Hunt for Nigerian Islamist sect

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The aftermath of gun battles in Bauchi on Sunday and suspected militants

Nigerian troops are tracking down members of an Islamist sect who went on a killing spree in northern cities.

Soldiers are searching areas near the home of sect leader Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

On Tuesday the army shelled the compound, exchanging heavy gunfire with militants. At least 140 people have been killed in three days of violence.

President Umaru Yar'Adua said the army had acted to nip a potentially dangerous problem in the bud.

Nigeria's 'Taliban' enigma Eyewitness: Nigeria attacks Fear and tension after attack

Nigeria's security services have been flooding into Maiduguri, the city worst affected by the violence, the BBC's Caroline Duffield reports.

Maj Gen Saleh Maina told the Associated Press news agency that troops were hunting for sect members in homes and a mosque and near the railway station. He said the operation was being carried out "to prevent further loss of lives and property".

Residents and civilians have been told to leave the area.

Mr Yusuf's group, known as Boko Haram, is being blamed for attacks on police stations and government buildings in four states in Nigeria.

Many civilians were also shot dead or stabbed at random.

Boko Haram is against Western education. It believes Nigeria's government is being corrupted by Western ideas and wants to see Islamic law imposed across Nigeria.

State of alert

Late on Tuesday, explosions and gunshots could be heard from the Doidamgari area of Maiduguri, where Mohammed Yusuf's home is situated and the Boko Haram have their spiritual headquarters.

President Umaru Yar'Adua ordered Nigeria's national security agencies to take all necessary action to contain and repel attacks by the extremists.

"It is the government that has moved to nip a potentially dangerous problem in the bud," he said before leaving on a visit to Brazil.

"These people have been organising, penetrating our societies, procuring arms, learning how to make explosives and bombs to disturb the peace and force abuse on the rest of Nigerians.

"And I believe the operation we have launched now will be an operation that will contain them once and for all."

Outside Maiduguri, there is a heightened state of alert across the northern states:

• In the city of Kano, police arrested 53 people after an attack on a police station outside the city on Monday; police also shot and killed three suspected militants as they tried to reach Maiduguri

• In Sokoto, in the far north-west, police arrested five men said to have been caught in the act of planning an attack

• In Bauchi, scene of the first bloodshed on Sunday, 176 people remain under arrest

President Yar'Adua said 'a potentially dangerous problem' had been tackled

A BBC reporter counted about 100 bodies of residents and militants in the streets of Maiduguri on Monday.

Maiduguri police said 103 had died in the violence in the city, including 90 members of Boko Haram, eight police officers, three prison officials and two soldiers.

At least 39 people were killed in the violence in Bauchi.

Sharia law is in place across northern Nigeria, but there is no history of al-Qaeda-linked violence in the country.

The country's 150 million people are split almost equally between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south.

Iranian vice-president 'sacked'

Some saw Mr Mashaie as a moderate mouthpiece for Mr Ahmadinejad

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed his most senior vice-president, it has been reported.

The decision, the state news agency Irna said, came after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered Mr Ahmadinejad to do so.

First Vice-President Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie had angered hardliners last year by saying Iranians and Israelis were friends.

An aide said Mr Mashaie did not now consider himself first vice-president.

The decision came after a week-long stand-off between Ayatollah Khamenei and Mr Ahmadinejad, who had defended Mr Mashaie.

Ayatollah Khamenei wrote to the president, telling him that appointing Mr Mashaie was "against your interest and the interests of the government".

In the letter, which was broadcast on Iranian state TV, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "It is necessary to announce the cancellation of this appointment."

Mr Ahmadinejad, who is known for his own outspoken views against Israel, had been defending Mr Mashaie, at one stage calling him modest and loyal to Iran's Islamic system.

Hardline students

During the day, hundreds of hardline students took to the streets of the capital, Tehran, in support of the demand for Mr Mashaie to stand down.

They had warned they would withdraw support from Mr Ahmadinejad unless he dismissed Mr Mashaie.

During their demonstrations they chanted that defiance of Ayatollah Khamenei's views would not be tolerated, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Ayatollah Khamenei has the final say in matters of state, and analysts say he has rarely faced defiance in the past - though that changed in recent weeks with reformists challenging his ruling that last month's disputed presidential election was fair.

Correspondents say the rift between the ayatollah and Mr Ahmadinejad comes at a precarious time for the president.

They say the president needs hardline support against the reformist opposition who continue to maintain that his re-election was fraudulent.

BBC correspondent Jon Leyne says the row shows how vulnerable Mr Ahmadinejad is to pressure from conservatives.

He says that, although this was a dispute within the conservative camp, the reformist opposition is bound to gather encouragement from seeing those in power engage in such a divisive argument among themselves.

