1972: Official IRA declares ceasefire The Official IRA announces a ceasefire, but the Provisional IRA says it will continue fighting until the British leave Northern Ireland.
1990: France bans British beef imports The French Government bans imports of British beef and live cattle because of fears over BSE or "mad cow" disease.
2001: French ex-minister jailed over sleaze Former French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas is sentenced to six months in prison over the country's biggest political scandal in recent history.
