Portal:Current events/2004 January 16
January 16, 2004 (Friday)
- Chen Shui-bian makes a televised address reiterating the Four Noes and One Without pledge and announcing the two questions for a referendum to coincide with the ROC presidential election, 2004 on March 20.
- U.S. President George W. Bush appoints Charles Pickering to the United States Court of Appeals. His nomination was filibustered in the U.S. Senate, so President Bush made a recess appointment.
- Earthquake in Iran: Iran updates the death toll from the Bam earthquake to 41,000 people. The final figure could be as high as 45,000.
- The People's Republic of China arrests a top Hong Kong official into custody over suspicion of espionage for the United Kingdom.
- Nunavut general election, 2004: Premier Paul Okalik of Nunavut, Canada, requests a dissolution of the territory's legislature and an election call for February 16.
- On or around this date, the United States national debt passes US$7 trillion.