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MAIN ECONOMIC EVENTS - 1999. | Economy & Economic Indicators > Money, Currencies & Interest Rates from AllBusiness.com Sign In | | Free Newsletters Home | Business Advice | Professional Journals | Business Bloggers | Forms & Agreements | Industry Centers | Business Directory | Tools & Services by Topic by Industry by Geography Business Credit Business Travel Franchising Personal Finance Sales & Selling Technology Women in Business Careers E-Commerce & Internet Finance & Accounting Labor & Employment Management Marketing & Advertising Operations Starting a Business > See All by Title A-H by Title I-P by Title Q-Z > See All Business Planning E-Commerce & Internet Finance & Accounting Home-Based Business Human Resources & Employment Management & Leadership Marketing & Advertising News Operations Sales Starting a Business Technology Women in Business > See All Hiring & Firing Intellectual Property Internet & Technology Legal Mergers & Acquisitions Money & Fundraising Real Estate/Landlord-Tenant Sales & Marketing Starting a Business Business Guides Forms Kits > See All Construction Medical Practices Restaurants Retail Trade Manufacturing Real Estate Wholesale Trade > See All Accounting Advertising & Marketing Computers & Software Financial Services Human Resources Internet & Online Management Small Business > See All Learning Center Business Answers Buyer's Guides Franchise Opportunities Glossary White Papers Trials & Downloads Partner Resources Podcast Library Quote Center Video Library Web Site Tools > See All MAIN ECONOMIC EVENTS - 1999.Publication: National Institute Economic Review Date: Saturday, April 1 2000 January 1 Euro introduced. Participating countries are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The currency will be used for non-cash transactions until 2002 and by the end of 2002 the 11 countries will completely abolish their national currencies. The introduction coincides with the start of Germany's Presidency of the EU. 4 Dawn Primarolo appointed Paymaster General. Barbara Roche is made Financial Secretary to the Treasury. 6 Wall St passes 9,500 level for the first time in its history. 7 UK interest rates are reduced by 0.25 per cent to 6 per cent. 7 Trial to impeach President Clinton begins in US Senate. 7 World Bank approves US$lbn in loans to help Brazilian economic stabilisation programme. 8 US unemployment at a 40 year peacetime low at 4.5 per cent. In Germany jobless figure rises sharply to 4.l6 mn. 12 Bank of Japan tries to stem sharp appreciation in the yen by intervening to support the dollar. 13 Brazilian real is devalued by 9 per cent sending world financial markets into turmoil. 15 The merger of Spanish banks, Banco Santander and Banco Central Hispanoamericano creates the largest financial services company in terms of market capitalisation in the euro zone. 15 Milford Haven Port Authority is fined [pounds]4mn for the widespread environment damage caused by the February 1996 grounding of the Sea Empress. 18 Pay rises for NHS staff to add 5 per cent to costs. Nurses are awarded pay increases of between 11 per cent (for junior nurses) and 4.7 per cent. 19 Lord Wakeham appointed as chairman of Royal Commission to establish blue print for the reformed House of Lords. 19 State of the Union address. Concentrates on healthy state of the economy and the use of surpluses to help social security programme as the population ages. 20 Paddy Ashdown announces intention to resign as Liberal Democrat leader. 20 Oskar Lafontaine presents revised Federal Budget. Mixture of privatisation measures and increased spending on welfare. 20 The process of replacing the hereditary peers begins as the Government Bill is published. 25 Earthquake in Colombia kills 900 and a state of emergency is declared as 250,000 people are left homeless. 27 Small food retailers critical of Government plans to introduce flat annual rate of [pounds]90 to fund Food Standards Agency. 27 World Economic Forum meets in Davos. 29 200,000 German engineering workers begin strike over 2 per cent pay offer. Dispute settled on February 18 with 3.6--4.2 per cent rise. February 1 Banque Paribas and Societe General to merge creating 4th largest banking group worth 600bn euros. 1 Presentation of US Budget includes prediction of $76bn surplus for 1999 rising to $ll7bn in 2000 and an increase in spending of $39bn for fiscal year 2000 over 1999. 