Dozens of shops and homes burn in Sopore in the Kashmir province of India, after rebels attack a security force post with rockets. Nelson Mandela and the ANC claim victory in the first democratic election in South Africa. Serb rockets slam into the Croatian capital, killing at least one person and wounding more than 40, as the Croatian army invades Serb enclaves. Liu Gang, a Chinese dissident who spent six years in prison for his leading role in the 1989 pro-democracy movement, receives political asylum in the United States. Tony Blair becomes Britain's youngest prime minister in 185 years after his Labour Party crushes John Major's long-reigning Conservatives in a landslide.
Rebels shell the presidential palace in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, before being driven into the hills.
1999 Oliver Reed, British actor, dies. His notable film's included Oliver, Women in Love and The Three Muscateers. Former nurse Christina Marie Riggs is executed by injection in Arkansas for smothering her two young children. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.