1990 in History

1st elected African-American Governor in the United States

Appointed Mayor of New York, 1st black NYC Mayor

Orders a major increase in US forces deployed to the Gulf.

Addresses Kuwaitis three days after the Iraqi invasion.

States are required to restrict flights serving Iraq and occupied Kuwait.

Makes his Ajax first-team debut and becomes a long-serving defender for club and country.

The FBI raid the New Jersey home of Ali Mohammeds associate El Sayyid Nosair, discovering a great deal of evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers

Issues measures protecting Kuwaiti citizens, assets and financial interests.

Announces lifting the 30 yr ANC ban, prohibited since Sharpville in 1960

Negotiations began with a meeting between the African National Congress and the South African Government at the presidential residence, Groote Schuur. Groote Schuur Minute, a commitment to the resolution of the climate of violence and intimidation as well as the removal of practical obstacles to negotiations including indemnity from prosecution for returning exiles & release of political prisoners

The South African Government and the African National Congress extend their consensus to include several new points, the Pretoria Minute includes the suspension of the armed struggle by the ANC and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe

The National Peace Accord is a critical step toward formal negotiations, signed by representatives of 27 political organisations and national and homeland Governments, and prepares the way for the CODESA negotiations

de Klerk announces lifting the 30 yr ANC ban, prohibited since Sharpville in 1960

Is elected deputy president of the newly unbanned ANC.

Declares Kuwait annexed by Iraq.

Attempts to consolidate annexation despite international rejection.

Represents Kuwait as the UN rejects Iraqi annexation.

The South African National Party opens its membership to all races

Appointed Secretary of State for Environment for a second term.

Mobutu appoints Lunda Bululu during the transition toward multiparty politics.

Calls for effective measures restoring Kuwait's sovereignty.

Mandela is released from prison after 27yrs

Mandela is released from prison after 27yrs

Both Neave and Gow were killed by car bomb attacks in 1979 and 1990 respectively.

Murdered by the IRA

Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Convicted in connection to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and for the murder of Rabbi Meir Kahane on November 5, 1990

Beaten to death by rebel troops

The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

The Gulf War began with an extensive aerial bombing campaign on 16 January 1991. For forty-two consecutive days and nights, the coalition forces subjected Iraq to the most intensive air bombardment in military history. The coalition flew over 100,000 sorties, dropping 88,500 tons of bombs,[102] and widely destroying military and civilian infrastructure

The FBI raid the New Jersey home of Ali Mohammeds associate El Sayyid Nosair, discovering a great deal of evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers

The FBI raid the New Jersey home of Ali Mohammeds associate El Sayyid Nosair, discovering a great deal of evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers

An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Germany & Poland sign a Treaty confirming their border at the Oder-Neisse line

Germany & Poland sign a Treaty confirming their border at the Oder-Neisse line

Barbed wire is removed from the border with West Germany and Austria

Walks out of the Twenty-Eighth CPSU Congress after announcing his resignation from the Communist Party.

Argues during the Conservative leadership contest that Britain should remain part of the core of European political and economic cooperation.

Presents the Budget Statement to the House of Commons

Delivers the budget in the House of Commons

Urges Arab leaders to condemn Iraq's invasion without hesitation.

Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi heads the caretaker government before national elections.

Appointed Chairman of the Council of Minister's for the GDR

Appointed Chairman of the Conservative Party

Is elected Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian SFSR on the third ballot.

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

The 2 halves of the Channel tunnel are joined

The 2 halves of the Channel tunnel are joined

The 2 halves of the Channel tunnel are joined

Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Appointed Chief Whip

M. S. Valiathan and his multidisciplinary team achieve the first implantation of the indigenous Chitra mechanical heart valve.

Some detainees are used as protection at strategic sites.

Helps secure permission for major US deployments protecting the kingdom.

Advises the president during the coalition military buildup.

Approves deployment of coalition forces after Kuwait's invasion.

Organizes multinational forces preparing to protect Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Advises Bush during the coalition military buildup.

Commits Syria to the international coalition opposing Iraq's occupation.

Works with allied governments to maintain pressure on Iraq.

The National Peace Accord is a critical step toward formal negotiations, signed by representatives of 27 political organisations and national and homeland Governments, and prepares the way for the CODESA negotiations

Leads the new Major government's fundamental review of the community charge and its relationship with local-government structure and finance.

Mugabe's government expands legal authority for compulsory land acquisition.

Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by George HW Bush

Reform begins at the Bulgarian Communist Party's "Congress of Renewal"

The Eighth all-Communist Government is formed

The German Democratic Republic ceases to exist at midnight

The 1st free elections are held in the DDR

Sworn in as President of a new Democratic Republic of Hungary

The Cental Committee of the CP in USSR votes to end the CP political monopoly

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Sworn in as the 1st executive President of the USSR

Russian Parliament votes its laws take precedence over the USSR

The Russian Federation declares itself a sovereign state

A Loya Jirga amends the constitution, strengthens Islamic provisions, and removes remaining communist terminology.

al-Bakhit participates in constitutional reform connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.

