Security Council

6462^nd Meeting (AM)

Security Council Grants Sixth-Month Mandate Renewal for United Nations

 

Disengagement Observer Force in Golan Heights

 

The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has supervised the ceasefire between Israel and Syria since 1974, for the next sixth months, until 30 June 2011.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1965 (2010), the Council also called for implementation of its resolution 338 (1973), which required immediate negotiations between the parties, aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

In connection with the text adopted today, Council President Susan Rice (United States) read out a statement reiterating comments by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his latest report on UNDOF (document S/2010/30), describing the situation in the region as tense and likely to remain so until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem could be reached.

Also in that report, the Secretary-General recommends extending UNDOF’s mandate, noting that while the situation in the Golan Heights has been “generally quiet”, the overall region is tense.  Pointing out the absence of peace talks since those initiated by Turkey broke off in December 2008, he encourages the parties to resume negotiations as soon as possible with the aim of reaching a comprehensive peace, in accordance with the Madrid Conference terms of reference.

The meeting began at 10:57 a.m. and ended at 11 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1965 (2010) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 1 December 2010 (S/2010/607), 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 2011;

“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).”

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2010/30 reads as follows:

“As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2010/607) states in paragraph 13 ‘[…] 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’.  That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.”

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For information media • not an official record