Security Council

5596^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS FORCE MONITORING ISRAEL–SYRIA CEASEFIRE,

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1729 (2006)

 

The Security Council this evening renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has supervised the ceasefire between Israel and Syria since 1974, until 30 June 2007.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1729 (2006), the Council called on the parties concerned to immediately implement its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.  By that text, the Council decided that negotiations should start between the parties with the aim of establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

In a complementary statement read out by the Council’s President for December, Jamal Nasser Al-Bader, the Council shared the view expressed in the Secretary-General’s report on UNDOF (document S/2006/938) that 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.

The meeting began at 4:59 p.m. and adjourned at 5:04 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1729 (2006) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 4 December 2006 (S/2006/938), and also reaffirming its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,

“1.   Calls upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

“2.   Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to implement the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

“3.   Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 30 June 2007;

“4.   Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).”

Background

The Security Council had before it the Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) (document S/2006/938), which covers the period from 10 June to 1 December 2006.  Established in May 1974 to supervise the ceasefire called for by the Council and the agreement on disengagement between Syrian and Israeli forces of 31 May 1974, has continued to perform its function effectively, with the cooperation of the parties.

While the situation in the Israel-Syria sector has remained generally quiet, 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, the Secretary-General states.  Under the prevailing circumstances, he recommends that the Council extend the Force’s mandate for a further six-month period, until 30 June 2007.  Syria’s Government has given its assent to the proposed extension and Israel’s Government has also expressed its agreement, the Secretary-General notes.

In making the recommendation, the report draws attention to the shortfall in the Force’s funding.  With unpaid assessments at some $30.2 million, the Secretary-General appeals to all Member States to pay their assessments promptly and in full and to clear all remaining arrears.

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For information media • not an official record