Australia offers asylum-seekers $10k to return home: report

SYDNEY: Australia is offering asylum-seekers in its Pacific immigration camps up to $10,000 (US$9,400) if they voluntarily return to their home country, a report said Saturday, prompting outrage from refugee campaigners.

Fairfax Media reported that those returning to Lebanon from detention centres on Papua New Guinea´s Manus Island and the tiny Pacific state of Nauru were offered the highest amount of $10,000.Iranians and Sudanese were given $7,000 if they dropped bids for refugee status, Afghans $4,000 and those from Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar $3,300, the report in The Sydney Morning Herald said.

The Herald said under the previous Labor administration -- in office until last September -- the payments were much lower, ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said "return packages" were standard practice but would not reveal what the maximum payments had been.

"It has been the standard practice for more than a decade for settlement packages to be offered to those who voluntarily return home," Morrison told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The packages are tailored individually for every person who decides to voluntarily return home, he said.

"The packages range (in terms of) value and it´s not just in terms of any financial element, but also training, support and other issues to assist people to get on their feet when they return," he added.

Labor´s immigration spokesman Richard Marles said the government should be ensuring that asylum-seekers´ claims were being properly processed, not issuing "blank cheques".

"When Scott Morrison was in opposition, he opposed Labor´s own reintegration packages and now he is offering sums which are triple the amount," Marles told the ABC.

Australia has toughened its policy on asylum-seekers in recent years, with those arriving on unauthorised boats now refused residency in Australia even if they are deemed refugees.

Instead they are held in detention camps on Manus and Nauru and are expected to be resettled in those countries if their claims are valid.

Since the policy was introduced, more asylum-seekers have chosen to voluntarily return to their country of origin while the number of people attempting to reach Australia by boat has dried up, with no vessels arriving for six months.

Morrison´s office said 283 people had voluntarily returned home from offshore processing centres since shortly after the conservative government of Prime Minister Tony Abbott won power in September.

Refugee campaigners criticised the idea of the payments, and said returning asylum-seekers could still face persecution back home.

"The idea that you would put people in a hell-hole like Manus Island, treat them abysmally and then try to bribe them to go back to the appalling circumstances they left shows just how morally bankrupt this government is," Greens party leader Christine Milne said.

Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition said he had spoken to detainees in PNG who had accepted the money to return home, adding the amounts had risen several times after an Iranian asylum-seeker died in riots on Manus in February. "The money that´s being offered to some people... it´s straight out bribery," he told.

But he added: "Relatively few people are taking the money."

Qaeda claims recent attack on Tunisia minister’s home

TUNIS: Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said Friday it was responsible for a recent attack on the home of Tunisia´s interior minister that killed four policemen, the first such claim in the country.

"A group of lions... went to cut off the head of the criminal Lotfi Ben Jeddou at his home... and God allowed them to kill a number of his personal guards," an AQIM statement said.

The statement, posted on an Internet forum, said the May 27 attack on the house in the western border region of Kasserine, had also wounded other guards and that weapons had been seized.

It added that Jeddou, who was not in the house, "got away this time, but he won´t the next."

And it said that "entering into open war against Islam and its partisans to please the United States, France or Algeria, will cost dearly."

Meanwhile, the interior ministry said two terrorists were killed by national guardsmen during an operation Friday in the Jendouba region to the north, and that other "terrorists" were being hunted.

Several militants and members of the security forces were killed in Jendouba in February and March.

 

Search at Altaf's London home concludes

LONDON: Police have concluded their search at the North London home of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Sources confirmed that the specialist operations unit left at midnight.

The MQM chief’s residence was raided by around 40 specialist unit detectives at dawn on Tuesday.

The control of the house has been handed to the local police and around six policemen remain at the scene but the search has concluded.

Forensic experts along with investigators of Dr Imran Farooq's murder case took part in the search.

A decision regarding further questioning will be made after Altaf Hussain’s medical tests are completed on Wednesday. The MQM chief’s lawyers are also expected to submit his plea for bail.


Altaf Hussain was arrested from his home in North London according on suspicion of being involved in money laundering.

Scotland Yard confirmed that a 60 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering but did not name Altaf Hussain.

The MQM said the Metropolitan Police arrived at the residence of Mr Altaf Hussain in North London. “They had the search warrant and said that they want to arrest Mr Hussain and take him to the police station where he will be questioned about money laundering investigation."

“We would like to inform that Mr Hussain has been very ill for past several days and only yesterday the MQM Central Coordination Committee discussed his health situation and contacted his personal doctor. The doctor visited the residence of Mr Hussain and examined him. He advised to shift him to the hospital. He also consulted with various specialist consultants and it was decided that today, i.e. Tuesday, in the morning Mr Hussain will be admitted to a London Hospital where he will undergo treatment for the next few days.”

“Today, Mr Hussain was getting ready for the hospital when the police arrived at his house and informed him that he is being arrested for investigation.”