The row over Israel broke out last year when Mr Mashaie, then minister in charge of tourism, was quoted as saying that Iranians were friends with the Israeli people, despite the conflict between their governments.

Ousted Zelaya returns to Honduras

The ousted president of Honduras has briefly crossed the country's border with Nicaragua, in a symbolic move the US has described as a "reckless".

Manuel Zelaya has been in exile for nearly a month after he was forced from his position by a coup, and had previously tried to return by plane.

The interim government has said it will arrest him if he sets foot in Honduras.

Earlier, soldiers fired tear gas at hundreds of Mr Zelaya's supporters who were waiting for him near the border.

Talks in Costa Rica aimed at resolving the political crisis collapsed two weeks ago with no agreement reached.

'Not crazy'

The best thing is to reach an understanding that respects the will of the people Manuel Zelaya

Mr Zelaya, surrounded by supporters and journalists and talking into a mobile phone, lifted the chain marking the border between Nicaragua and Honduras in the frontier town of Los Manos and walked underneath it.

The BBC's Stephen Gibbs said the military personnel retreated by about 20m (yards) as he did so, apparently unclear how to react.

Mr Zelaya, wearing his customary cowboy-style hat, walked up to a sign reading "Welcome to Honduras" but did not go any further into the country.

Less than 30 minutes later, the ousted leader crossed back into Nicaragua, saying the risk of bloodshed was too great.

"I am not afraid but I'm not crazy either," he told Venezuelan-based TV network Telesur. "There could be violence and I don't want to be the cause."

He told reporters he was prepared to return to the negotiation table with the interim government.

"The best thing is to reach an understanding that respects the will of the people," he said.

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has described Mr Zelaya's return as "reckless" and not conducive to "the broader effort to restore democratic and constitutional order in the Honduras crisis".

"We have consistently urged all parties to avoid any provocative action that could lead to violence," said Mrs Clinton.

Curfew

At least one man was wounded in skirmishes at the border

Prior to Mr Zelaya's crossing, the army had sealed all roads to the border several kilometres (miles) from the actual crossing point, says our correspondent.

But hundreds of people had still gathered in the area and when the military announced an 18-hour curfew, they began throwing rocks at the soldiers, who responded with tear gas, he adds.

At least one man was wounded in the clashes, during which Mr Zelaya was waiting in a white jeep a few metres on the Nicaraguan side of the border.

Earlier televised footage had shown Mr Zelaya driving in a convoy including Nicaraguan police cars towards the Nicaraguan border with Honduras.

The interim government, led by Mr Zelaya's former ally, Roberto Micheletti, has imposed an 18-hour curfew along the Nicaraguan border.

People living close to the border have been ordered to stay at home between midday local time (1800GMT) and 0600 (1200GMT) to "keep the peace".

"We can't be responsible for the security of people who, by inciting generalised violence in the country, may be subject to attacks even from their own supporters who may have the sole aim of turning them into martyrs," the military said in a statement.

A night time curfew already extends to the whole of the country.

Talks bid

Mr Zelaya was exiled on 28 June after a crisis erupted over his attempts to hold a vote on changing the constitution.

He insists he remains the democratically-elected leader of Honduras and had previously attempted to return home on 5 July.

On that occasion, his plane was prevented from landing when the Honduran military blocked the runway.

The ousted leader's attempt to return follows the collapse of talks in Costa Rica, mediated by the country's President, Oscar Arias.

Mr Arias had drawn up a detailed plan to facilitate Mr Zelaya's return to lead a national reconciliation government prior to early elections in October.

The proposal also included a general amnesty for crimes committed during this crisis and the setting up of a truth commission to investigate events in the run-up to Mr Zelaya's removal.

Delegates of the interim government reiterated they would not reinstate Mr Zelaya as president but said they would present the Arias plan to Congress.

But since it was Congress that approved the ousting of Mr Zelaya, the move may prove to be of limited importance, says our correspondent.

S interest rates to 'remain low'

