http://www.kabulpressistan.com Your One Stop Media Solution http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=34#news The interior ministry in a statement blames the killing of some of the protesters in today's anti-US riots on the guards of the foreign military bases. Below are a near word-by-word translation of some parts of the official interior ministry statement: "The interior ministry will investigate the killing of some of our countrymen who died by scattered firing of the guards of the foreign military bases and dispatched delegations to several province to seriously probe the killing of our countrymen... the demonstration that erupted in district police 9 (near camp Pheonex) ended at around noon and as a result of shots fired at the crowed by the foreign guards of the Camp Pheonex one of our countrymen was killed and 10 others were injured." - end http://www.kabulpressistan.com/broadcast.php 13 hours ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=33#news Deputy US Defense Secretary during a meeting with President Hamid Karzai apologized over the burning of Koran by US soldiers in Bagram. Below is a cut-and-paste of a palace statement on the meeting today in Karzai's office. Gen John Allen was present there too: US Deputy Defense Secretary Apologizes over Holy Quran Burning In Bagram Military Base February 22, 2012 American Deputy Defense Secretary, Dr. Ashton B. Carter called on President Karzai on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues of bilateral importance. At the meeting held in the Presidential Palace, top NATO commander Gen. Allen, who was accompanying the deputy Secretary, briefed the President on the incident in which copies of the Holy Quran were burnt at Bagram military base, once again expressing his sincere apologies. The US Deputy Defense Secretary expressed his regrets over the incident and apologized on behalf of Secretary Panetta to President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai asked NATO commander to fully cooperate with the delegation assigned to investigate the incident in the military base. Other subjects discussed in the meeting included talks on security situation, training and the equipping of Afghan security forces, the coming up Chicago conference as well as the issue of the handover of Bagram Prison control to Afghanistan. Stressing on the transfer of the prison authority to Afghan government, President Karzai said “the sooner you do the transfer of the Prison, the lesser you will have problems and unfortunate incidents.” 16 hours ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=32#news Deputy US Defense Secretary during a meeting with President Hamid Karzai apologized over the burning of Koran by US soldiers in Bagram. Below is a cut-and-paste of a palace statement on the meeting today in Karzai's office. Gen John Allen was present there too: US Deputy Defense Secretary Apologizes over Holy Quran Burning In Bagram Military Base February 22, 2012 American Deputy Defense Secretary, Dr. Ashton B. Carter called on President Karzai on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues of bilateral importance. At the meeting held in the Presidential Palace, top NATO commander Gen. Allen, who was accompanying the deputy Secretary, briefed the President on the incident in which copies of the Holy Quran were burnt at Bagram military base, once again expressing his sincere apologies. The US Deputy Defense Secretary expressed his regrets over the incident and apologized on behalf of Secretary Panetta to President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan. President Karzai asked NATO commander to fully cooperate with the delegation assigned to investigate the incident in the military base. Other subjects discussed in the meeting included talks on security situation, training and the equipping of Afghan security forces, the coming up Chicago conference as well as the issue of the handover of Bagram Prison control to Afghanistan. Stressing on the transfer of the prison authority to Afghan government, President Karzai said “the sooner you do the transfer of the Prison, the lesser you will have problems and unfortunate incidents.” 16 hours ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=30#news President Hamid Karzai issued a statement to call on the Taliban "leadership" to hold "direct talks" with his administration and called on Pakistan to help with the process. Below is a near word-by-word translation of his statement: Pursuant to his successful visit to Pakistan (last week) HE President Karzai issues the following statement: While peace remain the core desire of the people of Afghanistan the government of Afghanistan will continue to efforts for peace as a top priority. The process of peace that have started with our initiative is based on the general consensus including all vox of Afghan community that was clearly reflected in the Peace Jirga and transitional Loya Jirga this year. While the ownership of the peace process is with Afghans and is being led by the government of Afghanistan the success of the process requires sincere support of the international community. In this regard we have declared our support to the prevision of the opening a Taliban liaison office in Qatar. At the meantime for achieving peace process, I (Karzai) invite the leadership of the Taliban to negotiate directly with the government of Afghanistan. For achieving the goal, I (karzai) on behalf of the people and government of Afghanistan express my appreciation to the people and government of Pakistan for their support to the peace process and reconciliation in Afghanistan and while emphasizing on the importance of the Pakistan to this process demand the brotherly nation of Pakistan to support and facilitate direct talks (with the Taliban). The support of Pakistan for the success of the process is vital and can play an important role in providing peace and stability in Afghanistan the region. I (Karzai) once again emphasis that the peace process -- that in fact means the return of all Afghans including the Taliban that are left out of the political system to peaceful life in their country -- is the most reliable way for peace and stability in Afghanistan. 