Pak distances itself from Naik's visit
Pakistan has tried to distance itself from another visit by former foreign secretary Niaz A Naik to New Delhi earlier this week, saying it has nothing to do with the so-called Indo-Pak back-channel diplomacy.

Peace force allowed to cross border
Amidst reports of a militia build up in West Timor, Australia on Wednesday disclosed that international peacekeepers in East Timor have the authority to cross the border if engaged in a battle with pro-Indonesian militias.

Gas attack case -- Death penalty for Aum cultist
A member of Japan's Aum Supreme Truth doomsday cult was sentenced to death on Thursday, the first such verdict handed out in connection with the March 1995 Tokyo subway gassing which killed 12 people and injured thousands.

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