Musharraf to win Pakistan election

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:03:31

Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf

Unofficial results show victory for Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf in Saturday's presidential election as the voting ends.

Although the ruling-party lawmakers claim Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has swept the voting; the Supreme Court can still disqualify the military leader.

The election by federal and provincial lawmakers was a one-sided affair. Opposition parties abstained or boycotted to protest Musharraf's running for a new five-year term while still army chief.

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that the official results can only be declared after it rules on complaints lodged by Musharraf's opponents that his candidacy is unconstitutional.

Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq announced that Musharraf had won 252 of the 257 votes cast in Parliament, with three ballots judged invalid and two votes going to his main rival, retired judge Wajihuddin Ahmad.

Menang pilihan raya kena buang kolej?

Menang pilihan raya kampus terus kena buang kolej, itulah kekecewaan yang jelas dijelaskan oleh seorang calon siswa promahasiswa yang telah berjaya dengan cemerlangannya memenangi kerusi dalam Pilihanraya Kampus (PRK) kali. Nampaknya bagi calon promahasiswa akan mendapat hadiah buang kolej dari HEP yang diketuai Azali apabila menang pilihanraya. Akibat tidak berpuashati dan iri hati terhadap kemenangan calon pro mahasiswa yang tidak boleh dihalang lagi, Dr Azali telah mengamalkan undang-undang rimba untuk menekan pihak kolej membuang pelajar tersebut.

Ini bukanlah taktik dan cara baru yang digunakan oleh Azali untuk menekan mahasiswa, perkara ini telah menjadi strategi utama azali dalam menekan dan menindas mahasiswa. Tahun lepas sahaja hampir 38 orang ahli-ahli Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam UPM yang tidak bersalah dan aktif di Universiti telah diambil tindakan buang kolej ekoran terlibat dalam pilihan raya kampus. Pembuangan pelajar ini termasuk 6 orang calon Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) promahasiswa yang baru sahaj memenangi pilihan raya kampus pada waktu itu. Dimanakah lagi nilaian demokratik yang ada di UPM apabila orang yang gila kuasa memegang ketua yang mengendalikan hal ehwal pelajar. Lalu, terus diamalkan undang-undang rimba untuk menekan mahasiswa.

Signifikannya isu ini, kita perlu lihat dari skop yang luas. Pertama, amat tidak wajar calon MPP yang menang dalam pilihan raya kampus dilayan sebegitu rupa tidak kiralah dia aspirasi atau promahasiswa. Mereka berhak mendapat penghormatan dan penghargaan kerana telah berjaya mengharungi cabaran dalam pilihan raya kampus kali ini. Keduanya, sikap yang diambil oleh pihak kolej membuang pelajar yang berkaliber amat tidak professional dan memalukan. Hal ini kerana, calon yang menang dalam pilihan raya kampus telah terbukti mereka berkaliber sebab itu mereka telah diberi kepercayaan oleh mahasiswa. Mengapakah pihak kolej sanggup diperkudakan oleh azali? Sanggup mengkhianati pelajar melayu islam yang sepatutnya dijaga kebajikannya bukannya dibuang kolej sesuka hati.

Perkara yang ketiga, membuang pelajar yang telah dilantik menjadi oleh tangan mahasiswa merupakan pencabulan demokrasi kampus yang cukup menyedihkan. Mereka ini Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar amat wajar terus dibenarkan tinggal di Kolej kerana mereka sebagai wakil-wakil mahasiswa perlu duduk bersama mahasiswa untuk mendengar segala rintihan mahasiswa. Kelima, UPM sedang dan ada yang sudah mendapat ISO 9001, kalau macam inilah layanan mereka terhadap mahasiswa. Saya lihat wajar ditarik kembali ISO 9001 kepada mereka kerana layanan mereka terhadap mahasiswa yang menjadi pelanggan mereka amat teruk.

