Reuters South Asia News highlights 1200 GMT August 7

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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's ruling coalition agreed to begin impeachment proceedings against President Pervez Musharraf, a move likely to deepen political instability in the country.

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KHAR, Pakistan - At least 25 pro-Taliban militants and two Pakistani soldiers were killed in fierce clashes in a tribal region along the Afghan border, government officials said.

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KABUL - Afghan security forces freed a German-Afghan businessman in a raid, nearly two weeks after he was kidnapped from the capital, the country's intelligence agency said.

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MALE - The Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ratified the country's new constitution, aiming to pursue a "modern, multi-party, democratic system" and giving more powers to the judiciary and legislature.

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