President Zardari calls Clinton, gets support for the BidenLugar dollar 15 billion package

World news -Pakistan
President Zardari calls Clinton, gets support for the BidenLugar dollar 15 billion package
President Asif Ali Zardari Friday called Senator Hillary Clinton on telephone who has emerged as a choice of President‑elect Barack Obama for the US Secretary of State. The President, now in New York to attend the dialogue on interfaith harmony, said Pakistan was striving for peace in the region and its nascent democracy needed support and cooperation of the international community to confront several challenges it was facing.

Hillary Clinton, a senator from New York, extended full support to President Zardari for the dollar 15 billion assistance under the Biden‑Lugar bill for the next ten years as a long‑term engagement with Pakistan.

Read Pakistan news: www.newsonline24pakistan.wordpress.com

Dr. S. Swamy speaks tough ‘Delhi’ language

India considers LTTE as a terrorist organization. Therefore India will not bail out the LTTE or stop the Sri Lankan Government from defeating the LTTE terrorism militarily. India is very clear that the LTTE is not part of the solution, but it is part of the problem.”

Janatha Party leader and one time Indian Law Minister Dr. Subramanian Swamy had that to say, at a discussion forum organized by the Canadian Democratic Tamil Cultural Association in Scarborough, Canada, on 11 November, as a guest speaker. Dr. Swamy spoke on the topic - “South Asian Diaspora”.

Sri lanka Army captures Pooneryn

Sri lanka Army captures Pooneryn
The Military today(15th) captured the strategically important Pooneryn, which is the last LTTE stronghold in the western flank of the A-9 road.

Troops of Army Task Force 1 have entered LTTE bastion at Ponneryn this morning (Nov 15) scoring the greatest feat against terrorist in their courageous march along the northwestern coast of the Island.

Infantrymen of 12 Gamunu Watch (12 GW) and 10 Gajaba Regiment (10 GR) successfully negotiated the great marshlands south of Pooneryn last night , and cut off the Pooneryn- Paranthan road (B-69) close to Nallur before dawn today. Troops then marched about 10 Km along the B-69 and entered into the Pooneryn town , where the terrorists have their last bastion on the West coast.

According to the defence sources at the field terrorists have given a stiff resistance to the advancing troops . Pitched battles are still going in the area, the sources said. The terrorists are fast withdrawing towards the K- Point.

More:http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20081115_02

President congratulates troops
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in special message congratulated the troops on capturing Pooneryne. He also urged the LTTE leader to lay down arms and come for talks.

Addressing the nation through the state media, President Rajapaksa declared the Army's victory at Poonaryn and congratulated the soldiers. He also expressed his gratitude to the citizens of the country who have been sharing his vision to rid the country of terrorism and to free the next generation from the horrors of war.

The President's speech in full:

I inform the people in this country that our heroic soldiers have been able to liberate the full stretch of the A-32 road (Mannar- Pooneryn) and the Poonaryn area this morning. Now, we can open a land route to the Jaffna Peninsula after many years ; I think we can say , it was after the Second Eelam war .

At this moment, I very clearly call Prbhakaran of LTTE to immediately lay down your arms and come to the negotiation table. It is the greatest service that you can do to the people in the Wanni.

We congratulate the war heroes and express our sincere gratitude to the citizens of Sri Lanka who have given their unstinted support to our struggle.

See Battle Progress Map:http://www.defence.lk/orbat/Default.asp

Sri Lanka Artistes carry peace message through Adishtana Pooja

Sri Lanka Artistes carry peace message through Adishtana Pooja

The Adishtana Pooja by Sri Lankan artistes aimed at carrying the message of peace and harmony, goodwill and brotherhood and principally organised to clear the air regarding the ongoing humanitarian operations in the North to their protesting South Indian counterparts was held yesterday at Torrington Square with the participation of a large gathering of film and tele-stars and personalities in the art field.

The main objective was to create a true picture of the ongoing humanitarian operations in the North to rescue the innocent civilians trapped in the grip of LTTE terror, veteran actor Ravindra Randeniya, an organiser of the event stated.

A letter was also submitted to South Indian Cinema Artistes and Technicians through the High Commissioner of India following the Adishtana Pooja.

Highlighting the main objective of the event, Randeniya said artistes who have gathered there yearn for a peaceful country. This is the hope and aspiration of the people of this country.

He said whatever community be they Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher, had been under threat by the LTTE terrorists' acts for more than three decades without exception. Today the artistes have raised their voice on their behalf.

There is no country which had been under the threat of terrorists' cruel acts with assassinations of political leaders and veterans from all the fields, he recalled the bitter past where innocents suffered.

A message signed by artistes stressed that there is no genocide practised against innocent un-armed Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.

