Schibsted: Schibsted ASA (SCH) – Allotment of shares in connection with performance based share acquisition programme

July 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Schibsted has allotted shares to participants in the Group’s performance based share
acquisition programme for 2010.

In the new share acquisition programme, each participant is granted a defined Basic
amount, which is a fixed per cent of the basic salary. 1/3 of the Basic amount, after
tax, must be used to acquire Schibsted shares. These shares are now allotted to the
participants in the programme.

The rest, up to 2/3 of the amount, must be earned over a three years period. It will
only be earned in full if certain financial results in the individual business unit are
reached.

Please find attached overview of the number of shares allotted to primary insiders
through pay out of the share acquisition programme’s Basic amount and their total
holding of shares.

For further details of Schibsted’s performance based share acquisition programme, please
refer to the stock exchange notice dated 20 April 2010 and Declaration regarding the
determination of salary and other remuneration to managers, published the same day.

Oslo, 27 July 2010

SCHIBSTED ASA

Jo Christian Steigedal

VP Investor Relations

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian
Securities Trading Act)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BP canvassing investors on possible break up: report

July 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

(Reuters) – Under-fire oil company BP Plc (BP.L) has started canvassing shareholders about a restructuring in the wake of its Gulf of Mexico oil spill which could include a break up of the business, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

The newspaper, citing unnamed BP insiders, said options included selling the group’s refineries and petrol stations, scaling back its U.S. operations and ramping-up in-house engineering instead of outsourcing.

These are on top of the sale of about 10 percent of its assets, including its stake in the giant Prudhoe Bay field in Alaska, the Sunday Times added.

A BP spokesman said it did not comment on rumor and speculation.

BP, which has already divested much of its downstream operations in recent years, said last month it planned to sell around $10 billion of assets to help pay for costs from the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, but declined to say which assets were up for grabs.

On Saturday, the oil group extended for another 24 hours a critical test of its blown-out Gulf of Mexico well that has so far shut off the huge oil leak, a top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said.

(Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by David Holmes)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BP canvassing investors on possible break up-paper

July 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

July 18 (Reuters) – Under-fire oil company BP Plc (BP.L) has started canvassing shareholders about a restructuring in the wake of its Gulf of Mexico oil spill which could include a break up of the business, the Sunday Times reported.

The newspaper, citing unnamed BP insiders, said options included selling the group’s refineries and petrol stations, scaling back its U.S. operations and ramping-up in-house engineering instead of outsourcing.

These are on top of the sale of about 10 percent of its assets, including its stake in the giant Prudhoe Bay field in Alaska, the Sunday Times added.

A BP spokesman said it did not comment on rumour and speculation.

BP, which has already divested much of its downstream operations in recent years, said last month it planned to sell around $10 billion of assets to help pay for costs from the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, but declined to say which assets were up for grabs. [ID:nLDE66C0N7] [ID:nN12148109]

On Saturday, the oil group extended for another 24 hours a critical test of its blown-out Gulf of Mexico well that has so far shut off the huge oil leak, a top U.S. official overseeing the spill response said. [ID:nN17152937] (Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by David Holmes)

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Kinetex Provides Default Status Report

July 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jul 10 (MARKET WIRE) —
Kinetex Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: KTX) (the “Company” or “Kinetex”)
is providing its fifth bi-weekly Default Status Report in accordance with
National Policy 12-203 Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure
Defaults (“NP 12-203″). In its news release on April 30, 2010 (the
“Notice of Default”), the Company announced that it was not able to file
its comparative audited annual financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2009 (the “Annual Filings”) on or before the prescribed
deadline of April 30, 2010.