Konklusi daripada kes ini membuktikan bahawa demokrasi kampus benar-benar telah dicabuli oleh tangan-tangan raja rimba yang mengguna undang-undang rimba. Raja rimba ini sepatutunya tidak campurtangan dalam urusan mahasiswa sampai peringkat mengarahkan pengetua kolej membuang pelajar yang tidak sehaluan. Raja rimba ini sepatutnya tugas utama dia diamanahkan di jawatan TNCHEP bukan untuk meninda pelajar tetapi adalah untuk membantu kebajikan pelajar. Kalau inilah yang berlaku, betul seperti kata pengerusi GMPS, Azali sepatutnya tempatnya bertanding dalam pilihan raya umum akan datang, tengok diri betul-betul best atau kuat kerana menjadi TNCHEP semata-mata. Pangkat dan darjat suatu yang pasti akan hancur, yang kekal hanya amal kebajikan kita.

Abdul Basit Abdullah
Barisan Mahasiswa Bersatu (BMB)

Nahr al-Bared battle comes to end

Army source: Battles in northern camp over

almanar.com

02/09/2007 Clashes in northern Lebanon are over and Lebanese army soldiers are currently searching for possible remaining militants in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, a military source told Al-Manar TV stattion. Lebanese troops were engaged in heavy fighting with Fatah al-Islam militants on Sunday after crushing their attempt to break the siege on their refugee camp redoubt. Two Lebanese army soldiers fell martyrs in the confrontations. Fatah al-Islam fighters had launched a failed attempt to escape from the camp but many were killed, captured or wounded, an army spokesman said. The Lebanese army ambushed a group of militants trying to flee the camp and killed some 26 of them and arrested others, according to Reuters. Other media sources said that the Lebanese army had captured the leader of Fatah al-Islam Shaker al-Abssy while trying to sneak out of the camp. However the report could not be independently verified. "The fighters attempted to escape from Nahr al-Bared but a large number of them were taken prisoner, killed or wounded," the spokesman, who did not want to be identified, said. "None of them managed to exit the camp and escape, as far as I know," he added. An army source said at around 4:00 am several militants from outside the camp attacked an army checkpoint on the eastern edge of Nahr al-Bared, aided by fighters from within the camp. The source said five of the Al-Qaeda-inspired Fatah al-Islam militants were killed and a major search operation was underway in nearby villages. He said the search by early morning was concentrated in the village of Ain al-Samak, located some five kilometers east of the camp. Dozens of armored personnel carriers, jeeps and car could be seen pouring into the area around the camp as military helicopters hovered overhead. Police strafed the entire area around the camp with machine guns. Several ambulances were seen leaving the area, sirens blaring, with body bags inside. The army issued a statement appealing to residents of nearby villages to assist in the search for any militants who may have escaped from the camp. "We hope we can finish with this today," one officer at Nahr al-Bared said, referring to the deadly standoff between the army and the militants that began on May 20. At least 200 people have died in the fighting, including 153 soldiers. On Saturday, troops seized the homes of the militant group's top leaders, Shaker al-Absi and Abu Hureira, who was killed in July by security forces. Abu Hureira was buried on Saturday in a "strangers'" cemetery in Tripoli. Residents of Abu Hureira's native village of Mishmish in northern Lebanon had refused to allow the family to inter him in the village cemetery. Several Lebanese soldiers killed by Fatah al-Islam are from Mishmish.

Taliban take 156 Pak soldiers hostage

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 09:12:11
Source: Agencies

Taliban captured over 156 Pak soldiers.

In the latest attack on Pakistani forces, 20 Taliban militants captured over 156 soldiers who surrendered tamely without even firing a shot.

A much graver crisis threatens Pakistan than the decision on Musharraf's uniform with 156 Pakistani soldiers being taken hostage by Taliban militants
in the Wana area in northwestern Pakistan.

The troops were captured when a convoy going from Wana was intercepted in the Momi Karam area. However, the troops could have been trapped by the Taliban because they didn't want to engage in a firefight in a region which is already bristling against the Pakistani army.

They have been disarmed and split into small groups. A meeting, jirga in local parlance, between parliamentarians and tribal leaders is on to secure the release of the soldiers.

This is only the latest in a series of attacks on the Pakistani security forces, which started after the storming of the Lal Masjid in July. It's a huge embarrassment for the Pakistan army, which prides itself as the guarantor of security for the state, particularly against India.

