News Archive - 30 March 2012

Secretary General of the Lebanese resistance movement said on Friday that Syria has promised reform and dialog, and that it is up to the opposition to take advantage of this opportunity. "Any solution other than this will not serve Palestine, but will only serve Israel, the US, and all who...

One person has been martyred and over 150 others have been injured in Zionist forces' attacks on protesters marking Land Day in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. At least one Palestinian was martyred and more than two dozen others were wounded on Friday after Zionist forces opened fire...

>* Despite oil prices, Obama seen applying Iran sanctions* Oil supplies could tighten by JulyBy Timothy Gardner and Arshad MohammedWASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama is likely to determine by Friday that there will be enough oil in the world market to allow countries to cut...

Iranian cleric Hojjatoleslam Kazem Seddiqi says Iraq’s hosting of the first summit of Arab League leaders since the US withdrawal was a great triumph for the Iraqi government and nation. “With the withdrawal of the occupiers, the Iraqi government and people showed that they have the... competence to ensure the...

Zionist regime's forces have opened fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters marking Land Day across the occupied Palestinian territories, injuring two and arresting several others. Zionist regime's troops and Palestinians clashed in the occupied West Bank city of Qalandiya on Friday. A dozen other demonstrations were also planned for after the...

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Iran is against production and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) because it considers the production of such weapons against Islam. The remarks were made during a news conference in Ankara’s Esenboga Airport last night, right after his return from a two-day...

A top analyst believes that Persian Gulf kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are trying to misinterpret Kofi Annan’s six-point peace plan for Syria to make it suit their interests in the region. Press TV has interviewed Ibrahim Moussawi, a political commentator in Beirut, to further talk over the issue.

Zionist regime's troops are preparing for rallies marking the anniversary of Land Day across the occupied Palestinian territories and around border areas near Lebanon and Jordan. The main march will take place in the northern Galilee town of Deir Hanna. A dozen other demonstrations are also planned following Friday prayers...

The first Irish delegation had entered the coastal sliver on Tuesday, bringing much-needed medicines for patients in Gaza. Another delegation from England, including students from Bradford, also arrived in Gaza. They have planned to work with the Irish delegation and hold seminars at different educational institutions in the impoverished territory.

>* Israel invites Argentina's president to visit - news agencyBy Louis CharbonneauNEW YORK, March 30 (Reuters) - Israel's U.N. envoy on Friday praised Argentina for reinvigorating its investigation of a deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Buenos Aires that Argentine authorities have blamed on Iran."I think...

>Crude futures' trading trajectory was choppy and prices jumped late in the session after the Obama administration said there is enough global oil supply to allow countries to cut imports from Iran.U.S. President Barack Obama was required by law to determine by March 30, and every six months...

Over the past 14 months, Iran has steadily lost influence throughout the Middle East. Recognizing this is crucial for understanding how Palestine, Syria and other key strategic battlegrounds now play into Iranian calculations, and how new opportunities have emerged for both Arabs and the West.

>* Senator Menendez-puts importers on noticeBy Jeff Mason and Roberta RamptonBURLINGTON, VT/WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday he has determined there is enough oil in the world market to allow countries to cut imports from Iran, allowing Washington to begin sanctioning countries that...

>* Newer, higher-grade enrichment may be initial focus* Iran defied UN call to stop; may be less rigid on '20 pct'By Fredrik DahlVIENNA, March 30 (Reuters) - Getting Iran to stop the higher-level uranium enrichment it started two years ago and has since sharply increased will be a priority when...

>LONDON (Reuters) - OPEC oil output has risen in March to its highest level since October 2008 as higher supply from Iraq and further recovery in Libya's production offset a drop in shipments from Iran, a Reuters survey found on Friday. Supply from all 12 members of the Organization of...

>RIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Saudi Arabia's king and foreign minister in Riyadh on Friday to discuss the Syria conflict against a backdrop of tension with Iran and oil policy differences. The world's main superpower and its top oil exporter have been strategic allies...

>LONDON (Reuters) - After a bumper first quarter fuelled by central bank largesse, investors are looking for potential potholes to derail a stock market rally which has already shown signs of tailing off in recent days. While a holiday-shortened week is not likely to prompt dramatic investment decisions, the consensus...

