Security Council extends UN observer force mandate in the Golan Heights until end 2006
Citing continuing tension in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council today extended the mandate of the long-running peacekeeping force observing the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights for a further six months until 31 December, its thirty-third year of operations.
Citing continuing tension in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council today extended the mandate of the long-running peacekeeping force observing the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights for a further six months until 31 December, its thirty-third year of operations.
The 15-member Council voted unanimously on the extension, which was called for last week by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his latest report on the region in which he said the continued presence of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which began operation in May 1974, was “essential.”
Mr. Annan also said the Middle East was “very tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached,” a view that the Council said in a related presidential statement today reflected its own opinion of the region.
Syria and Israel have consented to the extension of the mission, which was due to expire at the end of this month.
In making his recommendation for UNDOF’s extension, the Secretary-General noted that there was a budget gap, with unpaid dues amounting to some $33.8 million representing money owed to the Member States that contribute the troops who make up the Force.