Security Council

6352^nd Meeting (PM)

Security Council Extends UN Disengagement Observer Force Monitoring ‘Blue Line’

between Israel, Syria (UNDOF) until 31 December, by Resolution 1934 (2010)

Council President Reads Out Statement Echoing Secretary-General’s View

That Situation in Middle East ‘Tense and Likely to Remain So’, Pending Settlement

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, forthe next sixth months, until 31 December.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1934 (2010), the Council also called for implementation of its resolution 1308 (1973), which required immediate negotiations between the parties aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

In connection with the adoption of that resolution, Council President Claude Heller (Mexico), read out a statement (to be issued as document S/PRST/2010/12), reiterating the comments of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his latest report on UNDOF (document S/2010/296) that the situation in the Middle East is tense and is likely to remain so until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem could be reached.

In that report, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recommends extending the Force’s mandate, noting that, while the situation in the Golan Heights has been “generally quiet”, the overall region is tense.  Noting 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 aimed at a comprehensive peace in accordance with the Madrid conference terms of reference.

He states that his proposed $47.9 million budget for maintaining UNDOF from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 is under consideration by the General Assembly.

The meeting began at 4:44 p.m. and ended at 4:48 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1934 (2010) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 9 June 2010 (S/2010/296), 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 31 December 2010;

“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/2010/12 reads as follows:

“As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2010/296) 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