Suharto appears in public after two-week absence

Financial markets in Indonesia have rallied after President Suharto made his first public appearance since being ordered to rest by doctors two weeks ago.

Both the Stock Market and the Indonesian currency, the rupiah -- which had fallen to record low levels -- rose sharply after the President was seen taking the salute at a military graduation ceremony.

Witnesses said the president, who is seventy-six, looked in good health.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service