>ISTANBUL, March 30 (Reuters) - Turkey will reduce the amount of oil it buys from Iran by around 10 percent, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Friday, a week after Washington warned Iran's customers they could be subject to U.S. sanctions unless they significantly cut purchases.Turkey will partly...

>* Annan says "deadline is now"* Artillery, mortars hit Homs; five die in clashes* Iranians freed as Iran helps Syria sell oilBy Erika Solomon and Douglas HamiltonBEIRUT, March 30 (Reuters) - Syrian artillery hit parts of Homs city and at least five people were killed in clashes around the country...

>JAKARTA, March 30 (Reuters) - Leading Indonesian political parties said on Friday they will oppose a government plan to raise fuel prices unless oil prices climb further, dealing a blow to the ruling party's efforts to control a swelling budget deficit in Southeast Asia's largest economy.The government wants a...

>LONDON (Reuters) - Iran is helping its ally Syria defy Western sanctions by providing a vessel to ship Syrian oil to a state-run company in China, potentially giving the government of President Bashar al-Assad a financial boost worth an estimated $80 million. Iran, itself a target of Western sanctions, is...

>JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Shares in MTN Group (MTNJ.J) slid on Friday after rival Turkcell (TCELL.IS) filed a $4.2 billion suit against the South African mobile operator, alleging it bribed officials and lobbied support for Tehran's nuclear program to win an Iranian license. Turkcell, which lost the 2004...

President Barack Obama said Friday that he was moving ahead with potential sanctions against countries that keep buying oil from Iran, including allies of the U.S., in a deepening campaign to starve Iran of money for its disputed nuclear program. The world oil market is tight but deep...

Rather like opera choruses who slink silently on stage after the death of the hero(ine) in the final act, it’s the women who gradually occupy centre stage after men have done their worst to Jesus. If you think that’s sexist, you’d better skip to another page. It gets worse.

Clashes and protests across parts of Syria are further complicating a peace mission by UN envoy Kofi Annan.

South Korean officials say they will continue working with the U.S. to reduce oil imports from Iran after President Barack Obama greenlighted potential sanctions against countries that continue to buy Iranian oil.

Scientists say controlling local stressors is critical to preserving reef ecosystems By Summit Voice SUMMIT COUNTY — Coral reefs in the Caribbean have been hit hard by increasing ocean temperatures, but new research shows that a long-term decline in coral health began well before the ocean warming trend. Scientists with...

ROME, MARCH 30, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its 2012 annual report, along with its recommendations to the Secretary of State as to which nations should be included on the list of “countries of particular concern” or CPCs.

Indonesia's parliament voted on Saturday to give the government authority to raise subsidised fuel prices under certain conditions.

Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- The presidents of Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan on March 25 agreed to join in the drive to vitalize economic cooperation, oppose terrorism and extremism and ensure the regional security.

Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- The British paper Sunday Times on March 25 exposed Israeli moves against Iran.

Tehran, March 29 (KCNA) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, addressing an international meeting on March 26, condemned the U.S. for its hostile policy toward regional countries.

Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- The U.S. dollar system that dominated the world financial market is on the verge of collapse.

WASHINGTON, Mar 30, 2012 (AFP) - President Barack Obama gave the go-ahead for fresh sanctions against Iran's oil sector Friday, judging there is enough oil on world markets to ensure the move will not hit US consumers.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said Friday he was plowing ahead with potential sanctions against countries that keep buying oil from Iran, including allies of the United States, in a deepening campaign to starve Iran of money for its disputed nuclear program.

US defence secretary Leon Panetta has told US marines and sailors that Congress would be irresponsible if it did not act to prevent drastic military budget cuts. Related Stories Jerry Lee Lewis in seventh marriage Alert over citrus tree disease find FBI training 'critical of Islam' Shell moves closer to...

THE WORLD OF READING FESTIVAL takes place in Barnett Family Park in Lakeland. Upon arrival, each child will receive a passport that lets them visit different "worlds," and take part in an arts and crafts event related to that particular world. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland event takes place...

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (DPA) - Faced with ever-tighter purse strings and questions about the effectiveness of European Union diplomacy, it was time for introspection as the bloc's 27 foreign ministers met in Denmark this week.

US President Barack Obama approves fresh sanctions on foreign banks still involved in the trading of Iranian oil, saying there are enough alternative supplies.

