Gulf News Report Published: November 13, 2007, 00:24
A daily pick of news events that happened on this day in history from the pages of Gulf News dated November 13, 1978.
Iran facing fresh round of violence A fresh round of violence hit with at least another seven people killed in the key southwestern oil province of Khuzestan.
It erupted as Iran's Military Chiefs issued an ultimatum to oil workers-to halt their 12-day-old strike which has been crippling the country's economy, or be sacked. General Boghrat Jaffarian, Military Governor of the Province, coupled the-threat with a pledge of pay rise and better conditions if the workers went back.
The Shah apparently hoped strikes and violence would fizzle out after he set up a military government last week, ordered strong action to restore order and promised to stamp out corruption.
Arafat heads call for a “Holy War” Three Muslim leaders have called for a "Holy War" in order to "liberate" Palestine and rid the Holy City of Jerusalem of Zionists, according to Saudi Arabia Radio.
The three leaders were President Zia-Ul-Haq of Pakistan, Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), and Safwat Al-Saqqa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.
Zia, replying to a speech by Saqqa, called on the Muslim world to fight a Holy War "to liberate Palestine which is not the property of Palestinians alone but that of the entire Muslims," the radio reported. Arafat also called for a Holy War "to liberate Palestine and purge its soil from despots."
Uganda is saved from Tanzanian attack by crocs Heavy fighting between Tanzanian and Ugandan soldiers reportedly erupted along the strategic Kagera River in northwestern Tanzania as Tanzanian forces apparently geared up for a major counter-strike against enemy positions.
The Tanzanian shock troops were swept away by the river's current to "be eaten by crocodiles'" while trying to reach Ugandan positions along the Kagera's northern banks. Further details of the abortive assault were not disclosed, but a Ugandan military spokesman was quoted as indicating the ground attack was a prelude to a major Tanzanian counter-offensive.
Blacked out signs of the time in Gaddafi's country Non-Arab speakers arriving at Tripoli's new 120 million-dollar airport for the first time usually find the experience daunting.
Everything, except a government slogan telling the visitor in French and English that the party system aborts true democracy, is in Arabic. Even the public address system is no help. Intercom announcements are also in Arabic, in accordance with the strict instructions of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
New kings end Soviet supremacy An elated young Hungarian team headed by grandmaster Lajos Portisch celebrated winning their first Chess Olympiad in 50 years.
The Hungarian win smashed the traditional chess supremacy of the Russians, who have won every Olympiad they have competed in. Hungary took the title when they beat Yugoslavia 3-1 in the last round. The Hungarians rocked the chess world by losing only three of the 56 games they played.
