Lastnight World

Bombs killed 17 people across Iraqs capital on Saturday.

At least 17 killed as bombs target Shiite areas in Baghdad

BAGHDAD: Bombs killed 17 people across Iraqs capital on Saturday,including Iranian pilgrims near a revered shrine and shoppers at a Shiite neighborhood market,authorities said. The attacks several roadside bombs and cars packed with explosives wounded more than 100 people. Most of the casualties were likely Shiite Muslims,a frequent target of Sunni insurgents who have long sought to provoke civil war in Iraq.

Warrants issued for 2 cops in Bhutto case

Islamabad: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court conducting the trial of suspects charged with involvement in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto,on Saturday issued non bailable warrants for the arrest of two police officers for failing to protect the former premier. The warrants were issued for former Rawalpindi police chief Saud Aziz and senior police officer Khurram Shahzad,prosecution lawyers told the media.

IAEA sending spies,claims Iran

TEHRAN: Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi accused the UN atomic watchdog on Saturday of including spies among the inspectors it sends to Iran to monitor the nations controversial nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency has dispatched spies of foreign agencies among its inspectors and thus should be held accountable for this move, he was quoted by state-run televisions website as saying.

Tokyo alert over liquid to Russians

TOKYO: A yellow liquid in a plastic container was sent to the Russian Embassy in Tokyo with a message that it is a toxic substance,prompting police to launch an investigation as a case of intimidation. However it was later found that the liquid was olive oil. An official of the embassy on Wednesday morning found an envelope with the container and the name of the sender as captain of the Sekihotai, the police said.

Ink mine ban treaty,Suu Kyi to Obama

WASHINGTON: Myanmars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has joined the long list of Nobel peace laureates who have appealed to US President Barack Obama to sign a treaty that bans anti-personnel mines and requires destruction of stockpiled mines within four years. Suu Kyi is among 16 Nobel Peace laureates who have signed a letter sent to Obama on November 30,urging him to join the mine ban treaty.

Ivory Coast leader takes oath

ABIDJAN: President Laurent Gbagbo was sworn in for a new term Saturday even though the United Nations and world leaders maintain his opponent won the disputed election,which was the West African nation8217;s first since a civil war. In a bold sign Gbagbo would not bow to international pressure to concede defeat,he wrapped himself in the Ivorian flag as he took his oath.