2 US tyre company Goodyear to form global alliance with Japanese Sumitomo Rubber Industries -- the largest ever US-Japanese deal. 4 UK interest rates drop by 0.5 per cent to a five-year low of 5.5 per cent. 5 BMW's Chairman and number 2 resign causing concern for Rover's Longbridge plant. 7 King Abdullah II sworn in as Jordan's new monarch following the death of his father King Hussain. 9 Foreign Office faces much criticism over management of 'Arms to Africa' affair where it was claimed that Sandline International had government approval to sell arms to Sierra Leone and thus break embargo. 10 European Parliament backs tax harmonisation across 15 EU nations. 12 President Clinton acquitted of perjury and obstruction of justice charges in Paula Jones sexual harassment case. 12 Bank of Japan reduces unsecured overnight call money rate to all time low of 0.15 per cent. 14 Pakistan to receive US$575mn in loans from IMF on condition that the Government continues with its programme of financial reforms. 16 Leader of Kurdish separatists (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan arrested in Turkey prompting protests at Turkish embassies throughout the world. 16 Northern Ireland Assembly votes in favour of power-sharing executive and cross border bodies. 16 UK reveals record fiscal surplus of [pounds]12.4bn. 16 Increased health spending dominates Canadian Budget. 17 Low unemployment figures in UK of 1.305mn in marked contrast to record highs in France and Germany. 19 Japanese Budget aims to stimulate economy by increasing public works' spending and cutting taxes. 19 EU agree food aid package for Russia where shortages are causing medical emergencies in some parts of the country. 20 G7 Finance Ministers meet in Bonn, with US encouraging euro zone to introduce more expansionary policies. 22 President Yeltsin signs Russian Budget into law. Commentators believe its predictions for inflation of 30 per cent and deficit of 2.54 per cent of GDP overoptimistic. 22 Proposals for CAP reform prompts demonstration by 30,000 farmers in Brussels. 23 Avalanche in Austria kills 38 people. 23 'National Changeover Plan' announced by UK Government points to eventual joining of single European currency. 24 FTSE 100 at an all time high level, closing at 6,307.6. 24 Macpherson Report into death of Stephen Lawrence includes claims of institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police Service. 26 Singapore's 1999 Budget shows 5.6 per cent increase due to unprecedented development spending. March 9 UK Budget aims to promote enterprise and "make work pay". It extends the New Deal for the over 50s; introduces tax credits for R&D in small firms; announces 10p tax rate on the first [pounds]1500 earned. 12 Hans Eichel chosen to replace Oskar Lafontaine as German Finance Minister. 12 Economic reform in Thailand to allow government to form limited liability companies from state enterprises. Follows plans for the government to subsidise the sale of state banks. 15 The entire European Commission resigns following strong criticism from independent report, claiming fraud, nepotism and mismanagement 16 Dow Jones passes 10,000 for the first time in its history. 17 Monopolies and Mergers Commission to investigate UK new car market following OFT allegation of competition distortion. 22 Hundreds of lorries block motorways and central London in protest at raised fuel taxes and vehicle excise duty announced in the Budget. 23 Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka record budget deficits for the first time in 20 years. 23 Nato Secretary General Javier Solana orders air strikes against Yugoslavia. 24 Former Italian PM Romano Prodi unanimously nominated as new head of the European Commission. 24 Fire in Mont Blanc tunnel in Alps kills over 40 people. 24 For the first time UK inflation dips below target rate of 2.5 per cent to 2.4 per cent. 25 At the EU Summit in Berlin Tony Blair successfully negotiates the retention of Britain's rebate despite pressures on budgets because of expansion of the EU. 29 Russia secures [pounds]2.9bn IMF loan deal to prevent national bankruptcy. 30 Japanese unemployment at an all-time high of 4.6 per cent. 30 Thailand announces l3Obn baht package of tax cuts and spending aimed at stimulating economy. 31 Government and BMW sign aid deal thought to be worth [pounds]150mn to secure the future of Rover's Longbridge plant and consequently 50,000 jobs dependent on its survival. April 1 BP/Amoco take over US oil company ARCO creating the 2nd largest non-state oil company in the world. 1 Northern Ireland peace agreement 'Hillsborough Declaration' made public. 2 CIS holds heads of state summit in Moscow. 