World Sees Out 2001 With Hopes for 2002

Revelers thronged the streets of major world cities early today, welcoming a new year they hoped will see greater security and an end to 2001’s economic woes.

In Australia, an estimated 1 million spectators ignored a shroud of acrid smoke over Sydney to throng the harbor for a fireworks celebration billed as one of the world’s largest pyrotechnic displays.

The festivities came as authorities continued to battle some of the most destructive bush fires the country has seen in decades.

In Tokyo, Buddhist priests in black robes rang temple bells and clasped their hands in prayer at midnight.

In England, the archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, said the deadly suicide hijackings of Sept. 11 had left people around the world feeling “weak and pretty powerless.” But he also said the “heroic deeds” of rescuers such as firefighters had shown everyone that “facing death, many spoke words of love.”

London was suffering the same cold winter temperatures as much of Europe, where the weather had many late-night party-goers shivering. But numerous Londoners defied a request by police to avoid meeting in Trafalgar Square, where authorities often have trouble controlling the rowdier celebrants.

In New Delhi, shops and restaurants stayed open late to serve special delicacies, and amusement parks teemed with visitors.

In Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, tens of thousands celebrated in a main square and a waterfront amusement park, throwing firecrackers and shooting off rockets. Traffic along Jakarta’s main north-south avenues stood still.

Major streets in Bangkok, the Thai capital, also were blocked for a New Year’s countdown expected to draw more than 100,000 people.

In Hong Kong, thousands gathered for the countdown, listening to live music.

Said 20-year-old secretary Cathay Chan: “I just want to enjoy the music. I don’t worry about what will happen in 2002.”