Vol. 4 Num 301 Fri. April 02, 2004       Advertise with The Daily Star -- Advertising on the Website    Advertising in the Printed E dition-- Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Political Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives World Lanka may have another hung parliament Huge troops deployed for today's election Sri Lanka deployed thousands of troops ahead of today's parliamentary elections expected to return a hung parliament which could further undermine a faltering effort to end ethnic unrest.   South Asia mired in health crisis: Experts The people of India, Pakistan and other countries in South Asia are in dramatically poor health, physical and mental, British and Asian health experts warn. Divided dynasties in India Dynasty seems to have ceased to be a dirty world in India's politics and electoral battles.   'Pakistan to quit talks if there is no progress' Musharraf's statement reflexes his 'domestic compulsions': Advani President Pervez Musharraf has said he has told key world leaders he would withdraw from peace efforts between India and Pakistan if progress was not made ending the Kashmir dispute through dialogue.   Afghanistan, 6 others ink accord on anti-drugs fight Afghanistan and its six closest neighbours inked a regional cooperation accord yesterday to step up the fight against narcotics by creating a "security belt" around the country.   China scolds US for radar sales to Taiwan China scolded the United States yesterday for its planned sale of long-range early-warning radar worth up to $1.78 billion to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province.   US, Canada smash drug ring with Asian link At least 171 suspects were arrested in the United States and Canada early Wednesday, as police in both countries smashed a lucrative ecstasy and marijuana smuggling ring that allegedly funneled profits   Annan sends proposal to Cypriot voters Reunification referendums on April 24 UN Secretary General Kofi Annan put the future of Cyprus in the hands of its people as he laid out a proposal for reunification of the Mediterranean island that will now go directly to voters.   Israelis battle gunmen at mental hospital US envoys begin ME mission Israeli soldiers battled Palestinian gunmen holed up in a mental hospital yesterday in a flare-up of violence as US envoys began a visit to sound out Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on a Gaza pullout plan.   Bremer vows revenge Eerie calm grips Fallujah after killings An eerie calm gripped this town west of Baghdad yesterday, a day after four American civilians were burned to death and their bodies dismembered, as US overseer Paul Bremer vowed the deaths and thoseof   'Bush's pre-Sept 11 focus was on missiles, not terrorism' The White House's national security policy before the September 11 attacks focused on the threat of long-range missiles, not on terrorism, The Washington Post said yesterday.   New members to be feted at Nato HQ Nato will bring out the bunting today at a ceremonial welcome for seven ex-communist countries that joined the alliance this week -- before getting down to business in talks with an irate Russia.     Advertisement