2 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=29#news Angry demonstration erupted outside Bagram Air Base and one of Kabul districts after news leaked out, likely by Afghans working at the Bagram Air Base that US troops had burned copies of Koran. The commander of the NATO forces, American General John Allen apologized and promised to investigate the incident. Bellow is a cut-and-past of Allen's statement: Commander ISAF Makes Statement Kabul, Afghanistan (Feb. 21, 2012) -- General John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, today issued the following statement: To the noble people of Afghanistan - I have ordered an investigation into a report I received during the night that ISAF personnel at Bagram Airbase improperly disposed of a large number of Islamic religious materials which included Korans. When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them. The materials recovered will be properly handled by appropriate religious authorities. 2 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=28#news A heavily bomb-laden car bombing rammed the gates of the Kandahar city district 4th police station and killed at least one officer. Four other people, a cop and three civilians were injured. The civilians were injured at their home near the police station, local authorities said. The bombing was blamed on the remnants of the Taliban who are waging an insurgency to bring down the President Hamid Karzai's US-backed administration. For quicker access to breaking news and other major security incident subscribe to Kabul Pressistan's Breaking-News and Security SMS Alerting. For details visit: http://www.kabulpressistan.com/sms.php 3 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=27#news Afghanistan health authorities say that more than 40 children have lost their lives in what's said to be Afghanistan's coldest winter in 15 years. About two dozen of the deaths are reported in unprotected refugee camps in Kabul. The other deaths occurred in central and northern provinces where the winter has been even more harsh. Save the children, a Western children charity group warned on Sunday that more kids were likely to die as tempreature For details, contact Kargar Noorughli, the public health ministry spokesman 3 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=26#news Taliban say the US should learn lesson from the Russian invasion. Below is a Taliban statement posted on an pro-Taliban Islamist website: Exactly 23 years from today, the occupying soldiers of the former Soviet Union wept as they withdrew from Afghanistan. The occupying troops of the Soviet Union of yesterday, just like the barbaric soldiers of America and other crusaders of today invaded our beloved homeland and for exactly ten years, they barbarically spilled the blood of its heroic Afghan people in order to subdue them. But in the end and after the Jihad, struggle and countless sacrifices of this gallant nation, it faced such a humiliating defeat that the whole red empire collapsed and the atheist communist ideology became a laughing stock of the entire world. Historically, the Afghans can declare this commemorative day as a day of salvation of the entire humanity from the evil of communism because as a consequence of their Islamic Jihad against the Soviet, not only did Afghanistan gain its independence but it also served as the driving force behind rescuing all the subdued central Asian nations from the evil of communism and from the clutches of the rule of the soviet empire. Today, on the anniversary of this commemorative day, the invading forces of America and her allies in Afghanistan, with the help of Almighty Allah are facing the exact same fate as the former intrusive Russians did due to the blessed legitimate Jihad of the Afghan people. The occupying Russians, after testing its strength against the gallant Afghans for a decade learnt that staying in the home of the Afghan Mujahid nation means nothing more than self destruction and with this realization, it fashioned a way for its departure under the cover of Geneva Accords and unconditionally withdrew all its forces. But the Americans still want to keep testing the proven Afghans and are attempting, through various unjustifiable reasons and under disastrous conditions, to stay in Afghanistan. On the occasion of this historical day of the retreat of the occupying Soviet forces, the arrogant Americans must take lessons from the previous humiliating invasions of the British and Soviets, seize their hands from this vain confrontation with the heroic Afghans and immediately withdraw all of its forces from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to congratulate its Mujahid nation and the entire Muslim Ummah collectively on the occasion of this celebratory day. We ask Allah to grant us the same victory against today’s occupying crusader Americans as it did against yesterday’s atheist Communists. Wasalam 7 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=25#news President Karzai's office said in a statement that Pakistan supports an Afghan-led peace process in Afghanistan. Below is a word by word translation of the palace statement: Afghan president Hamid Karzai met with Pakistan Prime Minister Yosuf Raza Gilani on the first day of his official visit to Pakistan. In this meeting, both the parties discussed on consolidation and extension of Afghan and Pakistan relations in jointly