Sunday 22 January 2017

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Trump invites Israel's Netanyahu to February talks

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JERUSALEM (AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Sunday discussed Iran with Benjamin Netanyahu and invited the Israeli prime minister to visit the White House early next month.The two leaders spoke by telephone and agreed to continue to closely consult on a range of regional issues, including addressing the threats posed by Iran, the White House said in a statement, signalling the new administrations tougher line on Tehran.The statement also said that Trump invited Netanyahu to an early February meeting at the White House.Israel approved hundreds of new settler homes in east Jerusalem Sunday hours before the telephone call, which an Israeli statement described as very warm.But a potentially explosive plan to annex a large West Bank Jewish settlement unilaterally was shelved until after Netanyahu and Trump meet.The prime minister expressed his desire to work closely with President Trump, Netanyahus office said in a statement.Trump has pledged strong support for Israel and vowed during his campaign to recognise Jerusalem as the countrys capital despite the citys contested status.But the White House statement concerning the call did not mention Trumps suggestion to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem -- a transfer that would break with the consensus of the vast majority of the international community, which does not recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital.The White House on Sunday appeared to play down suggestions that a decision was imminent.We are at the very beginning stages of even discussing this subject, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told AFP.Like other major powers, the US maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv pending a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Jerusalems status.Israel captured Arab east Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it -- in a move not recognised by the international community -- declaring all of the city its unified capital.The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.During the phone call on Sunday, Trump also stressed the need for direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis.The president emphasised that peace between Israel and the Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties, and that the United States will work closely with Israel to make progress towards that goal, the White House said.The US is Israels most important ally, providing more than $3 billion a year in defence aid, but former president Barack Obama grew frustrated with Israeli settlement building.He declined to veto a December 23 UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements. Trump had called for the resolution to be vetoed.In an initial move following Trumps inauguration, Israeli officials on Sunday approved building permits for 566 settler homes in annexed east Jerusalem.The rules of the game have changed with Donald Trumps arrival as president, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meir Turjeman told AFP.We no longer have our hands tied as in the time of Barack Obama. Now we can finally build.The Palestinian presidency condemned the move, calling it a violation of the UN resolution.A draft bill to annex the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied West Bank had been on the agenda for approval by a ministerial committee legislation on Sunday.Such a move could badly damage prospects for a two-state solution.But the inner circle of senior ministers known as the security cabinet blocked it for the time being, a member said.What was decided was to wait for the meeting which will certainly take place within a few weeks, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told Israeli public radio.Annexing Maale Adumim unilaterally would set off alarm bells globally, with many warning that it would be another step towards dividing the occupied West Bank between north and south, making a contiguous Palestinian state difficult to achieve.For some Israeli ministers who oppose a Palestinian state, that is precisely the point.We have to tell the American administration what we want and not wait for orders from the administration, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told Israels army radio.Maale Adumim, in a strategic location east of Jerusalem, has some 37,000 residents.Some peace proposals have envisioned it becoming part of Israel in land swaps agreed with the Palestinians, but not unilaterally.Israel occupied the West Bank, like east Jerusalem, in 1967.Settlements in both the West Bank and east Jerusalem are viewed as illegal under international law.Some 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, with another 200,000 in east Jerusalem. In comparison, around 2.9 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Nearly 70 killed in fresh Yemen fighting

