Page 2641 - Politics
Koreas agree to withdraw border guard posts
North and South Korea on Thursday agreed to withdraw 11 border guard posts from either side and verify their removal by next month.The two sides also agreed to establish a joint military committee aimed at reducing border tensions at the earliest date.During the general-grade military talks at Panmunjom border village, situated in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the two Koreas also decided to form a joint team comprising 10 government, military and civilian staffers from each side for conducting research on the Han River estuary for ensuring safe navigation of the civilian vessels, which has been restricted due to border tensions, Yonhap News Agency reported.From South Korea, Major General Kim Do-gyun led a delegation, while Lieutenant General An Ik-san represented the North Korean side."The South and North agreed to make active efforts to implement the military agreement to enforce the historic Panmunjom declaration, and to this end, agreed to have close consultations through military .
No greed to become CM again but 'let's see' in next polls: Siddaramaiah
"Let's see if there are blessings of the people in the next elections," was senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah's refrain Friday when asked if he wants to become Karnataka chief minister again even though he asserted he has no such "greed". The head of the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee also accused state BJP chief and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa of being "greedy" to become chief minister once again, as he was growing old. "... Am I going on claiming that I will become chief minister (like Yeddyurappa)... have I said that? That question does not arise at all at this stage... Let's see if there are blessings of the people in the next election," he said in response to a question about his aspiration to become chief minister again. Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, he said, "... If people bless in the next assembly election, let's see it then..." Noting that he contested the recent assembly polls on the insistence of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the ...
Amnesty dubs ED 'raid' assault on civil society
Amnesty International India on Friday dubbed the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) 'raid' on its head office here on Thursday an assault on civil society in the country and said New Delhi was treating rights bodies like "criminal enterprises".
MP CM's 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' ends, covers just 187 of 230
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Thursday ended his 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' midway in Jabalpur after covering just 187 of the 230 Assembly seats in the poll-bound state. Chouhan had embarked on the yatra on July 14 from Ujjain on a bus modified as a chariot to seek blessings of the people and set the tone for a poll campaign to bring the BJP back to power for a fourth consecutive time. At the time of its flagging off, the BJP had said that the yatra would cover all 230 Assembly constituencies with speeches scheduled in 475 places en route. MP will go to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. While the opposition Congress Friday ridiculed the development in a tweet put out by state unit chief Kamal Nath, the BJP sought to downplay the development by stating that no culmination date was decided for the yatra. BJP vice president Prabhat Jha told PTI that no date for the yatra's culmination had been decided, adding that ...
Guj Cong workers, MLAs detained for protest outside CBI office
Over 40 Congress workers and leaders from Gujarat, including eight MLAs and former state unit chief, were Friday detained for protesting outside the CBI office in Gandhinagar, police said. Before their detention, Congressmen took out a one km-long march - from a church to the CBI office located in sector 10 of the state capital- to protest against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers. "We detained 47 Congress workers and leaders, including (party's former state unit chief) Bharatsinh Solanki and eight MLAs. They were released after some time," Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police, Mayur Chavda, said. The legislators, who took part in the protest and were taken into custody by the police included Shailesh Parmar, C J Chavda, Himmatsinh Patel and Imran Khedawala, among others. During their protest march, Congress workers raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "interfering in the affairs of the CBI", Parthivraj Kathvadia, ...
Israeli defence minister picks country's new military chief
Israel's defence minister has selected Maj Gen Aviv Kochavi as the nominee for the country's next chief of staff. His nomination requires approval from an appointments committee and by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet. If approved, Kochavi will start on January 1. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's office said in a statement on Friday that Kochavi was "the most appropriate, distinguished and experienced" to serve as the next head of the Israeli military. Current army chief Lt Gen Gadi Eisenkot will step down from his post on December 31, after a nearly four-year stint as Israel's top officer. Usually, Israel's army chiefs serve up to four years. The 54-year-old Kochavi previously served as commander of military intelligence, chief of northern command and most recently as Eisenkot's deputy chief of staff.
TRS leader Narsa Reddy suspended for 'anti-party' activities
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Friday suspended its leader Narsa Reddy for alleged anti-party activities, TRS sources said. Media reports claimed that Reddy, a former MLA from Gajwel near Medak, was in touch with the Congress. Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in Telangana on December 7. Congress has allied with the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) for the assembly polls.
Mizoram NGOs urge not to field Chakma candidates in polls
Mizoram's NGO Coordination Committee on Friday urged political parties in the state not to field any candidates from the Chakma tribe in the November 28 Assembly polls, terming them as "Bangladeshi foreigners".
