These news clips are sponsored by the Indian American Center for Political Awareness.

--- South Asian News, September 16, 2002 ---(International)

Elections in Indian Kashmir begin with sporadic incidents of violence. The United States seeks custody of Ramzi Binalshibh, a key Al-Qaeda operative, who was arrested in Pakistan last week. Delegates from the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE begin peace talks in Thailand. Normal life in Nepal has been brought to a halt by a day's general strike called by the Maoist rebels to protest against general elections.

Africa


* Blast shakes Kashmir poll (News 24)

Americas


* U.S. grills key suspect in 9/11 plot (Globe and Mail)

Asia-Pacific


* 20,000 additional troops deployed in Kashmir (Xinhuanet) (Channel News Asia)
* Terrorists attack two polling stations in Kashmir (Xinhuanet) (Australian Broadcasting) (Japan Today)
* Eight rebels, three civilians killed in Kashmir (Australian Broadcasting)
* Pakistan considers future of terror suspect (Australian Broadcasting) (Channel News Asia)
* Sri Lankan peace talks start in Thai naval base (Xinhuanet) (Japan Today) (Channel News Asia)
* Tight security for national strike called by insurgents in Nepal (Xinhuanet) (Japan Today)
* At least 4 bombs explode in Kathmandu ahead of planned strike (Channel News Asia)

Europe


* Kashmir embarks on troubled election (BBC) (Swiss Info)
* Pakistan considers al-Qaeda extradition (BBC) (Swiss Info)
* Upbeatng for Sri Lanka talks (BBC) (Swiss Info)
* Nepal paralysed by Maoist strike (BBC) (Swiss Info)

Middle East


* Polling begins for first phase of Jammu and Kashmir polls (IRNA)
* APHC leaders stage sit-in in front of Indian HC in Islamabad (IRNA)
* US wants custody of Binalshibh (Arab News) (Haaretz Daily)
* Poll panel issues notices to eight political parties (Arab News)
* Guards killed as minister is ambushed (Gulf Daily News) (IRNA)
* Talks to set new agenda for peace (Gulf Daily News) (IRNA) (.Haaretz Daily)

Editorial


N/A

Business/Technology


* India and Asean mull long-term free trade agreement (The Manila Star)
* India, Canada to discuss air link (Arab News)

Africa


* Blast shakes Kashmir poll

Srinagar, India - Two men were wounded in Indian Kashmir on Monday when suspected militants set off a bomb near a polling station, adding to the violence that has gripped the state as voting for a new assembly got under way. Police said the men injured in the explosion in Kupwara district were civilians, but it was not clear whether they were voters. "One of them is in quite serious condition," said a policeman, who asked not to be identified. Voters in Jammu and Kashmir began choosing a new state assembly on Monday, and separatist Muslim rebels have threatened further violence to derail a poll India wants to flag as an endorsement of its rule. Just hours before voting started, a policeman was killed when suspected rebels fired on two polling stations in the southern part of the state.

http://www.news24.com/News24/World/Asia/0,1113,2-10-20_1258125,00.html

Americas


* U.S. grills key suspect in 9/11 plot

U.S. and Pakistani intelligence officials spent yesterday interrogating a man they believe was one of the key plotters of last year's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, and Islamabad was leaning toward extraditing him to face trial in the United States. The man being grilled is believed to be Ramzi Binalshibh, a key al-Qaeda financier. The U.S. says he would have been among the hijackers who attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had officials not refused his repeated requests for a visa before Sept. 11, 2001. The next step for the man believed to be Mr. Binalshibh probably will be extradition to the United States. That road was cleared yesterday when Germany, which wants Mr. Binalshibh in connection with a role he played in a Hamburg terror cell, dropped its own extradition request, deferring to Washington. U.S. officials made it clear they wanted Mr. Binalshibh tried on American soil.

http://www.globeandmail.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/PEstory/TGAM/20020916/UPAKKNSB/ Asia/internationalAsia/internationalAsia_temp/1/1/7/

