Palestine: Clashes Escalate Between
Hamas, Fatah
more - osint -
Forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas gathered around
his Gaza City office and home today after one of his bodyguards
was killed in clashes with the rival Hamas movement. The unidentified
bodyguard and several other people were injured during an assault
early today on a Gaza Strip training camp used by the presidential
guard...
EU Official Accuses Sudan Government
of Arming Militias
more - osint -
The European Union special representative to Sudan says the EU
is disturbed by recent developments in the embattled Darfur region.
The envoy says Sudan is arming and supporting Arab militias, known
as janjaweed, by integrating them into a government-backed defense
force. Noel King has more in this VOA report from Khartoum...
Iran rejects new UN
resolution in advance - Larijani
more - osint -
Iran has rejected in advance a new UN Security Council resolution,
which is currently coordinated by the Iran-6, the country's top
nuclear negotiator said Wednesday. "The latest draft resolution
of the UN Security Council is unacceptable to Iran, as it restricts
Iran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," Ali
Larijani said...
Somali Islamists Threaten Ethiopian Troops
more - osint -
The Islamic Courts Union is threatening to attack what it says
are 35,000 Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia, unless the troops
leave the country within a week. Cathy Majtenyi reports for VOA
from Nairobi that Ethiopia says it only has military advisors in
Somalia, not combat troops. The defense chief for the Islamic Courts
Union, Sheikh Yusuf...
Iran: Defiant Tehran Hoping Consensus Eludes 5+1 Group
more - osint -
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reportedly welcomed
a new UN draft resolution targeting Iran's nuclear program. Lavrov
said the so-called 5+1 major powers' compromise is "based
on Russia's proposals" and is intended "to push Iran
to sit at the negotiating table." But officials in Tehran
have remained defiant, with local voices recently claiming that
Iran is "the final winner" in the nuclear dispute...
Afghan President Tells Pakistan Envoy: We Are 'Losing Patience'
more - osint -
Afghan President Hamid Karzai says his country is "losing
patience" with the continuing attacks from insurgents allegedly
based in neighboring Pakistan. Mr. Karzai released his comments
after a critical meeting with Pakistan's foreign minister in Kabul
to discuss border security and the resurgence of Taleban-led violence.
VOA's Benjamin Sand reports from Islamabad. President Hamid Karzai
issued a written statement Friday...
Hezbollah Chief Vows Lebanon Protests Will Continue
more - osint -
The leader of Hezbollah has vowed that protests in central Beirut
will continue until the government changes to give the opposition
a greater voice. He urged his followers to come back into the streets
to increase the pressure on the prime minister. But Hassan Nasrallah
also left open the possibility that negotiations could end the
crisis, and he ruled out the use of force. VOA Correspondent Challiss
McDonough has more from Beirut...
French Foreign Minister: Sanctions Against Iran Agreed
more - osint -
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Wednesday world
powers have agreed on United Nations sanctions against Iran. From
Paris, Lisa Bryant reports for VOA that the foreign minister's
remarks come after senior international diplomats met on the matter
in the French capital. Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy told
France's RTL radio that six world powers have agreed to support
a U.N. Security Council...
Russia supports ban on uranium enrichment technologies for Iran
more - osint -
Russia backs the idea of banning exports of uranium enrichment
technologies to Iran, the foreign minister said Tuesday. "We
approve of proposals to ban deliveries of uranium enrichment technologies,
materials and services, chemical processing of irradiated fuel,
and technologies for heavy-water reactors to Iran," Sergei
Lavrov said after a meeting in Paris of deputy foreign ministers
of the six parties to talks on Iran's...
US Envoy Bolton to Leave UN Post
more - osint -
John Bolton says he will leave government service when his temporary
appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations runs out in
a few weeks. We have details from VOA White House correspondent
Paula Wolfson. Bolton is currently holding the job in what is known
as a recess appointment, which runs out when the current congressional
session formally adjourns. President Bush sent him to the U.N...
Russia starts supplies of Su-30 fighters to Venezuela
more - osint -
Russia has shipped the first two Su-30MK2 multi-role fighters to
Venezuela under a contract signed in July 2006, an aircraft manufacturing
industry official said Thursday. Russia signed $1-billion contracts
on supplies of 24 Su-30MK2 Flanker fighters and 30 helicopters
to Venezuela prior to this year's visit to Russia by Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez, triggering criticism from Washington, which
regards...