The Pakistan army is the best ally of the US, which has funded and depends upon it to capture Taliban, al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden.

This incident comes even as many soldiers are reportedly facing court-martial for not wanting to fight the Taliban. As Musharraf battles to save his uniform and presidency, this is an evolving crisis that will have international dimensions.

What will Bush do to Chavez

Venezuela sacks US oil companies
Thu, 30 Aug 2007 20:38:44

Venezuelan Energy Minister, Rafael Ramirez

A Venezuelan minister says two American oil companies have been asked to leave the country after refusing to comply with the state laws.

Exxon Mobil and Conoco Phillips have defied the law, which calls on multinational companies to hand over at least 60 percent of their capital to the state-owned petroleum company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA).

According to Energy Minister, Rafael Ramirez, immense benefit would accrue from cooperating with PDVSA, adding that his country was not interested in cooperating with companies that disobey Venezuelan laws.

Ramirez emphasized that US companies would be awarded no compensation and that the era of 'oil openness' was over.

Venezuela is the only Latin-American member of OPEC.

Going Price of Fossil Fuel (OIL)

IEA criticizes OPEC target price
Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:49:51
Source: AFP Head of the IEA Claude Mandil has lashed out at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries for its target price of $70 per barrel.

The Director-General of the International Energy Agency said in an interview with Arab Oil and Gas Review that the target price would have a negative impact on the world economy.

He believes that this could undermine the global economic boom and be a burden on the world's poorest people and countries.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which is scheduled to meet in Vienna on September 11, is not expected to adjust its production ceiling.


Crude price in NY rises above $73
Fri, 31 Aug 2007 06:39:41
Source: Agencies

drop in US oil production

After the unexpected drop in the US recent oil and gasoline inventories, crude price in New York has surged to its highest, $73 per barrel.

According to Bloomberg, a report by the US energy department said reported that the US oil stockpiles fell to 333.6 million barrels in the week ending Aug 24.

A survey by Bloomberg News shows that 13 analysts said that the inventories were forecast to drop by 600,000 barrels.

The price reduction during the month has been 6 percent which has been caused by the concern over the decline in fuel demand associated with the shortage of credit.

Meanwhile, gasoline supplies dropped to the lowest level in New York over the past two years, namely 192.6 million barrels.

The Energy Department report said that refineries operated at 90.3 percent of their capacity last week and the imports of crude dropped.


source : Press TV

AU Somalia mission extended

Ugandan troops have been charged with keeping peace in Somalia's capital [EP The UN Security Council has agreed the renewal of the African Union's peacekeeping mandate in Somalia. On Monday, the 15-members council unanimously backed the resolution, tabled by Britain, to extend the mandate of the force of about 1,700 Ugandan soldiers, by six months The UN has backed away from committing its troops to Somalia, though the Ugandan force is believed to be weak and under-funded. Dumisani Kumalo, South Africa's ambassador to the UN, voiced disappointment at the resolution, saying: "I would like to see the UN deploy in Somalia." The AU is doing a job that the UN is supposed to be doing." There have been almost daily attacks in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, since government-forces, backing Ethiopian troops, drove out Islamic Courts and opposition fighters.Hundreds of people have died since the beginning of the year. The Ugandans are due soon to be bolstered by 1,500 AU troops from Burundi, but the African bloc wants the UN to take over when its mandate expires at the end of this year. But UN countries at an earlier Security Council meeting in August said they were unwilling to commit to such a move. The recent extension to the AU mandate was approved by the them in July but needed the authority of the UN Security Council to go ahead.

Gul elected Turkey's president

28/08/2007 The Turkish parliament on Tuesday elected Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as president, making him the secular republic's first head of state. Gul, won 339 votes in the 550-member parliament, well above the simple majority of 276 votes required in the decisive third round ballot.

The governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) had failed to get Gul elected in the first two rounds of voting held last week, with its 340 seats falling short of the required two-thirds majority. The other two contenders -- Sabahattin Cakmakoglu from the right-wing Nationalist Action Party and Tayfun Icli from the centre-left Democratic Left Party -- got 70 and 13 votes respectively in Tuesday's ballot.

