Iran minister calls nuke resolution "illegal", but leaves negotiations door open News
Iran minister calls nuke resolution "illegal", but leaves negotiations door open

[JURIST] Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki Sunday called Saturday's International Atomic Energy Agency resolution [PDF] declaring Iran in "non-compliance" with safeguards [JURIST report] under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) a "politically and illegally motivated decision" made to a "US pre-planned scenario", but told reporters [offical text] that Iran had not ruled out further negotiations with Germany, France and Britain, the so-called EU-3. Under the resolution, Tehran could be subject to UN Security Council sanctions. Iran has been accused by Western governments of using its nuclear program as a cover for the development of atomic weapons. Mottaki said that "Iran will not abandon its right to develop nuclear technology, including development of the fuel cycle for peaceful nuclear energy purposes guaranteed under the NPT." Voice of America has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.