We need to go beyond post-98 sanctions: Bush official
Mr. Richard Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State in the Bush administration has a role in the new administration's making of foreign policy that goes beyond that of a mere deputy to the Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell. Known to be a close associate of Mr. Powell, Mr. Armitage himself is one of the leading ideologues who have helped fashion the worldview of the new Bush presidency.

Pak. ready for talks on avoiding arms race
Pakistan is prepared to engage India in a ``constructive'' dialogue on avoiding arms race both in the nuclear and the conventional weapons independent of the progress on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Sattar in U.S. for talks
In what will be the first high-level contact with the United States since the Bush administration assumed office, the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar, has arrived here for talks with senior officials on a range of issues which will undoubtedly include nuclear and missile proliferation and the security situation in the Indian subcontinent.

Plan panel to discuss special status to Kashmir, Assam
The contentious issue of giving special category status to Jammu and Kashmir with retrospective effect from 1969, hanging fire over the past decade, is likely to be considered by the full Planning Commission when it meets here on June 27 under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Pak. fails to get membership
Pakistan's attempt to alter its image as abettor of Islamic extremism in Afghanistan seems to have backfired with the newly-established Shanghai Cooperation Organisation taking no decision on Islamabad's application for membership while admitting Uzbekistan.

Violence mars Manipur bandh
Irate youth blocked roads, burnt tyres and torched effigies of political leaders on the second day of the 66-hour Manipur bandh called to protest the extension of Centre- NSCN(I-M) ceasefire in Naga-inhabited areas in the State.

'Kirpan' allowed in Ram temple
The Uttar Pradesh Government today denied there was any ban on Sikh devotees carrying `kirpan' inside the Ram temple at the disputed premises in Ayodhya.

Has Pakistan's political mindset changed?
Has the Army brass across the border concluded that a normalisation of relations with India is necessary for the economic advancement of the people of Pakistan? Is Gen. Pevez Musharraf ready to walk the high road to peace and prosperity in the Subcontinent?

Motorcade attacked
The motorcade of Bangladesh's top Opposition Leader, Ms. Khaleda Zia, was today attacked by unidentified assailants and trapped in a siege allegedly by ruling Awami League supporters on the outskirts of Dhaka even as she accused the Government of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, of trying to eliminate her.