Israel to allow deported Palestinians to return home News
Israel to allow deported Palestinians to return home

[JURIST] Israeli officials Saturday announced plans to repatriate more than 55 Palestinians accused of terror activities who had been deported to the Gaza Strip and Europe during the Palestinian uprising. The announcement follows a Tuesday truce agreement [JURIST report] between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [official website; English version] and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas [Wikipedia profile] that ended four years of fighting in the region. While no timetable for the deportees return was announced, Raanan Gissin, an advisor to Sharon, issued a promise that they will not be arrested upon return. Palestinian and Israeli officials are also expected to meet Saturday evening to discuss Israel's planned handover of five West Bank towns, an easing of restrictions on Palestinian travel, and security issues. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

House Judiciary Committee opened impeachment hearings against Richard Nixon

On May 9, 1974, the US House Judiciary Committee chaired by Rep. Peter Rodino (D-NJ) opened hearings into the possible impeachment of President Richard Nixon in connection with the Watergate scandal. The Committee voted to impeach Nixon on three counts on July 30. Chairman Rodino died in 2005 at his home in New Jersey. He was 95.

Australia Parliament opened

On May 9, 1901, the Parliament of Australia convened for the first time in Melbourne. The Australian Parliament also held its first meeting in the new capital of Canberra 26 years later on the same day 1927. Finally, on this day in 1988 Australian opened its new Parliament House in Canberra. Read the Constitution of Australia.