THE HAGUE, July 3 (Reuters) - Former Liberian President Charles Taylor made a surprise appearance at the U.N. Special Court on Tuesday after having so far boycotted his trial on charges of orchestrating atrocities in Sierra Leone.

Taylor, who is charged with instigating murder, mutilation, and the recruitment of child soldiers in a quest for the country's diamonds, had argued he had inadequate funds to mount a proper defence and had on two occasions refused to show up to court, delaying proceedings.