Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Foreign troops in Afghanistan to honour Peace Day
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Foreign troops in Afghanistan to honour Peace Day
AFP - Monday, September 21
Send
IM Story
Print
KABUL (AFP) - – Afghan and foreign troops will halt offensive operations in the war against Taliban-led insurgents for the UN's International Day of Peace on Monday, the defence ministry said.
But US President Barack Obama expressed "serious" concerns about Afghanistan's elections adding to international misgivings about the future of the strife-torn nation.
Three US soldiers were killed in two incidents reported Sunday by NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
And one day after Taliban leader Mullah Omar warned foreign troops of their "imminent" and "unequivocal defeat", the defence ministry said troops will remain on the defensive for Peace Day.
"Afghan troops will not attack rebel positions unless attacked," spokesman Mohammad Zahir Azimi told AFP. "The people of Afghanistan are more thirsty for peace than any other nation."
The directive follows a similar order from US General Stanley McChrystal, which falls short of a ceasefire by the more than 100,000 US and NATO troops he commands.
Troops will be on the defensive but "will not conduct offensive military operations on September 21 to observe the United Nations' International Day of Peace", McChrystal said in a recent statement.
The UN day was created in 1981 and in 2002, September 21 was declared the annual date for "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples".
UN spokesman Aleem Siddique said that with international and Afghan troops on board, and amid "mixed messages" from the Taliban, he was hopeful of a significant drop in violence on Monday.
"We are unsure if the Taliban have committed to observing Peace Day," he said, adding: "This day is not about politics, it is about humanity."
Peace Day coincides with the three-day Eid festival that began Sunday, bringing an end to the Ramadan month of fasting.
Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, purportedly a Taliban spokesman, was quoted on ReliefWeb website as saying: "Our forces will remain in defensive position, as usual."
Foreign forces in Afghanistan, experiencing their deadliest year since the war began eight years ago with more than 350 deaths so far in 2009, are sceptical the rebels will keep their word.
"The Taliban said they would not conduct any operations during Ramadan, but six Italian soldiers are dead and a lot of people have been killed in suicide bomb attacks across the country," an ISAF spokesman said.
A massive suicide car bomb attack on an ISAF convoy in Kabul on Thursday killed six Italians, whose bodies were repatriated to Rome Sunday, and at least 10 Afghans.
In the southern city of Kandahar -- the Taliban's base when they held sway from 1996-2001 -- a bomb killed four civilians as crowds descended on shopping districts to prepare for the Eid festival on Saturday evening.
President Hamid Karzai, beleaguered by accusations of fraud in the August 20 election, used his Eid message to extend an olive branch to militants trying to overthrow him.
"On this auspicious day once again I ask all those Afghan brothers who are unhappy or are in others' hands to stop fighting, destroying their own land and killing their own people," he said.
Karzai has said, should he win another five years in the country's top job, he will launch peace talks with the leaders of the insurgency that has intensified in recent months.
Preliminary results show him with around 55 percent of the vote, ahead of his nearest rival Abdullah Abdullah on 28.7 percent.
But US President Barack Obama warned on Sunday there were "serious issues" about how Afghanistan's election was conducted in some regions.
"It did not go as smoothly as I think we would have hoped, and there are some serious issues in terms of how the election was conducted in some parts of the country," Obama said on NBC's "Meet the Press".
The UN-backed arbiter the Electoral Complaints Commission has identified around 2,500 polling stations out of 24,183 that opened on August 20 where "clear and convincing evidence of fraud" merits a recount and audit.
But the Independent Election Commission says such an audit would take six weeks, and are urging an alternative to prevent a prolonged political crisis.
Karzai's comments followed an Eid statement by Taliban leader Mullah Omar, telling foreign troops to learn the lessons of history.
Omar, who is believed to be in Pakistan, said in his statement: "The more the enemy resorts to increasing forces, the more they will face an unequivocal defeat in Afghanistan."
