1978
Egyptian commandos clash with Cypriot forces at Larnaca Airport
Egyptian commandos intervened without authorisation at Larnaca International Airport to rescue hostages held by Arab gunmen on a Cyprus Airways aircraft, leading to a violent confrontation with the Cyprus National Guard and police in Cyprus in which 15 Egyptian commandos were killed, one Cypriot officer died, and the Egyptian military transport plane was destroyed, causing a serious diplomatic crisis between Cyprus and Egypt.
The 1978 clash at Larnaca International Airport is often regarded as one of the biggest counter-terrorism fiascos in the region, when commandos from Egypt, acting without authorization, ended up in a deadly firefight with the Cyprus National Guard on the territory of Cyprus itself.
2000
EDEK renamed Movement for Social Democracy
Cyprus' socialist political party EDEK was renamed Movement for Social Democracy (KISOS), and Yiannakis Omirou later became party president, succeeding founder Vassos Lyssarides.
1959
Zurich and London Agreements signed
The final agreements for the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus were signed in London between Britain, Greece, Turkey, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, paving the way for independence in 1960.
1942
Executive Order 9066 signed in the United States
President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorised the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II in the United States.
1912
Savings Bank “Nicosia” becomes Bank of Cyprus
A decree recognized the Savings Bank “Nicosia” as a company and it was renamed Bank of Cyprus with a capital of 200,000 pounds.
1910
Iakovos Antzoulatos elected Metropolitan of Paphos
Iakovos Antzoulatos was elected Metropolitan of Paphos and served in the position until his death.
1878
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
Inventor Thomas Edison received a patent for the phonograph, one of the first devices capable of recording and reproducing sound.
1383
Genoa agreement with James of Lusignan
An agreement between Genoa and King James of Lusignan granted new commercial privileges to the Genoese in Cyprus.
1986
Launch of the Mir space station
The core module of the Mir space station was launched by the Soviet Union, marking a major milestone in long duration human spaceflight.
Births
1978
Michalis Konstantinou
Michalis Konstantinou was born and became an international footballer for Cyprus.
1961
Dimitris Araouzos
Athlete Dimitris Araouzos was born.
1473
Nicolaus Copernicus
Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born and later developed the heliocentric model of the universe.
1940
Smokey Robinson
Singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson was born and became a central figure in Motown music.
Millie known Eleven (Stranger Things)
2004
Millie Bobby Brown
Actress Millie Bobby Brown was born and later gained international fame through television and film.
Deaths
1632
Theophanis Xenakios
Scholar and clergyman Theophanis Xenakios died.
1997
Deng Xiaoping
Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping died after overseeing major economic reforms that transformed China.
2016
Umberto Eco
Writer Umberto Eco died, known internationally for his novel The Name of the Rose.
More on Politis' Greek encyclopedia Polignosi