news

Obama took Pakistan into confidence: Zardari

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:09:00 -0800

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that the US had supported transition from dictatorship to a democratic rule in Pakistan and President Obama had taken him into confidence on the new Afghan policy.

“President Obama had written me a letter which I replied to. He even talked to me on phone before finalising his government’s new Afghan policy,” the president told journalists at a dinner here.

In reply to a question, he stated that there were no differences between Pakistan and the US over any issue, including drone attacks and transfer of drone technology.

The president said the two countries had different positions on the transfer of drone technology.

“For us this is not an important technology which cannot be given to us. But they (the US) consider it modern technology and are reluctant to it transfer to us,” he added.

The two countries had different positions on drone attacks, but were trying to sort this out. “We have had close relations with America for 60 years and now when it has become the sole superpower it has supported establishment of democratic rule in our country.” He said Pakistan should not dread India because it was a mature democracy and would be mindful of Pakistan’s current position.

He said the 17th Amendment and 58(2)b of the Constitution had been withdrawn, in principle, and it required only paperwork. He said the UN had been asked to trace out “real players” behind the assassinatio Benazir Bhutto, adding that Baitullah Mehsud was a “mere player”.

Palestinians fight settlements with new planned suburb

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:07:00 -0800

RAMALLAH: Bulldozers are carving out a new suburb on a hilltop in the occupied West Bank. For once it isn't a Jewish settlement but the first ever planned Palestinian suburb.

The developers of Rawabi, as the community is known, hope it will one day provide much-needed housing for some 40,000 people and help cement Palestinian claims to the territory amid similar communities built by settlers.

“The city is not a settlement,” says Bashar al-Masri, head of the Bayti Real Estate Investment Company, which is carrying out the 700-million-dollar project along with Qatar's Diar Real Estate Company.

“Instead it can be considered a Palestinian attempt to keep Palestinians on their land in order to contain Israeli settlement,” he says.

The building of a modern suburb in the West Bank, which is governed by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and receives considerable international aid, is in sharp contrast to the lingering devastation in the Gaza Strip, which has been under strict closure since the Hamas movement seized power in 2007.

The first phase of the Rawabi project calls for the construction of some 22 residential buildings housing 20,000 people within three years. The second phase will double the occupancy over the following three years.

The city will include schools and hospitals, and the homes will be within the means of middle-class Palestinians, with units selling for 50,000 to 80,000 dollars.

Covering some 630 hectares, it will be one of the largest investment projects in the occupied territories, and has won the enthusiastic support of the Palestinian Authority.

“This project proves that there are opportunities for investment in Palestine,” Palestinian economy minister Hassan Abu Libdeh says.

Ironically, the hilltop suburb resembles the dozens of Israeli settlements scattered across the territory, which the Palestinians have condemned as “facts on the ground” aimed at thwarting the creation of an independent state.

“The sight of Palestinian bulldozers is strange, because we are used to seeing Israeli bulldozers stealing our land and digging it up to build settlements,” says Mohammed Khamis, 42, as he watches from a nearby village.

“There are some cynical comparisons that Palestinians are involved in this sad scene associated with Israeli settlement, but we hope that the project will be the beginning of an expansion of related investment,” Abu Libdeh says.

The project is being carried out in Area A, a part of the occupied West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority, but comes amid a general push to assert greater Palestinian control over the territory occupied by Israel in 1967.

Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad has vowed to construct housing and infrastructure in Area C, which is under complete Israeli military control, as part of his plan to build the institutions of a Palestinian state by 2011.

The Rawabi project nevertheless depends in part on Israel, which must open the main road between the new suburb and the nearby town of Ramallah and grant permission for the construction of new infrastructure, Masri says.

“We have not yet obtained Israeli approval, but there is no Israeli opposition to this,” he says. “We have approval in principle.”

As the Palestinians have accelerated projects aimed at generating economic growth following the devastating 2000 intifada, or uprising, they have demanded that Israel halt its own construction projects in the territory, which are considered illegal by the international community.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has refused US demands to re-launch peace talks suspended during last winter's Gaza war until Israel halts all settlement activity, including in mostly-Arab east Jerusalem.

Israel in November enacted a 10-month moratorium on new building starts in the West Bank but excluded east Jerusalem, public buildings and projects already underway, prompting the Palestinians to slam the move as insufficient.

Nearly half a million Israelis live in more than 100 settlements scattered across the West Bank and east Jerusalem, many of which resemble Western-style suburbs and house thousands of people.

