Officials say Y2K effects could linger for weeks

As they step up their focus on international preparedness, government officials warned Wednesday that the impact of failures stemming from the year 2000 computer bug could last several weeks after the first of the year, particularly in such areas as telecommunications.

During a hearing on international Y2K preparedness before the Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem, State Department and CIA officials expressed concern that problems stemming from the millennium glitch could worsen over time.

"The key factor in how long a problem will last is quality contingency planning," said Lawrence Gershwin, the CIA's national intelligence officer for science and technology. He added that in telecommunications the problems will probably build over time as a failure in one section of a network may cause glitches in other connected sections. The problem could have a domino effect, affecting telecommunications in both the United States and abroad.

Among those countries where telecommunications problems may occur include Russia, China and Italy. These countries, along with Ukraine and Indonesia, are likely to experience the most overall problems from the Y2K bug, Gershwin said.

Meanwhile, Bonnie Cohen, the State Department's undersecretary for management, said her agency is working with other countries-particularly those planning big millennium celebrations such as Italy-and the tourism industry on ways to assist U.S. tourists who may be affected by Y2K problems while traveling abroad.

But Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, who chairs the special committee, warned that U.S. tourists should be prepared and not rely on U.S. embassies in the country they are visiting. Cohen said the department does not intend to close any U.S. embassies in anticipation of potential Y2K problems, although non-emergency personnel could be evacuated if conditions become too difficult because of computer failures.