White House Refuses to Bend Hostage Policy

A White House spokesman expressed sympathy today for the “torturous and brutal ordeal” suffered by former hostage Frank H. Reed but strongly reaffirmed U.S. policy of not negotiating with kidnapers.

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater called for the “unconditional release” of all remaining hostages held in the Middle East and warned Iran and Syria that there can be no improvement in relations with the United States until they are free.

Fitzwater also told reporters there is a “good possibility” that President Bush will meet with Reed, who was released by his Hezbollah captors in Lebanon a week ago, “when he’s ready. But nothing has been worked out.”

At a news conference Sunday, Reed called for negotiations to win release of six remaining American hostages in Lebanon.

“Let’s stop talking about all this geopolitical crap,” said Reed, 57, whose anger appeared to give strength to his weakened body. “We have an absolute duty to negotiate and not to throw geopolitical slogans around about anti-terrorism.”

His views are contrary to the Reagan-Bush policies on hostage-taking over the past several years.

When asked to respond to Reed’s call for a “more active role” by the United States in securing freedom for the American hostages, Fitzwater read a prepared statement:

“He (Reed) obviously has been through a torturous and brutal ordeal. It reminds us once again how barbaric it is to be kidnaped off the street, and being held as a private citizen for political ransom.

“But it also reminds us why there can be no deals for hostages. Terrorists cannot be rewarded for blows they strike at Frank Reed’s body.

“Nor can they believe that taking more hostages will yield negotiations and political benefit. We once again call for the unconditional release of all hostages. There can be no improvement in our relations with terrorist countries until our hostages are released.”

Although Reed’s views run counter to Administration policy, the White House spokesman said: “I think it’s fairly reasonable for anyone to understand the frustration and anger that Mr. Reed feels about his captivity. He described yesterday the brutality. . . . I think it speaks for itself in terms of his mindset.”