TEHRAN, Dec 27 (AFP) - January 1 will be a public holiday in Iran because of possible problems arising from the millennium computer bug, referring to a cabinet decision taken late Sunday. Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mussavi-Lari had already said at a press conference Sunday that the authorities were considering canceling all flights on the night of December 31 as a precautionary measure.
Iran has also set up a crisis center to deal with possible problems caused by the millennium bug in essential computer systems. The center is managed by the Interior Ministry and comprises representatives from the energy, telecommunications, industry, mines, transport, health, defense and foreign ministries as well as radio and state news agency personnel.
Authorities have reassured the public that the government has taken the necessary precautions, especially at airports, power stations, refineries and in the telecommunications and banking sectors. The various state organizations have had their computer systems tested by Iranian or foreign technicians, according to a recent report on Iranian television. No measures have been announced for the private sector, which relies heavily on computer-related technology. Most of the sectors that are at risk had their computers set up by foreign companies. The authorities have already asked them for technical help.
Newswires
