France to probe bin Laden death report leak

PARIS, Sep 23 (Reuters) France's Defence Ministry said today a secret service report saying al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had died could not be confirmed but said it would launch an inquiry into the leak of secret documents.

''The information published this morning in the L'Est Republicain newspaper relating to the supposed death of Osama bin Laden cannot be confirmed,'' the Defence Minsitry said in a statement.

''The Defence Minister has asked that an inquiry be carried out to determine the origin of the leak that can be punished by criminal charges.'' REUTERS SHB RK1452