Congress, TDP, CPI workers stage demo over CBI rift
The Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and CPI Friday held a demonstration infront of the CBI office here against the move to divest the central agency's Director Alok Verma of his power and send him on leave. AICC incharge for Telangana RC Khuntia, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, TDP Telangana unit president L Ramana and CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy led the protest. Congress, TDP and CPI are part of a "grand alliance" for the December 7 Legislative Assembly elections in Telangana. Speaking to reporters here, Khuntia claimed that the NDA government removed CBI Chief to 'suppress' the Rafale issue. "With the process that is happening to suppress Rafale inquiry..., the confidence in government has gone," he said. The NDA has no right to continue in power even for a day, he claimed. Alleging that Constitutional institutions have become 'weak' both at the Centre and in Telangana under BJP and TRS respectively, Ramana ...
Rahul leads march to CBI hqs, courts arrest
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after leading hundreds of his party's workers in a march to the CBI headquarters against CBI Director Alok Verma being divested of his powers and to demand an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Every institution in India being ruined by the prime minister," Gandhi said as the Congress took to the streets and marched from Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road to the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters about a kilometre away. The Congress president courted arrest along with senior leaders such as Ashok Gehlot and Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The Congress will not allow the "chowkidaar" (watchman) to do "chori" (theft), Gandhi said, reiterating his charges of corruption against the prime minister and saying he had "deposited Rs 30,000 crore in Anil Ambani's pocket". "He has stolen money from the Indian Air Force and the youth, and the entire country understands this. The prime minister can run but he cannot hide from the ...
EU commissioner denounces 'fascist' Italian MEP after shoe scene
European Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici on Friday stepped up his criticism of an Italian politician who symbolically "trampled" the commissioner's notes rejecting Italy's budget. "He's a moron, an agitator, a fascist," Moscovici said of EU parliament lawmaker Angelo Ciocca on CNews television on Friday. On Tuesday Ciocca, a member of Italy's far-right League party, was in the audience as Moscovici gave a press conference in Strasbourg, France, after the EU rejected Italy's 2019 budget proposal, the first time it had opposed a member's spending plans. After Moscovici's presentation, Ciocca approached the podium and seized the commissioner's papers, then removed his shoe and theatrically crushed them on the table before Moscovici grabbed them back. Ciocca later posted a video of the stunt on Twitter, calling for "respect" for Italy and assailing "Euro imbeciles". Moscovici, who had already assailed the "grotesque" incident on Twitter on Wednesday, warned that such actions were .
No compliant received against Punjab minister over text to woman official: Cong
The Punjab Congress said Friday it has not received any complaint against the member of the Amarinder Singh Cabinet who allegedly sent an "inappropriate text" to a woman government official, amid growing demands for the sacking of the minister. "No complaint has been received by the party (against the minister)," said Asha Kumari, in charge of party affairs in Punjab, on the sidelines of a Congress protest outside the CBI office here. The protest was organised as part of the Congress's nationwide protest against the Centre's decision to send CBI Director Alok Verma on leave. Kumari said the Punjab chief minister has already expressed his view on the matter. However, she added, "sending a message does not become a case of MeToo". "Sexual harassment is different from messaging," she said. Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party have been demanding that the minister, who is believed to have sent at least one text to the official, be sacked. In a recent statement, Amarinder ...
YSR Congress moves court over attack on Jagan Reddy
A day after YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was attacked at Visakhapatnam airport, his YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has moved the Hyderabad High Court, seeking a central agency enquiry into the attack.Senior party leader Subba Reddy filed a writ petition in the court and alleged the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of being behind the assault."YSR Congress party suspects a conspiracy by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government and police machinery. Hence, is pleading before the High Court for an unfair investigation to find out the truth", the party tweeted.Reddy, who is the leader of opposition in the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly, was attacked with a knife by an airport canteen worker.The assailant, who was later identified as Srinivas, came close to the YSR Congress chief on the pretext of taking a selfie and then attacked him.Reddy was provided with first aid at the airport lounge after receiving a minor cut on his left arm. He was later taken to Omega Hospital in Hyderabad."YSRCP Chief YS ...