President Barack Obama vowed today to forge ahead with tough sanctions on Iran.

IPREDICT LTD Economic & Political Newsletter: ACC Scandal Special 31 March 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE www.ipredict.co.nz

Bald Barbie Facebook Campaign Image Credit: www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie Mattel has agreed to manufacture a hairless Barbie doll to support the campaign “Beautiful and Bald Barbie! Let’s See if we can get it made” created in Facebook for young girls who have lost their hair due to cancer, according to...

(CNN) — As voters in Wisconsin, Maryland, and the District of Columbia prepare to cast ballots on Tuesday, Rick Santorum...

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Marines and sailors on Friday that Congress would be irresponsible if it doesn't act to prevent drastic military budget cuts.

Junior E. Lee, general manager of the Yarbrough Worldwide Media and Pest Control Company, located in Greater Garfield, Georgia, called me all out of breath. I usually am not that concerned because after Junior has sprayed Arven Ridley's barn for fleas, it sometimes leaves him winded. But I knew this

Buying a warplane - like buying a car - is about tradeoffs: versatility, status, safety, reliability, power against cost. Yet almost lost in the raucous debate over whether the Harper government should ditch its plan to buy 65 of the soaringly expensive F-35, stealthy strike fighters - or something more...

Watch Video | Listen to the Audio HARI SREENIVASAN: President Obama is moving forward on tough new sanctions on Iran aimed at putting a squeeze on their oil exports. The crackdown lets the U.S. impose sanctions on foreign banks that continue to buy oil from Iran. The Obama administration...

ISLAMABAD, March 30: In recent history, the night between Thursday and Friday turned out to be unique in that the country’s top military and civilian leadership (both from treasury and opposition benches) were in a huddle for eight hours to determine the contours of Pakistan’s future ties with the United...

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama said Friday he was plowing ahead with potential sanctions against countries that keep buying oil from Iran, including allies of the United States, in a deepening campaign to starve Iran of money for its disputed nuclear program.

Asked if the Al Qaeda affiliate in Yemen was stronger and better positioned than it was at the time of Anwar al-Awlaki’s death Sept. 30 in a CIA drone strike, one official simply responded, “Yes.”

(MCT) McClatchy-Tribune News Service

UN's Ahmed Shaheed tells VOA he has found 'no positive change of significance' since he took on mandate in June 2011

U.S. President Barack Obama is moving ahead with sanctions against Iran's oil industry, in the hope that increased economic pressure will push Tehran into abandoning its

The Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Michigan Republican Mike Rogers, stopped by the KNX 1070 studios Friday afternoon and talked with Chris Sedens and Diane Thompson.

A price board is pictured at a petrol station in downtown Rome March 13, 2012. Current world oil prices are not justified, Kuwait's oil minister told state television in comments broadcast on Sunday, adding that the Gulf state's current production rate will not affect its level of strategic reserves.

Syria is exporting oil via Iran to China, and in the process, the countries are circumventing international sanctions that were placed on Syria.

The Obama administration is seeking to advance talks among Saudi Arabia and its neighbors on a missile defense system against Iran, while slowing any plans among Arab Gulf states to intervene militarily in Syria.

US President Barack Obama has given the green light for sanctions that will target Iran's oil exports.

Former Soviet spy Leonid Shebarshin, who was very briefly head of the KGB, was found dead Friday in his apartment in Moscow, an apparent suicide, officials said.

President Barack Obama said Friday he was plowing ahead with potential sanctions against countries that keep buying oil from Iran, including allies of the United States, in a deepening campaign to starve Iran of money for its disputed nuclear program.

A senior Iranian official reiterated Iran’s support for the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine until all Arab territories have been liberated from Israeli occupation.

March 30--TAMPA If you thought picking winners in this year's March Madness basketball bracket was difficult, wait until you plan your summer travel budget.

Gottemoeller confident two countries will find common ground on missile defense

Two fuels serve different markets, and that has a major bearing on their price.

RIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed Saudi Arabia's role in maintaining a stable world oil supply in talks on Friday with Saudi King Abdullah, a U.S. official said.

Clashes and protests broke out across many parts of Syria Friday.

>* U.S., EU sanctions aim to curb Iran's nuclear ambitionsMONTEVIDEO, March 30 (Reuters) - Uruguay will ask Iran if the South American country can export rice in exchange for oil, the government said on Friday.Iran used to be a major destination for Uruguayan rice but the impact...

