NEW YORK - The UN Security Council decided Wednesday to extend the mandate of NATO-led military forces in Afghanistan another 12 months so they can continue work on strengthening Afghan security.

GUWAHATI - Jailed chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Arabinda Rajkhowa said here Wednesday that a congenial environment for beginning formal peace talks with the government was yet to be created.

CHENNAI - Tamil television channel Jaya TV Wednesday said it received a threatening call, warning of an attack if it aired news against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It also asked AIADMK general secretary J.Jayalalithaa not to address a rally in Madurai Oct 18.