Three army personnel injured in blast near Rawalakot

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:06:00 -0800

ISLAMABAD: Three military personnel were critically injured in a suicide attack on an army vehicle near Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir on Saturday.

According to the SSP Rawalakot, Sajjad Hussain, the vehicle was travelling through the Dothan area on the outskirts of Rawalakot when the bomber rammed his vehicle into it.

The injured were shifted to Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot and the area was cordoned off.

Police were collecting body parts of the bomber for further investigation. — DawnNews

Govt files review petition against NRO verdict

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:57:00 -0800

ISLAMABAD: The government has filed a review petition against the short order of the Supreme Court’s National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) verdict. The verdict had ordered the reopening of criminal and corruption cases against politicians including President Asif Ali Zardari.

The government had appointed the Advocate on record Raja Abdul Ghafoor to file the review petition against the verdict's short order.

January 16 was the declared deadline for filing a review petition to challenge the court’s verdict.

In addition, Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Naveed Ahsan and Additional Prosecutor General NAB will also be filing a review petition.

Former attorney general Malik Qayyum will also file a review petition to clear his name as mentioned in the short order.

On December 16, the 17-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhary, declared the NRO unconstitutional and illegal.

The detailed judgment on the NRO case is still awaited. — DawnNews

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:47:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:45:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:17:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:16:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:15:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:11:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:09:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:08:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:07:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:06:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:05:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:48:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:46:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:24:00 -0800

Big, Bold, Spicy Baconator Delivers Tasty Kick

Wendy's Introduces
International Spicy Baconator

For those who dare, Wendy's has introduced a spicy version of The Baconator that brings the heat.

The bold sandwich features six strips of bacon on top of two hot, juicy hamburgers with two slices of Pepper Jack cheese, chipotle ranch sauce and jalapenos.

The Spicy Baconator will be available for a limited time at Wendy's 6,250 U.S. and Canadian locations.

"If you're really hungry and love great-tasting food with an extra kick, the premium Spicy Baconator does the trick," said Wendy's Interim Chief Marketing Officer Paul Kershisnik. "It's another example of how we're continuing to innovate, bring new news to our menu and more fully leverage our core strengths built around fresh, never frozen beef and superior quality."

Wendy's introduced its popular Baconator in June 2007, and has sold more than 68 million since then. It is one of Wendy's most successful new product introductions in recent years.

Wendy's International, Inc. is one of the world's largest restaurant operating and franchising companies with more than 9,900 total restaurants and five quality brands, including Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Tim Hortons, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Cafe Express and Pasta Pomodoro. For more information, visit www.wendys.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:19:00 -0800

Wendy's Launches Hand-Spun Frosty Shakes

Three flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry

After almost 39 years, Wendy's is shaking up the Frosty.

Wendy's announced today that it's introducing a new line of hand-spun Frosty Shakes in three flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Fudge, and, yes, Strawberry -- a Company first.

The rich and creamy Frosty Shakes, topped with whipped cream and a cherry, are served with a straw. The traditional Frosty is thicker so it has to be eaten with a spoon.

In 1969, when Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy's in Columbus, Ohio, the Frosty was one of five original items on the menu.

One of the most familiar and enduring items on Wendy's menu, the Frosty only came in one flavor -- Chocolate -- until 2006, when Vanilla was added. Since then, the Company has introduced Frosty Floats and Twisted Frostys with candy or cookie toppings mixed in.

"This is another example of how we're actively expanding our dessert and beverage portfolio by leveraging the power of our proprietary Frosty brand," said Wendy's Interim Chief Marketing Officer Paul Kershisnik. "There's nothing quite like the taste of our Frosty Shakes. They're a perfect fit for meals and snacking occasions."

Beginning in early June, national advertising support will emphasize the premium quality of the Frosty shakes, using five kinds of cocoa, real vanilla beans and sauce made from real strawberries.

In addition to shakes, Wendy's is introducing a Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Twisted Frosty this month.

Wendy's annually serves more than 350 million Frostys.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:18:00 -0800

Tuscani Lasagna From Pizza Hut:
"So Authentic, We Took It to Italy"

New Tuscani Pastas recipe delivers real Italian taste of America's most popular pasta dish

Less than one year ago, Pizza Hut turned the pizza world upside-down by introducing restaurant-quality Tuscani Pastas from Pizza Hut. Millions of families across the country have enthusiastically gathered at the table to enjoy the delicious taste of a great pasta meal freshly prepared and delivered hot to their door. And today, there's one more reason to celebrate -- introducing Tuscani Lasagna from Pizza Hut.

