Red Cross denied access

MARJ AL-ZOUHOUR (AFP) - The chief Red Cross representative in Lebanon was denied access to 415 Palestinian deportees for the second day yesterday. Bernard Pfefferle, the International Committee of the Red Cross delegate, said Lebanon had 'temporarily suspended' a permit granted earlier in the week. Lebanon's move was linked to the fate of 10 Palestinians whom Israel has admitted to deporting in error on 17 December. The ICRC is locked in negotiations with Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinians for the return of the 10. Lebanon has refused to allow the men to return home through its territory.