Chinese Envoy: We asked Israel to end its occupation of all Arab lands

Following his talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in downtown Beirut Chinese Special Envoy to the Middle East Wu Sike said:

“China is very keen on developing its relations with Lebanon and is interested in its role in the Middle East issue. I was happy to meet with Prime Minister Hariri, and I conveyed to him sincere greetings and wishes from his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, who expressed China’s intention to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon in all fields.” (more…)

7.5-magnitude quake stikes off India coast

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of India early Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A local tsunami watch has been issued for India, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. (more…)

England, USA draw 1-1 in World Cup

England’s hopes of a winning start to their World Cup campaign were shattered by an extraordinary blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green that gifted the United States their equaliser in a 1-1 draw here on Saturday.

England captain Steven Gerrard gave his side a dream start to their Group C campaign with a fourth minute strike at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. (more…)

Geagea in Egypt to seek support for Lebanese government

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea arrived in Cairo Saturday on an official visit that will last a few days during which he is expected to hold talks with key Egyptian leaders in addition to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Geagea is one of the most outspoken leaders in Lebanon against the presence of the Iranian and Syrian backed Hezbollah organization which he calls “a state within a state” . Geagea is an a strong advocate of a strong Lebanese state , that should be the sole decision maker on war and peace. (more…)

Al Jazeera says its World Cup kick-off broadcast sabotaged

Al Jazeera Sport said it is taking legal action against whoever blocked its Arab world exclusive coverage of the World Cup opening ceremony and first match between hosts South Africa and Mexico. (more…)

World Cup: Heinze gives Argentina 1-0 win over Nigeria

Gabriel Heinze scored on a diving header and Argentina hung on for a 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday despite missing a fistful of scoring chances in the teams’ World Cup opener.

Heinze’s goal came in the sixth minute, when he took advantage of weak defense to power in a shot from 12 yards off Juan Sebastian Veron’s corner kick.

The Nigerians struggled for much of the match to contain Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who tormented them with his masterful moves.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert three good chances, including what seemed a certain goal in the fourth minute. Messi also came agonizingly close several times. (more…)

At least 65 died as Kyrgyz authorities work to end unrest

Kyrgyzstan’s interim government on Saturday worked to quell an upsurge of ethnic violence that killed 65 people and injured more than 500 others. (more…)

Ogassapian headed to Damascus

State Jean Ogassapian headed a Lebanese technical and administrative delegation to Damascus for talks with Syrian officials on reviewing and signing new bilateral agreements.

Ogassapian told members of the delegation that “the Syrian officials are very positive and open about these efforts , and we look forward to more cooperation and better relations on the level of state institutions.” (more…)

A taste of Bedouin life in Lebanon

The award-winning travel writer recalls a stay at a stunning eco-lodge in the mountains north of Beirut

Editorial: How Iraq can fortify its fragile democracy

Millions of Iraqis risked their lives in March to exercise their fundamental democratic right to vote. Yet three months later, Iraq has no functional or stable government.