Gulf News Report Published: December 07, 2007, 00:10
A daily pick of news events that happened on this day in history from the pages of Gulf News dated December 7, 1978.
Dubai Dry Dock contract awarded The long awaited management contract for Dubai's Dry Dock has finally been let to a consortium of two British companies.
In a statement from the Ruler's office, the Dubai Government said that a preliminary agreement had been reached with C.H. Bailey Limited and the Bristol Channel Ship Repairers Limited. A formal agreement, which is also expected to include the setting up of a new company in Dubai, will be signed in the next year.
Boycott is to stay Arab states meeting in Dubai conference of the Arab Economic Unity Council have re-asserted their adherence to the principles of the Arab economic boycott of Israel and asked for a report on the possible effects on this boycott of the signing of an Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. The Secretary General of the council Fakhri Kaddouri said "on the complications and dangers that would arrise if Egypt and Israel were to establish relations after signing a peace treaty."
Qatar imposes iron and steel duties The Qatar Government today decided to increase by 20 per cent duty on imported iron and steel to protect production from a new steel plant opened earlier this year.
An official statement issued after the weekly cabinet meeting said the measure would be in force for six months during which products from the state-owned steel plant would also be sold locally at a price lower than that for similar products in other Gulf states.
Carter reasserts US human rights stand US President Jimmy Carter, claiming success for his human rights policies, said "No force on earth can separate us from that commitment."
In his text for a special human rights ceremony at the White House, Carter declared: "As long as I am President, the government of the United States will struggle for the enhancement of human rights. No force on earth can separate us from that commitment.
