Hours before Discovery launch...

Hours before Discovery launch...

US space shuttle Discovery sits on launch pad 39A on March 10, 2009 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery is scheduled to launch March 11, 2009 at 9:20pm (0200 GMT). AFP PHOTO

LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa

LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa

The death toll of the brutal terrorist attack at the national Milad Festival in Sri Lanka , has risen to 14 while 46 others including a government minister were injured.
An LTTE suicide bomber attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 10.30 , this morning (Mar 10). According to the primary investigations , the suicide bomber had arrived at the place on a pushbike and exploded himself among the Islamic devotees proceeding to the mosque in a procession.
The targeted civilians were attending to the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque. The festival marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile , hospital sources said Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration suffered serious injuries in the explosion. The sources added that another 46 people with injuries were admitted to the government hospital Matara and elsewhere. Five other government ministers; AHM Fowzie, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Pandu Bandaranaike, Chandrasiri Gajadeera, and Minister Amir Ali had narrow escapes. Among the deceased and injured were several local government representatives

Pakistan seeks quick answers from India

Pakistan seeks quick answers from India


ISLAMABAD, Mar 8 (APP): Pakistan on Sunday sought the quick Indian response over its questions forwarded to New Delhi regarding progress in ongoing investigation of the Mumbai terror attacks. “Indian authorities should share the information details asked by Pakistan regarding progress in probe,” Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Affairs, Rehman Malik said in a press conference.
He was flanked by Interpol Chief Ronald Noble, who is here on visit of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested the Indian authorities to reply 30 questions based on investigations but it was yet to receive Indian response.
“India should provide evidence and investigation details as soon as possible to ensure successful prosecution and bring culprits to justice,” Malik said.
The Ministry of Interior had already passed on the information to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on January 16 and its team submitted the full report on February 3.
Senator Malik said DNA test information was very much important and necessary for conducting the investigation of terror attacks. And now only 13 days have been left in remand of the terror culprits.
Briefing about the progress made by Pakistan, he said the case has already been registered and eight people booked, while four including Hammad Amin, Zaki Rehman Naqvi, Zarar Shah and Al Quoma were being interrogated in police custody following their remand.
Pakistan has continuously being assuring India of full cooperation from the very first day of the Mumbai attacks. Besides, it would also further approach Interpol for information about the terrorists, Malik added

Pakistan President Zardari and Prime minister Gilani express sympathy with Sri Lankan leadership

Zardari, Gilani express sympathy with Sri Lankan leadership


ISLAMABAD, (APP):

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have expressed sympathy with their Sri Lankan counterparts over the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. In his message to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Asif Ali Zardari said, "I am deeply saddened on the terrorist attack that took place in Lahore in which some members of the Sri Lankan cricket team suffered injuries and a number of security officials lost their lives."

He said Pakistan unreservedly condemns this depraved and cowardly act of terrorism.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are victims of terrorism and today's attack is one of its worst manifestations, he said adding the government of Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice.
"I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," Zardari said.
In his message to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said, "I was greatly shocked and saddened to learn about the terrorist attack in which some members of the Sri Lankan cricket team suffered injuries and several security personnel lost their lives."
The government and people of Pakistan strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism, he added.
The Prime Minister said, "the government has redoubled its resolve to combat the menace of terrorism and we will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"I would like to convey my sincere sympathies to the families of the injured players and pray for their early recovery. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."


