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Austrian peacekeepers with the UN Disengagement Observer Force
(UNDOF) consult a map while on patrol in the Golan Heights.
August 2011
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The
members of the Security Council received a briefing on March 26, 2013 from
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hervé Ladsous which outlined the
security risks and operational challenges facing UNDOF, including UNTSO’s
Observer Group Golan, due to the ongoing fighting in the Force's area of
operation by the parties to the Syrian domestic conflict. The members of
the Security Council expressed grave concern at all violations of the Disengagement
of Forces Agreement. In this
regard, the members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the
presence of the Syrian Arab Republic Armed Forces inside the area of separation. Furthermore, the members of the
Security Council expressed grave concern at the presence of armed members of
the opposition in the area of separation.
The
members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the risk that
all military activities in the area of separation conducted by any actor pose
to the long-held ceasefire and the local population. The members of the
Security Council also underscored the increased risk the situation poses to
United Nations personnel on the ground, as highlighted in particular by the
detention of the 21 UNDOF military personnel by armed elements of the Syrian
opposition, the firing directed at United Nations personnel and facilities, and
the carjacking of United Nations vehicles.
The
members of the Security Council called on all parties, including armed elements
of the Syrian opposition, to respect UNDOF's freedom of movement and the safety
and security of its personnel, while recalling that the primary responsibility
for safety and security on the Bravo side rests with the Syrian Government.
The members of the Security Council called upon the government of the Syrian
Arab Republic to respect UNDOF’s privileges and immunities and to ensure the
security of and unhindered and immediate access for United Nations personnel
carrying out their mandate.
The
members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unconditional support for
UNDOF and expressed their deep
gratitude to UNDOF personnel and to
Troop Contributing Countries. The
members of the Security Council recalled their request in resolution 2084
(2012) for the Secretary-General to ensure the force has the capacity necessary
to fulfill the mandate. The
members of the Security Council welcomed the provision of additional security
upgrades and equipment to UNDOF and the additional steps taken to reduce the
risks to UNDOF personnel, and they reiterated the need to continue enhancing
the safety and security of UNDOF personnel in response to new threats.
To this end, the members of the Security Council called on all parties to
ensure safe and secure rotation activities of UNDOF, including through considering
the temporary use of an alternative port of entry and departure as required.
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The members of the Security Council received a briefing on March 26, 2013 from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hervé Ladsous which outlined the security risks and operational challenges facing UNDOF, including UNTSO’s Observer Group Golan, due to the ongoing fighting in the Force's area of operation by the parties to the Syrian domestic conflict. server safe
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