1991 Diplomacy & Treaties Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1991 Diplomacy & Treaties Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Israel reopens consulate in Moscow after 23-year hiatus: On January 3, 1991, Israel reopened its consulate in Moscow, marking a significant step in restoring diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union after a 23-year break. The reopening was celebrated by Soviet Jews and diplomats, reflecting improved bilateral ties. source: deseret.com
- 13 Jan UN Secretary General meets Saddam Hussein: On January 13, 1991, UN Secretary General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar met with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to discuss the ongoing crisis in Kuwait. This meeting was part of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict before military action commenced. source: un.org
- 15 Feb Visegrad Agreement Signed: On February 15, 1991, the Visegrad Declaration was signed by the presidents of Poland and Czechoslovakia and the prime minister of Hungary in Visegrad, Hungary. This agreement aimed to foster cooperation among the three countries in their pursuit of European integration. source: visegradgroup.eu
- 21 Feb John Sherman Cooper, U.S. Republican Senator: John Sherman Cooper was a prominent U.S. Republican senator known for his distinguished political career and diplomatic contributions.
- 28 Feb Iraq agrees to comply with UN Security Council resolutions: On February 27, 1991, Iraq's Permanent Representative to the United Nations informed the Security Council of Iraq's agreement to comply with all resolutions concerning the Gulf conflict. This letter was submitted to the President of the Security Council on February 27, 1991. source: digitallibrary.un.org
- 13 Mar US-Albania Diplomatic Relations Restored: The United States and Albania resume diplomatic relations for the first time since 1939, signaling a new era of international engagement.
- 01 Apr Iran Releases British Hostage: Roger Cooper, a British hostage, was released by Iran after being held captive for five years, marking a significant diplomatic development in Iran-UK relations.
- 15 Apr European foreign ministers lift sanctions on South Africa: In a significant diplomatic move, European foreign ministers agreed to lift economic sanctions imposed on South Africa, signaling support for the country's transition to democracy. This decision was influenced by the end of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela. source: reuters.com
- 14 May Queen Elizabeth II visits Washington, D.C.: Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to Washington, D.C. on May 14, 1991. This visit was part of her tour of the United States, strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. source: archives.gov
- 23 May Cuban troops withdraw from Angola: On May 23, 1991, Cuba announced the withdrawal of its troops from Angola, marking the end of a significant military presence in the country. This decision was part of a broader peace agreement in the region. source: reuters.com
- 09 Jul South Africa signs Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: On July 9, 1991, South Africa signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), committing to not develop nuclear weapons. This marked a significant step in the country's transition from apartheid and its efforts to reintegrate into the international community. source: un.org
- 17 Jul Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II) agreement signed: The United States and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II), aiming to reduce the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by both nations. source: upi.com
- 29 Jul Russia and Lithuania sign inter-state relations treaty: On July 29, 1991, Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Lithuanian President Vytautas Landsbergis signed the Treaty on the Foundations of Inter-State Relations in Moscow. The treaty recognized each other's sovereignty and addressed the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania in 1940, acknowledging it as an infringement on Lithuania's sovereignty. This agreement marked a significant step in Lithuania's pursuit of independence from the Soviet Union. source: upi.com
- 20 Oct Harare Declaration for Commonwealth Membership: The Harare Declaration was formally established, setting comprehensive membership criteria and guidelines for nations seeking to join the Commonwealth of Nations, a significant diplomatic and political milestone.
- 30 Oct Colombian government negotiates with M-19 guerrilla: On October 30, 1991, the Colombian government began negotiations with the M-19 guerrilla group, aiming to end years of conflict. This dialogue was part of a broader peace process that would eventually lead to the disarmament of the group. source: bbc.com
- 31 Oct Palestinians participate in Madrid peace talks: On October 31, 1991, Palestinians participated in the Madrid Peace Conference, marking a significant step in the peace process between Israel and Palestine. This conference was the first direct negotiations between the two parties and included representatives from various Arab nations. source: state.gov
- 21 Nov Maastricht Treaty signed, establishing European Union: On November 21, 1991, the Maastricht Treaty was signed by European Community member states in Maastricht, Netherlands. The treaty laid the foundation for the European Union, introducing European citizenship and paving the way for the single currency, the euro.
- 03 Dec Alan Steen released by Muslim Shiites: On December 3, 1991, Alan Steen, an American held hostage by Muslim Shiites in Lebanon, was released after being held for over a year. His release was part of a broader context of hostage negotiations in the region. source: nytimes.com
- 08 Dec Formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): On December 8, 1991, the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus signed agreements to establish the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a regional organization aimed at fostering cooperation among former Soviet republics. This marked a significant shift in post-Soviet geopolitics. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Dec Supreme Soviet denounces Union Treaty: The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union denounced the Union Treaty on December 12, 1991, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape. This act contributed to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union. source: bbc.com
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