UAE | Media
From the pages of Gulf News dated February 16 - 22, 1980
From the pages of Gulf News dated February 16 - 22, 1980
- Compiled by Abdul Rahim Abdul Kareem, Head of Archives
- Published: 01:22 February 22, 2008
February 16
No surrender to terror says Turkish Premier
Militant leftists pushed a virtually bankrupt Turkey further to the brink of civil war by calling a two-day general strike even as the military commanders sought more powers to quell the violence that has been plaguing the country for over ten days. Bombing and shooting incidents marred the strike which paralysed the city of Izmir.
February 17
Nervous Castro cracks down on dissidents
Anticipating trouble as Cuba's economy runs into difficulties, President Fidel Castro is cracking down on political dissent, tightening communist party discipline, dismissing corrupt or inefficient government officials, and rounding up people with criminal records. The reshuffle removed more than half of Cuba's 34 ministers or chairmen of institutions with ministerial rank.
Four months of grace period extended
Widespread praise and relief greeted the decision to extend the February 21 deadline set to regularise the transfer of sponsorships by four months. With the original deadline due to expire in the four days, the extension came as great relief to thousands of Indians and Pakistanis who have been desperately trying to get their sponsorships straightened out in time.
February 18
Mrs Gandhi dissolves nine state assemblies
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dissolved nine state assemblies controlled by the opposition. Fresh state elections will be called and Congress (1) Party will hope to repeat the landslide victory it won in last month's national elections. Those dissolved were in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Iran, Turkey sign accord
Turkey and Iran initialled a road transport agreement, waiving any transit fees for goods transported from one country to the other or passing through one of them on their way to or from a third country. The two sides also decided to form a standing joint committee to implement the new transport agreement.
February 19
Egyptians greet new embassy with gloom
Israel opened its first embassy here but gloomy-faced Egyptians just silently watched or totally ignored the low-key flag ceremony.
Soviets no threat to Gulf says Kuwait
Kuwait's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah said the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan posed no threat to Arab oil and rejected the presence of American troops in the Gulf because "we do not need anyone saving us."
February 20
Trudeau back in power for a fourth term
Pierre Elliott Trudeau, in one of the greatest political comebacks in Canadian history, defeated the nine-month-old government of Joe Clark and won an unprecedented fourth term as prime minister in leading his Liberal Party to a majority victory.
February 21
Petrol prices cut
The Government announced massive subsidies to reduce petrol prices in the northern part of the country. This subsidy is valid for Emiratis only and would reduce the price of Super to Dh3.70, Regular to Dh3.30, Kerosene to Dh3.10 and Diesel to Dh3.20. Also, the Dubai government abolished all customs and municipal duties on oil products imported by Dubai.
February 22
Keep off Pakistan's border, Zia warns Russian troops
Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq warned the Russians not to cross the border in pursuit of Muslim rebels in eastern Afghanistan amid reports that the Soviet troops in Afghanistan are moving in force closer towards the Pakistan border and could try to seal it off.
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
