Optimism grows in Argentina as World Cup nears

May 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Thousands of Argentines cheered on the national team as it departed for South Africa on Friday on their quest to win the country’s third World Cup.

The send-off marked the latest sign of growing confidence in coach Diego Maradona, who has had a turbulent tenure since taking over the team more than 18 months ago.

Chanting fans crowded a highway leading to the Buenos Aires international airport as a bus carrying the team moved slowly towards their flight.

“We’re all with Diego,” said Martin Bertaina, a 39-year-old horse trainer who rode his horse 20 kilometers to see the team.

“Maybe a few months ago we weren’t, but Argentines are like that. One day we love you, the next we don’t. But Maradona is special.”

Argentina, World Cup champions in 1978 and 1986, are widely seen as one of the tournament’s most talented teams led by striker Lionel Messi, who was voted Europe’s player of the year.

Maradona, one of the game’s greatest players, had a wobbly start as coach. His side advanced to the World Cup finals after winning their last qualifying match, narrowly avoiding a playoff.

However, two wins in friendlies against Germany and Canada, and strong showings by many of the team’s top players with their club teams in Europe, have raised expectations for the team in South Africa.

“We possibly have some of the best players in the world,” said 68-year-old clothing store owner Carlos Paradela, who cheered the team while carrying his five-year-old grandson Joel on his shoulders. “Diego is going to lead us to the championship.”

Argentina have been drawn in Group B for the World Cup finals along with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.

(Writing by Kevin Gray; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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Nepal’s leaders battle to avert political crisis

May 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kathmandu, May 29 — Nepal continued to wait with baited breath as ruling parties and opposition Maoists remained deadlocked on extending the Constituent Assembly’s tenure to enable drafting of the new constitution. The CA tenure ends on Friday midnight.

And if it doesn’t get extended within that deadline the country will plunge into constitutional and political crisis. Hectic parleys and last minute lobbying continued since morning to find a way out of the impending crisis but both the ruling parties and the opposition Maoists refused to budge from their stands.

Maoists refused to support the motion to extend the CA tenure till Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was removed and the ruling parties refused to accede to such pre-conditions. Maoist leadership issued a whip to its members asking them to vote against the motion if their demand was not met.

“We will prefer to stay outside than bow down,” said Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma. Support of Maoists who have 40 percent representation in CA is crucial as a two-third majority vote is needed to amend the interim constitution and extend its tenure to speed up constitution drafting.

“If it doesn’t happen CA ceases to exist from Friday midnight and the government becomes non-functional. An interim government is likely to take over till the next election,” said CA Chairman Subhash Nemwang.

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Nepal parties fail to forge consensus on CA term extension

May 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kathmandu, May 26 — Nepal seems headed for a crisis with the much-expected meeting of the three main political parties failing to forge a consensus on extending tenure of the Constituent Assembly on Friday evening. The meeting between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) and the opposition Maoists failed as both factions stuck to their previous demands.

They have agreed, however, to meet again on Thursday. While the Maoists sought resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal as condition to support extension of the CA tenure the ruling parties refused and asked the main opposition party to agree on contentious issues like integration of former Maoist rebels first.

“The ruling parties are pushing the country to the brink of confrontation and a conspiracy is being hatched to derail the peace process,” said UCPN (Maoist) vice chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha after the meeting. The tenure of the Constituent Assembly expires on May 28 and there is no possibility of the new constitution getting promulgated on time.

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JMM-led Jharkhand Govt to complete its five-year term: Soren

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bokaro (Jharkhand), May 21 (ANI): Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Friday said the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led Government would complete its full five-year term in the state.

“I have formed the government for five years, and shall complete the tenure. Who will remove me?” said Soren exactly three days after he had agreed to form the government in Jharkhand on a rotational basis with the help of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“The question of a change of government comes if there is no development. But now development is going on,” said Soren giving indications that there was no deadline for his resignation.

Earlier on Thursday, Soren did not rule out the contesting by poll to enter the house, which he must do constitutionally by June 30, as he is a Member of Parliament (MP).

Meanwhile, Soren’s son Hemant said: “The party has to abide by whatever decision the president (Soren) has taken or will take.”

The JMM-BJP coalition government plunged into a political crisis after the BJP withdrew support to government in the wake of Shibu Soren voting in favour of the UPA during the cut motion in parliament on April 27.

The BJP first announced it would immediately withdraw support from the JMM-led government, which would have brought it down and effectively led to the imposition of President”s Rule or attempts by the Congress to form an alternative government.

