WORLD AGENDA MARCH 2004

March (undated), Asia: The fight against bird flu, which has killed 15 Vietnamese and seven in Thailand, where the disease broke out, will intensify in a bid to prevent a global epidemic. The outbreak shows no sign of receding despite a cull of 80 million chickens.

Late March, Moscow: Russia plans to sign a deal to ship nuclear fuel for IranÕs US$800 million Bushehr power plant, despite U.S. pressure to sever ties with the Islamic Republic which it accuses of secretly trying to acquire nuclear arms.

Late March, Slovenia: A referendum will decide the fate of 18,000 Òerased onesÓ Ð non-Slovenes deleted from the population registry a year after independence from Yugoslavia. Voters will be asked whether residency rights should be restored to those who suffered so-called Òadministrative genocideÓ.

March 1, Tokyo: Tamagotch, a breeding version of the virtual pet Tamagotchi, which swept the world seven years ago selling 40 million, goes on sale on the internet. The new product, by Japanese toymaker Bandai Co, communicates with other Tamagotches using infra-red waves.

March 2, United States: The race to become the Democrat challenger in NovemberÕs White House elections intensifies on Super Tuesday when frontrunners John Kerry and John Edwards bid for nomination in 10 states. The decisive cluster of primaries includes California, New York and Ohio.

March 2, New York: The chip industry faces scrutiny when lawyers for Candace Curtis, the severely deformed daughter of a woman who worked in an IBM factory while pregnant, argue in court that chemicals in her motherÕs workplace caused her deformities.

March 4, United States: A secret video made by the late Princess Diana a year after her separation from Prince Charles, will be aired for the first time on NBC television. In the recording the princess talks about her marriage and the royal family.

March 10, Lahore: IndiaÕs cricket team arrives in Pakistan to make its first tour there since 1989. One of sportÕs ultimate rivalries, the two cricket-obsessed and nuclear-armed neighbours, who have fought three wars but recently resumed peace talks, will play three Test matches and five one-day games.

March 15, Kigali: The deadline by which thousands of Rwandans accused of participating in the countryÕs genocide a decade ago will be released from prison if they admit guilt. Jails are overflowing with about 90,000 inmates still awaiting trial.

March 20, Taiwan: Pro-independence leader Chen Shui-bian holds a referendum on boosting anti-missile capabilities alongside presidential elections amid simmering tensions with China. Beijing has pledged not to interfere in the elections but threatens war if independence is declared.

March 29, Tunis: Agreement on reform will top the agenda at the summit of the 22-member Arab League, which has struggled to present a united front since 9/11. The organisation has been accused of failing to stand up for Iraq and the Palestinians.

March 29, Ireland: The country renowned for its pub culture becomes the first in Europe to outlaw smoking in bars and restaurants when a ban on tobacco in public places comes into force. Critics say the new fine-enforced law will be unworkable.

Parliamentary elections in Greece (Mar 7), Spain (Mar 14), Guinea Bissau (Mar 28), Georgia (Mar 28) and Equatorial Guinea (date to be fixed). Presidential elections in Russia (Mar 14), Taiwan (Mar 20), El Salvador (Mar 21) and Vanuatu (date to be decided).