fight against terrorism. The meeting opened talks on bilateral economic and trade cooperation too. Pakistan Prime Minister welcomed president Karzai saying "stability in Afghanistan means stability in Pakistan and we respect your leadership". Gilani called the assassination of Afghan High Peace Council chief professor Burhanudin Rabani as the act of those who do not want the peace to be maintained in Afghanistan and promised to investigate the assassination case of professor Rabbani. Raza Gilani also asked Afghan government's cooperation on TAPI project expressing his government's readiness in solving the problems of transit between both the countries. Mr. Gilani expressed Pakistan's support on an Afghan-led peace process and called for resumption of activities of joint peace commission between Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Karzai called this visit of him to Pakistan as one of the important visits during past 10 years and thanked Pakistan government's efforts for investigation on professor Rabbani's assassination and arrest of two suspects in this regard, he expressed his hope to Pakistan government for arresting other culprits in assassination of professor Rabbani. President Karzai asked Pakistan's cooperation in peace talks with Afghan government's armed opponents saying the Afghan government has certain terms and condition in peace talks with armed opponents and that is they should accept the Afghan Constitution and respect the women rights in Afghanistan. President Karzai also assured Pakistan government of any cooperation in transit issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he asked Pakistan Prime Minister to let go the Afghan trucks containing school books stopped in Karachi city from a while. President Karzai called terrorism as common enemy of both the countries, he added: "Both, Afghanistan and Pakistan face threats of terrorism from both sides of Durand Line, therefore Afghanistan and Pakistan governments should continue deep bilateral relations and honest cooperation". 7 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=24#news President Karzai on Thursday flew to Pakistan for talks with Pakistani leaders and to attend a trilateral meet with Iran, Pakistan and his country. Below is a cut-and-past of a palace statement on his trip. President Karzai Leaves on Three-day Official Visit to Pakistan February 16, 2012 President Hamid Karzai, leading a high-level delegation, left this morning on a three-day official visit to Islamabad to attend the trilateral summit between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The President is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani to talk about a range of issues of mutual concern including enhanced political, economic as well as anti-terror cooperation between the two countries. President Karzai is also expected to meet with Nawaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam- Fazl-ur- Rehman faction, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, head of the Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao (PPP) and Maulana Sami ul Haq, Chief Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-S faction). The President is accompanied on this trip by Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rasoul, National Security Advisor Dr. Spanta, Chief of Staff to the President Abdul Karim Khurram and Presidential Spokesman Aimal Faizi. -- News Unit, Office of the Spokesperson to the President of Afghanistan, Presidential Palace (Arg), Kabul 7 days ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=23#news Taliban have posted the transcript of its spokesman interview with CNN on one of group's websites. Here's a cut-and-past. Alemarah website presents to its viewers the interview of Zabihullah Mujahid done with CNN news network on the 14/02/2012 where a range of questions regarding the current ongoing situation and political issues are answered. Q. Is it possible for the Taliban to renounce international terrorism in one of its written statements as per the American demand? A. All praise is due to Allah and may his peace and blessings be upon his chosen servant. To proceed, I must first and foremost say that we do not work according to the guidelines of America or any other country but all of our decisions are based on Islamic principles while giving consideration to our national interests however based on mutual respect, we do believe in reaching an understanding with all the countries of the world. Now, regarding the issue of terrorism: If America and its allies consider the current Jihad and struggle in Afghanistan against the eradication of the occupation and its continuation until all foreign troops leave and an Islamic government is established as terrorism, then we cannot shun this as it would be an un-Islamic act because we consider this Jihad and struggle as our Islamic obligation, the shunning of which is not possible in any circumstance. However, as we continue with this obligation (Jihad and struggle) we are religiously held responsible in preventing civilian casualties. Q. Do you have delegates based in Qatar at the moment who are engaged in talks with America? If you don’t, do you have plans to send delegations in the near future? A. A representative of Islamic Emirate has held meetings with American delegates in Qatar regarding confidence building measures. As for when we will send or not send delegations to Qatar, then it all depends on when we reach the negotiation stage. Up until now, this has not officially occurred and naturally, as we reach the negotiation stage, a delegation or a team of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will be chosen and sent to Qatar. Q. Have you yet been asked to meet with the Karzai administration in Saudi Arabia? If not, will you accept to