Forced to resign during a coup

Habre is deposed by Idriss Deby and flees to Senegal with $11 million

Announces increased compensation to farmers affected by BSE

Continues defence responsibilities after the Iraqi invasion.

Begins the first elected civilian government after the military regime.

Appointed Deputy Prime Minister to Margaret Thatcher

Supports the military buildup intended to deter further Iraqi expansion.

Commands US Central Command during Operation Desert Shield.

Commands US Central Command during the defensive buildup.

Removes a major humanitarian issue before the withdrawal deadline.

Iraq is ordered to protect diplomats and release detained foreigners.

Benazir Bhutto's first government is dismissed under presidential dissolution powers.

Peres dismissal by Shamir leads to the fall of the Government

Peres dismissal by Shamir leads to the fall of the Government

President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismisses Benazir Bhutto's government.

The SDP continues as the Independent Social Democrats. David Owen announces the dissolution of the SDP

David Owen announces the dissolution of the SDP

Announces the dissolution of the SDP, continues as an Independent Social Democrat

Dissolves the SDP

Hosts the European Council as leaders agree to launch conferences on political union and monetary union.

Mitterrand supported parallel negotiations on political union alongside plans for economic and monetary union.

During a speech in a special joint session of the US Congress given on 11 September 1990, US President George H.

During a speech in a special joint session of the US Congress given on 11 September 1990, US President George H.

During the first Earth flyby, Galileo obtains images of Earth and the Moon for calibration and planetary studies.

Affected countries are encouraged to seek economic assistance.

Inflation rises to 10.9%

Price controls are lifted & Government subsidies are eliminated. Currency made convertible with exchange set at black market rate

Wins the presidential election

The US backed coalition defeats Ortegas Sandanista Government

The US backed coalition defeats Ortegas Sandanista Government

Elected President of Peru

Radical groups win in the cities & many prominent party officials are defeated. Gorbachev is elected for the third time in eighteen months to a position equivalent to Soviet head of state. "Democratic Russia" wins 85% of the seats in the Congress of Peoples Deputies. "Democratic Russia" wins 56% of seats in the city soviet

Yeltsin is elected President of Russia, the largest Republic

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

Havel's Civic Forum and its Slovak allies win 170 out of 300 seats. first genuine free elections for 40 yrs

1st genuine free elections for 40 yrs

Announces his challenge for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

In the first Conservative leadership ballot Thatcher receives 204 votes and Heseltine 152, forcing a second ballot under the party rules.

In the second leadership ballot Major receives 185 votes, Heseltine 131 and Hurd 56; Heseltine and Hurd then withdraw.

In the second leadership ballot John Major receives 185 votes, Michael Heseltine 131 and Douglas Hurd 56; Heseltine and Hurd subsequently withdraw.

Elected President of the Ukraine

The Liberal Democrat Party wins the election

Returned as Chancellor in a re-united Germany

The Nationalists defeat the Communists

Elected President of Lithuania

Appointed Prime Minister of the GDR after winning the elections

Announces intention to stand in the 2nd round of the Party leadership ballot

Wins the Party leadership election, Major 185 votes, Heseltine 131 & Hurd 56

Receives 185 votes in the second ballot; after Heseltine and Hurd withdraw, Major becomes Conservative Party leader.

Mladenovs reformed Communist Party wins a narrow majority in Parliament

The 1st free elections are held in the DDR

Elected President of Namibia, Namibias 1st President

The Tories lose Mid-Staffordshire after holding it with a majority of over 19,000. Labour win the Mid-Staffordshire by-election

Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher

Wins a majority of the party, over 187, but 4 short of stopping a 2nd ballot. Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election. Conservative leadership 1st ballot, Thatcher 204, Heseltine 152 & 16 abstentions

Anounces live on TV she will go forward to the 2nd ballot

Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltine's 152 in the first leadership ballot but does not achieve the margin required to avoid a second ballot.

Announces she will not contest the 2nd ballot

Wins a landslide election victory. Appointed President of Poland after winning landslide election victory

Announces he will leave the Cabinet in May & not contest the general election

1st elected African-American Governor in the United States

Military council refuses to transfer power after opposition election victory

Wins election to the Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian SFSR.

Shares in twelve regional electricity companies begin trading after their flotation.

The first stage of Economic and Monetary Union began under the programme developed by the Delors Committee.

The First Calfa Government ends in Prague, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia.

The Jan P. Syse Government ends in Oslo, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Norway.

Leads the Irish Presidency when the Community formally establishes the European Environment Agency.

Supports the Rome conclusions advancing the second stage of economic and monetary union.

Supports the Rome conclusions favouring gradual transformation of the Community into a political union.

