FIFA suspends Executive Committee members accused of vote-selling

FIFA has provisionally suspended its two Executive Committee members, Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii, who are accused of selling their votes in the election of the host of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
This decision was announced yesterday at a press conference at FIFAs headquarters in Zurich following the meeting of the ethics committee. A final decision regarding the two members will be made at a meeting in mid-November.
Also, the Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into alleged agreements between member associations and their Bid Committees in relation to the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bidding process, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter told the media. He also said that nobody could be exempted from footballs rules.
For now there is no discussion of postponing the December 2 election of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts, stated FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valke.

Palestinians say no talks sans settlement curbs

Senior Palestinian politicians have backed President Mahmud Abbas’s demand to link peace talks to restrictions on Israeli settlement building.
The announcement came after a meeting of dozens of leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Abbas’s Fatah movement.
However, a final decision is only expected at an Arab League summit in Libya next weekend.
The development delivers a new setback to US efforts to salvage Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is adamant about not extending a moratorium on settlement building, said in a statement earlier in the day that peace can only be achieved in negotiations and urged the Palestinians to continue talks.

Yawar Saeed rejects resignation reports

Staff Report

LONDON: Team Manager, Yawar Saeed, on Tuesday said that he would decide about his future in consultation with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Ijaz Butt.

Speaking to SAMAA from London, he rejected media reports that he had submitted resignation due to mental fatigue.

“I cannot even think about leaving the job during the tour,” he said.

He, however, admitted that he had plans to resign after the end of the ongoing tour.

Saeed said that he would make a final decision after consulting with Ijaz Butt. SAMAA

PM to decide on flood commission after CMs meet

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Raza Gilani Wednesday said that he would convene a meeting of all chief ministers on Friday to make a final decision about the establishment of an independent relief commission.

In an exclusive chat with SAMAA during a visit to flood-hit areas in Swat, he said that the government would impose a flood surcharge after taking approval from the federal cabinet.

To a question, he said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif proposed the commission to ensure transparency in use of flood aid. SAMAA

Nawaz renews calls for independent commission

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has reiterated that establishment of an independent relief commission is necessary in helping the millions of people affected by the unprecedented rain-triggered floods.

Interacting with media persons in Islamabad today (Thursday), Nawaz said he did not meet Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for any personal reason.

The Prime Minister had promised to name the commission within 48 hours, Nawaz said, adding that no decision was announced by the government in this regard.

He said the international community also wants to see an independent commission so that flood relief could be provided to affected people.

“I have made it clear to the Prime Minister that point-scoring attempt will have to be stopped at this time.”

Nawaz added that an independent commission is the need of

PM to decide flood commission after CMs meet

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Raza Gilani Thursday said that he would convene a meeting of all chief ministers on Friday to make a final decision about the establishment of an independent relief commission.

In an exclusive chat with SAMAA during a visit to flood-hit areas in Swat, he said that the government would impose a flood surcharge after taking approval from the federal cabinet.

To a question, he said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif proposed the commission to ensure transparency in use of flood aid. SAMAA

YRF’s Anushka – Ranveer Singh starrer titled Band Baajaa Baaraat?

While the promos of Yash Raj Films’ next big release Lafangey Parindey is on in full swing, the production house is also busy with its forthcoming film starring Anushka Sharma and newcomer Ranveer Singh. The untitled film tells the story of two just out of Delhi University students, Shruti (Anushka Sharma) and Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) who reluctantly set out on their tumultuous entrepreneurial venture. Together their friendship and business enters the ups and downs of the lavish world of the glamour and glitz of Delhi baaraats and weddings!

There have been a lot of speculation doing the rounds on the title of the film with the latest being that the film is titled Band Baajaa Baaraat. When we got in touch with Rafiq Gangjee, VP, Marketing and Communications at YRF, he said, “This is one of the titles being strongly considered for the film. We will be taking a final decision by the end of this week.”

Security forces take out 35 militants in SWA

PESHAWAR: Thirty-five militants were killed during clashes with security forces and aerial raids in South Waziristan Agency, Geo News reported.

According to sources, militants attacked a security check post with rockets and modern weapons in Pah Ziarat area of Wana. Security forces repulsed and killed twenty militants while six soldiers sustained injuries.

Fighter jets pounded militants’ positions in Khonkot and Teri Khadizai areas, killing 15 militants and injuring 10 others. Six militants hideouts were also destroyed.

PM, Law Minister discuss appointment of NAB chief

ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Babar Awan called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Saturday and discussed Constitutional and legal matters including ongoing hearing of cases in the Supreme Court.

According sources, the appointment of new chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also came under discussion at the meeting. However, a final decision in this regard will be made upon return of President Asif Ali Zardari from China.

NZ to extend troops stay in Afghanistan

WELLINGTON: New Zealand will extend its deployment of 140 troops in Afghanistan for another year, then start withdrawing troops while posting civilian development specialists to the war-ravaged country, Prime Minister John Key said Tuesday.

New Zealand”s 140-strong provincial reconstruction team of troops in Bamiyan had been expected to end their seven-year deployment in September, but Key said the posting will roll over for another year, then start reducing as civilian specialists are introduced.

Under the plan, about 50 troops would remain in Bamiyan, he said. Key said that a separate contingent of about 70 New Zealand commandos in Kabul that had been due to leave in March 2011 may now also be extended.

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