Ban recommends UN force in Golan Heights be extended for six months

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended that the Security Council extend the mandate of the United Nations mission observing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights until the end of December.

In a report to the Council that was released today, Mr. Ban said that the situation in the Golan Heights has remained generally quiet and that the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has continued to perform its functions effectively.

“Nevertheless, the situation in the Middle East is tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached,” he stated. “Under the prevailing circumstances, I consider the continued presence of UNDOF in the area to be essential.”

He added that both the Israeli and Syrian Governments have agreed to the proposed six-month extension.

“It is hoped that both sides will continue to make efforts to ease the limitations on the mobility of the Force and facilitate the movement of its supplies,” he wrote.

UNDOF was established in May 1974 to supervise the disengagement accord between Syrian and Israeli forces after their 1973 war.