Israeli envoy sparks Danish row

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Police were out in force for the arrival of Israel's controversial new ambassador, Carmi Gillon.

Gillon, who officially takes up his post on September 11, served as head of Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence service from 1994-96, during which time, by his own admission, he approved the use of torture against Palestinian suspects

His nomination as ambassador has provoked fierce controversy in Denmark, not least because in a recent interview with the daily Jyllands-Posten newspaper he said he would like to see the use of "moderate physical pressure" reintroduced in Israel.

Several left-wing politicians and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have demanded his arrest.

While insisting that Denmark unequivocally opposes the use of torture, however, Foreign Minister Mogens Lykketoft has said that Israel has the right to appoint whoever it wants as ambassador, and has refused to intervene in the controversy.

His position was supported by the Danish Justice Minister Frank Jensen, who stated that Gillon was protected by diplomatic immunity.

On arrival at Copenhagen Airport on Wednesday Gillon, flanked by Danish police, told waiting journalists that he was "very happy and proud" to be Israel's ambassador.

"It is a great honour," he said.

He was then whisked away to the Israeli embassy in the Hellerup district of north Copenhagen, where a private security firm has been hired to give him around-the-clock protection.

CNN's Kerrin Linde said police were expecting large demonstrations outside the embassy, which is being guarded by Danish police.

A Copenhagen police spokesman said the police had approved three such demonstrations, two from pro-Palestinian groups, and one in support of Gillon.