René Préval succeeded Jean-Bertrand Aristide as President of Haiti, marking the first peaceful transfer of power since Haiti's independence in 1804.

This event was significant in Haiti's political history, symbolizing democratic progress and stability.

René Garcia Préval  was a Haitian politician and agronomist who twice was President of Haiti, from early 1996 to early 2001, and again from mid-2006 to mid-2011. He was also Prime Minister from early to late 1991 under the presidency of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

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Read more: Wednesday 7th February 1996

Birgenair Flight 301, an unauthorized charter flight from the Caribbean to Germany, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Dominican Republic, resulting in the tragic loss of all 189 passengers and crew.

This incident remains the deadliest aviation accident involving a Boeing 757, highlighting significant safety concerns in air transportation.

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Read more: Tuesday 6th February 1996

W.R. Lee, a distinguished language teacher with a significant career in education, passed away at the age of 84.

His contributions to language instruction likely impacted numerous students throughout his professional life.

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Read more: Monday 5th February 1996

Further analysis of the Yunnan Province earthquake 

At 19.14 hours on 3 February 1996 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale struck
north-western Yunnan Province in China.

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Read more: Sunday 4th February 1996

A devastating magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Yunnan Province in southwestern China, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life.

The seismic event resulted in 322 confirmed fatalities, with 3,925 people seriously injured and an additional 13,000 suffering minor injuries.

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Read more: Saturday 3rd February 1996

The first genetically modified, or GM, food went on sale in British supermarkets.

Genetically modified tomato puree, which will be available in Safeway and Sainsbury stores, has been produced from fruit which has had the rotting gene removed. These tomatoes were engineered to ripen more slowly and remain firmer. They were introduced by Sainsbury's and Safeway. 

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Read more: Friday 2nd February 1996