
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990                   TAG: 9003071939
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/1   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NICOSIA, CYPRUS                                 LENGTH: Medium

RAFSANJANI SAYS HOSTAGE ISSUE TO BE SOLVED

Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani said today that the problem of the Western hostages held in Lebanon is nearing a solution, Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

Rafsanjani said Iran was not directly linked to the hostage issue but had pledged to use its influence to seek their freedom.

"My feeling is that the issue of the hostages is moving toward a solution," Rafsanjani was quoted as saying.

He repeated Iran's demands that Western nations help trace Iranian hostages missing in Lebanon and "also reduce their mischievous acts," IRNA said.

Eighteen Westerners, including eight Americans, are missing in Lebanon, most believed held by Shiite Moslem groups loyal to Tehran.

Rafsanjani's statements at a news conference followed a series of editorials in English-language newspapers in Tehran saying the hostages should be freed because they were being used as anti-Islamic propaganda. Syrian and other officials also have expressed optimism that the hostages may be freed.

On Tuesday, the Tehran Times said 1990 would be the last year for captivity for the hostages and that a resumption of ties to the United States was not a condition for their release.

Several newspapers also have said the United States and Iran were negotiating over the fate of the hostages, which Washington has denied.

Rafsanjani denied that any such talks had occurred, according to IRNA, monitored in Nicosia. "There have been no negotiations with the U.S."

While the Bush administration is not suggesting release is imminent, officials are confirming reports of a flurry of behind-the-scenes talks by officials outside the government.

"We've been talking for a long time to anyone who could have influence, Algerians, Syrians," a U.S. official told The Associated Press in Washington. "We talk to the Iranians through a lot of people. We have talked to enough people that the message has gotten through to the Iranians."

The message, said the official, who demanded anonymity, is: "We know you want access to the West. You've said you are against terrorism. We want to see action."

by CNB