News Archive - 9 May 2012

An explosion has wounded at least six Syrian soldiers escorting the United Nations monitors in the town of Daraa. The incident occurred on Wednesday after a roadside bomb hit a Syrian military truck just seconds after a convoy carrying the head of the UN observer mission passed by. The blast...

Permanent IRI Ambassador to IAEA Ali-Asqar Soltaniyeh renewed IRI's call for an international nuclear disarmament under the NPT treaty. Soltaniyeh was speaking at a meeting of the preliminary session of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Revision Conference Wednesday. “If the NPT would be fully implemented it can affect the international peace...

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says Israel’s continued refusal to join the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains the main obstacle against the realization of a nuke-free Middle East. “The stubborn refusal of the Zionist regime [of Israel] to join the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is still the main obstacle in...

An Iranian naval commander warns that if the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf agree to a proposed plan by Washington for a missile shield in the region, they amateurishly join a US-Zionist plot. Ali Razmjou warned the regional countries that cooperating with the US in the missile shield plan...

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi on Wednesday deplored non-observation of Article XI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that calls for elimination of nuclear weapons. Addressing a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) foreign ministers in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Salehi said efforts should be made to force...

India says it regards Iran as a stable source of energy for its growing demands as Washington urges New Delhi to decrease oil imports from Tehran. India's Deputy National Security Advisor Latha Reddy made the comment in a meeting with Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Baqeri...

The United States is determined to increase pressure on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to make him stand down, the US envoy to the United Nations said Tuesday. "The situation in Syria remains dire, especially for the millions who continue to endure daily attacks and are in urgent need of humanitarian...

>* Euro zone govts agree to 5.2 bln euros payment to Greece* U.S. crude stocks up 3.65 mln bbls last week - EIA (Adds China trade data)By Francis KanSINGAPORE, May 10 (Reuters) - Brent crude slipped below $113 on Thursday, after weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data that raised...

>FUNDAMENTALS* On the New York Mercantile Exchange, June crude slipped 3 cents to $96.77 a barrel by 0050 GMT, after settling down 20 cents to $96.81 on Wednesday.* The board of the European Financial Stability Facility agreed on Wednesday to make a payment of 5.2 billion...

There is no doubt that if he chooses to make serious concessions for peace, the new coalition will make his efforts easy, but the question is, does the Likud leader want to make these concessions?

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The price of oil fell Wednesday for a sixth day as the U.S. government reported that crude supplies are the highest in 22 years. Benchmark U.S. oil gave up 20 cents to finish at US$96.81 per barrel in New York. The six-day...

>MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin, speaking in Moscow's Red Square with military generals at his side, said he would promote Russia's might on the world stage in a patriotic speech on Wednesday glorifying the Soviet victory over Germany in World War Two. Two days after being sworn in for...

>HAMBURG (Reuters) - Syria is importing significant volumes of grain via Lebanon to work around western sanctions and secure vital supplies, European traders told Reuters. The trade is not illegal because food imports are not included in sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States and other Western countries...

New Delhi, May 10 (Xinhua-ANI): India's Supreme Court has ordered the central government to suspend a move to reintroduce the cheetah which has been hunted to extinction in the sub-continent, local media reported.

A Toronto Islamic school’s teaching materials, which have prompted a police hate crimes investigation because of their portrayal of Jews, were originally published by Iranian organizations, records show

By: Armand Resto So much for pointing fingers and biting nails — again, we’re shown one American can’t control gas prices. ...

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com The six candidates running for the new U.S. read more

Jade Jagger held her first fine-jewelry trunk show in India.

India has done well to gently rebuke US attempts to force it to reduce oil imports from Iran. While it is in India's interest to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons capability, which can potentially set off an arms race in an already sensitive West Asian region, this...

Gilbert Sanchez, the former El Paso County district clerk convicted last year of conspiracy charges, has been transferred to a federal prison in Fort Worth, prison records show.

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com The six candidates running for California’s new 26th Congressional District seat staked their ground on a number of important issues during a public forum on Monday at California Lutheran University. read more

U.S. influence on human rights in China is smaller than we'd like.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 MOSCOW — The demonstration airplane for a Russian-made passenger jet — the first new model to be produced in Russia since the Soviet Union collapsed — vanished Wednesday during a 50-minute flight, in a crushing blow to an aerospace industry eager for revival. The Sukhoi Superjet...

When conservative commentator Pat Buchanan garnered 37 percent of the vote as a protest candidate against the sitting Republican president in the 1992 New Hampshire primary, his showing was a clear harbinger of George H.W. Bush’s defeat nine months later. So what are we to make of the...

Tehran, May 9 : Experts have warned that Iran has allegedly carried out a clean-up drive at a building suspected of being used for experimenting nuclear weapons at the Parchin site outside Tehran.

Washington (dpa) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of Eight meetings May 18-19 at President Barack Obama‘s mountain retreat outside Washington, the White House said Wednesday.Putin and Obama spoke via telephone, and the newly elected Russian leader said his responsibilities in finalizing his cabinet would...