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ADEN (AFP) - Clashes in Yemen killed at least 66 people in 24 hours, medics and security sources said Sunday, as pro-government forces pushed to oust rebels from a key stretch of coastline.Air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition and fighting near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait killed at least 52 fighters among Shiite Huthi rebels and allied troops loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, the sources said.Fourteen members of the pro-government forces were also killed.Forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi launched a vast offensive on January 7 to retake the Dhubab district overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, a key maritime route connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.Coalition warplanes and Apache attack helicopters have been pounding rebels in support of pro-Hadi forces advancing towards the Red Sea city of Mokha, military sources said.By Sunday, loyalist forces were within 10 kilometres (six miles) of Mokha, they said, but the offensive has been slowed by mines laid by rebels.The rebels took their dead to a military hospital in Hodeida, a major western port city they control, a medical source told AFP.The hospital received 14 dead on Saturday and 38 on Sunday, as well as 55 wounded rebels, the source said.On the pro-government side, 14 soldiers were killed and 22 wounded, according to medics in the southern port city of Aden where Hadis government is based.The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 in support of the beleaguered president.But despite its massively superior firepower, the rebels and their allies still control the capital Sanaa and much of the central and northern highlands, as well as the 450-kilometre (280-mile) Red Sea coast.United Nations peace envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived in Sanaa on Sunday for talks and to push a peace plan that would restore a ceasefire and lead to a political transition in the country.The plan would lead to a political transition under which Hadis powers would be significantly reduced.The World Health Organization says that more than 7,400 people have been killed since the coalition intervention began.A UN spokesman has said the civilian death toll alone could top 10,000.

7 Qaeda members killed in Yemen drone strikes

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ADEN (AFP) - Seven suspected Al Qaeda members have been killed in drone strikes in central Yemen that were probably carried out by US forces, security sources said on Sunday.A security official, asking not to be identified, said three armed fighters of Al Qaeda died when their vehicle was struck on Saturday in the Sawmaa region of Al-Bayda province.Another drone strike on Saturday in the same region killed three suspected jihadists who were riding a motorcycle, and on Friday a drone strike killed a local military instructor for Al Qaeda in the same province, another security source said.The United States, which considers the extremist groups Yemen-based franchise, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), to be its most dangerous, is the only force operating drones over Yemen.But it only sporadically reports on a long-running bombing campaign against AQAP.Al Qaeda and the Islamic State jihadist group have exploited a power vacuum created by the two-year-old conflict in Yemen between the government and Shiite Huthi rebels, especially in the countrys south and southeast.

Tennis: Serena storms on towards title, top ranking

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MELBOURNE (AFP) - Serena Williams battled into her 11th Australian Open quarter-final on Monday, joining sister Venus, in her unrelenting quest for a record Grand Slam title and the return of her top world ranking.The American powerhouse was tested by Czech 16th seed Barbora Strycova but she dug deep to win 7-5, 6-4 in hot conditions and will face either Johanna Konta or Ekaterina Makarova for a place in the last four.Williams has made clear in Melbourne she is here for one reason only -- to win -- and she was in a fighting, but nervy, mood during an entertaining contest.The 35-year-old had added incentive after the shock defeat on Sunday of top seed Angelique Kerber, the woman who beat her in the final last year and then snatched her top world ranking.Williams, seeded two, can again become world number one if she lifts the trophy this week.I love pressure, I deal well with pressure, she said, when asked why she keeps coming back for more. I love this game and I honestly have nothing to lose. Everything is a bonus for me now.Williams winning the title on Saturday would rewrite history. She is not just chasing a seventh Melbourne crown, but also a 23rd Grand Slam to surpass Steffi Grafs Open-era record.With her sister, a potential final opponent, already safely into the last eight in the other side of the draw, Williams had to use all her experience to get past a dogged Strycova.Despite the temperature already past 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) when they began at 11:00am, Williams opted to wear knee-length black leggings and sleeves, and she made a slow start.It was Strycova who drew first blood, breaking the first Williams serve, but with the sweat starting to drip off her she immediately broke back with a sizzling crosscourt forehand.But Williams first serve was still not firing, with just 33 percent successful in the opening games, and the Czech took full advantage to break to love and go 2-1 in front.It was woeful serving from both players with Williams broken again before they both began to warm to the task.Williams finally held serve in the fifth game but it didnt last long when Strycova broke again to go 4-3 ahead.Another break -- an incredible sixth in eight games -- put Williams level and she then held, before a defensive Strycova saved four set points in a marathon 10th game.Williams was fired up and screaming Cmon and she went 6-5 ahead before Czech, serving to stay in the set, was finally undone on the eighth set point by a lucky shot from the American that came off her racquet frame.Strycova, at a career-high ranking of 16, is a two-time former girls champion in Melbourne but had never been past round four in the main draw.And with her nose in front, Williams was never going to let that happen and a netted volley from the Czech gave her an early break for 2-1 in the second set.Strycova was wilting and Williams was in control, and despite being broken when serving for the match she broke straight back to book her place in the last eight.

