Israeli FM says his party will block extension of settlement slowdown, threatening talks

Israeli FM: Settlement slowdown will end
JERUSALEM – Israel’s hard-line foreign minister said Sunday that his party will try to block any extension of Israel’s settlement slowdown, a move that could derail the recently launched Mideast peace negotiations.

Avigdor Lieberman said the Israeli government must keep its explicit promise to voters that the 10-month slowdown, declared under … Read more : Israeli FM says his party will block extension of settlement slowdown, threatening talks.

Bihar Govt. can’t take credit for abducted cops release: Lalu,Paswan

PATNA – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Monday criticized the Nitish Kumar-led Government in Bihar, saying the policemen had been freed by the Maoists on humanitarian grounds and that the government cannot and should not take undue …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bihar Govt. can’t take credit for abducted cops release: Lalu,Paswan.

After hostage crisis, Nitish seeks central forces for polls

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Monday sought deployment of central paramilitary forces for the upcoming state assembly polls in view of an increased Maoist threat unfolded by the week-long hostage crisis.

“I demand and request the Election Commission to deploy central paramilitary forces at all polling booths in the state during the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : After hostage crisis, Nitish seeks central forces for polls.

Rahul Gandhi on a day’s visit to Kolkata

KOLKATA – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi arrived in Kolkata Monday on a day’s visit to launch the membership drive of the Youth Congress in West Bengal.

Clad in a white kurta-pyjama, Gandhi arrived at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose international airport a little after noon to the cheers of “Rahul Gandhi zindabad” from the assembled … Read more : Rahul Gandhi on a day’s visit to Kolkata.

Death of 11-year-old Boy Sparks Violence in Kashmir Again

SRINAGAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — On last Monday, a 11 year old boy was killed in a police firing in the southern town of Anantanag during a violent demonstration against New Delhi’s rule of the Muslim-majority region. This has triggered a fresh spur of violence in the Kashmir valley.
According to reports, police had fired without …. Read the original article  : Death of 11-year-old Boy Sparks Violence in Kashmir Again.

Female, single and over 30 _ Iraqis count one hidden cost of the war

Female, single, over 30: Iraqis count cost of war

BAGHDAD – Only one of Nidal Haidar’s six sisters is married. She has given up on ever getting hitched.
“Our chances of finding husbands are diminishing as we grow older,” said Haidar, a 38-year-old dressmaker from Baghdad. “I am at an age where anyone who may propose to … Read more : Female, single and over 30 _ Iraqis count one hidden cost of the war.

Punjab not to acquire land without owners’ consent

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that no land in the state will be acquired from farmers without obtaining their prior consent, a state government spokesman said here Monday.

Badal, who had visited Jalandhar city, 150 km from here Sunday, met some farmers who were opposing the acquisition of their farm …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab not to acquire land without owners’ consent.

1 US servicemember killed in fighting in eastern Afghanistan

US servicemember dies in fighting in Afghan east

KABUL, Afghanistan – An American member of the international force in Afghanistan was killed in fighting in the country’s turbulent east, NATO announced Monday.
No other details about Sunday’s casualty were given in accordance with standard procedure. The death was the fifth among U.S. troops in Afghanistan in September, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 1 US servicemember killed in fighting in eastern Afghanistan.

Be mindful of what you say: Malaysian PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak Monday called for people of multi-ethnic Malaysia to be mindful of what they say to avoid racial conflict.

“Political management” was as critical and as equally important as managing the country’s economy and social matters, he said while addressing civil servants.
“In managing politics, I do not mean … Original article on : Be mindful of what you say: Malaysian PM.

Blair cagey about Bill Clinton’s ‘potentially sexual element’

WASHINGTON – Former British prime minister Tony Blair is reluctant to explain a passage from his new book that referenced a “potentially sexual element” to former US president Bill Clinton’s “curiosity about people.”
“If I try explaining it I’ll get into difficulty,” he said an interview with ABC broadcast Sunday.
“I was also …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tony Blair warns world leaders of heavy price over failure to deal with global warming

LONDON – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that the world leaders might pay a heavy price in history if they fail to tackle global warming.

