International Events in February 2002

Feb 1 Yoriko Kawaguchi is appointed Japan's new Foreign Minister. Full Story
Feb 5 Don't ignore the poor, says the U.N. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan at the final session of the 32nd World Economic Forum, in New York. Power, wealth unequally shared, he remarks. Full Story
Feb 9 The former Taliban Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Wakil Muttawakil, surrenders in Kandahar. Full Story
Antar Zouabri, leader of the Algerian extremist group, Armed Islamic Group (GIA), killed in a house in Boufarik, near Algiers.
The U.N. pulls out of the Extraordinary Chambers proposed by Cambodia to try Khmer Rouge leaders.
Feb 12 Pakistan police arrest Jaish-e-Mohammad leader, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, prime suspect in the kidnapping of the American journalist, Daniel Pearl from Karachi on Jan. 23, in Lahore. Full Story
Russia and India sign a $2.5 billion deal for delivery of two reactors for the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. Full Story
All the 117 passengers and crew die after an Iranian Tupolev-154 crashes in mountains in southwestern Iran. Full Story
The historical trial of former Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic, opens at the U.N. War Crimes Tribunal, at The Hague.An international treaty banning child soldiering comes into force.
Feb 14 The head of state of Bahrain, Shikh Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa, proclaims the Gulf archipelago a kingdom and himself king, besides promulgating a new Constitution. Full Story
The Afghan Aviation and Tourism Minister, Abdul Rahman, is lynched by angry pilgrims, at the Kabul airport. Full Story
The U.S. President, George W. Bush, announces a ``new environmental path for America'', his alternative to the Kyoto protocol.
Feb 15 The U.K. and Italy form an axis for speeding up European economic reforms after a meeting between British Premier, Tony Blair and his counterpart, Silvio Berlusconi.
Feb 17 Maoist rebels in Nepal kill 134 people in surprise attacks on Government buildings in Mangalsen, headquarters of Achham district, 750 km from Kathmandu. Full Story
Feb 18 The Fiji High Court sentences to death coup leader George Speight on treason charge but it is commuted to a life term by the President, Josefo Iloilo. Full Story
The EU imposes targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe after Harare's refusal to allow its observers freely monitor the March 9-10 Presidential polls.
Feb 20 Three hundred and seventy three Egyptians die following a fire triggered by a cylinder blast aboard a train leaving Cairo for a religious holiday. Full Story
Feb 21 The U.S. will adhere to ``One China'' policy, says the visiting President, George W. Bush after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Jiang Zemin, in Beijing. Full Story
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines sign a draft agreement to combat terrorism.
The Wall Street Journal reporter, Daniel Pearl is brutally slain by his captors, say U.S. authorities after viewing a videotape depicting the deed.
Feb 22 The Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE sign a ceasefire accord brokered by Norway, in Vavuniya. Full Story
Feb 23 The UNITA rebel leader, Jonas Malheiro Savimbi (67), is killed during a gunbattle with security forces in Moxico province in south-east Angola. Full Story
Feb 24 Israel releases the Palestinian Authority President, Yassar Arafat from confinement inside his Ramallah compound. Full Story
Feb 25 Zimbabwe's Opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, is charged with treason.
Feb 27 Singer Alicia Keys, is crowned the new queen of the music industry after winning five Grammy awards at the 44th version of the event, in Los Angeles. Full Story
Feb 28 Hong Kong's pro Beijing leader Tung Chee-Hwa, wins a second five-year term as the Chinese territory's Chief Executive.
Finland, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Portugal make euro the legal tender.
Events 2002