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Memogate: Ijaz differs with Jones' affidavit
10 killed in Kazakhstan independence day clashes
Two killed in Cairo violence: ministry
NFC Award: Reservations over collection of GST on services
Waleed, Amir share lead in Governors Cup Golf
NATO attack not deliberate, says Munter
Oil prices retreat on Europe's debt problems
Euro steady against dollar in light trading
Haqqani confident of vindication in memo affair
James Jones declares Memo unreliable
Russian team trying to top K2 in winter
Man United to face Ajax in Europa League
Pakistan mourn legendary Nur Khan
De Villiers puts South Africa on top
Interpol offers help to battle corruption

Memogate: Ijaz differs with Jones' affidavit

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Mansoor Ijaz in a statement said that he disagrees with Gen James Jones on a number of the points he raises in his affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on December 12. On December 12, 2011, Gen. James L. Jones issued an Affidavit to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in which he, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, tried to recall the events of May 9, 10 and 11 of this year, which are the dates on which Amb. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan s former ambassador to the United States, asked me to assist him in delivering a message that he dictated to me and whose content originated entirely from him to Admiral Mike Mullen, then chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Gen. Jones was the individual who I asked to deliver Haqqani s message to the admiral. He said Gen. Jones and I have known each other since 2006. I consider him a friend and have learned many valuable lessons from him during the five years we ve known each other. But in the case of his recollections with regard to this matter, I have a friendly disagreement with him on a number of the points he raises in his affidavit. I think Jones forgot the exact dates as had forgotten about delivering memo to Admiral Mike Mullen. Ijaz reiterated his claim that the content of the Memorandum to Adm. Mike Mullen originated entirely from Husain Haqqani. He dictated it to me and was responsible for all key edits.

10 killed in Kazakhstan independence day clashes

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Ten people were killed Friday in clashes between striking oil workers and police at a ceremony marking Kazakhstan s independence day in the western city of Zhanaozen, prosecutors said. The buildings of the local administration, hotels and energy firm Uzenmunaigas facility were set on fire in a startling development in a country that prides itself on years of energy-fuelled stability. "According to preliminary information, 10 people were killed as a result of the mass riots. There are also wounded, including police," prosecutor general Askhat Daulbayev said in a statement. "The city hall, hotels, Uzenmunaigas offices were set on fire. Private and corporate property was also damaged, cars set on fire and ATMs robbed," he added from the capital Astana. In a rare move, state-controlled television aired footage of the riots including of people darting around in panic, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Workers in Zhanaozen and other cities in the Mangistau region on the Caspian Sea have been striking for months for higher wages, in a highly unusual dispute for the Central Asian state which prides itself for an ability to attract foreign investors. "There s a bloodbath here. It was police that was shooting," Omirbek Isabayev, one of the striking oil workers from Uzenmunaigas, said in remarks broadcast on Kyrgyzstan-based opposition Kazakh channel K-Plus. Isabaeyev said between 15 and 20 people were shot dead.

Two killed in Cairo violence: ministry

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At least two people were killed on Friday and more than 170 hurt in clashes between protesters and security forces outside Egypt s cabinet office, a health ministry official said. "Two people died of gunshot wounds and 138 were wounded," said the official on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to media. Earlier ministry official Hisham Shiha told state television that one person was killed, adding that 105 people had been hospitalised and another 68 treated at the scene of the violence. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy in figures. The clashes, which raged since dawn, were the bloodiest since protests in November killed more than 40 people just ahead of Egypt s first parliamentary elections since the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak in February. Violence erupted on Friday after a bloodied protester said he had been arrested by soldiers and beaten up, infuriating his comrades who began throwing stones at the soldiers, witnesses said.

NFC Award: Reservations over collection of GST on services

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Centre and provinces have failed to reach a consensus on General Sales Tax (GST) on services and agriculture income tax at the meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC). The government of Punjab has expressed reservations over the collection of General Sales Tax (GST) Services and held the federal government responsible for its overdraft due to slow releases of funds. This was said by Punjab Finance Minister Kamran Maikal here while talking to media after attending a meeting of the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) held on Friday with Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh in chair and attended by all provincial finance ministers. Talking to media, Federal Finance Minister Dr.Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said that under the divisible pool&sbquo; Rs 807 billion have been given to the provinces during previous financial year 2010-11 out of which Punjab has been given Rs 417.58 billion,Sindh 198.14 billion,Khyberpakhtunkhwa Rs118 billion and Balochistan has been given Rs73 billion. “Provinces have been given greater share in resources after the approval of 7th national finance award”, said Dr.Abdul Hafeez Shaik, adding that Rs65 billion have been set aside for current fiscal year 2011-12 for different poverty alleviation programmes. Dr.Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that more resources are now available to the provinces under the new formula finalized in 7th National Finance Commission. He said that provinces are now getting 57.5 per cent while federal governments share reduced to 42.5 per cent. The Federal Minister said that current government is taking various steps to reduce poverty in the country and government allocated Rs65 billion for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) during current fiscal year. It may be mentioned here that President Asif Ali Zardari had reconstituted the NFC in August this year to work out the eighth award for distribution of resources among federal and provincial governments and its earlier meetings were scheduled on 16th and 21st November but then postponed to December 16.