Asia-Pacific


* 20,000 additional troops deployed in Kashmir

About 20,000 additional para-military troops have been deployed in two border districts of Rajuri and Poonch where polling for the first phase of assembly elections in India-controlled Kashmir area began Monday. These troops have been deployed in almost all villages of sevenassembly segments, looking after the security of polling booths including 300 sensitive ones, the PTI quoted the local official sources as saying. The district election officers of Rajouri and Poonch, in consultation with the senior police officers, were constantly reviewing the situation in their respective areas, they said.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2002-09/16/content_563008.htm
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/19039/1/.html

* Terrorists attack two polling stations in Kashmir

The suspected Islamic militants attacked two polling stations, killing a Punjab policeman as voting for the first phase of the assembly elections in India-controlled Kashmir area began Monday, the PTI reported. Security forces averted a major incident by defusing an Improvised Explosive Device in a polling station in Baramulla district shortly after the booth wasd. In the higher reaches of Surankote in Poonch, security forces killed five militants this morning and the gun battle was still continuing amid reports of the militants making desperate bids to disrupt the polling, according to the PTI.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2002-09/16/content_563047.htm
http://abc.net.au/asiapacific/news/GoAsiaPacificBNA_677613.htm
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=7&id=230504

* Eight rebels, three civilians killed in Kashmir

Authorities in Indian Kashmir say eight Islamic rebels, three civilians and a police officer have been killed in fighting, a day before the start of provincial elections. Three rebels, identified by officials as Pakistanis, were shot dead in an encounter in the Rajouri district, northwest of Kashmir's winter capital Jammu near the de facto border with Pakistan. Rajouri is one of five districts taking part on Monday in the first of four rounds of polls to elect Indian Kashmir's assembly.

http://abc.net.au/asiapacific/news/GoAsiaPacificBNA_676812.htm

* Pakistan considers future of terror suspect

United States authorities say they hope to gain the custody of a senior al Qaeda leader captured in Pakistan who is believed to have been involved in planning the September 11 attacks in the US. The U-S National Security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, says Washington wants custody of Ramzi Bin al-Shibh and will work with officials in Pakistan. The Yemeni national was captured by security forces in Karachi during a raid on an apartment in which a heavy gunfight developed, at least two people were killed and several were arrested.

http://abc.net.au/asiapacific/news/GoAsiaPacificBNA_677019.htm
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/19069/1/.html

* Sri Lankan peace talks start in Thai naval base

Chon Buri, Thailand -- Negotiators from Sri Lanka's government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),a rebellious group of that country, kicked off their historic peace talks Monday in Thai naval base of Sattahip. Sri Lanka's constitutional affairs minister G.L. Peiris and LTTE top negotiator Anton Balsingham each led a four-member team in the talks, which began in the Sattahip base of Chon Buri Province, 250 km southeast of Bangkok. The two sides held a joint press conference in a resort hotel near the naval base before the talks. The talks, which will last till Sept. 18 at a secret venue inside the naval base, are only attended by the negotiators and their Norwegian brokers.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2002-09/16/content_562943.htm
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=7&id=230487
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/19067/1/.html

* Tight security for national strike called by insurgents in Nepal

Security has been beefed up Monday in Nepal and the security forces were on high alert in viewof the national strike called by the anti-government insurgents, The Himalayan Times newspaper reported. "Considering the possibilities of violence, we have mobilized the maximum number of security personnel to prevent any attacks inthe capital and make the strike a failure," the independent English daily quoted State Minister for Home Devendra Raj Kandel as saying.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2002-09/16/content_562946.htm
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=7

* At least 4 bombs explode in Kathmandu ahead of planned strike

At least four bombs have went off in the Nepal capital Kathmandu, ahead of a planned nationwide strike by Maoist rebels. A telecommunications tower, a radio station and the house of a junior minister were bombed. Nobody was hurt in the attacks, said to be the handiwork of the Maoist rebels. They have called for a nationwide strike on Monday against a planned November 13th mid-term election.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/19065/1/.html

