A 126-day hostage crisis at the residence of the Japanese ambassador in Lima, Peru, ends after government commandos storm and capture the building, rescuing 71 hostages. One hostage dies of a heart attack, 2 soldiers are killed by rebel fire, and all 14 Túpac Amaru rebels are slain.
France supports the new transitional government in Zaire, withdrawing its support of Mobutu Sese Seko.
Current events of April 23, 1997 (1997-04-23) (Wednesday)