President Obama is moving forward with toughened sanctions against Iran’s oil exports after determining there is enough crude on the world market to allow U.S. allies to stop purchasing Iranian oil, the White House said today. “I determine… that there is a sufficient supply of...

United Against Nuclear Iran CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, issued the following statement today regarding news that the Obama administration plans to move forward with sanctions against Iran’s oil industry, and also following news that U.S.

To fight spam-bots, we need to verify you're a real human user. Please enter your answer below: Who was the first woman? WASHINGTON (BP) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) gained three new commissioners the week after losing five of its nine members.

Is It Over Yet? Gingrich Hints at an Alliance – Flailing presidential candidate Newt Gingrich says he’s been talking with Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum about the best way to beat President Obama, but the non-Romney candidates aren’t showing signs of dropping out. Gingrich told...

Robert Siegel talks with Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications at the White House, about the latest U.S. policy thinking on Syria.

Oil climbed, capping a second quarterly gain, after reports showed U.S. consumer sentiment and spending rose and President Barack Obama cleared the way for new sanctions targeting Iran.

President Obama gave the green light Friday for sanctions that will target Iran's oil exports in a bid to pressure it on its nuclear programme.

A federal judge has awarded $2.16 billion to victims of the 1983 suicide truck-bombing of U.S. Marines in Beirut, his third award in two weeks to plaintiffs who had sued Iran over the attack.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The case of a Vietnamese ex-con accused of brutally slaying five people in a San Francisco home has shed harsh light on Supreme Court rulings that have allowed the release of thousands of criminal immigrants into U.S. communities because their own countries refused to take...

NEW YORK: Global crude oil prices recovered Friday from the prior day's losses, in a market supported by fresh US sanctions against Iran's oil sector.

The most violent event of Palestinian-backed Earth Day Friday, March 30, was a battle around the Gaza-Israeli Erez crossing between Israeli forces and marksmen of the Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad Islami, debka file ’s military sources report.

The Syrian opposition is keeping up the pressure on the Syrian security forces with repeated attacks. And Syria President Bashar Assad has shown no signs of moving toward a cease-fire. Against this backdrop, the "Friends of Syria" are gathering in Turkey. read more

This Washington Post story on Mitt Romney's plans to run hard against Barack Obama on foreign policy doesnst persuade me that Romney has any especially clever new ideas on that front

Senior State Department Officials En Route to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Special Briefing Senior State Department Official En Route to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 30, 2012 STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ONE: All right. We are en route from Shannon, Ireland to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – want to stand here? – in the...

George Galloway, who the Labour Party cut loose because of his opposition to the war In Iraq, has won a seat in the House of Commons.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said Friday he was plowing ahead with potential sanctions against countries that keep buying oil from Iran, including allies of the United States, in a deepening campaign to starve Iran of money for its disputed nuclear program.

Gasoline prices are still climbing but some relief may be in sight after Tax Day.

President Obama ratcheted up the pressure on Iran Friday, deciding to implement previously announced sanctions that will be the toughest to date. The decision declares that world oil markets can be adequately supplied even if a significant portion of Iran's 2.2 million barrels a day in oil exports is...

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said owing to the wrong policies of the previous governments, his government inherited power shortage and the country was facing loadshedding.

President Obama approved a new round of sanctions on Iranian oil Friday in what must have been a complicated judgement call that weighed diplomatic strategy against Iran and gas price-related election year politics. 

The latest on Obama’s staunch backup of Israel is the leak that Israel has received permission from Azerbaijan to establish staging bases for possible attacks on Iran. These bases would shorten the long route which involves refueling planes originally thought that Israel would use.

As aircraft become larger, so do the overhead lockers.

Date and Time: April 6 at 10 a.m.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Ex-Soviet KGB foreign intelligence chief Leonid Shebarshin was found dead in his Moscow apartment on Friday in an apparent suicide, Russian investigators said. Shebarshin, 77, who headed the First Chief Directorate, a foreign intelligence service within the KGB during 1989-1991, appeared to have committed suicide, the Investigative...

Did North Korea need nuclear weapons to become a fully 'failed state'? Probably not

Technology is changing the 150-year-old relationship between a war and the images it produces.