Fireworks explode near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during a pyrotechnic show as New Year approaches Photo: REUTERS New Year 2010 Celebrations Take Place Around The World -- BBC
Countries around the world are beginning to hold celebratory events to welcome in 2010.
Fireworks displays will take place in many cities, with 5,000kg of explosives set to be used in the famous Sydney Harbour show in Australia.
New Year's Eve this year will also see a rare blue moon - a second full moon in a month. The next will be in 2028.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran prosecutor threatens opposition with trials.
Ayatollah Khamenei's jet put on standby.
UK plays down report Iran directed hostage-taking. Petraeus '90% certain' Peter Moore was held in Iran.
Iraq suicide bombing kills 25.
Activists in Gaza and Israel protest Gaza blockade.
ASIA
8 Americans, 5 Canadians dead in Afghan attacks. CIA officers are killed in Afghan attack.
Taliban claim blasts that kill 13 in Afghanistan.
U.N. pulls part of staff from Pakistan on safety concerns.
AFRICA
Somali man 'tried to take bomb onto plane'.
Armed group in Niger planned to sell Saudis to Al-Qaeda - sources.
Zimbabwe mulls mortgaging minerals to offset debt.
Southern Sudan official welcomes new referendum law.
EUROPE
Manhunt as gunman Ibrahim Shkupolli kills five in Finland.
Lithuania to shut its only nuclear power station.
Ten years at the top for Vladimir Putin.
AMERICAS
Extra security in Times Square for New Year’s Eve.
Murder victims found hanging from Mexico overpass.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Source: CIA failed to circulate report about bombing suspect. FBI, CIA interrogate father of Nigerian suspect.
Obama to receive prelim report on airline attack.
Yemeni forces raid al-Qaida hideout, clashes erupt.
Confusion over Bali terror warning.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
China ruling portends more trade action in 2010.
Iceland approves £3.4bn Icesave loss deal.
World stocks close out bumper 2009 with more gains.