1.
GV: United Nations checkpoint at crossing to Kuneitra Syria with lorry passing through. (4 shots)
0.27

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GV: UN truck being inspected and drives (3 shots)
0.46

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CU ZOOM OUT: UN border crossing sign
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GV: Fence marking UN security zone between Israel and Syria
1.01

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GV PAN: Israeli border guard looking across border. (2 shots)
1.20

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GV: Canadian UN post entrance passing by post
1.28

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SV: Israeli sign pointing to shelter
1.31

8.
GV: Israeli security post on road to Kuneitra (3 shots)
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Initials RH/





Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Israel has been strengthening its military power in the occupied Golan Heights. The build-up follows rumours that Syrian President Hafez Al-Assad and representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) are discussing the establishment of PLO bases in the strategically important mountain region.

SYNOPSIS: The United Nations maintains security posts and checkpoints along all major roads through the Golan heights. This one on the road to Kuneitra stands on the border between Israel and Syria. The uneasy quiet on this border is slowly giving way to mounting tension in the light of rumours that President Assad is negotiating with the PLO to allow the guerrilla front to install bases in the Golan Heights. In recent years the Baathist regime in Syria has barred the PLO from operating directly on the Golan front. But now the Israeli are so concerned about Syria's possible policy change that they inspect even UN vehicles crossing the border.

The United Nations has set up a security zone between Israel and Syria, and a fence runs its entire length to separate the warring parties.

The Israeli border guard can see for miles into Syria, and that is precisely the reason the Israeli's value these hills. The strategic importance of the Goland Heights in incalculable, a natural frontier between Israel and Syria, the hills give a important vantage point to their occupants.

But Syria is withdrawing its forces from the area to redeploy the armour inside the country, where recent disturbances have led to near-civil war conflict. And that leaves the PLO to operate on the Golan Front, with or without Syria's blessings.