5 Kazakhstan Government floats currency (Tenge). 7 Chinese President Zhu Roneji begins state visit to USA. 7 Dispute over banana imports prompts WTO to authorise sanctions by the US against EU. 7 Bank of Japan announces Y40,000bn contingency plan in case of Y2K problems. 7 IMF approves US$245mn credit tranche to South Korea in recognition of its progress in recovering from 1997 economic downturn. 8 UK interest rates go down by 0.25 per cent to 5.25 per cent -- lowest level since 1994. 8 ECB cuts interest rates by 1/2 per cent to 2.5 per cent in a bid to stimulate growth. 9 Competition Commission blocks BSkyB's bid to buy Manchester United Football Club. 10 US welfare data show a fall in recipients of 4.6mn since the signing of the Republican-inspired reform bill in August 1996. It is now at its lowest level since 1969. 12 Lorry drivers cause disruption in central London as they continue their opposition to raised fuel prices and excise duty. 12 Gerhard Schroder elected as German SPD Party Chairman. 12 President Clinton found in contempt of court over false testimony of relationship with Monica Lewinsky. 13 World Bank delays the release of $600mn loan to Indonesia amidst fears it might be used to influence General Election. 12 Swedish Finance Minister, Erik Asbrink, resigns over disagreements about tax cuts. 13 In his first address to the European Parliament, President-Designate of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, stresses federalist aims. 13 Glasgow's Govan shipyard is put up for sale by owners Kvaerner. It is later sold to GEC Marconi, safeguarding the jobs of all but 97 of the 1,200 workforce. 14 Former Deputy PM of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, found guilty of corruption charges and sentenced to 6 years in jail. 15 UK Home Secretary Jack Straw ratifies decision to extradite Augusto Pinochet back to Chile despite reduced number of charges. Former US President George Bush joins Baroness Thatcher and the Vatican in calling for his freedom to return to Chile. 16 UK Government gives the go-ahead for genetically modified crop trials. 17 Nail bomb explodes in Brixton, South London, first of three similar incidents in the London area in total injuring over 100 and killing 3 people. 18 Turkish General Election sees huge gains for far right wing party, the Nationalist Action Party. 20 Asian Bank Review forecasts 1999 growth for the area at 4.4 per cent compared to 2.6 for 1998. 20 IMF encourages ECB to cut interest rates further to stimulate growth and protect against slowdown in US economy. 20 Sir Iain Vallance, Chairman of BT, to become the new CBI President. 20 Two students kill 12 fellow students in Columbine High School massacre. 20 Chinese economic data show mixed figures, with growth at 8.3 per cent but exports showing negative growth for the first time for 15 years. 21 France to reintroduce strict Budget constraints, seen by some as a measure to counteract reduced economic choices following membership of the single currency. 21 Average Earnings figures rise more sharply than expected, prompting fears of an interest rate rise. 23 Nato leaders meet in determined mood to intensify air campaign on Yugoslavia in an attempt to end Kosovo conflict. 26 Sushil Wadwhani to replace Sir Alan Budd on the Monetary Policy Committee. 26 G7 financial ministers meeting in Washington DC and are in optimistic mood. 28 IMF agrees US$4.5bn loan to Russia but on the condition of passing legislation on bank restructuring and taxation. 29 US labour costs rise at their slowest rate for 20 years, despite lowest unemployment for 30 years. 30 US consumer spending at its highest level for 10 years. May 3 Tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas kill nearly 50 people. 3 Keizo Obuchi becomes first Japanese PM for 12 years to make an official visit to the US. 3 Dow Jones passes 11,000 (a rise of 20 per cent since the beginning of the year). 3 Japan and US reach agreement on greater deregulation of Japanese economy. 5 UK blocks German attempts to introduce a Europe-wide 20 per cent withholding tax on interest from savings. 6 The Labour Party performs poorly in both Welsh and Scottish elections. In Wales Plaid Cymru make significant gains but Alun Michael is successful in becoming inaugural first secretary. In Scotland it is apparent that Labour will have to form an alliance with the Liberal Democrats in parliamentary business. 9 US and UK buildings are targeted by demonstrators in China in protest at Nato bombing of embassy in Yugoslavia. 