Gulf News Report Published: December 12, 2007, 23:32
A daily pick of news events that happened on this day in history from the pages of Gulf News dated December 13, 1978.
UAE cash aid for Dry Dock
The UAE is to give an unspecified amount of cash aid to help cover anticipated losses incurred by the huge tanker repair yard now operating in the Gulf state of Bahrain. The Bahrain dry dock, the Arabian Ship Repair Yard, is capable of handling tankers up to 500,000 tons and was built at a cost of 300 million dollars. The UAE is one of seven Arab states who will be subsidising the ASRY yard through OAPEC over the next few years.
The surrounds of Cowdrey Park may not grace the Dubai Polo Club but the true spirit and atmosphere of what has been called the sport of princes is definitely present. Although the riders play on sand and not turf, and despite the challenge presented by playing such an arduous game in the Dubai climate, the club shows a determined effort to keep Dubai on the international polo map.
Firemen and troops battle huge oil fire
Firemen, troops and police were battling to control a huge oil inferno, which was set off by black nationalist guerrillas carrying their war to the heart of the Rhodesia economy. It was one of the most devastating blows delivered by Patriotic Front guerrillas against the Salisbury government in six years of war.
Italy decides to join EMS
The struggle to set up a united currency front in West Europe received a badly needed boost when the Italian government announced that it had decided after all to join in the scheme. Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti announced his cabinet had decided that Italy was ready to join the new European Monetary System (EMS) from its start on January 1, 1979.
Carter defends Shah
US President Jimmy Carter said, he expected the Shah to maintain power in Iran and deplored statements made by foreign nations which he said were exacerbating the violence in Iranian cities. "The Shah has our support and he certainly has our confidence," President Carter told a news conference.