Habre is deposed by Idriss Deby and flees to Senegal with $11 million

Arrested by the South African police, described in the press as the "Black Pimpernel"

Scores a late extra-time volley as England eliminate Belgium 1-0 from the World Cup.

The FBI raid the New Jersey home of Ali Mohammeds associate El Sayyid Nosair, discovering a great deal of evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers

The FBI raid the New Jersey home of Ali Mohammeds associate El Sayyid Nosair, discovering a great deal of evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 2nd term

Death of Ava Lavinia Gardner

Galileo flies past Earth for a gravity assist that increases its heliocentric speed on the journey to Jupiter.

Lauer submits the first science paper based on Hubble observations, studying the core of galaxy NGC 7457.

Wins his first Manchester United trophy as the club defeat Crystal Palace 1-0 in the final replay.

First travels to Baghdad to prevent the outbreak of the Gulf War

Leaves Kuwait as Iraqi forces overrun the country.

Coalition states gain authority to enforce Kuwait's liberation.

Conducts diplomatic efforts supporting Kuwait's liberation.

Uses foreign civilians as political leverage during the crisis.

Appointed Foreign Secretary

Restricts departure of foreign nationals from Iraq and Kuwait.

Begins Ireland's fourth Council Presidency during a period of rapid political change in Europe.

Czechoslovakia holds free parliamentary elections.

Ends more than twenty-seven years of imprisonment.

Galileo flies past Venus for a gravity assist on its journey to Jupiter and obtains additional planetary observations.

Appointed General Secretary of the Arab League

Nawaz Sharif's alliance wins the general election.

Nawaz Sharif's alliance wins the general election.

The Pakistan Peoples Party loses the 1990 election to the Islamic Democratic Alliance.

The Pakistan Peoples Party loses the 1990 election to the Islamic Democratic Alliance.

General election outcome recorded for Benazir Bhutto: The Pakistan Peoples Party loses the 1990 election to the Islamic Democratic Alliance.

Government context for this general election: The Pakistan Peoples Party loses the 1990 election to the Islamic Democratic Alliance.

General election outcome recorded for Nawaz Sharif: Nawaz Sharif's alliance wins the general election.

Government context for this general election: Nawaz Sharif's alliance wins the general election.

W.

The German Democratic Republic ceases to exist at midnight

The former East Germany entered the European Community framework through German reunification during Delors's Commission presidency.

Supports linking German unification with continued progress toward deeper European integration.

Links German unification with continued commitment to European integration during the special Dublin meeting.

Captains West Germany to its third World Cup title.

Becomes a World Cup winner as manager after previously lifting the trophy as captain.

Forms a centre right Government

Forms a minority socialist Government

Asked by the Queen to form a Government

Forms a new right-wing Government

Nominates Bielicki as Prime Minister

Directs Kuwaiti government activity from temporary exile.

Preserves the internationally recognized Kuwaiti government from Saudi Arabia.

Continues as Prime Minister as the presidency is introduced in Turkmenistan

David G. P. Taylor becomes Governor of Montserrat

Vincent Eri becomes Governor-General of Papua New Guinea

Groote Schuur Minute, a commitment to the resolution of the climate of violence and intimidation as well as the removal of practical obstacles to negotiations including indemnity from prosecution for returning exiles & release of political prisoners

Appointed Head of State for the GDR

Nazarbayev becomes republican head of state before independence

Mircea Snegur becomes Chairman of the Supreme Soviet before the presidency is created

Appointed Home Secretary

Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by George HW Bush

Made a baronet

Awarded the Order of Merit

Westphal's Wide Field and Planetary Camera team obtains Hubble's first image, demonstrating sharper resolution than typical ground-based observations.

NASA identifies spherical aberration in Hubble's primary mirror, explaining the blurred appearance of the telescope's early images.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) also known colloquially as "the Hubble" or just "Hubble", is a space telescope that is carried into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery, named for the American astronomer Edwin Hubble

Food assistance is tied to verified humanitarian need.

Addresses the Security Council during the occupation crisis.

Sworn in as President of a new Democratic Republic of Hungary

Sworn in as the 1st executive President of the USSR

Sworn in as President after winning the election of 26 November 1989

Russia agrees to withdraw troops from Czech by July 1991

Russia agrees to withdraw troops from Czech by July 1991

Estonia votes to secede from the USSR

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

Latvia votes to secede from the USSR

Lithuania becomes the 1st republic to declare independence

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Warns Lithuania to withdraw its declaration of independence but it refuses

Lithuania declares independence from Russia

The Republic of Namibia becomes an independent state. South Africa withdraws from Namibia

The Republic of Namibia becomes an independent state

Russia agrees to withdraw troops from Czech by July 1991

Lithuania becomes the 1st republic to declare independence

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Warns Lithuania to withdraw its declaration of independence but it refuses

Estonia votes to secede from the USSR

Latvia votes to secede from the USSR

Uzbekistan declares independence

The Ukrainian Parliament votes for sovereignty

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

A referendum supports independence for Slovenia

The Republic of Namibia becomes an independent state. South Africa withdraws from Namibia

The Ukrainian Parliament votes for sovereignty

Uzbekistan declares independence

The Charlatans make their first UK chart appearance with Indian Rope.

