The World - News from Nov. 25, 1988

Iran and Iraq began a 10-day exchange of sick and wounded prisoners of war, but a jet chartered by the International Red Cross shuttled fewer men than promised between the enemy capitals. A Red Cross statement issued in Geneva said that only 19 Iranians and 41 Iraqis were flown home despite an accord with both sides providing for the repatriation of 41 Iranians and 115 Iraqis each day. Iraq, which received the first prisoners, accused Iran of reneging on the agreement and, in retaliation, reduced the number of Iranians sent home. A dispatch from Iran’s official news agency said fewer Iraqis were returned because 15 of 115 asked for political asylum, 21 had already been granted asylum and 27 were no longer eligible for repatriation because Red Cross doctors found them recovered from their illnesses.