Stockholm - Swedish banking group Swedbank on Monday said it planned to raise 12.4 billion kronor (1.51 billion dollars) by issuing new shares.

Swedbank is one of Sweden's four major banking groups. In recent weeks, Swedbank has been in the sights of analysts over its presence in the Baltic region where economic growth has slowed to standstill and fears of loan losses have increased.

According to the bank, existing shareholders including insurance and savings group Folksam, savings bank foundations, over 60 savings banks, as well as the Swedish national pension funds AP1 and AP2 had underwritten 100 per cent of the issue.

The new issue was pending approval at an extraordinary general meeting due November 25.

Damascus - Syria on Monday condemned a helicopter-borne commando raid on a remote border village by US forces in which it said eight civilians, including four children, were killed.

A government spokesman in Damascus added that the Iraqi government also bore responsibility for the incident.

According to the state-run news agency SANA, the eight victims included a married couple, their four children, and two men in the attack at the village on Sunday.

Last previous media reports in Damascus had put the death toll at nine, with 14 persons wounded. But those reports were never officially confirmed.

SANA said that the US charge d'affaires in Damascus was called in to the Syrian Foreign Ministry after the incident.

Srinagar, Oct 27 : Curfew has been lifted in Jammu and Kashmir''s Baramulla town this morning.

On Sunday, one university student was killed and eight others injured in police firing here in the wake of protests over alleged high-handedness of security forces.

The district administration clamped curfew in the area after the situation went out of control. The protesters were demanding the release of five detained persons by the police.

New Delhi, Oct 27: An all-party delegation headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here today to submit a joint memorandum demanding action against the "divisive forces" that attacked railway job aspirants from Bihar in Mumbai.

A delegation comprising Union Ministers, Parliamentarians and leaders of various political parties in Bihar will meet Dr. Singh at five p. m. today.

An all-party meeting on October 23 had expressed anguish over the attack on north Indian examinees by activists of Raj Thackeray''s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

They unanimously decided to submit a joint memorandum to Dr. Singh in this regard.

Kishtwar (J-K), Oct 27 : At least five Hizbul Mujahideen militants were shot dead in an encounter with army personnel in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

New Delhi, Oct 27 : Vice President Hamid Ansari today greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Diwali.

In his message, the Vice President said that this festival usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in the lives of all citizens.

"Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over the country in a mood of festivity and gaiety. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and strengthens our resolve to follow the high ideals in life," he added.

He said Diwali has always been a great unifying force in our society as it draws people out in a joyful celebration. Let us celebrate this unique festival in its true spirit.