Friday, May 2, 1997
Today's events
The National Rifle Association opens its annual convention in Seattle.
The annual China bicycle exhibition opens in Shanghai.
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko visits Kiev in the Ukraine to sign a border agreement.
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On the horizon
On Saturday, May 3, Ireland is scheduled to host its 1997
Eurovision Song Contest.
On Sunday, May 4, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
is scheduled to visit a guerrilla demobilization camp in
Guatemala City as part of the ongoing peace process there.
On Monday, May 5, the World Health Organization is scheduled
to issue its annual report.
On Tuesday, May 6, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel is scheduled to visit Egypt.
On Wednesday, May 7, the 50th Cannes international film festival opens in France.
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On this day
In 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company was chartered by the English crown and given a monopoly of the trade into Hudson Bay, Canada.
In 1885, King Leopold II of Belgium was proclaimed king of the new Congo Free State.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler banned trade unions in Germany.
In 1945, Berlin surrendered to the 1st White Russian and 1st
Ukrainian armies; hostilities in Italy ceased as the surrender terms took effect; Hamburg opened negotiations for the surrender of the city.
In 1952, the first scheduled jet airliner passenger service
began with a BOAC Comet which flew from London to Johannesburg carrying 36 passengers.
In 1953, King Hussein formally acceded to the throne in Jordan after his father King Talal, was deposed. In Iraq, King Feisal II assumed power.
In 1965, the first communications satellite for relaying television pictures went into operation; the "Early Bird" transmitted to 24 countries.
In 1969, the British passenger liner Queen Elizabeth 2, left on her maiden voyage to New York.
In 1982, in the Falklands war, the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano was sunk by the British submarine Conqueror; over 350 men were killed.
In 1992, the Yugoslav Army seized Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic after fierce fighting in Sarajevo.
In 1994, President F.W. de Klerk conceded victory to Nelson Mandela in the country's historic all-race elections.
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Newslink
The National Rifle Association, America's most powerful gun advocacy group, opens its annual convention today in Seattle. Visit the group's site for more information on the NRA's activities, both political and recreational.
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Holidays and more
Spain celebrates Independence Day.
The Russian Federation, Slovenia, the Ukraine and Yugoslavia continue to celebrate Labor Day.
Singer, actor Theodore Bikel is 73.
Singer, Songwriter Larry Gatlin is 48.
Singer Lesley Gore is 51.
Actress Bianca Jagger is 52.
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Sources: Associated Press,
Chase's Calendar of Events 1997, J.P. Morgan
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