Iranian n-scientist ‘takes refuge’ at Pakistan embassy

Tehran, July 13 (IANS/AKI) A missing Iranian nuclear scientist has taken refuge at Pakistan’s embassy in Washington, according to Iran’s state radio. The Persian Gulf country claims Shahram Amiri was kidnapped by the CIA.

“A few hours ago Shahram Amiri took refuge at Iran’s interest section at the Pakistan embassy in Washington, wanting to return to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iranian n-scientist ‘takes refuge’ at Pakistan embassy.

Congress files case against Mamata’s men

KOLKATA – The Congress party has hit back at the TMC by filing an FIR against its workers after they attacked a Congress-led delegation in West Bengal.

Around 100 armed Trinamool workers forcibly stopped a party of All India Youth Congress Seva Dal and manhandled some members in Khejuri area of West Midnapore.

Agitators also … Original source on Gaea Times at : Congress files case against Mamata’s men.

1 person gored in rapid running of the bulls at Spain’s San Fermin festival

1 person gored Spain’s bull run
PAMPLONA, Spain – A man was gored in the arm in a tense, fast-paced penultimate running of the bulls at Spain’s San Fermin festival, officials said Tuesday.

Three people were hospitalized, one from a goring to the right arm and another two with unspecified injuries from falls, a spokeswoman for the …. Read the original article  : 1 person gored in rapid running of the bulls at Spain’s San Fermin festival.

Gay rights group challenges constitutionality of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in court

GOP group challenges policy on gays in military
SAN DIEGO – A Republican gay rights group frustrated with the Obama administration’s failure to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law is challenging the policy’s constitutionality in federal court.
If the Log Cabin Republicans win their case, their lawyer says he will ask a federal judge …. Original source  : Gay rights group challenges constitutionality of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in court.

GOP gay rights group challenges constitutionality of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law in court

GOP gay group challenges gays in military policy

SAN DIEGO – A Republican gay rights group frustrated with the Obama administration’s failure to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law is challenging the policy’s constitutionality in federal court in Southern California.
The trial in Riverside starts Tuesday and is scheduled to last two weeks.
Dan Woods, attorney for …. Original source  : GOP gay rights group challenges constitutionality of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law in court.

Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots; 55 police officers hurt in clashes

Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Authorities in Northern Ireland face a major cleanup following two nights of rioting that left 55 officers injured during a major Protestant holiday.
Commuters faced delays going to work Tuesday as several roads were closed because of burned-out cars and other debris on some … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots; 55 police officers hurt in clashes.

Judiciary Committee Republicans expected to ask for one-week delay before voting on Kagan

Panel Republicans to request delay in Kagan vote
WASHINGTON – The gun lobby is advertising against Elena Kagan and Republican opponents are laying out their case against her, but President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee appears just weeks away from Senate confirmation.
Judiciary Committee Republicans are expected Tuesday to request a one-week delay before a … Read : Judiciary Committee Republicans expected to ask for one-week delay before voting on Kagan.

PROMISES, PROMISES: US threats to punish Sudan over human rights prove empty

PROMISES, PROMISES: US fails to punish Sudan
WASHINGTON – The words of the Obama administration were unequivocal: Sudan must do more to fight terror and improve human rights. If it did, it would be rewarded. If not, it would be punished.
Nine months later, problems with Sudan have grown worse. Yet the administration has not …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : PROMISES, PROMISES: US threats to punish Sudan over human rights prove empty.

Fiji military chief says he might delay promised elections

WELLINGTON – Fiji’s military strongman, Voreqe Bainimarama, said Tuesday that he might postpone elections he promised to hold in 2014 because of what he called constant interference in his country’s affairs by neighbouring powers Australia and New Zealand.

Bainimarama made the threat in an interview with New Zealand’s Indian broadcaster Radio Tarana after ordering Australia’s senior … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fiji military chief says he might delay promised elections.

Congress, JD-S MLAs to continue 24-hour assembly sit-in

BANGALORE – Having spent the night in the Karnataka assembly, Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) legislators in the state were Tuesday set to camp out some more with leaders saying their 24-hour protest would continue until the ruling BJP agreed to a CBI probe into illegal mining in the state.