The AKP, denies that it has an Islamic agenda and Gul has repeatedly pledged that his priority during his seven-year term will be to uphold the separation of state and religion. On the eve of Tuesday's vote, the head of the Turkish army warned that the secular system was under attack from "centers of evil seeking to systematically erode" it.

Liberals dismiss the secularists' concerns as "fear-mongering" by political rivals unable to match the AKP's rising popularity. They see Gul's presidency as symbolic of the rise of the relatively poor, religiously conservative masses who form the backbone of the AKP -- people who have long been kept on the margins of politics by the secular establishment.

When Gul first ran in April, the opposition blocked his election by boycotting the vote in parliament, while the army, which has ousted four governments since 1960, warned that it was ready to defend the secular regime. The crisis forced Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to call early general elections on July 22, from which the AKP emerged with a huge victory it saw as a popular mandate to re-nominate Gul.

US AG Alberto Gonzales Quits

IAEA Chief slams US arms deals

Readers Number : 193 26/08/2007 Source AlManar TV

The head of the UN's nuclear agency has criticized US moves to supply weapons to its allies in the Mideast, saying the money would be better spent on regional development projects. Mohamed El-Baradei, who is the director general of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, made the remarks in an interview with the Austrian newsweekly Profil, to be published Monday. He said a US strategy to support a weapons buildup in Occupied Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is not helpful for improving security in the Middle East.
"Pouring more money into arms is not going to resolve the issue," El-Baradei said.
"You can end up in a situation like the Cold War in the past ... Does that provide security? Does that provide stability? It doesn't", he added.
Earlier this month, the US offered Israel an unprecedented $30 billion of military aid over 10 years. It is also proposing weapons packages to Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states. In the interview, El-Baradei also said he didn't see any danger in a French-Libyan reactor deal.
"I would not worry, as long as the reactor there is under agency verification," El-Baradei told Profil.

The Forgotten Oppression

Ingushetia: enemy under attack Publication time: 23 August 2007, 11:22 According to meager reports of Russian occupation command, it is clear that military action in Ingushetia growing day by day. And, the initiative is clearly on the side of Ingush Mujahideen, who almost daily attack munafiqs (traitors) and kafirs (invaders). Let's recall that two weeks ago about 5000 thousand mercenaries from the so-called "Russia's interior troops", recruited throughout Russia were deployed to Ingushetia. These gangs have been assigned to the occupation formation of FSB, Ministry of Defense, the Interior Ministry and others who had long been stationed in the republic. The occupation command said that "troops came for the counter-terrorist operation and stability". But after the deployment of these additional forces, the military activity in the republic has increased considerably. Ingush Mujahideen have conducted a series of successful sabotage and combat operations in the past 10 days, which recognized by the occupation command of Russian troops and local puppets. So, late in the evening on August 22 occupation convoy was attacked near Yandare village. Mobile squad of Ingush Mujahideen attacked kafirs with grenade launchers and machine guns. As a result of the attack one APC and one Ural army truck were completely destroyed. Invaders reported that during the gun battle one kafir/mercenary from SOBR police gang was eliminated and at least five kafirs were wounded. At least two of them are in a serious condition. According to eyewitnesses who had seen the burnt APC and URAL, the casualties of kafirs are likely much higher. Let point out in this context that the invaders have publicly stated that they will not report the exact number of their casualties as it relates to "public security". A few hours before the attack in the village of Troitskaya, Ingush saboteurs shot a patrol of local munafiqs the "policemen". Munafiqs reported that the two "policemen" were in serious condition. On Aug. 21 Mujahideen conducted three simultaneous combat operations. In Nazran a FSB member was gunned down. The attack was conducted when he was entering the FSB building in Nazran. A few hours later Mujahideen attacked Russian kafirs gang near the village of Dattyh. As a occupation side admitted the attack was carried out at a time when the so-called "Spetsnaz" was conducting a "sweep operation" in the area of the village. Kafirs stated that only one kafir/ mercenary had been wounded as a result of attack. On the same day, about 11 am local time an OMON police gang was in the village of Barsuki. Mujahideen attacked puppets' vehicle. Munafiqs reported that one collaborator was seriously injured. On Aug. 20 a gun battle took place near the village of Galashki. Kafirs hid their losses by only saying that "military personnel came under attack in the area". Invaders did not told how the battle took place, saying to journalists that after the attack Mujahideen left the site and occupation forces sealed off the battle zone. On the same evening a fierce firefight was heard in Nazran. However the details of the fighting are unknown. On the night of Aug. 17 Mujahideen attacked the 503rd Regiment of occupation forces in the town of Buinaksk. Tthe battle was lasted for about 15 minutes. Ingush Mujahideen attacked the base with grenades launchers, machine guns and AK rifles. As kafirs admitted the grenades hit the HQ of the regiment. The attack had started around midnight. After the end of an intense crossfire, single shots occurred for some time. After about a half a hour after the end of the fighting, a column of armored vehicles moved to the village. A gun battle between the Ingush Mujahideen and mercenaries from "interior troops" gang took place on Auh. 13 in Nazran region of Ingushetia near the town of Yandyry. As the spokesman of occupation command admited the fire was opened on the kafirs of forestland. Invaders claim only three mercenaries wounded in the battle. Mujahideen casualties are unknown. On Aug. 12 near the village of Ekazhevo a mobile team of Ingush Mujahideen attacked a gang of Russian kafirs from Voronezh Province of Russia. As a result of attack 1 kafir was eliminated and two others were seriously injured. Ingush Mujahideen attacked a patrol vehicle which was escorting a few military trucks with occupation soldiers.. These reports are based only on official reports of occupation command and local puppets. There is no any data from Ingush Sector of Caucasus Front of CRI AF included in this summary. Kavkaz Center

