 | All times are London time: Monday Apr 06 2009
| The week ahead
April 6-12
Nuclear experts gather in Washington; Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of Japan announce interest rate decisions; US Securities Exchange Commission due to consider proposals for restricting abusive short selling; Georgia's opposition parties to take to the streets; New York Auto Show offers previews of 2009 and 2010 models; the Pope gives his Easter blessing
Monday
APRIL 6
Nuclear debate
Government officials and policy and technical experts from around the world will gather for the two-day Carnegie International Nonproliferation Conference in Washington DC.
Civilisations unite
The two-day United Nations Alliance of Civilisations forum takes place in Istanbul. The meeting aims to address tensions across cultures and religions. Participants are expected to include Ban Ki-Moon, UN secretary-general. Barack Obama, US president, in Turkey on the second day of a three-day visit, is also likely to attend.
Arctic discussions
The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting takes place in Baltimore (to April 17). Almost 400 diplomats, polar scientists and other experts from 47 countries will discuss issues such as environmental protection.
Tuesday
APRIL 7
Rate moves
The Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of Japan will announce their latest interest rate decisions.
Irish emergency budget
Brian Cowen, the Irish prime minister, has said that his emergency mini-budget will "seek to be as close as possible" to the deficit target of 9.5 per cent of gross domestic product, agreed last month with the European Commission. Brussels' anger could be provoked if Ireland increases foreign borrowing to finance its public deficit.
Talf subscriptions
The deadline arrives for lenders applying for the second wave of funding from the US Treasury and Federal Reserve's term asset-backed securities loan facility, or Talf. Funds will be distributed from April 14.
ACP-EU discussions
A joint three-day meeting of the secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union takes place in Prague.
Home from space
Space tourist Charles Simonyi returns to earth following a 10-day visit to the International Space Station. He will make landfall at Baikonur, Kazakhstan, with Russian and US crew members.
Wednesday
APRIL 8
SEC considers uptick rule
The US Securities Exchange Commission is scheduled to consider proposals for restricting abusive short selling. The regulators will consider adopting a modified version of the so-called uptick rule conceived in the 1930s.
Oxfam report
International development charity Oxfam will release a report looking at how UK residents are coping with the recession. "Close to Home: UK Poverty and the Economic Downturn" calls on the government to cut taxes for people on low incomes.
Salmon farm on Loch Duich, Scotland
Salmon cultivation in Scotland
Boost for fish farming
The European Commission in Brussels unveils plans to boost fish farming in the European Union. The aim is to make the aquaculture sector more productive, sustainable and attractive, so reducing the amount of shellfish, sea and freshwater fish imported by the EU.
Iran's national nuclear day
The National Day of Nuclear Technology in Iran marks the date in 2006 when it enriched uranium for the first time.
Thursday
APRIL 9
Georgia opposition rally
Parties opposed to the rule of Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's president, plan to take to the streets in protest. The government is accused of no longer being able to make decisions for the welfare of the people.
Algerian elections
Algerians go to the polls to elect a new president. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the incumbent, who at 72 enjoys the backing of the military elite, is seeking re-election for a third term.
Finance ministers gather
Finance ministers from the Association of South-East Asian Nations meet in Pattaya, Thailand. Funding for regional infrastructure is likely to be on the agenda.
Muzzle awards
The US-based Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression presents it annual "muzzle" awards to organisations and individuals that have tried to restrict freedom of speech in America.
Moscow boat expo
More than 300 companies from 25 countries, including Russia, the UK, Turkey, Poland, and Finland, will exhibit wares at the Moscow International Boat Show, which claims to be the largest of its kind in the country.
North Korea military
North Korea's assembly is expected to reconfirm Kim Jong-il as leader of the National Defence Commission, making him the nation's supreme military commander. The move follows his unanimous re-election to the legislature in March.
World car contest
The winner of the annual World Car of the Year award will be announced in New York. Vehicles are voted for by 59 journalists from 25 countries. The contenders for the top title are the Ford Fiesta, the Toyota iQ and the Volkswagen Golf VI.
Indonesia elections
Voters go the polls to choose 560 members who will sit for a five-year term in Indonesia's House of Representatives. The 2004 elections saw a resurgence in support for Golkar, the party of former president General Suharto.
Friday
APRIL 10
New York motor show
The 10-day New York Auto Show – which marks its 109th anniversary – offers sneak previews of 2009 and 2010 production models.
Cybersecurity review
Melissa Hathaway, acting senior director of the National Security and Homeland Security councils, is due to complete her 60-day review of the US's ability to protect its cyberspace.
Test for Nepal's Maoists
By-elections are scheduled to be held in six constituencies in Nepal. The polls will be the first popularity test of the former Maoist rebels, who formed a government after emerging as the largest party in national elections a year ago.
Good Friday
Christians celebrate Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus. Markets in the US, the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries will be closed for a public holiday.
Sunday
APRIL 12
Papal blessing
Pope Benedict XVI will conduct the Easter Sunday holy mass in Saint Peter's Square, Rome, followed by his traditional message and blessing.
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