Israeli Report Says Hizballah Used Russian Weapons

Lebanese civilians on August 17 attending the funeral of a Hizballah fighter killed during the recent fighting with Israel (epa) August 20, 2006 -- The daily Israeli newspaper "Maariv" says Israel has provided Moscow with documents and pictures that prove Hizballah used Russian-made weapons during the recent fighting in Lebanon.

The newspaper quotes unidentified senior security officials as saying that an Israeli delegation presented the evidence during a recent visit to Moscow. The report says the weapons had been provided by Russia for the Syrian Army.

The officials say a fresh Russian arms shipment is due to arrive in Syria in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Israel has set up a ministerial working group on Syria.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's office said in a statement today the group is to make a diplomatic assessment concerning Syria. The statement said the assignment was not related to "any type of negotiations" with Damascus.

Media reports, however, say the group will submit an assessment on the prospects for renewing peace talks with Syria, which have been stalled since 2000. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war.

(AFP)