Puppets: Mujahideen control 35% of the territory of Chechnya Ingushetia: enemy under attack Georgia says Russia again violates its airspace 14 US invaders killed in Iraq helicopter crash US again threatens Iran with military operation Taliban chief says Bin Laden alive Recalling other deadly toys: Terrorism in America’s toy box? Letter from U.S. commanders: 'We need to get out Iraq' Lebanese army fights for equipment On the Chechen language today US is stretched too thin, top general worries Military commanders tell Brown to withdraw from Iraq without delay Russia resumes regular long-range bomber patrols U.S. suggests Musharraf to share power Moscow: Khattab and Maskhadov organized the attack on Kabardino-Balkaria Mujahideen again attacked Russian base in Ingushetia Another explosive August Who bombed the Nevsky Express? The challenges of the Sochi Olympics and Russia's Circassian problem Iraqi detainees held by U.S. at record high 'Desecration of Allah's House is an offence of Islam and the entire Ummah' Deads rise to at least 500 after Iraq blasts No end to pedophile scandal in Krasnodar Deadly blasts target Iraqi sect: 175 killed U.S. to declare Iranian army a 'terrorist organization'

Gul fails in second round of presidential vote

Readers Number : 20

24/08/2007 Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, the frontrunner to become Turkey's next president, failed to be elected in the second round of voting in parliament on Friday, a parliament official said. It was expected that Gul will only win outright in a third round next week. In a third round, a candidate needs only a simple majority to win - leading analysts to predict confidently that Gul will be declared president next Tuesday, 28 August. Gul, the nominee of the ruling Justice and Development Party, garnered 337 votes from the 550-seat house, 30 short of the two-thirds majority of 367 needed in the second round.The other two candidates, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu from the right-wing Nationalist Action Party and Tayfun Icli from the centre-left Democratic Left Party, received 71 and 14 votes respectively. Gul's candidacy has been highly controversial, sparking a political crisis that led to early elections. But since his AK Party won those polls convincingly, correspondents say it has the authority to push its man through. The country's military and secular establishments have voiced their opposition to Gul. The Foreign Minister has vowed to remain loyal to the country's secular constitution if he is elected. The president is elected by parliament, where the AK Party has 340 of the 550 seats. In the first round of voting on Monday, Gul secured 341 votes - falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to win outright.

