Bin Laden tape 'not genuine'

Researchers in Switzerland have questioned the authenticity of the recent taped statement attributed to Osama bin Laden, which was broadcast two weeks ago by the Al-Jazeera Arabic television network.

A team from the Dalle Molle Institute for Perceptual Artificial Intelligence in Lausanne compared the voice on the audiotape with 20 earlier recordings of the al-Qaeda leader.

They said they were 95% certain that it was not the same person.

Their conclusion contrasts sharply with that of voice recognition experts in the United States who say the tape is probably genuine.

If verified, it would provide the first evidence in a year that Osama bin Laden survived the American-led bombing campaign in Afghanistan.

In the recording the speaker refers to recent terrorist attacks, including the Bali bombing, and the hostage-taking at a Moscow theatre.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service