Today: President of EU Commission to attend ceremony to mark first working day of European single currency at Brussels stock exchange. Japanese PM marks New Year with visit to Ise Jingu Shinto shrine. US military court rules on appeal against court-martial charges filed against US military pilots following Italian cable car disaster. UN Committee on the Rights of the Child begins session in Geneva. Japanese cabinet reshuffle expected this week.
Tomorrow: Japanese Foreign Minister begins visit to Israel, Palestine and Egypt. Intel faces anti-trust case brought by Federal Trade Commission.
Wednesday: US Senate resits. Verdict expected on case of French high-class prostitution ring. Japanese PM begins visit to France, Germany and Italy. Greek, Syrian and Coptic Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas. Iraq marks Army Day.
Thursday: European Central Bank holds council meeting following launch of euro. Leading party in India's coalition government, the BJP, meets to discuss the proposed removal of Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Slovak government introduces package of measures to freeze salaries for state employees. German Finance Minister meets EU Competition Commissioner over energy taxes. Colombian government expected to meet left-wing guerrillas. PMs of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia meet. EU holds multilateral talks on the environment with applicant countries.
Friday: IMF board meets in Washington. Man accused of injecting son with HIV-tainted blood appears in Illinois court for sentencing. Pakistani investigation into match-fixing in cricket sits in Australia to hear evidence from Australian internationals.
Saturday: Nigeria holds state elections for governors and assemblies in 36 counties.
Sunday: Kazakhstan holds presidential election. Taracila district of Moldova holds referendum on change the status.
Irish events of a world news interest for this column should be received by David Shanks, Foreign Desk, on the Friday before publication