Arab, foreign experts present anti-Y2K bug programs in Rabat

Arab and foreign experts are to meet here next November 1-3 to present emergency plans to face up the effects of the year 2000 (Y2K) bug in North Africa and the Middle East.

Delegates to the meeting will focus on the Y2K effects in the sectors of health and chemical industry.

The encounter will establish a regional cooperation network to succeed the change in the critical fields of oil and gas and health.

January 1, 2000 risks to be a dark Saturday in the countries that have not taken appropriate measures.

Millions of computers -- some of which are central to running financial markets, air-traffic control systems and even elevators in office buildings-- do not distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000 because an old programming practice expressed years in two digits.

As the year 2000 gets closer, this "bug" is attracting high-level attention in both government offices and corporate boardrooms around the world.