Mobutu Leaves for Zaire

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KINSHASA, Zaire: Zairian President Mobutu Sese Seko boarded a plane in southern France for what his spokesman said was a return journey to his war-torn nation. Hobbled by prostate cancer, the 66-year-old leader, dressed in his trademark leopard skin hat and a navy blue suit, was seen for the first time in days as his entourage arrived at Nice's international airport. But upon his plane's arrival in Kinshasa, reporters were abruptly turned away by Zairian soldiers, leaving some to wonder if his health had suddenly worsened and if he was in fact on the aircraft. Despite the mystery, only a few dozen family members and state officials were on hand in the capitol to greet Mobutu. The lackluster welcome stood out in stark contrast to the thousands of supporters who flooded the streets of Kinshasa during his last visit in February. Mobutu's apparent decline in popularity was perhaps emphasized by an exultant greeting in the rebel controlled town of Kisangani for insurgent leader Laurent Kabila. During Mobutu's stay in Europe, Kabila's forces have captured much of eastern Zaire. But the advance has done nothing to persuade Mobutu to satisfy rebel demands for face-to-face talks, a requirement, they say, for a cease fire. "We negotiate first, (and then stop fighting)," Kabila said today in response to Mobutu's demand for an end to hostilities. Meanwhile, Mobutu's problems in the Zairian government continued to worsen. In an attempt to appease his enemies, Mobutu issued a statement today promising elections. He also made a motion for the appointment of a national council to address the country's problems.