Iran arrests members of Jundollah group: report
October 26, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TEHRAN: Iran has arrested three members of an al-Qaeda-backed militant group who it says had played “a major role” in a deadly mosque explosion in the southeast of the country, the official IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday.
More than 20 people, including members of the elite Revolutionary Guards, were killed and 100 others were wounded in two suicide attacks at Zahedan’s Grand mosque in July.
“These three terrorists had illegally entered a neighbouring country before they carried out this blind act and had received the necessary training for their anti-security activities there,” IRNA quoted a senior local official as saying.
The unnamed official said the three who were members of the group Jundollah, or God’s soldiers, had played “a major role” in the Zahedan mosque bombing, according to IRNA.
In May 2009, a bombing in a crowded mosque in Zahedan
Iran denies report of seven US troops detained–TV
September 19, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TEHRAN: Iran denied on Sunday that border guards had detained seven U.S. troops, calling the report “unfounded”, the state-run English language Press TV said.
The country’s Arabic language television al-Alam also quoted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in charge of Iran’s border security, as denying that any such incident had happened in the southeastern province of Sistan Baluchestan, as earlier reported by a semi-official news agency. AGENCIES
Six Colombian police killed in guerrilla attack
September 8, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
BOGOTA: Six Colombian police were killed in an attack by cocaine-funded guerrillas on Tuesday, the latest in a series of battles over the past week in which 45 police, soldiers and rebels have died, the government said.
Tuesday’s fight took place in the southern province of Narino, which is key to the drug production and smuggling operations of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
Authorities said fighters from both outlawed groups assaulted a police station near the town of Samaniego with guns and homemade missiles.
The FARC and ELN have been fighting the state since the 1960s in the name of socialist revolution and have increased military activity since President Juan Manuel Santos, a conservative U.S. ally, took office last month.
“There is a small number of deranged terrorists who are determined
Iran guards warn US against attack over nuclear work
August 4, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TEHRAN: Iran will make the strategic Gulf region unsafe for all if it comes under attack by the United States over it nuclear programme, the deputy head of the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday.
“If the Americans make the slightest mistake, the security of the region will be endangered. Security in the Persian Gulf should be for all or none,” Yadollah Javani told the official news agency.
“The Persian Gulf is a strategic region and if it is endangered they (Americans) will suffer losses and our response will be firm.
“We will defend ourselves if America or Israel resort to any hostile measures against our vital values,” he added.
The international community led by the United States has stepped up pressure on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme amid concerns that the Islamic republic is engaged in a covert nuclear weapons programme, a charge Tehran vehemently denies.
The United States and Israel have not ruled out a military strike to stop Iran”s alleged atomic ambitions.
Javani”s declaration preceded comments by the top US military officer on Sunday that a plan to attack Iran was ready, if needed to stop the Islamic republic from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was “extremely concerned” about the possible repercussions of such a strike.
Iranian officials have frequently vowed a crushing response to any US and Israeli attacks.
Clinton condemns ”horrific” mosque attack in Iran
July 15, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned Thursday”s “horrific” attacks on a Shiite mosque in Iran that killed more than 20 people, and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms today”s terrorist attacks claimed by Jundallah that targeted Iranians at a mosque in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran,” Clinton said in a statement.
“The United States extends its sympathy to the families and loved ones of those injured and killed. We also call for the perpetrators of this horrific attack to be held accountable for their actions,” she said.
“This attack, along with the recent attacks in Uganda, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Algeria, underscores the global community”s need to work together to combat terrorist organizations that threaten the lives of innocent civilians all around the world.”
Iranian state media reported that more than 20 people, including worshippers and members of the Revolutionary Guards, were killed by two suicide bombings at a Shiite mosque in heavily Sunni southeast Iran.
The attack came as people celebrated the birthday of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed, a day also set apart each year to honor the Revolutionary Guards.
More than 100 people were wounded in the attacks, which came only minutes apart, at the Jamia mosque in the restive city of Zahedan, capital of southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran army will cut off hand of Western bullies: Ahmadinejad
July 13, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TEHRAN: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran”s elite Revolutionary Guards and its army have the strength to “cut off the hands” of Western powers.
“The power of the Revolutionary Guards and the army will cut off the hands of the arrogant and bullying powers,” Ahmadinejad told a gathering of Guards” commanders, according to media.
Hailing Iran”s strength as “indestructible,” the hardliner said the Guards were the symbol of Iran”s resistance against the United States and other Western powers.
“The world of arrogance (West) is weaker and it cannot hurt the Iranian nation,” he said.
Obama signs Iran curbs into law
July 1, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
WASHINGTON: After years of congressional efforts, sweeping new Iran sanctions will become law Thursday night when US President Barack Obama signs the bill on his desk.
The legislation affects the gasoline, financial, insurance and shipping sectors, among others, as it seeks to impose a heavy economic cost on Iran for continuing with its nuclear program.