NEW ARM RACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel, Washington sign new defense agreement

Readers Number : 79

16/08/2007 Israel and the United States signed Thursday the Memorandum of Understanding on the new American defense package for Israel. Under the new aid agreement, the U.S. will transfer $30 billion to Israel over 10 years, compared with $24 billion over the past decade. Israel is slated to receive the first pay out in October 2008, amounting to $2.550 billion. That sum will grow each year by $150 million, until it reaches $3.1 billion in 2011. In addition, the agreement permits Israel to convert into shekels 26.3 percent of the aid money, thereby enabling it to procure defense equipment from Israeli companies. The rest of the aid must be used to purchase equipment from American military industries. Israeli negotiators tried to step up the percentage of aid that could be used for procurement from local companies, without success. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Wednesday with visiting U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, R. Nicholas Burns, in preparation for Thursday's signing. Olmert asked Burns to thank U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for their efforts in transforming the understandings with Olmert, reached during his last visit to Washington, into a binding agreement. "The aid agreement with the U.S. is an important and significant component for Israel, and proves once again the depth of the relationship between the two countries and the United States' commitment to Israel's security, and to preserving its qualitative advantage over other countries in the Middle East," Olmert said. Burns met Thursday morning with Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer, who headed the Israeli team in negotiations with the U.S. At noon, Burns signed the aid agreement with Foreign Ministry Director General Aharon Abramovich, and meet with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Burns also met Wednesday with Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who oversees the strategic dialogue with the U.S. Mofaz and Burns agreed to hold a strategic dialogue in mid-October on Iran and Lebanon.

Russia delivers air defense system to Syria Readers Number : 320 17/08/2007 Russia has begun delivery of modern air defense units to Syria. "The first part of the delivery to Syria has started," the centrist daily Nezavissimaya Gazeta reported, quoting information from a domestic military information agency. A spokesman for Russia's arms export agency Rosoboronexport declined to comment on the newspaper report. The report acknowledged that the delivery of the weapons, the Pantsyr-S1E self-propelled short-range missile air defense system, was particularly sensitive in light of Israeli claims last year that Russian arms sold to Syria had ended up in the hands of Hezbollah. Nezavissimaya Gazeta quoted an official involved in Russian arms export policy as describing concerns that Russian air defense weapons could be re-exported to Iran as "silly rumors". Officially, the contract was for the sale of 50 Pantsyr units for about 900 million dollars. Media reports have put the number of units sold to Syria at around 36. In May, the London-based arms specialist magazine Jane's Defense Weekly reported that Syria had agreed to send Iran at least 10 of the Pantsyr units. That report was categorically denied by a range of top Russian officials including First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Turkey’s Islamic president

Turkey's Islamic-oriented ruling party on Monday decided to nominate Abdullah Gul again for president despite strong opposition to his candidacy, a party official said.

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13 Ağustos 2007 23:55

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When Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed Gul as his party's candidate the last time, it ignited a backlash from the secular opposition, which accused Gul of having an agenda to scrap the secular traditions of the predominantly Muslim nation.

Murat Mercan, a senior party official, confirmed Gul's candidacy after a party meeting Monday. "Gul is a statesman who has great experience," Mercan told private CNN-Turk television. "I believe he would be very successful."

Gul's candidacy signals that Erdogan's party apparently bowed to pressure from grass-root supporters despite serious concerns raised by secular circles about Gul's candidacy.

It was Gul's candidacy that triggered a political crisis months ago, forcing the government to hold early parliamentary elections. The choice of candidate had alarmed the military-backed, secular establishment, which accused the government of seeking a lock on power so it could impose Islamic ways unchecked.

Erdogan's party won a majority of seats in July 22 elections, but it did not secure the two-thirds need to approve a presidential candidate alone during the first two rounds of parliamentary voting.

However, the president can be elected by a simple majority in the third round of voting if the parliament secures a quorum of lawmakers necessary for presidential elections. Cihan Pacaci, a senior member of the Nationalist Action Party, reiterated that his party pledged support to reach a quorum to prevent a new political crisis. "I don't see a chaos ahead," Pacaci told private NTV television Monday.

Still, Gul's nomination showed that the government could be heading toward another showdown with secularists, including the military.

"It is not appropriate to have a president who has problems with the founding philosophy of the Turkish Republic," Deniz Baykal, leader of the main opposition pro-secular Republican People's Party, said earlier Monday.