AU Says Sudan Agrees To Extend Darfur Peacekeeping Mission, But
No UN Force
more - osint -
The African Union says Sudan will allow the group to extend its
peacekeeping mission in the country's Darfur region but will not
allow U.N. forces to join them. Neighboring Chad, meanwhile, says
it will welcome U.N. peacekeepers on its territory to stop the
violence in Darfur from spreading. Jordan Davis reports from VOA's
regional bureau in Dakar. The African Union's 7,000 strong peacekeeping
force was set leave Darfur...
U.S. Awaits North Korean Response on Resumption of Nuclear Talks
more - osint -
State Department's Hill urges Pyongyang to "get out of the
nuclear business" Washington -- The government of North Korea
must make the next move in efforts to put the Six-Party Talks on
eliminating nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula back on course,
says Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, the United
States' chief negotiator. Hill spoke to reporters November 30 as
he departed Beijing following two days...
Full text of President Ahmadinejad's message to American people
more - osint -
Islamic Republic of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in
a message to the American nation, "Both our nations are God-fearing,
truth loving and justice seeking, and both seek dignity, respect,
and perfection." The full text of the message of the President
of the Islamic Republic of Iran To the American People is as follows:
In the name...
NATO Leaders Strengthen Commitment to Afghanistan
more - osint -
Alliance leaders drop many restrictions on troops, call for regional
Contact Group By Vince Crawley USINFO Staff Writer Riga, Latvia
-- NATO leaders have removed some of the restrictions, or "caveats," for
troops deployed in Afghanistan and called for the establishment
of a "Contact Group" to promote reconstruction in that
nation...
Top UN Official: Not to Late to Take Action on Darfur
more - osint -
U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland
says the international community, governments and political leaders
are in denial about the scope of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's
province of Darfur. But, the U.N. humanitarian chief says it is
not too late to take action. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA on Egeland's...
Chadian Rebels Shoot Down Military Reconnaissance Plane
more - osint -
Rebels in eastern Chad say they have shot down a government military
reconnaissance plane. The Chadian rebel alliance, the Union of
Forces for Democracy and Development, says it downed the plane
Tuesday near the town of Abeche, using a recently captured ground-to-air
missile. Chadian officials confirmed the plane was shot...
Somali Islamist Leaders Warns Against African Peacekeepers
more - osint -
A top Somali Islamist leader warned the U.N. Security Council on
Tuesday that authorizing African peacekeepers to intervene in the
Somali conflict would start an all-out war in the Horn of Africa.
VOA Correspondent Alisha Ryu has this report from our East Africa
Bureau in Nairobi. Speaking to several thousand people at a rally...
NATO: Afghanistan's Fate Intertwined With Alliance
more - osint -
A high-level conference organized by the German Marshall Fund ahead
of the formal start of the two-day NATO summit in Riga today highlighted
the extent to which Afghanistan's future remains intertwined with
the alliance for the foreseeable future. Afghanistan's prominent
position on the NATO summit agenda is an indication...
Military Deploys in Chad Capital After Increased Rebel Activity
more - osint -
The United Nations and the African Union (AU) have signed a memorandum
of understanding setting out the details of the support which the
world body will give to the AU peacekeeping mission in the war-torn
Sudanese region of Darfur. At a meeting on Saturday in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, the two organizations signed...
SOMALIA: People flee as military movements create fear
more - osint -
Rising tension due to rivalry between feuding groups around Baidao,
the seat of the country's interim government, has prompted residents
to leave the town and nearby Buur Hakaba amid fears that armed
forces massing in the area could soon clash, witnesses said on
Monday. Forces loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC)...
Military Deploys in Chad Capital After Increased Rebel Activity
more - osint -
Military vehicles are securing Chad's capital N'Djamena after several
days of rebel activity and looting in the eastern and central parts
of the country. Humanitarian groups say food warehouses in one
eastern town were looted during the unrest. Meanwhile, Chadian
officials are accusing the rebel groups of being linked to Islamic
extremism...
