Vision statement getting ready
Hoping to make a new beginning in Indo-U.S. relations, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the visiting U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, will meet tomorrow morning at Hyderabad House here for substantive political consultations.

'Clinton to ask Pak to reduce LoC tension'
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, during his visit here on March 25, will urge Pakistan to bring the temperature down on the Line of Control by discouraging militants from entering Jammu and Kashmir, the first time Washington will make a summit-level request to Islamabad on the subject, official and western diplomatic sources here said.

Gaiety marks Holi celebrations
It was a riot of colours across the country as jubilant revellers celebrated the millennium's first Holi today daubing `gulals' (powdered colour), exchanging greetings and sweets and visiting friends.

Mirwaiz Farooq under house arrest
The acting chairman of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq, was placed under house arrest this morning, to prevent him from going to New Delhi in connection with a ``meeting'' with the visiting U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton.

Prosecution demands death for Sharif
The prosecution today demanded the maximum punishment of death penalty for the deposed Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, his brother, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, and five others in the plane hijacking case.

Pak shelling continues
A villager was seriously injured as Pakistani guns continued indiscriminate shelling on Indian positions along the Line Of Control in north Kashmir, an official spokesman said today.

Koirala to be Nepal PM
King Birendra today appointed Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala as Prime Minister of the Himalayan kingdom for his record fourth term in nine years, a Palace announcement said.

Brussels Amsterdam, Paris stock exchanges announce merger plans
The Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris stock exchanges today announced plans to merge, creating Europe's second largest market after London.

Bangladesh's Islamic heritage, tolerance lauded
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, has lauded Bangladesh for its Islamic heritage, unique culture, commitment to tolerance and democracy and active participation in the world community.

Court notice on Pak. ban
The Pakistan Chief Justice, Mr. Irshad Hasan Khan, today sent a notice to the Attorney General directing him to appear before the Supreme Court on March 30, to show cause the validity of the countrywide ban on political meetings at public places.

Clinton leaves Bangladesh
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, left Bangladesh tonight, ending a day's visit to the country.