Close shave for Chandrika at rally
President Chandrika Kumaratunga had a narrow escape when a suspected suicide bomber struck at the venue of her rally, killing at least 13 people and injuring at least 85. Kumaratunga suffered minor injuries and was reported to be out of danger.



Poll campaign ends in Lanka
Campaigning for next Tuesdays presidential election in Sri Lanka ended on Saturday with analysts predicting a close contest between the two main candidates, incumbent Chandrika Kumaratunga and leader of the opposition United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe.



Lasting peace in W Asia still far away
Syria, emerging globally relieved from historic talks with Israel here, was bracing itself on Friday for more tough negotiations in two weeks on a final peace settlement aimed at ending half a century of conflict.



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