However, by April 29 when the party received a letter from Hemant Soren, offering to support the BJP in leading the coalition, the withdrawal of support was “put on hold” and a dialogue was opened. (ANI)

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Clarke adamant about keeping Oz Twenty20 captaincy

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sydney, May 20 (ANI): Twenty20 skipper Michael Clarke, whose tenure comes in for review over his poor batting in the shortest version of the game, is adamant about retaining the Australian Twenty20 captaincy.

Clarke has already conceded that his position might come under review following Australia’s seven-wicket loss to archrivals England in the final of the World Twenty20 Cup.

He finished with 92 runs in the tournament at 15.33. White on the other hand scored 180 runs at 45, with a strike rate of 146.34 compared with Clarke’s strike rate of 80.7.

“No doubt (I want to continue), I’m disappointed we couldn’t win the World T20, win the final, but I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity,” Clarke said on Wednesday.

“I’ve loved playing with the guys, I’ve had a lot of support from people back at home, the people who came and watched the games in the West Indies, and family and friends, so it’s been great and I’m enjoying it (the captaincy),” he said.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke as saying it might be time he re-acquainted himself with the aggressive and nimble-footed technique he first brought to the Australian team.

“Who knows? Maybe I need a little bit of that back,” said Clarke of his former, youthful approach.

“Everybody has a different role in our team though and that is one thing that players certainly are aware of, and you need to do your role to the best of your ability. For me my role is not the same as Dave Warner or Shane Watson.

“I always want to perform, I always want to score runs, it doesn’t matter what form of the game I’m playing, but like I said in this game, sometimes you can’t always make those runs,” Clarke added. (ANI)

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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)

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White being tipped to replace Clarke as Oz T20 captain

May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sydney, May 17 (ANI): Victoria captain Cameron White, who led his side to the Big Bash title, while winning four of the past five championships, is being tipped to be the new Australian Twent20 skipper after incumbent Michael Clarke’s tenure comes under review over his suspect batting in the shortest version of the game.

Clarke has conceded that his position must come under review following Australia’s seven-wicket loss to archrivals England. He finished with 92 runs in the tournament at 15.33. White on the other hand scored 180 runs at 45, with a strike rate of 146.34 compared with Clarke’s strike rate of 80.7.

It is a difficult consideration for selectors because of Clarke’s astute leadership and excellent winning record as captain. But his not holding his place in the Twenty20 team as a batsman is proving a weakness, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Clarke’s performances in the three World Twenty20s so far have yielded 108 runs at an average of 10.8, with a strike rate of 77.14. White, by contrast, has played only 20 games for Australia, but has more runs – 481, at a superior average of 43.72 and an excellent strike rate of 148.45.

“There is no doubt the selectors will need to have a look at my performances. I certainly know they haven’t been up to scratch and as good as I would’ve expected throughout this whole tournament, and probably Twenty20 cricket in general,” said Clarke.

“I’m sure the selectors will have a look and if I’m not the right person for the No.3 position and the captaincy of this team they’ll make that decision,” he said.

White was predictably diplomatic when asked about taking over the leadership in wake of Clarke’s comments.

“If that’s what Michael thinks, that’s what he’s thinking. I’m in no position to think about selection. All I can do is make sure I’m doing well and the team’s doing well and playing my part for the team and supporting Michael as vice-captain as well,” White said. (ANI)

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England not approaching World Twenty20 final with trepidation: Flower

May 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Barbados (West Indies), May 15 (ANI): The England cricket team is not approaching the World Twenty20 final against Australia with trepidation, said coach Andy Flower on Friday.

“The guys are bouncing off the walls and really looking forward to the game (against Australia),” Flower said.

“I’m excited to be here having never been anywhere near a World Cup final or anything. We all are. No one is approaching it with any trepidation at all,” he added.

Talking about England’s semi-final victory over Sri Lanka, Flower said while the team was gung-ho with happiness, “This is not the time for back-slapping.”

“We have a final tomorrow and we haven’t achieved anything yet,” he said.

Flower stressed the need to look forward, not back, but allowed himself a small glimpse in the rear-view mirror at a tenure as coach that has seen relentless progress in all forms of the game culminating in a chance at a limited-overs title.

From steadying the ship as interim coach here in the Caribbean last winter, he has since guided England to an Ashes win, drawn against South Africa on tour in a Test series and beaten them in the ODIs, and beaten Bangladesh.

“We played some really good cricket to start off the winter in the Champions Trophy, carried it on by beating South Africa and now we have transferred a bit of that into the Twenty20 stuff,” said Flower.

“I’ve been very pleased with the way the guys have played in this tournament so far. The batsmen have shown confidence and innovation, made good decisions and handled themselves well under pressure. The bowlers have shown a lot of skill and nous in using the conditions to our advantage,” Flower said.