Nations caught in crossfire of extremism must be helped by international community: President Zardari

Nations caught in crossfire of extremism must be helped by international community: President Zardari

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari says the world community should commit itself to eliminating the root causes of extremism and terrorism, giving all people in all societies renewed faith in their countries, in their laws, and in the futures of their children.He said this while addressing the special session of the United Nations Interfaith Dialogue in New York City on Thursday(13th).

In his speech President Zardari urged participants of the interfaith conference to have consensus on an international agenda which may ensure (i) Hate speech aimed at inciting people against any religion must be unacceptable; (ii) Injustice and discrimination on the mere basis of one’s faith must be discouraged ‑‑‑ not only in words but through meaningful actions; (iii) Bigotry manifested in Islamophobia and anti‑Semitism must be combated; (iv) Dialogue, and not discord, between civilizations and faiths must be encouraged;

(v) Nations with little resources caught in the crossfire of extremism should be helped, strengthened and aided by the international community.
Read More: www.newsonline24pakistan.wordpress.com

Govt. has secret agreement with India - JVP

Govt. has secret agreement with India - JVP

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has gone for the BIMSTEC summit with the sole intention of carrying forward a secret agreement with the Indian Government, said JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasingha, while celebrating the JVP’s annual ‘Il Mahaviru Samaruma’ held at the Viharamahadevi Park yesterday.

“Mahinda had sent his brother earlier; but now he has gone himself, to make a pledge to the Indian Government” he said.

Tamils are our people -President Rajapaksa tells India

Tamils are our people -President Rajapaksa tells India

Visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that there was no question of ordering a cease-fire against the LTTE, and added that his government would take all necessary steps to protect the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

"The Tamilians are our people; we have been taking care of them and we will continu

o came up for discu

Mr. Rajapaksa told reporters in Delhi: "For the last twenty years, we have been witnessing this ceasefire. We will not allow terrorism to continue."

Mr. Rajapaksa also held a bilateral meeting with Indian

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Second BIMSTEC summit being held in New Delhi

. The issue of attacks on Indian fisherman als

ssion.

(Pix By Sudath Silva)

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Aghanistan Leaders discuss regional peace

Leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Aghanistan discuss regional peace

NEW YORK, Nov 12 (APP): The leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan met here Wednesday in a historic meeting aimed at bringing peace to the region.

The meeting held here between King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, President Asif Ali Zardari and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan at the York Palace lasted over an hour.

The three leaders arrived here to represent their countries at a high level meeting on interfaith harmony between religions and cultures, organised by the United Nations.

The talks focused on the situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the entire region and the need for bringing peace and stability to the region

Presidnet Rajapaksha adress BIMSREC

President Rajapaksha address BIMSTEC
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in New Delhi at Tajpalace hotel today.

Sri Lanka wholly with BIMSTEC against terrorism and organized crime - President said

"Sri Lanka wholeheartedly supports the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking as an important and vital milestone in our efforts on counter terrorism," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 2nd Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), at New Delhi today(Nov 13).

"Terrorist groups are able to sustain themselves by illegal fundraising, narcotics and people trafficking, money laundering using international networks, and arms and ammunition smuggling including through the sea routes in the Bay of Bengal. I urge you to consider setting up a mechanism to effectively police the seas of the Bay of Bengal, to deny these terrorists mobility and connectivity.

"For over two decades, Sri Lanka has been facing a tremendous challenge to our democratic way of life through the barbaric actions of a terrorist group, the LTTE. There is no doubt that such groups have to be dealt with militarily. At the same time Sri Lanka believes that any underlying causes, exploited by the terrorists in an attempt to seek legitimacy for their operations, should be dealt with politically. I wish to assure this august gathering that we are firmly on the path to a political solution," President Rajapaksa said.

He added that: "While the BIMSTEC nations have constructively and prudently engaged in the process of globalization, nevertheless the economic challenges faced by many of our major trading partners, will inevitably have some impact on our own pace of growth....The situation has therefore made all of us very much aware of the protection that regional self-reliance can afford, against global economic uncertainties."

read full speach

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20081113_04



Pics by Sudath Silva and Chandana Perera

Indian students take up Lankan Tamils' issue

Indian students take up Lankan Tamils' issue

All India Students’ Federation has taken over the campaign for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka.

AISF representatives from Tamil Nadu, numbering over 2,000, left Chennai yesterday (Nov. 12) morning in a special train they named “Messenger of Tears.”

Other student chapters from all other states of India will join the TN chapter of the student federation.

All these student campaign processions will reach Delhi and march jointly to Lok Sabha, said AISF sources in Chennai.

WORLD NEWS

Obama and Bush in White House meeting

President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama meet in the Oval Office of the White House Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. White House photo by Eric Draper

Bush and Obama, who routed the incumbent's fellow Republican and chosen successor John McCain in the November 4 election, met privately for about an hour in the chamber from which the US president makes world-shaping decisions.