Classified U.S. Study Finds strong Financing Resources for Insurgency
in Iraq
more - osint -
A classified U.S. government study has reportedly concluded that
the Iraqi insurgency has become financially self-sustaining, with
various militant groups raising tens of millions of dollars a year
from oil smuggling, kidnapping, counterfeiting, and other crimes. "The
New York Times," which says it has obtained a copy of the
secret report...
Concern Grows Over Competing Influences in Middle East
more - osint -
Leaders in the Middle East say they are concerned about the potential
for destabilization and chaos, amid competing influences in the
region. Iraqi National Security Adviser Mowaffak Al-Rubaie was
asked on the CNN program Late Edition Sunday about media reports
that the Iraqi insurgency is able to sustain itself financially.
He acknowledged that was true, and added that there also is a great
deal of money flowing...
Bush to Discuss Iraq, Afghanistan on Trip Beginning Monday
more - osint -
President Bush leaves Washington Monday for diplomatic discussions
about the future of Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Bush will stop first
in Estonia on his way to a NATO summit Tuesday and Wednesday in
Latvia, where alliance leaders will discuss Afghanistan. From there,
the president travels to Amman, Jordan, for talks with Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki...
IAEA Board Rejects Iran Bid for Assistance in Building Reactor
more - osint -
The International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors has rejected
Iran's request for assistance in building a heavy water reactor
as part of its controversial nuclear program. For VOA, Marlene
Smith reports from Vienna the U.S. ambassador to the IAEA welcomed
the unanimous decision, saying Iran is more isolated than ever
before. The IAEA board of governors has approved the Technical
Cooperation Program...
Gen Craddock to replace Gen Jones as head of US European command
more - osint -
US Army General John Craddock will officially assume command of
the US European Command (USEUCOM) in the south German city of Stuttgart
on December 4, a US military press release announced on Thursday.
Craddock, who previously served as commander of the US Southern
Command in Miami, replaces Marine General James L Jones, who has
served as the USEUCOM commander since January 16, 2003...
Israelis Continue Gaza Offensive
more - osint -
Israeli forces continued their military operations in the northern
Gaza Strip, where at least six Palestinians were killed on Thursday.
VOA's Jim Teeple reports a senior Hamas leader visited Egypt Thursday
for talks with Egyptian officials on a possible prisoner exchange
with Israel. Tanks and troops backed up by Israeli airstrikes attacked
a housing project in the northern Gaza...
Nepal celebrates end of decade-long civil war
more - osint -
The Nepalese government declared Wednesday a public holiday to
celebrate the signing of a landmark peace agreement between the
seven parties and the Maoists that formally brings to an end their
country's 11-year-old armed conflict. The government issued a circular
that all government offices, schools and colleges will be closed
to celebrate the historic peace accord that aims to put an end
to the insurgency...
Lebanon: Assassination Brings Government To Brink Of Collapse
more - osint -
Heightened political tensions in Lebanon following the assassination
of Pierre Gemayel have prompted renewed concerns about the stability
of that country. RFE/RL correspondent Julie Corwin spoke with David
Shenker, a senior fellow in Arab politics at the Washington Institute
for Near East Policy, about the latest developments. RFE/RL: What
does this assassination tell us about the fragility of the political
situation in Lebanon...
French Judge to Sign Arrest Warrants for Death of Former Rwandan
President
more - osint -
France's top anti-terrorist judge has requested arrest warrants
against nine senior Rwandan officials linked to a 1994 attack that
killed former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana. The warrants,
which are expected to signed as early as Wednesday, also implicate
Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Ordered by French antiterrorist
judge...
NATO Leaders To Discuss Global Missions at Riga Summit
more - osint -
States Burns briefs reporters on goals for NATO meeting November
28-29 By Vince Crawley USINFO Staff Writer Washington -- The United
States has made great efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations
with Europe and is ready to work alongside European governments
to outline a global agenda at the upcoming NATO Summit, a top U.S.
diplomat says. We think our partnership with Europe now is fully
restored...
Nepal Government, Maoist Rebels Strike Landmark Peace Deal
more - osint -
Nepal's government and Maoist rebels have signed a peace accord
that declares a formal end to a violent insurgency that wracked
the country for a decade and killed 13,000 people. As Anjana Pasricha
reports from New Delhi, the agreement clears the way for the rebels
to join the political mainstream. Prime Minister Girija Prasad
Koirala and Maoist rebel leader Prachanda signed the agreement
late Tuesday amid cheering...
