November 23rd, 2008

Today in History

1996:
The Republic of Angola officially joins the World Trade Organization, as Angola.

1993:
Rachel Whiteread wins both the £20,000 Turner Prize award for best British modern artist and the £40,000 K Foundation art award for the worst artist of the year.

1981:
Iran-Contra scandal: Ronald Reagan signs the top secret National Security Decision Directive 17 (NSDD-17), giving the Central Intelligence Agency the authority to recruit and support Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

1971:
The People's Republic of China is given the Taiwan's seat on the United Nations Security Council. (See China and the United Nations)

1890:
King William III of the Netherlands dies without a male heir and a special law is passed to allow his daughter Princess Wilhelmina to become Queen.