As previously announced, the Company made an application to the
applicable securities regulators under NP 12-203 requesting that a
management cease trade order be imposed in respect of this late filing.
On May 5, 2010, the British Columbia Securities Commission, being the
Principal Regulator, issued a temporary management cease trade order. The
issuance of the temporary cease trade order does not affect the ability
of persons who have not been directors, officers or insiders of the
Company to trade in their securities. However, the securities regulatory
authorities, in their discretion, may determine that it would be
appropriate to issue a general issuer cease trade order affecting all of
the Company’s securities. Until such time that the Annual Filings are
filed or the securities regulatory authorities issue a general cease
trade order, the Company will continue to provide bi-weekly updates, as
contemplated by NP 12-203.

Other than as set out herein, the Company reports that since the Default
Notice: (i) there is no material change to the information set out in the
Default Notice that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) there has been
no failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with
respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information
guidelines set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there has not been any other
specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; and (iv) there is no
other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has
not been generally disclosed.

BDO Canada (the “Auditors”) has provided an updated timeline to
management regarding completion of the audit engagement. The Auditors
have reiterated that they are committed to working diligently with
management to bring timely closure to the audit engagement. Based on the
Auditor’s updated projection, the Company now expects to file its annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 by no later
than July 16, 2010. As a result of such delay in the Annual Filings, the
Company shall delay the filing of its financial statements for the
quarter ended March 31, 2010, CEO and CFO certifications and management’s
discussion and analysis for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (the
“Interim Filings”) until such time that it files the Annual Filings.

About Kinetex

Kinetex is an oil, gas and mineral exploration services company with
offices in Vancouver, BC, Calgary, Alberta and Bogota, Colombia. Through
its subsidiaries, Kinetex provides data-rich high resolution subsurface
images – essentially a brand-new exploration tool – to the energy, metals
and minerals exploration and development industries seeking to go beyond
the limitations of traditional data acquisition methods.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which may be
identified by words like “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends”,
“indicates” or similar expressions. These statements are not a guarantee
of future performance and are inherently subject to risks and
uncertainties. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from
those currently anticipated due to a number of factors set forth in
reports and other documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities
regulatory authorities from time to time.

The Company seeks safe harbour. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.

Contacts:
Kinetex Resources Corporation
Gil Schneider
Chief Executive Officer
604-484-5761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-484-5761
604-484-5760 (FAX)
gil@kinetex.ca
www.kinetex.ca

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SpareBank 1 SMN: Trading for own account

June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

On the 14th of June SpareBank 1 SMN sold 149 083 Equity Capital Certificates at a price
of NOK 44.24. After the sale the bank owns 17 845 ECCs. The sale is carried out in
connection with the banks program for profit sharing.

The attachment shows primary insiders’ that has been allocated 230 ECCs each.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian
Securities Trading Act)

HUG#1423896

Attachment http://hugin.info/144/R/1423896/372634.pdf

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Kinetex Provides Default Status Report

June 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jun 14 (MARKET WIRE) —
Kinetex Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: KTX) (the “Company” or
“Kinetex”) is providing its third bi-weekly Default Status
Report in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Cease Trade Orders for
Continuous Disclosure Defaults (“NP 12-203″). In its news
release on April 30, 2010 (the “Notice of Default”), the
Company announced that it was not able to file its comparative audited
annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 (the
“Annual Filings”) on or before the prescribed deadline of April
30, 2010.

As previously announced, the Company made an application to the
applicable securities regulators under NP 12-203 requesting that a
management cease trade order be imposed in respect of this late filing.
On May 5, 2010, the British Columbia Securities Commission, being the
Principal Regulator, issued a temporary management cease trade order. The
issuance of the temporary cease trade order does not affect the ability
of persons who have not been directors, officers or insiders of the
Company to trade in their securities. However, the securities regulatory
authorities, in their discretion, may determine that it would be
appropriate to issue a general issuer cease trade order affecting all of
the Company’s securities. Until such time that the Annual Filings are
filed or the securities regulatory authorities issue a general cease
trade order, the Company will continue to provide bi-weekly updates, as
contemplated by NP 12-203.