Israeli police kill Palestinian demonstrators during violence at the Temple Mount Haram al Sharif

The Temple Mount Haram al Sharif killings intensify anger during the First Intifada

Inflation rises to 10.9%

Mobilizes Arab and international diplomatic support for Kuwait.

Appeals for continued international action to liberate Kuwait.

Visits major powers seeking support for Kuwait's liberation.

The Temple Mount Haram al Sharif killings intensify anger during the First Intifada

Supports an emergency Security Council response to the attack.

Russia sends in the tanks to discourage secession

Russia sends in the tanks to discourage secession

Sends US forces to Saudi Arabia to prevent an Iraqi invasion

Orders the invasion that overwhelms Kuwait's defenses.

The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Government record concerning the IRA: Murdered by the IRA

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: Murdered by the IRA

IRA context for Ian Reginald Edward Gow: Murdered by the IRA

Government record concerning the IRA: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: Ian Gow is killed by an IRA car bomb

Government record concerning the IRA: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: The IRA bomb the Carlton Club

Government record concerning the IRA: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Historical IRA record under Conservative Party Government: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

IRA context for Margaret Hilda Thatcher: An IRA bomb explodes at the Stock Exchange

Negotiations fail to resolve territorial, oil and debt disputes.

Iraqi forces rapidly seize Kuwait City and key installations.

Orders Iraqi forces into Kuwait.

Supports Arab participation in the coalition opposing occupation.

Military pressure increases after disputes over oil and debt.

It was then that I decided to act to check that aggression.".

It was then that I decided to act to check that aggression.".

Participates in last-minute talks with Kuwait before the invasion.

Leads the Kuwaiti People's Conference in exile.

Addresses Congress on the international response to Iraq.

Explains coalition objectives to a joint session of Congress.

Reorganizes rebel forces after Rwigyema's death.

Putin was recalled to the Soviet Union and returned to Leningrad, where in June 1991 he assumed a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice Rector Yuriy Molchanov

The claim is rejected by the United Nations and most governments.

Proclaims Kuwait an Iraqi province after the invasion.

Insists Iraq must withdraw and Kuwait's government be restored.

The invasion rapidly overruns Kuwaiti military and government positions.

Represents Kuwait as the Council protects demographic records.

Coordinates administrative support for Kuwaitis displaced by the occupation.

Advocates restoration of the legitimate government and full withdrawal.

Kuwaiti state institutions are subordinated to occupation authorities.

Supports reorganisation of Kuwaiti forces alongside the coalition.

Mobilizes Kuwaiti resources during government exile.

Calls for national unity and resistance to occupation.

Coordinates logistical and political support for the underground resistance.

Parliament changes constitutional provisions governing compulsory land acquisition.

Announces his resignation from the Communist Party at the Twenty-Eighth Party Congress.

44 Conservative MPs rebel against the Hong Kong Citizenship Bill

Putin was recalled to the Soviet Union and returned to Leningrad, where in June 1991 he assumed a position with the International Affairs section of Leningrad State University, reporting to Vice Rector Yuriy Molchanov

Chairs a thirty-five-member advisory body supporting liberation efforts.

Builds diplomatic backing for enforcement of UN resolutions.

The conference demonstrates support for the legitimate Kuwaiti government.

Strikes Belgium's second goal from distance in the 64th minute to secure a 2-0 World Cup victory over South Korea.

Faces domestic and international criticism after security forces are accused of killing students at Lubumbashi University.

Magellan begins its first radar mapping cycle, imaging the cloud-hidden surface of Venus at far higher resolution than previous missions.

V.P. Singh's government announces implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes in central government employment.

Naval forces gain authority to inspect shipping linked to Iraq.

Yasser Arafat marries Suha At-Taweel

China announces the lifting of martial law in Lhasa after more than a year.

The Kremlin admits to the massacre of 15,000 Polish army officers by the NKVD in 1940

Appointed Mayor of New York, 1st black NYC Mayor

Elected Member of Parliament for Mid-Staffordshire, overturns Tory majority of 14,654

Wins the nomination to stand as the Labour candidate for Hampstead & Highgate

Supports overwhelming force for any operation liberating Kuwait.

Faces controversy after miners attack Bucharest protesters.

Appointed Minister of the Duchy of Lancaster

Appointed Minister of Education & Science

Appointed Minister of Energy

Appointed Minister for Scotland

Nitish Kumar serves as Union Minister of State for Agriculture.

Appointed Minister of Trade & Industry

Appointed Minister of Transport

Helps launch the intergovernmental conference on economic and monetary union.