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Jeter, Gay overshadow Liu in Shanghai AFP - Monday, September 21
Swine flu fears for poorer nations in W.Pacific AFP - Monday, September 21
Pakistan's security gains contrast Afghan turmoil AP - Monday, September 21
Doctor: Myanmar's Suu Kyi has low blood pressure AP - Monday, September 21
Thai king develops fever, put on saline drip Reuters - Monday, September 21
News Search
Top Stories
Yemen army 'kills 140 Shiite rebels' in north
SA govt wants athletics chief fired over Semenya
Crisis still grips Ukraine amid IMF jitters
Thousands in Spain protest Opel job cuts
I.Coast toxic dump 'still claiming lives'
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Implanted tooth helps blind US woman recover sight
Jackson mum, children get $86,000 per month
Sacked Irish computer workers to get massive EU aid
I.Coast toxic dump 'still claiming lives'
Debate heats up over Wall Street rally
More Most Viewed »
Ozone hole smaller in 2009 than 2008: WMO
Poignant final farewell as Jackson laid to rest
Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel
Implanted tooth helps blind US woman recover sight
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Search
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Monday, 21 September 2009 Iran's leader says US nuke accusations wrong
Firm settles over I.Coast toxic waste claims
Foreign troops in Afghanistan to honour Peace Day
Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians on Gaza border
Kremlin says Israel promised not to strike Iran
Fleeing heat, bombs, Iraqis go north for holiday
Black Hawk crash kills US service member in Iraq
Gaza militant killed by Israeli fire
Foreign media poisoning Iran's atmosphere
Afghan president marks Eid with call for peace
Sweden gears up for 2010 vote with expansive budget
| International
|
Jeter, Gay overshadow Liu in Shanghai
US closing some programs in Bolivia
Swine flu fears for poorer nations in W.Pacific
Woman uses $20 bill printed in 1934 in UPS Store
Medical marijuana law creates confusion in Wash.
Naked man, 91, holds drunken intruder at gunpoint
Pakistan's security gains contrast Afghan turmoil
Doctor: Myanmar's Suu Kyi has low blood pressure
Thai king develops fever, put on saline drip
Unfaithful woman seeks 2nd chance by wearing sign
54 asylum seekers rescued from boat off Australia
Masked police chief sparks brief school lockdown
Man accused of sword attack after finding soda can
Beijing students protest teacher's detention
Pacquiao begins preparing for Cotto fight
GOP senator: Obama's big media blitz too much
3 US troops die in Afghanistan, 1 in combat
House GOP leader: health care needs refocused
Police: Young Indian lovers kill 7 family members
Meatballs rolls to No. 1 at box office
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Meatballs" rolls to No. 1 at box office
`Chance of Meatballs' tops weekend box-office
'Mad Men,' '30 Rock' aim to repeat as Emmy winners
TV series shows broken New Jersey city fighting back
France's trial of the decade pits ex-PM vs Sarkozy
FCC chairman to outline rules for 'net neutrality'
World Bank urges G20 action on global challenges
Dozens still missing in sinking of migrant boat off Morocco
Scientists make paralysed rats run again
Trafigura settles over Ivory Coast toxic waste claims
United Korea economy could pass Japan: Goldman Sachs
| International
|
Israel kills 2 Gaza militants
| International
|
China blames Xinjiang violence for slowed development
| International
|
China easing Macau visa rules, casinos eye record October
| International
|
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
| International
|
India's IT firms step up security with paramilitary
| International
|
SKorea sends team to NKorea for family reunions
Report: 35 million-plus worldwide have dementia
Calif. wildfire contained after burning 8 homes
Pakistan's security gains contrast Afghan turmoil
Obama favors investigation into ACORN scandal
India's IT firms step up security with paramilitary
| Technology
|
Teenage pair catch cash, not fish
Obama denies Russia dictated missile decision
Quadriplegic dies having won right to starve
Insane killer caught after 3 days on loose in Wash
Australian who won 'right to die' case has died
Plane with 4 aboard crashes in Fla. Everglades
Three arrested in US attack probe: officials
Fla.-bound space shuttle Discovery stops in La.