Myanmar journalists facing incitement charges get bail
Three Myanmar journalists accused of incitement were granted bail on Friday but must continue to fight the case involving a close confidant of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The three were arrested about six weeks after two Reuters reporters were each sentenced to seven years in prison in September, a high-profile case that provoked outrage around the world. In this case the article, published earlier this month by Eleven Media, criticised the financial management of Yangon's government run by Phyo Min Thein, the chief minister for the city and a staunch Suu Kyi ally. Executive editors Kyaw Zaw Lin and Nayi Min and chief reporter Phyo Wai Win -- who have spent the last two weeks in Myanmar's notorious Insein prison -- stand by the report, which raised questions about funding for the city's bus network. "My report was fair and right. I just pointed out that the (Yangon government's budgeting) process was wrong, but they thought that I abused them," Phyo Wai Win told AFP at the ...
NATO, Russia envoys to meet next week amid missile tensions
NATO says its ambassadors will meet with Russia's envoy next week amid rising tensions over the future of a landmark missile agreement and as the alliance conducts large-scale military exercises near Russia's western border. NATO headquarters said Friday that they would meet in a NATO-Russia Council their main forum for dialogue at the military alliance's Brussels headquarters on October 31. NATO suspended practical cooperation with Russia in 2014 after it annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula but has kept channels open for such meetings and for military-to-military cooperation. The NRC has met eight times in the last two years but agreeing its agenda has proven a challenge. No agenda was announced for Wednesday's meeting.
Rahul courts arrest, says PM can run but not hide from the truth
Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth. Reiterating his allegations against the prime minister on the Rafale fighter jet deal, Gandhi again called him "chowkidar" and said he had "deposited Rs 30,000 crore in Anil Ambani's pocket". "He has stolen money from the Indian Air Force and the youth, and the entire country understands this. The prime minister can run but he cannot hide from the truth," Gandhi told reporters after courting arrest at the Lodhi Colony police station. There were no immediate reactions from the Prime Minister's Office on Gandhi's allegations. While Ambani has been consistently denying the allegations, the BJP has accused Gandhi of manufacturing lies everyday on the Rafale deal. "The truth will come out," Gandhi said, adding .
India seeing turbulent times due to Modi's 'whimsical and bizarre' decisions: Kharge
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has said that India is seeing "turbulent times", which can be traced directly to the "whimsical and bizarre" decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
South Sudan peace deal bumpy as rebel leader doesn't return
South Sudan's government is spending millions of dollars next week to celebrate a "final final" peace deal to end a five-year civil war. One problem: The rebel leader who agreed to share power is reluctant to come home. Riek Machar's hesitation amid security concerns is the latest sign that one of Africa's deadliest conflicts might be merely on pause. Worried observers can list several more: Key implementation deadlines have not been met. Cease-fire violations continue amid shocking abuses. And detainees who should have been freed remain behind bars. "There's been no indication that the peace deal's been working," said Denay J Chagor, chairman of South Sudan's United Movement opposition party, who helped negotiate the peace talks. He told The Associated Press it looks unlikely that Machar and President Salva Kiir, whose previous attempts at sharing power have erupted in gunfire, will ever work together again despite their recent handshakes. Under the peace deal, Machar is meant to ...
Punjab, Haryana Congressmen protest near CBI office in Chandigarh
Congress ministers and party members protested near the CBI office here against the Centre's move to divest agency director Alok Verma of his powers and send him on leave and they demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Police had barricaded roads leading to the CBI office in Sector 30 here and after the protestors tried to cross the barricades, the police used water canons to disperse them. The protestors had to move back from the barricades erected near the CBI office, the police said. Several ministers, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Vijay Inder Singla, and were among the agitating party members. Incharge of the Punjab Congress' affairs Asha Kumari, Punjab and Haryana Congress chiefs Sunil Kumar Jakhar and Ashok Tanwar led the protesters, the Congress said. The Congress leaders demanded an apology from the prime minister and alleged that the "illegal, unconstitutional and illegitimate" removal of the CBI director had shamed India and its premier ...
Karnataka Congress workers stage protest over CBI row
Congress workers Friday staged a protest in front of the CBI office here following the party's call for a nationwide agitation against the Centre's action to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers and send him on leave. However, MLAs and corporators did not take part in the protest in the city though the party high command had directed legislators to participate in the agitation. The only prominent face was party's national general secretary and Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal. Karnataka is ruled by the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Defending the absence of senior party functionaries, Congress spokesperson Subhash Agarwal told PTI the agitation was only symbolic and hence, the presence of MLAs and corporators did not matter much. "We only wanted to convey a message to the Centre, which we successfully did. The agitation started at about 11.30 am and went on for about one-and-half hours," he said. Meanwhile, former chief minister Siddaramaiah Friday hit out at Prime ...