meet with them in Saudi Arabia if requested? A. Before I answer your question I firstly must say that in order to reach an understanding with America, Qatar was chosen as an intermediary nation by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. This was our own choice and not on due part to the behest or pressure of another nation, a selection which America also accepted. In regards to Saudi Arabia, no one has put forward such a request to us and even if such a thing was requested, our answer will be that the government of Karzai is not independent and meeting with it will not benefit in any way in solving the problem. Q. Do you believe that the active lower level Taliban will accept you accord if you were to reach a positive outcome with America in Qatar? A. In our system, no consideration is given to the issue of high rank or low rank but rather the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan works as a cohesive administration. All of its offices, its officials and members work for a mutual goal under the leadership of the Commander of the Faithful. The current talks or future negotiations all take place with the permission and guidance of the Amir and all agreements which all done with the consent of the Amir in the light of Islamic principles and national interests are happily accepted by all and they who work earnestly to implement them. Q. Do you think talking with the Karzai administration will be beneficial or do you want to directly talk with the Americans? A. I must say that Karzai, Kabul administration, Afghans and the Americans or Washington is not concerned here as some people say, as a form of protest, that the Taliban only want to talk with the Americans instead of their own Afghans. In reality, the concern is of one exercising power and one with no power. It is well known to the Afghan people as well as the world that the real power holder fighting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan is America. It has used Karzai and his administration as an instrument to maintain its grip and continue its occupation. Q. If those Taliban that are being held in Guantanamo are not released, will your negotiations with the Americans still continue? A. Negotiations have not yet began with the Americans so talking about it continuing does not mean much. Now the question is, when will negotiations begin? I must say that before any negotiations can take place, confidence building measures must first succeed so an atmosphere can be created for negotiations and this confidence building measure rests entirely with the Americans and they must take steps for it which are; exchange of Guantanamo prisoners, the opening of a political office and the termination of the black list of the United Nations as well as the bounty lists of America and her allies. 1 week ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=22#news President Karzai, according to palace sources will travel to neighboring Pakistan on Thursday to attend a trilateral meeting with Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Karzai's visit comes after a visit by Pakistani foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar last month to Kabul which Afghan officials said was aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations after Karzai's administration boycotted several bilateral and trilateral meetings with Pakistan over the killing of Rabbani last year which then Afghan officials said was masterminded in Pakistan.... to follow up on this story or for contribution on this topic get in touch with your contact person at Kabul Pressistan, best by email info@kabulpressistan.com 1 week ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=21#news A source close of the presidential palace discloses that president Karzai has reshuffled his cabinet. The new appointments include, Jilani Popal, an Afghan Milat (a Nationalist Pashtun party) leader as transport minister, Obaidullah Obaid, Kabul envoy to Tehran as public health minister (to replace Suraya Dalil), Obaidullah Ramin, an MP as higher education minister and few others. The names of the new appointees have been sent to the parliament for its approval. Karzai's cabinet has been controversial with a good number of the ministers working as acting minister after failing to get parliament's trust vote two years ago. Karzai has been since then under pressure by parliament and civil society to appoint new ministers. To follow up on this story or for contribution on this topic get in touch with your contact person at Kabul Pressistan, best by email info@kabulpressistan.com 1 week ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=20#news testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing thesting testing testing testing testing testing 1 week ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=19#news A male lion named Sanga broke out of his cage in an Indonesian zoo, making his way through hundreds of zoo visitors to camels' enclave. Once there, the lion resorts to his predator nature and tore a part a camel for some fresh blood. He also injured a second camel before he was caught back by zoo keepers.... this is a testing message testing the function of this website... admin 3 weeks ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=18#news A male lion named Sanga broke out of his cage in an Indonesian zoo, making his way through hundreds of zoo visitors to camels' enclave. Once there, the lion resorts to his predator nature and tore a part a camel for some fresh blood. He also injured a second camel before he was caught back by zoo keepers.... this is a testing message testing the function of this website... admin 3 weeks ago http://www.kabulpressistan.com/kp/newstips.php?id=17#news testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing testing 3 weeks ago