The World - News from May 22, 1988

U.S. envoy Vernon A. Walters discussed efforts to free foreign hostages in Lebanon with Syrian President Hafez Assad but said he offered no advice on whether Syria should send troops into Beirut’s southern suburbs. “I am leaving Damascus very pleased with the talks,” the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations told reporters after the three-hour meeting. “I feel it was a useful conversation. . . . “ Some of the 18 foreign hostages, including nine Americans, are believed held in Beirut’s suburbs by pro-Iranian militants who have threatened to kill them if Syria sends its troops in. Walters later left for Iraq as part of his mission to brief Arab leaders on upcoming General Assembly issues.