10 Sports and art to play a greater part in school-life following their introduction into the National Curriculum in September 2000. 11 Australian Budget forecasts growth of 3 per cent and provision for investment in bio-technology industry. 11 Chris Patten is chosen as replacement for Sir Leon Brittan in European Commission. 12 Boris Yeltsin dismisses PM Primakov and entire Russian government. New PM to be Sergei Stepashin. 12 Robert Rubin announces resignation as US Treasury Secretary. He is to be replaced by Lawrence Summers. 13 Tony Blair receives Charlemagne Prize in Germany for his active role in bringing UK to the centre of European Union activities. 14 Sharp rise in US consumer prices leads to 1.75 per cent drop in stock market. 16 IMF sees possible need for government intervention to weaken pound in readiness for entry to euro zone. 17 Singapore to remove limits on foreign ownership of banks in an aim to create a leading financial centre. 17 Ehub Barak, leader of Labour Party, voted in as new Israeli PM. 19 UK unemployment at its lowest level for 19 years at 1.29mn. 19 Wim Kok's Dutch coalition government collapses. 20 New Zealand Budget sees much smaller tax cuts than could have been anticipated considering a general election is approaching. 20 Barclays to shed 6,000 jobs to save [pounds]200mn a year. 22 Nato bombardment of Yugoslavia continues with attacks on power stations leaving large areas of Serbia without electricity, gas and water. 24 Government to create [pounds]5mn partnership fund between unions and companies as Tony Blair acknowledges unions role as a "force for economic success". 25 Sino-US relations deteriorate further on publication of report into Chinese espionage inside US nuclear weapons laboratories. 25 Mikhail Zadornov appointed as first deputy PM with responsibility for economic policy in the new Russian government. The former finance minister is seen as a reformist. However, he is replaced 6 days later by Viktor Christenko. 26 Euro hits low of $1.05 following EU decision to relax Italian budget deficit target. 27 Slobodan Milosevic is indicted on alleged war crimes. 28 CBI Industrial Trends Survey indicates some recovery in UK manufacturing. 29 In Russia, newly appointed first deputy PM in charge of economy, Mikhail Zadornov resigns. 28 Euro drops to low of $1.039. June 1 Sale of chickens and eggs banned in Belgium after high levels of cancer causing dioxins found. 1 Male unemployment at an all-time high in Japan. 2 Sainsbury's to cut 1,100 jobs in attempt to improve competitiveness. 3 Glassmaker Pilkington to shed 2,500 jobs. 7 Figures for German economy show weakness of euro could be having a beneficial effect on manufacturing industry 7 G8 foreign ministers meet in Cologne, with Kosovo peace deal dominating agenda. 8 Former Conservative Cabinet Minister Jonathan Aitken is jailed for 18 months for perjury. 9 Proctor and Gamble to shed 15,000 jobs over five years to improve sales growth. 10 European elections see widespread victories for UK Conservative party, gaining 36 per cent of the vote compared to Labour's 28 per cent. 10 UK interest rates are cut by 0.25 per cent to 5 per cent -- the lowest level for 22 years. 10 Japanese economy starts to expand for the first time in 18 months. 10 Nato approves Kosovo peace plan marking the end to 79 day air offensive. Deal involves deployment of 50,000 peacekeeping troops. 12 Martin Weale, Director of NIESR, is appointed CBE in recognition of his services to economics. 15 UK inflation at its lowest for 6 years. 15 Coca Cola is withdrawn from sale in Belgium, Netherlands, France and Luxembourg as chemical problems make consumers ill. 16 UK unemployment figures lowest for 19 years. 17 Member of MPC Professor Willem Buiter advocates early entry to EMU in split on policy from Bank of England Governor, Eddie George. 18 Huge anti-capitalist demonstration disrupts the City of London and causes [pounds]2mn of damage. 18 Mortgage lending for May above [pounds]1.2bn, indicating a surge in the UK housing market. 19 G8 summit takes place in Cologne. Tony Blair shows reluctance towards early joining of euro. 20 Boris Yeltsin and Bill Clinton meet and begin process of conciliation following differences over Nato war with Yugoslavia. 23 Insurance company Scottish Widows to sell to Lloyds TSB giving windfalls of [pounds]6,000 to policyholders. 24 British Aerospace to close Surrey factory and cut 2,200 jobs. 25 Higher than expected figures for UK growth show output expanding at an annual rate of 0.7 per cent during the first three months of 1999. July 1 Finland begins 6-month European Presidency. 