site.btaObservances: December 17

Observances: December 17

The world:

- National Day of Bhutan.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1879: First document regulating armed forces of Principality of Bulgaria takes effect.

1920: Diplomatic relations with Romania are restored. First established July 21, 1879, suspended August 30, 1916.

1923: First Bulgarian national football team formed for 1924 Paris Olympics.

1963: Diplomatic relations with France promoted to embassy level. First established July 8, 1879, at diplomatic agency level.

1980: Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 3 goes into operation.

1981: 13 Centuries of Bulgaria National Endowment Fund is set up.

2008: Last Bulgarian contingent returns from participation in Multi-National Force - Iraq operation (2003-2008). Thirteen Bulgarian servicemen are killed during that period.