According to the BBC, he said it had always been a struggle to explain the uncertainties in climate …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tony Blair warns world leaders of heavy price over failure to deal with global warming.

NKorea’s ruling party delegates gathering in Pyongyang ahead of key political gathering

NKorea’s party members gathering for meeting

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea’s ruling communist party members gathered in Pyongyang ahead of their largest political conference in 30 years, state media reported Monday, amid predictions that leader Kim Jong Il would use the meeting to give a key ruling party position to one of his sons.
North Korea … Read more »».

Poland PM Donald Tusk to visit India today

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister of Republic of Poland Donald Tusk will arrive on a three-day State visit to India on Monday.
On Monday morning, he will arrive in Bangalore by a special Polish aircraft. After attending a programme in the city, he will fly to New Delhi.
On Tuesday morning, Donald …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Poland PM Donald Tusk to visit India today.

Indian president to visit Laos

VIENTIANE – Indian President Pratibha Patil was to pay a state visit to Laos later this week, official reports said Monday.

Patil was scheduled to arrive Thursday for a five-day visit to the land-locked communist country at the invitation of President Choummaly Sayasone, the Lao Presidential Palace announced in a statement.
Laos, a mountainous country half … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian president to visit Laos.

China praises ’sound’ relationship with US during talks with economic, security officials

China praises ’sound, stable’ relationship with US
BEIJING – A top Communist Party official said Monday that China’s relationship with the U.S. was “sound,” but noted there were some difficulties earlier this year that leaders of the countries have pledged to overcome.
Li Yuanchao, who runs the party’s organization department that controls senior appointments, made …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China praises ’sound’ relationship with US during talks with economic, security officials.

Report: NKorea conducts celebration rehearsal for party conference amid power succession moves

Report: NKorea ready for major party conference

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea staged a massive celebration rehearsal for its biggest political conference in 30 years, a news report said, amid predictions that leader Kim Jong Il would use the meeting to give a key ruling party position to one of his sons.
North Korea has said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Report: NKorea conducts celebration rehearsal for party conference amid power succession moves.

Iran not to renounce its nuclear rights

TEHRAN – Iran will not bow to pressure meant to discourage the country from pursuing its nuclear rights, Iranian foreign ministry has said.

The ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast, referring to the latest sanctions by the UN Security Council (UNSC) against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme, said Iran does not “welcome sanctions or resolutions”, Press … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iran not to renounce its nuclear rights.

Iran’s president says Israeli attack would mean its own destruction

Iran: Israeli attack would mean its own demise

DOHA, Qatar – Iran’s president said Sunday that any Israeli attack against his nation would mean the destruction of the Jewish state.
The two nations have exchanged numerous threats and warnings in the confrontation over Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel, the United States and other countries believe is aimed …. Read the original article  : Iran’s president says Israeli attack would mean its own destruction.

Image from Byrd memorial in TV attack ad linking W.Va. gov, Obama upsets late senator’s family

Sen. Byrd’s family denounces campaign attack ad
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The family of the late Robert C. Byrd blasted the GOP nominee for his U.S. Senate seat Sunday after he used an image from Byrd’s memorial service in a TV ad attacking the Democratic nominee.
The ad by Republican John Raese’s … Original article on : Image from Byrd memorial in TV attack ad linking W.Va. gov, Obama upsets late senator’s family.

In symbolic move, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to resume in holy city of Jerusalem

US officials: Mideast talks to resume in Jerusalem

WASHINGTON – Israeli and Palestinian leaders plan talks with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Jerusalem this month. The setting is a symbolic move to show the seriousness of peace negotiations.
U.S. officials said Sunday that Clinton would join Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud …. Original article  : In symbolic move, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to resume in holy city of Jerusalem.