SYDNEY/KUWAIT:Australia's largest city Sydney put on its biggest-ever fireworks display in aspectacular welcome to the New Year, kicking off a wave of celebrations forbillions around the world. A record amount of pyrotechnics as well as newfireworks effects and colors lit up the city's skyline for 12 minutes anddazzled the more than 1.5 million spectators who packed the harbor front andparks. The party atmosphere swept across major cities in Asia, Europe, Africaand the Americas as the clock ticked past midnight.
HH the Amir ofKuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday exchangedcongratulatory cables with world leaders on the advent of the New Year. In thecables, the Amir wished the leaders evermore progress to their respectivecountries, as well as hoping for the prevalence of peace, security andprosperity worldwide. - Agencies