Security Council

6039^th Meeting (AM)

Security Council extends force monitoring Israel-Syria ceasefire until 30 June 2009,

Unanimously adopting resolution 1848 (2008)

 

The Security Council this morning renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has supervised the ceasefire between Israel and Syria since 1974, for the six months ending 30 June 2009.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1848 (2008), the Council also called for the implementation of its resolution 338 of 1973, which required immediate negotiations between the parties with the aim of establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

In conjunction with the adoption of today’s resolution, a statement was also read out by Neven Jurica of Croatia, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council for December, reiterating that tension would remain until such a just and lasting peace in the region could be reached (to be issued as document S/PRST/2008/46).

In his latest report on UNDOF (see document S/2008/737), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recommended the extension of the Force, noting that, while the situation in the Golan Heights has been “generally quiet” and Israel and Syria had even conducted indirect peace talks, the overall region remains tense.  Mr. Ban also drew attention to $23.7 million in unpaid assessments for UNDOF’s funding.

The meeting began at 10:16 a.m. and adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1848 (2008) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 26 November 2008 (S/2008/737), 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 2009;

“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).”

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For information media • not an official record