“But we have achieved nothing yet. We have a game to win and if we don’t win it we won’t be holders of any world cup or trophy – it is as simple as that,” he added. (ANI)

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Governors can’t be removed due to change of regime at Centre: SC

May 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 7 (ANI): In a judgement that could have deep political connotations the Supreme Court on Friday said governors cannot be removed or transferred just because of a change of government at the Centre.

A five-judge constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan gave the decision on a petition challenging the summary dismissal of governors by the President after a change of regime at the Centre.

Earlier, appearing for the petitioner, senior lawyer Soli J Sorabjee had questioned the removal of four governors by the UPA Government after the NDA lost elections in 2004.

He had said constitutional office holders should not be made sacrificial goats at the altar of electoral politics and should be treated with dignity that they deserve.

Sorabjee had suggested a fixed tenure for them or in case of removal, giving of proper reasons by the President of India. (ANI)

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Dannii Minogue ‘to take revenge on Sharon Osbourne in autobiography’

May 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, May 06 (ANI): Dannii Minogue is all set to settle scores with arch enemy Sharon Osbourne – through her autobiography.

Osbourne fell out with Minogue when they were both judges on Britain”s X Factor talent show.

According to the Herald Sun, the stunner will reportedly fire at Osbourne, who poked fun at her “appalling plastic surgery”, said she had “no sense of humour” and branded her “f—— useless” before she left the show.

Minogue was asked if judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh would want copy approval on what she was writing, and she told entertainment website TV Biz: “They won”t, but Sharon might.”

Minogue had suffered lot of scathing comments by the outspoken Osbourne during her tenure as a judge on the show.

“Dannii”s got the chance to tell the world exactly what she thinks of Sharon,” an insider said of the book.

The insider added: “She”s not going to hold back considering the abuse she”s received.” (ANI)

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Knights, Mackay won’t return for Crows

May 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Adelaide forward Chris Knights and wingman David Mackay have been ruled out of returning from injuries for Sunday’s AFL match against Richmond.

Knights (foot) and Mackay (groin) will remain sidelined for the match of the two winless clubs.

The losers will assume bottom spot of the AFL ladder, a position the Crows are not even discussing.

“That is the first time anyone has brought it up, was you mentioning it just then,” utility Scott Stevens said on Wednesday.

The Crows have tweaked their training schedule, with no sessions on match eve for the first time in Neil Craig’s six-year tenure.

“We had to look at everything we are doing,” Stevens said.

“And if we did change something, we were changing it for the right reasons, we weren’t just changing it for change’s sake.

“The game has got quicker and we think we need to train against that sort of speed of defence, and with that sort of speed of attack.

“So we shortened the sessions so we can train at that speed and still get the recovery we need to play well on the weekend.

“As a leadership group and as a playing group, we are always looking for ways we can get better and we are disappointed, upset, frustrated as anyone with the start to the season.”

Stevens said the change of routine was decided after discussions between players and coaches.

“In the end the coaches have the final decision on most things but there is good healthy discussion,” he said.

“All the decisions we make are performance decisions, how are we going to win … we’ll continue to review it and review everything we do so we can improve.”

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No changes of my own in adopting new regulations restricting officials” tenure: Gill

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports M S Gill on Tuesday said he has made no changes of his own in adopting the new regulations, which limit the tenure of sports administrators.

Gill said his ministry has only restored the regulation of the ”1975 Indira Gandhi Government” and that he has made no changes of his own in the new regulation.

“In the time of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, 74-75, these regulations were issued by the education sports ministry limiting terms among other things for better management and promotion of sports in India, that is the fundamental objective,” said Gill.

“These had been set-aside in a casual order in August 2002 by the then minister with no reasoning really and we have restored the regulations of 74-75. I have made no regulations of my own,” he added.

Gill further said that his ministry has relaxed the norm in accordance with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations, to allow National Sports Federation (NSF) Presidents to continue for 12 years, instead of the eight suggested by the original 1975 guideline.

“We have done so because we have studied the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations, we have in fact softened these regulations. They said two terms and then a break. The International Olympic Committee says 12 years for the president total and an age limit of 70,” said Gill.

“We said we would go with that. So now 12 years. But if somebody wants 12×30, 30×40, I have nothing to say on that,” he added.

Gill added that the new regulation has got nothing to do with the Commonwealth Games and that all office bearers should continue with their term until next elections.

“This has no impact on the Commonwealth Games. Nothing to do with them. We have also made it clear that all office bearers do their work, carry on their term as and when future elections come, which are mainly in 2012, 13 and so on and so forth,” he noted.

