Jaruzelski in Rome; First Trip to West Since Martial Law
Poland’s communist leader, Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski, today began his first official trip to the West since the imposition of martial law in 1981, meeting with Italian leaders and preparing for an audience with Polish-born Pope John Paul II.
Jaruzelski, 63, looked tense as he stepped off his special Polish Airlines Tupolev jetliner at Ciampino Military Airport, sporting his usual dark glasses, black hat and gray coat.
He was greeted by Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, who ushered him into the airport’s VIP lounge for preliminary talks. Political sources said they discussed measures to reduce Poland’s $30-billion foreign debt and Italy’s policy of encouraging communication between East and West.
On Tuesday, Jaruzelski will have a private audience with the Pope at the Vatican. During the audience, the general is expected to invite the pontiff to make an official visit to Poland in June.
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