Waleed, Amir share lead in Governors Cup Golf

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Both Waleed Zubair and Amir Chaudhry of Lahore Gymkhana carded 67 on the opening day of 28th Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament which started at the Gymkhana Golf course on Friday. Mohsin Anwar and Asad Zia of the host club were second with the score of 68 while Roben Bagh carded 69 to remain third on the opening day of the tournament. The Senior Amateurs and Ladies will tee off on Saturday and play the tournament over 36 holes.

NATO attack not deliberate, says Munter

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US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has said that US army’s Central Command (CENTCOM) was holding two-pronged inquiry  into the NATO attack on Pakistan’s military posts that killed 24 soldiers last month. Speaking at a seminar on Friday, the US ambassador said that findings of the inquiry would be completed soon. He claimed that the attack was not deliberate but was ‘regrettable’. Munter said that a strategy should be devise to prevent such attacks in the future. He said that current year proved difficult for the Pak-US ties, adding that both the countries should improve their bilateral relations.

Oil prices retreat on Europe's debt problems

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The eurozone region continues to wrestle with a mountain of debt, and the only cure at hand appears to be a wave of severe spending cuts and pleas for more international aid. European Union leaders have hammered out a new plan for more central financial control and requirements for balanced budgets, but experts say those measures will do little to reduce current debts. "That plan was a real bust," independent oil analyst and trader Stephen Schork said. "There s talk of real weakness now." Spending cuts typically lead to declines in energy consumption, and it also means that Europe will have less interest in imports of manufactured goods from other countries like China and the US The eurozone is expected to be headed for a recession already, and investors remain concerned that widespread bank failures could follow. Benchmark crude fell 73 cents to $93.14 per barrel in midday trading New York. Prices fell as low as $93.08 earlier in the day the lowest since Nov. 4. Brent crude, which is used to price foreign oil that s imported by many US refineries, fell 40 cents to $103.20 a barrel in London. The Labor Department reported Friday that consumer prices stayed flat in November, evidence that inflation is under control. Lower energy costs helped keep prices down overall.

Euro steady against dollar in light trading

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The dollar is also trading in tight ranges against other major currencies ahead of the holiday season. The euro edged up to $1.3013 in afternoon trading Friday from $1.3011 late Thursday. Fears that European leaders won t be able to solve the region s debt crisis pushed the euro down to $1.2943 Wednesday, its lowest point since Jan. 7. In other trading Friday, the British pound fell to $1.5499 from $1.5501. The dollar fell to 77.82 Japanese yen from 77.91 Japanese yen and to 0.9383 Swiss franc from 0.9405 Swiss franc. The dollar rose to 1.0387 Canadian dollar from 1.0358 Canadian dollar.

Haqqani confident of vindication in memo affair

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Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani Friday said he returned to Pakistan to clear his name in memo affair and defend the credentials of the democratically elected government he served honourably. In a statement issued by him for media and for talk show hosts, he said, “I am confident that when the inquiry is completed, I would be vindicated.” He said, “My lawyers have advised me out of respect for the honourable judiciary to not address the media until the matter is heard in court on 19 December.” “This does not mean, however, that I have no case to make or point of view to explain. I should not be condemned without due process,” he added. Haqqani said, “I was the first to demand an inquiry into the memo affair and offered to resign in my November 16 letter to the President simply because Pakistan needed an ambassador in Washington who was not being subjected to a media trial at home.” “This is my response to those who say if Haqqani was not guilty why did he resign,” he remarked. Unfortunately, Haqqani said, some people have decided to play prosecutor, witness and  judge all at the same time, presenting claims as evidence and statements of one man with clearly questionable credentials as fact. He requested talk show hosts to allow the people of Pakistan to calmly witness the ongoing judicial and parliamentary processes instead of every day allowing repetition of harangues that presume guilt and create fear.

