Beirut - The statement by Hizbullah that United Nations peace-keepers could be considered spies if the UN shows Israel a videotape of its activities is not at present considered a threat, according to a UN spokesman, writes Michael Jansen. Fears have been expressed that UN personnel could be at risk if the tape, filmed after the movement captured three Israeli soldiers last October, is shown to the Israelis.
The spokesman of the UN Interim Force (UNIFIL), Mr Timor Goksel, told The Irish Times: "Spy is a very easy label to fix in this part of the world. I do not see [the Hizbullah statement] as a threat" to UN peace-keepers.
Israel has repeatedly demanded that the UN turn over the tape, made by Indian peace-keepers on the day after the abduction.
However, on Monday a UN spokesman, Mr Fred Eckhard, said the tape would not be handed over to Israel unedited.