World IN BRIEF : LEBANON : Shiite Leader Hints at Hostage Release
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At least one British hostage could be freed if the British government expels author Salman Rushdie, accused by Iran of blaspheming Islam in his novel “The Satanic Verses,” a pro-Iranian religious leader said. “Britain should make a good-will gesture to achieve a breakthrough in the British hostages’ dilemma. . . . One captive would be freed if they exile Rushdie,” said Hussein Moussawi, the leader of Islamic Amal, a Shiite Muslim faction financed by Iran. Moussawi’s remarks came during an interview at his heavily guarded residence in Baalbek, Lebanon, after reports that Iran had low-profile contacts with Britain to find ways to improve strained ties over the Rushdie affair.
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