Pro-Iranian Group Denies It Holds Waite

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah faction on Monday denied allegations that it holds Anglican Church envoy Terry Waite, who dropped from sight nearly a month ago.

Walid Jumblatt, leader of the Druze militia responsible for Waite’s security, had accused the militant Shia Muslim group of taking Waite captive. At least 25 foreigners are missing in Lebanon, including eight Americans.

The statement issued by Hezbollah, or Party of God, said: “We strongly deplore the accusation by Mr. Jumblatt concerning our involvement in the abduction of . . . Terry Waite.”

‘Unintentional Error’

“We like to believe that this was an unintentional error made to still the appetite of the Western press, which is gasping after anything new about the hostages held in Lebanon.

“We appreciate Mr. Jumblatt’s embarrassment over Waite’s abduction. But he fully realizes that we do not know any more than he does about the kidnapers who were said to be negotiating with the Anglican emissary.”

Jumblatt said Sunday: “I strongly believe that Waite is with Hezbollah. Some of the kidnapers thought that it was possible to squeeze some money out of his abduction.”

Waite has been missing since the evening of Jan. 20, when he left his hotel to negotiate with Shia Muslim extremists holding Terry A. Anderson, chief Mideast correspondent for the Associated Press, and Thomas Sutherland, dean of agriculture at the American University of Beirut.