Bush: Asia, U.S., Share Common Threats, Interests
more - osint -
The U.S. remains committed to Asia, because the two regions face
similar threats from terrorism and share economic and security
interests, President Bush said at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii,
today. Stopping to have breakfast with troops after a Southeast
Asia tour that included visits to Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam,
Bush noted that members of U.S. Pacific Command, which includes
Hickam, are primarily responsible...
Top US Envoy to Sudan Reports Progress in Darfur Negotiations
more - osint -
The United States top envoy to Sudan says there is progress on
ending the escalating war in Sudan's western Darfur region following
last week's high-level talks in Ethiopia. Andrew Natsios says,
while there may have not been a huge breakthrough, important steps
were made last week in Addis Ababa, where the Sudanese government
agreed in principle to a hybrid United Nations - African Union
force to end nearly four years...
UN Leader Warns of Biological Weapons Threat
more - osint -
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is urging nations to do more
to combat biological weapons, and to create global safeguards to
keep them out of terrorist hands. Mr. Annan urged delegates at
a review conference on the Biological Weapons Convention to put
aside differences that severely hampered efforts at the last review
conference five years ago, and to work to strengthen safeguards
against bio-terrorism. "I encourage...
Blair Vows to Aid Afghanistan 'For as Long as it Takes'
more - osint -
British Prime Minister Tony Blair says Afghanistan remains a key
battleground in the global war against terrorism. During his first
trip to the war-torn country in nearly five years, Mr. Blair said
Britain would stay "as long as it takes" for Afghanistan
to rebuild. The prime minister's visit comes as Afghanistan faces
its bloodiest year since 2001, when a U.S.-led coalition ousted
the Islamist Taleban regime. Monday morning, Mr. Blair...
Top US General: Islamic Extremism Could Trigger World War III
more - osint -
The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East says the United
States must confront Islamic extremism, or face the prospect of
World War III. In a speech Friday, U.S. Army General John Abizaid
compared the ideology to the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 1930s
that led to World War II. Abizaid says finding a peaceful solution
to the Arab-Israeli conflict and containing Iran...
Russia, China agree to promote resumption of N.Korea talks
more - osint -
The Russian and Chinese leaders agreed to act in a coordinated
way for the soonest possible resumption of six-party talks on the
North Korean nuclear problem, the Russian foreign minister said
Saturday. "Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President
Hu Jintao agreed to act on the North Korean problem in a determined
and coordinated way, in order to resume...
Pakistani secret service not supporting Taliban: Musharraf
more - osint -
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf rejected accusations that
his country's intelligence service is supporting its one-time protege
Taliban and other militant Islamists in Afghanistan, Focus news
magazine said in a report made available ahead of Monday's publication. "Pakistan
is not a banana republic. We have an extremely loyal and disciplined
army. The secret service...
NATO Defense Chiefs Discuss Ongoing Ops, Way Ahead for Alliance
more - osint -
With NATO expanding its focus beyond its traditional Euro-Atlantic
boundaries and into new missions such as those in Afghanistan,
exactly how far can and should the alliance extend its reach? Thats
among the issues Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, and his fellow NATO defense chiefs discussed at NATO
headquarters here yesterday during the autumn...
Pakistan reports new nuclear-capable missile test
more - osint -
Pakistan has successfully tested a new missile capable of carrying
nuclear warheads, its news media said Thursday. Quoting army officials,
Pakistani television channels said the test of a Hatf V/Ghauri
missile, with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), was conducted
as part of a national Hatf upgrading program. In February this
year, Pakistan test fired a new surface-to-surface...
Putin orders strategic weapons for armed forces
more - osint -
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the armed forces
should be supplied with new strategic weapons. "We should
spend more resources on the technological development of the Army
and Navy, supply them with high-precision weapons, modern communications
devices and radio-electronic equipment," Putin said at a meeting
with Russia's top brass...
Annan Calls for Resumption of Somali Peace Talks
more - osint -
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan urged feuding Somali leaders
to return to the negotiating table and the international community
to stop interfering in the Horn of Africa nation's politics. Talks
between Somalia's transitional government and the Islamic Courts
Union broke down at the beginning of November in Sudan's capital,
Khartoum. Since then, tensions have continued to escalate between...
French Foreign Minister Calls on UN, AU to Aid Darfur
more - osint -
French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy called Wednesday
for a mixed peacekeeping force of United Nations and African Union
forces to stabilize Sudan's troubled Darfur region. In remarks
on France 2 television, Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy said a force
of U.N. and AU soldiers should be deployed to stabilize Darfur
and Sudan's restive borders with Chad...
Musharraf says Pakistan not responsible for Taliban survival
more - osint -
Pakistani President Gen Pervez Musharraf has denied his country
is responsible for the survival of the Taliban. "There is
trans-border cooperation in militant activities with the base in
Afghanistan but support from Pakistan. "We need to isolate
the two and deal with whatever is happening from Pakistan on our
side, while the main action has to be taken in Afghanistan...
Hamas Says New Palestinian Government Will Not Recognize Israel
more - osint -
A spokesman for the Hamas militant group says a new Palestinian
government will not recognize Israel or accept a two-state solution
to the Middle East conflict. The comments could complicate efforts
to form a Palestinian unity government. The comments by Hamas spokesman
Fawzi Barhoum came as negotiators for the Palestinian Fatah and
Hamas factions continued talks aimed at creating a unity Palestinian
government. Speaking by cell phone from Gaza
African Union to probe Darfur massacre
more - osint -
The African Union is to investigate the killing of at least 30
civilians on 11 November by hundreds of armed militiamen, who attacked
a camp for internally displaced people at Sirba near Kulbus in
the Sudanese state of West Darfur, a source said. The militiamen,
supported by 18 military vehicles, injured scores more, including
women and children. They also burned down...
Iran plans to build 60,000 enrichment centrifuges - president
more - osint -
Iran is planning to create 60,000 uranium enrichment centrifuges,
the Iranian president said Tuesday. Iran has been at the center
of an international dispute over its nuclear ambitions. Some countries
suspect the Islamic republic is pursuing nuclear weapons, but Tehran
has consistently denied the claims, saying it needs nuclear energy
for civilian purposes. "We are striving...
Georgia's Breakaway South Ossetia Region Backs Independence
more - osint -
Preliminary results from Sunday's voting in Georgia's breakaway
province, South Ossetia, show that voters overwhelmingly support
independence for the small Caucasus mountain region, bordering
Russia. The vote - not recognized officially by any nation - is
expected to weaken already-strained relations between Georgia and
Russia. Bella Pliyeva...
Bush Says Iran Must Face Economic Isolation for Nuclear Program
more - osint -
President Bush says the world must speak with one voice about Iran's
nuclear ambitions and that Tehran should realize its continued
defiance will lead to sanctions. Mr. Bush spoke at the end of talks
with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Iran is a major concern
for both the United States and Israel. Iranian leaders have vowed
to destroy Israel, and Iranian nuclear ambitions...
South Korea Refuses to Fully Uphold UN Sanctions on North Korea
more - osint -
South Korea says it will not formally join a U.S.- led coalition
aimed at preventing international traffic in weapons of mass destruction.
Seoul declined the U.S. request as it announced its plan for implementing
punitive United Nations sanctions passed after North Korea's nuclear
weapons test last month. South Korean officials said Monday Seoul
will not join the U.S.-led Proliferation...
5 Ministers Resign After Lebanon Talks Collapse
more - osint -
A total of five Shi'ite Muslims in Lebanon's cabinet resigned Saturday
after the government refused a demand to include more members of
Hezbollah. The resignations came after talks aimed at unifying
the fractious government collapsed. Five pro-Syrian Shi'ite Muslim
ministers from Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, resigned
after the all-party talks on giving their camp...
Iran To Expand Uranium-Enrichment Program
more - osint -
Iran says it is pressing ahead with plans to expand its program
to enrich uranium, despite international calls to freeze its controversial
nuclear work. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Husseini
today said Tehran remains determined to install 3,000 centrifuges
by March 2007. Iran recently launched a second cascade of 164 centrifuges
to enrich uranium. Husseini also...
U.S. Rejects Security Council Resolution on Beit Hanoun Incident
more - osint -
Rice says resolution as drafted would not have helped "the
cause of peace" By Carrie Loewenthal Washington File Special
Correspondent Washington -- The United States was compelled to
vote against a draft United Nations Security Council resolution
condemning the November 8 Israeli artillery barrage that accidentally
killed several Palestinian civilians because the resolution...
