UN Observer Force In Golan Heights Extended

Mandate Of UN Observer Force In Golan Heights Extended Until Year’s End

Thirty years after it was first established, the United Nations peacekeeping force observing the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights had its mandate extended today through the end of the year.

The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution continuing mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) through 31 December. It also called on the parties to implement immediately the Council’s resolution 338 of October 1973, which decided the parties should begin negotiations “aimed at establishing a just and durable peace in the Middle East.”

The Council also asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to submit by the end of the renewal period a report “on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement” resolution 338.

In a report on UNDOF earlier this month, Mr. Annan observed that “the situation in the Middle East is 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.”

After the vote, the Council President for June, Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, Jr. of the Philippines, read a statement on behalf of the 15-member body endorsing the Secretary-General’s conclusion.

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