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Wed 25 Feb1998 |
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Wed
25 Feb1998 |
Horn of Africa
South Africa United Arab Emirates |
Wed 25 Feb1998 |
Bolivia Brazil Caribbean Chile Mexico Mexico City sank 10m (33ft) in the last century, and is currently sinking at a rate of up to 45cm (18in) a year, according to a National Water Commission report. The capital was built on the remains of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. It continues to sink each year as the water-table is drained to supply the population of 20 million. Nicaragua USA One hundred years ago, thousands flocked to the Klondike in Alaska and the Yukon in search of gold. Now visitors head to the region to experience the fascinating historical past and fantastic natural beauty of the region. Among the special events and exhibits planned to celebrate the centennial of the Klondike Gold Rush is the return of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Originally built during the gold rush, this is the longest operating narrow gauge railroad in North America and offers passengers the opportunity to follow the path of the original gold rush. |
Wed 25 Feb1998 |
ASIA China Developing markets and an effort to further boost tourism have prompted China to open more foreign air routes. The increase from 106 to 124 international routes will enable China to be more accessible to the rest of the world, with flights being extended to 62 cities in 32 countries. There are already 18 newly opened air routes including links to Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Korea and Macau. To coincide with the opening of more foreign air routes, China now has 10 airlines. Civil Aviation aims to complement this new service with competitive prices, improved in-flight service and improved air routes to shorten flight times. The safety of China Airlines has been questioned recently, following the devastating plane crash at Taipei airport which killed 196 passengers and seven others. Particularly in question is the airbus A300-600s which was involved in the Taipei disaster and the 1994 Nagoya catastrophe. The remaining fleet of airbus A300-600s are now grounded for safety checks until their airworthiness is guaranteed. Indonesia The bushfires that flared up again in Indonesia have intensified over the past week. Now 895 fires are reported to be burning in East Kalimantan, nearly 600 more than this time last week. Nearly 24,000 hectares of Kutai National Park, Mt Suharto and the Pasir Regency of East Kalimantan province have been destroyed. The fires, lit by plantation companies, have caused orangutans and other animals to flee the forest, while park rangers battle the flames. North Korea South Korea Malaysia Mongolia Nepal Pakistan
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Wed 25 Feb1998 |
Australia This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Mardi Gras. While the first ever Mardi Gras parade, in June 1978, ended in a riot and many arrests, this year the police arent just controlling the parade - the gay and lesbian members of the police force will be participating in the parade itself. Rumoured to be showing up and perhaps performing at this year's Mardi Gras are Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Rue Paul and Elton John. New Zealand Auckland verges on a state of emergency after a major collapse in the citys electrical supply. Emergency services say they are coping at present, but officials are predicting only a 10% supply of energy at best until the end of the week. Despite the blackout, hundreds of shops have remained open, some using generators and others offering customers torches. Angry shopkeepers have demanded compensation, and are refusing to close in case it means they go out of business altogether. The blackout has prompted calls for an urgent government inquiry into the network failure of Mercury Energy, the citys electricity supplier. |
Wed 25 Feb1998 |
Czech Republic England Gay visitors to London can now call the gay hotline, a new initiative launched as part of a campaign to market the city to high spending gay and lesbian travellers. The recorded telephone information line provides information on gay-friendly bars, cafes and restaurants, plus the latest details of theatre shows, events, shops and tourist sites believed to be of interest. Amongst the suggestions offered are an Oscar Wilde Walk and the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. The number is 0891 141 120. Romania |