Helps launch negotiations on treaty provisions for economic and monetary union.

Announces plans to move Rwanda toward multiparty politics.

Appointed President of China, by the National Assembly

Negotiations between Mandela & de Klerk begin

The ANC announce the suspension of the "armed struggle"

Negotiations between Mandela & de Klerk begin

The ANC announce the suspension of the "armed struggle"

Mugabe begins a new presidential term after the national election.

Rejects proposals for deeper European political union in the House of Commons.

Addresses the Security Council during debate on occupation abuses.

Imposes Iraqi administrative control over occupied Kuwait.

Germany & Poland sign a Treaty confirming their border at the Oder-Neisse line

The buildup creates an offensive capability to liberate Kuwait.

Faces the Oka Crisis over land and Indigenous rights.

Breaks the deadlock in the 53rd minute as Belgium begin their 2-0 World Cup victory over South Korea.

French forces later participate in the coalition ground campaign.

Authorizes coalition forces to deploy in defense of Saudi Arabia.

Coordinates Saudi and coalition forces during Operation Desert Shield.

Orders major US forces to deploy to Saudi Arabia.

Orders US forces to deploy to Saudi Arabia.

Announces lifting the 30 yr PAC ban, prohibited since Sharpville in 1960

Persuades NASA to command Voyager 1 to photograph Earth from beyond Neptune.

Appointed Party Leader of the Communist Party

Appointed Party Leader of the Conservative Party

Iraq makes peace with Iran & accepts all of Irans terms

Iraq makes peace with Iran & accepts all of Irans terms

al-Bakhit participates in peace negotiations connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.

By the time of the Twenty-Eighth Party Congress in July 1990, the CPSU was regarded by liberals and nationalists of the constituent republics as anachronistic and unable to lead the country

A gunman opens fire on Gorbachev during the Revolution Day parade

Political reform follows mounting domestic and international pressure.

Supports the decision to begin an intergovernmental conference on political union.

Represents Irish foreign policy as negotiations on political union begin.

Supports the opening of treaty negotiations on political union.

Supports opening treaty negotiations on political union alongside the parallel conference on monetary union.

Supports the opening of treaty negotiations on European political union.

Anti-poll-tax campaigning feeds the mass London demonstration.

Poll Tax demonstrations in Trafalgar Square lead to arrests and damage.

The anti-poll-tax demonstration turns violent in Trafalgar Square.

Cabinet work covers services, finance and post-liberation administration.

Nursultan Nazarbayev becomes President of the Kazakh SSR

Appointed President of the National Council

Takes office as President of Chile and restores elected civilian government.

Appointed President of Haiti

Appointed President of Ireland, the first women President of Ireland

Appointed President of Lithuania

Appointed President of Namibia, Namibias 1st President

Appointed President of Poland after winning landslide election victory

Iliescu takes office as elected president.

Gorbachev is elected for the third time in eighteen months to a position equivalent to Soviet head of state

Appointed Member of Presidential Council

Appointed President of China, by the National Assembly

Appointed President of Uruguay

Niyazov becomes President of the Turkmen SSR

Mircea Snegur becomes President of the Moldovan SSR

Wins Romania's first post-communist presidential election.

Mugabe wins the first direct presidential election under the executive system.

Mugabe wins Zimbabwe's presidential election and begins another term.

Takes office as the first woman to serve as President of Ireland.

Presidency is confirmed through a Soviet-era presidential vote

Becomes Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher resigns.

Becomes Slovak prime minister after democratic elections.

Appointed Prime Minister of the GDR after winning the elections

Sworn in as Prime Minister of the GDR

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 2nd term

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term

Wins 204 votes to Michael Heseltines 152 in the party leadership election

Remains Prime Minister after the first ballot while the Conservative leadership contest proceeds to a second round.

Appointed Prime Minister of Hungary

Chandra Shekhar becomes Prime Minister with outside support from Congress.

Appointed Prime Minister of Japan, 2nd term

Appointed Prime Minister of New Zealand

Appointed Prime Minister of Norway, 3rd term

Nawaz Sharif begins his first term as Prime Minister.

Appointed Prime Minister of Russia

Appointed Prime Minister of Sweden

Hamed Karoui became prime minister of Tunisia.

Mircea Druc becomes Prime Minister during Moldova's late Soviet transition

Electricity privatization is launched

Iraq is told to respect diplomatic and consular protections.

Iliescu chairs the expanded provisional governing council before elections.

Violence at Pucca Qila deepens ethnic conflict in Sindh.

Saves two penalties as Argentina eliminate Yugoslavia in the World Cup quarter-final shootout.

Releases Ragged Glory with Crazy Horse, renewing his reputation for loud electric guitar rock.

44 Conservative MPs rebel against the Hong Kong Citizenship Bill

Directs government planning for reconstruction during exile.