The Sports Ministry released an order on Sunday according to which the maximum tenure of the President of a National Sports Federation shall be 12 years, with or without a break.

And for the secretary and the treasurer, the tenure shall not be more than two successive tenures of four years each, the order said.

However, the regulation has been opposed by many sports office bearers, who questioned its timing since it came barely five months before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. (ANI)

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PCB chief Butt must stop his ‘one man show’: Sohail

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Apr.21 (ANI): Criticising Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt for running a ‘one man show’ in the board, former opening batsman Aamir Sohail has asked the PCB boss to put an end to the practice.

Referring to the recent controversy surrounding choosing a replacement for injured all-rounder Yasir Aarafat, Sohail said it was baffling to see Butt making all decisions by himself without consulting either the chief selector Mohsin Khan, coach Waqar Younis or captain Shahid Afridi.

“I must say that this one-man show will have to be stopped.It’s the chief selector’s job to pick players in consultation with the captain and coach. But unfortunately it is the PCB who is calling all the shots,” The News quoted Sohail, as saying.

“If you have to make all the decision then why have you appointed these people. There should be distribution of power otherwise we can’t have any improvement in our cricket,” he added.

Sohail called Butt ‘adamant’, and said that there is no need for the chief selector and the coach, if decisions are to be made by the PCB chief himself.

“If you don’t want the chief selector and coach to do their jobs then why are you throwing away money by paying them salaries? It will be better for Pakistan cricket if all these players are fired because it will help the PCB chairman in his drive to cut down costs,” said Sohail, who served as Director Game Development during Butt’s tenure for some time, but resigned from the post saying he was not allowed enough freedom to carry out his work properly.(ANI)

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Obama plays golf eight times more than Bush

April 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, April 20(ANI): US President Barack Obama’s love for golf seems to exceed his predecessor George Bush’s fascination with the game.

Obama has played golf 32 times since he took office, which is apparently eight times more than Bush did in his entire presidency.

After his trip to Krakow for the funeral of Lech Kaczynski got cancelled due to flying bans over Europe, the US president immediately headed to the course, reports the Telegraph.

Meanwhile, the Warsaw Business Post in Poland carried a headline that read: “Obama goes golfing instead of attending Kaczynskis” funeral”.

Bush was often criticized for playing golf during his tenure.

However, he had ultimately decided to quit.

He ha said in 2008: “I don”t want to some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf… And I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal.” (ANI)

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BCCI meets over Lalit Modi issue

April 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Mumbai, April 19 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is holding a meeting here to discuss the controversy surrounding Lalit Modi, the Chairman of governing council of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

BCCI President Shashank Manohar is presiding over the meeting, as it is believed a strategy is being worked out to investigate the ongoing IPL imbroglio.

A three-member BCCI committee, headed by Manohar, is to submit a report on the IPL issue to the board.

The BCCI will hold the IPL Governing Council’s meeting on April 26, where it is likely that the BCCI may ask Modi to step down, a private news channel has reported.

As of now, Modi’s tenure as IPL Commissioner is to last till 2012.

The April 26 meet will discuss allegations against Modi and all other issues related to the Kochi IPL franchise bid. The BCCI working committee meeting would be preceded by a meeting of the IPL’s governing council on April 25.

“All the allegations (against Modi) and other issues would be discussed in the governing council. The date would be announced soon,” Rajeev Shukla, BCCI’s Vice President stated in New Delhi. (ANI)

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Mayor’s resignation in ‘best interests’ of council

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Mayor of the Victoria Daly Shire, Don Wegener, has resigned.

Last month, councillors unanimously voted they had no confidence in Mr Wengener’s leadership, but under local government legislation he did not have to resign.

Mr Wegener says he’s resigning because his wife is ill and he’s disappointed with how his tenure ended.

He’ll continue to be a councillor and an election for a new mayor will be held on April 29th.

Shire C-E-O Sandra Cannon says his resignation is in the best interests of the council.

“It’s the mayor’s choice to resign, so he could have carried on till the very next election,” Ms Cannon said.

“The council could have continued to do votes of no confidence, so in theory it could have continued for another two and a half years.”

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Afghan election officials quit

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The head of Afghanistan’s independent election commission and his deputy have resigned.

“The tenure of the president of the election commission, Dr Azizullah Ludin, has come to an end,” a spokesman for president Hamid Karzai told a news conference in Kabul.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) he told the president that he did not want to continue in the position any more. It was accepted by the president.

“Daoud Ali Najafi also resigned. His resignation was accepted and a new figure will be appointed.”

