Iran says no talks on nuclear issue if sanctioned
ISTANBUL: Iran will reject talks on its nuclear program if slapped with new sanctions, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday as the UN Security Council geared up for fresh talks on…
Libya orders UN refugee agency to leave country, says UNHCR
GENEVA: Libyan authorities have ordered the UN refugee agency to shut its office in Libya and leave the country, an agency spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "We have received instructions by…
Kuwaiti opposition stages walk out to protest secret session
KUWAIT CITY: Four members of a Kuwaiti opposition group walked out of a parliamentary session on Tuesday after MPs voted to grill the prime minister over alleged inaction on pollution…
Saudi Born Foreigners Campaign for Citizenship
RIYADH: “I’m half Sudanese and half Chadian but the first thing I do everyday is check out the Saudi newspapers and magazines,” Mansour Alhadj told The Media Line. The founder…
New Iraqi parliament to convene June 14
BAGHDAD: Iraq's new parliament will finally convene next week, an official said Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of a new government more than three months after nationwide polls.…
Rights body urges Kuwait to stop prosecuting writer
DUBAI: Human Rights Watch on Tuesday urged the Gulf state of Kuwait to stop prosecuting a prominent writer for criticizing officials and to lift a ban on media coverage. "Kuwait…
Biden holds talks on East Africa in Kenya
NAIROBI: US Vice President Joe Biden held talks Tuesday with Kenya's president and prime minister to discuss ways to stabilize the region, with troubled Somalia and Sudan high on the…
Darfur rebel group 'preparing to free 35 prisoners of war'
KHARTOUM: Darfur's main rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement, is preparing to free 35 captured members of the Sudanese army, JEM officials said on Tuesday. "We have 35 prisoners…
Gaza barrier to be completed by end summer, says Egypt official
SHARM EL-SHEIKH: Egyptian construction of an underground barrier on the border with the Gaza Strip will be completed "by the end of the summer," a security official said on Monday.…
US nudges Egypt over political reforms
SHARM EL-SHEIKH: US Vice President Joe Biden on Monday called on Cairo to accept "more open" political competition as Egypt braces for key legislative and presidential elections. Biden, who was…