WESTERN EUROPE

POPE SURPRISES WORLD WITH FIRST POST-SURGERY APPEARANCE

Touching his throat fitted with a breathing tube, Pope John Paul II yesterday made a surprise first public appearance after surgery, appearing at his hospital window just moments after a Vatican official stood on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica to read the pontiff’s appeal for prayers. The 84-year-old pope did not speak during his one minute greeting from Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic hospital, but sent an implicit and powerful message about his determination to maintain continuity in the church.

The appearance – in which the seated pope waved and appeared alert – raised hopes he was making progress following a tracheotomy Thursday to ease a breathing crisis. The Vatican had previously announced John Paul II would skip his weekly blessing – a 26-year tradition he did not miss even after he was shot in 1981 and recovered from an operation in 1992. The Vatican’s undersecretary of state, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, read a message from the pope while standing between the towering statues of St. Peter and St. Paul outside the basilica. “Dear brothers and sisters, once again I address you from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic,” Archbishop Sandri told about 5,000 people in the square. “I thank you with affection and feel you all spiritually near,” Archbishop Sandri said on behalf of the pontiff. “I think of you gathered in St. Peter’s Square, alone and in groups that have come, and to all those from every part of the world who are interested in me. I ask you to continue to accompany me, above all, with your prayers.”

– Associated Press

EAST ASIA

PRESIDENT CLINTON VISITS TAIWAN DESPITE WARNING FROM CHINA

President Clinton, visiting Taiwan despite China’s warning his trip could violate Washington’s “one-China” policy, urged the rivals yesterday to set aside their differences and work closer together economically. China and Taiwan split in 1949 during a civil war, but Beijing considers the democratic, self-ruled island to be Chinese territory. Chinese leaders balk at any actions that they believe lend support to Taiwan’s government, and Beijing has threatened war if Taiwan moves toward formal independence.

China warned that Mr. Clinton’s one-day visit could violate a policy under which America agrees to have no diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognizes Beijing as China’s sole government. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said last week that Mr. Clinton, as a former president, should be familiar with “China’s solemn position on the Taiwan question.”

– Associated Press