A referendum supports independence for Slovenia

President de Klerk & Nelson Mandela hold talks

The Department of the Environment estimates the Community Charge will average 340 pounds. Dept of the Environment estimates for the Charge are double original estimates

The Community Charge takes effect in England & Wales

Sets the standard community charge at 379 pounds. 3 billion pounds extra is found from the Government to keep the community charge below 400 pounds

The House of Lords rejects the War Crimes Bill

President de Klerk & Nelson Mandela hold talks

The Government gives œ3,000m to reduce the impact of the poll tax

Walks free from Victor Verster Prison.

Oversees the Led Zeppelin boxed set remastering project.

The Republic of Yemen is formally proclaimed.

Transfers presidential power to Patricio Aylwin after seventeen years of military rule.

Resigns the party whip

With the resignation Foreign Minister Eduard Sheverdnadze, the last major liberal in Gorbachevs circle, Gorbachev is left isolated amongst the hard-liners

Resigns delaring Russia is heading for a dictatorship

Resigns from the Government over differences with Margaret Thatcher over the EC

Howes resignation speech during the leadership election criticizes Thatcher

Resigns as Prime Minister of New Zealand

Resigns after allegations that he worked for the Stasi

Announces her intention to resign

Announces her resignation as Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

Resigns as Prime Minister

Nicholas Ridley resigns from the Government after the Spectator interview

Nicholas Ridley resigns from the Government after the Spectator interview

Resigns from the Cabinet for family reasons

Announces he will leave the Cabinet in May & not contest the general election

Announces he cannot be both President & Pary Leader of the Bulgarian Communist Party

Resigns after making a broadcast advocating tanks against demonstrators in 1989

Forced to resign during a coup

Resigns from office

V.P. Singh's government loses a confidence vote and he resigns as Prime Minister.

Jaruzelski resigns, 4 yrs still to serve

Resigns and criticises Thatcher's European policy, weakening her leadership.

Maintains contact with resistance leaders inside occupied Kuwait.

Urges international action to restore Kuwaiti sovereignty.

Supports protection of Kuwait's legitimate government and assets.

Defends Kuwait's continuing international legal personality.

Supports demands for Kuwaiti sovereignty and accountability.

Opposes Iraqi attempts to alter Kuwait's population documentation.

Addresses the Security Council as force authorization is debated.

Britain resumes diplomatic relations with Iran after the Rushdie affair

Mobutu announces an end to the formal one-party system and permits political pluralism.

Announces decision to retire

Creates the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation to investigate deaths and disappearances.

W.

Is inducted with The Kinks into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Who are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Iliescu wins Romania's first post-communist presidential election.

Supports work on the timetable and institutional design for economic and monetary union.

Hosts the European Council that opens intergovernmental conferences on political union and monetary union.

Represents Ireland as the intergovernmental conferences on political and monetary union formally open.

Represents Greece as leaders open intergovernmental conferences on political union and monetary union.

Represents Germany as leaders advance preparations for the second stage of economic and monetary union.

Mitsotakis joins the Rome summit as governments design the institutions and timetable for the next monetary-union phase.

Backs simultaneous negotiations on political union and economic and monetary union.

Mitterrand joined European leaders opening formal negotiations on political union and Economic and Monetary Union.

Represents Greek economic policy during negotiations on the institutional design of monetary union.

Hosts the special European Council that advances plans for political union and monetary union.

Returns from military studies abroad to lead the RPF.

His death creates an immediate leadership crisis in the RPF.

Leads the RPF invasion from Uganda into Rwanda.

Leads the Russian Congress as it adopts the Declaration of State Sovereignty, asserting the supremacy of Russian law.

The attack begins the Rwandan civil war.

The United Nations Security Council imposes sanctions against Iraq

Represents Kuwait as the Security Council imposes sanctions.

Saudi territory becomes the main base for liberation operations.

The deployment deters further Iraqi expansion after Kuwait's invasion.

Saudi leaders instead accept protection from international coalition forces.

Helps secure Saudi acceptance of large US force deployments.

Meets Saudi leaders during the early Gulf crisis.

Suspended from the House of Commons for not declaring his business interests

Heads the German government when the five original Schengen states sign the convention implementing border-free travel arrangements.

Begins the Second Calfa Government in Prague and serves as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia.

Appointed Minister of Agriculture

Appointed Minister of Defence

Appointed Minister for Employment

Appointed Minister of Health

Appointed Minister for Northern Ireland

Appointed Minister for Wales

Highlights Kuwait's case as international pressure on Iraq grows.

Addresses the Security Council as Iraq invades Kuwait.

Saves two penalties as Argentina eliminate host nation Italy in the semi-final shootout.

Takes a central role in negotiations with the government.

Voyager 1 photographs a family portrait of the Solar System at Sagan's long-standing urging.

Releases Songs for Drella with John Cale, a tribute to Andy Warhol.

Begins the Sound and Vision tour, promoted as a final outing for many of his older hits.

