June 20, 1988 – CBS World News Roundup – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –
June 20,1988. After four months of relative democracy under civilian rule, Haiti was once again the object of a military coup and takeover. Troops loyal to Gen. Namphy freed him from house arrest and fought their way into the Presidential Palace and overthrew President Manigat, who less than a week earlier fired Namphy as head of the military. Overnight, Namphy went on Haiti Radio and Television to let everyone know he was back and he was in charge. During the firefight which took place earlier at the Presidential Palace, several troops loyal to Manigat were killed. A standoff situation had developed between Namphy supporters and Mangiat supporters. Word from the White House expressed dismay, since this was viewed as a setback for U.S./Haiti relations.
Meanwhile – An Israeli farmer was bludgeoned to death at a collective farm near the Occupied West Bank. Police were seeking a Palestinian suspect. This murder would bring to a total since December of four Israelis killed since the Palestinian uprising began in December – at least 210 Arabs had died.
At least one person was killed and another seriously injured in a car bombing outside the Puerto Rican city of Mayaguez. Police identified the dead man as Jeff Parker, a visitor from the States. Police said the two had rigged the bomb when it went off.
At the G-7 Summit in Toronto, British officians were saying tentative arrangements with several countries were promising to give debt relief to some of Africa’s poorest nations, including in some cases, outright debt forgiveness. Even before the summit began, observers were proclaiming the summit a “Love fest“. Host country Canada’s Prime Minister Mulroney said confidence and optimism were the overriding themes during the first meeting and the 14th Summit got off to an amiable start. How it would end was anyone’s guess. But fingers were crossed anyway.
And that’s a small sample of what went on, this June 20, 1988 as presented by The CBS World News Roundup.