Lahore: Two dacoits killed in police encounter

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – According to details, the dacoits were fleeing after committing a robbery in Allama Iqbal Town area on Sunday when they were intercepted by CIA Iqbal Town police. The dacoits opened fire at the police party. Police returned the fire as a result two dacoits were killed while another managed to escape.Police have recovered arms and a motorcycle from the dead dacoits and sent their bodies to mortuary. Police sources said that one of the dead dacoits was also involved in killing police officials at a check post in 2016.

Karachi: Rangers, police nab three accused

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – According to details, law enforcement agency conducted an operation in Federal-B Area and apprehended two suspects. Sources said that the arrested persons were members of MQM-London and were taken into custody after the information provided by MQM-London sector in charge Farhan Hashmi.Separately, police have arrested an accused in injured condition after an encounter in Landhi area. According to SP Landhi, arms and stolen goods were recovered from him.On the other hand, a 12-year-old girl was killed when a speeding car hit her near Tariq road. The deceased was identified as Samina.

Bizarre dismissal ends New Zealand innings

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CHRISTCHURCH (AFP) - Henry Nicholls fell just short of a maiden Test century Monday as he led New Zealand to a 65-run first innings lead over Bangladesh in the second Test. The New Zealand innings ended on 354 with the bizarre run out of Neil Wagner and Bangladesh, who faced 10 overs before lunch, were 20 for one at the break. Wagner (26) was given out after he had completed two runs with Trent Boult. He grounded his bat as he passed the crease, but in the fleeting moment when wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan whipped the bails off, Wagner was mid-stride with neither foot on the ground and had lifted his bat. Nicholls, who had been struggling before the Bangladesh series, delivered a personal best 98 as he shepherded the New Zealand tail. The 25-year-old left-hand batsman put on 30 with Tim Southee (17) for the eighth wicket and 57 with Wagner before he was the ninth to fall. Before the Bangladesh series, Nicholls had averaged less than 19 in six innings since his previous best 76 against South Africa in August. After New Zealand resumed the day at 260 for seven, Bangladesh did not help themselves with some sloppy fielding including two dropped catches to take their innings tally to six. Southee was let off on 15 by Mehedi Hasan at second slip. Mehedi was then moved to short extra cover where made no mistake when Southee, having added two more runs, chipped a ball from Shakib Al Hasan.Wagner, struck three times on the helmet during the fiery short-ball exchange in the first Test, took another blow to the head early in the innings. He was also the beneficiary of a dropped catch on seven and successfully reviewed an lbw dismissal on the next ball. Nicholls took New Zealand past the 300 mark and bettered his previous Test best with back-to-back boundaries off Kamrul Islam.But the nerves were showing as he approached the century mark. On 97 an inside edge whistled past his stumps and one run later he was bowled by Mehedi. Southee removed Tamim Iqbal for eight at the start of the Bangladesh second innings to claim his 199th Test dismissal.One more wicket will make him the fifth New Zealander to reach the 200 milestone.New Zealand lead the two-Test series 1-0.

Vote of Muhajirs cannot be divided: Farooq Sattar

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KARACHI (Dunya News) - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Farooq Sattar said on Sunday that Karachi is feeding whole country so they should be given due rights, reported Dunya News.Farooq Sattar was addressing meeting of general workers as he said that a city of 30 million feeds whole country and they pay 70% tax to federal government and 90% tax to provincial government but they get only 5%.He said that they had come to decide whether they should take donations from Islamabad or they should start a decisive movement. He said that not starting a movement means that we sold ourselves to Rehman Malik first and now Iqbal Kazmi.Farooq Sattar also took a dig at Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) as he said that they were not afraid of speeches of any DSP, SP or PSP.