Represents former South Yemen in the new leadership structure.

Places the Declaration of State Sovereignty before the Russian Congress, which adopts it by an overwhelming majority.

The turning point in Yeltsins career, he skillfully lobbies the Russian Federations Supreme Soviet (legislature) to elect him - over Gorbachevs prefered candidate - as its Speaker

Represents Italy at the special European Council discussing German unification and Europe's changing political order.

Hosts the special European Council that agrees a common approach to German unification.

Represents Germany at the special European Council discussing German unification and the changing political order in Europe.

Represents Greece as leaders discuss German unification and Europe's changing political order.

Announces an end to the 4 yr state of national emergency, except for Natal

The State of Emergency is lifted

The ambulance dispute is settled

Hubble resolves a gaseous ring around Supernova 1987A in unprecedented detail during one of the observatory's earliest science investigations.

Niyazov becomes Chairman of the Supreme Soviet before the presidency is created

Assumes leadership of the Russian Supreme Soviet after a closely contested parliamentary ballot.

The Football League in England and the Scottish Football League introduces regulations that clubs in the highest divisions (top 2 divisions in the English system must comply to the Taylor recommendations.

The Taylor Report is synonymous with the recommendation that all major stadia convert to an all-seater model, that all ticketed spectators have seats, as opposed to some or all being obliged to stand.

The final report is published in January 1990.

Condemns the Temple Mount Haram al Sharif killings as the uprising intensifies.

Faces intensified unrest after Israeli police kill Palestinians at the Temple Mount Haram al Sharif.

Orders the government to operate temporarily from Saudi Arabia.

Observes another Conservative leadership crisis as Margaret Thatcher leaves office.

Directs Das schreckliche Madchen.

The Only One I Know reaches number nine on the UK singles chart and becomes The Charlatans' breakthrough hit.

Begins the Third Gro Harlem Brundtland Government in Oslo and serves as Prime Minister of Norway.

Signs verification protocols strengthening implementation of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosions treaties.

Julio Maria Sanguinetti hands over the presidency to Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera

Germany & Poland sign a Treaty confirming their border at the Oder-Neisse line

Germany & Poland sign a Treaty confirming their border at the Oder-Neisse line

Britain joins the Allies & east & West Germany in a final settlement with Germany

East & West Germany sign the re-unification Treaty

Dumas endorses the 1990 Convention defining common rules on borders, visas and cooperation between authorities. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

During the Schengen process, Dumas welcomes Italy into the Schengen arrangements as the original group begins to expand. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

Eyskens endorses the detailed Convention governing visas, frontiers and cooperation between national authorities. Belgian officials favour gradual implementation backed by shared security measures.

During the Schengen process, Eyskens welcomes Italy's entry into the Schengen arrangements at Paris. Belgium supports wider participation while preserving practical security cooperation.

Genscher backs the detailed 1990 Convention regulating visas, frontiers and cooperation between national authorities. The German approach combines mobility with coordinated frontier safeguards.

During the Schengen process, Genscher backs Italy's Paris accession to the Schengen Convention. Germany supports freer travel alongside common security and visa rules.

In Netherlands, Hirsch Ballin backs the security and external-border measures needed to accompany freer movement inside Schengen. Dutch policy stresses coordinated justice, policing and migration procedures.

In France, Joxe backs stronger external-frontier controls and security cooperation to offset removal of internal checks. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

During the Schengen process, Kohl leads Germany when the implementing Convention establishes detailed rules for a border-free Schengen area. German officials emphasise reliable information-sharing between national authorities.

Kohl helps lead Germany as Italy signs its agreement to accede to the Schengen Convention. Bonn also backs intensive police cooperation between participating states.

During the Schengen process, Lubbers leads Netherlands when the implementing Convention establishes detailed rules for a border-free Schengen area. Dutch officials favour shared information systems alongside open internal borders.

Lubbers helps lead Netherlands as Italy signs its agreement to accede to the Schengen Convention. The Hague also supports common visa rules and effective external controls.

Leads Belgium when the five founding states sign the Convention implementing the 1985 Schengen Agreement.

Martens helps lead Belgium as Italy signs its agreement to accede to the Schengen Convention. Brussels also stresses coordinated policing and external-border safeguards.

During the Schengen process, Rocard leads France when the implementing Convention establishes detailed rules for a border-free Schengen area. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

Rocard helps lead France as Italy signs its agreement to accede to the Schengen Convention. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

In Germany, Schauble supports stronger common external-border and security arrangements accompanying free internal movement. German policy links open internal borders with stronger external controls.

In Belgium, Tobback supports stronger external-border and policing safeguards accompanying freer internal movement. Belgian policy links freer movement with close Benelux cooperation.

van den Broek endorses the Convention's detailed rules for visas, frontier management and cross-border cooperation. The Dutch approach combines mobility with common security safeguards.