Other than as set out herein, the Company reports that since the Default
Notice: (i) there is no material change to the information set out in the
Default Notice that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) there has been
no failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with
respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information
guidelines set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there has not been any other
specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; and (iv) there is no
other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has
not been generally disclosed.

Despite the previously announced anticipated filing date of June 14,
2010, the auditors have informed the Company that they require additional
time in consolidating financial information from the Company’s
international operations. The Company now expects to file its annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 by no later
than June 28, 2010. As a result of such delay in the Annual Filings, the
Company shall delay the filing of its financial statements for the
quarter ended March 31, 2010, CEO and CFO certifications and management’s
discussion and analysis for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (the
“Interim Filings”) until such time that it files the Annual
Filings.

About Kinetex

Kinetex is an oil, gas and mineral exploration services company with
offices in Vancouver, BC, Calgary, Alberta and Bogota, Colombia. Through
its subsidiaries, Kinetex provides data-rich high resolution subsurface
images – essentially a brand-new exploration tool – to the energy, metals
and minerals exploration and development industries seeking to go beyond
the limitations of traditional data acquisition methods.

The Company seeks safe harbour.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which may be
identified by words like “expects”, “anticipates”,
“plans”, “intends”, “indicates” or similar
expressions. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance
and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company’s
actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated
due to a number of factors set forth in reports and other documents filed
by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time
to time.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as
that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:
Kinetex Resources Corporation
Gil Schneider
Chief Executive Officer
604-484-5761 or Toll-Free: 1-888-484-5761
604-484-5760 (FAX)
gil@kinetex.ca
www.kinetex.ca

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Canadian Zinc Corporation Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid

June 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jun 01 (MARKET WIRE) —
Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX: CZN)(OTCBB: CZICF) (the
“Company” or “Canadian Zinc”) announces that it
intends to renew, subject to regulatory approval, its normal course
issuer bid (the “Bid”) pursuant to which the Company may
purchase up to a maximum of 5,000,000 common shares in the capital of the
Company (the “Shares”), representing approximately 4.2% of the
issued and outstanding shares of the Company of 118,900,563 as at May 31,
2010.

The Company is of the view that the recent market prices of the Shares do
not properly reflect the underlying value of the Company’s assets. No
insiders of the Company intend to participate in the Bid.

The Company intends to commence the renewed Bid on or about June 3, 2010
and terminate the Bid no later than May 31, 2011. Pursuant to TSX
policies, daily purchases made by the Company may not exceed 33,038
shares, which is 25% of the average daily trading volume of 132,151
Shares on the TSX over the past six months, subject to certain prescribed
exceptions. Purchases pursuant to the Bid will be made from time to time
through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Shares purchased
will be paid for with cash available from the Company’s working capital,
which at March 31, 2010, was approximately $6.6 million. All Shares
purchased pursuant to the Bid will be cancelled and returned to treasury.

During the course of Company’s normal course issuer bid from June 1, 2009
to May 31, 2010, the Company did not purchase any shares.

About Canadian Zinc:

The Company’s principal focus is its efforts to advance the Prairie Creek
Mine, a zinc/lead/silver property located in the Northwest Territories of
Canada, towards production. The Prairie Creek Mine is partially developed
with an existing 1,000 tonne per day mill and related infrastructure.

Cautionary Statement – Forward Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking information,
including the intended completion of a normal course issuer bid. This
forward looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates,
forecasts, and statements as to management’s expectations with respect
to, among other things, the availability of funds to complete purchases
of common shares under the normal course issuer bid and the share price
of the Company. There can be no assurances that such statements will
prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Contacts:
Canadian Zinc Corporation
John F. Kearney
Chairman
(416) 263-6686
(416) 368-5344 (FAX)

Canadian Zinc Corporation
Alan B. Taylor
VP Exploration & Chief Operating Officer
(604) 688-2001 or Toll Free: 1-866-688-2001
(604) 688-2043 (FAX)
invest@canadianzinc.com
www.canadianzinc.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tracking the top job in Rlys

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Even as government circles were abuzz over whether Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar would get another extension, a parallel succession drama was being played out in the Railways Ministry over who would succeed outgoing Railway Board Chairman S S Khurana. This side show is still not over.

