UN chief recommends extending RP-led UN operation in Golan Heights

MANILA, Philippines - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended that the Philippine-led UN peacekeeping operation in Golan Heights – a highly-contested plateau and mountainous region at the boader of Syria and Israel – be extended for another six months because the situation in the region is likely to remain tense.

 Ban said the presence of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) until Dec. 31 is needed.

UNDOF is led by Major General Natalio Ecarma III and is composed of 1,043 troops from six countries.

UNDOF was established in May 1974 following the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces after the 1973 war.

Ban said the situation in the Israel-Syria sector has remained generally quiet.                                                        

“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 said.

He said there have been no negotiations between Israel and Syria since peace talks, initiated by Turkey, were stopped in December 2008. Ban encouraged both parties to resume peace negotiations.

“Under the prevailing circumstances, I consider the continued presence of UNDOF in the area to be essential.”   

He said Israel and Syria have agreed to the extension of the tour of duty.

In the past, both sides imposed restrictions on movements of the force. “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,” Ban said.