High Highness Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, formally inaugurates the Dh350 million Sharjah International Airport this evening. Built to meet the needs of commercial aviation into the 1980s and beyond SIA is one of the most beautiful airports in the world.
Nestling in the midst of the desert, only twelve kilometres from the centre of the city, the new Sharjah International Airport is a breathtaking sight. It is a refreshing example of how the best of Islamic architecture could be blended with modern airport construction to cream a complex of facilities that is both functional and striking.
Bolt hit tanker sinks
A 60,000-ton tanker sank after being struck by lightning while unloading oil in a Texas river, the US coast guard said. One of 33 crewmen abroad the Liberian tanker Sea Tiger was missing, presumed dead, and 18 were injured when the lightning set off a series of explosions and which sent the vessel to the bottom.
A 'yes' for Sadat
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat received a massive 99.9 per cent yes vote in a referendum on the controversial peace treaty with Israel. Interior Minister Nabawi Ismail announced the results of the referendum, which also covered the dissolution of Parliament and other recent domestic developments, at Sadat's home village of Mit Abul Kom.
No one recognises new 'Free Lebanon'
A Christian militia commander has proclaimed the world's newest state in a tiny strip of land along the southern Lebanese border with Israel. But nobody is recognising Major Saad Haddad's "Free Lebanon" and his declaration of independence appears to be an act of declaration and theatrics. Haddad, whose 1,500-man army is supplied by Israel, declared "self-rule" 9 kmwide-by-94km-long enclave. Haddad's move met with some sympathy from fellow rightist Christians in Northern and central Lebanon but incurred the enmity of the central government in Beirut and the nation's Muslim majority.
Amin's close aide held
Idi Amin's British-born adviser, "Major Bob" Astles, who is now said by reliable police sources to be detained in Kenya, could find himself sent back to Uganda where he is likely to face trial. Kenya's Attorney-General, Charles Njonjo, said that people who were supporters of the Amin regime and who had fled to Kenya since it collapsed were fugitives and not refugees.
