action they have removed a bargaining tool that can no longer be used in dealing with the hostages. other officials say candidly that today's announcement was intended to dampen the outrage and frustration expressed by americans over the country's seeming helplessness. >> huh they treated our dip lope matts was humiliating -- how they treated our diplomats was humiliating that put pressure on jimmy carter. >> the meeting is on. but there is nothing to suggest the meetings have produced any new ways of solving the crisis. [ indisscernible question ] status quo? >> afraid so. >> first sign of hope in two weeks from the embassy in iran, the students holding the hostages promise to obey an order from ayatollah khomeini to free all women and blacks. the ayatollah said islam has respect for women and blacks who spent ages under oppression and