The new Tuscani Lasagna is so good in fact, that as part of their new reality-themed ad campaign, Pizza Hut brought their new Lasagna to Italy and earned rave reviews from Italians who truly know good pasta.

"Lasagna is America's most popular pasta dish, so it was a natural addition to our line of Tuscani Pastas," said Scott Bergren, Pizza Hut President and Chief Concept Officer. "Americans have eagerly embraced the concept of delivery pasta over the past year catapulting Pizza Hut to become the undisputed category leader. We're excited for the introduction of Lasagna as it gives our customers another great reason to enjoy a delicious, authentic pasta at an unbeatable price from Pizza Hut."

Authentic Italian Taste
The Italian-inspired Lasagna features lasagna noodles, real ricotta, parmesan and Romano cheeses, and a hearty Italian-seasoned meat sauce. Tuscani Pastas Lasagna is a sensible meal solution for hungry families -- more than three pounds of lasagna is accompanied by five oven-fresh breadsticks. With enough food to feed four people for just $14.99, Tuscani Pastas Lasagna is a great deal on delicious food when consumers need it most.

Welcome to the Family
Tuscani Pastas Lasagna is the fourth addition to the Tuscani Pastas line from Pizza Hut, the first delivery pastas offered by a national chain. In April 2008, Pizza Hut introduced Tuscani Pastas with two delicious varieties: Meaty Marinara and Creamy Chicken Alfredo. In September, Premium Bacon Mac 'N Cheese was added to the collection, giving pasta fans a contemporary twist on a pasta classic.

Easy to Order, Easy to Enjoy
Tuscani Pastas can provide a much-needed night off from the stress of preparing a meal that the whole family can enjoy and the ease and convenience doesn't end with a night away from the kitchen. You can place your order for Tuscani Pastas Lasagna or any other Pizza Hut favorites up to a week in advance at www.pizzahut.com. You can also submit orders via text message or mobile Web, even through the popular Facebook platform.

As the world's largest pizza restaurant company with 6,200 restaurants in the United States and more than 4,000 restaurants in 100 other countries, Pizza Hut, Inc., is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. . The company's 50-year legacy of leadership and innovation has made it the recognized leader in the $37 billion pizza category. Those hungry for more information can go to the official Pizza Hut Website at http://www.pizzahut.com/.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:16:00 -0800

Mini-Food Trend Reaches American Favorite, Johnny Rockets

International All-American Restaurant Chain to Roll Out Sliders and Mini Hot Dogs

In its response to relevant eating habits and strong consumer demand, Johnny Rockets, home of the original hamburger, today announced the launch of new mini-food menu items. The 23-year-old chain of more than 260 restaurants will introduce five varieties of Slider Hamburgers, plus Mini Hot Dogs and Mini Chili Dogs to their menu of all-American favorites.

According to Johnny Rockets CEO, Lee Sanders, "Throughout our history, we have remained a relevant choice for our guests by providing a variety of new menu selections along with a predictably fun atmosphere and consistently great service. These new menu items satisfy our guests' cravings for small, sharable starters and, simultaneously, quench our operators' desires to continually renew and refresh our brand."

The new Slider Hamburger options include the 'Traditional Slider' with mayo and pickle slices, or one of the four new Johnny Rockets sauces; ancho-chipotle with a smoky pepper flavor, sweet pepper relish mayo, dijonnaise sauce with a hint of horseradish and chunky bleu cheese sauce. All of the new mini-food products become available the week of March 23 and prices vary by location.

Appealing to a wide range of demographics, Johnny Rockets serves a wide variety of made-to-order, fresh, never-frozen hamburgers, hand-dipped malts and shakes, traditional American Fries, sourdough-battered onion rings and Johnny Rockets' own signature sandwiches that include Philly Cheese Steak, with or without grilled vegetables, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich and their proprietary, homemade Egg Salad Sandwich made fresh daily.

Other upcoming menu enhancements include the addition of a Caesar salad, Chili-Cheese hamburger, (a new spin on an old classic), and flavorful new shakes.

For more than 23 years, Johnny Rockets has offered the food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. Every Johnny Rockets restaurant offers its guests simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favorites, including juicy hamburgers and hand-dipped shakes and malts. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., Johnny Rockets has 263 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants in 29 states and 11 countries, including those found in Six Flags amusement parks and aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Johnny Rockets is currently franchising new restaurants in most markets. To learn more about Johnny Rockets, visit www.johnnyrockets.com .