Briefly World

Putins alleged mistress denies birth of their child.

Putins alleged mistress denies birth of their child

NEW YORK: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putins alleged mistress Alina Kabayeva,a former Olympics gymnast,has denied giving birth to their love-child,saying the baby is actually her nephew,according to New York Post. Without referring to Putin,the 27-year-old dropped hints about her love of powerful men. There are men that are afraid of strong women. I know men that will always be stronger and higher in power then me, she was quoted as saying.

Pak,Russia in talks on militancy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia were looking for ways to tackle Islamist militancy and nuclear proliferation at talks on Monday aimed at overcoming decades of distrust. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov is leading the Russian side for the two-day dialogue that is also expected to touch on Afghanistan.

Tunisia shuts down popular TV channel

TUNIS: Tunisias interim Government abruptly shut down the countrys oldest and most popular private television network Hannibal TV Sunday,in an apparent violation of its pledges to respect freedom of expression. The state news agency said the government had arrested the networks owner and stopped its broadcast for grand treason.

Lebanon PM rejects Hezbollah candidate

BEIRUT: Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister said Monday he wont take part in any future government headed by a Hezbollah-backed candidate. Saad Hariri made the announcement as President Michel Suleiman began two days of consultations with lawmakers over their choice of premier.

South Sudan nears decision on name

JUBA: Southern Sudan,which recently carried out a referendum on seceding from the north,will be named the Republic of South Sudan upon independence,officials here said. While the name is not yet official,members of a steering committee said the decision could be announced as early as February 14.

Sarkozys Facebook account hacked

PARIS: President Nicolas Sarkozy said his Facebook page got hacked and jokingly used the opportunity to poke fun at the intruders spelling mistakes in a fake message saying the French leader wont seek a second term. Sarkozy wrote Monday on his Facebook page that it had been hacked.

Iran hangs two Oppn members

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TEHRAN: Iran has hanged two members of the Opposition Peoples Mujahedeen convicted over the 2009 post-election turmoil. The official IRNA news agency said Jafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Hajaghaei were executed Monday after an appeals court upheld their death sentences. It said they filmed and distributed footage of massive anti-government protests that swept Iran after the disputed presidential election in June 2009.