Problem solved. I had stale libXmu in /usr/X11R6/lib, not owned by any package. After removing it (and other stale libs there) I got a running Xterm with this messaege (even in LC_ALL=C):
Warning: locale not supported by Xlib, locale set to C Warning: X locale modifiers not supported, using default Failed to open input method Which was fixed by forced dpkg --remove and apt-get install libx11-6. Hynek -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]