Iran parliament urges ballistic missile improvements
AFP, Tehran
Iran’s outgoing parliament approved a motion Sunday to increase the capabilities of the country’s ballistic missiles, a military programme that has been ruled dangerous by the United Nations. Tehran considers the missile programme an essential deterrent, citing the unprovoked attacks on its cities by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the nations’ 1980-1988 war.
However, the United States and other Western countries has said the Islamic republic’s missiles threaten the Middle East, particularly Israel. Tehran’s clerical rulers do not recognise the Jewish state.
4 killed in West Bengal bomb blast
AFP, Kolkata
Four people were killed when the crude bombs they were making exploded in India’s West Bengal, where bitterly fought state elections are underway, a senior police official said Monday.
Another six people were injured in the explosion on Sunday night in a village about 360 kilometres north of Kolkata, close to the eastern state’s border with Bangladesh.
Germany’s far-right adopt anti-Islam manifesto
AFP, Stuttgart
Germany’s right-wing populist AfD Sunday adopted an anti-Islam policy in a manifesto that also demands curbs to immigration, as a poll showed it is now the country’s third strongest party.
Formed only three years ago on a eurosceptic platform, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained strength as the loudest protest voice against Chancellor Angela Merkel’s welcome to refugees that brought in over one million asylum seekers last year.
Yemen govt suspends talks with rebels
AFP, Kuwait City
Yemen’s government suspended on Sunday its participation in “direct” talks with rebels in protest at their takeover of a military base in the war-torn country despite a ceasefire, officials said.
But government representatives will remain in Kuwait where they will continue to take part in indirect talks through UN mediator Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, delegates said.
