Israeli delegation views Middle East videotape at UN Headquarters

On a visit to United Nations Headquarters in New York today, an Israeli delegation viewed two videotapes and related items that could provide clues about the condition of the three Israeli soldiers abducted on the Israeli-Lebanese border last October.

"I would like to stress the good spirits and cooperation of the United Nations officials this morning," Ambassador Yehuda Lancry, who led the Israeli delegation, told reporters after the viewing. Ambassador Lancry, who was accompanied by Gen. Dani Arditi, added that his delegation was convinced the videos "might shed some light on the condition of our soldiers."

According to a UN spokesman, the modalities for the showing of the videotapes filmed on 7 and 8 October 2000 had been finalized ad referendum yesterday and the Israeli delegation confirmed its agreement this morning.

It was also agreed that another viewing at a later date would be arranged at a UN office in Europe, where other Israeli officials and family members of the three detained soldiers could also view the tapes and the items.