Karachi: Arms, explosives seized from terrorists destroyed

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – The bomb disposal squad has destroyed a large quantity of arms and explosive material seized from terrorists at the Baldia Firing Range in Karachi on Sunday, Dunya News reported.The ammunition which was destroyed included 80 kilograms of explosive material, two mortar shells, nine hand grenades and four rocket launchers.The arms and explosive material destroyed at the Baldia Firing Range was confiscated from the terrorists belonging to different banned outfits.

Multan: No trace of girl went missing four days ago

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MULTAN (Dunya News) – According to details, an 11-year-old girl was disappeared four days ago when she was playing in front of her house in Farrukhabad area of Multan, Dunya News reported.An FIR was lodged at the Seetal Mari Police Station on behalf of her parents but police failed to trace to missing girl.The Parents of the missing girl have appealed to the higher authorities to take notice of the case and demanded early recovery of their daughter.

Panama case hearing today after break of two days

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Panama case hearing would take place at Supreme Court (SC) today after a break of two days, reported Dunya News.Justice Asif Saeed Khosa would head the 5 member bench whereas Jamaat Islami (JI) lawyer Taufeeq Asif would give arguments about application of Prime Ministers (PM) ineligibility.In the last hearinh JI lawyer had said that in National Assembly (NA) address PM mentioned about owning London flats in 1993 but it was not mentioned in documents so he should be declared ineligible.

Golf: Fleetwood scorches back nine for Abu Dhabi win

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ABU DHABI (AFP) - Englands world number 102 Tommy Fleetwood overcame swirling winds and final-hole jitters to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by one shot on Sunday.The 25 year old carded a five-under-par final-round 67 to clinch only the second European Tour title of his career.He finished on 271, one shot ahead of world number three Dustin Johnson, the US Open champion who made an eagle on the last hole for a final-round 68.Tied with him on 16 under par was Spains 2014 champion Pablo Larrazabal, who also shot 68.Fleetwood was even par with a birdie and a bogey on the front nine, but chipped in an eagle from the front edge of the par-five 10th green to kick-start his charge.The 10th was a big turning point, really. You can quite easily chip that to six foot and miss and make five. I chipped it in and made three and birdied the next. Those two holes were the big difference, he said.Some good players chasing me, so very, very proud of this. I did really just concentrate on my own game, kept going. A 31 on the back nine on a Sunday is great, no matter who you are.The outcome could have been different, however, after a few nerves on the 18th when Fleetwood was just one shot ahead of Thailands Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Larrazabal. He hit a wayward tee shot next to the cart path on the left and after a lengthy discussion with the referee got a drop.Then he hit a stunning three-wood second shot straight to the heart of the green and two-putted for birdie.Three-time champion Martin Kaymer of Germany made an eagle at the last hole to tie Bernd Wiesberger (68) of Austria and Kiradech (69) in fourth place at 273.Last years winner, Rickie Fowler of the US, shot a 72 and finished 12 shots behind the leader on five-under, while reigning British Open champion and European number one Henrik Stenson (69) was in a three-way tie for eighth place at 275.Fleetwood is expected to move close to 50th in the world rankings when they are released Monday. Johnson, who is scheduled to play in Torrey Pines next week, said he was happy with the state of his game.All in all it was a solid day. It was windy out there. Its playing a little bit tougher today. I felt like I struck the ball well and gave myself plenty of opportunities. I just didnt roll any putts in, he said.Larrazabal, who was playing with Johnson in the leader group, made several long putts and kept himself in the hunt. He needed an eagle on the last to force a playoff, but could only manage a birdie.I gave it my best. I never give up. I didnt play my best but I tried my best, holding some putts, chipping in on the 14th. Three bogeys on Sunday afternoon are too many. But Im very proud the way I played.The Desert Swing of the European Tour moves next to Doha for the Qatar Masters from January 26-29.