During the Schengen process, van den Broek welcomes Italy's accession as Schengen begins expanding beyond the original five. The Netherlands links free movement with practical law-enforcement cooperation.

During the Schengen process, Wathelet supports the legal framework established by the Schengen Implementing Convention. The Belgian approach combines mobility with common visa and policing rules.

Declares in front of the Iran-Contra hearings his actions were sanctioned by superiors

Masses Iraqi forces near Kuwait during escalating bilateral tensions.

Sings on Tyr, continuing Black Sabbath's late-1980s and early-1990s Tony Martin era.

The South African Government and the African National Congress extend their consensus to include several new points, the Pretoria Minute includes the suspension of the armed struggle by the ANC and its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe

Addresses the United Nations General Assembly during the occupation.

Khmer Rouge participate in UN-sponsored peace talks

Security Council demands safe departure of foreign nationals from Kuwait.

Security Council authorizes measures enforcing sanctions by sea.

Security Council addresses humanitarian food supplies for Iraq and Kuwait.

Security Council condemns attacks on diplomatic premises in Kuwait.

Security Council considers hardship suffered by states enforcing sanctions.

Security Council extends sanctions enforcement to air transport.

Security Council authorizes all necessary means after the withdrawal deadline.

The United Nations Security Council imposes sanctions against Iraq

The United Nations Security Council imposes sanctions against Iraq

Receives Council condemnation after the Temple Mount Haram al Sharif killings.

Reports as the Council deplores Israel's refusal to receive a UN mission.

Is asked to monitor implementation of the Fourth Geneva Convention in occupied territories.

The German Democratic Republic ceases to exist at midnight

East & West Germany sign the re-unification Treaty

At the first post-reunification general election Merkel is elected to the Bundestag from a constituency which includes the districts of Nordvorpommern and Regen, as well as the city of Stralsund

Becomes president when North and South Yemen unite.

The United Nations Security Council imposes sanctions against Iraq

Signs a bilateral agreement with Mikhail Gorbachev providing for destruction and non-production of chemical weapons.

1st genuine free elections for 40 yrs

Galileo instruments observe Venus's clouds and atmospheric properties during the spacecraft's gravity-assist encounter.

Magellan enters Venus orbit and begins radar mapping.

Becomes vice president of the unified Republic of Yemen.

Thatcher visits Czechoslovakia

Thatcher visits Hungary

Visits the USA & is offerred financial aid

US Defense Secretary Dick Cheney made the first of several visits to Saudi Arabia where King Fahd requested US military assistance.

US Defense Secretary Dick Cheney made the first of several visits to Saudi Arabia where King Fahd requested US military assistance.

Voyager 1's imaging cameras are switched off after completion of the Solar System family portrait.

The Voyager Interstellar Mission formally begins after completion of the spacecrafts' planetary encounters.

Prevents many foreign nationals from freely leaving occupied Kuwait.

While in the USA informs the Americans that Russia needs $20 bilion over 3 years

Continues diplomatic efforts before the January withdrawal deadline.

Dribbles through the Brazilian midfield before setting up Claudio Caniggia for the winning goal.

Scores the late penalty that gives West Germany victory over Argentina in the final.

Scores Argentina's second goal to secure a 2-0 World Cup victory over the Soviet Union.

Scores Argentina's opening goal in the 2-0 World Cup group-stage victory over the Soviet Union.

Scores Belgium's goal in the 2-1 World Cup group-stage defeat by Spain.

Scores Belgium's third goal in the 3-1 World Cup group-stage victory over Uruguay.

Scores the opening goal as Belgium defeat Uruguay 3-1 at the World Cup.

Wins both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball after scoring six tournament goals.

Catches Thomas Berthold and is booked, which meant that he would be suspended for the World Cup Final if England won the match, Gascoigne is shattered by this and his subsequent tears became one of footballs most enduring images.

Heads Argentina level against Italy before the team advance through a penalty shootout.

England play West Germany in the World Cup semi-final, after going 1-0 down early in the second half, Gascoignes Spurs team-mate Gary Lineker equalises for England with ten minutes remaining to force extra time.

The West Germany match culminates in a penalty shoot-out with Gascoigne originally intended to take the third kick, which was scored by Platt, but the Germans eventually won and England failed to reach the final.

Rounds the goalkeeper and scores the only goal as Argentina eliminate Brazil from the World Cup.

Death of Alberto Lleras Camargo

Death of Ava Gardner

Is killed on the first day of the invasion.

Is killed shortly after the RPF invasion begins.

Death of Gerhard Schroder

Death of Greta Garbo

Death of Ian Gow, assassinated by the IRA

Death of Ivan Alexandrovich Serov

On what would have been John Lennons 50th birthday, "Imagine" is broadcast simultaneously in 130 countries

Death of Margaret Lockwood

Death of Samuel Doe

Death of Terry Thomas

Resists Iraqi forces during fighting around Dasman Palace.