Some clues found; No allegations without proof: Governor




LAHORE, March 3, (APP): Governor Punjab Salman Taseer has said that some clues into attack on Sri Lankan team here this morning have been found but no allegations would be levelled against anybody without solid proofs. Addressing a press conference here Tuesday night, he said, “Progress has been made into the gruesome incident and preliminary investigation would be completed within 48 hours and if any security lapse is found, strict action would be taken against those to be found responsible.” He said thorough investigation would be conducted with cool mind in professional and methodologically way by taking all concerned agencies on board instead of making accusations without solid evidence. Commenting on the remarks of Indian Home Minister that the incident was result of major security lapse, he said,”Our police officials reacted immediately and saved lives of Sri Lankan players by laying down their lives and we are proud of them while in case of Mumbai attacks Indian commandos had reached seven hours after terrorists struck .” He said, “We don’t compare efficiency of personnel of our law enforcing agencies with that of India but Indian leaders must avoid giving suck remarks. Unlike India, we do not want to level allegations without solid proofs. “ Lamenting statements by PML‑N Leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif about the incident, he said, politicising such a sensitive issue involving national security and prestige is regrettable and condemnable. He said a number of terrorist incidents occurred during Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s tenure as Chief Minster, “But we never politicised the same.” Underling the need for national unity to face the monster of terrorism, he said,”It is huge challenge and we have to face it by forging national unity.However, regrettable,some opportunist politicians give such statements,just for their petty political gains, which amount to playing in the hands of anti‑state elements.” Express Dismay over the statement of Nawaz Sharif that the incident occurred because governor was busy in horse trading, he said, he (Nawaz Sharif) had been Prime Minster twice and it did not behove of him. He said though some high level transfers and postings had been made in the province following disqualification of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif by the court but home secretary was not changed to ensure continuity of the security system. Expressing sympathy with Sri Lankan players, people of Sri Lanka and their Cricket Board on behalf of government and people of the Punjab, he said “We are greatly shocked and grieved over the incident.” He thanked the government of Sri Lanka for sending its team for playing here when no other country was ready to send its team to Pakistan. He recalled that after World Cup 96, when West Indies and Australia had refused to visit Sri Lanka due to blasts there, Pakistan and Indian Cricket Teams had visited to play matches there. He said immediately after the incident, he visited the Sri Lankan team “they were in shock but save. They are going back to their country tonight. Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has asked me to see them off and I would go to the airport to bid them farewell.” To a question, he said, attackers were highly trained and equipped with sophisticated weapons but valiant police officials by laying down their lives foiled their bid to inflict heavy losses on visiting team.

President Rajapaksa’s Visit sees the Signature of Two Landmark Agreements between Nepal and Sri Lanka

President Rajapaksa’s Visit sees the Signature of Two Landmark Agreements between Nepal and Sri Lanka


President Mahinda Rajapaksa undertook a State Visit to Nepal from 2-4 March 2009 at the invitation of the President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. This visit was hailed as landmark in Nepal as it was the first by a Head of State or Government to Nepal since Nepal’s political transformation as a Republic. The visit was also undertaken in President Rajapaksa’s capacity as current Chairperson of SAARC.

President Rajapaksa was accorded full state honours on arrival in Kathmandu on 2 March by at an official welcome ceremony held at Rastrapati Bhawan. Following the official welcome ceremony, President Rajapaksa and President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav exchanged compliments and discussed the current political developments in Sri Lanka and Nepal including matters pertaining to strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Later in the day President Rajapaksa and delegation were hosted to a State Banquet by President Yadav.

Official bilateral talks were held between President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on 3 March. The talks covered a range of issues including a proposed Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, promotion of tourism, investment, trade in services, information technology, cultural relations and education.

Two important bilateral agreements on Air Services and the establishment of a Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and Nepal were signed during the visit by the Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Nepalese Cultural Minister Hisila Yammi. The two Agreements signed hold the potential to enhance cooperation between the two countries including increasing trade. The Ministerial level Joint Commission that will soon meet upon the signature of the Agreement will explore ways for the enhancement of economic, trade and cultural relations. The Bilateral Air Service Agreement will improve connectivity between the peoples of the two countries at all levels and also increase tourism. During the discussions between President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Dahal, special reference was made to steps being taken by Sri Lanka towards the development of Lumbini and measures being taken to develop the monastery and pilgrims rest in Lumbini.

President Rajapaksa also held discussions with Vice President Parmananda Jha and the leader of the main opposition Party Girija Prasad Koirala.

President Rajapaksa also visited the historic Ananda Kuti Vihara in Kathmandu and attended a religious ceremony organized by the chief incumbent priest of the temple.

As Chairperson of SAARC, President Rajapaksa visited the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu on 3 March and met with Secretary General Dr Sheel Kant Sharma and the staff of the Secretariat. He also planted a sapling symbolizing his first visit to Nepal and to the SAARC Secretariat.