Europe


* Kashmir embarks on troubled election

There have been sporadic incidents of violence in Indian-administered Kashmir as polling stationsd for the first of four days of voting. Officials said at least five separatist militants were killed in a clash with the Indian army in the border district of Poonch where voting is taking place on Monday. Militants had earlier attacked a polling station in Poonch killing one policemen while rockets were fired at another one in Rajouri but no one was injured, officials said. Early reports suggest a mixed turnout, with high levels of voting in some areas, but apathy and fears of violence thought to be responsible for keeping numbers low elsewhere.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2260368.stm
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=1338166

* Pakistan considers al-Qaeda extradition

Pakistan says it is considering an extradition request by the United States for a suspected senior member of al-Qaeda, who is accused of being one of the organisers of the 11 September attacks. The man, Ramzi Binalshibh, and 11 other suspected al-Qaeda members, were captured in the city of Karachi last week. A spokesman for the Pakistani foreign ministry said the decision to extradite Mr Binalshibh would be taken once his interrogation by the local authorities was complete. However, he said, if there was a need to hand him over to the US authorities, Pakistan would not turn down the request.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2261233.stm
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=1338164

* Upbeatng for Sri Lanka talks

Delegates from the Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil Tiger rebels have begun peace talks in Thailand. The talks, which are the first formal negotiations in seven years, are taking place behind closed doors in a Thai naval base in the town of Pattaya, under tight security. Speaking at the talks'ng ceremony, Tamil Tiger delegation head Anton Balasingham said he was confident that a peaceful solution could be found. "We are confident the talks will succeed because the principal parties in the conflict and the vast majority of the people want a resolution of the conflict," he said. Colombo's Constitutional Affairs Minister G L Peiris said the 19-year civil war was "behind us". "Together we repudiate today a legacy of rancour and hatred which has torn asunder the fabric of our nation for decades," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2260047.stm
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=1338169

* Nepal paralysed by Maoist strike

Normal life in Nepal has been brought to a halt by a day's general strike called by the Maoist rebels to protest against November's general elections. A spate of killings and explosions, allegedly caused by the rebels ahead of the strike, has deepened people's fears. Any defiance of such a strike normally invites violent attacks. Tight security was in place in major towns and commercial centres across the country to prevent any violence. Armed security personnel guarded government offices and patrolled the deserted streets, as most streets remained empty of traffic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2260842.stm
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=1338690

Middle East


* Polling begins for first phase of Jammu and Kashmir polls

Amidst tight security, polling began in 23 constituencies in five border districts Monday morning in the first of the four-phase crucial assembly elections of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Polling boothsd at 7 a.m. (local time) for an electorate of 1.5 million with nearly 160 candidates in the fray. Voting is to end at 4 p.m. (local time). With security forces maintaining a tight vigil, India's Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh has appealed to voters to cast ballots fearlessly. Diplomats from 28 countries, including the US, EU, Canada and Australia, are witnessing the first phase of the staggered elections.

http://www.irna.com/en/world/.ewo.shtml

* APHC leaders stage sit-in in front of Indian HC in Islamabad

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) on Monday staged a sit-in in front of the Indian High Commission here to protest against the polls which started today in various parts of Indian-administered Kashmir. During the sit-in, APHC leaders delivered fiery speeches, condemining the state assembly elections in Kashmir and dubbing the exrcise as a sham to divert world attention from the prevailing situation in Kashmir. Professor Ashraf Saraf, in a full-throated voice, declared that Kashmiris have rejected the elections and are demanding the right to self-determination under the auspices of the United Nations.