Despite Railway Board’s Member Traffic Vivek Sahai having remained a frontrunner, doubts are now being raised over his candidature with reports of him having fallen out of favour with Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee doing the rounds. But those batting for Sahai were quick to point out that his elevation from the post of Northern Railway’s General Manager to Member Traffic, by getting the then Member Traffic Sri Prakash to make a voluntary exit from service just 20 days before his retirement, was meant to ensure that Sahai was in line for the top job.

But insiders believe things are not going according to script as other eligible members have started lobbying. Meanwhile, Khurana, who led a team of senior officials to West Bengal following last week’s train crash, failed to get an audience with Mamata before demitting office.

As per sources, Khurana kept trying to meet Mamata till the last minute, but she was too occupied with the accident and the preparations for the West Bengal civic elections. So she chose not to meet any of the railway officials who had flown in from Delhi.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chelsea joins Manchester City for Milner bid

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 21(ANI): Premier League champions Chelsea has joined Manchester City in the fight to sign Aston Villa midfielder James Milner.

Milner has two years left on his 40,000 pounds-a-week contract, but Villa manager Martin O’Neill wants to open talks on a new deal after the World Cup.

Chelsea insiders claim that the club is ready to go the distance for Milner after missing out to City on Brazilian striker Robinho two summers ago.

“Losing out to City for Robinho was embarrassing at the time, even if it did turn out to be a lucky escape,” The Sun quoted a Chelsea insider, as saying.

“But we are determined to get our man this time and we are very confident it will happen,” he added.

City are believed to have had an initial bid of 25 million pounds rejected by Villa, and have tabled a second offer of 30 million pounds. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Musharraf planning return to Pak but keeps card close to chest

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 21 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has hinted that he is planning to return to the country’s political stage soon, but has not disclosed whether he would be running in the Presidential elections or not.

“The question of whether I am running for president or prime minister will be seen later,” Musharraf told CNN.

Musharraf did not disclose the exact time of his return to Pakistan, but officials said that he has already applied to register a new political party named –The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

Musharraf also condemned the UN inquiry commission’s report for blaming his regime for former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

“It was me who warned her about the threat to her. It was I who stopped her from going to that venue once before… but she decided to go again,” BBC quoted Musharraf as telling CNN.

“All the security, wherever possible… by the police was provided to her,” the former general added.

Musharraf has reportedly been in contact with several Pakistani political leaders to garner support for himself and APML.

Insiders said that Musharraf also had a chat with former President Farooq Leghari to discuss various political aspects.

It is reported that they discussed about certain ‘disappointed’ political leaders who could join the APML.

Musharraf and some of the ‘dissident’ leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q and (PML-Q) and the PML-Z are already in contact, “and some of the rebel leaders have given the green signal to Musharraf for standing in the presidential elections. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

US wants Pak Army Chief Kayani to stay for another year

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Washington, May 19 (ANI): Even though the Pakistan government has clarified its stand on the tenure of Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, sources in the US Central Command (CENTCOM) have revealed that he is likely to get an extension.

Insiders in the CENTCOM said that General Kayani has developed strong working relations with his American counterparts and it will be in the ‘best interest of the operation (war on terror) not to change leadership mid-stream.’

Sources also said that General Kayani has assured the Obama administration that the Pakistani armed forces would not disrupt the country’s civilian set-up, and would play in their “own sandbox”, The Examiner reports.

Earlier, ruling out the chances of giving Kayani an extension in service, Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said that the PPP-led Government would not extend his tenure, and neither had he asked for it.

General Kayani (55) is the 14th chief of the Pakistan Army. He was promoted as a full General in October 2007, and made the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

He took over as the new Army Chief after Pervez Musharraf’s retirement on November 28,2007. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Musharraf ‘poised’ for comeback to Pak politics

May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Washington, May 18 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf is likely to announce his future political plans today (Tuesday, May 18) during a meeting with his supporters here, sources close to him have revealed.