President Rajapaksa was accompanied on the State Visit by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, External Trade Minister G.L.Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Additional Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.

SAARC Film Festival in Abu Dhabi UAE

SAARC Film Festival in Abu Dhabi UAE
The Association of Ambassadors of SAARC countries based in Abu Dhabi, UAE will be organizing a film festival at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre from 7th to 11th March 2009. The two movies from Sri Lanka will be screened on 11th March. “Samanala Thatu” produced by Mrs. Renuka Balasuriya and “Nostalgia” produced by Mrs. Neeta Fernando wil be screened during this festival. Mr. Jayantha Dharmadasa who is the Chairman of the National Film Festival will attend as the Chief Guest on the Sri Lankan day of the festival.
The Association of Ambassadors of SAARC countries based in Abu Dhabi established recently to promote culture and tourism in UAE.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Abu Dhabi

South Asia can weather economic crisis- ADB

South Asia can weather economic crisis- ADB

MANILA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- South Asian countries can weather the global financial crisis by taking both short- and long-term measures to stimulate their economies, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a study released on Monday.
The study, titled The Impact of the Global Economic Slowdown on South Asia, said that the sub region has been hit by capital outflows and weaker commodity prices, and faces a sharp slowdown in exports and remittances as the global troubles worsen.
A number of short-term measures have been taken to cushion the impact of the crisis, including monetary easing and fiscal stimulus packages, said the report, adding that there is further room for interest rate reductions, particularly in India and Sri Lanka

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFIARS of PAKISTAN’ PARTICIPATE IN THE SAARC 31ST COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING IN COLOMBO

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFIARS of PAKISTAN’ PARTICIPATE IN THE SAARC 31ST COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING IN COLOMBO


Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, will lead the Pakistan delegation to the 31st Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 27-28 February 2009.The meeting has been preceded by the meetings of the Standing Committee (25-26 February) and the Programming Committee (23-24 February).The meeting is expected to review the implementation of decisions taken at earlier Summits and discuss additional measures to promote regional cooperation. The occasion would also be utilized for bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Council.Over the years, SAARC has made notable progress in a number of areas including trade, finance, poverty alleviation and environment. The meeting would provide a useful opportunity for SAARC Foreign Ministers to review the progress in the above-mentioned and other areas under the ambit of SAARC.Pakistan attaches great importance to SAARC and its activities. Pakistan has contributed meaningfully to the establishment, institutionalization and progress of the body. Pakistan has played a proactive role to reinvigorate SAARC by providing substantive inputs Pakistan has hosted the 4th (1988) and the 12th (2004) SAARC Summits and a number of ministerial and technical level meetings. Speaking at the the 36th Session of the SAARC Standing Committee Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Bashir emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation to mitigate the effects of the current global financial crisis and enhance cooperation in financial matters. He underlined the need to strengthen SAARC regime to effectively combat the menace of terrorism. He highlighted the need for cooperation among the Saarc countries to focus on Science and Technology to consider multilateral energy cooperation to cope with the energy deficiency in the region and focus on water conservation issues and commissioning a scientific study on melting of glaciers In his remarks, the Foreign Secretary also proposed that a global summit be convened to address the problems arising out of the global financial crisis.

Pakistan, India foreign secretaries meet in Colombo

Pakistan, India foreign secretaries meet in Colombo

Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon has informed Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir that India would be responding soon to the queries raised by Pakistan in the context of the Mumbai incident. The issue was discussed in a meeting between Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Salman Bashir and his Indian counterpart Shivshankar held in Colombo on Thursday on the sidelines of the SAARC Standing Committee.
The meeting, which was the first between the two foreign secretaries after the Mumbai incident, was held in a cordial atmosphere. High Commissioner of Pakistan to India Shahid Malik was also present.
The two Foreign Secretaries exchanged views on broader issues of regional cooperation and agreed to continue their efforts to promote cooperation under the SAARC auspices.
They affirmed the importance of promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity, according to a press release issued by the Office of FO Spokesman here on Thursday.
The Foreign Secretaries also discussed various aspects of bilateral relations. They agreed to keep the official channels of communication open.
Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to preserving the gains made in the Composite Dialogue Process.
He reiterated the need to resume the process as soon as possible with the view to promoting substantive engagement on all issues including Kashmir, for establishing friendly and good neighborly relations.

