WORLD AGENDA FEBRUARY 2006

February 1, New Delhi/Islamabad: A second cross-border train starts running between India and Pakistan two years into the peace process between the nuclear-armed neighbours who have fought three wars. The Thar Express will link IndiaÕs western border village of Munabao with Khokrapar in southern Pakistan.

February 2-3, Vienna: The likely date for an emergency International Atomic Energy Agency board meeting as pressure mounts over Iranian nuclear ambitions. The West will be seeking approval from Russia and China to refer Iran to the UN Security Council for sanctions.

February 7-8, London: Summer Day by Edvard Munch is expected to fetch up to £3.5 million at auction when a collection of the Norwegian painterÕs work valued at up to £12 million goes under the hammer at SothebyÕs. In the middle of the month six people accused of stealing The Scream, the artistÕs most famous masterpiece, and another work, Madonna, go on trial in Oslo.

February 8, Nepal: Pro-democracy activists says municipal elections, in which less than 15 per cent of Nepalese are eligible to vote, are a sham. The vote comes a year after King Gyanendra seized absolute control of his country by sacking the government.

February 10, Turin: Roberto Bolle, the La Scala ballet performer and pop star of classical dance, opens the Winter Olympic Games which run until February 26.

February 20, Vienna: AustriaÕs strict anti-Nazi laws come under the spotlight when a British historian goes on trial for claiming that the gas chambers in Auschwitz never existed. Academics critical of David IrvingÕs views have called for his release on the grounds of free speech.

February 23, Kampala: UgandaÕs first multi-party elections in 20 years will be a two-horse race between President Yoweri Museveni, running for a third term, and Dr Kizza Besigye. The main challenger faces what he claims are trumped up charges of treason and rape.

February 25, Agra: The first in a series of concerts is held at the Taj Mahal by the 8th Wonder of the World, an organisation aiming to raise awareness of the plight of children affected by HIV/Aids.

February 27, Thailand: A lawsuit to seek damages from the government is launched by relatives of the 78 Muslims who died of suffocation after being bundled into army trucks following a 2,000-strong demonstration at Tak Bai in the countryÕs troubled south.

Parliamentary elections in Uganda (Feb 23). Presidential elections in Costa Rica (Feb 5), Haiti (first round, Feb 7) and Cape Verde (Feb 12). Legislative elections in Costa Rica (Feb 5) and Haiti (Feb 7).
/ENDS