Gulf News Archive Published: April 26, 2008, 00:35
Royal wedding
The marriage takes place of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Defence Minister. Flags and buntings and illuminations decorate the main roads of Dubai and evoke a mood of friendliness. Preceding the wedding day, a number of events are taking place. Cultural shows, air displays, parachute jumping feats have all heralded the wedding and the people have shown their joy by attending these events.
Prime Minister Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the resignation to a special Cabinet meeting. Sheikh Maktoum was expected to formally submit the resignation of the Cabinet formed in January 1977 to the President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan. It was the third Cabinet since the federation.
UAE, Qatar snap ties
UAE and Qatar, two oil rich Arab states, announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Egypt, becoming the fourth and fifth Arab states to do so this week. The break off was in compliance with a majority decision of the Arab League last month, to impose a political and economic boycott against Egypt as a result of the signing of a separate peace with Israel.
Egypt-Israel seal peace treaty
Egypt and Israel sealed their peace treaty and ended a 31-year state of war following a last-minute drama over the wording of a document on Palestinian autonomy. The formal exchange of ratifications was held at American military observation post almost a month after the signing of the peace treaty in Washington.
New PM seeks backing for his govt.
Bishop Abel Muzorewa, newly elected Prime Minister of Rhodesia's first black-led government, began strategy talks with top lieutenants on how to win international recognition for his government. The Methodist clergyman said his number one task was to bring peace to his war-torn nation. But he also appealed to Britain to grant recognition to the former colony, and to lift crippling military and economic sanctions since fair elections have been held.
Colourful opening of 35th World TT
North Korean vice-President Pak Song Chol opened the 35th World Table Tennis Championships in a colourful 90-minute ceremony in the Pyongyang Gymnasium. The opening ceremony started in the 20,000-seat gymnasium with an army band striking up welcoming music and the massed crowd clapping in unison.
