Iraq: President Bush will hope for a swift conclusion to the war, as Congress has approved $63 billion for just 30 days of combat 

Middle East: The long-awaited U.S.-backed peace plan, envisioning full Palestinian independence by 2005, could be unveiled. The so-called "road map" is due to be published as soon as Palestinian prime minister-designate, Mahmoud Abbas, is sworn in 

Bali: The first suspects charged with last October's nightclub bombing that killed over 200 people are due to go on trial in the island's capital, Denpasar 

April 1, China: The Rolling Stones roll into Shanghai for their first ever concert in the Communist state. Refused permission to perform back in the 70s, they also play Beijing as part of their Forty Licks world tour 

April 6, Paris: First of the month's major international marathons. London and Rotterdam hold their races on April 13, and the prestigious Boston Marathon brings up the rear on April 21

April 7, Australia: Hollywood heartthrob Russell Crowe is due to celebrate his 39th birthday by marrying long-term girlfriend, singer Danielle Spencer, in the small family  chapel at his remote farmstead north of Sydney 

April 12-19, Nigeria: After months of campaign violence, Nigerians vote for president and parliament in the first elections held by a civilian government for almost 20 years. The 1983 poll was followed soon after by a military takeover 

April 16, Greece: Ten countries come just one step away from joining  the EU when their Accession Treaty is signed in Athens. Once ratified, the treaty will enter force in 2004

April 29, Belgium: France, Belgium and Germany - all strongly opposed to the war in Iraq - plan to hold a summit in Brussels to discuss closer integration of European Union defence forces 

Parliamentary elections: April 12: Malta 

Presidential elections: April 23: Somaliland April 27: Argentina