ARGENTINA
Transport companies that operate public buses in metropolitan Buenos Aires have suspended service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in a move to press the government to do something about the current economic crisis. They claim that the depressed economy is making their business untenable.
SPAIN
The Supreme Court banned hundreds of candidates from running in the May 27 elections because of ties to ETA, causing security officials to warn of a possible attack by the Basque separatist group in retaliation.
INDIA
Delhi authorities are encouraging residents to take precautions against dengue fever now that monsoon rains have begun, in particular to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their homes. Delhi and the surrounding area had a severe outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in 2006, and officials hope to prevent a similar crisis this year.
ITALY
Alitalia’s flight attendants plan a 24-hour strike May 21, the second walkout this month.
In other news, a new steward program at St. Mark’s Square in Venice will attempt to rein in tourist litterbugs, loungers and sunbathers to restore a sense of decorum to the square. Bare torsos, littering and picnicking are banned, and the stewards will patrol to enforce the rules.
SRI LANKA
Colombo’s international airport is closed at night from the hours of 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for at least three months because of the threat of air raids by Tamil Tiger rebels, the separatist group that has been fighting the government for more than two decades.
———-
Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
