Middle Orient News

TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Ukrainian aviation official said Iran intends to purchase and later produce a licensed version of a Ukraine’s Antonov 148 mid-range passenger jet.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran signed an industrial cooperation agreement with Syria on Wednesday during the eighth session of the Iran-Syria Industries Committee.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Lebanon’s ex-President Emile Lahoud praised Iran’s “white hands” in Lebanon.

GAZA, Oct. 29 – Hamas on Wednesday called on Egypt to open its border with Gaza Strip to allow movement of people in and out of Gaza Strip.

GAZA, Oct. 29 – Israel removed cloths and shoes from the list of goods that were allowed into Gaza Strip after Egypt brokered a ceasefire there, a Palestinian official said on Wednesday.

JERUSALEM, Oct. 29 – The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is expected to last until after Israel’s upcoming early general election in mid-February, local news service Ynet reported Wednesday.

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Syria called on the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday to take action to prevent a repeat of a weekend U.S. attack on Syrian territory, and to hold the United States accountable.

DAMASCUS (Reuters) – A Syrian court sentenced 12 dissidents to 2-1/2 years each in prison on Wednesday for political crimes after they had called for democratic reforms.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. helicopter attack into Syria this week underscores the Bush administration’s determination to cross borders when it can strike an enemy target, and to weather any international backlash.

Iraqi authorities have taken over responsibility for security in another province from US military forces.