James Jones declares Memo unreliable

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In his affidavit sent to Asma Jahangir Gen James Jones said that a few days before May 9, 2011, he received a phone call from Mansoor ljaz. During the call Mansoor Ijaz mentioned that he had a message from the ‘highest authority  in the Pakistan government but he did not mention that it was from Husain Haqqani. Former National Security Advisor James Jones has submitted a confidential affidavit in which he swears that he has no reason to believe that former Pakistani Ambassador to Washington Husain Haqqani had any role in "memogate." "A few days before May 9, 2011, I received a phone call from Mr. Mansoor ljaz. I have known Mr. ljaz in a personal capacity since 2006. During the call Mr. Ijaz mentioned that he had a message from the ‘highest authority  in the Pakistan government which he asked me to relay to then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs  of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen," Jones wrote in the confidential affidavit. "At no time during the call do I remember Mr. Ijaz mentioning Ambassador Haqqani, and he gave me no reason to believe that he was acting at the direction of Ambassador Haqqani, with his participation, or that Ambassador Haqqani had knowledge of the call or the contents of the message." Jones told Ijaz he would only forward the message to Mullen if it was in writing. On May 9, Ijaz sent the unsigned memo to Jones s personal e-mail account and Jones passed it on to Mullen. Mullen has acknowledged that he received the memo but claims he gave it no credence and took no action on it whatsoever. "It was my assumption that the memo was written by Mr. Ijaz, since the memo essentially put into writing the language he had used in our telephone conversation earlier," Jones wrote in his affidavit. "I do not recall whether Mr. Ijaz claimed that Ambassador Haqqani had anything to do with the creation of the memo. I have no reason to believe that Ambassador Haqqani had any role in the creation of the memo, nor that he had any prior knowledge of the memo." The Jones affidavit will be used by Haqqani s legal team to bolster Haqqani s claims that Ijaz was the author s memo, not him. Ijaz s main evidence of Haqqani s involvement is a series of Blackberry Messenger communications that Ijaz claims he had with Haqqani to discuss the memo during its formation. Ijaz has said his Blackberry is being examined by Pakistani forensic experts as part of the ongoing investigation.

Russian team trying to top K2 in winter

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Reaching the summit of K2 in summer is one of mountaineering s most deadly and difficult challenges. Now, a team of Russians is attempting what no other has yet achieved scaling the world s second highest peak in winter. The 15 climbers will endure temperatures plunging more than 50 below zero and winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour (40 miles per hour) as they inch up the stunning giant pyramid that straddles Pakistan and China. The assault is expected to take 2 1/2 months. "This is only possible for a Russian team," said Victor Kozlov, the affable leader of the expedition, whose members put up a new route on K2 in 2007. "God willing, we can make it," he said this week in the Pakistani capital, ahead of his journey to the Karakoram range in the far north of the country. Winter ascents of the world s 14 highest mountains are some of most prized achievements left in climbing. The "eight-thousanders," as they re known since they all top 8,000 metres (5 miles), were all conquered in summertime long ago. Amid a crowded field where each year hundreds pay around $80,000 to be guided up Everest, winter ascents can help a climber stand out and get his or her name in the history books. Winter climbers have been summitting the 14 one by one the past decades starting with Everest but peaks of the Karakorum remained unconquered. The range is further north than the Himalayas, where Everest is located, and thus sees harsher winters. K2 is the northernmost peak of the lot. Teams attempted winter ascents in the Karakorum 16 times in recent years. The first success came this year, when a three-member team including American Cory Richards summitted Gasherbrum II. That left only four peaks, three of them in the Karakorum and one nearby in the Himalayas. "If they make it up K2 in winter, it will be huge," said Billi Bierling, a mountaineering journalist with three "eight thousanders" to her name, including Everest. Elite mountaineers thrive on first ascents, new routes on established peaks and climbing in the "purest style" possible. That typically means no porter assistance high up on the slopes, no oxygen bottles or no reliance on fixed ropes left by other parties.

Man United to face Ajax in Europa League

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The often-maligned Europa League received a boost Friday when Manchester United and Ajax were paired to face each in the other in the Round of 32. Ajax will host Man United on Feb. 16 in a clash of clubs who have been European champion a combined seven times. "It s two teams that should have been in the Champions League still," Ajax commercial director Henri van der Aat told The Associated Press. "They (United) will be very motivated. You have to show the world that even if you are in the Europa League, that you can win it." Also, defending champion FC Porto will play Premier League leader Manchester City as the first two matches in the draw featured teams who joined UEFA s second-tier competition after exiting the Champions League. In other matches, 2010 Europa League champion Atletico Madrid will face Lazio, while Europe s two highest-ranked leagues were brought together in a Stoke-Valencia pairing. Also, it was: Udinese vs. PAOK Thessaloniki; Locomotiv Moscow vs. Athletic Bilbao; Viktoria Plzen vs. Schalke; Salzburg vs. Metalist Kharkiv; Rubin Kazan vs. Olympiakos; AZ Alkmaar vs. Anderlecht; Steaua Bucharest vs. FC Twente; Wisla Krakow vs. Standard Liege; Braga vs. Besiktas; Trabzonspor vs. PSV Eindhoven; Hannover vs. Club Brugge; and Legia Warsaw vs. Sporting Lisbon. All but one of the first legs will be played Feb. 16, with the return matches scheduled for Feb. 23 with the exception of the Man City-Porto match on Feb. 22. Man City was seeded in Friday s draw but got no luck after placing third in the strongest Champions League group, finishing behind Bayern Munich and Napoli. "Porto is probably the toughest game we could have," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "Manchester City against Porto feels like a Champions League game. We know this game will be difficult, but also it will be difficult for them." UEFA also drew the pairings for the last 16, which will be played on March 8 and 15.

