BUFFALO, New York, July 6: World University Games officials on Monday appealed directly to President Clinton to allow 79 student athletes from Libya to compete in the multisport event, which begins on Thursday, reports Reuter.

In a letter to President Clinton. International University Sports Federation (FISU) president Primo Nebiolo asked that Clinton intervene on behalf of the Libyans, who have been denied visas to enter the United States.

"When Buffalo presented its bid to our International federation to organise the Games, wc , were assured by the United States government that all competitors at the Games would receive free entrance to the United States. At that time, we had complete confidence that nothing would impede the organisers from honouring this guarantee, especially considering the country from which It came," Ncbiolo's letter read.

"Two days ago, 79 students from Libya were refused entry into the United States to participate in these Games on the grounds that Libyan citizens are not authorised to spend money in the United States.

"As the international organisation governing university sport in the world, we are ready to pay any and'all expenses of these 79 students during their stay in the United States," continued the letter from Nebiolo, who in addition to his FISU post is president of the International Amateur Athletic Federation.

Because of economic sanctions imposed against Libya in 1986 and after the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, the Libyan goyernment may not spend money in the United States without a licence from the Treasury Department.

The Slate Department recommended against granting such a licence to the Libyan athletes, and without the licence. no US visas can be is-

With Monday's letter. Nebiolo has attempted to go over the heads of the State and Treasury Department officials.

"I would very respectfully ask you, Mr President, to consider giving the appropriate instructions so that all young people, regardless of their country of origin, may be granted free entry to the United States in order io participate in what amounts to a great celebration of friendship in your country.

"I would be grateful, Mr President, if you would resolve this particular problem of the visas for the Libyan students," added Nebiolo. who concluded with an invitation for Clinton to visit Buffalo during the Games.

More than 6,000 athletes from an estimated 135 nations are expected to compete at the World University Games, which run through July 18.