1990

1. Nelson Mandela released after 27 years in prison (Feb 11)
2. Sam Nujoma elected Namibia's first President (Feb 16)
3. Namibia achieved independence (March 21)
4. North and South Yemen merged into a unified Republic of Yemen (May 22)
5. Iraq occupied Kuwait (Aug 2)
6. Pakistan President dismissed the 20-month-old Benazir Bhutto's government and declared emergency (Aug. 6)
7. UN Security Council allowed enforcement of economic embargo on Iraq (Aug. 25)
8. Iraq made Kuwait its 19th province (Aug 28)
9. Germany and World War II Allies signed a treaty to restore sovereignty to a united Germany (Sept 12)
10. Two German states unite into one full sovereign state (Oct 3)
11. Mr Nawaz Sharif was sworn-in as Pakistan PM (Nov 6)
12. Emperor Akihito ascended the throne of Japan (Nov 12)
13. British PM Margaret Thatcher resigned (Nov 22)
14. John Major took over as British PM (Nov 28)
15. UN Security Council authorised use of force against Iraq if it did not vacate Kuwait by January 15, 1991 (Nov 29)