http://www.irna.com/en/world/.ewo.shtml

* US wants custody of Binalshibh

The United States has sought custody of Ramzi Binalshibh who was arrested in Pakistan last week. Appearing on the "Fox News Sunday" program, US President George W. Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice, said US officials were eager to question Binalshibh, a key Al-Qaeda operative, to determine what he knew about last year's attacks on America that killed more than 3,000 people. "We certainly want custody of him," said Rice. Binalshibh was arrested in Karachi on the anniversary of the attacks he is accused of helping to plan. He reportedly had hoped to become the 20th hijacker and roomed with Sept. 11 mastermind Mohammed Atta.

http://www.arabnews.com/Article.asp?ID=18651&ArY=2002&ArM=9&ArD=15
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=208726&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y

* Poll panel issues notices to eight political parties

September 15, Karachi, Pakistan -- The Election Commission of Pakistan issued notices to eight political parties for their failure to submit statements of accounts as ordained under Article 13 of the Political Parties Order, 2002. "These parties have also been directed to appear before the Election Commission at 11 a.m. on Sept. 16 to clarify their positions," an Election Commission spokesman said in Islamabad. The parties which have not submitted statements of accounts and were issued the notices are: Jamote Qaumi Movement, Kakar Jamhoori Party Pakistan, National Workers Party, Pakistan Awami Quwwat Party, Pakistan Brohi Party, Pakistan Jamhoori Amn Party, Pakistan Progressive Party and Tehreek-e-Wafaq Pakistan.

http://www.arabnews.com/Article.asp?ID=18607

* Guards killed as minister is ambushed

A Kashmir minister escaped unharmed after militants ambushed her motorcade yesterday, killing two bodyguards on the eve of the first round of voting in state elections. The Lashkar-Jabar separatist group later said it carried out the ambush, firing on Tourism Minister Sakina Itoo's convoy during a campaign trip in southern Kashmir. It was the second time she had been targeted in four days. On Thursday militants attacked her home, injuring four people. She was not there at the time.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Articles.asp?Article=32633&Sn=WORL
http://www.irna.com/en/world/.ewo.shtml

* Talks to set new agenda for peace

Sattahip, Thailand -- The Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels sit down today for their first peace talks in seven years to end a two-decade civil war that has driven tourists and investors from the island. The two sides will spend over 12 hours around the negotiating table, dine together and live in the same housing compound in a bid to find a solution to one of Asia's longest running wars. The three days of talks in neutral Thailand will seek to agree a development strategy for the poor, mostly Tamil-populated north and set an agenda for further discussions that are likely to last months, if not years.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Articles.asp?Article=32634&Sn=WORL
http://www.irna.com/en/world/.ewo.shtml
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=208786&contrassID=1&subContrassID=8&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y

Editorial


N/A

Business/Technology


* India and Asean mull long-term free trade agreement

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei -- Economic ministers of Asean and India yesterday agreed at a "landmark meeting" on a long-term goal to establish a regional free trade area and directed the establishment of a task force to make a draft blueprint. The first meeting with India was held on the final day of the annual Asean meeting here, as the 10-member regional blocd the door to engage the world's second most populous country. Brunei Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Adbdul Rahman Taib described the session with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Murasoli Maran as a "landmark meeting because it has produced some outstanding results." Maran said the meeting was a "very good beginning on the future economic co-operation and integration between India and Asean."

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2002/9/16/asia/blasean&sec=asia

* India, Canada to discuss air link

India and Canada will discuss the possibility of a direct air link between the two countries during a meeting between Civil Aviation Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, and the Canadian minister for transport, David M. Collenette, on Sept. 18 in Canada. Shahnawaz left for a week-long tour to Canada late Saturday. Sources said, with the acquisition of new aircraft on lease for its winter schedule, Air-India would work out an arrangement of tying up with Air Canada, through some points in Europe - Frankfurt or Paris - for seamless travel to Canada. It is likely that the tie-up would be a block-seat arrangement. Air Canada had pulled out of India last year and Air-India does not operate any service to Canada. There is a sizeable number of non-resident Indians in Canada which has no direct air link with India.

http://www.arabnews.com/Article.asp?ID=18647&ArY=2002&ArM=9&ArD=15

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