According to one of Musharraf’s close aides, the general would meet his supporters and regional coordinators of Pakistan First, an organisation that works to promote Pakistan’s interests in the US.

Meanwhile, Musharraf reportedly called several political leaders in Pakistan to garner support for his recently floated party- the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

Insiders said Musharraf telephoned several prominent leaders belonging to Dera Ghazi Khan, Sindh and Mian Muhammad Azhar in Lahore.

They said Musharraf also had a chat with former President Farooq Leghari to discuss various political aspects.

It is reported that they discussed about certain ‘disappointed’ political leaders who could join the APML.

Musharraf and some of the ‘dissident’ leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q and (PML-Q) and the PML-Z are already in contact, “and some of the rebel leaders have given a green signal to Musharraf for standing in the presidential elections, The Daily Times reports. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

‘Worried’ Zardari looking at ‘scapegoats’ to stay ‘safe’ in BB murder probe?

May 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, May 5 (ANI): Confusion prevails over whether the fact finding committee formed by the Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to probe former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination has submitted its report or not.

While Cabinet Secretary Rauf Chaudhry, who is heading the three-men committee, said the report has been submitted to Gilani, a statement issued by the Presidency said the committee is likely to question some more important personalities before finally submitting its report.

Earlier, some quarters of the media said the fact-finding committee has given a clean chit to former Military Intelligence (MI) chief Major General Nadeem Ijaz over hosing down the incident site where Bhutto was assassinated.

Observers said that the reported acquittal of Ijaz and other subordinates has irked Zardari and other senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders, and they are deliberately trying to delay the probe report.

The committee has been given an extension to submit its report, which many believe is a move to find scapegoats in the case.

Insiders said Zardari was critical about the findings of the committee, which eventually led to a change in its mandate. It has now been directed to complete its findings in the light of UN Commission’s report.

According to some political analysts, one of the primary reasons of Zardari’s annoyance over the findings of the committee was that all fingers would be pointed towards himself if lower rank officials continue to get clean chits in Bhutto’s murder case.

“Now when most of the suspects mentioned in the UN report have been interrogated by the fact finding committee and most of them had been cleared, the blame of assassination of Benazir Bhutto at the end of the day would directly come on the President,” The Nation quoted an observer, as saying.

“ Naturally, he should be the most worried person if the committee fails in finding some scapegoats,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that fact finding committee did not fix criminal responsibility on any of the senior police officials, including former city police officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi, Saud Aziz, who was held directly responsible for washing off the crime scene by the UN commission’s report.

The committee’s report contradicted the UN commission’s findings, saying that on the basis of given statements and evidences, the committee has reached the conclusion that the police washed the crime scene outside Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi without any pressure or any order from higher authorities. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lara Bingle ‘not welcome’ at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

May 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, May 5 (ANI): Australian model Lara Bingle is said to have not been welcomed at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

Bingle, 22, who has just been recruited by Harpers Bazaar, was not welcomed by some of the leading RAFW designers.

The model has reportedly been denied access backstage, with some designers concerned by her “brand association”.

The sometime swimwear model, fashioned in the image of Bazaar fashion editor Christina Centenera, may wear the clothes well, say insiders, but her style does not appear her own.

“It always seems a bit of a circus around her. The fear is they don’t want that drama to rub off on them,” News.com.au quoted a source as telling the Daily Telegraph. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cher coming out of retirement to tour again

April 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, April 26 (ANI): Pop singer Cher, real name Cherilyn Sarkisian, has announced she will be coming out of retirement to tour again.

Cher, 63, is planning on hitting the road once her contract at Caesars Palace’s The Colosseum in Las Vegas comes to an end, reports the Mirror.

Insiders reveal the singer has been inspired to perform again by new songs she’s working on for an upcoming album and the soundtrack to her latest movie, ‘Burlesque’.

