Waite Says He Held Negotiations for Hostages With Gun at His Back

Terry Waite, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy, said today that Muslim extremists held a gun at his back as he negotiated with them in Lebanon about freedom for Western hostages held there.

During an interview with the Italian state television network, RAI, Waite also told how “there have been debates as to whether or not I should be taken hostage and kept along with the rest” of the Westerners kidnaped by the militants.

As envoy of Archbishop Robert A. K. Runcie, Waite has traveled to the Mideast several times in the last year seeking the release of foreigners kidnaped in Lebanon.

He called his missions in Beirut “very dangerous business. . . . Normally, I’m taken in a car to a deserted building, usually in the night. My driver then has to leave me.

“I walk into this building alone. I’m collected by someone and blindfolded, then I’m taken to another location, still blindfolded, and I have to conduct discussions while someone has a gun in my back,” Waite continued.

“Obviously, they’re extremely nervous because there are people out to pick them up. So, every time you get into that car, you never know whether or not you’re going to be taken yourself.”

At a news conference today, Waite said that despite all the publicity surrounding the Iran arms scandal he believes he can continue his mission to free the hostages.

He told reporters he is waiting for a lull in the factional fighting in Lebanon so he can return to Beirut.

The disclosure of Reagan Administration arms sales to Iran and dealings concerning American hostages in Lebanon “presents myself with new problems and difficulties,” Waite said.

“I was worried. . . . I wondered what it would do . . . in terms of my credibility in the Middle East,” Waite said.

But, he added, without being specific, he has had indications in recent weeks that his “contacts are still good.”