Intelligence officials are reportedly investigating extravagant New Year's festivities, suspecting the display of ill-gotten wealth. India urged Sri Lanka to consider the Tamil United Liberation Front's proposals for resolving the ethnic conflict, reaffirming cooperation. In Bangladesh, President Ershad is set to lift the ban on open politics and withdraw trade restrictions, coinciding with his launch of a new party for upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Israeli army units demolished homes in the Lebanese village of Kounin after expelling residents, amid clashes in the region.