Kosovo: UN envoy puts off presenting final status proposal till
after Serb poll in January
more - osint -
A United Nations proposal for the future status of the Albanian-majority
Serbian province of Kosovo, which the world body has run Western
forces drove out Yugoslav troops in 1999 amid ethnic fighting,
will not be presented until after Serbias parliamentary elections
on 21 January. Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Kosovos future
status process Martti Ahtisaari had originally been expected to
present his proposal to the parties soon, but he announced the
new date today after consulting with the so-called Contact Group
the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Russia
who have been helping to seek a solution for the province where
outnumber Serbs and others by 9 to 1. Independence and autonomy
are among the options but Serbia rejects independence.
Inter-Ethnic Violence Increasing in Chad
more - osint -
The U.N. refugee agency says inter-ethnic violence is increasing
in eastern Chad. It says an interagency mission reports a recent
spate of attacks in the Kerfi area, southwest of Goz Beida, has
also extended to the Koukou area, southeast of the town of Goz
Beida. Six agencies involved in the mission include the UNHCR,
UNICEF and OXFAM. The mission went to the Kerfi area Thursday to
investigate attacks on villages that reportedly killed more than
200 people and forced hundreds to flee. While there, the U.N. refugee
agency says, the team traveled to the Koukou region where it found
a pattern of burned villages. UNHCR spokesman, William Spindler,
says vulnerable people, such as the elderly, hid in the bush while
armed men on horseback raided their villages.
Iran's Top Nuclear Negotiator Says it May Lessen Cooperation
With IAEA
more - osint -
Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, says Tehran will review
its relations with the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) unless Russia is successful in paring back a European draft
resolution calling for sanctions against Iran. Iran's nuclear negotiator,
Ali Larijani, made the threat of reduced cooperation with the U.N.'s
nuclear watchdog not long after arriving in Moscow for talks on
Iran's nuclear policies. A European resolution, drafted by the
U.N. Security Council's three E.U. members, proposes sanctions
against Iran for defying an August 31 deadline to stop enriching
uranium. Russia has proposed major changes to the draft resolution,
including removing all references to Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant.
Afghanistan: Karzai Discusses Worsening Security In Interview
more - osint -
Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with the director of RFE/RL's
Radio Free Afghanistan, Akbar Ayazi, for a wide-ranging interview
in Kabul on November 9. RFE/RL: Mr. President, the people of Afghanistan
have different concerns. So far as we know and read in the reports,
security is the top concern of the Afghan people. In the past 18
months, the security situation in the southern and eastern provinces
-- even in the Tagau and Nejrab areas close to Kabul -- has deteriorated.
From your point of view, why has the security situation become
so bad? Why are the opponents of the central government attacking
and committing suicide bombings?
UNSC draft resolution against Iran "psychological move": Larijani
more - osint -
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali
Larijani said here Wednesday evening that a draft resolution approved
by UN Security Council members declaring Iran in defiance of their
demand to halt uranium enrichment and seeking to impose sanctions
is a "psychological move." Dismissing the hue and cry
over Iran's nuclear activities, he termed the West's claim that
Iran is getting nearer to its goal of acquiring atomic weapons
as unthinkable. The West's, particularly the US', concerns over
Iran's nuclear program have no legal basis, Larijan said during
a TV interview Wednesday night. After two years of voluntary suspension,
the West now urges Iran to end all its nuclear activities, he said,
adding that Tehran suspects their real objective is to prevent
the Iranian nation from ever enjoying the benefits that may be
derived from nuclear energy.
US Signals Flexibility on Darfur Peace Force
more - osint -
The United States signaled flexibility Thursday on the shape of
a new international peacekeeping force for Darfur. The Sudanese
government has adamantly opposed the introduction of a United Nations
force for the war-torn western region. The Bush administration
had long been pressing for deployment of a full-fledged blue-hatted
United Nations peacekeeping mission for Darfur. But it is now signaling
its willingness to consider modifications in order to help overcome
the Khartoum government's adamant opposition to a U.N. force. The
U.N. Security Council approved the peacekeeping mission August
31 to help implement the Darfur peace accord reached in May, and
to build on the African Union observer mission in the region which
has been plagued by financial and logistical problems. |