1 Scottish Parliament opens in Edinburgh with Donald Dewar as first minister. 6 Price of gold at a 20 year low following the sale of 25 tonnes of UK'S reserves. 7 Railways Bill includes establishment of Strategic Rail Authority and gives scope for unlimited fines for poor performance on Railtrack and privatised train companies. 8 Trade and industry White Paper includes plans to phase out Post Office monopoly on UK mail delivery. 9 Romano Prodi announces new European Commission. Former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock is appointed vice-president in charge of internal reform. 12 Japanese finance minister Kiichi Miyazawa warns of poor state of the economy as he promotes supplementary budget of [pounds]2.74bn to create 700,000 new jobs. 12 Weak German industrial production figures push euro close to parity with dollar. 15 Plans to form an all party government in Northern Ireland put on hold as talks collapse. 20 The World's largest carmakers including Ford, Volkswagen and Volvo boycott competition commission inquiry into price fixing and market manipulation. 20 WTO appoints former New Zealand PM Mike Moore as its next Director General. He will be followed in three years by Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi. 21 Michael Ashcroft, Conservative Party Treasury and large donor to party, issues writ against Times newspaper following its allegations concerning his business interests in Belize. 22 ICI to shed 600 administrative jobs. 23 King Hassan II of Morocco dies. 26 On its first day of trading, internet provider Freeserve sees its shares rise by 37 per cent. 27 Nationwide Building Society predicts UK house prices to rise by 8 per cent during 1999. 28 Government reshuffle sees little change to Cabinet but much movement in middle ranks including the resignations of Glenda Jackson and Tony Banks who propose to challenge for London Mayor. 29 Latest mass shooting in the US sees 12 killed by financial trader in Atlanta. 29 Japanese industrial production figures for June show monthly rise of 3 per cent. Largest increase since 1997 and an indication that the economy is beginning to recover from the recession. 29 US labour costs rise at their fastest rate since 1991 pushing down stocks and bonds. 30 London Stock Exchange announces plans to end its 200 year mutual status. 30 EU, US and Russia launch a stability pact for south east Europe at a meeting in Sarajevo. August 3 France and Germany maintain ban on British beef. 4 UK defence secretary George Robertson is appointed general secretary of Nato, replacing Javier Solana. 4 Following projected surpluses in US public finances, Clinton administration announces plan to buy back billions of Treasury Bonds. 9 Vladimir Putin is nominated as the fifth Russian PM in 17 months. 9 Charles Kennedy is elected as the new leader of the Liberal Democrat Party and vows to continue cooperation with the Labour Party, particularly on the joint consultative council. 11 The UK experiences its first total eclipse of the sun for 72 years. 16 Increasing numbers of attacks on genetically modified crop trials lead to the possibility that they may be moved elsewhere in Europe. 17 Huge earthquake in Turkey kills over 15,000 people. Shoddy construction of buildings contributes to the large death toll. 18 Publication of MPC minutes shows 3-way split on inflationary prospects. 26 UK manufacturing confidence at a two-year high. 26 Protests in Brazil against IMF sponsored austerity drive. 30 Ernst Welteke takes over Bundesbank presidency from Hans Tietmeyer. 31 UK house prices rising at their fastest rate for six years. September 5 Pro independence result in East Timor sparks massacres by allegedly pro-Indonesian militias. 7 Earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale hits Athens. 8 In a bid to stem inflationary pressures, Bank of England raises interest rates by 0.25 per cent to 5.25 per cent. 9 Yen soars to three-year high against dollar on favourable growth figures. 10 China to relax its one child policy as it believes population growth now under control. 14 UK inflation at its lowest level for 36 years at 1.1 per cent. 14 Over 2 million people flee coastal areas of south east USA as hurricane Floyd approaches. 19 Earthquake in Taiwan kills 2,000. 20 International peacekeeping force is deployed in East Timor following violent unrest. 