We are with a double-edged mission to combat terrorism and global Financial meltdown – President Rajapaksha

We are with a double-edged mission to combat terrorism and global Financial meltdown – President Rajapaksha

"We are nations entrusted with a double-edged mission. And, we must re-double our efforts in combating terrorism and global financial meltdown individually and collectively. We need courage to take firm action to overcome terrorism. Sadly, the instability caused by the global financial crisis can be considered quite similar to the threat caused by terrorism to our societies and to our region,” said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the SAARC Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Colombo today. [Pix : By dailly mirror]

"The depression in the commodity market is adversely affecting most of us, even negating the gains resulting from the declining oil prices. Trade flows, production lines and the service sector are suffering from the domino effect of this crisis and there are looming liquidity problems,” the President added

Kashmir Solidarity Day

Kashmir Solidarity Day

The Kashmiris and Pakistanis all over the world are observing Kashmir Solidarity day on 5^th February to express unity with the people of Kashmir.
The Pakistani nation remains all set to express its unshakable commitment to the just cause of Kashmiris who are struggling against the Indian occupation of their motherland

.In a message the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari said that we observe Kashmir Solidarity Day every year to express our unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to the just struggle of our Kashmiri brethren for their right of self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the valiant people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast in the face of oppression spanning more than six decades.He further said that I wish to reassure my Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir . For more than six decades, the Kashmir issue remains on the agenda of the UN as an unfulfilled obligation. We will continue to support the Kashmiri people in their quest for realizing their right to self determination. Pakistan calls for an end to the human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to pursue a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people. To that end, we believe that Kashmiris should be associated with the Dialogue process. We are in no doubt that ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiter of their destiny.

I take this opportunity to reiterate to our Kashmiri brethren our pledge that they have Pakistan ’s full moral, diplomatic and political support. Their goals are our goals. Their dreams are our dreams. May Allah grant us the strength to continue our joint struggle.

liberate Visuamadu Town; battles enter last phase at Mullaittivu

liberate Visuamadu Town; battles enter last phase at Mullaittivu

Troops of the 58 Division after hours of fierce fighting that ensued with LTTE have reached the Visuamdu junction, this afternoon (Jan 28). According to latest reports received, troops have now gained total control over the Visuamadu town, following initial search and clearing operations conducted in the area, security sources said.

LTTE resistances were rattled during the multi-frontal military assault, ground sources said adding that scores of terrorists were killed and many injured during the fighting.
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20090128_09

Mullaittivu liberated; LTTE main garrison captured

Mullaittivu liberated; LTTE main garrison captured

Sri Lanka Army announced that troops of 59 Division, lead by Brigadier Nandana Udawatta, entered into the LTTE's main garrison town Mullaittivu, have gained total control over the Mullaittivu Township after completing the mop up operations conducted in the area by this evening, 25 January.

Recapturing the Mullaittivu town which had been dominated by the LTTE terrorists for last 13 years marks the significant milestone of war against terrorism launched to free the entire country from LTTE.

On July 18, 1996 the LTTE terrorists launched an attack on Sri Lanka Army base at Mullaittivu town on the north eastern coast and captured it as troops tactically withdrawn from the town. Since then LTTE terrorists established its main military and administrative bases there.

According to the battlefield sources, troops of 593 Brigade lead by Colonel Jayantha Gunarathne have made a surprise attack across the Nanthikandal lagoon and entered the Mullaittivu town area this morning. Infantrymen of 7 Gemunu Watch (7 GW) lead by Lieutenant Colonel Chaminda Lamahewa have been in first to enter the town amid heavy terror resistance, the sources said. The Mullaittivu town is situated in a narrow stretch of a land between Nanthikandal lagoon and the Indian Ocean.

Announcing the victory, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka requested the people to celebrate the victory with dignity by hoisting the national flag.