Trump, Netanyahu discuss 'threats posed by Iran': White House

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday discussed threats from Iran and agreed peace between Israel and the Palestinians must be negotiated directly, the White House said.The two leaders spoke by telephone and agreed to continue to closely consult on a range of regional issues, including addressing the threats posed by Iran, the White House said in a statement, signaling the new administrations tougher line on Tehran.There was no mention of Trumps suggestion to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.Such a transfer would break with the consensus of the vast majority of the international community, which does not recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital.That move -- long promised by presidential candidates of all stripes -- could provoke a backlash in the region.The White House on Sunday appeared to play down suggestions that a decision was imminent.We are at the very beginning stages of even discussing this subject, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told AFP.Like other major powers, the US currently has its embassy in Tel Aviv.Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has warned that moving the embassy would deal a huge blow to hopes for Middle East peace, and the UN and EU have voiced deep concern over the proposal.During the phone call on Sunday, Trump also stressed the need for direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis.The President emphasized that peace between Israel and the Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties, and that the United States will work closely with Israel to make progress towards that goal, the White House said.

Australia rest Warner, recall Finch for New Zealand

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SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia has recalled opener Aaron Finch and decided to rest star batsman David Warner for the one-day series in New Zealand starting next week.David has had a very big summer and will benefit from a break in cricket, both mentally and physically, interim national selector Trevor Hohns said Monday.Vice-captain Warner was man-of-the-match against Pakistan in Sydney on Sunday when he hit 130 off 98 balls, his 12th one-day century.Hohns praised Finchs return to form in the Twenty-20 format.His form in the Big Bash League has been very good and he has earnt his recall, the selector said.Western Australian batsman Shaun Marsh is the only other change to the one-day side that have already won the current one-day series against Pakistan 3-1 with a match left to play in Adelaide on Wednesday.Marsh comes in for Usman Khawaja who is heading to Dubai early to prepare for the tour of India next month.This provides Shaun with a chance to get back into international cricket following his injury earlier in the summer, Hohns added in a statement.The squad will depart for New Zealand on Friday with Australia currently holding the one-day Chappell-Hadlee trophy after beating New Zealand 3-0 at home late last year.The matches are in Auckland on January 30, Napier on February 2 and Hamilton on February 5.Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Snooker: O'Sullivan wins record seventh Masters title

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LONDON (AFP) - Snooker great Ronnie OSullivan won a record seventh Masters title after beating Joe Perry 10-7 in an all-English final at Londons Alexandra Palace on Sunday.Victory saw OSullivan surpass the record of six Masters titles he had shared previously with Stephen Hendry.OSullivan, a five-times world champion, may have been both the fans and the bookmakers favourite but the 41-year-old still had to come 4-1 down to defeat Perry.Joe played a brilliant tournament, a really good match and he shouldve beaten me, I got lucky -- I stole it, OSullivan told the BBC.Joe will come again and he is a tough competitor. Im just relieved to have got over the line. The fans have been unbelievable and I really enjoyed this week.As for setting a new Masters record, OSullivan added: It is great to get some records, I still have the World Championship one to get (Hendry holds the modern era record of seven world titles). When I was younger I was just happy to win one, so to win seven, someone up there is looking after me, explained OSullivan, nicknamed The Rocket because iof his attacking style round the table.Perry, who came from 5-2 down to beat Barry Hawkins, last years runner-up, 6-5 in the semi-finals was proud at proving he could still be a force in the game after appearing in his first final of a Triple Crown event -- the World Championship, the UK Championship and the Masters -- at the age of 42.Ive proved a lot, that there is still some life left in me and it has given me the belief to go on and win a big one, said Perry.I got Ronnie on a good day really. At 4-1 up I got a bit carried away and it was not until I was 8-4 down I thought, Im going for it.OSullivan struggled in the early stages before, with Perry starting to miss important points, he ended the afternoon session all square a 4-4 following breaks of 42, 44 and 55.OSullivan started the evenings play the stronger, winning the sessions first four frames to make it seven in a row in all, including a break of 85 in the 12th.Perry staunched the flow of frames against him with an impressive break of 117 and then closed to within two thanks to a contribution of 92.OSullivan then moved to within a frame of victory courtesy of a clearance of 112 only to miss a routine black as Perry took the 16th frame.Perry was 39-0 up in the next but OSullivan recovered to seal victory.
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