Bernanke gives his monetary policy report US interest rates are likely to remain "exceptionally low" for some time, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke has said. Testifying before the House Financial Committee in his twice-yearly report on monetary policy, he defended the Fed's policies in fighting the recession. He said low interest rates and a stimulus plan had buoyed the economy. He sought to reassure markets that government intervention could be withdrawn in a "smooth and timely" way. 'Persuaded' Economic conditions meant interest rates would be kept at exceptionally low levels for "an extended period", between 0% and 0.25%, said the chairman and underlined that the Fed's main focus was to foster "economic recovery", said Mr Bernanke. As well as the Fed's policy of low interest rates and extending credit to banks, Congress approved a $787bn economic stimulus plan in February, aimed at saving or creating 3.5 million jobs and encouraging consumer spending and rebuilding infrastructure. The plan included tax breaks and money for social programmes. "It is important to assure the markets that the extraordinary policy measures we have taken in response to the financial crisis and the recession can be withdrawn in a smooth and timely manner as possible," said Mr Bernanke. Barney Frank, the head of the committee highlighted concerns over inflation. "If people think there's going to be inflation, then that's inflationary." He said Mr Bernanke had addressed such concerns, adding that he was "persuaded by the chairman and others that we are able, in an orderly way, to undo what we had to do so that there will not be that inflationary impact". Analyst Hugh Johnson, chief investment officer at Johnson Illington Advisors, said Mr Bernanke's remarks showed that if the job market improved, the Fed would not hesitate in changing its policy. The Fed is saying it has "the tools for preserving price stability, which effectively means that they have the tools to reduce the levels of liquidity in the financial system before inflation takes hold", said Mr Johnson. Recovery Mr Bernanke cited signs that the financial markets had improved, and so had the US economy. "Although the recession in the rest of the world led to a steep drop in the demand for US exports, this drag on our economy appears to be waning," he said. However, he cautioned that the unemployment rate remained high and job insecurity, coupled with a fall in home values and limited credit, meant gains in consumer spending would be restricted. Looking ahead, Mr Bernanke said the central bank expected output to improve in slightly in the rest 2009, with 2010 seeing a gradual recovery. Rudy Narvas, an analyst at 4Cast in New York, said: "[Mr Bernanke] is still pretty dovish on the economy. He still believes that slack is going to remain at least through 2011." But he added: "He is saying that they can raise rates even though the unwinding of the balance sheet hasn't finished yet, which is kind of important, because it suggests to us that they could begin raising rates by as early as 2011."

Arrests at new Iranian protests

Mousavi supporters have used mobile phones to arrange protests

Iranian riot police are reported to have arrested a number of pro-reform protesters in Tehran after demonstrations turned violent.

Police clashed with hundreds of people marching despite a ban on public gatherings since the disputed election in June, Reuters news agency said.

The re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparked widespread protests and allegations of vote-rigging.

Defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi has continued to contest the result.

Mr Mousavi has issued statements opposing the election result, saying detention of protesters would not end opposition.

Power protest

Witnesses said hundreds or even thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran on Tuesday afternoon, although curbs on the international media mean it is difficult to verify reports from Iran independently.

IRAN UNREST 12 June Presidential election saw incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected with 63% of vote Main challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi called for result to be annulled, alleging poll fraud Mass street protests saw at least 20 people killed, hundreds arrested, and foreign media restricted Rafsanjani fans flames of dissent Guide: How Iran is ruled

Large numbers of riot police were deployed to meet them, and militia men in civilian clothes also mingled with the crowd, the BBC's Jon Leyne reports.

In a new form of protest, activists were urged to turn off lights and domestic appliances at 2055 (1625 GMT).

They planned to switch on five minutes later appliances that consume large amounts of electricity, such as irons, toasters and microwave ovens.

Activist leaders hoped the resulting surge in demand could cause a power outage and cloak Tehran in darkness, allowing some the chance to protest on the streets.

The power protest is the latest in a series of efforts to continue demonstrating without breaking the law or risking arrest.

Following a government clampdown on protests shortly after the disputed election, many in Tehran took to their roofs after dark to shout Allahu Akbar (God is Great) in solidarity with the opposition.

Referendum call

The renewed street protests come shortly after Mr Mousavi issued one of his strongest critiques of Iran's ruling elite since the election result was declared.

He said it was an insult to the nation to suggest that opposition members were only protesting because they were told to by foreign powers.

And he insisted that intimidation and threats would not silence his supporters.

Since the announcement that Mr Ahmadinejad had won June's presidential election, Mr Mousavi - a reformist former prime minister of Iran - has received backing from several senior figures within the Iranian establishment.

Among them are two former presidents, Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami.

On Monday Mr Khatami called for a referendum on the legitimacy of the government. Only the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, can organise a referendum, and he has already declared the election result valid.

Mr Khatami, quoted on Iranian websites, said millions of Iranians had lost faith in the electoral process.

But Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, which answers to the Supreme Leader, has described the election as a turning point. The head of the Guards' political bureau said the election allowed the Guards to take power into their own hands.

Our correspondent says many Iranians will see the Revolutionary Guards' confidence as confirming their omilitary coup.wn fears that the outcome of the election was just a thinly-veiled

Cari: Marzuki Darusman Mulai Pengusutan Pembunuhan Benazir Bhutto

Markas Besar PBB, New York (ANTARA) - Komisi independen yang dibentuk PBB yang antara lain beranggotakan mantan jaksa agung RI Marzuki Darusman, pada Kamis memulai tugas mereka mengusut kasus pembunuhan mantan perdana menteri Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto.

