WORLD AGENDA APRIL 2017

Apr 2, U.S.: The U.S. Mint commemorates its 225th anniversary by releasing a coin depicting Lady Liberty as an African-American woman for the first time.

Apr 6-7, U.S.: President Donald Trump is expected to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit at his Florida estate, as Trump seeks to smooth relations with the world’s second-largest economy after strong criticisms of China during his election campaign.

Apr 8, Spain/France: The Basque separatist group ETA has scheduled full disarmament, six years after declaring a permanent ceasefire. Spain and France have long demanded that
ETA lay down its weapons without conditions and disband.

Apr 16, Turkey: Voters have their say in a referendum that will give Turkey a presidential system of government and expand the powers of President Erdogan. The run-up to the vote was marred by diplomatic spats with the Netherlands and Germany.

Apr 22, Space: NASA’s Cassini spacecraft enters the “Grand Finale” of its exploration of Saturn, beginning a series of 22 daring dives between the planet and the inner edge of its rings.

Apr 23, France: A scandal undermining centre-right candidate François Fillon has changed the picture but not the outlook for the presidential election: polls suggest National Front leader Marine LePen will win the first round but lose to centrist independent Emmanuel Macron in a probable second round on May 7.

Apr 28-29, Egypt: A visit by Pope Francis aims to promote better relations between Catholics and Muslims. Christians, mostly Orthodox Copts, account for about 10% of Egypt’s population, which is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim.

Apr 29, Belgium: EU leaders hold a summit to discuss the start of the Brexit process. The meeting comes one month after Britain officially notified the EU of its intention to leave the bloc.