20 Bank of England to increase cash liquidity in the run-up to 2000 to overcome financial markets' worries about Y2K bug. 21 July figures for US trade deficit show record high of $25.2bn. 22 Figures for UK economic growth rise due to strong performance by service sector. 24 Bank of Scotland makes [pounds]22bn hostile bid for NatWest. 26 Labour Conference opens in Bournemouth with ministers uniting in plan to join euro zone in the next 2-3 years. 27 Price of gold rises significantly following announcement by European Central Bank that sales from reserves to be curtailed. 31 High levels of radiation leak from uranium processing plant near Tokyo contaminating workers and forcing 10Os of people to stay indoors. October 1 Cut price airline Debonair calls in the administrators. 1 Parades in Beijing mark 50 years of Communism in China. 1 Lord Archer wins Tory nomination for London Mayor. 3 Far right Freedom Party makes huge gains in Austrian General Election. 4 London Stock Exchange's regulatory powers to be transferred to the FSA in line with most of Europe. 5 Rail crash just outside Paddington Station kills 31 and injures 250. 7 Bank of England and ECB decide to leave interest rates unchanged. 7 Final day of Conservative Party conference sees William Hague giving anti-euro speech, vowing to fight the next election on a promise to keep Britain independent. 10 Frank Dobson to step down as health secretary to join competition to be Labour's candidate for London Mayor. 11 Cabinet reshuffle sees Peter Mandelson returning as Northern Ireland secretary in place of Mo Mowlem who becomes Cabinet Office minister. Andrew Smith becomes Chief Secretary to the Treasury as Alan Milburn becomes Health Secretary. 11 Office of Fair Trading to introduce fines of up to [pounds]300mn on companies found to be price rigging and market sharing. 12 Military coup in Pakistan ousts PM Nawaz Sharif. 13 UK average earnings rise sharply to 4.9 per cent, intensifying pressure for an interest rate rise. 13 Professor Robert Mundell wins Nobel Prize for Economics, in part for his theory on common currencies which gave a basis for the euro. 13 Atal Behari Vajpayee begins third term as Indian PM. 14 Conservatives Michael Heseltine and Kenneth Clarke and Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy join cross-party 'Britain in Europe' campaign launch. 15 European summit in Finland sees France retaining its ban on British beef imports. 15 Wall St experiences biggest weekly decline for 10 years as it worries about interest rate rises and the value of shares. 18 Nissan to cut 18 per cent of its workforce and close production plants in [pounds]6bn restructuring plan. 18 Strategic Rail Authority orders Railtrack to pay for improvement to rail infrastructure to accommodate new rolling stock. It is estimated that alterations will cost billions of pounds. 22 Unions press Ford's President Jack Nassar to eradicate racism from Dagenham plant following allegations that production workers are being harassed. 24 Agriculture minister Nick Brown states that he has secured an extra [pounds]lOmn from EU to help farms convert to organic produce. 29 EU scientists unanimously dismiss French claims of dangers of UK beef. Immediate calls for France and Germany to lift ban. November 2 Allegations of financial irregularities force French finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn to resign. He is replaced by Budget Minister Christian Sautter. 3 Greek anti-inflationary Budget aims to facilitate entry into euro zone in 2001. 4 ECB raises Refinancing Rate for the first time from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent. UK interest rates rise from 5.25 to 5.5 per cent. 5 US unemployment at a 30 year low level of 4.1 per cent. 8 Treasury increases UK growth rate forecast to 2.5 per cent raising speculation of tax cuts and increased public spending prior to next election. 8 Lord Levene, outgoing Lord Mayor of London, praises City performance in spite of being outside euro zone. 9 10th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 9 Gordon Brown's pre-Budget report includes increasing number of pensioners who can benefit from minimum pension guarantee and tax concessions for employees wanting to buy shares in their companies. 12 Another earthquake hits Turkey killing nearly 400 people. 15 Barclays Bank to close further 200 branches. 16 Historic deal in Northern Ireland sets the basis of the establishment of the power sharing executive. 16 US Federal Funds Rate rises by 0.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent. 17 Queen's Speech concentrates on the reduction of red tape for businesses and transport measures to reduce congestion. 