Two Brazilian ministers caught in WikiLeaks web

One of two Brazilian ministers caught in the WikiLeaks web of stolen US diplomatic cables denied Tuesday that he ever said his colleague "hates the United States.", dpa reported.

Brazilian Defence Minister Nelson Jobim was the subject of a January 2008 cable written by the then-US ambassador to Brazil, Clifford Sobel.

In the cable, one of 250,000 US documents purloined by the WikiLeaks internet hacker organization and posted on the internet, Jobim is quoted as saying that a deputy foreign minister at the time "hates the United States" and was "actively looking to create problems in the relationship" between Brazil

Azerbaijani President meets MPs from ruling YAP party who were elected to parliament

President, chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Ilham Aliyev has today met MPs from the ruling party who won seats in the parliament, the Milli Majlis, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
 
The President congratulated the YAP members on their election to the parliament. The Head of State said the elections took place in a very just and transparent manner.

The President said YAP as the country's leading political force claimed an expected victory.

The Head of State touched upon the electoral conditions for other political parties, stressing all parties had to play an active role

Iran-Turkmenistan railway to open next year - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that the Turkmenistan-Iran railway will open next year, Mehr news agency reported.

During the ceremony of commissioning the Iranian branch of the Turkmenistan-Iran gas pipeline, Ahmadinejad said there were projects between the two countries that would have a big impact on the economic situation in the region. According to him, the railway project has special significance and plays an important role in the transport system of the region.

The initial agreement on the Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan railway project was reached in 2008 and the final agreement was signed by the leaders of three countries in June

One of main tasks before Azerbaijani youth in the world is to oppose to false Armenian propaganda - Azerbaijani Presidential Administration official Ali Gasanov (PHOTO)

Azerbaijan, Baku, November 27 /Trend M.Aliyev/

One of the main tasks before Azerbaijani youth in the whole world is to protect the national heritage from Armenian usurpers and to oppose to the Armenian propaganda full of lie and fabrications, the head of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration's department on public-political issues Ali Gasanov said in his statement made on Saturday at the I World Azerbaijani Youth Congress which is being held in German city Frankfurt. 

"Azerbaijani young people in the world must be converted to such a significant factor, force which may be taken into consideration in those countries where they live. The more you integrate in public-political environment, society, the more your words have importance in states which you live and study in the more it will have great significance for the dissemination of the fair Azerbaijani country's voice in the world. In this direction you must act in all states together with Turkish Diasporas and make effort to tackle jointly mutual problems. At

Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers approves rules of using experimental and state aviation for commercial purposes

Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 26 /Trend/

Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers made a decision on Nov. 25 approving rules of using experimental and state aviation for commercial purposes, the official website of the Cabinet reported on Friday.
Decision becomes effective upon its signing.
According to the approved rules, international flights of experimental and state aviation for commercial purposes will be realized in full compliance with the laws of Azerbaijan. To implement such flights, permission will be obtained in advance through diplomatic channels.

The use of experimental aviation, public airports and aircraft, not included in the special list for commercial purposes,

Ex-speaker: Number of people in action in front of Georgian parliament was insufficient for radical steps

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 25 /Trend, N.Kirtskhalia/

The number of people gathered for action of the Representative People's Assembly in front of the Parliament of Georgia did not allowed us to resort to radical measures, leader of the Democratic Movement - United Georgia, Nino Burjanadze, told reporters.

The action of the Representative People's Assembly took place in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, the participants demanded the resignation of the president and the pre-term presidential and parliamentary elections. Burdzhanadze is one of the organizers of the action.
The action, which lasted about 2.5 hours, brought together up to 6,000

President of Uzbekistan leaves for Qatar

Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Nov. 23 /Trend, D.Azizov/

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Qatar on Nov. 23 on the invitation of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the National News Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA) reported.

During the visit, issues of expansion of Uzbekistan-Qatar cooperation, as well as important problems of regional and international character representing mutual interest will be considered.

On the results of the talks, signing of a number of bilateral documents, aimed at deepening the interaction of the two states in various areas, is expected.

Source: Trend - news from the Caspian, South Caucasus and Central Asia

339 dead, 329 injured in Cambodian festival stampede (UPDATE)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said early Tuesday that 339 people died and 329 were injured in a stampede on the final day of the annual Water Festival, dpa reported.

That was a drastic rise in the death toll from a statement Hun Sen had made about an hour earlier. He said it was the worst death toll in such a short period since the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown in 1979.

The victims were mainly young people who panicked while crossing a bridge during water festival celebrations. The stampede happened around 9:30 pm (1430 GMT) Monday.

In a series

Odds on Ancelotti to leave Chelsea slashed

Bookmakers on Sunday slashed the odds on Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti being the next Premier League manager to leave his job, DPA reported.

Chelsea have lost three of their last four league matches, while assistant manger Ray Wilkins was surprisingly sacked 10 days ago, prompting rumours that Ancelotti had resigned.

There has been no official comment on the reports, although a club source dismissed them as "absolute nonsense."

Bookmaker William Hill suspended betting on the next Premier League manager to leave his job.

"We have seen a few quid, although nothing significant, in the last 24 hours, but that is

Clash in Palestinian camp in Lebanon wounds six

At least six people, including a child, were wounded late Saturday when armed clashes erupted between rival Palestinian groups in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon, Palestinian and Lebanese sources said, dpa reported.

The clash erupted in the Rashidiyeh Palestinian refugee camp east of the southern port city Tyre when a man identified as Ahmad Raja clashed with the guards of a Fatah Movement office, a Palestinian source inside the camp said.

Raja used to be a follower of the hardline group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP), headed by Ahmed Jebril, the source said.

The

Arson attack on Berlin's largest mosque

A fire at Berlin's largest mosque was probably arson, police said Friday, DPA reported

The fire, which was spotted in the early hours by an employee of the Sehitlik mosque, damaged the facade and one window. Nobody was injured.

Police said their investigations were focusing on an unexploded bottle of propane gas, found by the building. They think the bottle was transported to the mosque in a black rucksack, on a pushcart.

The employee who spotted the fire, at 6:15am (0515 GMT), was able to extinguish it.

The Sehitlik mosque is in the inner-city Berlin district of Neukoelln where many

Azerbaijani media representatives end visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (PHOTO)

Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 18 /Trend/

On Nov. 10-15, Azerbaijani media representatives visited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the State Support for Media Development Fund under the President of Azerbaijan said on Thursday.

The visit was organized with the financial support of the Azerbaijani Presidential State Support Fund for Media Development within the council's "International Media Experience Study and Application" project.

The purpose of the visit was to get familiarized with media work experience in the international arena and in the region, as well as exchange of experience on the development of freedom of speech and media. In

Russian president to visit Israel

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will make a visit to Israel in early 2011, First Vice Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said, ITAR-TASS reported.

"A visit of the president of Russia to Israel is expected at the beginning of next year," he told journalists on Wednesday, November 17.

Zubkov is in Israel on a working visit to co-chair a meeting of the joint Russian-Israeli inter-governmental commission and attend a business forum.

Source: Trend - news from the Caspian, South Caucasus and Central Asia

Iran to attend Caspian summit in Baku

The Iranian and Russian special envoys for Caspian Sea affairs have described the 3rd Caspian Summit as a key opportunity to settle all disputes surrounding the sea, Press TV reported.

The Baku summit is the third meeting of the leaders of Caspian littoral states and it is an important opportunity to resolve issues pertaining to this sea, Iran's deputy Foreign Minister and Caspian point man Mohammad-Mehdi Akhoundzadeh told IRIB.

He added that the Caspian littoral states should pay due regard to a range of issues pertaining to the sea, namely environmental issues. He said that the participation of the leaders

Missile shield's command should be given to Turkey - PM

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he conveyed Turkey's sensitivities regarding the missile defence system to US President Barack Obama, TRT World reported.

Prime Minister Erdogan, who returned home after completing his contacts in South Korea and Bangladesh, said regarding who will command the missile defenсe system that if the system is planned to be installed in Turkish territories its command should be given to Turkey otherwise it cannot be accepted.

In September, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Anders Fogh Rasmussen proposed to develop a EUR 200-million ($253 million) missile system around Europe against possible attacks

Germany welcomes US backing for Japan to win special UN seat

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle praised US President Barack Obama on Sunday for casting his support behind Japan to obtain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, DPA reported.

Germany is itself seeking a similar permanent seat. Westerwelle had earlier praised Obama's support for India to win a seat too.

In a written statement in Berlin, Westerwelle said, "I welcome the support of US President Obama for a permanent Japanese security council seat. This underscores our efforts to obtain a security council that reflects the realities of the 21st century.

"Asia and Latin America are under-represented in the security

Azerbaijan`s President offers condolences to Pakistani leader

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Pakistani leader Asif Ali Zardari over a recent terrorist attack in the country, AzerTAj state news agency reported.

"The news of a heavy loss of life as a result of terrorist attacks in Pakistan was a source of great sorrow to us," the President said in his letter of condolence.

"We resolutely condemn all forms of terrorism and voice our support for the fight against it. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I offer sincere condolences to you, families and relatives of

Young judges of Azerbaijan meet with judges of European Court

Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 12 /Trend/

According to the instructions of Azerbaijani President, new courts, as well as new administrative courts have been created in seven regions of the country in order to improve judicial activities, improve opportunities for people to use the courts and ensure more reliable protection of human rights. In order to ensure better consideration of cases, the staff of judges has been considerably expanded, judicial candidates were elected according to the progressive European rules and appointed to their posts.

Newly appointed judges, at the Plenum of the Supreme Court took the oath on the eve of Constitution

Iraq's inclusive government is victory for Iraq, US says

The United States Thursday called the breakthrough political agreement in Iraq an "Iraqi victory" and "big step" that will result in an inclusive government and major redistribution of power, DPA reported.

The agreement that ended an eight-month impasse was hailed by Obama administration officials as the "first truly inclusive and cross sectarian government" of Iraq, one that includes the three largest vote-getting groups - Shiites, Kurds and Sunnis.

"It's a very good result for those working for peace (and a) bad result for those whose agenda is more sectarianism and violence," a senior administration official told reporters.

"What we've seen in Iraq is ... the emergence of politics, Iraqis resolving their differences ... through the political process," the official said.

Just hours before, the Iraqi Parliament elected Osama al-Nujaifi, a Sunni

Wall Street ends higher ahead of G20 meeting, crude oil settles at highest in two years

U.S. stocks ended modestly higher on Wednesday, a day before world leaders meet in Seoul, which may have big influence on currency market, Xinhua reported.

The market opened lower on Wednesday even after government report showed the initial jobless claims fell to 4-month low.

The Labor Department said before the opening bell that the number of people filing for jobless benefits dropped by 24,000 to a seasonally adjusted 435,000, while analysts were expecting a much smaller decline. However, major indexes climbed out of negative territory, led by energy stocks as crude oil futures settled at their highest in more than two

Evangelical pastor arrested for multiple child abuse in El Salvador

An evangelical pastor has been arrested for having sexually abused at least 15 children in El Salvador, Salvadorian police said Tuesday.

The suspect, aged 28, is a pastor in the San Patricio neighbourhood in San Salvador, dpa reported.

Complaints were filed by the parents of at least 13 girls and two boys, aged 8-13. The pastor is being charged with sexual abuse of a minor, kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor.

The investigation was ongoing, and the pastor was a suspect in more cases.

The authorities believe that he may have used drugs to abuse his victims.

Source: Trend - news from the Caspian, South Caucasus and Central Asia

President: Georgia can attract $5 billion investments in construction of hydroelectric station

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 8 /Trend, N.Kirtskhalia/

Georgia can attract $5 billion investments in the construction of hydroelectric station, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said at a meeting with students and teachers of the Free University today.

According to him, construction of 600-megawatt hydroelectric power station will begin next year in Svaneti in the village of Nesco, in which $600-800 million will be invested. Namahvansk HPS, Khudoni HPS will be built.  

"The construction of hydropower means ensuring thousands of people with jobs," said Saakashvili.

Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at capital@trend.az

Source: Trend - news from the Caspian, South Caucasus and Central Asia

Borussia Dortmund extend lead to four points after beating Hanover

Borussia Dortmund extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga standings to four points on Sunday with a 4-0 demolition of Hanover 96, dpa reported.

Shinji Kagawa, Lucas Barrios, Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Blaszczykowski scored the goals for visiting Dortmund, for whom Nuri Sahin had a second-half penalty saved by Hanover goalkeeper Florian Fromlowitz.

Hanover ended the game with 10 men after Karim Haggui was sent off in the second half.

The win sees Dortmund move to 28 points, four more than Mainz 05 who were beaten 1-0 by SC Freiburg on Saturday. Dortmund extended their own record of

Armenian citizens staying in Azerbaijan declared their unwillingness to return to motherland

Azerbaijan, Baku, November, 6 / Trend K.Zarbaliyeva/

Eleven Armenian citizens staying in Azerbaijan have declared their wish to go to the third countries, the secretary of the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing People Shahin Sayilov reported Trend on Saturday.

According to him, after the agreement which was achieved between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in line with the transfer of prisoners of war, hostages and dead bodies, Armenian citizens staying in Azerbaijan have declared at the meeting with the staff of Baku office of ICRC their unwillingness to be transferred to their country.

Sayilov reported that

Kyrgyzstan doubts transparency of Pentagon fuel deal

Kyrgyzstan on Friday called on the United States to suspend its renewed contract with a controversial company which had supplied jet fuel to the Pentagon's transit center in Bishkek over the last six years, RIA Novosti reported.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Wednesday announced it has renewed its cooperation with the London-based Mina Corp Ltd. The company was reportedly in close rapport with ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's son Maksim, who controlled most fuel contractor firms in the country during the ruling of his father.

"In relation to this The Kyrgyz governments calls on

Delta Airlines jet lands in Mumbai with suspicious cargo (UPDATE)

A Delta Airlines plane landed late Thursday in Mumbai under what were described as emergency conditions, after an unidentified object was reported to be in the plane's cargo hold, Indian media reports said.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) cited an airport spokesman as saying that a "full emergency was declared at the airport for Delta 70 Amsterdam-Mumbai flight, which landed at 11:20 pm (1750 GMT)."

The plane was carrying 244 passengers. After landing at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the passengers immediately disembarked at an isolated bay at the airport for a thorough search by security officers. PTI said

UN condemns terrorist attacks that killed scores in Iraq

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday "strongly condemned" the spate of terrorist attacks in Iraq that killed scores of civilians and injured hundreds more, DPA reported.

In a statement, Ban said he was "appalled by these outrageous and unjustifiable acts of violence."

He appealed to Iraqis "to remain steadfast in the wake of such brutal violence and united in their commitment to a path of national reconciliation."

Iraqi officials said earlier Wednesday a series of attacks that had taken place the night before in the mostly Shiite neighbourhoods of Baghdad had killed 64 people and injured 360.

Two days

Republicans projected to win US House, wins in Senate

Republicans were projected to win control of the US House of Representatives in congressional elections Tuesday, dealing a major blow to President Barack Obama just two years into his term in office, dpa reported.

The conservative party also made inroads in the 100-member Senate, though early signs were that Obama's party might still be able to hold onto its majority in the upper legislative chamber.

The Republican takeover of the House of Representatives marks the first time the party will control one of the two US chambers of Congress since 2006.

The centre-right party appeared ready to gain well more than the 39 seats needed

Azerbaijani President attends opening of secondary school in Sabirabad region (UPDATE) (PHOTO)

Editor's Note: details about Azerbaijani president's visit to Sabirabad region and photos added

Mursalli and Shikhlar villages of Sabirabad region were affected in April and May as a result of flooding on the rivers Kur and Araz. The individual homes and infrastructure were built in these villages during reconstruction and rehabilitation operations.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Yusif Gasimov school in the village of Mursalli in Sabirabad region after the overhaul, AzerTaj state news agency reported.

All the conditions were created for children's education in a two-storey school building for 320 pupils. The president got acquainted