World : Botha Resumes S. Africa Presidency

CAPE TOWN, South Africa —  President Pieter W. Botha formally resumed the presidency today after recovering from a stroke he suffered nearly two months ago, but refused to address a leadership struggle with ruling party leader Frederik de Klerk.

Botha’s return brought little fanfare. There was no mention of it on the evening news of the state-run South African Broadcasting Corp., and his entrance into a joint session of Parliament with the rest of the Cabinet provoked only scant attention and no applause.

After a few moments of apparent indecision, Botha, looking tanned but noticeably thinner, took the initiative and began shaking hands with members on the floor of Parliament. He then took his seat next to De Klerk.