WORLD AGENDA -- SEPTEMBER 2003

Undated: Hong KongÕs beleaguered chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, is due to unveil a watered down version of the anti-subversion bill that provoked massive street protests in July. This time Mr Tung promises full public consultation.

Undated: The international body responsible for overseeing donations for Iraq Ð the Council for International Coordination Ð is to publish an Òimmense catalogueÓ of reconstruction projects that need funding because the countryÕs estimated $12bn dollar oil revenues will not be enough to pay for them.

Undated: A crisis meeting of African bishops has been called in Nairobi over the appointment by the U.S. Episcopal Church of openly gay cleric Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. Archbishop Bernard Malango, head of the Anglican faith in Malawi, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, has threatened to sever ties with the U.S. church.

General: Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George Bush, increasingly united in the fight against terror, will meet at Camp David where the agenda is likely to include North Korea and the strengthening of economic ties. Mr Putin will also address the UN general assembly (Sept 16).

September 8: The worldÕs largest gathering of conservation experts will take place in Durban as the city hosts the once-a-decade World Parks Congress, organised by the Swiss-based IUCN (World Conservation Union).

September 9: Ariel Sharon is scheduled for a three-day visit to India, the first by an Israeli prime minister since the two nations established full diplomatic relations 11 years ago. Israel is a key supplier of arms to India and talks are expected to include defence cooperation.

September 10: The Mexican resort of Cancun is braced for five days of heated debate when trade ministers from the 146 members of the World Trade Organisation resume talks on liberalising international trade. Poor nations are demanding that the West cuts farm subsidies.

September 14: Sweden, one of only three EU member states to have retained its own currency, is set for a closely fought referendum on whether to adopt the euro. Meanwhile Estonia and Latvia conduct referenda (Sept 14 and 21 respectively) on joining the EU.

September 18: Dubai hosts the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, where the restructuring of crisis-hit ArgentinaÕs long-term debt will be one item for discussion.

September 29: Rwanda will hold its first legislative elections since the 1994 genocide that killed 800,000 people. The move, which follows Paul KagameÕs overwhelming victory in AugustÕs presidential poll, marks the end of a long transition to democracy.