Obama and wife Michelle Obama had arrived about 10 minutes early for their two-hour visit and got a warm welcome from Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the mansion's South Portico, a gateway to the mansion for many world leaders.

As their wives took a tour of the 132-room White House's residential areas, the 43rd president and his successor strolled along the Rose Garden and into the Oval Office, Obama's first ever visit to the storied seat of power.

Bush guided Obama into the room for private, one-on-one talks 71 days before the Democrat formally becomes the first black US president and inherits two wars and a global economic crisis that some compare to the Great Depression.

The outgoing leader described the talks as "good, constructive, relaxed and friendly," said spokeswoman Dana Perino.

New Maldives president sworn in

New Maldives president sworn in
A former political prisoner Mohamed Nasheed who defeated Asia's longest-serving ruler in the first multiparty election in the Maldives, took his oath today to become president of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

"No other citizens in the world in modern times have changed a 30-year-old regime so peacefully. I congratulate the Maldivian citizens," Mohamed Nasheed, 41, said shortly before signing his presidential oath to thundering applause in parliament.

A one metre rise in sea levels would almost totally submerge the country's 1,192 coral islands scattered off the southern tip of India. According to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a rise of at least 18cm is likely by the end of the century.

"I don't want Maldivians to end up as environmental refugees in some camp," Nasheed told reporters after his October 28 election win.

"We are talking about taking insurance - if the islands are sinking we must find highland some place close by. We should do that before we sink."Nasheed told Britain's Guardian newspaper that he had already broached the subject of finding a new homeland for Maldivians with several countries and found them to be "receptive".

Five organizations file petition against Gazette

Five organizations file petition against Gazette

Five organizations including TNL, EAP, Dialog and the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) today filed a petition in court against the Private television broadcasting station regulation introduced by the government.

BUDGET SUMMERY

Daily Mirror Grapic ---------------- Please click on the grapic

BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 2009

Budget proposals For 2009

Milk powder, sugar import tax to be increased Import tax on milk powder to be increased from Rs.5 to Rs.15 per Kilogram and import tax on sugar to be increased from 14% to 16%, President Mahinda Rajapaksha reveals in the budget speech today . Increase of import duty on wheat grain from 6% to 10% and a 5% Cess will be imposed for wheat flour. Cess taxes to be increased To increase cess taxes on a score of imported items such as confectioneries, automobile spare parts, ceramic ware, leather products, garments and ayurvedic products Rs. 600 million for Mihin Lanka air service. to spend Rs.600 million to resuscitate the Mihin Lanka air service by acquiring new aircraft. VAT to be reduced from 15% to 12% VAT to be reduced from the present 15% to 12%, VAT on liquor to remain at 20%, Copyrights Act to be amended the Copyrights Act to be amended so that lyricists, music directors and singers will get a financial incentive whenever their creations are aired over radio 10% mobile phone tax to be extended to landlines 10 % tax on mobile phones to be extended to landlines as well Discount on electricity and water consumption A 30% discount on electricity for consumers who consume below 90 units and a 20% discount on water for those who consume below 10 units Pensioners’ CoL allowance to be increased Pensioners’ cost of living allowance to be increased by Rs. 560 CoL allowance for Public servants to be increased Cost of living allowance of Government servants to be increased by Rs. 1000 Diesel, Petrol and Kerosene prices to be reduced Diesel per litre price to be reduced by Rs.30, Kerosene by 20 and Petrol by Rs.15, under the new budget.

Obama's 'brilliant' victory

Obama's 'brilliant' victory



Obama's 'brilliant' victory

Obama's 'brilliant' victoryDemocratic Senator Barack Obama says "change has come to America", after being elected the first black president of the United States.
World leaders on Wednesday quickly hailed the triumph of Barack Obama in the US presidential election as the start of a new era but there were also calls for a new deal with the global superpower.

Celebrations erupted in capitals around the world. A national holiday was declared in Kenya -- where Obama's father was born -- to welcome the first black US president.

"Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people. It also crowns an exceptional campaign whose inspiration and exaltation have proved to the entire world the vitality of American democracy," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a letter to Obama.

READ MORE:

Full text: Obama's victory speech

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7710038.stm

READ MORE NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7709978.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7710040.stm

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

US Election today Night

World News/USA
US Election Night

As Americans cast their votes for a new President, David Dimbleby presents US Election Night live from Washington, with Matt Frei in the studio and reporters in crucial swing states around the country.

Pakistan President to leave for Saudi Arabia

World News/Pakistan
President to leave for Saudi Arabia today (Tuesday)

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will leave for Saudi Arabia Today(Tuesday) on a two‑day official visit for holding wide ranging talks with Saudi leadership and to discuss ways to seek more investment from the Saudi entrepreneurs in energy, infrastructure development, agriculture and industrial sectors.

