Sheikh Nasrallah called for prisoners held by Israel to be returned The Lebanese Government has also deployed about 600 armed police officers in the newly-evacuated area. But Beirut refused to send in the army saying it prefers to wait for official confirmation of Israel's pullout. He was referring to an area known as the farms of Shebaa on Lebanon's borders with Syria but occupied by Israel since 1967. But the Shia Muslim leader did not speak about the consequences if Israel refrained. A total of 1,500 members of the militia have given themselves up to the authorities or to Hezbollah.
Collaboration can carry the death sentence in Lebanon.
Security Sheikh Nasrallah added at the rally that Hezbollah was not a substitute for the state in southern Lebanon. UN redeployment Mr Roed-Larsen said UN officials were meanwhile confirming that the border fence had been pulled back to its correct position. Once this had been done, the 4,500 UN troops would be redeployed to permanent positions along the border, he said. If there was anything wrong, it would come from the Israel side. Israel has warned it will hold Damascus and Beirut responsible for any attacks by guerrillas who have taken control of the area vacated by Israel forces.