17 On the eve of the OSCE meeting in Istanbul, President Yeltsin faces criticism for indiscriminate bombing of Chechnya. 17 Fed increases interest rates by 1/4 per cent to stem inflationary pressures. 17 European Commission begins legal action against France as it continues its embargo on British beef. 18 Ken Livingstone wins nomination onto Labour shortlist for London Mayor following protracted selection process. 20 Lord Archer resigns as Tory candidate for London Mayor following disclosures about his behaviour during a 1987 libel case. 22 Oil prices hit 9-year high as Iraq reduces exports by 2.2mn barrels a day as part of UN's oil for food programme. 23 First Lady, Hillary Clinton, announces intention to run for US Senate. 24 European Commission produces optimistic forecast for EU with 5.5mm new jobs being created between 1999 and 2001. Growth is also predicted to rise to 3 per cent in 2000 and 2001. 25 Former Defence Secretary Michael Portillo wins Kensington and Chelsea by-election marking his political comeback. 29 Bank of England sells further 25 tonnes of gold. 29 Financial markets become nervous as yen continues to rise and dollar/euro move towards parity. 29 Northern Ireland power sharing cabinet formed with David Trimble, UUP and Seamus Mallon, SDLP as first and deputy first minister respectively. Controversy is caused by the appointment of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuiness as Ulster's education minister. 30 Anti-capitalist demonstration takes place in London to coincide with WTO meeting in Seattle. December 1 WTO meeting begins in Seattle. It is disrupted by antiglobalisation groups and no decision is made over trade liberalisation measures. 7 Eurosceptics take the opportunity to boost their cause following Bank of England Governor Eddie George remarks that City is thriving outside euro. 7 UK Government to grant [pounds]300mn in aid to farmers to help them diversify their businesses and move to organic farming. 8 France decides to maintain ban on British beef imports. 9 At EU summit in Helsinki UK wins six-month reprieve from EU decision on the introduction of taxation of investment at source. 9 MPC decide to keep UK base rates at 5.5 per cent. 13 Richard Branson announces plans for not-for-profits 'Peoples Lottery' as campaign for new UK national lottery licence begins. 13 First north-south ministerial council meeting takes place in Ulster. 13 Deputy PM John Prescott announces [pounds] 8Obn 10-year transport investment programme as he hands over responsibility for transport to minister Lord Macdonald. 15 Conservative Party selects Steve Norris and Andrew Boff for the last round in long running battle for Tory nomination for London Mayor. 15 Royal Dutch/Shell and Exxon Mobil to cut jobs as competition in the oil industry intensifies following large scale mergers. 15 Railtrack requests extra [pounds]1bn per annum government subsidy to fund modernisation and expansion of network. 16 German IFO Index reaches its highest level in 20 months boosting prospects for economic growth in euro zone. 17 Calls for a Russian ceasefire in Grozny dominate G8 summit in Berlin. 19 Russian parliamentary election gains for pro-Kremlin parties seen as public endorsement of military action in Chechnya. 20 Japanese finance ministry submits largest ever Budget of Y84,990bn for the next fiscal year. 21 Former Conservative Party minister Neil Hamilton loses libel action against Mohammed Fayed's 'cash for questions' claim. 21 UK Treasury to write off debt to World's poorest countries at a cost of [pounds] 640mn over 20 years. 22 Korean cargo plane crashes two minutes after taking off from Stansted airport. 23 Nasdaq index tops 4,000 for the first time as US and European stock markets surge. 29 Public prosecutors in Germany to investigate former Chancellor Helmut Kohl following suspicion over [pounds] 600,000 undeclared party donations. 29 Storms across northern Europe cause widespread damage and France creates 60 "natural catastrophe" zones and releases [pounds] 9.5mn in aid. 29 Economic growth in China at its lowest level since 1990 at 7.1 per cent. 31 In Russia, President Yeltsin resigns and hands over to his preferred successor PM Vladimir Putin, who will be acting President until March. 31 Week-long hijack of Indian Airlines plane ends in Afghanistan with India agreeing to free jailed Islamic militants. 31 Lavish celebrations take place in major cities throughout the world to mark the start of 2000. 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