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A daily pick of news events that happened on this day in history from the pages of Gulf News dated February 7, 1980..
US shelves sanctions move against Iran
Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher sounded an optimistic note on the Tehran hostage crisis and the Carter administration delayed implementation of trade sanctions against Iran in an apparent effort to encourage behind-the-scene negotiations to free 49 American hostages.
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Commenting on a Kuwaiti newspaper report that the US and Iran were nearing a "face-saving" agreement to free the Americans held hostage in Teheran for 96 days, Christopher said: "No, I wouldn't say there is a deal in the making. I'd say we have a somewhat promising situation and we're working hard on it.
World war if Russians enter Mideast - Yamani
Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Sheikh Zaki Yamani warned Moscow that it would mean World War III if Russia moves against Middle East oil fields because of expected shortages in Eastern Europe in the second half of this decade.
Yamani making what he himself said was a major policy statement to a business symposium in this winter resort, said he is "convinced" the Soviets invaded Afghanistan "to get closer" to the oil of the Middle East.
U.S. rushes new military aid to strife-torn Tunisia
Two giant C-5A US air force transports loaded with armoured vehicles for the Tunisian army arrived, according to American sources who said the shipment was a result of Washington's decision to speed up military shipments following a guerrilla attack 11 days ago.
Tunisian officials had urged the US Government to speed up deliveries after Libyan-trained guerrillas attacked government buildings in the mining centre of Gafsa in central Tunisia. The attack, which was crushed with the help of military logistic aid from France, left 44 dead and 110 wounded. Tunisia recalled its Ambassador to Libya after the attack.
Russia warns NATO against shelving policy of detente
The Soviet Union is telling NATO nations clearly that those who follow US foreign policy and boycott the Moscow Olympics are throwing away a decade of detente. The official Tass news agency, for the first time, justified the invasion of Afghanistan by saying the insurrection by tribesmen in that country represents a direct security threat to the Soviet Union.
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