She plans to launch a new single, ‘Already Been There’, at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo next month. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vinnie Jones beaten up by ex-boxer in ”wild-west” style brawl

April 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, April 26 (ANI): Footballer-turned-actor Vinnie Jones is said to have been beaten up by a former boxer in what has been described as a “wild west” style brawl.

Jones, 45, had been drinking with friends in Los Angeles” plush Chateau Marmont Hotel when the fight erupted between him and former fighter-turned-actor Tamer Hassan, 42.

According to onlookers, the two had been cracking jokes before Jones began making sarcastic remarks, and the exchange became heated when Hassan, suggested they discuss the matter outside.

“Neither Vinnie or Tamer were backing down,” the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

“Minutes earlier they were joking but it appears Vinnie took things too far. When Tamer suggested it may be best to discuss their problem outside all hell broke loose.

“It was like something out of a wild west film. Fists were flying and at one point the two of them were grappling on the floor.

“If they hadn”t been pulled apart God knows when it would have stopped. There was a lot of shouting and swearing. It was bizarre.

“Vinnie took a good hiding,” the source revealed.

As the pair, due to be filming their latest film, ”Magic Boys”, writhed on the ground ”Tropic Thunder” star Justin Theroux stepped in to pull them apart.

Insiders said the fight had been brewing since the pair had a run-in over New Year. They claimed Jones refused to let the matter drop and approached Hassan to discuss it.

At one point they seemed set to make up, but Jones allegedly slapped Hassan”s outstretched hand away.

“My client informs me that he was subjected to an unprovoked attack. He regrets being put in the position of having to defend himself, but defend himself he did,” Hassan”s lawyer Eddie Parladorio said.

A spokesman for Jones said: “Vinnie was having a business dinner when he got involved in an altercation. Following the incident he returned to his table.

“Yesterday he was playing football with his Hollywood team as he always does on a Sunday,” he added. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Action against Musharraf in Benazir case after ‘concrete’ evidence is found: Malik

April 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, Apr.20 (ANI): Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that action against former President General Pervez Musharraf in the slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination case would be taken after ‘concrete’ evidence is gathered against him.

While the UN’s fact finding team, in its probe, has blamed the Musharraf regime for Bhutto’s assassination, Malik said the tragic incident took place due to the Punjab government’s failure to provide full security cover to Bhutto.

Malik said Pakistani officials are still probing the former premier’s murder, The Dawn reports.

It may be noted that the UN commission had also accused Pakistani intelligence agencies and other authorities of hampering the probe against those who masterminded the gun and bomb attack.

Meanwhile, insiders said that the government is contemplating action against Musharraf’s close relatives, who have been indicted in the UN report.

According to sources, the Presidency is in consultations with various authorities to initiate action against Major General Nadeem Ijaz and Major General (retired) Nusrat Naeem. (ANI)

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Parents may be asked to supervise school tests

April 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Parents groups say they are outraged at the Federal Government’s suggestion that it would ask parents to supervise the school literacy and numeracy tests if teachers go ahead with a boycott.

The Australian Education Union is planning to ban its members from running the NAPLAN tests, as part of its fight with the Government over the My School website.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who is also Education Minister, has told ABC’s Insiders program that parents would be asked to step in and supervise the tests if need be.

“One option clearly on the table is asking parents to assist with supervising the test,” she said.

“Obviously they would do that under instruction from qualified supervisors and we would need to make sure that people had working with children checks and the like.

“It’s not my intention to create problems but it’s not me … that’s considering a ban – it’s the Australian Education Union.”

Dianne Giblin, the president of the Federation of Parents and Citizens’ Associations of New South Wales, says the suggestion is totally inappropriate.

“The federation is appaled with the decision by Julia Gillard, or the suggestion at least, for parents to supervise the literacy and numeracy tests,” she said.

“This is clearly the responsibility of the government and education jurisdictions across the country.”

Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott says it does not look good for Ms Gillard if that happens.

“It seems to me that the Deputy Prime Minister has completely lost control of her portfolio if she’s talking about tests not being administered by professional people,” he said.

But Victorian Premier John Brumby says he would be very surprised if parents were asked to supervise the school literacy and numeracy tests.

Mr Brumby is doubtful that would happen in Victoria.

“I don’t want to get into the hypotheticals about whether the union will or whether the union won’t – I’d just say it’s a hypothetical scenario and a hypothetical question and I’d be very surprised if it came to that situation in Victoria,” he said.

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Analysts’ first take on Iraq election

March 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s coalition won the most seats in Iraq’s March 7 parliamentary election, according to full preliminary results released on Friday.

The bloc with the most parliamentary seats is given the first opportunity to form a new government.

Here are some initial reactions to the results:

GALA RIANI, ANALYST WITH IHS GLOBAL INSIGHT

“Allawi has achieved what Maliki had hoped and aimed to do. The mission he had was to run a coalition on a non-sectarian platform and secure an election victory on that platform.

“Iraqiya (Allawi’s bloc) has fared much better across the board than State of Law (Maliki’s bloc) has, much better in the southern provinces than State of Law did in the north. It puts Allawi in a better place to secure better credibility across the county.

“What Allawi has achieved is hugely significant. It’s a massive blow to Maliki, to his credibility and to the type of platform he has tried to run.”

TONY DODGE, READER IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON:

“That’s an amazing result. The fact that Allawi is leading means that he has the first chance at forming a government. Technically this gives him the lead.”

The result is “a damning indictment of the ruling party, the insiders that have dominated Iraqi politics for the last five years. We just have to see if Allawi has the wherewithal to form a government.

“Iran backed the INA (the mainly Shi’ite Iraqi National Alliance) and half-heartedly backed Maliki. Now that Allawi is moving through Baghdad trying to build a coalition, Iran will be going through Baghdad with a lot of money trying to build a coalition.

“It would not be too harmful to suggest that Washington and Tehran have opposing objectives in the formation of the next government … Allawi for the Americans and whoever Tehran thinks will be the most effective representative of the Shia Islamist party.

“The big points are that Allawi represents an anti-incumbent vote. The people who voted for Allawi voted against the last five years. This is potentially destabilising, but very important.

“Let’s hope that the army stays in its barracks, I think it will. But we will see some rocky times before the formation of the next government.”

DR. AMI M. ANGELL, VISITING RESEARCH FELLOW, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM RESEARCH

“There are going to be a significant number upset about the outcome, no matter what it is. But they will support the outcome, if positive changes in policy are rapidly introduced. … (Iraqis) are tired of the violence, tired of the corruption and tired of the fighting. I don’t know how eager they are going to be to pick up arms and join another fight. I honestly believe that the populace will follow anyone – at this point – who follows through on his word.”

(Reporting by Ian Simpson and Jim Loney; Editing by Jon Hemming)

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Valenica likely to sell David Villa for 40-mn pounds

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 23 (ANI): Chelsea and Manchester City are on the alert after debt-riddled Valencia agreed to sell striker David Villa.

Villa’s teammate Silva is also available and Manchester United is sure to fancy the attacking midfielder, who may fetch up to 20 million pounds.

The Spanish team wants to raise 50 million pounds by selling both players, but Villa could cost 40 million pounds alone if a bidding war erupts between the Premier League’s richest clubs.

Insiders say Villa, who has scored 121 goals in 223 outings for Valencia and 37 in 55 internationals, will also be wanted by Barcelona and Real Madrid, The Sun reports.

But he is likely to prefer a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea being his first choice.

Nicolas Anelka is stalling over an extended one-year deal at Chelsea and Blues fans would view Villa, 28, as a good replacement.

Villa said: “For now my head is in Valencia and the World Cup. After South Africa I will decide what”s best. My final decision won”t be based solely on money.” (ANI)

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