a fellow lawyer Haider Shah in presence of police and ended it upon assurance from Rangers to probe the murder, Dunya News reported.According to details, Shah was shot dead in a broad day light in presence of the police. The police officials present at the moment ran for their own lives instead of intervening.Shah, former Joint Secretary Amir Haidar Shah was shot dead by terrorists near Hassan Square yesterday.The lawyer community initiated a strike and staged a sit-in protest against the government outside Rangers head office.The lawyers had boycotted the proceedings in the city court, Malir Court and subordinate courts. They locked down the doors of the city court causing postponement of several hearings.Meanwhile, a condemnation motion against murder of Shah and other lawyers was passed in the Karachi Bar Association’s General Body session.

Silence of international community on Indian aggression akin to rubbing salt on wounds: Raza Rabbani

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KASUR (Dunya News) – Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani said on Saturday that the silence of international community on Indian aggression akin to rubbing salt on wounds. He stated that Indian should be well aware of the befitting reply in case of aggression, reported Dunya News.Talking at a press conference of 258th urs of Baba Bulleh Shah, Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani condemned the aggression by Indian security forces. He said that the silence of international community at a time when India is pursuing aggressive tactics is like ‘rubbing salt on wounds’.Senator Raza Rabbani said that Kasur incident shows that the society has become socially and morally bankrupt adding that no condemnation is enough for the incident. He said that the culprits behind the incident should be hanged and a law should be passed in Senate to protect the rights of children.

'Free Candy' Van Upsets Sacramento Residents

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NATOMAS (Web Desk) -- The sad truth is that the vans parents actually have to worry about will probably never be this conspicuous.Parents in Natomas, California, were worried earlier this week following reports of a suspicious van driving the streets of the Sacramento suburb. The white van had Free Candy painted in red on its side, along with handprints and smears leading to its rear doors. It also had no rear license plate.It just felt like they were trying to attract kids, and it just gave me a creepy feeling, Dominique Bellow told KOVR. She said her son took a photo of the vehicle after seeing it around town.I didn’t know what was going on so I just wanted to get evidence in case anything happened, 12-year-old Lawrence Bellow said.As it turns out, the van was a joke-on-wheels bound for this years Burning Man arts festival. Theres a tradition of Burning Man attendees driving art cars to the weeklong party, which takes place in the Nevada desert.The decorated vehicles can get pretty outrageous, but it appears that some people just didnt see the dark humor in the Free Candy van.Dilapidated vans with Free Candy painted on the side are also an Internet meme.

Thousands join demo welcoming refugees to Germany's Dresden

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DRESDEN (AFP) - Thousands of people took to the streets of the German city of Dresden on Saturday to welcome refugees, an AFP journalist at the scene said, following a string of violent anti-migrant protests in the region.Led by protesters holding a huge banner that read Prevent the pogroms of tomorrow today, the crowds held the peaceful march through the eastern city under the watch of police in riot gear.Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here, they chanted.Police said 1,000 people joined the protest, which was called by the Anti-Nazi Alliance, while organisers put the numbers at 5,000.Dresden is the stronghold of the anti-Islam PEGIDA movement, whose demonstrations drew up to 25,000 at the start of the year.The eastern state of Saxony, which counts Dresden as its capital, has suffered a series of ugly anti-migrant protests, with the government saying Friday it was sending police reinforcements to the state.Heidenau, a town of around 16,000 inhabitants near Dresden, has become the focus of Germanys struggle to absorb a vast wave of asylum seekers that is expected to reach a record 800,000 this year.Several dozen people were injured in clashes last weekend between police and far-right protesters opposed to the opening of a new refugee centre in the town.Chancellor Angela Merkel was booed by far-right activists as she visited the centre this week, with about 200 people shouting traitor, traitor at her.Merkel said there would be zero tolerance for vile anti-migrant violence.Public opinion is largely behind her, with 60 percent of Germans polled by public broadcaster ZDF saying that Europes biggest economy is capable of hosting the asylum-seekers.
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