Pakistan mourn legendary Nur Khan

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Former greats mourned Pakistan s legendary sports administrator Nur Khan on Friday, saying his contributions fuelled the country s success in cricket, field hockey and squash. The 88-year-old Khan, who was also a former Air Marshal in the air force, died in Islamabad overnight. He served as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, and chairman of the cricket board and of the Pakistan Squash Federation. He was credited for bringing the cricket world cup to the sub-continent in 1987 after the first three editions (1975, 1979 and 1983) were held in England. Khan also introduced the idea of a World Cup and the elite six-nation Champions Trophy in field hockey. "His contribution in bringing the cricket world cup to India and Pakistan was one of his minor contributions," said Arif Abbasi, former chief executive of Pakistan Cricket Board. "His real contributions were in squash and field hockey where he not only built the infrastructure, produced players but introduced main events." Khan also backed a young Jahangir Khan, a world record holder of 10 British open titles who also won six world open titles in squash. "Under him we had a golden period in cricket, squash and hockey and from Imran Khan to Zaheer Abbas and from me to Jansher Khan he helped develop a lot of players," Jahangir said. "He was the right man between the players and the administration and that s why we achieved a lot of success in sports," he added. Legendary paceman Wasim Akram described Khan as a legend off the field. "We can t find an administrator like him now," said Wasim. "What he did for sports in Pakistan will always be remembered." "Field hockey is what it is because of him... and because of his contribution Pakistan held Olympic, World and Champions Trophy titles simultaneously," said former 1984 Olympian Hanif Khan.

De Villiers puts South Africa on top

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A thrilling innings of 99 by AB de Villiers put South Africa in a strong position on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Friday. On a day when batsmen continued to struggle on a difficult pitch, De Villiers played some sparkling strokes as South Africa reached 389 for nine at the close, a first innings lead of 209. De Villiers needed only 135 balls to make his runs before playing one stroke too many to be caught by a diving substitute, Dimuth Karunaratne, off Thisara Perera. Earlier, Perera struck two important blows for the tourists in the morning, having Hashim Amla (18) and Jacques Rudolph (44) caught in the slips.  But he was struck for three fours in an over by Kallis soon afterwards. Kallis looked South Africa s most accomplished batsman before his injury. Rudolph, batting with a splint on his left little finger after suffering a dislocation while fielding on Thursday, battled for 229 minutes and 140 balls for his 44. The Sri Lankans wilted towards the close, notably in an unbeaten last wicket stand of 39 between Mark Boucher (49 not out) and Imran Tahir (24 not out). Perera finished with three for 114, while Welegedera took two for 87.

Interpol offers help to battle corruption

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Interpol said Friday it was looking at a possible tie-up with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian board to help fight the growing menace of match-fixing and illegal betting. The proposal was made by Interpol secretary general Ronald Noble during a two-day meeting in New Delhi with officials of India s Central Bureau of Investigation and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Speaking to reporters, Noble said Interpol already had an agreement with football s world governing body, FIFA, to promote integrity in the sport. "We d be happy if we can implement a similar agreement with the BCCI and the ICC," Noble said. In May this year, FIFA agreed to provide $20 million to Interpol over a 10-year period in an effort to tackle match-fixing and keep an eye on illegal betting syndicates spread all over the world. Noble said Interpol could keep a check on cricket s "bad boys" from its research and development facility in Singapore where the FIFA anti-corruption unit is also based. "Young players are easy targets for illegal gambling syndicates," said Noble, who has been heading the world s top organisation for police co-operation for 11 years. "We can teach players all the ways by which they can be tripped into a betting ring. Basically, we want to prevent organised crime from getting into cricket." Noble said he expected his proposal to get a final seal of approval when the ICC meets in Dubai on January 31. "The ICC does a great job in fighting corruption through their anti-corruption unit. We want to draw on that experience," Noble added. Cricket has most recently been rocked by a spot-fixing scandal that saw three Pakistan cricketers jailed in November, along with their agent.

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Cricket - Sports

Saturday, December 17, 2011

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