Syria follows the Western calendar and usually celebrates the new year.

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Two major operators in western New York agreed to the rules last year and a company that runs shows in the Capital Region and Syracuse signed on in January.

WSJ: Most NY gun show operators agree to new rules

South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said New Year is traditionally the busiest time of year.

BBC: South Western Ambulance

Mr Vasile's plans for privatising the nation's telecommunications and other sectors this year may give some Western European firms new business opportunities.

BBC: New Romanian government takes office

But centuries ago, the great powers were almost always at war, and until quite recently, Western European countries tended to initiate two or three new wars every year.

WSJ: Steven Pinker: Why Violence Is Vanishing

Under the new county law, Great Western Shows, which runs the gun show four times a year at the Pomona fairgrounds, can exhibit guns there but not sell them.

CNN: Los Angeles, Washington, take stand on guns

The Western Gateway project, in the town's Cannon Park area, was unveiled last year and included a new supermarket, shopping units and improved transport links.

BBC: ?120m Middlesbrough Western Gateway 'may be modified'