“We will continue the 24-hour dharna …. Original source  : Congress, JD-S MLAs to continue 24-hour assembly sit-in.

Fidel Castro speaks slowly, appears relaxed in most prominent TV interview in years

Fidel Castro suddenly back in view on Cuban TV

HAVANA – Former President Fidel Castro used his most prominent television interview since falling seriously ill four years ago to discuss everything from the threat of global nuclear war to the use of energy efficient light bulbs.
The one thing the 83-year-old revolutionary leader did not discuss in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fidel Castro speaks slowly, appears relaxed in most prominent TV interview in years.

US expects India to enforce Iran sanctions

WASHINGTON – The US says it expects India to enforce UN sanctions against Iran, but would leave it to New Delhi to decide how to convince Tehran to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

“This is about the danger of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, which will affect countries outside of the … Read : US expects India to enforce Iran sanctions.

Sarkozy defends scandal-plagued minister, himself

PARIS – French President Nicolas Sarkozy tried to put out a damaging political firestorm by defending late Monday his beleaguered minister for labour and social affairs, Eric Woerth.

Responding during an hour-long interview on France 2 television to weeks of allegations that have severely damaged his standing with the French people, Sarkozy said, “Eric Woerth is …. Original article  : Sarkozy defends scandal-plagued minister, himself.

Fidel Castro makes rare TV appearance

HAVANA – Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro appeared to be in stabile health and good spirits during a rare interview broadcast late Monday on Cuban television.

The 83-year-old spoke lucidly and at length, sitting in an office in front of a table full of papers. He answered questions about the Middle East and other international affairs …. Original source  : Fidel Castro makes rare TV appearance.

AP Interview: Rep. King, ranking Republican on Homeland Security, questions ground zero mosque

King raises questions about ground zero mosque

NEW YORK – The ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee says he favors an investigation into the funding of a proposed mosque near ground zero.
New York Congressman Peter King says there are legitimate questions about the sources of funding for the $100 million mosque, just blocks away … Read more >>>.

Cuba releases 7 political prisoners, sends them into exile in Spain

Cuba frees 7 political prisoners into exile

HAVANA – Cuba has released seven political prisoners and sent them with their families into exile in Spain, the first wave in a group of 52 such inmates authorities have promised to free.
Omar Ruiz, one of those released, says the prisoners were taken to the airport Monday and reunited … Read more >>.

Castro appears on TV after four-year absence

HAVANA – Cuba’s former President Fidel Castro appeared on the national television Monday, in his first formal public appearance after four years.

Castro, 83, appeared for comment in the tv programme “Mesa Redonda” (Round Table) for the first time in four years after he retired from Cuba’s presidency in 2006.
According to Xinhua, it is his …. Read the original article  : Castro appears on TV after four-year absence.

Gallardo would boycott ‘11 All-Stars over Arizona immigration law, other players voice concern

Gallardo would skip All-Stars in Arizona over law

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Yovani Gallardo is firm. Even if he’s fortunate enough to make the All-Star team again next summer, he’ll skip it.
“If the game is in Arizona, I will totally boycott,” the Milwaukee Brewers pitcher said Monday.
A year before Phoenix is set to host baseball’s big event, … Read more >>>.

4 US senators press State Dept to call on Britain to investigate release of Lockerbie bomber

Sens to State Dept: Push UK on Lockerbie bomber

TRENTON, N.J. – Their own request denied, four U.S. senators are pressuring the State Department to push Britain to investigate the circumstances of last year’s release of the man convicted of the Lockerbie airliner bombing.
Abdel Baset al-Megrahi was released from a Scottish prison in September after doctors …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 4 US senators press State Dept to call on Britain to investigate release of Lockerbie bomber.

Ky. senatorial candidate Rand Paul stirs some anger with remarks about poverty, drug fight

Paul draws backlash to comments about poverty

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul says the poor in America are “enormously better off than the rest of the world,” citing an old Cold War film that showed even impoverished homes had color televisions.
Paul’s recent remarks at his first forum with Democratic opponent Jack Conway … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ky. senatorial candidate Rand Paul stirs some anger with remarks about poverty, drug fight.