Twelve Westerners missing in Lebanon are believed held by pro-Iranian Muslim Shiite fundamentalist factions.

One official said the dissidents in Ain Hilwe had begun meetings with leaders of pro-Iranian factions, including the Party of God, to coordinate action against the peace conference.

The rally was sponsored by the Party of God, the most militant pro-Iranian Shiite faction in Lebanon.

The Western hostages are believed to be held by pro-Iranian Shiite Muslim factions, including the Party of God, which is said to have particularly close ties to Teheran.

According to the officials, the Iranian agents are collaborating closely with a pro-Iranian faction within Bosnia's intelligence service.

If a pro-Iranian faction ultimately makes good on its offer to release an American captive seized in Lebanon, the White House should respond in a way that sets in motion a solution to the hostage problem.

According to this version of events, there are new guidelines for the Party of God, an umbrella for pro-Iranian factions, to confine its activity to what was described as "resistance against Israel."

Mr. Waite is among nine Americans, three Britons and six other Westerners missing in Lebanon and presumed to be captives of pro-Iranian factions.

Other than Mr. Glass, 25 foreigners are missing in Lebanon, believed kidnapped by underground pro-Iranian factions.

Palestinian observers in Lebanon said the grouping appeared to be linked to Islamic Holy War, a pro-Iranian faction in Lebanon.