Give me back my child

Give me back my child

A woman, whose child died from drinking tainted milk, holds a sign reading 'Give me back my child' outside Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court, Hebei province. REUTERS

LTTE creates 'humanitarian catastrophe'

LTTE creates 'humanitarian catastrophe


According to defence.lk web 'LTTE terrorists have blasted off the Kalmadukulam Tank bund Jan 24th morning in a desperate attempt to stall the multi-frontal military surge towards Visuamadu area, latest reports from the Mullaittivu battlefront said. "This is totally an inhuman act with least respect to the lives of innocent Tamil civilians entrapped in the area", a defence official said while urging worldwide condemnation for the terrorist act.

Terrorists have used high explosives and triggered the detonation flooding a section of the A-35 Pranthan - Pooneryn main road, Ramanatpuram, Dharmapuram and Visuamadu. LTTE terrorists had resorted to this cheap tactic after suffering heavy beating by the security forces during intense fighting that erupted since Friday (23), Northeast of Kalmadu and Nethiliaru, security sources said. Terrorist resistances were beaten comprehensively in the ground battles, which left its fighting formations in total disarray, security sources said.

Sri Lanka: Media must be allowed to work freely and safely -Amnesty International

Sri Lanka: Media must be allowed to work freely and safely -Amnesty International

Sri Lankan authorities must ensure that the country's media are allowed to work without restriction and in safety, Amnesty International said today.

"The Sri Lankan authorities are doing little to ensure the safety of the country’s media, or to prosecute those responsible for murdering or attacking them. They are also directly responsible for subjecting journalists to harassment and interrogation, " said Yolanda Foster, Amnesty International' s Sri Lanka Researcher.

Sandaruwan Senadheera, editor of 'Lanka-e-news' (www.lankaenews.com)was questioned for six hours today by officers from the special wing of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at their headquarters in Colombo Fort about a complaint lodged by the Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse.

The complaint concerned an article posted on the website on 21 February 2008 headlined 'International intelligence service suspends providing information to Sri Lanka; Gota is responsible for the losses since December 31.' Mr Senadheera was told that officers would visit his office next week for further questioning.
Picture-Lasantha Wicramatunge and his body
This comes a day after an assault on Upali Tennakoon, chief editor of the Rivira weekly newspaper, and his wife Dhammika, and follows the fatal shooting earlier this month of Lasantha Wickramatunga, editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper.

At least 14 media workers have been unlawfully killed in Sri Lanka since the beginning of 2006. Others have been arbitrarily detained, tortured and allegedly disappeared while in the custody of security forces. More than 20 journalists have left the country in response to death threats.

"Without a free media that is able to express alternative views and offer the opportunity for public scrutiny, abuses can flourish under a veil of secrecy and denial. Sri Lanka's climate of impunity for attacks on the media has made it impossible to get an accurate impartial picture of what is happening in the country. By threatening journalists with the risk of arrest, and failing to protect them from attack, the government is failing its citizens," said Yolanda Foster.

Special team to probe media attacks - Anura Yapa

Special team to probe media attacks - Anura Yapa

President has instructed the IGP to appoint a special Police team to probe attacks on media, following the assault on Rivira Editor Upali Tennakoon and his wife.

RIVIRA newspaper editor attacked

RIVIRA newspaper editor attacked


Editor of Rivira newspaper Upali Tennakoon has been assaulted and stabbed this morning, stated staff members of Rivira. hIS WIFE ALSO ASSAULTED AND CAR DAMAGED BY A gang.Mr. Tennakoon has been admitted to a hospital.

U.N. protests Tamil Tiger refusal of safe passage

U.N. protests Tamil Tiger refusal of safe passage
The United Nations said on Thursday Tamil Tiger rebels had violated international law for refusing to allow local staff and their families to leave Sri Lanka's war zone.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are now cornered in less than 400 sq km in northern Sri Lanka along with what aid agencies say are around 230,000 people trapped between the separatist rebels and a massive Sri Lankan military onslaught.

"The United Nations in Sri Lanka has issued its strongest possible protest to the LTTE for their refusal to allow U.N. national staff and dependents to return from the Vanni with the present U.N. convoy," a U.N. statement.

The convoy went into the war zone, a region known as the Vanni, on Jan. 16 and was only able to leave on Thursday, the U.N. statement said.

"The LTTE's denial of safe passage is a clear abrogation of their obligations under international humanitarian law," the U.N. office in Sri Lanka said.

The LTTE could not be reached for comment.

Rights groups say the Tigers have forced civilians to stay in the war zone to provide a human shield, and is making some fight or work to build defences. The rebels have denied that.

(Reuters)

Airbus crashes in New York river

Airbus crashes in New York river--

Passengers are rescued from the plane's wings

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A US Airways plane with more than 150 people aboard went down in the Hudson River on Thursday after taking off from LaGuardia Airport, and everyone aboard apparently got off the plane alive, officials said.

"It's just incredible now that everyone's still alive," passenger Alberto Pinero said.

3 of 3

Flight 1549, headed to Charlotte, North Carolina, may have experienced a bird strike, according to FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown.

Passenger Alberto Pinero said that within a couple minutes after takeoff, "you just heard a loud bang and the plane shook a bit."

Passengers could smell smoke, and "the plane just started turning. ... We knew something was going on, 'cause look, we were turning back," he said. Watch passenger say he heard a loud bang »

"Somehow, the plane stayed afloat and we were all able to get on a raft," Pinero said. "It's just incredible now that everyone's still alive."

See Video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832221.stm

The plane had 148 passengers, Brown said, and either five or six crew members on board when it took off at 3:26 p.m. It was airborne for less than three minutes, she said. Watch footage of plane in water »

Everyone on board is believed to have exited the Airbus A320, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The Coast Guard rescued 35 people, according to Coast Guard Cmdr. Ron LeBrec.

Roosevelt Hospital said it had received four passengers who were being treated for hypothermia, but had no further injures. Other hospitals were on alert.

The temperature in New York was 20 degrees about the time of the crash off Manhattan's west side.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane hit a flock of birds, Brown said. See map of crash site »

A source familiar with the situation told CNN the pilot reported a double bird strike, but it was unclear whether that meant birds in both of the engines or two birds in one engine.

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The pilot initially said he needed to go back, and air traffic controllers started to give him clearance to do so, but the pilot said he wanted to head to Teterboro, New Jersey, because it was closer. That was the last transmission from the pilot, the source said.

Pinero said the plane's captain came on the speaker and said, " 'Brace for impact.' "

"That's when we knew we were going down and into the water," Pinero said. Pinero said rescue boats arrived immediately.

"I think a lot of people started praying and just collecting themselves," passenger Fred Barretta said. "It was quite stunning." Watch passenger describe landing »

Barretta said he was expecting the plane to flip over and break apart, but it did not. "It was a great landing."

Live video showed the plan

e bobbing in the water and moving with the current surrounded by boats, including a ferry that dropped life jackets into the water.

Pictures from the scene showed passengers filing off the plane on safety chutes.

Witness Ben Vonklemperrer said he saw the plane go down.

"I'm in an office building on the 25th floor," he said. "A short time ago, I saw what looked to be a small commercial plane flying south making a gradual landing. I saw it hit the water. It made a big splash. ... If someone's going to land a plane in the water, this seemed the best possible way to do it. The way they hit it was very gradual. A very slow contact with the water."

Jerry Wallis, who said he was a private pilot, said he watched the plane go into the water.

"I've got to tell you, the people flying that airplane deserve all the recognition and commendation they can get," Wallis said.

The National Transportation Safety Board was sending a team to the site, according to an agency spokesman.

Since 1975, five large jetliners have had major accidents in which bird strikes played a role, according to the Web site of Bird Strike Committee USA, a volunteer group dedicated to reducing the frequency and severity of the strikes.

More than 56,000 bird strikes were reported to the FAA from 1998 to 2004 according to the group's Web site.

An Airbus A320 has 150 seats -- 12 in first class and 138 in economy, according to the Airbus Web site.

People who believe they may have had relatives on the flight may call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215 within the United States, the airline said