Beirut Terrorists Reject Negotiations for 3 U.S. Hostages
- Share via
BEIRUT — A statement delivered to a newspaper Saturday and signed by the terrorist organization believed to be holding at least three American hostages rejected any negotiations with the Reagan Administration.
The typewritten message, in Arabic and reportedly from the group Islamic Jihad (Islamic Holy War), also rejected negotiations with Pope John Paul II or the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert A. K. Runcie, for the release of the Americans.
Father Lawrence Martin Jenco delivered private messages to President Reagan, the Pope and the archbishop after he was freed by Islamic Jihad. The two religious leaders have asked the group to negotiate for the release of the remaining hostages, but Reagan has refused to hold talks with terrorists.
The message again threatened to kill the hostages “if our demands are not met.” The statement, however, did not list specific demands.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
