The United States Congress votes to authorise the use of military force against Iraq to end its occupation of Kuwait.
The French Government bans imports of British beef and live cattle because of fears over BSE or "mad cow" disease.
A Belgian court sentences Marc Dutroux to life in prison for the kidnap, rape and murder of young girls.
Angela Merkel, leader of the Christian Democrats, is sworn in as Germany's first woman chancellor.
Thirty-eight years of military rule come to an end as Israeli soldiers lower the flag and pull out.
Israeli troops meet peaceful resistance as they deliver the first eviction notices to settlers in the Gaza Strip.
A series of bomb attacks on London's transport network kills more than 30 people and injures about 700 others.
The Palestinian leader and Israeli prime minister declare a truce amid hopes of a "new era of peace".
The Prince of Wales weds Camilla Parker-Bowles at a civil ceremony followed by a blessing.
The new head of the Communist Party, Hua Goufeng, snuffs out a coup led by Chairman Mao's widow Jiang Qing and three others party members.
The Soviets open a new phase in space exploration with the launch of the world's biggest space station, Mir.
The new Philippines president Corazon Aquino is sworn in today, bringing to an end 20 years of dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos.
French President Jacques Chirac says France will no longer test nuclear weapons after uproar over Pacific tests.
Israel teeters on the brink of joining the Gulf War after Iraq attacks Tel Aviv and Haifa with Scud missiles.
The first foreigner to coach the England football team, Sven Goran Eriksson, flies in to start his new job.
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