The spokesman said the pair had previously tendered their resignations although they had not been accepted.

The resignations follow international pressure over last year’s presidential elections which were marred by fraud.

Mr Karzai won the election but the commission was criticised for failing to deal with widespread irregularities.

The institution had been accused of being stacked with Karzai cronies.

A quarter of all votes cast in the election were declared invalid following a probe by a UN-backed watchdog.

Mr Karzai eventually accepted irregularities under extensive diplomatic pressure and his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew from a second-round run-off, fearing a repeat of ballot-stuffing that discredited the first round.

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Karunanidhi congratulates Sonia Gandhi on taking charge as NAC chief

March 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, Mar 30 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Tuesday congratulated Congress President Sonia Gandhi on taking charge as the chief of the National Advisory Council (NAC).

Karunanidhi, who is also the chief of the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party in a message to Gandhi said, the poor would benefit from her services, adding that the country, especially the poor and the downtrodden, will stand benefited to a very great extent by her excellent service as the chairperson of the Council.

The DMK chief wishing Gandhi a happy and useful tenure as the Chairperson of NAC further said, this appointment would add another feather to her cap.

The Union Government on Monday constituted the National Advisory Council (NAC) to be headed by Sonia Gandhi as its Chairperson.

She will hold the rank and status of Union Cabinet Minister with immediate effect.
The term of appointment of the Chairperson of the NAC will be with effect from the date of assuming charge of the office as the Chairperson.

It will be co-terminus with the term of the NAC or until further orders which ever is earlier.

The term of the members of the NAC shall be for a period of one year with effect from the date of their appointment, which may be extended.

The Chairperson of the NAC shall be entitled to the same salary, pay, allowances and other facilities to which a member of the Union Council of Minister is entitled.

Under the special provision for a Member of Parliament appointed as the member of the NAC, it has been provided that the member shall not be entitled to draw any remuneration, allowances or perks as such member from the NAC other than the compensatory allowance as defined in clause (a) of the section 2 of the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959.

Sonia Gandhi quit the NAC in March 2006 after the BJP- led Opposition alleged that she had violated the office of profit principle.

Gandhi had also resigned from her Lok Sabha seat. But later despite winning the Rae Bareilly by poll, she kept herself away from the NAC. (ANI)

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Bresnan can fill in Andrew Flintoff’s boots

March 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 26 (ANI): England coach Andy Flower has heaped praise on Tim Bresnan for his starring role in the one-day and Test series wins over Bangladesh, and said the Yorkshire all-rounder has what it takes to fill Andrew Flintoff’s boots.

Bresnan, 25, has demonstrated an uncanny familiarity with the attributes Flintoff showed when he rose to the top in the middle of the last decade.

Flower is expected to revert to four bowlers this summer, Bresnan’s 91 in the second Test has seen the England coach earmark him as a future world-class all-rounder, The Sun reports.

He said: “Bresnan was the stand-out bowler here. He’s been skilful with reverse swing and accurate with a heavy bouncer. He’s hard physically too. The experience he got playing a part in our wins was valuable.

“I was happy with his batting too. He managed his innings well and built it. He’s not had many chances and I’d like to see him develop it more. His defence was very good. I don’t know if he can do that in more pressing situations, we’ll have to see.”

Although Bangladesh may represent the weakest opponents during Flower’s 12-month tenure as full-time England coach, he said his side is improving.

“If I’m honest, we’ve a way to go before we catch the world’s best sides. We know that from our standing in the rankings at No 5. There is a lot of hard work and thought that must go into making us a far stronger unit.

“We have a busy schedule with the World Twenty20, Bangladesh and Pakistan before Australia next winter. While the next Ashes are important, we must win along the way to build the confidence needed,” Flower said. (ANI)

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‘Pak Armed forces inefficient despite their gigantic size’

March 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Mar. 22 (ANI): PPP leader Syeda Abida Hussain has said that Pakistani armed forces are way too inferior to their US counterparts despite their unaffordably large size.

The Daily Times quoted Hussain, as saying that while Pakistani armed forces were similar in size to their US counterparts, Americans are more sovereign and advanced.

While delivering a lecture on ‘Pakistan’s internal and external threats,’ the former Pakistani ambassador to Washington said that the US-Pak strategic dialogue is a good opportunity for Islamabad to get its 30-billion-dollar aid delivered from the US.

Hussain claimed that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is being regarded as the bête noire of the country despite causing no harm to the country during his two-year tenure.

She added that Zardari was criticised for saying that Pakistan needed 100 billion dollars, but now the very nation is hoping that its Army Chief succeeds in negotiating an aid package of 30 billion dollars with the US. (ANI)

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