Scotland Yard confirmed late on Tuesday that Hussain has been taken to hospital for previously scheduled medical appointment.

“The arrest took place at a residential address in NW London. Officers are at present searching the address. The man has an existing medical condition and we will ensure that he attends pre-arranged hospital appointments today. He will remain in the custody of officers throughout.”
 

A British citizen, Altaf Hussain has lived in exile in the UK since 1991 after he fled Karachi and sought asylum here. He has been attacked in Karachi several times before he left Pakistan.

Pakistan High Commission asks for access to Altaf

The Pakistan High Commission has asked for access to MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

The Pakistan High Commission had approached the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Tuesday for consular services to Altaf Hussain but has not received a reply.

MQM continues protest



MQM workers and supporters continue their protests in Karachi and major cities of Sindh until the release of party chief Altaf Hussain.

In Karachi, thousands of MQM workers are holding a protest at Numaish Chowrangi.

T. rex gets new home in Smithsonian dinosaur hall

WASHINGTON: A Tyrannosaurus rex is joining the dinosaur fossil collection on the National Mall on Tuesday after a 3,000-mile journey from Montana.

For the first time since its dinosaur hall opened in 1911, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History will have a nearly complete T. rex skeleton. FedEx is delivering the dinosaur bones in a truck carrying 16 carefully packed crates.

The T. rex, discovered in 1988 on federal land in Montana, is about 80 to 85 percent complete. It's one of about half a dozen nearly complete T. rex skeletons that have been uncovered. This specimen could become the most prominent with its new home in one of the world's most-visited museums. About 7 million people visit the natural history museum each year, and it offers free admission.

Many people think of the T. rex as the ultimate dinosaur, and it's the first thing they want to see, paleontology curator Hans Sues said. Now the museum will be able to show a real skeleton and allow scientists to continue studying it.

"In some ways, I think of it as the most American of all dinosaurs: this big, huge animal that was dominating its ecosystem," Sues said.

Scientists want to learn more about how T. rex related to other animals and what its short arms were used for, Sues said.

Visitors can get their first look beginning Tuesday as curators begin unpacking and examining each bone of the skeleton over the next six months. But it will take five years for the museum to overhaul its dinosaur hall with the T. rex mounted as the centerpiece of a $35 million gallery devoted to the history of life on Earth.

While pieces of the exhibition have been updated over time, this will be the first comprehensive reimagining of the dinosaur hall since it opened in the early days of paleontology, Museum Director Kirk Johnson said.

"There's so many things that have happened in science in the last 100 years that this will be a great new hall," he said.

The T. rex was previously displayed at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Mont. It is on a 50-year loan to the Smithsonian that could be extended. It was previously scheduled to move to Washington last year but was delayed due to the government shutdown.

Washington's current 103-year-old dinosaur hall closes April 28 for renovations. A temporary dinosaur exhibit will open later this year.

Jubilation as Pakistan Street Child football team returns home

KARACHI: Pakistani squad that represented the nation at the Street Child Football World Cup 2014 reached Karachi on Tuesday morning.

Pakistan players who rose from the streets of slum areas to clinch third position in the event defeating Indians by 13 goals in their opening game, landed at the city’s Jinnah International Airport.

A large number of people including politicians from various political parties welcomed the team at the airport and showered the young players with rose petals.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad felicitated the team for their great performance in the world cup.

The team will visit the Sindh Assembly and also has been invited to the Chief Minister House.

Pakistani crew of MT Morning Glory to reach home soon: Ansar Burney

KARACHI: Ansar Burney, Chairman Ansar Burney Trust, Tuesday confirmed that the 6 hijacked Pakistani crew members of the cargo vessel MT Morning Glory released from Libyan custody today will reach home soon.

The spokesman of Pakistan Foreign Office has confirmed the handing over of Pakistani crew to the embassy in Tripoli, Libya. He said flight arrangements were being made to take them back home.

The Pakistani crew is expected to return by Wednesday evening.

The released crew members of MT Morning Glory include 6 Pakistanis, 6 Indians, 3 Sri Lankans, 2 Syrians, 2 Sudanis and 2 Eritreans.

The Pakistan crew members are: Mirza Noman Baig (Captain), Ghufran Marghoob Ahmed (Cheif Officer), Syed Muhammad Mehdi Shamsi (2nd Officer), Syed Asif Hassan (3rd Officer), Naik Zada (Crew Member), Muhammad Irshad (Crew Member).

Ansar Burney said after the successful rescue effort by the American forces from Cyprian sea water, the cargo vessel along with 21 crew members had reached Libya, where they remained in government custody till earlier today.

He said all the crew members on Board remained safe and expressed gratitude to the Pakistan's Ambassador in Libya, Lt Gen (Retd) Javed Zia who visited and met the Pakistani crew.

Ansar Burney also thanked US President, Barrack Obama, US Pentagon, US Forces, Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen, US Embassy at Islamabad and Pakistan Embassy in Libya for saving 21 human lives including 6 Pakistanis.

He had requested Libyan authorities for an early release of all crew members citing the hardship they had already faced as a result of the hijacking of the vessel by Libyan rebels belonging to Port Es Sider.

Earlier, Ansar Burney had also urged Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan and Eritrian governments to assist Ansar Burney Trust to ensure an early release of the 21 crew members.

Morning Glory Pakistani crew likely to return home today: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday clarified that there are no signs of Iranian guards’ presence on Pakistan’s land.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam during her weekly briefing said, “Our authorities have combed Pakistani territory in search of the missing Iranian guards, however, there are no clues that they are in Pakistan.” The spokesperson said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also discussed this issue on telephone last night and the tone of discussion was very polite.

She said Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted multifaceted ties and were cooperating on the issue of missing guards.

The spokesperson said Iranian guards went missing at least 5-10 kilometers inside Sistan and an organization, Jaish-ul-Adl, claimed the responsibility for the missing guards.
She said Pakistan will extend all possible cooperation to Iran for the recovery of these guards.

Replying to a question, Tasnim Aslam said the dead body of a killed Iranian guard was not found from Pakistani territory, which also gives the hint about other guards.

The spokesperson said on the issue of missing Iranian security guards, Pakistan is neither apologetic with Iran nor wants that Iran will have aggressive attitude.

Morning Glory

Regarding the Morning Glory vessel, the spokesperson informed that the Pakistani crew is likely to arrive today or tomorrow. She said after necessary investigations in Tripoli, Libyan authorities have cleared all of them.

The spokesperson said since adoption of UN Resolution on 19th of this month, illegal transportation of Libyan oil has been declared a crime.

She said as precautionary measures, Pakistanis who work on such merchant vessels abroad, need to be very careful and make sure they are working with well-established companies to avoid any future complications.

Nuclear Supplier Group

On Nuclear Supplier Group, the spokesperson said Pakistan feels it qualifies for NSG status.

“We have sought the status of NGS for our energy requirements,” she added.

The spokesperson said the world has acknowledged Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state and there are also voices that Pakistan cannot be kept away from Nuclear Supplier Group.

Referring to recently held Nuclear Security Summit, Tasnim Aslam said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made a very strong point for inclusion of Pakistan in NSG on non-discriminatory basis.


Modi’s Statements

Regarding Narendra Modi’s statements, the spokesperson said it is unfortunate that Pakistan becomes an issue during the election campaign in India.

She said Pakistan strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. She reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir dispute and urged India to sit with Pakistan for the resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson said, “Pakistan wants to resolve the dispute through dialogue as it is imperative for development of the region and welfare of people.”

She said Pakistan wanted the international community to convince India for resumption of composite dialogue, therefore Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his recent statement clarified that Pakistan wants to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue with India through dialogue process but India is reluctant to do so, therefore, common friends like United States should force India to come to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute.

She said Jammu and Kashmir issue is still on the agenda of Security Council of the United Nations and presence of UN military group across Line of Control in Kashmir indicated that this is internationally recognized dispute and it is not the internal matter of India.

The spokesperson said people of the two countries should get the benefit of the trade and economic ties.

Drone Attacks

On the issue of drone attacks, the spokesperson hoped the United States will maintain its recent policy on drones as they are counterproductive.

She said there has been a broad international consensus against drones. Referring to EU Parliament’s resolution, she told it demands from all European countries to refrain from becoming party on drone strikes.

Bangladesh Flag Ban

In reply to a question regarding Bangladesh government’s directive for its cricket spectators, she said it is a matter to be looked into by the International Cricket Council.

She said spectators are well-aware of their feelings and can better decide about their support for any country.

US Media Report

Commenting on a report publish in an American newspaper, about shifting of Al-Qaeda leadership from Pakistan to Syria, the spokesperson said there has been no proof that Al-Qaeda leadership is moving to Syria from Pakistan and the report published in the newspaper is baseless and wrong.

The American newspaper while quoting Director of CIA John Brennan said that dozens of militant fighters, including some mid-level planners, have traveled to Syria from Pakistan in recent months.

Osbourne’s UK home ravaged by floods

According to the Daily Mirror Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's mansion in Buckinghamshire, UK has suffered extensive damage in recent flooding.

The cost of repairing the damage will reportedly cost up to £300,000 and the renovation work will take months to start as the seven-acre property is currently soaked in water.

Till then the high-profile couple will be staying in their Los Angeles home.

Ozzy has expressed his grief over the damage caused by the heavy rainfall.

The Daily Mirror quoted Osbourne as saying, “It’s been completely flooded.”

“The rain has battered down the walls and seeped through everything. There is water everywhere.”

“We’ve been told it’s going to cost £300,000 to repair but we can’t even go about getting it fixed because apparently it’s going to take nine months to dry out. The place is ruined. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other.”

The UK has reportedly experienced the wettest winter since record began in 1910.