The House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday backed construction of a missile defense site on the East Coast, rejecting Pentagon arguments that the facility is unnecessary and Democratic complaints that the nearly $5 billion project amounts to wasteful spending in a time of tight budgets.

MOSCOW -- The demonstration airplane for a Russian-made passenger jet -- the first new model to be produced in Russia since the Soviet Union collapsed -- vanished Wednesday during a 50-minute flight, in a crushing blow to an aerospace industry eager for revival.

By Devinder Singh 0 comments NEPAL advanced to the semi-finals of the ACC Under-16 Elite Cup after a comfortable 167-run win over Iran in a Group B match at the Bayuemas Oval in Klang yesterday. That has set up a tantalising top-of-the-table clash ... Read

The economy in both Middle East and North Africa can be described as tremendously diverse.

Oil and energy industry is the backbone of the Middle East and North Africa economic area. The MENA countries have some of the most productive oil fields in the world and produce about half of the world's oil needs each year.

In an ABC News interview May 9, president Barack Obama voiced his opinion on the much-debated topic of gay marriage, endorsing it and explaining the "evolution" of his position.

TORONTO - To hear Israeli President Shimon Peres tell it, broader brain research is vital to a better future.

Top defense leaders argued Wednesday for the U.S. to ratify a long-debated treaty governing ocean rights in order to bolster the nation's national security interests in the Asia-Pacific region and other key global waters.

In a move that surprised everyone, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his government and called for early elections last week. Then came the double whammy: on Tuesday, Netanyahu cancelled elections and announced a new coalition government with the opposition Kadima party.

Persian classics and outstanding kebabs From the point of view of fine dining, a key benefit of America's foreign interventions is the stream of incoming refugees and immigrants with slow-food-cooking skills. I AM CURIOUS (CHELOW) This type of saffron-flavored Persian rice is the perfect backdrop for Sabzi's sizzling kebabs. From...

A US security institute says commercial satellite imagery shows new activity at an Iranian military site which raises concern that the country may be “washing” a building the United Nations’ nuclear agency wants to inspect.

Iran has authorized private Iranian exporters to sell up to 20 percent of its crude exports in a move intended to help skirt international sanctions.

Commentary: Senator's cooperation with Democrats should be source of pride for Republicans. Instead, it caused Lugar's downfall. By Graham Allison CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts — Yesterday was a dark day for the United States. When Richard Lugar lost the Republican primary election, not only did Indiana lose its senator of 35 years,...

The urban legend is alive and well -- there really are Toronto cabbies who were physicians at home in their native lands.

Hackers target streaming of anti-Putin protests with attack, Ustream says.

Ben Jacobs and Anna Nemtsova on how attackers targeted Ustream

Queen Elizabeth II laid out the British government's plans for the coming year in a speech Wednesday marked by pomp and tradition.

- Discerning the impact of cyber threats in the next-generation enterprises- WHEN: 16 May 2012 at 2pm BST- WHERE: Online, with free registration- PRESENTER: Karthik Sundaram, Senior Research AnalystLONDON, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ Post 2010, …

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to extend the life of the Export-Import Bank, culminating a struggle that has split Republicans between pro-bank business groups and anti-big government conservatives seeking to have it dismantled.

Microsoft sent out over 20 security fixes across several of its software platforms as part of May's Patch release on Tuesday. Three of the 23 security patches released were rated as "critical," while four were listed as "important," the company wrote in its Security Bulletin summary . "This advance notification is...

NEW YORK -- The price of oil fell Wednesday for a sixth day as the U.S. government reported that crude supplies are the highest in 22 years. Benchmark U.S. oil gave up 20 cents to finish at $96.81 per barrel in New York. The six-day drop is...

Yesterday UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan said that war torn Syria is running out of options, and risks descending into "full civil war." "We cannot allow that to happen," he added. Annan's statement . . .

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Israel (and its Arab neighbors) when he announced the creation of a unity government on May 8. Joining forces with the centrist Kadima party, Mr. Netanyahu secured a larger majority in the parliament, giving himself more leeway to pursue potentially controversial policies. The following...

Although the Israeli leaders have historically demonstrated that they are insane and reckless enough to commit such a malicious and lethal blunder as launching a military strike on Iran, the international opposition to war against Iran is progressively gaining momentum.

ROME (Reuters) - The results of last weekend's local elections in Italy are likely to weaken Prime Minister Mario Monti and make it harder for him to push through unpopular reforms to shield the country from a worsening euro zone debt crisis. Related Stories Artist builds "Berlin wall" dividing rich...

TEHRAN, May 9 (MNA) - MP Gholam-Reza Mesbahi-Moghaddam says now that Iran is entering the second stage of the subsidy reform plan, the most appropriate price for a liter of petrol is 10,000 rials (about 82 U.S. cents).

Support for the war in Afghanistan has reached a new low, with only 27 percent of Americans saying they back the effort and about half of those who oppose the war saying the continued presence of American troops in Afghanistan is doing more harm than good, according to an AP-GfK...

