Briefly World

In an unusual step,the US Senate met in a basement near Union Station during the earthquake which hit the US capital.

US Senate has session near Union Station

WASHINGTON: In an unusual step,the US Senate met in a basement near Union Station here during the earthquake which hit the US capital. The Senate can meet in virtually any federal building,it set up shop in the basement of the nearby Postal Square Building at Union Station, Congressional aides said.

India abstains in Syria human rights vote

NEW DELHI: Making it clear that New Delhi was not condoning the violations of human rights in Syria,India has abstained on a resolution at the Human Rights Council condemning the Syrian government for grave human rights violations. The resolution was adopted by 33 votes in favour,4 votes against and 9 abstentions which included India.

No rift with China over militant threat: Pak

Story continues below this ad

BEIJING: Pakistan is committed to strengthening anti-terror cooperation with China,the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said Wednesday,questioning reports her country was a haven for militants blamed for an attack in west China. She was speaking in Beijing after talks ahead of a planned visit by Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari next week to Xinjiang,where members of Uighur minority have mounted attacks.

Nicaragua,Burkina Faso open to Gaddafi asylum

MANAGUA: Bayardo Arce,the Economic adviser to the Nicaraguan president,said his government would consider giving asylum to Muammar Gaddafi. Burkina Faso too offered Gaddafi an option for exile.

Libyan foreign minister says its over for Gaddafi

LONDON: Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelati Obeidi said Wednesday Libyas civil war was virtually over,in an interview with Britains Channel 4 News. Obeidi said: If I am in charge,I would tell them (Gaddafi forces) to lay down their arms, he said.

Libya intelligence No. 2 joins rebels: Report

DUBAI: The second in command of Libyas intelligence services declared his allegiance to rebels in an interview aired on Arabiya television. I put myself in the service of the nation, Gen Khalifah Mohammed Ali said.

Libyan diplomats abroad defect

Story continues below this ad

MANILA: Libyan diplomats smashed portraits of Muammar Gaddafi and raised the rebel flag at the Manila embassy Wednesday. In Ethiopia and Turkey rebel flags were raised as well.

Rebels hunt for Gaddafi son Saadi in Tripoli hotel

TRIPOLI: A group of rebels arrived at Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli Wednesday,saying they heard Muammar Gaddafis son Saadi was inside. They were searching every room.

N-experts warn of Libya dirty bomb material

VIENNA: A research centre in Tajoura,near Tripoli,has stocks of nuclear material that could be used to make a dirty bomb,Olli Heinonen,former head of UN nuclear safeguard inspections,said.

Gaddafi daughter tells people to fight NATO

CAIRO: Libyans must unite against NATO,a woman who said she was the daughter of Gaddafi said on loyalist channel Al Orouba. I tell the people not to fear armed forces. The leader is in the right, she told the TV station by telephone.