A daily pick of news events that happened this day in history taken from the pages of Gulf News dated August 06, 1979.

Jail, fines for gambling in new law

President His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi issued a new amendment to the law on gambling.

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The new penalties include imprisonment, fines, the confiscation of gambling equipment and the monies, and the closing down of the place where the gambling was discovered. A sentence of 3 months to one year, and a fine of Dh10,000 to 50,000 will be imposed on any person who opens or runs a place of gambling.

Commercial licences to be issued only for a year

President His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, issued a law amending the laws relating to the issue of commercial licences. Under this amendment the duration of a commercial licence will be one year and is liable to be renewed within one month prior to the expiry date.

Never with PLO says Israel

The Israeli government proclaimed a united resolve never to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). The statement reflected a wave of Israeli anger and alarm at reports from Washington that the United States was considering moves to induce the Palestinians to adopt a stance that could make negotiations possible.

Coup attempt in Kabul quelled after four hours

The Afghanistan government appeared to have crushed a four-hour rebellion by troops in the capital Kabul. Pakistani and Iranian agents tried to create trouble which was quelled by security forces after only a few shots were fired.

Italy's new PM formed government in 48 hours

Sixteen months after declaring himself "politically dead" Francesco Cossiga became Italy's new Prime Minister. The last time the 51-year-old Christian Democrat made headlines was on May 10 last year when he resigned as Interior Minister 24 hours after urban guerrillas shot dead his party president Aldo Moro.