The bill attempts to bar foreign countries from exporting refined petroleum to Iran, as well as restrict access to American financial institutions for any entities that help Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
It also seeks to choke off investment, technology and development of Iran’s energy sector, and makes it easier for states and localities to divest from companies that do business with Iran.
The measure was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate and House last week ahead of the July 4 recess. Sponsors described it as the toughest ever to target Iran.
Though the Obama administration had expressed some reservations about the details of the bill, its main concern was that the move would disrupt its own efforts to get a new sanctions resolution through the UN Security Council. Once that passed last month, lawmakers seized on the opportunity to build on the framework by putting through the unilateral US measure.
Though the White House didn’t get as much latitude as it was seeking, it will still have the ability to determine how aggressively the sanctions are pursued and enforced.
American Jewish groups have enthusiastically welcomed the legislation, as has the Israeli government.
mercer
May 26, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
Auckland has the world’s fourth-best quality of living, according to a new ranking dominated by European cities.
But in another ranking for eco-cities, Wellington beats out Auckland, ranking fifth worldwide.
In both categories, New Zealand cities sit at the top of the Asia Pacific, ahead of Australian contenders.
The 2010 Mercer Worldwide Quality of Living Survey was released today, ranking cities for overall quality of living based on political, socio-economic and environmental criteria as well as sanitisation, education and transport. The company also compiled a list of top eco-cities.
Spokeswoman Georgina Harley said in a statement to media that New Zealand cities had been recognised for having “quality housing close to the city”, “political stability” and “transport”.
Ms Harley also praised New Zealand cities’ “wide selection of restaurants”.
Auckland ranked fourth while Wellington was judged 12th worldwide for quality of living.
Among eco-cities, Wellington was fifth while Auckland was deemed 13th.
Baghdad, Iraq, was judged to have the worst quality of living among surveyed cities, while Port-au-Prince, Haiti, ranked at the bottom of the eco-city rankings.
The rankings are compiled to help businesses determine “hardship” allowances for employees abroad, based on the quality of life of the cities they live in.
Mercer senior researcher Slagin Parakatil said cities no longer had to be in near economic powerhouses to attract business.
“As the world economy becomes more globalised, cities beyond the traditional financial centres are emerging as attractive places in which to expand or establish a business,” Mr Parakatil said.
An eco-city optimised its use of renewable energy sources and generated the lowest possible quantity of pollution, he said.
Global ranking
Quality of life:
1: Vienna, Austria
2: Zurich, Switzerland
3: Geneva, Switzerland
4=: Auckland
4=: Vancouver, Canada
6: Dusseldorf, Germany
7=: Frankfurt, Germany
7=: Munich, Germany
10: Sydney, Australia
11: Copenhagen, Denmark
12: Wellington
Eco-city ranking:
1: Calgary, Canada
2: Honolulu, United States
3=: Ottawa, Canada
3=: Helsinki, Finland
5: Wellington
6: Minneapolis, United States
7: Adelaide, Australia
8: Copenhagen, Denmark
9=: Kobe, Japan
9=: Oslo, Norway
9=: Stockholm, Sweden
12: Perth, Australia
13: Auckland
Asia Pacific
Quality of living:
1: Auckland (4th overall)
2: Sydney (10th)
3: Wellington (12th)
4: Melbourne (18th)
5: Perth (21st)
Eco-city ranking:
1: Wellington (5th overall)
2: Adelaide (7th)
3: Kobe (9th)
4: Perth (12th)
5: Auckland (13th)
By Michael Dickison | Email Michael
sorce nzherald.co.nz
mexico vs netherlands 2010
May 26, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
Even though today’s exciting match between Mexico vs Netherlands is essentially just a warm-up for the FIFA World Cup 2010, it still seems to be every bit as important!
Looking for the best way to watch Mexico vs Netherlands online? Want to watch every soccer match, including Mexico vs Netherlands 2010, live streaming on your PC or Mac computer? Now you can! Using our revolutionary new software, Stream Direct, you can watch every football / soccer game live online, including the Premier and Champions Leagues, International Frendlies, World Cup, and more! Don’t wait – watch Mexico vs Netherlands live online right now!
Iran to deploy ”bomber drone” by next year
April 24, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TEHRAN: Iran”s elite Revolutionary Guards have said that by March next year it will deploy a domestically manufactured drone capable of carrying out air strikes.
“The super advanced bomber drone, manufactured by the Revolutionary Guards, will be operational in the second half of this year,” Guards Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said referring to the Iranian year ending on March 20, 2011.
He did not give details on the aircraft.
Iran”s drone technology has caused concern in the United States, with Defence Secretary Robert Gates recently warning they could pose “difficulty” for the military in Afghanistan.
In February, Iran opened two production lines for the manufacture of the drones, saying the unmanned aircraft would be capable of carrying out “assaults with high precision.”
