Farhan Haq

POLITICS-SOUTH ASIA: New Twists to Indo-Pakistani Relations /REPEATING/

Pakistan's provisional acceptance of a nuclear testby only 21, with the United States - among others - unwilling to proceed with ratification while the South Asia proliferation worries last.

POLITICS-SOUTH ASIA: New Twists to Indo-Pakistani Relations

By Farhan Haq

Pakistan's provisional acceptance of a nuclear test ban and a series of agreements between the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers have altered South Asia's political landscape after months of rising tension.

POLITICS-IRAN: Teheran’s New Image Involves Only Slight Change

By Farhan Haq

Iranian President Mohammed Khatami has impressed Western leaders and the media on his first U.N. visit by promoting dialogue between Islamic and Western states but he has given little indication of how to improve political ties.

DISARMAMENT: Pakistan Ready to Sign Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

By Farhan Haq

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is ready to sign the nuclear Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and abandon any further nuclear tests, U.N. and Pakistani officials said Tuesday.

ARTS-ENTERTAINMENT -1.

By Farhan Haq

The cover of singer-rapper Lauryn Hill's new album is a revealing hint of symbolism: Hill's dreadlocked hair and somber face are etched on a school desk, in homage to the cover of an old album by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

POLITICS-IRAN: Khatami Calls for Negotiations on Afghan War

By Farhan Haq

Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, in his debut before the United Nations, threw his support Monday behind a negotiated solution to the war in Afghanistan.

POLITICS-US: Clinton Focuses on Terrorism

By Farhan Haq

U.S. President Bill Clinton, whose grand jury testimony aired across the nation on television showed him embarrassed and remorseful, left his zealous persecutors behind in Washington Monday and received a warm welcome at the United Nations.

FINANCE-UN: Leaders Call for New Ways to Deal with Global Crisis

By Farhan Haq

The global financial crisis that particularly is affecting the developing world showed the need for new economic responses, including the revamping of international financial institutions, leaders at the U.N. General Assembly argued Monday.

DISARMAMENT: Ratification of Landmine Treaty Welcomed

By Farhan Haq

U.N. members praised Burkino Faso Thursday for becoming the 40th nation to ratify the Convention on the Prohibition of Landmines, ensuring that a ban on the deadly weapons can enter into force in 1999.

FINANCE-US: Crisis Prompts Calls for Debate on Global Economy

By Farhan Haq

Growing pessimism about the state of the world economy has prompted a variety of U.S. leaders, from business elites to trade unionists, to call for a conversation on ways to deal with increasing financial crises.

RIGHTS-ALGERIA: UN Panel Condemns Algerian Terrorism

By Farhan Haq

A U.N. panel led by former Portuguese President Mario Soares Wednesday condemned terrorists in Algeria for killings and other crimes, but itself was criticised for failing to investigate the violation of human rights.

RIGHTS-AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Accused of Hazaras Massacre

By Farhan Haq

U.N. officials and human rights groups have accused Afghanistan's ruling Taliban of killing thousands of ethnic Hazaras in recent fighting - even as neighbouring Iran massed troops near the Afghan border.

FINANCE-US: Clinton Responds to World Economic Crisis

By Farhan Haq

U.S. President Bill Clinton Monday staked out a tough stance in defence of the globalised economy and the major international financial institutions - but at a time when his credibility, and theirs, was ebbing.

POLITICS-IRAN: UN to Probe Deaths of Iranians in Afghanistan

By Farhan Haq

The United Nations is forming a fact-finding mission to investigate the deaths of nine Iranian diplomats in northern Afghanistan.

POLITICS-US: Clinton Facest His Gravest Challenge

By Farhan Haq

President Bill Clinton, facing his gravest challenge in a career of political crises, Thursday sought redemption from his Cabinet as the House pondered whether he should be impeached for trying to illegally cover up sexual misconduct at the White House.