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1979 - The expanded Lome Agreement is signed between the European Community (EG, Europäische Gemeinschaft, now called the Europäische Union) and 58 developing nations.

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1980 - Birth of Samaire Armstrong; American actress.

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1980 - The Polish government recognizes Solidarity.

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1980 - Reza Pahlavi, eldest son of the shah of Iran, proclaims himself the rightful successor to the Peacock Throne.

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1980 - Julian Nott sets world hot-air balloon altitude record (16,806 metres).

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1981 - Birth of Frank Iero; American guitarist (My Chemical Romance).

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1981 - Birth of Selina Ren; member of Taiwanese girl-group S.H.E.

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1982 - Pope John Paul II becomes first pontiff to visit Spain.

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1983 - Death of George S. Halas, American football player and coach at age 88 (born 1895).

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1983 - Ron Grant completes a 217-day, 8,316-mile run around Australia.

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