St. Louis coffee spill costs campus $200,000
Housekeeping chief arrested in NYC hotel killing
WRAPUP 1-NZ migration gains hit 5-yr high, backs recovery
China Metallurgical gains 35 pct in Shanghai debut
South Korean Sept exports seen best in 11 mths
'Mad Men' wins best drama Emmy
Red carpet ablaze with heat and color at Emmys
CORRECTED
NZ credit card billings rise in August
Jon Stewart's `Daily Show' takes top variety award
S.Korea sees Sept annual export fall at 11-mth low
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
Carbon emissions fall with global downturn: report
7 best reality Emmys in a row for 'Amazing Race'
Taiwan dollar up on foreign fund inflows, exporters
Korea Hot Stocks
Top designers come home to fanfare in London
Analysis: NYC mayor king of obscure endorsements
Japan markets closed for public holidays
Mad Men and 30 Rock win top Emmys, again
| Entertainment
|
Moviegoers gorge on 'Meatball' comedy
Elysee, Moulin Rouge draw crowds for open door tours
Emmy Awards get boost from Neil Patrick Harris
| Entertainment
|
New Jenna Elfman sitcom vaguely amusing
| Entertainment
|
Natalie Portman shines in Impossible film
| Entertainment
|
Julianna Margulies compelling in Good Wife
| Entertainment
|
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
| Entertainment
|
Red carpet ablaze with heat and color at Emmys
| Entertainment
|
African author Uwem Akpan says humbled by Oprah pick
| Entertainment
|
Leonard Cohen due to return to stage after collapsing
| Entertainment
|
Iraqi Shiite leader appeals for unity before vote
U.S. commander: more troops or Afghan war lost
| International
|
Ex-Samsung chairman pays $91 million fine
Russia general says missile plan not shelved
| International
|
Swine flu virus has not mutated: WHO chief
US commander warns of Afghanistan 'failure'
Israel, Palestinians dig in before Obama summit
| International
|
Pakistan restricts movement of Mumbai mastermind
| International
|
Israel says still has military option on Iran
| International
|
Kremlin forced Yeltsin to live in golden cage: Ex-PM
| International
|
South Africa's rich, poor gap must be closed: Zuma
| International
|
Eight Philippine troops killed after rebel lair taken
| International
|
French president pens princess romance: Is it true?
| International
|
Ignored by big parties, young Germans eye fringes
| International
|
China says military arsenal comparable with West
Afghan police say more troops not the answer
Report: NKorea shuts down biggest wholesale market
Pakistan probes detained Swedes on al-Qaida ties
Dell to buy Perot Systems for $3.9 billion
| Technology
|
Starbucks, Dell to aid online effort to save rainforest
| Technology
|
Hong Kong swine flu precautions: chief executive
EU details evidence to back Intel antitrust fine
| Technology
|
Clashes with Muslim rebels kill 32 in Philippines
Pakistan restricts movement of "Mumbai mastermind"
Beijing halts knife sales, attack fears: retailers
FCC proposes new open Internet rules
| Technology
|
US terror plot suspects due in court
Philippines: Aquino son gets running mate
Ship that helped rescue captain returns to Va.
Google says Apple rejected voice app for iPhone
| Technology
|
Obama starts big week with innovation speech in NY
Russia general says missile plan not shelved
Gates Foundation helps bring banking to the poor
Obama talks economy, visits 'Letterman' on Monday
The Nation's weather
IRS extends amnesty program for tax cheats
NYC mob heir 'Junior' Gotti on trial for 4th time
Demand for crop dusting soars with new pesticides
China Metallurgical up 28 pct in Shanghai debut
Regulatory issues imperil Bharti-MTN deal: reports
S.Korea short-term funding rates rise further
Seoul shares slip; foreign buying lends support =2
CORRECTED-S.Korea won hits 11-mth high on stock deals
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to curb won's rise-traders
NZ doubles oversubscriptions for govt bond tenders
Chanel advanced women's rights, says actress Tautou
| Entertainment
|
'Mad Men' and '30 Rock' scoop top Emmy awards
France mulls health warning for fashion photos
| Entertainment
|
After win, Chenoweth checked out for migraine
Dutch floods captured on film 56 years on
Julianna Margulies compelling in "Good Wife"
Natalie Portman shines in "Impossible" film
New Jenna Elfman sitcom vaguely amusing
Emmy Awards get boost from Neil Patrick Harris
"Mad Men" and "30 Rock" win top Emmys, again
Leonard Cohen due to return to stage after collapsing
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights