May 2003 hotspots

Asia/worldwide: As deaths tolls rise, airlines threaten to ground services and tourism faces collapse, governments and medical experts will continue the fight against the deadly SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic.

Iraq: Restoring order, rebuilding infrastructure and replenishing dwindling food supplies will be the priority in Iraq as the focus shifts from combat to security.

Israel: The drive for peace in the Middle East could receive fresh impetus if work begins as expected on implementing the Òroad mapÓ Ð the U.S.-backed peace plan that envisions Palestinian independence by 2005.

Afghanistan: The process of disarming AfghanistanÕs warlords is set to get underway as President Hamid Karzai seeks to replace the militia with a new national army amid efforts to build peace, stability and democracy in his war-torn country.

May 1, Japan: The worldÕs first centreless Ferris wheel opens in downtown Tokyo. Standing 80 metres high, and appearing like Òa giant floating doughnutÓ, the Big-O has a roller-coaster running through its middle.

May 3, International Space Station: With AmericaÕs Space Shuttle fleet grounded, U.S. astronauts Kenneth Bowersox and Donald Pettit and cosmonaut Nikolai Budarin will use a Soyuz spacecraft to return to Earth. The trip will mark the first time U.S. astronauts have come home on a Russian ship.

May 11, Montenegro: The country attempts yet again to elect a president after electoral boycotts in December and February meant polls were declared void due to insufficient voter turnout.

May 14, South Korea: President Roh Moo-hyun is scheduled to make his first trip to the U.S. for talks with President Bush on the crisis issue of Communist North KoreaÕs suspected nuclear weapons programs.

May 15, New York: Part of EnronÕs multi-million dollar art collection goes under the hammer to help pay the bankrupt energy giantÕs creditors who have filed claims totalling $400 million.

May 22, London: The final manuscript of BeethovenÕs Ninth Symphony, complete with the composerÕs notes and revisions, goes on sale at SothebyÕs where it is expected to fetch up to $4.6 million.

May 28, Manchester: Who will be crowned soccer kings of Europe? The answer comes with the UEFA Champions League final at Old Trafford.

May 29, Mount Everest: Worldwide events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay will include a ceremony at the spectacular Tengboche Monastery where expeditions traditionally stop for a blessing en route to base camp.

Parliamentary elections: Scotland and Wales (May 1), Iceland (May 10), Belgium (May 18), Armenia (May 25).

Presidential elections: Argentina, second round (May 18)