Paris mayor back at work

Six weeks after he was stabbed in the abdomen, Paris's Socialist mayor, Bertrand Delanoe, who is openly gay, returned to work Monday. Opening a city council session, Delanoe thanked his team for their support and work during his absence. "I appreciate the fact that we lived through this moment together," Delanoe said. Delanoe was stabbed at a public party at City Hall during an overnight festival on October 5-6. His suspected assailant, Azedine Berkane, told investigators he acted out of a dislike for homosexuals and politicians, officials said. Delanoe made his first official appearance at Armistice Day commemorations a week ago. He told reporters he plans to work a lighter schedule and remain under doctors' observation during the next few weeks. The mayor, who frequently mingles with Parisians at city events, also plans to seek light police protection during future public appearances.