| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 01 1997 | Zaire Joins The World Trade Organization |
| January 01 1997 | Kofi Annan Appointed UN Secretary-General |
| January 03 1997 | China Announces River Erosion, Pollution Fight |
| January 17 1997 | Rocket Carrying A Satellite Explodes At Cape Canaveral |
| January 18 1997 | Hutu Militia Kills Three Spanish Aid Workers |
| January 18 1997 | Ousland, First Solo Trip Across Antarctica |
| January 19 1997 | Return Of Yasser Arafat To Hebron Followed By Celebrations |
| January 21 1997 | Gingrich Reprimanded For Ethics Violations, Disciplined |
| January 23 1997 | Albright: 1st Female US Secretary Of State |
| January 23 1997 | Greek Serial Killer Sentenced For Life |