Unix Timestamp: 858643200
Tuesday, March 18. 1997, 12:00:00 AM UTC

In Zaire, Etienne Tshiksekedi is appointed prime minister he ejects supporters of Mobutu Sese Seko from his cabinet.

Tara Lipinski, 14, becomes the youngest women's world figure skating chion.

The Comet Hale-Bopp makes its closest approach to Earth.

The tail of a Russian An-24 charter plane breaks off while en-route to Turkey, causing the plane to crash, killing all 50 on board, and resulting in the grounding of all An-24s.

Mercenaries of Sandline International withdraw from Papua New Guinea.