Operators of America's vital power, water and manufacturing facilities use industrial control systems (ICS) to manage them, and the security of these systems, increasingly linked with Microsoft Windows and the Internet, is now under intense scrutiny because of growing awareness that they could be attacked and cause massive disruptions.

India and Iran have found a way out for settling delayed trade payments. UCO Bank and four Iranian banks, including the Persian Bank, are settling payments in rupees.

Frankfurt (dpa) - Frankfurt Stock Exchange closing prices in euros on Wednesday at 1555 GMT. In brackets the index/price movement against previous quotation:DAX 6,475.31 (+ 30.57) MDAX 10,446.59 (+ 30.29) Adidas 61.48 (+ 1.12) Allianz 83.69 (+ 0.46) BASF 57.57 (+...

KHQ.COM  - Hillary Clinton made major headlines on her trip through Asia, while she managed to avert a full out diplomatic crisis between America and China over a blind dissident and pressed India to reduce its oil imports from that rogue nation Iran.

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>OVAKENT, Turkey (Reuters) - When Abdul Maraf Yildiz looks at the thousands of Syrian refugees flooding across the border into southern Turkey, he sees himself, 30 years ago. Yildiz was only two in 1982 when his family fled the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and found sanctuary in Hatay, the Turkish...

SPOT MARKET gold bullion prices fell to their lowest level in four months during Wednesday morning's London trading, hitting $1581 an ounce – 3.7% down on the week so far – while European stock markets and commodities also fell and US Treasuries gained, with Greek uncertainty continuing to cast...

Book, poetry and spoken word events in London this week Wednesday: Mark Thomas tells about his adventures walking the Israeli Separation Barrier , at Canada Water Culture Space (7.30pm, £10 / £8). AL Kennedy, Jamie McKendrick, Andrea Stuart, Adam Foulds and John Freeman launch the latest issue of Granta...

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel's new unity government may strengthen the position of Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of a possible attack on Iran, analysts say, despite the fact the move was motivated by internal political issues. Related Stories Pressure builds on France's Hollande over EU debt plans Australia's plans to cut aid...

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Methanol markets. The global market for Methanol is forecast to reach 61.7 million metric tons by the year 2017, stimulated by increase in production capacity worldwide, infusion of substantial investment and entry of new players in the market. In...

Experienced defender Bassim Abbas speaks to FIFA.com about his past and future at club level, the success of Iraq’s golden generation, what new coach Zico has brought to the squad and their chances of reaching Brazil 2014.

Israel is accusing Iran of "playing for time" in negotiations over its nuclear program with the international community, and says an upcoming round of talks can only succeed if the Iranians agree to halt all uranium enrichment.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Oil prices extended their slide Wednesday, shedding an additional 0.7% amid renewed concerns about Europe and the global economy.

>May 09 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed India-based UCO Bank's (UCO) National Long-Term (LT) rating at 'Fitch AA(ind)' with a Stable Outlook. The agency has simultaneously downgraded the bank's perpetual Tier 1 and upper Tier 2 debt instruments to 'Fitch A-(ind)' from 'Fitch A(ind)'. A full rating breakdown is provided...

Moody's said the downgrade is due to a slowdown in growth and regional tensions.

The Supreme Court has halted a plan to re-introduce cheetahs to the country by shipping animals over from Africa after experts said the idea was "totally misconceived".

[IPS] Algiers - "Is that your photo on the poster?" a policeman asked a woman standing in front of an electoral campaign board in Algiers. "Why do you ask?" she inquired. "Because only the candidates are interested in these elections," he replied.

» Slovak official also injured. The car overturned just ahead of inspection of Khondab nuclear site. Israeli threats increase the price of oil to 126 dollars per barrel. Expectations ahead of meeting between Tehran and world powers in Istanbul on 23 May.

A pan-Arab newspaper is reporting that Syria's rebel leader has threatened to resume attacks because the government has not honored a cease-fire.

Directed by and starring Affleck, and also starring Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman, Argo tells the story of the efforts to rescue six in-hiding Americans during the Iran hostage crisis, with Affleck playing Tony Mendez, the CIA "exfiltration" specialist with a so-crazy-it-just-might-work plan.

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) -- International envoy Kofi Annan gave a bleak assessment of the crisis in Syria on Tuesday, saying violence remains at "unacceptable levels" and warning that his peace plan is the country's last chance to avert a disastrous

Dozens of Iranian businessmen, searching for deals and trade agreements, are touring India this week.

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Now backed by a parliamentary supermajority, Benjamin Netanyahu has tremendous room to maneuver on Israel's most pressing issues: peace with the Palestinians, possible war with Iran, and the growing rift at home between religious

Imagine a world plunged in darkness and extreme cold with the sunlight screened off by a thick pall of dust cloud. Imagine a world flung back into chaos. This is an image conceived of a world abandoned to dereliction by doomsday weapons.

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>SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude slipped towards $112 on Wednesday, on track for its longest losing streak in almost two years, as political uncertainty in the debt-laden euro zone and rising oil stocks in the United States revived worries about fuel demand. In Greece, a highly fractured parliament struggled to...