Today: NATO and Russia joint council convenes. EU fisheries commissioner visits Morocco. Trial of deposed Pakistani PM, Nawaz Sharif, resumes. Conspiracy and murder trial involving key figures in former Nigerian military dictatorship reconvenes. Secretary-general of OPEC meets Venezuela's president. First Fijian peacekeeping troops arrive in East Timor. Italian PM begins visit to Jordan, Israel and Palestinian areas.
Tomorrow: African min isters meet over Comoros situation. Yeltsin expected in Paris for meeting with Chirac and Schroder. Presidential election in Sri Lanka. Cousin of ruling Emir of Qatar goes on trial charged with masterminding 1996 failed coup attempt. EU-China summit in Beijing. South Korean foreign trade minister visits Indonesia. Serbian National Assembly debates 2000 budget.
Wednesday: Deadline for French government to lift ban on British beef. Upper house of Russian parliament considers law on elections for Russian presidency. Cuban foreign minister visits Denmark. Winner of Niger presidential election sworn in.
Thursday: Estonian government presents IMF with budget plans. Peace talks between Colombian government and rebels resume. Russian Space Missile Defence Troops arrive in Peterson Air Base in Colorado for exercises with US counterparts. Current Russian Duma holds last meeting.
Friday: Both chambers of Yugoslav parliament discuss federal budget for 2000. Pope initiates Jubilee Year 2000.
Saturday: Pope John Paul II gives traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
SUNDAY: NASA space shuttle Discovery returns to Earth. Run-off in Guatemala's presidential election.
Ireland
Today: Adi Roche welcomes group of Chernobyl Children at Shannon.
Friday: Close of nominations for European of the Year Award.
Irish events of a world news interest for this column should be received by David Shanks, Foreign Desk, on the Friday before publication.