ON THIS DAY

1817:

Governor Lachlan Macquarie formally adopts name “Australia” for British colony.

Charles de Gaulle is elected the first president of Fifth Republic of France.

East and West Germany sign treaty ending more than two decades of official enmity.

The first peace conference between Israel and Arabic countries opens in Geneva.

A Pan Am jet explodes over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people in the air and on the ground. Libyan agents are tried for the bombing.

The city of Bethlehem passes from Israeli to Palestinian control.

Kevin Rudd makes his first visit as PM to Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

US actress Jane Fonda (1937-); US rock musician Frank Zappa (1940-1993); US actor Samuel L. Jackson (1948-); Australian golfer Karrie Webb (1974-).

1958: 1972: 1973: 1988: 1995: 2007: Birthdays: