U.K. envoy has no success

Press, 29 December 1980, Page 8

U.K. envoy has no success

NZPA London A special emissary from the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Robert Runcie) sent to Iran to try to see four British citizens imprisoned since August, yesterday left Teheran temporarily after failing to,'.receive permission to meet them. Before leaving Teheran, the emissary, Terry Waite, sent a message to Dr Runcie expressing optimism that permission may yet be granted for the visit. Mr Waite told his Teheran hotel that he would be back in the Iranian capital today. “I am led to believe that my chances of seeing the four Britons are very good,” Mr Waite said. But no promises had been made and “it will take a little time,” he said. “We have to take one step at a time.” Dr Runcie Sent Mr'Waite to Iran after asking the Iranian religious leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeiny, to allow the visit. .

Mr Waite called negotiations for him to see the Ayatollah “delicate and difficult.” But “I am optimistic that I will have an opportunity to meet the major leaders in this country and I am hopeful that I shall be able to see those -of the Anglican community detained here in Teheran,” Mr Waite sair Three of tlie four were working for the Anglican Church when they were arrested in August. One of them, Jean Waddell, is being held in Teheran’s Evin Prison, but Iranian authorities have declined to say where Audrey Coleman and her husband, John, were being held. . •

The fourth Briton, a businessman, Andrew Pyke, was also being held in Evin Prison. ?. -

Diplomatic sources in Teheran said Mr Waite might try to act on behalf of Anglicans of Iranian nationality who were also arrested last August.