February 15 News International

Thursday 16 February, 2012.

TOP STORY Zardari, Ahmadinejad discuss gas project amid US pressure Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday discussed ways to deepen ties and a bilateral gas pipeline project that has come under a cloud following sanctions imposed on Tehran by Western powers. HEADLINES Maldives crisis: Nasheed party gets 4-day deadline to join govt Making it clear that the elections would be held as per schedule in 2013, Maldives' new President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has asked ousted leader Mohammad Nasheed's MDP to join the national unity government, an offer which was turned down by the party demanding snap polls. 22 killed as Syrian troops move on protest hubs  Syrian armour on Thursday moved on the main hubs of an 11-month uprising killing at least 22 people, monitors said, a day after President Bashar al-Assad set a vote for a new constitution. 8 suspected militants killed in US drone attacks in Pak  The US on Thursday stepped up its campaign targeting al Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region as missiles from CIA-operated drones killed eight suspected insurgents. Iran eyes talks after nuclear boasts  Iran on Thursday expressed hopes of reviving moribund talks with world powers, a day after the Islamic republic unveiled what it described as major progress in its controversial nuclear programme. AFRICA & SOUTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH AMERICA SOUTH ASIA WEST ASIA

OTHER TOP STORIES Iranian nuclear announcement unimpressive: US  UN General Assembly to vote onSyria today  US raises human rights issues with Chinese Vice President  Hundreds killed in fire at prison in Honduras  Iran has new centrifuges, nuclear fuel plates New setback for Greece bailout as meeting canceled