The job of president is critical to overall control of the state. The post is largely ceremonial, but the incumbent has the power to veto legislative bills and government appointments. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the current president, often frustrated the government by blocking its initiatives.

Onur Oymen, a senior member of the Republican People's Party, said Gul's candidacy amounted to a serious threat to the secular principles of the country.

"Gul's candidacy was not expected to contribute to peace and stability in the country," Oymen told private NTV television after the decision was announced.

Gul's wife wears an Islamic style headscarf, which many secular Turks regard as a symbol of political Islam and use as a reason why he should not become president.

Baykal, however, said the outfit of Gul's wife was not the real problem.

"In my opinion, the outfits of his wife is not an issue. Any one who can give confidence about the inside of his head can be" a candidate, Baykal said.

Sadullah Ergin, a member of the ruling party, had rejected Baykal's accusations as unjust.

"Gul has the right to be president like anyone else," Ergin told CNN-Turk television.

Baykal and other party leaders had called Erdogan to nominate a compromise candidate.

Gul already asked for meetings with opposition leaders on Tuesday to seek their support, private CNN-Turk television said. The first round of voting in parliament is due on Aug. 20.

Gul previously withdrew his bid after the secular opposition boycotted the presidential vote in parliament, and the nation's top court declared the process invalid. Huge throngs of pro-secular supporters staged anti-government rallies in major cities at the time.

But Gul, recalling crowds of people who chanted "Gul for President" during his election campaign, has said: "I cannot turn a blind eye to the will of people. The demand of the people is clear."

Situation In Somalia

DSAI - Media Statement

Anak Raja Bugis Versus Mat Tyson

Citizens In Solidarity with Raja Petra and Freedom of Speech !

KENYATAAN MEDIA

25 Julai 2007

Saya mengecam tekanan terbaru dari pihak kerajaan dan polis terhadap pengendali laman Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Tindakan ke atas Raja Petra ini bermula dengan laporan polis dan disusuli oleh ucapan-ucapan mengkritik pengendali blog oleh beberapa pimpinan UMNO termasuk Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak. Ini merupakan siri terbaru tekanan terhadap pengendali laman web dan blog selepas penahanan setiausaha saya Nathaniel Tan baru-baru ini.

Saya menyeru agar pihak polis menggunakan masa mereka untuk menyiasat dakwaan rasuah melibatkan pelbagai pimpinan kerajaan yang disiarkan di Malaysia Today dan membanteras jenayah yang sudah menjadi-jadi. Sudah begitu banyak laporan yang dibuat terhadap pimpinan kerajaan dahulu dan sekarang yang tidak disiasat langsung, tetapi laporan terhadap pengendali laman web mendapat tindakan segera polis.

Rakyat Malaysia memerlukan pemimpin yang bersifat terbuka dan memandang ke hadapan, bukannya yang masih terikut-ikut dengan budaya politik lama dan tidak dapat menerima realiti teknologi hari ini. Ketika pemimpin UMNO hebat menuntut pengendali blog untuk bertanggungjawab di atas penulisan mereka, saya menyeru pemimpin UMNO dan polis agar jangan lupa amanah mereka kepada rakyat.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

MEDIA STATEMENT

25 July 2007

I condemn the intimidation by the government and police towards Malaysia Today's webmaster, Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

The action against Raja Petra began as a police report and followed by speeches criticising bloggers by a few UMNO leaders including Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak. This is the latest intimidation on webmasters and bloggers following the arrest of my secretary Nathaniel Tan recently.

I demand the police to use their time to investigate the numerous allegations of corruption involving government leaders published by Malaysia Today and to fight the rising rate of crime that is plaguing the country. Various reports have been made on present and former government leaders that have not been followed up, yet a report against a webmaster is immediately investigated by the police.

