On this day in 1975, the governor of Portuguese Timor abandoned its capital, Dili, and fled to Atauro Island, leaving control to a rebel group.
On this day in 1991, Moldova declared its independence from the USSR.
On this day in 2003, The first six-party talks, involving South and North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, convened.
On this day in 2011, Hurricane Irene struck the United States east coast, killing 47 and causing an estimated $15.6 billion in damage.