The President will arrive in Jeddah and hold meetings with Saudi King and exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues during his stay.The President has extensive agenda during his visit to the Holy land. Both the leaders would discuss bilateral, regional and international issues.

Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali bin Saeed Awad Asiri said the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Saudi Arabia would further enhance bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.He said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are enjoying cordial and time tested relations. He was hopeful that the visit of Pakistani president would yield positive results.

Both the leaders would contemplate to expedite the implementation of recent agreements inked between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

He said both the leaders would contemplate to expedite the implementation of recent agreements inked between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Pakistan, China to reinforce bilateral ties

World News/Pakistan
Pakistan, China to reinforce bilateral ties
President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Hu Jintao on 15th october (Wednesday) held one-on-one interaction that lasted over one hour with major emphasis on further reinforcing comprehensive strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation in various fields.
President Zardari, Hu emphasize on further reinforcing comprehensive strategic partnership, bilateral cooperation
The over one hour meeting between the two presidents was followed by delegation level parleys.
The Pakistani side was headed by President Asif Ali Zardari, while Chinese President
Hu Jintao led his side at the talks held here at the Great Hall of the People.
The Chinese side assisted President Hu at the delegation level meeting included Foreign Minister Yang Jiech, State Counselor Dai Ping Guo, Governor Peoples Bank of China Zhou Xiao Chuan and other officials.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Environment Hamidullah Jan Afridi, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik, Advisor on Finance and Economic Affairs Shaukat Tareen, Media Advisor to President Farhatullah Babar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Information Secretary Akram Shaheedi, Secretary General PPP Jahangir Badar and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan assisted President Asif Ali Zardari during the delegation level talks.
In his opening remarks President Hu Jintao showered praises on the efforts and contribution rendered by Bhutto family in the promotion of Pak-China relations.
He further said that the first state visit paid by President Zardari to China as a part of tradition demonstrates the importance Pakistan attaches to the bilateral ties.
President Hu also mentioned special relations of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with Mao Zhe Dong and Zhou Enlai which he observed played an effective role in the promotion of bilateral relations.
President Hu expressed appreciation for the support and the financial assistance extended by Pakistan for the May 12 earthquake victims of Sichuan province.
The Chinese President also hailed the participation of Pakistani contingent with enthusiasm in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Chinese President also praised the participation of Bilalwal Bhutto Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in the Beijing Olympics and said it is reflective of the warmth in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Congratulating Asif Ali Zardari on his election as President, President Hu hailed him for his first state visit to China and said it was reflective of depth and warmth in the time tested and all weather bonds.
Reciprocating the opening remarks from his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, President Zardari said the warm welcome accorded to him reflected the level of love and affection of the government and the people of China towards Pakistan.
President Zardari said the high stature leaders from Pakistan and China were the architects of strong foundation of Pak-China relations that strengthened over the period of time, which is the testimony of their sagacious political approach and long term vision.
He expressed the hope that his meeting with the Chinese counterpart during his first official visit will transfuse further resilience and vibrancy in the bilateral relations
taking them to new heights.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a warm red carpet welcome at an impressive formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People reflecting the warmth of people-to-people bonhomie and depth of strong bilateral friendly bonds.
The two leaders then ascended the canopied dais and the national anthems of both countries were played, followed by 21-gun salutes. The two leaders later inspected the guard of honour and march past by a smartly dressed soldiers of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).
After the delegation level talks, both sides signed eleven agreements, MoU and Protocols in different fields with an objective to bolster existing level of cooperation on different areas.
Sourse:

High Commission of Pakistan-Sri Lanka

Pakistan President's First State Visit to China-Very successful visit

Pakistan President's first state visit
Very succesful vist

President asif Ali Zardari was accorded a warm red carpet welcome October 15th at an impressive formal ceremony at the Great hall of the people reflecting the warmth of people-to people bonhomie and depth of strong bilateral friendly bonds.On arrival,president Zardari was received by Chinese President Hu Jintao,who introduced senior Chinese officials and politicians to President Zardari including minister and party leaders.

The visiting President also introduced the members of his entourage to the Chinese President.
The two leaders then ascended the canopied dais and the national anthems of both countries were played, followed by 21-gun salutes. The leaders later inspected the guard of honour and march past by smartly dressed soldiers of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Environment Hamidullah Jan Afridi, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik, Media Advisor to President Farhatullah Babar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Information Secretary Akram Shaheedi, Secretary General PPP Jahangir Badar and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan were also present on the occasion.
The two presidents were to hold one-on-one meeting after the welcome ceremony.

Sourse : High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka