Saddam's daughters seek UK asylum; World leaders endorse India's peace initiative with Pakistan: PM; No Pak hand in infiltration but we'll stop it: Kasuri; Iran rejects calls for tougher nuclear inspections; Akash missile test-fired; Karunanidhi re-elected DMK president; Heavy security in Srinagar as Assembly's Budget session opens; 26 picnickers die in Pak boat mishap; Devi Mitra Around the world in a boat, and alone; Gulshan Grover is now India's ambassador; Why Denise's boobs are shrinking; Darcy women's darling No.1; Drew hurt while doing a fight scene; Sexy clothes do not suit me: Reese Witherspoon; Bruce Willis Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher high on life on Diddy's yacht; Toby Maguire's new neighbour is Keanu Reeves; Poverty forces Orissa farmer to mortgage his son; News from India; News for Tourists and Travellers; India Travel Times; India News; India News Times; Indian News; Travel News; Travel; Tourism;

Home Contact Us Dateline New Delhi, Monday, June 2, 2003

Saddam's daughters seek UK asylum

Nicosia, June 2: Saddam Hussein's two daughters are seeking asylum in Britain since they want to flee Baghdad to escape the fury of liberated Iraqis. Raghda and Rana Hussein want a home in London after being booted out of the palace where they lived like princesses with their nine children. The sisters had divorced their husbands in the 1990s, after which Saddam had the men executed. (Contd)

World leaders endorse India's peace initiative with Pakistan: PM

Lausanne (Switzerland), June 2: Leaders of five big powers, including US President George W Bush, have endorsed India's peace initiative with Pakistan and promised to make efforts that cross-border terrorism ends. Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of his week-long three-nation tour, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said that even Chinese President Hu Jintao (whom he met in St. Petersburg) appreciated India's peace initiative. Asked whether President Bush gave an assurance that he would put pressure on President Pervez Musharraf when the Pakistani ruler meets him in Washington later this month, Vajpayee said "it is difficult to express it in words."

At a dinner hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg for visiting heads of State and governments, Bush assured Vajpayee that he would take up the issue of cross border terrorism with Musharraf when he meets him in Washington later this month. Bush, the Prime Minister said, wanted to know whether India has started a dialogue with Pakistan. "I told him preliminary discussions have started. The real and substantive will take time. For that cross-border terrorism should end and steps have to be taken to destroy the infrastructure that supports violence". Asked what he felt about the assurance and whether the US would put pressure, he said "let's see".

Referring to his meeting with the Chinese President, he said they had "very good" discussions and both felt that there was need for greater understanding on issues of mutual concern. The two leaders agreed on the way decisions had been taken outside the United Nations and there was need for restoring the authority of the world body, an obvious reference to the US-led military action in Iraq without UN approval.

Asked whether the US has asked for deployment of Indian troops in Iraq, the Prime Minister said there was a suggestion made to India but before a decision is taken, certain clarifications are needed. He further said there was a law in India and the US that required that their respective troops be stationed only under their respective commanders.

No Pak hand in infiltration but we'll stop it: Kasuri (Go To Top)

Islamabad, June 2: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has said his country could not help if India is unable to check infiltration from across the border. He said Pakistan didn't support any such cross-border activity, but was merely extending diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris for their just cause (read freedom struggle). A report in the Nation quoted Kasuri as saying that India had deployed heavy military force to check any infiltration of terrorists. "But if they have proved unsuccessful, then Pakistan does not have Aladdin's lamp to stop such alleged activity overnight." He pointed out that the US government even couldn't completely seal its border with Mexico.

However, he said Pakistan government has been saying that it is making efforts and will stop it cross-border terrorism, and invited India make joint efforts for peace to be established in the region. About India's allegations that several Kashmiri groups were based in Pakistan, he said the government had already banned these organisations and shut down their offices in the country. Those groups, which were carrying out their activities under new names, have also been outlawed. Regarding the ongoing peace process, the minister said a sustained and uninterrupted dialogue with India was needed to ensure a peaceful and negotiated solution to all the outstanding disputes, including Kashmir. The priority for both the countries should be to fix the date for the proposed talks. "A date for dialogue should be fixed and we must try that this process should be uninterrupted and uninterruptable," he declared, the newspaper added. Asked what would be the next move if the talks fail for second consecutive time after Agra summit, he said, "we must go on trying again and again till we resolve the bilateral issues."

Iran rejects calls for tougher nuclear inspections (Go To Top)

Teheran, June 2: Iran on Monday rejected international calls for it to sign an additional protocol of the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that would allow tougher inspections of its nuclear programme, a foreign news agency reported. The refusal came after Russia, which is helping Iran build its first atomic power plant in Bushehr in southern Iran, joined calls for Teheran to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to have access to suspect facilities.

If the Russians are worried, Iran is ready to discuss the matter with them, an official spokesman told reporters. The question of sanctions has to be resolved first. We will not sign any other international accord while the West does not respect its obligations outlined by the NPT, and does not help us with (peaceful) nuclear technology as the NPT obliges them to, he added. Iran, a signatory of the NPT, is currently only subject to IAEA inspections of declared sites.

Akash missile test-fired (Go To Top)

Balasore, June 2: Medium range surface-to-air missile Akash was test-fired on Monday from Chandipur-on-sea, 15 km from here, according to Defence sources. The last trial of Akash was conducted on May 29 last. The indigenously developed sophisticated multi-target missile has a range of 25 km and is one of the five missiles currently under various stages of development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The 650 kg missile can carry a 50 kg payload and uses the integrated two-stage ramjet propulsion technology. Defence scientists are also developing the Rajendra radar along with Akash as an air shield system.

Karunanidhi re-elected DMK president (Go To Top)

Chennai, June 2: The General Council of the DMK on Monday re-elected MK Karunanidhi as party president for the ninth term. Anbalagan was elected as the party General Secretary and Stalin, Karunanidhi's son, was elected for the post of Deputy General Secretary. Briefing the press, Karunanidhi said there was no rivalry within the party. He also dismissed reports about the hierarchical system in the DMK.

Karunanidhi said, "The murder of Kirutinnan was blamed on the DMK and it is not true. DMK is in alliance with NDA and not with the BJP. The BJP men in Tamil Nadu give press statements against DMK and there is no relation with the state unit of BJP." He said it was just coincidence that Stalin was elected for the key post of Deputy General Secretary. Karunanidhi declared that there was no enmity between Stalin and his elder brother Alagari (who was arrested and in prison in connection with the Kirutinnan murder case). The media misrepresented the difference of opinion in political or party matters between brothers. DMK is a part of NDA and it maintains good relations with the Centre. However, the DMK has no good relations with the state BJP unit. A total of 1089 members out of 1186 attended the Council meet.

Heavy security in Srinagar as Assembly's Budget session opens (Go To Top)

Srinagar, June 2: A heavy security cover was thrown around Srinagar in view of the state Assembly's budget session, the first since a new government came to power last year, which opened on Monday. Last November, the regional People's Democratic Party headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed formed a coalition government with the support of the Congress and other small parties. Sayeed won the election on the promise to provide a healing touch to Kashmir where a nearly 14-year-old revolt has claimed more than 38,000 lives. Police checked vehicles and intensive patrolling is on in areas around the Assembly. A "fidayeen (suicide) attack in October 2001 at the gates of the state Assembly complex killed at least 35 people. According to reports, intelligence agencies have warned of repeat 'fidayeen' attacks by militants desperate to sabotage the recent thaw in India-Pakistan ties.

26 picnickers die in Pak boat mishap (Go To Top)

Karachi, June 2: Twenty-six picnickers, including women and children, were drowned when a boat they boarded capsized in Kinjhar Lake near Thatta on Sunday. According to the News, 28 picnickers were sailing in a boat when it capsized due to high winds. However, witnesses said that the boat capsized due to overloading and gusty winds. Twenty-six bodies have so far been recovered by local fishermen and divers. The ill-fated picnickers belonged to one family, residing in Jaffar Tayyar Society, Malir town and Federal B Area, Karachi. Hasnain Kazmi, a relative of the victims, said that there were no proper rescue arrangements at the lakeside. Otherwise many lives could have been saved.

Saddam's daughters seek UK asylum (Go To Top)

(Contd) The asylum bid is being brokered by Saddam's cousin Izzi-Din Mohammed Hassan al-Majid who fled Iraq in 1995 to settle in London, but returned to Baghdad after the war. Raghda, 35, and Rana, 33, and the kids are currently staying in a small 'safe house' owned by a trusted friend. Before their father's fall the pampered pair spent fortunes on designer clothes and fast cars and had servants waiting on them in their 100-room Awjah palace, one of the 20 owned by Saddam. The loyal daughters blame the advisers of their father for the downfall of his regime. Raghda says, "The regime fell because of the aides employed by my father whose only interest was to stay in power and seek personal gain", reports the Sun.

The sisters believe that UK offers them the chance of a new life of luxury. But last night their plan was blasted by MPs. Andrew Dismore of the ruling Labour Party said, "Their claims should be fast tracked, then they should be thrown out. They are representatives of Saddam's regime." If the sisters reach Britain, they could cash in on asylum rules and be given a home within one hour. An investigation by the tabloid showed how easy it is for illegal immigrants to sneak into Britain and enjoy a good life. However, the Home Office says, "We are not obliged to offer asylum to anyone involved in the abuse of human rights. That would certainly include Saddam's family."

Kolkata, June 2: He dreams to conquer the world with his boat. Seventy-five year old Devi Mitra of south Kolkata is planning to start his journey from here in September. Mitra, who was a professor of Mining Engineering in the USA, has designed his own vessel called 'Trimaran', to be made by Cleghorn and Company, a city-based firm. The boat, as designed, will have many special characteristics. It will neither sink nor break even during a sea storm, which is the worst situation for a sailor. But even if it is toppled, it will continue to float. Secondly, the whole structure is insulated so there is no question of heat and fire. This will be of help while passing through Red Sea when the climate is going to be very hot. Apart from that, it has got solar panels for supply of power throughout the day.

Mumbai, June 2: The governor of New Jersey, James E McGreevey, recently felicitated Gulshan Grover as the 'cultural ambassador' of India. He got a certificate and a letter from the governor regarding this. It was an exhilarating moment for Grover who said, "The title is an official recognition of my effort. Every Indian abroad tries spreading some awareness about our culture. If I stand apart, it's only because I do it with people who matter the most on the international scene". Gulshan Grover's roles in films like 'Jungle Book II', 'In the Shadow of the Cobra', 'Air Panic', 'Beeper' and 'Eastside', among others, has helped him earn a lot of respect and recognition in the US, in the past few years.

London, June 2: Denise Van Outen has attributed her deflated breasts to a lack of fondling from fiance Richard Traviss. According to a report in the Sun, only a few months ago the UK's favourite Essex girl had boasted that her assets had swollen since finding time for some slap and tickle with club boss Richard. She had deflated to a 34A while starring in 'Chicago. These returned to a 34C when she finished her run, says the report. "My boobs have shrunk because Richard hasn't been playing with them. I've been too busy in my show to let him at them. I hope they come back soon. I miss them", explained Denise, who is starring in West End show 'Tell Me on a Sunday'.

London, June 2: Women readers find Mr.Darcy, hero of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the most romantic figure in English literature. The suave and dashing landowner, is fiction's most sought-after character, charming women enough to go out on a date, according to a report published in website, news.telegraph.com. Literature has made place for men making use of their body or brain to fight crime, and these dashing heroes are the knights with whom women would love to have a candle lit dinner.

James Bond, Superman, Hercule Poirot and Heathcliff have also found their way among the top 10 most wanted men, driving women crazy. The opinion poll carried out by cellular company Orange, interviewed around 1,900 women. Pride and Prejudice emerged the favourite among the over-40s, when respondents were asked to name their best-loved book written by a woman. However, the younger lot opted for Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary. Delving into reading habits, it was found that women who were read to as kids, became voracious readers once they grew up. Women who were read to devoured an average of four books a month when they became adults. Dispelling the popular notion that women read mainly fiction, the poll revealed that 42 per cent of the sample read both fiction and non-fiction. The deciding factor in book buying was the information given on the cover, with recommendation from family members taking a backseat.

Washington, June 2: Drew Barrymore had a painful encounter with a chair while filming the hotly-anticipated movie sequel to Charlie's Angels. The stunner was doing a fight scene where she gets thrown violently into a chair. She explains, "I didn't have my protective pads on, and I hit the chair wrong and snapped my tailbone. I had to carry around this from now on". The Hollywood heartthrob has to make sure she handles herself with utmost care.

Washington, June 2: 'Legally Bond' star Reese Witherspoon insists she is not comfortable in donning sexy clothes. According to a report in TeenHollywood, the Hollywood A-lister say that "sexy-sexy" clothes don't suit her. Pregnant with her second child, she is wary of portraying herself as a sizzling movie babe in glossy magazines, because she fears she'll become a "used-to-be sexy actress". "I don't like sexy-sexy clothes. It's just not me. Some women look fantastic in sexy clothes, and that's great. I just have this sort of idea, particularly as an actress, that when you sell yourself as a sexy thing - 'I'm a sexy actress!' - there's going to come a time when you're that used-to-be-sexy actress", says Reese.

Washington, June 2: Hollywood actress and ex-wife of Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, has been showing new lover Ashton Kutcher the high life - on Sean 'P Diddy' Combs's yacht. According to a report in TeenHollywood, romancing a string of younger men since her spectacular return to Hollywood in 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle', Demi was linked with Owen Wilson, Tobey Maguire and Colin Farrell before hooking up with her latest hunk, 25-year-old 'Just Married' heart-throb Kutcher. And the leggy beauty seems determined to show loverboy a good time. She whisked him to Bermuda, where they boarded rap star Diddy's yacht and cruised to Paradise island. They were then reportedly spotted kissing and cuddling in a hotel nightclub on the tropical getaway.

Washington, June 2: Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is Spider- Man star Tobey Maguire's new neighbour. The 'Matrix Reloaded' star now owns a gated estate three doors down from Maguire's Hollywood home, for 5 million dollars. According to a report in TeenHollywood, Reeves - who has famously lived in hotels over the past years - is finally settling down in a neighbourhood which includes the home of star couple David Arquette and Courteney Cox. Located also in this exclusive area is the home of Brittany Murphy which the actress has recently purchased from singer Britney Spears.

Navpada (Orissa), June 2: Life was never easy for Birabara Bag, a small-time farmer from Orissa, one of the poorest in the country, but when he was forced to mortage his only son for a small money, it got just too much. The 49-year old who recently brought his way out of a brick kiln in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, has appealed to the State authorities to get his only son, detained by the owner because of an unpaid loan, released.

Bag, who had migrated because of excessive poverty, had gone blind due to prolonged exposure to heat at the kiln. He was allowed to leave but only after he agreed to leave his 18- year-old son back. "There (at the brick kiln) due to unhygienic conditions and exposure to too much of heat and dust I lost my eyes. Then the owner asked me to go back as I could not work. He told me as long as I don't repay the 4000 rupees I had taken from him he would not let my son go," Birabara Bag, said. Poor, unemployed and blind, he now begs to support his wife and three daughters.

Birabara's is not an isolated case. Fraught by recurrent droughts, thousands of farmers across Orissa migrate to neighbouring states for work. Most end up as bonded labourers at brick kilns and other hazardous factories where they are exploited and maltreated. "This area is drought prone and every year we face drought due to lack of rain. No work is available, even if somebody gets work the earning is less than 10 rupees per day, it is too less. People are forced to leave, go outside the villages. But nobody cares for migrant labourers, they are treated as animals, they either die because of the sorrow and the pain or return home dejected," said Bishnu Bag, another villager. But despite the hue and cry the government maintains that its relief measures are working.