Komisi Penyelidikan (Commission of Inquiry) yang dipimpin oleh Dubes Chile untuk PBB Heraldo Munoz itu tiba di Islamabad, Pakistan, pada hari Kamis, demikian diungkapkan deputi juru bicara Sekjen PBB Marie Okabe di Markas Besar PBB, New York, Kamis.

Dalam kunjungan mereka di Pakistan, tim pengusut PBB itu mengadakan pertemuan dengan Presiden Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Menteri Dalam Negeri Rehmman Malik, Menteri Luar Negeri Shah Mehmood Qureshi serta Menteri Hukum, Keadilan dan Hak Asasi Manusia, Afzal Sindhu.

Menurut Okabe, pertemuan tim pengusut dengan Presiden Ali Zardari berlangsung secara `produktif`.

Tim juga bertemu dengan sejumlah pejabat senior Departemen Dalam Negeri Pakistan, yang memberikan beberapa keterangan rinci menyangkut tentang tewasnya Nyonya Benazir Bhutto.

"Dalam pertemuan, para penyelidik (PBB, red) mengajukan berbagai pertanyaan kepada para pejabat itu guna mendapat keterangan lebih lanjut," kata Okabe.

Okabe tidak menjawab pertanyaan soal berapa lama komisi penyelidikan pembunuhan Bhutto itu akan berada di Pakistan dan apakah tim pengusut PBB itu akan menjalankan kegiatannya pulang-pergi antara New York dan Islamabad.

Menurut Okabe, ia tidak dapat menjawab pertanyaan tersebut karena adanya kondisi yang harus dijaga menyangkut keamanan.

Yang jelas, ungkapnya, Komisi Penyelidikan akan terus melakukan kegiatannya di Pakistan dengan menggelar pertemuan dan wawancara dengan para pejabat dan individu di negara tersebut.

Komisi Penyelidikan pembunuhan Benazir Bhutto dibentuk oleh Sekjen PBB Ban Ki-moon atas permintaan pemerintah Pakistan dan secara resmi mulai bertugas pada tanggal 1 Juli 2009.

Selain Marzuki Darusman, Komisi Penyelidikan PBB beranggotakan satu pakar lainnya, yaitu veteran kepolisian Irlandia yang juga pernah menjalankan berbagai tugas PBB, Peter Fitzgerald.

Komisi Pengusut memiliki mandat selama enam bulan dan tugas mereka dibatasi hanya untuk mengumpulkan fakta-fakta dan keadaan-keadaan berkaitan dengan pembunuhan Bhutto.

Ada pun tugas untuk menentukan siapa yang harus bertanggung jawab atas kejahatan tersebut, hal itu tetap menjadi kewenangan otoritas Pakistan.

Dalam masa enam bulan, Komisi akan melaporkan hasil temuan mereka kepada Sekjen Ban Ki-moon.

Ban kemudian akan membagi hasil temuan itu kepada Pemerintah Pakistan dan menyampaikan laporan yang sama kepada Dewan Keamanan PBB sebagai bahan informasi.

Benazir Bhutto dibunuh pada 27 Desember 2007 di Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Seperti yang dilaporkan media, Benazir tewas dalam serangan bom bunuh diri saat berlangsungnya kampanye --yang menampilkan Benazir-- sebagai pembicara di kota tersebut.

Setidaknya 15 orang lainnya juga tewas dalam insiden yang sama.

Obama Beri Selamat pada SBY

Setelah sejumlah pemimpin negara, akhirnya ucapan selamat dari Presiden Barack Obama pada SBY datang juga. Kemenangan SBY dalam pilpres diharapkan menciptakan hubungan yang lebih kuat di antara dua negara.

"Rakyat Indonesia telah menggelar pemilu yang bebas dan adil pada 8 Juli dan Presiden Yudhoyono secara mengesankan terpilih lagi," kata Obama dalam statemen yang dirilis Gedung Putih, seperti dilansir AFP, Rabu (15/7/2009).

"Secara pribadi saya mengucapkan selamat pada Presiden Yudhoyono dan memastikan harapan Amerika untuk bekerja dengannya dan rakyat Indonesia di tahun-tahun mendatang, untuk membangun hubungan yang lebih erat di antara negara kita," kata Obama yang pernah melewatkan masa kecilnya di Jakarta.

Obama menyebutkan, tingginya partisipasi pemilih, kampanye yang digelar peserta pilpres, pemberitaan media, keterlibatan organisasi sipil, membuktikan kekuatan dan dinamisme demokrasi Indonesia.

"Indonesia memainkan peran internasional yang lebih besar tahun-tahun belakangan ini dan kami menyambut baik peran ini. Indonesia telah memberikan kontribusi penting di Asia dan dunia seperti perdamaian, perlindungan lingkungan, pembangunan organisasi multilateral di kawasan Asia Pasifik dan promosi demokrasi dan masyarakat sipil," puji Obama