Nicosia, Cyprus. A series of notable events took place on June 9 across the 20th and early 21st centuries, spanning diplomacy, science, politics, natural disasters, and world records.
Royal meeting in the Baltic Sea
In 1908, Britain’s King Edward VII met Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II on a royal yacht anchored in the Baltic Sea. It was the first meeting between a tsar and a British monarch.
Submarine escape device used for first time
In 1931, the Davis submarine escape apparatus, a hand-held oxygen container and mouthpiece, was used for the first time. The British submarine Poseidon had sunk off China, and the device enabled six men to reach the surface.
Mount Pinatubo erupts in the Philippines
In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted after having been dormant for 600 years. It was the second biggest terrestrial eruption of the century, and the material thrown into the atmosphere lowered the global surface temperature.
Hubble images highlight Seyfert galaxy
In 1997, released images from the Hubble Space Telescope showed an area of a Seyfert galaxy thought to house a massive black hole.
Silvio Berlusconi accepts mandate in Italy
In 2001, centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi accepted a mandate to form Italy’s 59th government since World War Two.
Former Kurdish lawmakers freed in Turkey
In 2004, four Kurdish former lawmakers were freed in Turkey after serving 10 years in prison for links to Kurdish rebels.
Bolivia swears in new president
In 2005, Bolivia’s Congress swore in Supreme Court President Eduardo Rodriguez to replace Carlos Mesa as the country’s new president. The move was designed to end weeks of crippling protests by the indigenous majority and open the way for early elections.
Record tabouleh salad in Ramallah
In 2006, Palestinians in Ramallah made what was described as the world’s largest tabouleh salad.
Mass kissing record in Hungary
In 2007, more than 6,000 Hungarian couples broke the world record for simultaneous kissing.