World Reactions

THE VATICAN

Pope John Paul II exclaimed “Thank God, legality has returned to the Soviet Union” when he learned of the coup’s collapse. Church officials said the crisis confirmed the usefulness of a papal visit to the Soviet Union.

POLAND

The coup’s failure should clear the atmosphere in Soviet-Polish relations, Polish Foreign Minister Krzysztof Skubiszewski said. He expressed hope for accords on the pullout of Soviet troops in Poland and on a new bilateral treaty.

CHINA

Foreign Minister Qian Qichen said Beijing, which has shown little sympathy for Gorbachev’s reforms, nonetheless respects the Soviet people’s choice. He expressed hopes for “good-neighborly and friendly relations” with Moscow.

PHILIPPINES

President Corazon Aquino, who has survived at least seven right-wing coup attempts, said: “It is indeed heartwarming to know that the forces of peace and reform through a demonstration of people power are triumphant.”

JERUSALEM

Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories said they hope Moscow will continue its active role in the Middle East. The Palestine Liberation Organization blamed news outlets for implying that Palestinians welcomed the upheaval.

SOUTH AFRICA

President Frederik W. de Klerk said his compatriots understand the difficulties governments face in periods of transition and praised the Soviet people for supporting “greater freedom and democracy.”

IRAN

An official Iranian newspaper said the coup “discredited the Soviet leadership in the eyes of its people.” But Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati later congratulated Gorbachev and hailed the return to law and order.

AFGHANISTAN

President Najibullah, who relies on Moscow for food, fuel and weapons, hailed Gorbachev’s return to power. An Afghan rebel leader in Pakistan claimed Moscow’s Afghan policy was run by the KGB, and urged Gorbachev to review the policy.