Today:
Special session of Indonesian parliament begins in Jakarta, expected to approve early elections. Russian Central Bank and Finance Ministry to submit proposals to cabinet for reform of banking sector. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, announces series of measures at beginning of accession talks between the Republic of Cyprus and EU.
Israel holds municipal elections. EU holds ministerial meeting of EU member-states and "fast-track" applicant eastern European states and Cyprus in Vienna. Restored historic synagogue of Auschwitz (Oswiecim) is rededicated as religious and cultural facility for Jewish community. EU holds bilateral talks with Poland on transport. Turkey marks 60th anniversary of death of Ataturk.
Wednesday: Israeli Knesset may debate Wye River peace agreement. Japanese PM begins visit to Russia. South Korean President begins visit to China. King Norodom Sihanouk leaves Phnom Penh for China. Arab foreign ministers from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Syria and Egypt meet in Doha.
South African Institute of International Affairs begins conference on future of Lome Convention in Johannesburg. Senior Chinese and US officials meet in Beijing for first time for discussions on international Missile Technology Control Regime.
Thursday: EU Health Council meets in Brussels. Annan in Algeria. Canadian PM, Jean Chretien, begins visit to Singapore. EU holds bilateral talks with Hungary on transport.
Friday: Annan begins visit to Tunisia. Slovakia holds local elections. Czech Republic holds senate and local elections. EU troika delegation begins visit to New Delhi. EU energy council meets in Brussels. Syria holds parliamentary elections.
Saturday: Albright in Malaysia. Annan in Algiers. UN team arrives in Cambodia to investigate the activities of Khmer Rouge. Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation begins ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Sunday: Georgia local elections. Burkina Faso presidential election. UN peacekeeping mandate in Tajikistan expires. Argentina and Chile begin joint naval exercises in Antarctic region. Russian Fuel and Energy Ministry drafts restructuring plan for gas giant Gazprom. Palestine celebrates national day.
Ireland Tomorrow: President McAleese inaugurates the Peace Tower in Messines in Belgium dedicated to the Irish who fought and died in the first World War, in the presence of King Albert and Queen Paola and Queen Elizabeth.
Thursday: "Free Xanana Now" petition signing at the top of Grafton Street at 1 p.m. organised by the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign; evening vigil in Eyre Square, Galway; and candlelight vigil at the Fair Trade shop, Portlaoise, at 5 p.m.
Saturday: Ogoni Solidarity Ireland Ken Saro-Wiwa Anniversary Seminar: "Multinationals, Human Rights and the Environment" in Belvedere College, Dublin, from 10.30 a.m. Phone: (01) 455-3066.
Irish events of a world news interest for this column should be received by David Shanks, Foreign Desk, on the Friday before publication