Malaysians need open-minded and forward-thinking leaders, not those still trapped by an outdated political culture and unable to grasp the technological realities of today. At a time when UMNO leaders are demanding bloggers to be responsible for their writing, I urge the UMNO leaders and police not to forget their responsibilities towards the Malaysian rakyat.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

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Inside Story - US and Iran discuss Iraq - 24 Jul 07

Lebanon and Gaza

Facts the Media is not Telling us

Barred from Attending Military Court Session

Ramsey Clark Barred from Attending Military Court Session Ikhwanweb [0] 15/7/2007

The Egyptian Security Forces have prevented Mr. Ramsey Clark, former US Attorney General, and Yvonne Ridley British journalist, from attending the today’s session of the military trial for 33 Muslim Brotherhood leaders.

It’s worth mentioning that although the Haickstep Military Base is located in a military zone and controlled by the Egyptian army, however, police is in full control on the ground.

During the first two sessions, government has also denied access to representatives from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Arab Human Rights organization.

Muhammad Sulaiman محمد سليمان

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Ramsey Clark Opposes Mubarak's Violation of Basic Rights

Egypt military trial condemned Courtesy Gulf News: Published: Tuesday, 17 July, 2007, 01:16 AM Doha Time

CAIRO: Former US attorney general Ramsey Clark yesterday condemned the military trials of members of Egypt’s opposition Muslim Brotherhood and called on President Hosni Mubarak to release them. “The arrest and detention once again of the Muslim Brotherhood is an outrageous violation of fundamental human rights,” Clark, 79, told reporters at the Egyptian Bar Association a day after being barred from attending the trial. “I’ve been in political trials on six continents.. . I have never been excluded from a court in any of these trials,” he said. “What does the government of Egypt fear? What is it ashamed of doing that it can’t do in broad daylight as the law requires?” Clark led a delegation of rights activists that included former Sunday Express British journalist turned Islamic activist Yvonne Ridley to Sunday’s session of the military trial of 40 leading Brotherhood activists. Together with a court observer from Amnesty International, the delegation was barred from entering the court which is on a military base. The Brotherhood members have been charged with funding an illegal organisation and money-laundering — charges they were originally acquitted from in a civil court. Over the past 10 years, Mubarak’s government has repeatedly relied on military tribunals, which have a more consistent rate of conviction, to try Islamist organisations. The latest crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, which while banned holds a fifth of the seats in parliament, began last December and has targeted the organisation’ s funding mechanisms, freezing the assets and arresting prominent businessmen associated with the movement. “I ask the government and President Mubarak to recognise the error of what they have done and to embrace these defendants as worthy Muslims and release them,” Clark said. An attorney general in the 1960s, Clark went on to become an anti-war activist and has joined the defence teams at a number of high profile trials, including that of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain and Egyptian cleric Omar Abdel Rahman. – AFP

MEDIA STATEMENT (KENYATAAN MEDIA) -DSAI

4 Julai 2007

Keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi hari ini untuk mengenepikan saman fitnah terhadap Dr. Mahathir Mohamed tanpa membenarkannya dibawa ke perbicaraan terbuka jelas sekali suatu ketidakadilan yang nyata terhadap dir saya, keluarga saya dan rakan-rakan saya. Keputusan ini juga menggambarkan kedudukan keadilan di Malaysia. Di dalam mencapai keputusannya, Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat telah memilih untuk tidak mengendahkan hujah-hujah perundangan yang saya bentangkan kepada mahkamah untuk memberikan sebab mengapa Dr. Mahathir mesti menjawab saman saya kerana membuat kenyataan liar dan berniat jahat terhadap peribadi saya. Di atas sebab-sebab itu membuatkan saya terpaksa menyatakan keputusan ini langsung tiada nilai perundangan. Saya telah mengarahkan para peguam saya untuk memfailkan rayuan serta-merta.

ANWAR IBRAHIM


MEDIA STATEMENT

4 July 2007

The decision by the High Court today to strike out my defamation suit against Dr Mahathir Mohamed without hearing the case in open court is clearly a gross injustice to me and my family and friends. It is also a reflection of the state of justice in Malaysia. In coming to her decision, Judicial Commissioner Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has chosen to ignore the overwhelming body of legal arguments that I have presented to the court as to why Dr Mahathir must answer my suit for making those scurrilous and malicious remarks about me. Under the circumstances, I am compelled to say that this decision is utterly devoid of any legal merit. I have instructed my lawyers to file for an appeal at once.

ANWAR IBRAHIM