US relents, war clouds recede over Iraq
The United States, which put on hold an attack planned for Sunday on Iraq, has decided to allow United Nations weapons inspectors to return to Saddam Hussein's country. The US decision came after assurances from Iraq that its offer to allow the weapons inspectors was unconditional.

Benazir negotiates with MQM to form Sindh Government
The main Opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are holding negotiations seeking to form a provincial government in Sindh amid reports that the Nawaz Sharif government might call army in the troubled region.

Sharif weighs referendum on Shariah Bill
Irked by the undue delay in the passage of the controversial Shariah bill in the senate, the Pakistani government is now contemplating a referendum on the measure.

  Globetrotting
  APEC meets in shadow of pro-Anwar agitations
  Indonesian military chief urged to quit
  Hun Sen set to head new Cambodian govt
  Sri Lankan minister in SA to block Tigers' move
  World Vignettes
  WHO ropes in World Bank to take on tobacco lobby
  Australia may increase copper supply
  Asian traders worried over coffee bean size
  US $206 billion tobacco lawsuit deal expected
  United States to launch bilateral aid programme for Asia recovery
  HK stocks seen range-bound, eye on Gulf, rates
  Japan economic package seen topping 20 trillion yen
  Singapore cost-cutting steps cut both ways
  Activists slam APEC, Malaysian prime minister at protest rally
  Albright works phones on Iraq from Malaysia
  Viability in doubt after Clinton no-show